DENMARK

Facts for the Traveler

Visas: Most western nationals, including Americans, citizens of EU countries, Australians, Canadians, New Zealanders, Malaysians, Singaporeans and most South Americans do not need a visa.

Health risks: No health risks.

Time: GMT + one hour.

Electricity: 220 volts, 50Hz.

Weights & measures: Metric.

Money & Costs
   Currency: Krone
    Exchange rate: check Currency Converter
    Relative costs:
        · cheap meal: US$6-8
        · restaurant meal: US$15-40
        · cheap room: US$10-12
        · hotel room: US$60-75

By anything other than Scandinavian standards, Denmark is certainly an expensive country. Part of the credit lies with the 25% tax, which is included in every price from hotel rooms to shop purchases. Still, your costs will depend on how you travel and it's possible to see Denmark without spending a fortune.

If you take advantage of Denmark's extensive network of camping grounds or stay in hostels and prepare your own meals, you might get by on US$30 a day. If you stay in modest hotels and eat at inexpensive restaurants, you can expect to spend about US$65-75 a day. Car rental is expensive in Denmark; if you want wheels, it might be worth hiring a car in Germany for about one third of the price, and taking it across the border.

All common traveler's' checks are accepted at major banks in Denmark, but bank fees for changing money are hefty so it's best to change a fair swag at a time. Post offices will change foreign cash and they are open on Saturday mornings, which can be handy. Most major banks have ATMs which give cash advances on credit cards. There are also 24-hour cash exchange machines in Copenhagen.

Restaurant bills and taxi fares include service charges in the quoted prices.   Further tipping is unnecessary, although rounding up the bill is not uncommon when the service has been good. Bargaining is not a common practice in Denmark.

When To Go

Considering its northern latitude, Denmark has a fairly mild climate all year round. Still, the winter months - cold and with short daylight hours - are certainly the least hospitable. Correspondingly, many tourist destinations come alive in late April, when the weather begins to warm up and the daylight hours start to increase and by October they again become sleepers.

May and June can be delightful months to visit: the earth is a rich green accented with fields of flowers, the weather is comfortable and you'll beat the rush of tourists. While autumn can be pleasant, it's not nearly as scenic because the rural landscape has largely turned to brown and the air quality suffers as many farmers burn crop waste in the fields.

High tourist season is July and August. There are open-air concerts, lots of street activity and basking on the beach. Other bonuses for travelers during midsummer are longer hours at museums and other sightseeing attractions. The last half of August can be a particularly attractive time to travel, as it still has summer weather but far fewer crowds.

Attractions

With a population of nearly 1.5 million, Copenhagen is Scandinavia's largest and liveliest city. It's an appealing and largely low-rise city comprised of block after block of period six-story buildings. Church steeples punctuate the skyline, with only a couple of modern hotels shooting up to mar the view. The city's foremost historical and cultural sites remain concentrated in a relatively small area, while parks, gardens, water fountains and squares are scattered all over the city. A cosmopolitan city, Copenhagen abounds with sightseeing and entertainment possibilities. For music lovers and other revelers there's an active night scene, which rolls into the early hours of the morning.

The central railway station is flanked on the west by the main hotel zone and on the east by Tivoli amusement park. Opposite the northern corner of Tivoli is Rådhuspladsen, the city's central square and main bus transit point. Buses connect the airport, 9km south of the center, with Central Station and Rådhuspladsen. Strøget, the world's longest pedestrian mall runs through the city center between Rådhuspladsen and Kongens Nytorv, the square at the head of the colorful Nyhavn canal area.

Classic churches to check out are Vor Frue Kirke, the city cathedral with its famed statues of Christ and the disciples by Bertel Thorvaldsen, and Christianshavn's Vor Frelsers Kirke, which has an elaborate Baroque altar and an equally elaborate carved pipe organ. For a magnificent city view, make the dizzying 400-step ascent up the church's 95-metre spiral tower - the last 160 steps run along the outside rim of the tower, narrowing to the point where they literally disappear at the top.

Copenhagen's museums include Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, which has an excellent collection of art and sculpture from the Greek, Egyptian, Etruscan and Roman periods. The Nationalmuseet (National Museum) houses an extensive collection of Danish historical artifacts, ranging from the Upper Paleolithic period to the 1840s. However, if you like your sightseeing a little lighter, then Tivoli, a century-old amusement park is located in the city center. This tantalizing entertainment park, which dates from 1843, is delightfully varied, if horrendously expensive. Visitors can ride the roller coaster, take aim at the shooting gallery, enjoy pantomimes and concerts or simply sit and watch the crowds wander by. Of course, a visit to Copenhagen is not complete without a taking a stroll or ferry ride to see the city's most famous icon, the Little Mermaid statue, which sits on the waterfront 10 minutes north of the city center.

