Copenhagen —
hygge, harbour lights and winter magic
We spent four wonderful nights in Copenhagen in 2022 and fell completely in love with the city. The iconic colourful houses of Nyhavn, the extraordinary Christiania Freetown, a night at the stunning Opera House for The Handmaid's Tale, the Guinness World Records Museum, the Little Mermaid and long, happy hours just wandering one of Europe's most beautiful cities in the winter atmosphere. Copenhagen is expensive — but every single krone is worth it.
What this trip gave us:
The story
Four nights in one of Europe's most beautiful cities.
We arrived in Copenhagen in 2022 with four nights to explore one of Europe's most celebrated cities — and it lived up to every bit of the reputation. The city is immediately striking — the colourful townhouses of Nyhavn reflected in the harbour, the grand palaces and churches, the beautifully designed streets and the sense that this is a city that genuinely cares about how it looks and feels.
We started with a bus tour of the city — always a brilliant way to get your bearings and understand the layout before you start exploring on foot. Copenhagen is very walkable but it is also very spread out, and the bus tour gave us a brilliant overview.
The highlight of the whole trip was an evening at the Copenhagen Opera House — a stunning piece of modern architecture right on the waterfront — to see The Handmaid's Tale. It was an extraordinary production in an extraordinary building and one of the most memorable evenings we have had on any trip.
Christiania Freetown was fascinating — a genuinely unique place that you will not find anywhere else in Europe. The Guinness World Records Museum provided some brilliant fun, and the Little Mermaid and Amalienborg Palace ticked the classic Copenhagen boxes perfectly.
But honestly, some of the best time we spent in Copenhagen was just wandering — getting lost in the streets, finding cosy cafés, soaking up the winter atmosphere and embracing the Danish concept of hygge. Copenhagen does winter better than almost anywhere else.
The highlights — what stood out most
The most iconic spot in Copenhagen — and every bit as beautiful in real life as in photos. The colourful 17th century townhouses, the historic boats and the harbour atmosphere are simply stunning.
A world-class venue in a stunning waterfront building — seeing The Handmaid's Tale here was one of the most memorable evenings we have ever had on a city break. Absolutely worth booking.
One of the most unique and fascinating places in Europe — an autonomous community with its own rules and culture that gives you a genuinely different perspective on the city.
Smaller than you expect — but still a must. The Hans Christian Andersen connection and the beautiful waterfront setting make it a lovely stop on any Copenhagen visit.
The stunning octagonal square surrounding the Danish royal residence is one of the most impressive palace settings in Europe — especially impressive in the winter light.
Copenhagen in winter is magical — cosy candlelit cafés, beautifully lit streets and that unmistakeable Danish sense of warmth and comfort that makes you never want to leave.
Watch our Copenhagen video
Nyhavn, the Opera House, Christiania, the Little Mermaid and the winter streets — our Copenhagen trip in full.
Nyhavn, palaces and winter streets
From the iconic colourful harbour and grand palace squares to the cosy streets, the art and the people — Copenhagen through our lens.
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From canal boat tours and Nyhavn walks to Christiania tours and day trips — browse Copenhagen activities here:
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Common questions
Copenhagen FAQ
What to pack for Copenhagen in winter
Copenhagen winter packing essentials — what we'd bring
Copenhagen in winter is cold and can be very windy — temperatures typically range from 0°C to 5°C with a wind chill that makes it feel colder. The city is very walkable so you will be outside a lot — wrap up properly and you will have a wonderful time.
Essential for Copenhagen's cold winters. A good thermal base layer under your clothes makes a huge difference when you are out exploring the city for long periods.
View on Amazon →Copenhagen can be very windy, especially along the waterfront at Nyhavn and near the Little Mermaid. A windproof outer layer is as important as a warm one.
View on Amazon →The wind chill in Copenhagen in winter is no joke. Thick gloves and a proper warm hat are non-negotiable for comfortable days out exploring the city.
View on Amazon →Copenhagen is very walkable but you will cover a lot of ground. Warm, waterproof boots with good grip are essential for a full day out in cold and potentially wet conditions.
View on Amazon →Cold drains batteries fast. Keep a power bank in an inside pocket so it stays warm — essential for a city with so many photo opportunities at every turn.
View on Amazon →Handy for maps, bookings and staying connected without roaming charges — especially useful for navigating Copenhagen's many neighbourhoods on foot.
View on Amazon →Denmark uses Type C and K plugs — different to Ireland. Don't arrive on a cold winter evening with nothing charged after your flight.
View on Amazon →Useful for carrying extra layers, a water bottle and anything you pick up while exploring. Light enough to take everywhere without slowing you down.
View on Amazon →Always worth having — for blisters from all the walking and anything else that comes up on a busy four-night city break.
View on Amazon →Disclosure: These are Amazon affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. These are all things we'd genuinely pack for a winter trip to Copenhagen.
Planning your own Copenhagen trip?
Copenhagen is one of Europe's most beautiful and rewarding cities — expensive, yes, but worth every penny. Book your trip, embrace the hygge and go and fall in love with it for yourself.
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