Copenhagen.

As some of you know, Michael studied abroad in Copenhagen during college and has been talking about it ever since. This is a place I’ve been looking forward to visiting together for a very long time and I’m happy to report, it did not disappoint.

“Magic” is the only word that comes to mind.

After being on the move, we spent four glorious days roaming the cobblestone streets, taking canal tours, popping into adorable restaurants, and playing tourists mixed with locals.

The pressure of seeing everything was off since Michael lived here and knew what was a “Must” and what could wait.

Here are my top 3 things to do in Copenhagen:

• Starting with #3: It’s typically over crowded with tourists, but be sure to head down to Nyhavn for sunset and drinks on the canal wall. Tip: Best place to catch the sunset is from the bridge in the middle of Nyhavn! Most photographed place in Denmark. Classic multi colored buildings, beautiful sailboats and bridges, cobblestone streets, sidewalk cafes, and a delicious ice cream shop.

• #2: Have you seen the movie, The Beach, with Leonardo DiCaprio? Imagine a colony with their own laws, own society, own way of life. That’s exactly what Christiania is. Hidden in the outskirts of Prinsessegade, off the Christianshavn Stationmetro line, a wall encloses the entire area, but an entrance entices visitors with the words, “Beware, here be Dragons”. Along with a simple sign that reads, “Christiania” as you enter this surreal world. There are shops, restaurants, bars, homes, a stage for concerts, and everything else you’d imagine in a town. The city of Copenhagen and Christiania seem to have an understanding and neither bothers the other. The biggest “rule” that they have, at least for visitors, is no pictures can be taken inside. This is to protect the residents identity. The reason why they need protection, you may ask? Well, they sell marijuana in Christiania. All of the shops are camouflaged and all of the shop owners wear ski masks to cover their faces. It really is bizarre. But the atmosphere of the rest of the colony is so open-minded, welcoming, relaxed. Hippie is one way to describe it, but also just free. Free to be whoever you want. I can understand the draw for people here. Travelers on the move, come here, feel at home, and never leave. A very interesting concept and one you truly need to experience for yourself. Fun Fact: Upon leaving Christiania, there is a sign that reads, “You are now entering the EU.” Further announcing their separation from the society. Note: The below pictures were taken before the forbidden photographed area.

• And finally, the #1 (in my opinion), thing to do in Copenhagen… Visit Tivoli! Who doesn’t love a theme park? And bonus, unlike Disneyland, they sell alcohol inside! We had such a fun “date night” running from ride to ride, laughing all the way. If you have a free night, I suggest checking out the park at night time, it really has a magical feeling. Fun Fact: Walt Disney was inspired by Tivoli Gardens to create Disneyland. Ten nice restaurants inside Tivoli. Another nice feature is that, unlike Disneyland where you typically have to plan your entire day around ride lines, you typically don’t have to wait too long for the rides at Tivoli.

Copenhagen, you’re style and charm is unmatched. I will be back, but next time it will be for Christmas when I can enjoy your true magic.

2015 Bucket List Complete:

• Visit Tivoli
• Drink Carlsberg
• See the famous Little Mermaid Statue

• Canal Boat Tour

• Visit Christiania

• Come with a group and rent a boat to cruise around in the canals with
• Scandinavian Cruise to Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
• Come back for Christmas time and ice skate around the park by Nyhavn and drink the Christmas Ale
• Climb the stairs of the Church of our Savior for a great view of the city
• Bike Tour
• Visit the Amalienborg Palace

• Awesome restaurants everywhere
• All the outdoor cafes have blankets for you
• I felt safe here
• Everyone speaks perfect English

• It’s hard to judge the people. They all speak perfect English, but perhaps the mannerisms are different or don’t translate because they tend to come across as rude when I think the culture is just blunt.
• For Tivoli, you have to pay admission to enter the park as well as pay for the rides too.

• North Sea – Windmill farms in the ocean – Largest in the world. Shallow waters. Bizarre to see.
• More tanning beds than anywhere else in the world – Girls are very tan.
• Longest walking only shopping street in Europe
• People party on the weekends and Thursdays until 7am. Not my cup of tea.
• Rock sugar lollipops come in every Irish Coffee

•  Michael studied abroad in Copenhagen in 2006 – Picture of him outside his old building 🙂