Brunching with a mermaid - Visiting Copenhagen

You can’t say Copenhagen without saying bikes. Which makes Copenhagen in close competition with Amsterdam for the prize as Europe’s bike capital no. 1. That is a well-supported fact if you look into the most sustainable tips for a vacation in Copenhagen, that we received from our fantastic community of Waste Warriors.

So, tip no. 1 is without a doubt; Get yourself a bike to get around Copenhagen. There are multiple places in the Danish capital, where you can rent a bike. The rented bike will make Copenhagen your oyster and - more importantly - get you to the wonderful harbour baths (yes, they are clean enough to swim in) for a quick dip on the hot summer days. 

If you haven’t ridden a bike before, we definitely recommend that you practice your skills on a less busy road, before adventuring on to the busy bike lanes of Copenhagen. Choose a bike with a basket in the front, as you are not only going on a bike ride, but also on a Magic Bag ride of delicious leftover meals.

Brunch for days

Brunch is a big hit and a must in Copenhagen, and the Too Good To Go app got you covered - big time! We got a suggestion for you that can’t go wrong: The classy Hotel Skt. Petri is located in the pulsating heart of Copenhagen, which is the perfect place to start a full day of sightseeing. Fill up a Magic Box of goodies from the well-assorted and mainly organic breakfast buffet and prepare yourself for the next decision: Where should you enjoy this beautiful meal?

If you’re into castles and parks we definitely recommend you bringing your Magic Box of breakfast to King’s Garden (Kongens Have). The green area is Copenhagen’s oldest royal park. Say hello to a statue of the famous Danish writer H.C. Andersen or visit Rosenborg Castle, where you can see the crown jewels and dream of the life of a royal.

If you're more into eating your breakfast in a completely chill atmosphere, then visit the very charming Ofelia Plads with a view of Copenhagen Harbour. After getting in zen at the habour you should stop by the iconic Nyhavn just a few minutes away for a perfect picture for your social platforms or family photo album.

Shop yourself hungry

Time for some eco-friendly shopping! Copenhagen equals awesome flea markets, inspiring antique shops and classy second-hand shopping. A couple of hours are easily spend browsing vintage treasures in the Central City, Nørrebro and Vesterbro. 

All that shopping will eventually get you hungry, which is where the Danish open-faced sandwich “smørrebrød” steps in. Save yourself a late smørrebrød-lunch from Birthes Smørrebrød or Lillians Smørrebrød at Vesterbro - or one of the many other smørrebrød stores in Copenhagen.

After enjoying the wonders of smørrebrød it’s time to treat yourself to some good old entertainment. If it is sunny, a trip to the amusement park Tivoli is a good way to spend the afternoon. The park is located in the absolute center of the city with the City Hall Square as nextdoor neighbor. If the weather is more “Danish” (rainy), you should go for an afternoon drink in the Meatpacking District, visit The Round Tower or one of the many museums in Copenhagen.

Picnic dinner by the water?

In Copenhagen you are never far away from water - which should be taken advantage of. Bring a picnic blanket to one of the harbour baths at Islands Brygge, Fisketorvet or Sluseholmen. Either of these popular areas for a swim puts you in close proximity to eg. Letz Sushi in the Islands Brygge area, Christianshavn or the Main Station (Hovedbanegården).

Or how about trying Food Club by the Lakes at Nørrebro? The restaurant offers a vegan alternative to their regular choices from their wonderful buffet - and at the same time you can pick up that evening’s leftover wine. After stocking up on tasty treats you have just about 50 meters to the perfect picnic spot: sitting by the side of the Lakes and taking in the view of Copenhagen.

If you are more into an old school BBQ, you can pick up Magic Bags with vegetables or groceries from the supermarkets Irma, Kvickly or SuperBrugsen and work your magic on whatever is in the bag. Copenhagen’s biggest and most inviting beach, Amager Beach Park, is perfect for a barbeque on a Danish summer night.

Extra sustainable hacks for Copenhagen

• Go kayaking with Green Kayak. The ride is free if you pick up waste from the canal on your sailing trip.
• Sightsee Copenhagen on an electric scooter. They are everywhere in the city and you’ll be at your destination in no time.
• In Denmark has a system for recycling bottles. If you return your bottle at the supermarket you get money back. Yay! If you don’t want to bother with returning the bottles yourself, a lot of the city trash cans are equipped with a little “shelf”, where you can put your empty bottles. Then they will be picked up (probably by people who need a little extra cash) and recycled. Win for people in need and the climate.
• Get your hands on a Magic Bag from one of the many many bakeries in Copenhagen. You’ll have enough bread for multiple breakfasts and lunches.
• Take your time to walk around the streets of Copenhagen - look up and take in the beauty of the different neighborhoods. From the old city center, to the urban Nørrebro and Vesterbro, and the very modern areas of Nordhavn and Ørestad. Copenhagen really has something for everyone.