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From the very first minutes, Copenhagen hooks you with its calm and very pleasant rhythm. A huge plus was that my hotel was located right in the heart of the city, making it easy to walk to almost all the main sights. City life here is largely defined by cyclists, who stream along dedicated lanes past old buildings and canals in a continuous yet perfectly organized flow. And you can’t help but notice the locals—the young men and women here are strikingly handsome with their effortless Scandinavian looks.

Walking through the center quickly brings you to the King’s Garden surrounding Rosenborg Castle. Tucked among the green alleys stands the monument to Hans Christian Andersen, depicted sitting with an open book as if watching people relax on the lawns. Just a short walk away, amidst the old city blocks, lies another famous landmark—the Round Tower (Rundetårn), known for its unique spiral ramp instead of traditional stairs.

Following the waterfront leads straight to the city’s most iconic symbol. Resting on a rock right at the water’s edge near the harbor entrance sits the bronze Little Mermaid, with a small crowd constantly gathered around her. It is this mix of an easily walkable center, beautiful castles, and a relaxed street atmosphere that truly defines the Copenhagen experience.