I instantly felt comfortable in Copenhagen. But then again, in such a sophisticated and beautiful, meandering city, it’s probably hard not to.

My travel companion and I discussed why we felt so at home in the Danish capital, and put it down to how Copenhagen has all the history, architecture, cultural diversity and contemporary outlook of many British towns and cities, except that it was clean. Really clean.

Not on your life would you see a random Dime wrapper, blob of chewing gum or empty Carlsberg can on the floor. Even the millions of bikes (this is no myth) were lined up neatly and proudly throughout the city.

But we also loved the distinct but complimentary cultures of the city, so here’s my top 10 things to see and do in Copenhagen.

1. Eat your own weight in Smørrebrød

Shamefully, I didn’t actually eat a Danish pastry in Copenhagen. But I’d like to think I redeemed myself by eating my own weight in Smørrebrød (open sandwiches).

On the first night, a Saturday, we were encouraged by a member of staff at our accommodation to check out Dalle Valle; a vibrant café located just off Krystalgade in the city centre which on Saturdays offers meals at half price.

After my initial taste of this traditional, I had various Smørredbrod during my time in the city, each featuring a heavy Danish rugbrød (rye bread) underneath with a topping (I opted for salmon, smoked and fillet) which were fresh and full of favour.

2. Try the local brew

Ever since university I have liked my lager. I’m not, however, a connoseur. But clearly being visitors to Denmark we had to try the national brew; Carlsberg. Now, back home Carlsberg is seen as the lowest of the low in lager terms, but I’ve never minded drinking the stuff. Anyway, during our hostel’s Happy Hour where we could get two Carlsbergs for about £3.50, it would have been rude not to!

3. Explore Christiania

A blast from hippy past, Christiania embraces an alternative lifestyle where soft drugs are monitored but not intervened with.

Graffitied walls everywhere and art offerings scattered throughout the community, there is a definite charm to Christiania, but nevertheless, its main attraction is the availability of cannabis (illegal though it is) down Pusher Street.

Not into the stuff ourselves, we just had a quick wonder through the streets and round the stalls before realising that unless you plan of getting stoned, there’s no real reason to stick around. Well worth a quick visit though.

4. Join a free walking tour

Starting twice a day at the Town Hall, the ‘free’ walking tour (donations are recommended) is led by multi-lingual guides who take you around the city by foot for about 3 hours. The guides really know their stuff and answered most questions thrown at them. However, three hours is a long time so we slipped off half way through as we were sleep deprived and shivering from the cold and rain!

5. Strut your stuff down Strøget

I don’t care if it’s stereotypical, but as a girl it’s hard not to take an interest in the shops Copenhagen has to offer. Copenhagen offers Europe’s longest pedestrian-only shopping street which, although very busy, makes for a very nice stroll during an afternoon.

Located down this continuation of four-streets, Strøget offers everything from designer and high-street stores to stylish boutiques and antique shops as well as cafes and restaurants for when fuel is running low.

A mythological sculpture from the Trundholm Sun Chariot exhibition in the National-museet in Copenhagen | Denmark
Image: National-museet

6. Take a step back in time

Being from the UK, it’s easy to think that we have one of the oldest histories in Europe. But Denmark’s history is equally as fascinating so we spent a few hours wandering around the National-museet (National Museum, free) which brought their history, from the Stone Age to modern times, to life. I particularly enjoyed the Trundholm Sun Chariot exhibition dating from 1200BC which explains the Dane’s historical fascination with the celestial.

7. Chill out in Nørrebro

Nørrebro, a district located to the west of the city across from Sortedams So, can only be described as hip; so naturally I fitted right in . Our first port of call, rather morbidly, was the Assistens Cemetery where the King of fairy-tales, Hans Christian Anderson, is buried.

Our first and lasting impression was the cemetery was beautiful and tranquil. Each plot was truly unique and humble. We half expected Anderson’s grave to lit up like a Christmas tree but instead it, too, was comparatively discreet considering his contribution to literature.

After our wander we made our way to a Tardis of a café we had passed called Tjili Pop which had everything a funky, local café could ask for; comfy chairs, excellent coffee and a warm welcome. The rest of Nørrebro is littered with second-hand stores and multi-ethnic delicatessens and so well worth a gander.

8. March yourself over to Amalienborg

Quite by chance we arrived at Amalienborg (the winter home of the Danish royal family) for the end of the changing of the guards and just as post replacement was taking place. We, like the other hundred tourists, followed the guards as they marched around the plads, saluting and swapping places and continuing the process until all posts were changed. Enchanting, patriotic and quite surreal being allowed so close to the Nutcracker-attired guards.

9. Check out the churches

I’m not a particularly religious person, yet I can’t help but be drawn to religious buildings. There are many located throughout the city so as you’re walking or biking around the city, keep an eye out for them at every turn.

My favourite has to be Trinitatis Kirke (Trinity Church) connected to the Rundetaarn (Round Tower – too worth a visit), with its highly ornamented Baroque pulpit and alter, gilded vault and vast Rococo clock all dating from the mid-18th century.

We arrived just as orchestra practice was taking place, filling the space with a majestic sound. The spires of Nikolaj Kirken (St Nicholas Church, city centre) and Vor Frelsers Kirke (Our Saviours Church, Christianhavn) and inside the Palace Chapel on Slotsholmen are also well worth a look.

10. Splash out at Nyhavn

Possibly the city’s most iconic landmark, no visit to Copenhagen would be complete without enjoying a drink in one of Nyhavn’s bars.

These brightly coloured 7th-century townhouses which line the waterfront are not only pictorially impressive, but they are also enjoyable – albeit expensive – places to enjoy a beer or two.

We frequented the sub-level bar of Barock which, with its sporting memorabilia-filled walls and low-level lighting, was a comfortable and relaxing place to enjoy a £6 glass of beer.

Still, with what I saved on beer at my hostel, I could afford to splash out on a drink or two at Nyhavn.