PROBABLY THE BEST WAY TO SEE COPENHAGEN
It’s calm now but just wait for the Green Army to descend
IT is known as the city of fairytales but will it be the setting for Ireland’s storybook finale to its World Cup 2018 qualifying campaign? Perhaps. Only time will tell. But if you’re headed to Copenhagen to back the Boys in Green there is plenty to enchant and entertain you while you are there, celebrating or commiserating.
Having spent a fair bit of time in the Danish capital (I’m married to a Dane), I can tell you there isn’t really a checklist of sights to cross off on a visit here. The best way to experience the city is to just wander around and take it all in. Stop for lots of coffees (read: pints) and get acquainted with the famous Danish ‘hygge’.
WHERE TO GO
If you visit just one attraction in Copenhagen let it be Tivoli. This historic theme park in the city centre is nothing like the overcommercialised American variety you are probably used to. It is as much for adults as it is for kids.
The best time to visit is late afternoon/evening when the light begins to fade (sunset in Copenhagen is around 4.30pm these days). Tiny lights and lanterns light up throughout the park at dusk making it a magical place to go for a stroll before dinner. Jump on the oldest wooden rollercoaster in Europe before trying your luck in the games arcade. Grab a mulled wine (called gløgg in Danish) to warm you from within and load up on free candy samples as you wander around. Entrance to Tivoli is around 120 DKK (€16) and the rides are extra.
Copenhagen is a walkable within centre. include a The the 20-minute city. royal main palace Everything sites walk in Amalienborg, from the city the is panoramic the Round views) Tower and the (good 17thcentury for Rosenborg Castle situated in the picturesque King’s Park.
Forget the Little Mermaid statue. It is a little out of the way and not really much to see.
My favourite spot in the city is Nyhavn (the harbour). This waterside gem is lined with brightly coloured houses straight out of a children’s book. The father of fairytales himself, Hans Christian Anderson, once lived in one of these harbourside apartments. You can grab a beer at one of the many restaurants on the harbour but be prepared for tourist pricing. Instead, if it isn’t too chilly out, grab a few cans from the corner 7/11 and perch yourself in a spot of sunshine on the wooden promenade. It’s what the locals do. To see Copenhagen in a truly unique way hire a GoBoat. You don’t need any sailing experience to captain one of these 8-person solar-powered engine boats. They cost 399 DKK (€54) per hour to hire and you can bring your own drinks and snacks with you. Grab a six-pack or a bottle of wine and cruise around the city’s canals at your own pace.
WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK
A traditional Danish lunch is a must. The Danes are mad about lunch and their open-faced sandwiches called ‘smørrebrød’.
Traditional rye bread slices are stacked high with gourmet toppings -- beef patties with a runny egg and soft onions or golden fried fish fillets with homemade pickles and mayo, to name just two of the gazillion variations.
It is important to note, smørrebrød lunches are always enjoyed with a shot (or few) of schnapps.
Cafe Gl Torv, Restaurant Schønnemann and Restaurant Ida Davidsen are the best places to do a boozy lunch the local way.
For dinner and nightlife head to Copenhagen’s Kødbyen (the Meat Packing District). A cluster of bars and restaurants have opened up in this former industrial estate, transforming it into one of the trendiest places to go out in the city.
WarPigs, located in Kødbyen, is a brewpub boasting 22 taps of craft beer and American-style BBQ food – think sticky ribs served with mac n’ cheese and ‘slaw. There’s also a fish bar, a burger joint and a few underground nightclubs at Kødbyen to check out.
For a lazy Sunday lunch or dinner, Papiroen is the spot. This giant warehouse on the waterfront boasts dozens of street food stalls, a gin bar and an organic Danish microbrewery.
Last but not least, one for the whiskey drinkers among you. Copenhagen’s Lidkoeb is iconic.
This historic pharmacy turned bar features a crackling fireplace, fur throws and a huge selection of world whiskeys. It is the perfect place for a pre-game drink to calm the nerves or a post-game celebration as the bar transforms from cosy to full-on craic throughout the evening. The word ‘Lidkoeb’ means ‘celebrating success over drinks’ and that’s just the scenario we’re hoping for, right?