I can’t believe it’s been a year since I embarked on my first life changing solo trip. It all started with one quick google search of “safest countries to visit as a female alone”. No literally though, that’s exactly what I did. All it took for me was to take one glance at the list and pick the first one.
Denmark will always have a special place in my heart. Not only did it kick start my solo travels but it’s a place where I can easily picture myself living. Copenhagen was everything I dreamt of and more. First thing’s first- one of the first things I did when I got there was take advantage of the lack of an open container law. I went to the nearest 7-11 (ah how basic) and ripped open a nice cold can of Carlsberg. I can’t begin to describe how incredible that first sip was. Do you taste that Olivia? Yeah, that’s liberation for ya.
Now that you have a can full of happiness in hand. What’s one to do on their first day in a new country by themselves? Go on a walking tour! Seriously, if you are ever in a new city, especially in Europe, I HIGHLY recommend looking up their free walking tours. It’s a great way to familiarize yourself with the city you’ll be staying in, meet new people (some who are also traveling alone) and get great tips from a local. I used Copenhagen Free Walking Tours. I did the Classical Tour of Copenhagen on my first day and the Grand Tour the next. On my tour, I met a few great people that instantly made me feel at ease. We ended up exploring Christiana together and getting dinner afterwards.
Where to stay?
This was my first experience staying at a hostel and Copenhagen Downtown Hostel set my social butterfly standards high. If you’re only looking for a quiet place to rest your head at night, it’s not the place for you. But if you enjoy chatting with the stranger next to you and ten more before you know it, then yes! Not only does it have a bar that is open till 4AM, they host free concerts and the setting of the lounge area makes it very easy to meet new people. I was incredibly sad while checking out after my three night stay here. I had the best time with the best people at this hostel. I’ve even met up with two new friends I made months later!
What to do?
- Walk through Nyhavn, and explore the different restaurants. This is the most photographed place in Denmark. Take advantage of a photo op and have yourself a mini photoshoot. You can also take a boat tour through the river. Copenhagen Free Walking Tours should give you a discount 🙂
- Eat open faced sandwiches! Lots of them. Stop into Heering for one after walking through Nyhavn.
- For all my cheesecake lovers out there, go to Bertels Salon. I repeat, GO TO BERTELS SALON. You’ll find every possible flavor of cheesecake there is and then some. Being a lover of all things pistachio, I had to take the bite out of the green cake that was calling my name. It was delicious. Thank you for asking.
- Spend an afternoon at Tivoli Gardens. Your inner child will thank me later. It’s a must for people of all ages. It’s an adorable vintage amusement park that you can get lost in for hours. I didn’t go on any rides but I spent the afternoon gushing over the architecture and the vintage roller coasters. Apparently Walt Disney himself found the inspiration to create Disney World during his visit to Tivoli. How cool is that?!
- Ride your bike through the city. Copenhagen is notorious for being a bike friendly city. Nothing makes you feel more like a local than cruising through the city streets ringing your bicycle bell unnecessarily.
If I had another day, I would’ve taken a day trip the countryside or to Malmo, Sweden (it’s only a 20 minute train ride) but three and half days in Copenhagen were just enough before I ventured off to Switzerland.
Posts about the next five countries I’ve visited this year will be up soon. Stay tuned! 🙂
AwaywithLiv 