Most of the budget hotels are located along the West Side of Central Station. Nyhavn, long a haunt for sailors and writers (including Hans Christian Andersen), is half-seedy and half-gentrified, with a line of trendy pavement cafés and restored gabled townhouses. Nyhavn is an invitingly atmospheric place to break for lunch or an afternoon beer. Nearby, Strøget has an abundance of cheap eateries, but we're talking burgers and dogs for the most part. North of Strøget, there are some good restaurants in the Latin Quarter. If you want to kick on, see street performers and hear live music, then cruise along Strøget. North of the city center the Nørrebro neighborhood has a number of clubs that attract a college-age crowd and have good bands. There are also some good'n'smoky jazz joints in Christianshavn.

Places to go out in Copenhagen
(Places to be Seen / Good Places to Hang Out)

Copenhagen is a fun place to go out at night. There are a lot of young people that come to live in Copenhagen from the other smaller towns of Denmark. However, even in the summertime, Copenhagen can be a disappointing place to go out on the town during the week. It is basically a Thursday to Saturday town, with limited special events during the other days.

There are three main areas to go to in town (City Center, Scala/Axeltorv, and Nørrebro), each a little bit different. There are other places to go, but they are more destination places with maybe only one spot, i.e., Park Cafe in Østerbro or Christania. There are also, in my opinion, two types of places to go to: (1) places to see and be seen, and (2) places to hang out and meet people. This pertains to discos, cafes and bars, so it is easier to categorize by the latter, rather than by location. Please remember, that the nightclub/bar scene changes constantly, so some information on this page may be out-of-date or inadequate at time of viewing.

Bars

Streckers - One of the most popular places in Copenhagen. Young crowd with lots of dancing and the possibility to have a conversation.

Freuds - One of Copenhagen's older bars with a rich atmosphere which is starting to dwindle.

Peder Oxe - Always a popular place for people in their 20's. Don't go if you suffer from claustrophobia!

Victors - The original 'yuppie' bar in Copenhagen. Well dressed people, but still friendly. This is a place that Copenhageners always have an opinion about. You either like it or hate it. Period!

Park Café - This excellent meet (not necessarily 'meat') market is located in Østerbro, about a 50 Kr. taxi fare from the city center. Lines start at 11:00. It is better to get there around 10:30 and avoid the line. It is the college age hangout with dancing. Girls go here to find boyfriends, and vice-versa. If you are looking for a more 'short term' arrangement, see 'Crazy Daisy' below. This is a Thursday night MUST if you want to have fun.

Irish Pub - Bar for people in their 20's-30's. Popular hangout with live Irish & popular music.

English Pub - Similar to the Irish Pub.

Rosie McGee's - Really big Irish bar with really big meet market upstairs. Very nicely built bar with nightclub upstairs. Highly recommend this killer place! Live band on Thursdays followed by DJ.

Nyhavn Harbor - Sunny weekend afternoons. Nothing like it. Two block long mess of people sitting on restaurant patios or on the street, drinking beer and watching the parade of people.

Cafés

Keller Dirk - located on Hovedgaden in Frederiksberg. Many theme parties during the weekends. Very popular.

Laurids Betjent - a café which stays open 24-hours during the weekends.

Rust - café with a nightclub. A chosen spot for the folks living in Nørrebro.

Sommersko - 'The' cafe to see and be seen in. Very much of a fish bowl atmosphere. Make sure your clothes are pressed and you don't have a chive in your teeth. Good luck getting service. The people watching is as good as it gets from midnight until closing.

Klaptræet - Similar to Sommersko.

Krasnapolski - Famous hangout in the heart of Copenhagen. It's the place where the trendy meet and for those who like to stand out in a crowd.

Nightclubs

The Baron & the Baroness - one of the city's most popular nightclubs designed in middle-aged style. For young folks who want to party rather than be seen.

Rosie McGee's - very cool place... Don't miss it!

Park Café - see bars above. Large night club with room for over 2,000 folks. Two levels, with live music and rooms for carrying a conversation.

Subsonic - old disco + 80's music.

In - properly one of the fastest places in town. If you enjoy techno and house + young chicks, then this is your place. Open until 11:00AM (the next morning!) Plenty of good looking girls -- but young.

Absalon - one of the largest meet markets in the city. Located next to Rådhuspladsen. Three levels.

