In early May, I found a cheap ticket: Tuesday noon outbound with Ryanair, Wednesday night return with Wizz Air. The two tickets cost 32 €, which is really good. The trip was on May 28-29.

From the airport to the city

The airport is located south of the downtown area, with both metro and bus connections. Obviously, the metro is the fastest, reaching the city in 15 minutes. During the day, it runs every 6 minutes, so you can get into the city very quickly. Just follow the metro sign from the arrival hall. Tickets or passes can be purchased on-site from vending machines.

Public transportation

Since I use public transportation a lot, I bought a day pass here too. The easiest way is to buy it on your mobile: download the DOT Billetter app, and after a quick registration, you can purchase tickets or day passes.

I bought a two-day pass (valid for 48 hours, cost about 20 €), which is called the City Pass menu. You need to select City Pass Small, which covers the downtown area and the airport zone. There are 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120-hour passes available. This is valid for buses, metro, and regional trains.

By the way, you’ll notice that there are many cyclists. This is no surprise, as most roads have separate bike lanes on both sides. I felt like there were far more cyclists than car drivers.

Tuesday afternoon

I dropped my bag at the accommodation and walked to Kastellet along the riverbank. The walk there is very atmospheric, with a great view of the opposite side. The modern Opera building stands out there.

I also stopped by Amalienborg Palace and Frederiks Kirke. The church itself is a huge dome, which we can also admire from the inside. It’s open until 5 PM.

Kastellet is a former fortress on a large area that has been preserved in very good condition. The buildings inside have also been nicely renovated. It’s worth walking along the elevated path on its edge.

There are three major attractions around the fortress: St. Alban’s Church, Gefion Fountain, and The Little Mermaid statue. The latter is the most famous, with many people on the shore around it. But it really is a small statue. I can safely say its fame is much greater than what it offers.

After that, I walked along the main street, Strøget. At its western end is the City Hall, which unfortunately is under renovation, and the area in front of it was closed off. So I only saw from the side that it’s indeed a wonderful building. On the right side of the building stands a statue of the famous writer, Hans Christian Andersen.

Opposite the City Hall is perhaps the world’s most famous downtown amusement park, Tivoli. It’s an interesting sight, as if there were a serious amusement park next to Deák Square in Budapest…

Since Copenhagen is quite far north, it stays light until late in May. It only started to get really dark after 10 PM. I spent the evening at Nyhavn. This few hundred meter long canal-side area is full of restaurants. It’s a very atmospheric place, and even more beautiful when lit up. I had a similar feeling to the Naviglio in Milan.

Wednesday

I went to the central station and left my bag in the luggage storage there. There are three types of lockers, but even the smallest is quite large. It cost 70 kroner (about 9 €) for 24 hours. After closing the door, you get a receipt, which you need to hold up to the QR code reader when opening and pay the fee.

The day started with sunshine, but they predicted cloudy weather after 10-11 AM, and rain in the late afternoon. So I walked around in good weather, seeing the remaining sights: Christiansborg Palace, Nikolaj Kunsthal, Vor Frue Kirke.

After a coffee, around 10:30, I went to the Rundetaarn lookout, which is in the center. In the Round Tower building, you have to walk up a spiral corridor, then a narrow staircase at the top. Here, traffic lights help with going up and down. 🙂

From the lookout, you can see Copenhagen very well. Not only the downtown area is visible, but in the distance, you can see the Øresund Bridge between Denmark and Sweden. The entrance fee is 40 kroner, so around 5 €. It’s definitely worth it for this price.

Then I visited the garden next to the nearby Rosenborg Palace. Together, it was a beautiful sight, and I lingered on a bench for a while. I didn’t go into the palace, but you could see that many people were visiting it.

I took the metro to the Christianshavn district, which is the bohemian part of the city. This is symbolized by the Christiania courtyard, where you can find wall graffiti and small shops. The smell of weed was quite noticeable in the air here. 🙂

It’s worth seeing Vor Frelsers Kirke both from the outside and inside. The church’s distinctive feature is the external spiral staircase, which makes it special.

