Copenhagen city center, DENMARK — Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark was my home for two and a half years. It was one truly spontaneous moment that led to this decision that I never thought I would make. It turned out to be one I will cherish forever, nonetheless! How would you like to experience this city like a local?

My Danish experience has taught me about jazz, art deco, and true local culture rather than stereotypes regarding Danish people. It was also a lesson in tolerance and community but mostly about myself; the travel version of myself in any case as I traveled through Scandinavia for about a year on my own, before settling here for a while.

Copenhagen is a city that tells a story, it offers something for everyone and of course, it's stunning! Located on the water, the views are gorgeous, it's filled with history and culture, and the vibes are unique. What can I say, there's just something about this city that draws you in!

Copenhagen church — Towers of churches in Copenhagen, Denmark

Much has been written about Copenhagen so I won't be covering the typical tourist highlight recommendations but rather offer a different perspective to discover the magic of Copenhagen.

8 X Golden Travel Tips To Copenhagen

Go explore! Walk around and stray off the tourist trail, please! Churches, palaces, museums, iconic buildings, galleries, an old center...you’ll find it all here! There are history and beautiful architecture around every corner, take your time while wandering around, have a break in one of the many squares you'll find along the way, and interact with the locals, they love it!

Shopping! The Scandinavian sense of esthetics is different, from interior design to fashion to technology; it's all in the way the stores and boutiques are styled, so chic and inviting! From vintage wonderland to high-end on-trend labels. They have a very particular fashion sense here, watch the street style and you’ll see. The local fashionistas make statements with a twist. Stine Goya; the danish designer to know about, Rotate, and Cecilie Bahnsen, just to name a few.

Esplanaden: A district of Copenhagen that keeps on giving! Starting from Store Kongensgade, the city's most famous not to mention huge pedestrian street, all the way to the waterfront at Nordre Toldbod.

It makes for a very interesting stroll, plenty of restaurants to choose from when the fancy takes you, you'll find here the iconic coffee joint 'Tiny Kafferiet'. From here, by the way, it's a short distance to the 'Little Mermaid'. Slightly cheezy perhaps, however, some touristy landmarks are a must-see and this is one of them. FYI, it’s very small, smaller than most people expect.

The little mermaid, Copenhagen — The Little Mermaid in Copenhagen

Have brunch or afternoon drinks in Nyhavn: A breathtaking colorful 17th-century waterfront; water, yachts, townhouses, bars, and restaurants.

There are enough green lungs around the city you can escape to for some chilling, getting active, or having a picnic and taking in the surroundings. The Rosenborg Gardens date back to King Christian IV. The Botanical Gardens are located at the heart of the city, most famous for its complex of glasshouses dating back to 1874. The biggest and most famous among the locals is Fælledparken; the Danish version of NYC Central Park.

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Visit Freetown-Christiania: This is a place like no other place you've been to before, I used to live right next door to it. The atmosphere here is very difficult to put into words. It’s just so freeing…This is an intentional community of around 900 residents with a fascinating history.

This hippie-like closed-off district was once a military base that was abandoned for years before a group of hippies broke in 1971 and decided to call it home. The residents pride themselves on having their own set rules and regulations, this commune is all about peace, no violence, harmony, and freedom to be.

It's also the only place where cannabis is legal, however, after heavy drug-related controversies, this has also changed in recent years. The residents are campaigning against it being looked at as a 'drug trade place'. They want to clear Christiania of drug activity and ask visitors and fellow Dens not to buy any drugs here.

Also, this is an unusual place for lunch or dinner, trust me! Three golden rules apply here what you'll see on the boards welcoming you in: Have fun; don’t run. Buying and selling hash is still illegal. Taking photos through now allowed isn't much liked here so please ask permission before doing so.

Freetown-Christiania in Copenhagen — Freetown-Christiania, Copenhagen

Visit the Carlsberg neighborhood: Offering a chic industrial vibe. Home to iconic Carlsberg Brewery built here by J.C Jacobs in 1847. This fun buzzing area has been transformed and is also referred to as Carlsberg City.

Copenhagen has a very happening jazz scene and has iconic venues playing jazz, hosting live concerts, and even jamming sessions. Jazzhus Montmarte is a golden oldy dating back to 1959, it’s very famous for a reason and is considered the best to date. Located close to the Town Hall Square, Mojo Blues Bar is a wonderful hotspot to hang out at and just enjoy the blues. A real favorite among locals, always a plus in my book!