Lurblæseren - If you haven't hooked up at Absalon by 5:00AM... then head on over here. This is your last chance! Lot's of drunks.

Brittania - large bar and nightclub. Five levels and lot's of people. They've got pool tables, darts, etc.

Duke - meet market for folks in their late 20's-30's.

Grock - a nice little nightclub located in the heart of Frederiksberg. Good music with a relaxed clientele.

Vega - competes with In (but not as successful).

Dakota - go here if you've got a fetish for leather and tattoos. Nice, raw chicks!

Fellini - don't be surprised if you meet a chick who seems nice at first, but later on expects to get paid for having spent time with you.

La Kitsch - The pretty people - part two. The place to see, because most of the people are too busy looking at themselves for you to be 'seen'.

NASA - located upstairs from La Kitsch. The place where celebrities meet. A little snobbish and only for members. Good luck trying to get in!

Copenhagen Jazz House - Similar to X Ray. Full of young, over-hormone-stimulated kids standing around looking to see who is looking at them. The place for young people to think they are the first generation to act stupid or be cool. If you are up on your game, this is the place to play it.

Enzo - Local meet market. Desperate, fun seeking, college age crowd.

Places to Shop in Copenhagen

Shopping in Copenhagen can be a lot of fun if you know where to go. There are a lot of shops on the side streets of the old town that tourists typically don't shop in. Over the years, Copenhagen has really matured as a regional fashion center. It has numerous small one-owner boutiques catering to a wide array of clientele. The boutiques congregate around three main areas with several smaller scattering of stores in other areas.

Larsbjørnstæde/Studiestræde -

Over the past five years, this area has grown to be one of the most exciting areas for 'alternative fashion'. As these are almost upstart, new boutiques, they lack the conservatism of the older, established stores. There are many second-hand stores around here. This is where many students on a budget shop.

Skindergade/Gråbrødretorv/Klosterstæde -

This is where you can find the best streetwear and skatewear fashions at a reasonable price. American fashion and imports are the dominant trends here.

Kronprinsensgade to Gothersgade -

This is the upper class of the alternative stores. Large stores with abundant, exciting styles.

Other Places -

Copenhagen, of course, has plenty of regular stores as well. They are primarily located on the footwalking streets (Strøget, Købmagergade, Fiolstræde, Kompagnestræde). Also, there is a little bit of fun shopping in Christania where you can find something for the person who has everything (homemade bongs, for instance). Don't bother trying to buy clothing in Christianshavn. It doesn't exist. But try to get off the overcrowded, corporate main streets and see where Copenhagener's buy their clothing.

Things to see in Copenhagen

Changing of the Royal Guard - The Danish Royal Life Guard marches through the Old City. The changing of the guards takes place at noon at the Queens Palace, when she is in residence. It is good to see.

Strøget - The longest foot walking shopping street in Europe. Filled with stores, restaurants, street entertainers and people. It goes through the center of the Old Town. All of the best stores are on this street.

Bakken - 20 minutes north of Copenhagen, the oldest amusement park in the world (over 400 years old). 16 restaurants, amusements and rides. It is nice to be out in the country, but if your time is limited, then Tivoli is the best bet.

Tivoli - Opened in 1843, it has 26 rides, Theater, Museum, Open Air stage, 29 restaurants, at night lit up by 110,000 many-colored lamps, fireworks, etc... Located in the Old Town. An absolute must if it is open.

Rosenborg Palace - Castle in the center of town that the kings lived in. It is worth a tour because the living quarters are well maintained and authentic. Also, this is where the royal jewelry and crowns are on display and under guard.

Castle Tour - Visits Hamlet's Castle, Queens spring and autumn residence, Frederiksborg Castle, Amalienborg Palace, etc.

Canal Tours - guided boat trips trough the Copenhagen canals (1 hour). A good way to see a different side of the city you can't see from taxis.

The Little Mermaid - An over-hyped photo op, but still a must.

Rundetårn - Built in 1642, the tower located in the Old Town. It offers great views of the city. A definite must of things to see. It is unique in European architecture, because it is a long ramp (no stairs) so the King could ride his horse to the top of the tower to look at the stars.

Christania - Hippie commune, where they live 'outside' the state and its rules. They set up their own government, taxes, etc... Marijuana is "legal" to be sold and consumed. They started as squatters on military land. Relatively safe and very colorful. It is interesting because it is very unique in Europe, or America for that matter. They also have cafes and music entertainment.

Nyhavn - The medieval trading port. In the summer time it is packed with outdoor restaurants and people. If the weather is good in September, it is a must to have a beer there, or dinner.