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Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, is a vibrant city known for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and progressive culture. It's a city where centuries-old landmarks blend seamlessly with modern design and sustainability initiatives. From the colorful Nyhavn waterfront to the iconic Little Mermaid statue, Copenhagen offers a unique blend of attractions, gastronomy, and cultural experiences.
Top Attractions:
Nyhavn: This picturesque harbor area is lined with colorful buildings, cafes, and restaurants. Take a boat tour or simply stroll along the waterfront.
Tivoli Gardens: One of the oldest amusement parks in the world, Tivoli offers a mix of rides, gardens, and entertainment for visitors of all ages.
The Little Mermaid: Inspired by the Hans Christian Andersen fairytale, this iconic statue is a must-see, though it's often crowded with tourists.
Christiansborg Palace: Visit the seat of the Danish Parliament and explore the royal reception rooms, ruins under the palace, and the tower for panoramic views of the city.
The National Museum of Denmark: Dive into Danish history and culture with exhibits ranging from Viking artifacts to modern Danish design.
Rosenborg Castle: A stunning Renaissance castle housing the Danish Crown Jewels and a beautiful royal art collection.
Amalienborg Palace: Witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony and explore the royal residence of the Danish monarch.
The Round Tower: Climb this 17th-century tower for panoramic views of the city.
The National Gallery of Denmark (SMK): Explore one of Denmark's largest art museums, featuring works from the 14th century to the present.
Strøget: Wander along Europe's longest pedestrian shopping street, lined with shops, cafes, and street performers.
Food and Drink:
Smørrebrød: Traditional Danish open-faced sandwiches with various toppings like herring, roast beef, and cheese.
Frikadeller: Danish meatballs often served with potatoes and gravy.
Danish Pastries: Indulge in flaky pastries like wienerbrød (Viennese bread) or kanelsnegle (cinnamon rolls).
Craft Beer: Copenhagen boasts a thriving craft beer scene with numerous microbreweries and beer bars.
New Nordic Cuisine: Explore innovative and sustainable cuisine at Michelin-starred restaurants like Noma or at more casual eateries embracing local ingredients.
Getting Around:
Public Transportation: Copenhagen has an efficient public transportation system, including buses, trains, and the metro.
Biking: Join the locals and explore the city by bike. Copenhagen is known for its bike-friendly infrastructure and bike rental options.
Walking: Many of Copenhagen's attractions are within walking distance of each other, making it easy to explore on foot.
Accommodation:
Hotels: Copenhagen offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses.
Airbnb: Consider renting an apartment or room through Airbnb for a more local experience.
Tips:
Copenhagen Card: Consider purchasing a Copenhagen Card for free access to public transportation and admission to many attractions.
Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory in Denmark, as a service charge is often included in the bill. However, rounding up the bill or leaving a small tip is appreciated for exceptional service.
Hygge: Embrace the Danish concept of "hygge" by enjoying cozy moments with friends, whether it's over a cup of coffee or exploring the city's parks and gardens.
With its blend of history, culture, and modernity, Copenhagen offers something for every traveler. Whether you're exploring historic landmarks, indulging in delicious Danish cuisine, or simply soaking in the city's unique atmosphere, Copenhagen is sure to captivate you.
Malmö, the third-largest city in Sweden, is a vibrant and culturally diverse destination that offers a unique blend of history, modernity, and natural beauty. Here's a comprehensive travel guide to help you make the most of your visit to Malmö:
Getting There:
By Air: Malmö is served by the Malmö Airport (MMX), also known as Sturup Airport, located about 28 kilometers southeast of the city center. Alternatively, you can fly into Copenhagen Airport (CPH) in Denmark, which is about a 20-minute train ride away from Malmö.
By Train: Malmö is well-connected by train, with frequent services to Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Copenhagen.
By Bus: Long-distance buses also operate to and from Malmö, connecting it with other cities in Sweden and neighboring countries.
Getting Around:
Public Transport: Malmö has an efficient public transportation system, including buses and trains operated by Skånetrafiken. You can purchase tickets at stations or via their mobile app.
Biking: Malmö is a bike-friendly city with plenty of bike lanes and rental options available. Exploring the city by bike is both convenient and environmentally friendly.
Walking: Malmö is relatively compact, and many attractions are within walking distance of each other, making walking a pleasant way to explore the city.
Attractions:
Turning Torso: This iconic skyscraper designed by Santiago Calatrava is the tallest building in Scandinavia. While you can't go inside unless you're a resident, admiring it from the outside is a must.
Malmö Castle (Malmöhus): Dating back to the 15th century, this castle houses museums, including the Malmö Art Museum and the Malmö Museum of Natural History.
Lilla Torg: This charming square in the heart of Malmö's Old Town is surrounded by historic buildings, cafes, and restaurants, making it a perfect spot for dining and people-watching.
St. Peter's Church: This Gothic church, dating back to the 14th century, is one of the oldest buildings in Malmö and features beautiful architecture and medieval artwork.
Malmö City Library (Stadsbiblioteket): Even if you're not a bookworm, the modern architecture of this library is worth admiring. It's a peaceful place to relax and soak in some local culture.
Kungsparken: This picturesque park offers serene walking paths, beautiful gardens, and even a small canal. It's an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll or a picnic.