I walked along the canal at the edge of the district towards Nyhavn, which you reach via two bridges. The longer bridge (Inderhavnsbroen) is movable: if a larger ship comes, they stop pedestrian and bike traffic, and part of the bridge opens on rollers. I managed to catch it, and the whole maneuver takes just a few minutes.

There were still two main attractions left. The David Collection Museum is free, so I visited there. It’s set up on four floors, with its most famous part being the Islamic exhibition. But it covers many other arts as well, and even moving quickly, you can easily spend an hour there.

The nearby Nyboder area consists of a few streets. This is where sailors used to live, and the neighborhood has remained original to this day. People still live in the bright, vivid yellow row houses, of course, adapted to modern times.

It started to drizzle, and I still had time, so I chose a bus to ride around the city a bit (I like to wander in the suburban areas too, that’s where you can really get to know a city). Then around 6 PM, I went back to the station for my bag.

Since my flight was at 9:55 PM, I had plenty of time. So I took the 5C bus to the airport, which is mostly used by locals to get to the suburbs.

Summary

Since I hadn’t been to Scandinavian lands before, Copenhagen was a good choice. It’s a pleasant place for a quick trip.

In terms of prices, it’s obviously more expensive than in Hungary, especially noticeable in services. In a café, a long coffee and a cinnamon pastry cost 11 €. However, in shops, goods are not much more expensive. For example, a can of cola was about 0.7 € (true, not the two most famous brands, but there wasn’t much difference in taste).

And the title is apt: a short excursion can be enough. The sights are quite close to each other, the city is not big. So everything can easily fit into two days. But it’s definitely worth traveling here!

Copenhagen in TikTok video

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The 15 most beautiful cities in the world

Bruges

This small Belgian city is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited! It’s no coincidence that a famous film describes it as a fairy tale.

Often referred to as the Venice of the North, Bruges is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and canal system. One of the best ways to explore the city is by boat, allowing you to see numerous historical buildings and charming bridges.

The historic center, with its impressive medieval buildings and the famous Belfry tower, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers many wonders.

Bruges attractions

Best museums in Bruges

Kyoto

One of Japan’s most magical cities, Kyoto is famous for its stunning temples, traditional teahouses, and well-preserved historic districts.

The city is home to more than 1,600 Buddhist temples and hundreds of Shinto shrines. Among these, the Kinkaku-ji, or Golden Pavilion, stands out with its gleaming gold-leaf temple set in the middle of a pond. Another notable temple is Kiyomizu-dera, which features a waterfall and breathtaking views.

Japanese gardens and nature play a significant role in Kyoto’s life, with zen gardens being particularly famous.

Kyoto attractions, weather

My trip in Kyoto

Paris

Of course, one of the world’s most famous cities cannot be left out. The French capital is also one of the most romantic places.

Paris is a popular tourist destination, which is no surprise since it is considered one of the world’s four major cities. The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Notre Dame are names known to everyone, but there are many more beautiful sights to explore.

Paris attractions

Best museums in Paris

A long weekend in Paris

Cape Town

The jewel of South Africa, Cape Town is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations, nestled at the foot of a mountain along the coastline.

Table Mountain is one of the most iconic natural attractions in Cape Town. Visitors can reach the summit by cable car or on foot, enjoying breathtaking views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean.

Another significant attraction is the V&A Waterfront, a beautiful harbor area with restaurants, shops, and hotels, home to Africa’s largest contemporary art museum.

Cape Town attractions, weather

Porto

From Portugal, I didn’t choose Lisbon, although it’s a city with a great atmosphere, but Porto appealed to me more.

The city center is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with stunning sights and narrow cobblestone streets. The Ribeira district is particularly worth exploring, with many shops, restaurants, and cafés.

Another main tourist attraction in Porto is the port wine cellars, located across the Douro River in Vila Nova de Gaia. It’s a great experience to sit down with a glass of wine and enjoy the view of the Dom Luís I Bridge and the surrounding area.

