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- 28th Aug 2025
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Experience Copenhagen like a local: hidden gems beyond the tourist trail
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Copenhagen isn’t just the iconic spots of Tivoli Gardens, Nyhavn’s vibrant-coloured townhouses or the famous Little Mermaid statue – there’s so much more waiting beyond the tourist trail.
The city is packed with hidden gems, neighbourhood hangouts and local experiences. From underground art galleries and jungle pools to build-your-own brunches, harbour swim and deer-filled forests, Copenhagen’s culture comes alive when you explore like a local.
Skip the guided tours, rent a bike and see the city slowly and stylishly. Even better, in just under two hours from Newcastle Airport, you can be in the vibrant Danish capital.
Flights with Norwegian are on sale until May 2026 from just £60*, perfect for a spontaneous weekend break.
HLN TOP TIP: Get 10% off parking at Newcastle Airport with the code HLN2025 this summer.
RENT YOUR OWN BOAT AND SAIL THE CANALS
Canal tours are iconic, but why squeeze onto a crowded boat when you can captain your own? With GoBoat, rent a solar-powered boat from Islands Brygge and explore at your own pace. Pack a picnic, bring a few drinks and enjoy a floating dining room with the best skyline views in town. Locals treat it like a summer ritual – music playing, glasses clinking, Copenhagen glowing in the sunshine.
PICNIC IN THE KING’S GARDEN
Nothing says Copenhagen like an afternoon sprawled across the grass in Kongens Have (The King’s Garden). Home to Rosenborg Castle, the park is a favourite spot for locals in every season. Grab snacks from a nearby bakery, claim a patch of grass and watch the world go by.
WANDER AROUND THE LAKES
At the heart of the city lie The Lakes, three long stretches of water framed by leafy paths and cafés. Here, Copenhagen is at its most authentic: joggers clocking miles, friends catching up over coffee, and couples strolling arm-in-arm. Stop for a latte and just soak it all in.
EXPLORE THE CISTERNS
Housed in underground water reservoirs, The Cisterns is an atmospheric art gallery unlike any other. With 100% humidity and partially flooded chambers, exhibitions interact with dripping walls and echoing spaces, creating an eerie, otherworldly experience. It’s hauntingly beautiful and completely unique to Copenhagen.
CLIMB THE CHURCH OF OUR SAVIOUR
For a head-for-heights experience, the Church of Our Saviour in Christianshavn is a must. Its black-and-gold spire twists into the sky and 400 steps – including 150 on the outside spiral – reward you with panoramic views over rooftops and canals.
BRUNCH AT MAD & KAFFE
Brunch is almost a religion here. At Mad & Kaffe, build your own plate from three, five or seven small dishes. Expect avocado with chilli oil, scrambled eggs, granola, pastries and pots of yoghurt, paired with strong coffee or fresh juice. Go early – locals flock here for a reason.
TAKE A DIP, DANISH STYLE
Step into Manon Les Suites and you’ll feel transported to Bali. This adults-only hotel hides a jungle pool in its atrium, surrounded by palms and canopy beds. It’s pure escapism. Prefer something local? Copenhageners love harbour swims at spots like Islands Brygge and Fisketorvet—dive straight into clean, cold water with skyline views.
UNWIND IN THE DEER PARK
Head north to Dyrehaven (The Deer Park), home to over 2,000 free-roaming deer across 1,000 hectares. Locals picnic, jog, or wander through woodland. Pop into Bakken, the world’s oldest amusement park at the park’s edge, for a mix of nature and nostalgia.
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DISCOVER CHRISTIANSHAVN AND CHRISTIANIA
Cross the bridge from Nyhavn to Christianshavn, a quieter neighbourhood laced with canals. Stop for coffee at HANS or a cosy bodega. From there, stroll to Christiania, the city’s “free town.” Beyond Pusher Street, explore murals, lakeside walks, quirky cafés like Månefiskeren, and community-run art spaces.
FEAST IN KØDBYEN
Copenhagen’s Meatpacking District is a foodie paradise. From smoky barbecue at Warpigs to natural wine bars and DJs, there’s always something happening. Start your evening here before heading deeper into Vesterbro.
HUNT THE SIX FORGOTTEN GIANTS
Rent a bike and hunt Thomas Dambo’s Six Forgotten Giants hidden in forests and meadows around the city. Each giant has its own personality – from Oscar Under the Bridge to Sleeping Louis – and finding them feels like stepping into a fairytale.
STREET FOOD AT REFFEN
No local-approved guide is complete without Reffen. This waterfront food market serves global flavours—Nepalese dumplings, Peruvian ceviche, Texan barbecue. Hop on a water taxi, grab a craft beer, and enjoy a sunny afternoon by the harbour.
Rachael Ellis
Head of Content
After gaining a first in her BA Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University, Rachael worked at Newcastle’s leading regional newspaper with her stories being picked up in national and global newspapers. She spent two very successful years giving a voice to those communities across the North East who otherwise…
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