Day Trips:
Copenhagen: Thanks to the Øresund Bridge, Copenhagen is just a short train ride away, making it an easy day trip from Malmö. Explore attractions like Tivoli Gardens, Nyhavn, and the Little Mermaid statue.
Öresund Bridge: If you're interested in engineering marvels, consider taking a guided tour of the Øresund Bridge, which connects Sweden and Denmark.
Lund: Just a short train ride from Malmö, Lund is a charming university town with a rich history, medieval architecture, and beautiful botanical gardens.
Whether you're interested in history, culture, food, or nature, Malmö has something to offer every type of traveler. With its welcoming atmosphere, diverse attractions, and convenient location, it's no wonder that Malmö is becoming an increasingly popular destination in Scandinavia. So pack your bags and get ready to explore all that this charming city has to offer!
Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, is known for its progressive attitudes, vibrant culture, and LGBTQ+ friendliness. Here's a travel guide tailored for LGBTQ+ travelers:
LGBTQ+ Friendly Neighborhoods:
Indre By (City Center): This area is where you'll find many LGBTQ+ bars, clubs, and cafes. It's also close to attractions like Tivoli Gardens and the Strøget shopping street.
Vesterbro: Known for its hipster vibe, Vesterbro has a diverse LGBTQ+ scene with bars, cafes, and clubs catering to various tastes.
Nørrebro: Another trendy neighborhood with a welcoming atmosphere for LGBTQ+ visitors. You'll find alternative bars, art galleries, and cultural events here.
LGBTQ+ Bars and Nightlife:
Centralhjørnet: Claimed to be the oldest gay bar in the world, Centralhjørnet is a must-visit for LGBTQ+ travelers looking for a piece of history and a lively atmosphere.
GAY Copenhagen: A popular nightclub known for its themed parties and vibrant drag shows.
Masken Bar: Located in the heart of Copenhagen, Masken Bar offers a cozy atmosphere, cocktails, and occasional drag performances.
LGBTQ+ Events and Festivals:
Copenhagen Pride: Held annually in August, Copenhagen Pride is one of the largest LGBTQ+ events in Scandinavia, featuring a colorful parade, concerts, parties, and debates.
Pride Week: Beyond the parade, Copenhagen's Pride Week includes film screenings, art exhibitions, and workshops promoting LGBTQ+ rights and culture.
LGBTQ+ Accommodations:
Hotel SP34: A stylish boutique hotel located in the Latin Quarter, known for its LGBTQ+ inclusivity and welcoming atmosphere.
Avenue Hotel Copenhagen: Situated in the trendy Frederiksberg district, this hotel is popular among LGBTQ+ travelers for its chic design and friendly staff.
Safety and Legal Considerations:
Denmark is one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly countries in the world, with anti-discrimination laws in place and legal recognition of same-sex partnerships since 1989. LGBTQ+ travelers should feel safe and welcomed in Copenhagen, but it's always advisable to exercise caution and respect local customs.
Malmö, Sweden, is known for its progressive and inclusive attitude towards the LGBTQ+ community, making it a welcoming destination for travelers. Here's a travel guide tailored for LGBTQ+ visitors to Malmö:
LGBTQ+ Friendly Accommodations:
Clarion Hotel & Congress Malmö Live: This modern hotel is centrally located and known for its LGBTQ+ inclusivity.
Story Hotel Studio Malmö: A stylish boutique hotel with a welcoming atmosphere, located in the heart of the city.
LGBTQ+ Bars and Nightlife:
Wonk: One of the most popular LGBTQ+ clubs in Malmö, offering themed nights, drag shows, and a lively atmosphere.
Gossip Bar: A cozy and inclusive bar known for its friendly staff and diverse crowd.
LGBTQ+ Events and Festivals:
Malmö Pride: Usually held in August, Malmö Pride is a vibrant celebration of diversity, featuring parades, parties, and cultural events.
Qom Ut Festival: This annual festival celebrates queer culture through film screenings, art exhibitions, and performances.
While Malmö is generally LGBTQ+ friendly, it's essential to exercise caution and be aware of local laws and customs, especially when traveling as a queer individual or couple. Sweden has strong legal protections for LGBTQ+ rights, but it's still advisable to be mindful of your surroundings.
We visited the cities in June 2024. Our main base was Copenhagen with a day trip to Malmo during our stay. During our stay in Copenhagen we decided to buy a 3 day ticket on the tour bus. While this was good unlike Barcelona we would say it was not essential as most places in Copenhagen are walkable and if you don't want to walk you can always hire a bike which are really easy to hire. In Malmo everywhere is walkable too.
We found both cities very friendly but a word of warning they are both quite expensive. Another small thing we noticed in both places is that McDonald's did not see to offer a breakfast menu and although open at breakfast time the main menu is the only option. A great place to get something to eat is 7-11. Travelling between Copenhagen and Malmo is really easy and just 30 minutes on the train. We would advise to have you passport on you just in case but we were not asked for the passport at all during the trip.
Both cities felt safe but as we would advise in any major city have your wits about you.
We stayed at Next House Copenhagen which was very central. It has a community feel and the accommodation has 4 bed or 6 bed dorms or double bed rooms. Be warned these are very small but as you are only going to be sleeping in them idea. They cater for all ages and if you are thinking of travelling alone they offer lots of options to meet fellow solo travelers if you wish too. We stayed there during Euro 2024 and the atmosphere was very friendly and inviting.