Wonderful, wonderful Copenhagen
I’ve just returned from a wonderful winter break in Copenhagen, and it’s a destination I’d happily recommend to clients looking for a cosy, festive city escape. From colourful canals and Christmas markets to peaceful moments in Tivoli Gardens and even a quick hop over to Malmö, it’s a trip full of simple pleasures, great food and easy exploring. Here’s a little insight into what we experienced and why Copenhagen makes such a lovely winter getaway.
Copenhagen is a wonderful place for a winter escape, and our recent trip reminded me just how much this city has to offer. We flew out early on a Sunday morning from Manchester on a 7am EasyJet flight, which meant we were checked in at the Tivoli Hotel & Convention Centre before lunchtime. The hotel was a brilliant base: quiet, clean, spacious rooms, a swimming pool, a lovely rooftop sushi bar and genuinely friendly staff. It’s around a 10-minute walk from Tivoli Gardens, so perfectly placed for exploring.
On Sunday afternoon we hopped on one of the red Hop-on Hop-off buses to get our bearings. We jumped off at Nyhavn — the famous canal lined with pretty, colourful houses — and sat outside for lunch with a glass of gløgg, Denmark’s delicious mulled wine. From there we continued to the Little Mermaid, took a look at the statue, and then headed back into the city centre to wander around the Christmas markets, which were full of lights, wooden cabins and a lovely festive atmosphere.
Monday was dedicated to Tivoli Gardens, the city’s theme park set right in the heart of Copenhagen. It’s charming during the day but transforms at night with beautiful Christmas lights and a small light show on the lake three times each evening. There are rides, games, cosy places to eat and a sweet Christmas shop. After a full day exploring, we returned to the hotel for dinner at Sticks’n’Sushi on the top floor — great food, great views and excellent service.
On Tuesday we took an hour-long canal trip from Nyhavn, gliding along the waterfront and under Copenhagen’s famously low bridges. Very interesting, very cold, and well worth doing. Afterwards we headed to the train station and took the short journey over the Øresund Bridge to Malmö in Sweden. The bridge is around 16km long and the journey takes about 40 minutes. Malmö is a small, pretty city, easy to explore on foot and especially lovely at night with all the Christmas lights. We spent the day wandering, taking photos and enjoying the festive feel before heading back to Copenhagen.
Wednesday began with breakfast at Peders Bakery, a well-known local favourite that absolutely lives up to its reputation. From there we walked to Rosenborg Castle and visited the castle and treasury before strolling back through the Christmas markets for a final wander. Our last stop — and a real highlight — was the Happiness Museum.
The Happiness Museum is run by the Happiness Research Institute and explores why some countries, especially Denmark, rank so highly in global happiness studies. It’s interactive, thoughtful, insightful and at times quite moving. It looks at culture, community, daily habits and the little things that contribute to wellbeing. It was one of the most memorable parts of the trip and a lovely way to round off our visit.
After a final walk through the city, we headed back to the hotel, collected our bags and made our way to the airport. Copenhagen Airport is large, modern and full of shops, restaurants and things to keep you occupied while waiting for your flight.
All in all, Copenhagen is a chilled, friendly city with plenty to do, especially in winter. The trip to Malmö is definitely worth it, Tivoli Gardens is magical at Christmas and the whole place has a relaxed, welcoming vibe. A lovely city and a thoroughly enjoyable break.
Why not start planning your next City break?
Happy to chat and find the perfect City for you x
