Copenhagen in 24 hours

Copenhagen was just an overnight stop this time—but for me, it will always hold a full chapter in my heart. Copenhagen is where Ben and I got engaged on a sunny day back in June 1997.

After a long road trip through Europe, I was ready to get home to Sweden and set up our Airbnb. But we made one last stop—just one night in the Danish capital. And in that short time, this city still managed to remind me why I love it so much.

💍 Where It All Began

Copenhagen is where Ben and I got engaged, back in 1997.

It was a warm summer evening, and we were at the Hard Rock Café, which at the time was located inside Tivoli Gardens. It’s one of those core memories that connects us to one of my favorite cities.

Short Strolls and Sweet Nostalgia

After dinner, we walked around the city for a bit—just taking it in. Copenhagen is the kind of place that doesn’t rush you. You stroll. You people watch and just take it in. Street musicians. dodging bikes. It’s laid-back and playful, and it feels different from Sweden. More relaxed. More expressive. More alive.

Even with just a few hours, the energy of the city seeps in.

What the Rest of the Crew Did While I Headed Home

The rest of the family stayed in Copenhagen for a full day and made the most of it:

• Nyhavn, for that classic postcard canal view

• Stroget, for some of the best shopping in Europe

• A visit to the Royal Castle

• And hours spent at Tivoli Gardens, which they absolutely loved

They didn’t make it to the Little Mermaid, but it’s one of Copenhagen’s most popular tourist attractions if you’re planning your first visit (just know she’s… tiny).

Rental Cars, Trains & Crossing the Bridge

Ben, his friend, and I went to pick up the rental car at the airport, and with 10 people’s worth of luggage, we quickly realized… one car wasn’t going to cut it. So we ended up with two.

Travel tip: If you're renting a car in Copenhagen and planning to cross into Sweden, ask for the toll pass for the Øresund Bridge. It’s a lot cheaper and way easier than paying at the booth.

The rest of the group took the train to Kristianstad, where I picked them up. Trains here are simple, efficient, and such an easy way to travel between countries in Scandinavia.

What to Eat in Copenhagen (Even if You’re Just Passing Through)

Even with limited time, you have to squeeze in a taste of Denmark:

• Pølse – the iconic Danish red hot dog, dipped in spicy ketchup and topped with crispy roasted onions

• Smørrebrød – open-faced sandwiches that are both beautiful and delicious

Copenhagen has an incredible food scene—from casual bites to high-end dining. It’s a city that knows how to eat well.

Final Thoughts: Why I’ll Always Love This City

I’ve been to Copenhagen more times than I can count. It’s only about an hour by train from my hometown in Sweden, and every time I visit, I feel like I am in a different world.

The people are easygoing. The culture is cool without trying. Street performers play on the corners. Bikes fly by. And even if you're just there for a night, you leave with a memory that sticks.

If you're visiting Scandinavia, I’d say this: plan a 24-hour layover in Copenhagen. Stay near Nyhavn or Tivoli, eat something local, and soak in the atmosphere.

This city has a way of making even short stays feel unforgettable.