Porto attractions

Two-day trip to Porto

Queenstown

Located on New Zealand’s South Island, Queenstown is known as the adventure capital of the country. Situated beautifully on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the Remarkables mountain range, it is one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

The city is famous for its thrilling jet boat rides on the Shotover River, racing through canyons. In the winter months, it becomes a hub for skiing and snowboarding.

In addition to active adventures, it’s an excellent place for relaxation. The nearby wine regions, such as Gibbston Valley, are famous for their Pinot Noir wines.

Florence

The heart of Tuscany is known as the cradle of the Renaissance, and its architectural and artistic heritage make it one of the most beautiful cities.

Its symbol is the cathedral, renowned for its massive dome, intricate marble decorations, and impressive interiors, which are integral to Florence’s cityscape. We can admire this from Michelangelo Square, the best viewpoint.

Among its museums, the Uffizi Gallery stands out, showcasing works by Botticelli and Michelangelo. Additionally, the Palazzo Pitti should not be missed, as the palace and gardens reflect the power and taste of the Medici family.

Florence attractions

Best museums in Florence

San Francisco

The most charming city on the west coast of the USA, though I believe many would rank it first.

The Golden Gate Bridge is naturally its most famous landmark, offering stunning views of the city, the surrounding bay, and Alcatraz Island, which once housed America’s most notorious prison and now operates as a museum.

In this hilly city, be sure to try the iconic cable car, which connects downtown to the waterfront area, Fisherman’s Wharf. For a truly enjoyable ride, stand on the steps and hold onto the rail!

A must-see photo spot is Lombard Street, one of the world’s steepest and most winding streets, beautifully lined with landscaped gardens.

San Francisco attractions

USA West Coast trip – part 1: San Francisco

Prague

The capital of the Czech Republic boasts one of Europe’s most beautiful old town areas, filled with Gothic architecture.

Everyone knows the Charles Bridge, Prague’s iconic structure. The bridge is always bustling with local artists, musicians, and street vendors, making the walk a memorable experience.

Overlooking the city is the world’s largest castle complex, which includes St. Vitus Cathedral and the Presidential Palace. The view of the city from here is breathtaking.

And of course, a visit to a pub or brewery is a must! Czech beers are widely recognized for their quality, and you can sample them in many small pubs.

Prague attractions

Prague (beer) trip – Two and a half days in one of my favorite cities

Singapore

The city-state in Southeast Asia is a model of modernity, cleanliness, and innovation. The vibrant culture and futuristic architectural style create a fantastic atmosphere in Singapore.

The skyline is defined by the Marina Bay Sands building, with a stunning view from its rooftop observation deck and infinity pool.

It has become one of my favorite places; it’s a spectacular city in every aspect. Singapore places great emphasis on eco-conscious living, resulting in numerous green spaces.

Singapore attractions

Rome

The Eternal City is almost mandatory to include on this list! Italy’s capital offers a wealth of ancient monuments.

When we mention Rome, everyone thinks of the Colosseum. However, this is just one of many sights! Everywhere you turn, you’ll find a magnificent ancient attraction or a church, not to mention the Vatican!

Rome attractions

Rome in a day and a half

Vancouver

Located on the western coast of British Columbia, Canada, Vancouver is one of the most popular North American cities for both nature lovers and city dwellers. The city is famous for its mountainous backdrop and multicultural community.

Vancouver also places a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability, leading in green initiatives and technologies. Its goal is to become the world’s greenest city by 2050. Even today, it is considered one of the most livable places in the world.

Vancouver attractions, weather

Marrakesh

Nestled at the foot of the beautiful Atlas Mountains, Marrakesh is renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning architecture.

One of Morocco’s iconic cities, it is also known as the Red City due to the distinctive terracotta color of its walls. Its center is Jemaa el-Fnaa square, home to one of Africa’s largest and most famous markets.

The city is also known for its historical landmarks, such as the Koutoubia Mosque, the tallest building in the city and its symbol.

Marrakesh attractions

Edinburgh

Scotland’s capital is often underrated on lists because it’s not a large city.

