by Domenico
#myCPH #myCopenhagenDomenico #TheSquareHotel #VisitCopenhagen
When I have time to rumble around the city, I generally go by bike, as it's the easiest way to get around in bicycle-friendly Copenhagen.
Often, my two-wheeled pursuits lead me in the direction of Islands Brygge, which is a great area. The promenade along the canal, which stretches from Islands Brygge all the way to Sydhavn, is a place I like cycling through, especially in the summer. I love the vibrancy around the outdoor pool near Langebro, and the small grassy areas along the promenade are frequently used for everything from sunbathing and football to barbecues with friends.
If you cycle on from there, you can experience a little piece of contemporary Copenhagen architecture in the form of the Gemini Building and the Metropolis building at Sluseholmen in Sydhavn – two aesthetic gems that I enjoy letting myself be seduced by. There is also a bridge at Gemini, which is divided into a bike path and a pedestrian path. The bridge connects Islands Brygge with the new residential area behind Fisketorvet and the hotel Copenhagen Island. I particularly recommend visiting the bridge in the evening when it's lit up.
If, like me, you are a nature lover, Frederiksberg Park is also worth a visit. I love to walk around and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings in central Copenhagen, summer and winter.
A delight yet to be fully discovered is Ørestaden, where I cycle out to if I have the time. There's a lot going on out there these days, following the urban renewal. I especially love the award-winning buildings such as 8-tallet, VM Husene and VM Bjerget, and at the first one you'll find Timos Café, which is certainly worth a visit, either for lunch or just a cup of coffee.
As you have probably noticed, I have many favourite places in Copenhagen, but one of them, at the very top of the list, is the Lakes. Whether on foot or two wheels, it is a wonderful experience making your way around the Lakes along the paths, and Dronning Louises Bro, which crosses a couple of the lakes, is one of the most atmospheric places you can visit on a sunny spring or summer's day. One day, I want to live overlooking one of the lakes. That must be the most amazing location.
When I go into the centre, it's mainly to shop. These are my favourites shops: Storm, Norse Projects, Wood Wood, Henrik Vibskov, Normann, COS and Magasin. Magasin's news stand is also one of the most well-stocked, where you can find the best fashion and lifestyle magazines, which I like to read.
It's hard work all that sightseeing and shopping, and when hunger strikes or I simply need something sweet, there's a little patisserie/café I love going to in Store Kongensgade called Taste. It is run by a Frenchman by the name of Bernard, and you can get a delicious sandwich or a latte and a piece of cake.
I love Italian food, and the best is to be had at La Vecchia Signora on Grønnegade. I also love classic Danish open sandwiches, and for these I head to restaurant Kronborg on Brolæggerstræde.
At least once a year, I visit Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, Arken Museum of Modern Art, Glyptoteket and the National Gallery of Denmark to enjoy the outstanding exhibitions, and in the summer, at least one canal tour is a must.
If I'm out on the town with friends, we generally head for Jailhouse, Café Oscar, Ruby, The Barking Dog or Bar 7.
