Berit’s Copenhagen

When Berit Bonde isn’t studying for her master’s degree or working part time in the travel industry, you can find her exploring new places, whether it involves going around the world or just around the corner. Her restless spirit has her moving to Bangkok for half a year, but this Dane says she’ll always return to Copenhagen, where her heart resides. Here are Berit’s recommendations for her beloved capital city. Follow her adventures on Twitter @BeritBonde.

(Tell us what you think of her recommendations (or add to them) in the comments section.)

Copenhagen is My City

The first place I take a visitor from out of town is Istedgade, just behind the main train station. The street is fantastic and you’ll see the contrast of Copenhagen — mostly the good, but also the bad sides. Plus, there are plenty of great coffee stores where you can sit outside and watch life pass by.

When I crave great ice cream in the summer, I always go to Siciliansk Is in Skydebanegade 3, Copenhagen V.

To escape the chilly winter for a short while I go to Sofiebadet at Christianshavn.

If I want to hang out with friends all day at a summer barbecue I go to Fælledparken in Copenhagen Ø. Open fire is allowed and there is plenty of space for all the happy people.

For complete quiet, I can hide away in Søndermarken. This forested park is great for running and picnicking in the shade.

If you come to my city, get your picture taken with the “Little Mermaid.” You really can’t be in Copenhagen without passing her. And be prepared — she is tiny!

If you have to order one thing off the menu from Sticks ‘n’ Sushi, it has to be “Anden, laksen og dens venner” — for great sushi and the best goma dressing in town!!

The Coffee Collective is my one-stop shop for great coffee served by coffee enthusiasts.

Locals know to skip Strøget and check out Istedgade (Vesterbro), Elmegade (Nørrebro) or Gl. Kongevej (Frederiksberg) instead.

When I’m feeling cash-strapped I go to Bang & Jensen for 20 kroner coffee (and free refills).

For a huge splurge I go nuts when shopping in Elmegade at Nørrebro.

Photo ops in my city include the lakes. The best vantage point is Vor Frelsers Kirke at Christianshavn. Here you can climb the stairs to the top of the tower and have the city at your feet.

If my city were a celebrity it’d be George Clooney because it’s getting more beautiful as it ages.

The most random thing about my city is Christiania (no, seriously — check this out).

My city has the most beautiful men.

My city has the most sophisticated women.

In my city, an active day outdoors involves a run around the lakes and a swim in the clean harbour baths.

My city’s best museum is Louisiana in the north of Copenhagen or Arken in the south. Both offer fantastic exhibitions and are situated in beautiful areas.

My favorite jogging/walking route is around the lakes. You will meet Copenhageners from every walk of life and have a fantastic view of the inner city.

For a night of dancing, go to Kødbyen at Vesterbro. Or, for live music, check out Vega — Musikkens Hus.

Istedgade or Nørrebrogade is the spot for late-night eats.

To find out what’s going on at night and on the weekends, read visitcopenhagen.dk — it includes all the events in the city, as well as guides by insiders and outsiders.

You can tell a lot about my city from its people. Copenhageners ARE the city!

You can tell if someone is from my city if they speak like they have a potato in their throat :)

In the spring, you should go to the parks and watch the city teem with life after a long winter inside.

In the summer, you should go swimming in the harbour baths with the locals.

In the fall, you should take a walk in Dyrehaven north of Copenhagen and watch the leaves turn orange, red, and yellow.

In the winter, you should go ice skating on one of our great lakes.

A hidden gem in my city is Café Dyrehaven at Sønder Boulevard, Vesterbro. Here you’ll find nice ambience, great beers, and fantastic food.

For a great breakfast joint, try Mother’s in Kødbyen at Vesterbro. Different but gooooood.

Don’t miss the Distortion festival in early June. It’s a party celebrating life in Copenhagen, and the streets are full of happy people, music, and crazy happenings for five days from morning to evening.

Just outside my city, you can visit the Roskilde Festival during late June/early July. Great music, great people, and great great great ambience for an entire week!

The best way to see my city is by bike. You can’t visit Copenhagen without riding a bike!

If my city were a pet it would be admired and hard to leave behind!

If I didn’t live in a city, I’d live in the Danish countryside and bake bread every day and go for long walks in the fields.

The best book about my city is København Con Amore.

When I think about my city, the song that comes to mind is “Copenhagen” by Tina Dico.

If you have kids, you won’t want to miss the Tivoli Gardens.

Distortion (the festival) could only happen in my city. Because it’s a celebration of Copenhagen night life and one great street party!

My city should be featured on your cover or website because it has this undefinable vibe to it. The city has something for everyone. Once you’re here, you’ll never want to leave!