Yet, it remains a personal favorite! Besides its beautiful buildings, it has a unique atmosphere that can’t be described – you have to visit to feel it!

The old town best preserves its medieval character, especially along the famous Royal Mile, which stretches from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to the castle. The street is filled with historical buildings, churches, and museums.

Edinburgh’s vibrant cultural life is driven by its year-round festivals, notably the Edinburgh Festival in August and the Fringe, the world’s largest international arts festival.

Edinburgh attractions

Budapest

Hungary’s capital isn’t on this list just because I live in this country. 🙂

Tourist data also shows that it is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Just think of the castle, which alone holds numerous attractions. The view of the city and the Parliament is also fantastic!

Additionally, Budapest is famous for its baths. Many thermal baths await tourists, with the Széchenyi, Rudas, and Gellért baths standing out.

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Denmark’s capital and the most populous city in Scandinavia, the settlement first mentioned in the 11th century became the capital of Denmark in the early 15th century. During the reign of Christian IV in the 17th century, it developed into a significant regional center.

Copenhagen also ranks highly on the list of the world’s most livable cities and is considered one of the world’s most environmentally friendly cities.

I made a short trip to Copenhagen, you can read about it here!

Copenhagen attractions

Amalienborg Palace

The complex is the winter residence of the Danish royal family. Over the centuries, numerous kings and their families have resided in the four palaces.

It consists of four identical, classical facade and internally rococo-style palaces surrounding an octagonal square (Amalienborg Slotsplads), with the equestrian statue of Amalienborg’s founder, King Frederick V, at its center.

The four parts of the complex are: Christian IX’s Palace, Christian VII’s Palace, Christian VIII’s Palace, and Frederick VIII’s Palace.

Frederik’s Church

Better known as the Marble Church, it is one of Copenhagen’s most iconic buildings.

In the 18th century, King Frederick V decided to build a magnificent church to glorify his reign. The construction began in 1749 but was only completed more than 150 years later, in 1894. Made of fine marble, which its name also reflects.

Known as a masterpiece of Danish classicism, the building is dominated by a massive dome, which is one of the city’s highest points and recognizable from afar. Its interior is characterized by marble and gold decorations.

The Citadel (Kastellet)

One of the best-preserved fortifications in Northern Europe, located by the seaside, close to the city center.

Its construction was started by King Christian IV in 1626, continued by his second-born son and successor, Frederick III. The fortress played a role in defending the city against the English in the Battle of Copenhagen in 1807.

Its layout is star-shaped. Its five bastions are named: King’s Bastion (Kongens Bastion), Queen’s Bastion (Dronningens Bastion), Count’s Bastion (Grevens Bastion), Princess’s Bastion (Prinsessens Bastion), and Prince’s Bastion (Prinsens Bastion). The fortress has its own church and windmill.

Gefion Fountain

Located next to the fortress, it’s the city’s most beautiful fountain.

The Danish mythological goddess Gefion stands in a chariot pulled by four massive oxen. According to legend, these were her sons, whom she turned into oxen; they plowed the land to create the island of Zealand, where Copenhagen is located today. 🙂

Along with the fortress, it’s a great photo spot.

Rosenborg Castle

This magnificent Renaissance building represents an important piece of Denmark’s history and culture.

Ordered by King Christian IV in 1606 as a summer residence, the construction was completed in 1633. Over the years, the castle underwent numerous modifications and expansions but always retained its original Renaissance style. Its exterior is characterized by red brick walls and green copper roofs, along with decorative windows and towers.

The building houses portraits of royal family members and masterpieces of contemporary art. Among the most beautiful rooms are the Great Hall, known for its stained glass and ceiling frescoes, and the throne room, where the Danish kings’ coronation thrones are located.

It also houses the Danish coronation regalia, including the crown, scepter, and orb. The treasury contains royal jewels, as well as the Amalienborg silver and the Flora Danica porcelain collection.

Rosenhaven

The Rose Garden is located next to Rosenborg Castle.

