Red, Blue, and Yellow
Emily Cabreja
I was able to spend a weekend in the capital of the 2nd happiest country in the world, and let me tell you they are doing just about everything better than you.
For some context, I have never heard of Copenhagen before going to study aboard in Europe but I kept hearing good things from students who visited the city. They mentioned how cute it was, how perfect the scenery is for pictures, how there are bikes everywhere, and most importantly how underwhelming the Little Mermaid statue is. After visiting, I can say they got just about everything right. Central Copenhagen is beautiful and rich with history. I was fortunate enough to book a free tour called Politically Incorrect Tour of Copenhagen, which brought us through the landmarks of Copenhagen providing us with important historical context to the city keeping everyone entertained through wit and wildly inappropriate jokes.
Basically, it was perfect. I was able to learn how Copenhagen grew from a small merchant city to the home of the most famous children storyteller and the royal linage of Denmark, along with the success of the Danish Rebels during Nazi occupied Denmark. All within an hour without getting bored.
When nighttime rolled around I knew I had to do the most Danish activity possible: ride a bike. To put it simply, I cannot stress how perfect Copenhagen is to ride a bike around. First, not only are bikes everywhere, but the landscape is relatively flat so it makes pedaling easy, and there are lanes that are exclusively for cyclist. Personally, I found that it not only is it the best way to get around the city but it is perfect for sightseeing the area.
On the last day of my stay I was able to pay a visit to the Copenhagen Botanical Garden. From far away the glass green house looks like a palace, stretching regaling at both ends with high ceilings that reach for the sky it is nothing short of elegant. For just 9 USD, one is able to be brought through a series of controlled climates such as tropical, desert, and Mediterranean to examine the plants which grow in such environments. However, the most unique part of the greenhouse is the white spiral staircase that allows visitors to circle the radius of the glass dome. It is difficult to see the ground of the garden from the top as giant green palm leaves overlap one another and block the view, bamboo stems stretch up and threaten to break through the glass panels. Furthermore, there is the expansive view of the park which the botanical garden resides in which is full of posh ducks and a small trail to follow around the area.
All in all, Copenhagen is a elegant city and lovely for a weekend get away from the hectic metropolitan streets of London. There is a balance of affordable family daytime activities along with an enjoyable nightlife for those going with friends.
