Trip Report: 36 Hours in Copenhagen
A Stopover That Feels Like a Mini Vacation
Copenhagen may not have been my final destination, but it definitely stole a piece of my heart during my 36-hour stopover en route to Amsterdam. This city can charm you even during a brief visit, especially with its famous landmarks, hidden gems, and one unmissable feature: biking!
Day 1: Arrival & Unwinding at Villa Copenhagen
The city’s airport is just a quick 15-minute train ride from downtown, making the arrival a breeze. I checked into Villa Copenhagen, a beautifully designed hotel blending history with sustainability. One of my favorite features? The outdoor heated pool, powered by excess energy, and the cozy sauna beside it. I even had the place to myself—a peaceful retreat. In summer, I can only imagine the lively atmosphere with the poolside bar. After soaking in the view from the rooftop sauna (with its window!), I slept like a baby.
Day 2: Exploring by Bike and Hidden Gems
Sunday morning, I grabbed a bike and set off to discover the city. Copenhagen’s bike infrastructure is unrivaled—complete with bike highways! Biking here is so easy and an incredibly fun way to explore.
I pedaled through the charming Nyhavn area, passing iconic landmarks like Amalienborg Palace and the Little Mermaid (though, full disclosure, it’s quite small!). The real magic was in exploring quieter spots like the Royal Danish Academy and Rosenborg Castle, while strolling through the serene King’s Garden (Kongens Have). A highlight was meeting an old friend from NYC who gave me a local's tour of Freehavn (Christianshavn).
Other cool stops:
The Cisterns: A former water reservoir turned underground art gallery with site-specific installations. The atmosphere is chilly, damp, and a little surreal—a memorable experience.
Reffen: A food truck haven by the water, serving a wide variety of international cuisines. I took a water taxi to get there—because why not!
CopenHill: A quirky spot where you can ski down the roof of a power plant! Only in Copenhagen can sustainability and recreation mix so seamlessly.
For food, I couldn’t resist Hart Bakery for the city’s best pastries, followed by sampling fun street food, coffee carts, and—of course—hot dogs, which are seemingly everywhere!
Day 3: Wrapping it Up with Culture
On my final morning, I visited SMK (Statens Museum for Kunst), Copenhagen’s national gallery, to catch some modern art exhibits. A quick coffee stop at one of the city’s famous coffee carts rounded off my short but sweet adventure. And just like that, I was headed to the airport and on to Amsterdam.
More to Explore
There’s so much more to see in Copenhagen, including fantastic day trips to nearby towns and even Sweden, which is just a short hop across the Øresund Bridge.
Feel free to reach out for more tips and to secure some exclusive perks for your next visit!
Where to Stay:
Villa Copenhagen
A beautiful and sustainable luxury hotel blending modern design with historical charm in the former post office.
Perks: Breakfast for two daily, $100 hotel credit per stay, room upgrade (subject to availability), priority check-in and check-out (subject to availability).
Hotel Sanders
A boutique gem offering elegant design and personalized service.
Perks: Upgrade on arrival (subject to availability), daily full breakfast for two, complimentary three-course lunch or dinner for two, complimentary airport transfer for suites, early check-in/late check-out (subject to availability).
