I am pleased to present a new Solo Travel Destination Post from Rosanne, to complement earlier ones by Annie and Claire. All are members of the Solo Travel Society who live in the United States. They each submitted reports on their solo trips to Copenhagen. Do you have a solo travel destination that you would like to recommend? Submit your description here, along with a few photos, and share it with fellow travelers!
Languages spoken: Danish, English
Nyhavn harbor, lined with cafes
Rosanne's Reasons to Visit Copenhagen
Solo travel rating: 1 (1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult. Please see chart below)
Costs at Destination: Reasonable (local transportation, dining, tours, events, and attractions)
I did a home exchange with a Danish family. Having my own apartment in a close-in area served as home base. Getting around is a breeze anywhere in Copenhagen. In my case, the bus stopped right outside the door; the metro station was just a lovely walk away through a park across the street. The airport is modern and easy to maneuver. The Metro station where you can catch a ride to the city and suburbs is right downstairs when you arrive. Exploring is easy with public transport, walking, and, of course, biking. My exchangees left me a bike but you can easily rent them virtually anywhere.
I started most of my days at the cafe across the street where the clerks began to recognize me and we chatted often, making me feel even more at home. I tried to get them to pronounce some Danish for me since I had studied it. That's when they both shrugged. One was French, the other Bulgarian. “Everyone speaks English,” they announced.
On my first full day I headed to the main train station for a transit pass. There was a long line-up but once I had it, it was easy to jump on and off buses and metro with a senior discount. I strolled the mile-long car-free pedestrian shopping area, Stroget, filled with boutiques and the dramatic Illum store of five stories (plus a basement level with groceries and a casual restaurant.) The top floor is devoted to restaurants from a hot dog stand and bagel shop (where I met a young American clerk married to a Dane) to gourmet fish, Italian, and steak restaurants. The balconies there have dramatic views of the city. I had my photo taken on a giant Lego bike at the official Lego store.
I took the Carlsberg Brewery Tour, visited Tivoli Gardens, and discovered the Glyptotek art museum, the Natural History Museum, the Little Mermaid, of course, and much more. I took an easy side trip one day to Malmo, Sweden (a half hour by train across the bridge from the airport) and spent a day in Hillerød to see Frederiksborg Slot (castle) with a pleasant train ride through the suburbs. After a terrace lunch, I tackled the huge Frederiksborg Slot park with lakes, fountains, sculptures, and a small deer farm.
Mid-stay, I flew to Bergen (short 1-hour plus flight) for three days/two nights to do the Fjord ferry/Flam train circuit. It was exceptional! It's not to be missed if you're anywhere close to Bergen! I chose the Scandic ByParken hotel in Bergen for its incredible breakfast buffet and enjoyed the city before and after fjord tour day.
I tried local dishes and loved the shrimp smorrebrod at various venues for lunch. If I had a major meal out, I usually had leftovers so I had some dinners in the apartment. I got pizza twice from a place recommended across the street–it was a relief to stay in after all the walking and exploring.
As one of the world's “happiest” cities, Copenhagen is welcoming, comfortable, clean, and has more to enjoy than I could fit in to the time I had. I had been wondering how I'd do for three weeks totally alone, but, in fact, when the three weeks were over, I seriously thought of changing my air ticket. I didn't want to leave!
What to avoid? Getting the key to the apartment stuck in the lock! I experienced a moment of panic until I googled “locksmith” that evening. The company turned out to be three doors away from the apartment. I emailed them, then to be safe, the next morning I walked over there and they returned with me within the hour. They fixed the lock and I was off to more adventures!
Smorrebrod at Torvernhallern market
Bergen, Norway, main center for fjord tours
Solo Travel Destination Rating System
Safety – 1 (1 very safe, 2 safe in most areas, 3 be cautious at all times.)
Language – 2 (1 English is first language, 2 English speakers easy to find, 3 English speakers rare)
Navigation – 1 (1 easy to navigate by transit or car, 2 poor transit, car necessary, 3 not easy to get around)
Culture – 1 (1 Similar to North America or Western Europe, 2 Different from above but relaxed and easy, 3 Challenging)
Average Rating – 1 (1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult)
Graffiti is everywhere.
Annie's Story
Solo travel rating: 1 (1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult. Please see chart below)
Costs at Destination: Reasonable (local transportation, dining, tours, events, and attractions)
I stopped in Copenhagen on a layover while en route to Switzerland. This place is just amazing. It is very easy to navigate, and when in doubt, ask a local. They are guaranteed to be able to assist, and if not, they will find someone who can.
