COPENHAGEN – ONE OF MY FAVORITE CITIES

With more cruises starting and ending in Copenhagen, there has never been a better time to discover its avant-garde design, art and architecture, and a dining scene so innovative almost everything has earned “Best in the World” status.  The Danes also have a reputation for being friendly, a beleivable notion considering they have been deemed the happiest nation on earth.  I recommend you go a few days early before joining your cruise, and explore this wonderful city in depth. 

Every aspect of this port city make it a delightful choice for a chic and uplifting addition to your cruise holiday.  Everyone speaks English, and here are some suggestions for exploring and getting the most out of this compact city center.  Copenhagen is one of my favorite Nordic destinations and I have been there at all times of the year, and explored on the local bus to various outlying villages.  If this is your first visit, then you should take a city tour, see the palace, the Little Mermaid, and other places of interest.

I like staying at the Radisson BLU Royal Hotel, directly facing a must see, the Tivoli Gardens.  It’s in an ideal location for exploring the city sites.  I was there on my own in December, and the Christmas spirit was everywhere: concerts, decorations, and wonderful food. BLU Royal is a very nice Scandinavian style property, with an excellent spa and fitness center.

A short walk from the hotel is the Dansk Design Center, which is an impressive showcase of contemporary  design.  Then stroll down Stroget, a pedestrian-only, wide shopping street which ends at the colorful Nyhavn port where you can get a smorrerod – classic Danish open faced sandwich at any of the delightful waterside cafes.  Take a canal cruise or go further along to the chic Osterbro neighborhood for more high design at the flagship shop of Normann.  Though it’s outside the city, definitely make time for the Museum of Modern Art, the sculpture garden overlooking the Oresund is worth seeing.  I always go to the Royal Copenhagen Porcelain shop, and  Georg Jensen Silver which have  spectacular showrooms.

I start my day by heading over to Jægersborggade, stopping in at Coffee Collective for a cup of the best coffee in the world – the co-owner holds the World Barista Champion title.  Go get a cinnamon bun from famed Meyers Bageri across the street and peek in the funky shops up and down the block.  I love strolling the streets and looking at the very elegant well-dressed people.  This is a very fashionable town. In December, there were lots of fur coats and hats and it was fun doing my Christmas shopping.

For lunch, go to the new food market Torvehallerne with more than 80 stalls of fresh delicacies to choose from.  Don’t miss a dreamy marshmallow stuffed flødeboller at the chocolatier, Summerbird.  Finish at Kodbyens Fiskebar for fresh fish in the trendy Vesterbro neighborhood-I love the pickled Herrings.              

Copenhagen is also home to noma, this celebrated Michelin two-star eatery has been named best restaurant on the World’s 50 Best Restaurant list for several years running.  Head chef Rene Redzepi is acclaimed for his innovative approach, attention to detail and use of local and seasonal ingredients.

This is an ideal point of embarkation and debarkation for many Baltic cruises, Copenhagen is also a very convenient airport for direct flights back to several North American cities making it an ideal choice for an extended stay.

Maureen Jones is president of All Horizons Travel at 160 Main Street in Los Altos. Members of her staff are experts in business travel, cruises, and all types of leisure.