Copenhagen Travel Guide 🇩🇰🥨🦢

reflections on solo travel + recommendations for what i ate, what i saw and what i would(n't) do again.

i like to think of solitude as a gift. it’s time that i set aside to come back to myself. this can mean grabbing coffee, booking a table for one at a fave restaurant, or… taking a five-day birthday trip to Copenhagen—completely alone.

the funny thing about solo travel (and really doing anything by yourself) is that though it might scare you, it’s bound to terrify anyone you tell. case in point, my parents. some reactions to my news:

• are you breaking up with thomas?

• are you trying to escape from something?

• why do you want to be alone?

everyone was losing their damn minds. and i’ll admit, too—I was a little anxious myself. what was I doing? did I really think i could navigate a foreign city alone? well, spoiler: it was the best trip of my life.

and it’s not just because Copenhagen is a beautiful city. (but considering the access to nature, amazing art, stunning architecture, and beyond-delicious food—let’s be clear, it totally is.) it was one of the best trips i’ve ever taken because i had no one to answer to but myself. i was on no one else’s timeline, making decisions that served my wants and needs alone. without an itinerary, i could be spontaneous—putting myself in the path of incredible experiences i wouldn’t have otherwise had.

i was humbled at every turn. i sat almost naked, leg-to-leg, in a sauna with 10 strangers and menthol crystals that almost burned my face off. i cold-plunged in the harbor at dusk. i ate my birthday dinner alone with a book. and i made a new friend off of airbnb who’s now an irl pal—and possibly my soul sister.

take this as my permission: you don’t need anyone’s permission to do exactly what you want. and for all of y’all in relationships, it is possible to be totally in love with your partner and also want some time away. when you’re by yourself, you have the opportunity to reflect on these realities without anyone influencing your opinion. there’s a certain beauty in that—considering no one but your very valid, deeply important truths alone.

so whether you’re craving a little solo time or hoping to visit Copenhagen with friends/your partner/family, scroll my recommendations and reflections below. from what i ate to what i saw to where i would(n’t) have gone. i hope you find it to be a helpful resource. i can’t wait to hear which spots and experiences you love in the city, too.

a couple of film photos from the trip

where to stay

📍i stayed in an airbnb (pictures/link below) - in any other city i would’ve felt comfier in a hotel, but cph is so safe. this place was really cute, a great price and on one of the most quintessential streets in the entire city. it’s perfect for 1-2 people.