I stayed at Hotel Skt. Annæ, which is conveniently located in Nyhavn, behind the bars and restaurants. It's an easy walk through the smaller streets, located near many restaurants, bars, and shops. There is a lovely park located within walking distance, which has different types of trees, statues, etc. It sounds basic, but it really is serene and gorgeous.
A must-have dish is the open-faced sandwich. There are many varieties. I tried the fried fish with capers and mayo sauce. It was simple, yet delicious. I would suggest Rajissimo for dessert–they serve ice cream on a waffle! I enjoyed a large burger at Hot Buns with a side of cheese fries. Any of the pastries are definitely a must-try.
I did a hop-on/hop-off bus tour, to cover more locations in a shorter amount of time. I would recommend doing this if you are limited on time, as it allowed me to hop off and visit specific locations, and ride through other popular locations.
There is a lot of graffiti/wall art that is worth admiring. After all, it is art!
I am looking forward to returning and discovering the different paths.
The infamous Little Mermaid sits nonchalantly. What you can't see are the scores of tourists also taking her picture.
Solo Travel Destination Rating System
Safety – 1 (1 very safe, 2 safe in most areas, 3 be cautious at all times.)
Language – 2 (1 English is first language, 2 English speakers easy to find, 3 English speakers rare)
Navigation – 1 (1 easy to navigate by transit or car, 2 poor transit, car necessary, 3 not easy to get around)
Culture – 1 (1 Similar to North America or Western Europe, 2 Different from above but relaxed and easy, 3 Challenging)
Average Rating – 1 (1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult)
A perfect day at Nyhavn, Copenhagen, courtesy of Solo Travel Society member Dean.
Claire's Solo Trip to Copenhagen
Solo travel rating: 1 (1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult. Please see chart below)
Copenhagen may just have the most interesting mix of old and new architecture in all of Europe. Structures such as the historic Amalienborg Palace and the newer, cutting-edge Copenhagen Opera House are a stone’s throw from each other. You can see all the architecture the city offers on a canal tour.
Copenhagen is also becoming a global sustainable food and craft beer destination. A trip is not complete without trying a hot dog or grabbing a beer at Mikkeller. Food and beer tours are also available to those who don't want to venture into a restaurant or bar alone.
Designmuseum Danmark was my favorite museum. You can see the concept of fashion and function come to life there.
If you need a break from the city, travelers have many options for days trips such as Helsingør, where Kronborg Castle, also known as the “Hamlet castle” is; the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in Humlebæk; and Malmö, Sweden. (Not everyone thinks Malmö is hip, but I think it's fun to take a trip on the train across the Øresund Bridge and check out the growing suburb, which also has its share of open public spaces and canals.) Another wonderful and close town is Dragør, which you can access by bus from the city and the airport. The town boasts probably the best view of the Øresund and its namesake bridge.
Everyone speaks English, and is happy to do so. The extensive public transit system is easy to navigate.
Some may shy away because of the cost, but Airbnb is popular here. Cabinn is also a respectable low-cost option.
The view from the Louisiana Museum of Art takes your breath away, as does the art in the museum.
Solo Travel Destination Rating System
Safety – 1 (1 very safe, 2 safe in most areas, 3 be cautious at all times.)
Language – 2 (1 English is first language, 2 English speakers easy to find, 3 English speakers rare)
Navigation – 1 (1 easy to navigate by transit or car, 2 poor transit, car necessary, 3 not easy to get around)
Culture – 1 (1 Similar to North America or Western Europe, 2 Different from above but relaxed and easy, 3 Challenging)
Average Rating – 1 (1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult)
Where to Stay in Copenhagen
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Here's a link to the Copenhagen budget accommodation page on Booking.com.
Hotels Recommended by Solo Travelers
Generator Hostel
I loved the cleanliness of this hostel, the friendly people and the relaxed atmosphere. Also, its super decorations made me feel way more hipster than I really am. The bar downstairs is great to just hang out in or for the occasional party. The hostel also has private rooms that are properly located within the hostel so you don’t hear anything from what’s going on downstairs. I would say it’s targeted more towards younger people, but not exclusively, and it’s definitely not one of those “party hostels”.
Adelgade 5 – 7
Copenhagen
Denmark 1034
Tel: 45 7877 5400
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Danhostel Haderslev
This place is serenity itself. Single or twin rooms, uber clean, lakeside location, & plenty of restaurants within walking distance. Denmark is very flat too so perfect for cycling or walking.
Erlevvej 34
6100
Haderslev
Denmark
Tel: 45 7452 1347
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