Numerous varieties of roses and other flowers can be seen. It is particularly spectacular during the summer months when the roses are in full bloom, and the entire garden is fragrant.

Christiansborg Palace

The palace houses the Danish Parliament, the Prime Minister’s Office, the Supreme Court, and the Royal Reception Rooms.

Before the current one, two palaces stood here. This was built in the early 1900s after the previous palaces were destroyed by fires. The new building was designed by Thorvald Jørgensen in a neo-baroque style.

Some parts are open to the public, like the Parliament visitor center, the Royal Reception Rooms, and the palace tower, which offers one of the best views of the city. All information here!

City Hall (Rådhus)

The center of Copenhagen’s administration, it is also a tourist attraction because of its exterior.

The building was designed by Martin Nyrop and inaugurated in 1905. In designing it, Nyrop applied the style elements of Danish national romanticism, drawing inspiration from medieval Italian city halls, especially the one in Siena. Its distinctive features are its brickwork, towers, and bastions, as well as its intricately detailed decorations.

Its most famous part is one of the world’s most accurate mechanical clocks, the Jens Olsen’s World Clock (Verdensur). This clock not only shows the time but is also capable of accurately following the year, days, astronomical cycles, and other temporal measurements.

Nyhavn

This is a canal and the surrounding buildings ensemble. One of the most well-known parts of Copenhagen, where tourists love to visit.

The old houses, once home to merchants, have been renovated and now host numerous restaurants. The differently colored houses look beautiful along the waterfront. Old ships can also be seen in the harbor.

Strøget

Copenhagen’s shopping street, which is one of the longest pedestrian streets in Europe.

The streetscape is rich in cultural and historical elements. Amagertorv, one of the street’s main areas, is famous for the beautiful Stork Fountain (Storkespringvandet).

Rundetaarn

The Round Tower was built in 1642 by King Christian IV as an observatory to aid the development of science.

The uniqueness of the tower lies in its interior, where instead of stairs, a 7.5 turn spiral ramp leads to the top, making it unique in Europe. This solution originally served to allow access to the top by horseback or carriage, thus facilitating the transport of astronomical instruments.

From its top, there is a magnificent view of the city, offering a 360-degree panorama.

The Little Mermaid Statue

The bronze statue located at Langelinie Pier represents the main character of Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale, The Little Mermaid.

The statue, erected in 1913, is relatively small, only 1.25 meters high, which often surprises tourists seeing it for the first time. Nonetheless, it’s a must-see.

Opera House

Denmark’s national opera house is among the world’s most modern buildings of its kind.

The building’s width is 90 meters, its length 127 meters, but the roof length reaches 158 meters: extending 32 meters beyond the building in front of the five-story high glass facade. Its total height is 38 meters.

The 1700-seat building was constructed using quality stone and metal materials, including 105,000 gold-smoke plates. The facade is clad in Jurassic limestone from North Germany, while the surrounding public areas and quaysides are covered in Chinese granite. The foyer and the hall are floored with maple wood.

Børsen

One of Copenhagen’s most significant historical buildings, it once housed Denmark’s stock exchange and now serves as the headquarters of the Danish Chamber of Commerce.

The Børsen building is most famous for its iconic spiral tower, formed by the intertwining tails of four dragons, symbolizing elements of Scandinavian mythology and Denmark’s commercial ties with Sweden, Norway, and Finland at the time.

Nyboder

A few streets away from Frederikskirke, you can see a district of yellow houses, which is particularly striking for its color.

This was established during the reign of King Christian IV of Denmark in the early 17th century, originally for the officers and sailors of the Danish navy. This initiative was one of the first state-supported housing construction projects in Europe.

Tivoli

The famous amusement district is one of the world’s oldest amusement parks.

Opened in 1843, the park offered many attractions even then. It not only provides entertainment options but also a chance to explore Danish culture and arts. The park houses the Pantomime Theater, which has been operating since the 19th century and still offers popular performances today.

Its significance is enhanced by the fact that it allegedly inspired Walt Disney for his own projects.

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