It was a good thing too, as I was struggling to stay up past 8.30pm on most nights and was up mostly by 6am, which worked to my advantage, since it gets dark really quickly this time of the year.
I got really lucky with travelling into Copenhagen too, especially when on the day I depart Copenhagen for Germany, Denmark has announced it now requires travellers from Singapore to quarantine on arrival for at least 4 days. Phew!
Weather wise, I must say I had it pretty well. The 1st day there were sunny blue skies, and I managed to cover most of what I had wanted to originally see, leaving time to even go to Sweden (Malmo & Lund) and even Helsingør, up North from Copenhagen.
The following days of my stay, it got cloudy with slight drizzle, but that didn't last too long - much better than what was predicted from the weather forecast, as I was expecting showers for most of the time I would be in Denmark.
Essentially one could see key sights of Copenhagen within 2 to 3 full days, using the route I used on Day 1, and adding on other key sights as below. More time needed if planning on visiting any museums.
Free Christiania
Located in the area of Christianshavn - it's said to be somewhat like Amsterdam, not exactly sure what it meant, but shortly after crossing the bridge into Christianshavn, I came upon a water canal lined with low blocks of buildings which reminded me very much of Amsterdam.
However, I later found out what made Free Christiania like Amsterdam was the prevalence of weed being sold specifically in this neighbourhood - from what I understood, weed is illegal in Denmark, but only in this area, the laws and jurisdiction of Copenhagen does not apply.
Photos are not supposed to be taken here, which I found out shortly after this pic was snapped
Immediately a big guy walked up towards me and said no pics are allowed here as everyone's criminal. I was made to delete the above photo before I could keep my phone, but later realised I had another copy of the pic somewhere else, thus person's face had been blocked to protect identity.
It was also a very interesting neighbourhood, with lots of graffiti art on numerous walls.
Even outside the Free Christiansen area, but still within the Christianshavn neighbourhood, you can find a lot of eccentric things, such as this "art" piece.
There was also the iconic Church of Our Saviour with the spiral staircase tower design, extremely unique unlike any other churches I ever seen.
Christiansborg Palace
Apparently the tower is free to visit, allowing great views of the city. It's not the tallest view point in the city, but hey, it's free. Note that it closes on Mondays, along with most museums in Copenhagen. Wanted to go visit but didn't have the time to do so.
Rosenborg Castle
Statens Naturhistoriske Museum
Børsen
The Round Tower
Tivoli
However, I later found out what made Free Christiania like Amsterdam was the prevalence of weed being sold specifically in this neighbourhood - from what I understood, weed is illegal in Denmark, but only in this area, the laws and jurisdiction of Copenhagen does not apply.
Photos are not supposed to be taken here, which I found out shortly after this pic was snapped
Immediately a big guy walked up towards me and said no pics are allowed here as everyone's criminal. I was made to delete the above photo before I could keep my phone, but later realised I had another copy of the pic somewhere else, thus person's face had been blocked to protect identity.
It was also a very interesting neighbourhood, with lots of graffiti art on numerous walls.
Even outside the Free Christiansen area, but still within the Christianshavn neighbourhood, you can find a lot of eccentric things, such as this "art" piece.
There was also the iconic Church of Our Saviour with the spiral staircase tower design, extremely unique unlike any other churches I ever seen.
Christiansborg Palace
Apparently the tower is free to visit, allowing great views of the city. It's not the tallest view point in the city, but hey, it's free. Note that it closes on Mondays, along with most museums in Copenhagen. Wanted to go visit but didn't have the time to do so.
Rosenborg Castle
Statens Naturhistoriske Museum
Børsen
The Round Tower
Tivoli
I am a thrill seeker and was contemplating to visit, but upon seeing the prices, I decided against it. Besides a very costly admission fee, rides will need to be individually purchased.
The architecture in Copenhagen had been really interesting, and especially nice walking down the pedestrian streets of Copenhagen.
Further south, starting from around Tivoli and past the Central Train Station, it gets grittier.
There is also a meat packing district south of Central Train Station, which seems to be where hip restaurants could be found.
The architecture in Copenhagen had been really interesting, and especially nice walking down the pedestrian streets of Copenhagen.
Further south, starting from around Tivoli and past the Central Train Station, it gets grittier.
There is also a meat packing district south of Central Train Station, which seems to be where hip restaurants could be found.
You can get by without almost using any cash in Denmark, though there are places which charge a commission of about 3% for credit cards.
In general, almost everything is expensive in Denmark. Dining out at restaurants are on average at least DKK 150 (S$30). They even charge for tap water - I've heard a ridiculous price of DKK50 (S$10) for per person cover of tap water at a restaurant in Copenhagen! There's even a 3% uplift in some places for using credit card.
Even sending a postcard overseas is crazily expensive - the damage.. DKK33 (S$7) just for the stamp!
What amazed me was the lack of any signs of covid - no mask wearing, no restrictions on dining or gathering etc.
In general, almost everything is expensive in Denmark. Dining out at restaurants are on average at least DKK 150 (S$30). They even charge for tap water - I've heard a ridiculous price of DKK50 (S$10) for per person cover of tap water at a restaurant in Copenhagen! There's even a 3% uplift in some places for using credit card.
Even sending a postcard overseas is crazily expensive - the damage.. DKK33 (S$7) just for the stamp!
What amazed me was the lack of any signs of covid - no mask wearing, no restrictions on dining or gathering etc.
At times as I leave the hostel room, I even find myself thinking about putting a mask out of habit.
I am so glad to finally be able to breathe properly without the mask on. I had a nice time overall, though not sure I would come back here again, mostly because of cost.
I am so glad to finally be able to breathe properly without the mask on. I had a nice time overall, though not sure I would come back here again, mostly because of cost.
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