Taeki Chan This is my very first visit to Denmark, and I couldn’t be more excited to explore the beauty and history of Copenhagen! Since I didn’t do much research beforehand, I decided to go with the most convenient way to discover the city – the Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour.
Starting the Day Near København H
Our accommodation was located conveniently within walking distance of København H, the Central Train Station. Fun fact – it’s the largest railway station in Denmark and sees more than 100,000 travelers daily! It’s also the second busiest station after Nørreport.
Before hopping on the bus, we stopped by the station for a quick breakfast of bagels and coffee. A warm meal and caffeine boost were exactly what we needed to kickstart the day.
Plug In and Ride On
Onboard the Hop-On Hop-Off bus, each seat came with earphones to guide us through the city with stories about each destination. The audio guide was available in multiple languages – a huge plus for international travelers like me!
To my surprise, the WiFi speed on the bus was amazing! Check out my video to know more. Both download and upload speeds were impressive – definitely not something I expected from a moving vehicle.
Exploring the City Highlights
As the bus rolled along the city streets, I was amazed by how wide the roads were – and how few cars there were. Copenhagen really knows how to make space for both vehicles and pedestrians.
Did you know that Denmark has the world’s oldest monarchy? Queen Margrethe II is a descendant of Viking King Gorm the Old, dating back to the 900s! Royal history is embedded everywhere in the city’s architecture, palaces, and public spaces.
Passing Through Iconic Spots
Although we didn’t hop off right away (we had our eyes set on the Little Mermaid as our first stop), we passed by some truly iconic locations:
- City Hall Museum – A captivating dive into Copenhagen’s 800+ years of history through interactive exhibits.
- Christiansborg Palace – The only building in the world that houses all three branches of a nation’s government.
- Gammel Torv (Old Square) – The city’s oldest square, located at the heart of Copenhagen with shops all around.
- Copenhagen City Hall – The seat of the City Council and the Lord Mayor.
The city’s historical charm really shines through its well-preserved buildings and bustling, yet calm atmosphere.
Nyhavn to The Little Mermaid
Next, we passed by Nyhavn, the famous canal district with its colorful 17th and 18th-century buildings, cozy cafés, and lively ambiance. Then came Nordre Toldbod, a scenic waterfront area once home to the royal family.
The bus eventually reached Gefion Fountain and St. Alban’s Church, both impressive landmarks with beautiful architecture and storytelling elements rooted in Norse mythology and English tradition.
And finally, we arrived at one of the most iconic spots in all of Copenhagen – The Little Mermaid.
The Little Mermaid – A Symbol of Love and Sacrifice
Sitting gracefully by the waterfront, The Little Mermaid statue by Edvard Eriksen (1913) is more than just a statue – it’s a symbol of Copenhagen’s soul. Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale, she reflects love, sacrifice, and a timeless beauty that resonates across generations.
Nearby, I couldn’t help but admire the calm water dotted with boats, many of which likely belong to local residents. Such serenity in a capital city is rare to find!
Back on the Bus – Time for Royalty
We hopped back on the bus to our next major stop: Amalienborg Palace. Home to Queen Margrethe II and the Royal Family, Amalienborg offers a rare peek into the world’s oldest living monarchy. You won’t find many places in the world where you can get this close to royal life.
A Surprise Discovery – Frederik’s Church
Just a short walk from Amalienborg, I spotted a beautiful dome-shaped structure – Frederik’s Church, also known as The Marble Church. Its rococo architecture and striking position in Frederiksstaden make it one of the most photogenic and iconic churches in the city.
A Relaxing End to the Day
As the sun began to set and many attractions started to close, we decided to stay on the bus and enjoy the rest of the city from the comfort of our seats. It was the perfect way to wind down – cruising past Copenhagen’s historic buildings, scenic views, and vibrant neighborhoods.
Taking the Hop-On Hop-Off bus was the perfect introduction to Copenhagen. From iconic landmarks and royal palaces to relaxing canals and impressive WiFi (yes, seriously), it gave me a fun and informative first look at the city. Whether you’re short on time or just want an easy way to explore, this is definitely a must-try experience in the Danish capital.
Looking forward to diving deeper into the city tomorrow – but for today, this journey was unforgettable. 💙🇩🇰🚌
