Like with all my trips, I don’t want to set a strict itinerary, but rather just a list of some of top places that I would like to see. Of course, I want to be open to heading off the beaten path too!

Nyhavn

One of the most iconic images of Copenhagen, this area used to be a commercial port packed with ships from all over the world. Today, Nyhavn is an ideal spot to hang during the summertime (sadly for me). However… I’ve read that it’s really beautiful around Christmas time as well, when the old homes have been decorated with twinkling lights.

The Little Mermaid

Located at Langelinje Pier, is a tiny little lady inspired by famous Danish fairy tale writer Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale about a mermaid who gives up everything to be united with a young, handsome prince on land. It was sculpted in bronze and granite by Edvard Eriksen and has sat in the same spot since August 23, 2013. For over a 100 years she’s been sitting by the water welcoming travelers into Copenhagen Harbor and I’m excited to see her!

Amalienborg Palace

This collection of four identical buildings (Christian VII’s Palace, Christian VIII’s Palace, Frederik VIII’s Palace and Christian IX’s Palace) is considered on of the greatest works of Danish Rococco architecture dating back to the 1700s. Though I probably won’t head inside, I may make it for the Changing of The Royal Guard ceremony which takes place each day at 12:00 noon. Depending on which members of the Royal family are home, the types of watches varies.

Tivoli Gardens

Founded in 1843, Tivoli Gardens is an iconic amusement park that is not only an national treasure but an international attraction. Sadly I won’t be going on any of the rides since I believe that section is closed for the season. However, I hope to check out some of the architecture and historic buildings. Also, during the Christmas and New Year season the park is super decorated, so maybe I can catch the end of that. In case everything is over, I guess I’ll have to go back in the summer!

Strøget Shopping Street

One of Europe’s largest pedestrian streets, Strøget is in the heart of the city, running from the Rådhuspladsen (City Hall Square) to Kongens Nytorv (King’s New Square). While this section is most famous for shopping, I probably won’t be doing much of that. Instead, I plan to just stroll along, perhaps stopping on one of the side streets to check out some of Copenhagen’s beautiful sites.

Any suggestion for what is a must-see? Any tips or hints for places off the beaten path?

[Visit Copenhagen]

I’ve got an endless list of places I want to visit this year, mostly focusing on the ones I haven’t been before: Scandinavia, Eastern Europe and more of Portugal. Lucky for me, I can knock two places off my list in the next two weeks Copenhagen, Demark and Malmö, Sweden.

I land in Malmö around 1 pm and plan to spend the day walking around the city before crossing the Öresundsbron (Öresund Bridge), the bridge that connects Malmö to Copenhagen, to stay one or two nights in Copenhagen before heading back to Hamburg.

Though this will be a very short trip, it will be my first solo trip (something that I’ve been interested in for a while now) and after reading a little bit of info and checking with friends, here are some of my things to see in each place (starting with Malmö).

A Little Background Information About Malmö

This is Sweden’s third largest city with about 300,000 inhabitants. From what I’ve heard, it’s the perfect size to explore on foot. I don’t know too much about things to see or do there, so I’m planning to wing it a bit and just stroll through the popular neighborhoods and see what I can find.

My Plan Of Action

I’m especially excited about visiting the Old City, a usual favorite section in most places I’ve been. There are many interesting old buildings that have been preserved there especially around the areas of Stortorgret (Great Square) and Lilla torg (Little Square) and in Gamla Väster (Old West). As well, the historical buildings in the Saint Gertrud Quarter are supposed to be really beautiful.

Also on my list is the St. Petri (St. Peter’s Church), the oldest church in Malmö and the winner of Trip Advisors 2015 Travelers Choice Award. If the weather’s nice I may then head to the Kungsparken, a large park near the city center (but I don’t have very high expectations for Sweden during the wintertime).

Some photo inspiration that I’ve found of Malmö thus far:

The old…

…and the new!

Stay tuned for my next article about what I plan to do in Copenhagen! Suggestions are welcome and appreciated!