We discovered that Copenhagen is great for just chilling out.
I’ll be honest: our weekend in Denmark was probably the most unambitious we’ve had in a while. Liebling and I arrived in Copenhagen’s airport with no expectations, and pre-voyage we did virtually zero preparation. We barely handled the map we filched from our hotel the whole time we were there and we didn’t visit any museums or enter any castles. Instead, Liebling and I erred lazily through the streets, with no other agenda than to enjoy the sunshine that was in large supply most of the weekend.
One thing that we discovered is that Copenhagen is GLORIOUS when the weather is good. The city is highly walkable, the public transport is excellent, and if you are so inclined, you can ride a bike.
Our first day, after taking the metro to Nytorv station, we explored almost entirely on foot, embarking on a long walk that took us past windmills and waterways and famous landmarks like The Little Mermaid.
One of the things that struck me most about the city was the parks and green spaces to be found at seemingly every turn. We patronized them when we were idle (which was often), stretching out with a drink and just enjoying the surroundings and each others’ company. Since the weather in London has been grey, cold, and just generally dreadful the last few months, it felt delightful to just be outside, so we eagerly lapped up the sun like kittens would milk.
Another thing that struck me was the colourful buildings we saw all throughout the centre, pastel oranges and pinks suddenly juxtaposed with vibrant primary hues you would expect to find in a crayon box.
To say that we had a chilled out weekend is probably an understatement: I was so relaxed that I now struggle to remember the names of the beautiful things and places we saw. My brain was completely switched off, I can barely list two of the many neighbourhoods we passed through.
I’m of two minds about this: on the one hand, I feel like I didn’t really “do” Copenhagen (at least not “properly”), but on the other it felt good to just relax, to not feel obligated to check items off of a hardcore itinerary.
I’ve written before about how I’m increasingly becoming a fan of slower travel: a slowing down of pace while on the road, a slackening of the “travel rules” that dictate what and how much to visit. For me it’s also a letting go of sorts — a relinquishing of the “responsibility” of travel and touristing (constant noting/photographing/calculating) and just taking things in a face value. Sometimes absorbing, indulging, and really enjoying a destination with my five senses and nothing more is just I want — what I need. It’s basically travel with no real agenda, no strings attached… and it feels good. Definitely something I need to do more.
So while I didn’t get to “know” Copenhagen in the thorough, academic sense, I had a fabulous time and connected with it in my own way (which, admittedly, mostly involved lying prostrate on the grass and gazing into the horizon). And, when it’s all said and done, isn’t that the most important thing?
Do you have a more relaxed approach to sightseeing or a fan of following a more directed itinerary?
23 Comments
I noticed that you have a tendency to get into the middle of the photo, just when somebody is about to capture a street or a park or a church.
Yup! Me getting into the centre of the photo is *purely* accidental… 😉
Well, I have spent the past few months relaxing in Copenhagen. Everything is just so easygoing here. And the weather has actually been better than in France. It looks like you experienced what defines Copenhagen in my opinion – a good quality of life and and an anything goes attitude. Sure, I’ve been almost everywhere in this city, but the best thing about Denmark is capturing its hyggelig way of life. I’ll be sad to leave in August.
I think you need a break from doing the whole seeing all the sights thing. It can get a bit forced leading to travel burnout. I like it when you can sometimes take things slow and have a holiday from travelling!
I’m definitely all about the itinerary because I usually don’t have a lot of time. When I go someplace new, I tend to explore it as if I’ll never get to come back, because you just never know. But I do want to experience slower travel – maybe to places that I revisit. Copenhagen looks so clean and vivid!
I LOVE this! Absolutely beautiful pictures. I also enjoy going slower the more I travel. It’s not all about ticking off a checklist of “must see” sights–getting to know a place is very rewarding. I was in Copenhagen for only a day a few years ago (the wrong way to do it, for sure) and I hope I can go back and spend some time just hanging out. 🙂
For me, it depends on where I’m going. If I’ve been there before, I definitely do slower. I like to mix it up though – one day of hardcore itinerary where I can hit all the major spots, then 2-3 more days of a relaxed pace where I can revisit spots or discover new ones.
Copenhagen has been on my mind heavy lately! I love this post, I’m so jealous.
I am all for taking a laid-back approach to sightseeing. It just gives me an excuse to visit the place again. Lovely photos by the way!
Good thing you live in Europe, so you can always go back for a more “hardcore” travel experience. I’m also a slow traveller, the reason is mostly because I travel alone and so I’m free to do whatever I feel. Even f it’s just people watching and aimlessly walking around.
Also, I love your hair, do you cornrow/flat-twist the front hair by yourself? Your hair is always well-manicured in pictures. Did you feel the sun beating on your scalp? Lol, I’m a hair blogger, hence my million questions about your hair :p
themanecaptain.blogspot.ca
I’m all about slow travel! I was in London back in April and I found the city to be chill(compared to the Northeast U.S.) and I had things I wanted to do but honestly I was happy at a slower pace. I don’t want to rush a vacation, that defeats the purpose, whether I’m in NYC or an island getaway.
Copenhagen is one of my favourite cities. I’ve been three times in the last 5 months and I could just keep returning!
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