Hi! I’m Kelly Jones and I am studying abroad in Copenhagen at Denmark Technical University (DTU). I’m studying Materials Science and Engineering and taking classes in renewable energy and sustainability.
This blog post is a list of my favorite places to visit in Copenhagen and some local favorites for visiting, in no particular order.
- Nordhavn: Located at Sandkaj 27, Copenhagen, this is my favorite place to cold dip! There is an open water pool and it serves as a community meeting place. In the colder months, more dedicated groups gather to cold plunge in sub zero temperatures and sauna. In the warmer months, huge swaths of people swim and jump into the water. People lounge and chat and spend their time enjoying the sun on the walkway right near the waters edge. Numerous shops, bakeries, restaurants, bars, and grocery stores litter the surrounding neighborhood as well. The walkway next to the swimming area faces the sky of the setting sun, so this also serves as a fantastic place to watch the 11 pm sunset in the summer.
- Black Diamond: This is the royal Danish library. I spent countless hours here studying for my final exams. The architecture makes you feel as though you are in a Harry Potter castle or medieval building hundreds of years ago. There is a silent room, gorgeously decorated with green lamps, with individual study desks in addition to a large hallways filled with group study tables. There are two additional general study rooms as well. On the ground floor of the old library contains a café with delicious baked goods and sandwiches. The library is also perfectly located right next to the water, so a walk along the river makes for a great study break. Directly next to the library is the royal gardens. These gardens are a part of Christiansborg Slot, which serves as the current parliamentary building and grounds. The gardens are secluded and shielded from the bustle of the city by large walls.
- Vesterbro: Vesterbro is also known as the “meat packing district” because of its historical use. West of the city center (Indre by), this little neighborhood is home to so many fantastic bakeries and restaurants. When my family visited, we stopped in at this amazing little Italian Restaurant called Ristorante Buono and had traditional Neapolitan food that reminded me of restaurants I went to in Naples. Nearby, there is a square with many amazing food spots including Hart Bakery, Warpigs Brewpub, Ismageriet, and Ã…ben. This area is more residential and has a more cozy feel than the city center. There is a communal dining place called Absalon that I had the opportunity to go to, which enabled me to try delicious food for a low cost, while enabling me to meet new people sat at my table.
- Reffen: Reffen is on Refshaleøen, and is a collection of outdoor food stalls. As the stalls are closely packed and offer diverse culinary options, it reminds me a bit of Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia. When I went, I tried the African stew and plantains, which were amazing. My friends and I sat near the water and enjoyed the warm weather. Fire places are littered around the central eating ground in case of a cold day. After we finished eating, we walked a bit around the general Refshaleøen area, and passed a wonderful cold dip spot and wine bar. This area is less sparsely populated and more industrial than other areas of the city, so it was really interesting to be able to leave the city streets that I am used to and enter an industrial area that has been converted for common living and general outdoor space.
- Fredericksberg: This neighborhood is farther from the city center, located just northwest of Norreport Station. This neighborhood is one of my favorites because of the greenspace available. There are promenades separating opposing directions of traffic that create the foundations for trees and green life. Fredericksberg is home to the zoo and Fredericksberg Have, an wonderful, sprawling park. Additionally, there is a huge castle located within the park, Fredericksberg Slot, which was a summer home for the royal family. One of my favorite flee and thrift markets happens outside of a courthouse every Saturday beginning in the spring. This neighborhood is beautiful because of the greenery it contains, but also because of the comforting feeling it has. Being a more residential area, yet still containing wonderful cafes and bakeries, it reminds me of the joys of slowness in life. I preferred to spend my weekends here, popping into cafes, and enjoying the weather outside in a park.
One honorable mention that I have is Poulette. I was first introduced to this food spot by the show, “The Bear” in which one character goes to Copenhagen in order to learn more about being a chef in his culinary journey. The character stops at Poulette, and ever since the show featured the restaurant, it has been packed with people lining up to get their hands on a chicken sandwich. They only sell three food items: a chicken sandwich (always spicy), a mapo tofu sandwich, and fries. I was lucky enough to try their chicken sandwich and it was one of my favorite bites I ate in Copenhagen. The chicken sandwich was crispy, yet tender and moist. The slight spice of the marinade and sauce imbued a fantastic explosion of flavor that paired well with the pickles on the sandwich. This sandwich was one of my dreams and I went back over and over to eat it. I mention this restaurant specifically because people might think that it is overhyped just because it is in The Bear, but I emphatically refute that. It is a fantastic eatery that everyone should stop at if they visit Copenhagen. The owners of Poulette also own two other bars, Villette and Pompette. Pompette is located right next to Poulette and offers cocktails, wines, and snacks. My friends and I found Villette in a secluded courtyard in the heart of Norrebro. We sat outside and enjoyed the warm weather. Each of their locations have a similar style, offering a chic modern area to relax and enjoy time with friends.
