Image by David Brandt

Spring is fast approaching and Valbyparken, one of the largest parks in Copenhagen has a few surprises. Mostly known to locals as the venue for large concerts and one-day festivals, Valbyparken is located a 15 minute bike-ride from the city center. In the park you can find playgrounds, people barbecuing and a quite nice collection of roses in the Rose Garden (boasting 12000 roses).

However, my favorite part of Valbyparken and why I go there, is the Disc Golf course. Disc Golf is an – admittedly – odd sport that basically combines golf with Frisbee. Disc Golf allows for both beginners as well as experienced players to play as you can choose to start from the easy (red), middle (yellow) or hard (white) tees. And just like in regular golf, the goal is to get to the target in as few strokes/throws as possible.

You throw the disc towards a strange basket on a pole equipped with chains for catching the disc. The Valbyparken course has 18 holes in a varied landscape with both water hazards and small hills. Most holes in Valbyparken are par 3 or par 4. You should expect a round to take about 2 hours. For me, it is one of my favorite ways to spend Saturday afternoon before a night out with friends.

The Disc Golf course is free, but you need to bring your own discs as there is no onsite pro-shop.

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Valbyparken | Relaxing | Free
Hammelstrupvej 100 | Valby
24 hours daily

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Copenhagen

Image by Mayra Lemos

Not long ago I discovered Cafe Tjili Pop and I have to say, it was such a great find! From the outside you may think: where am I going into? But once you are there, you forget about the image of the outside. It’s such a cozy and warm place, that you really feel like spending some hours just chillin’ there!

As I went in, I started looking for a table, but before picking the first one I saw, I decided to look around. Seriously, I was so surprised! You will find some cozy tables and benches in one corner, and then you go through a hallway and find yourself in another room with more tables in different shapes and sizes. So cool!

After sitting down, go to the counter and order what you want. I recommend some of the delicious sandwiches they make (the goat cheese one was super good). Their kitchen is really small, but they make food with pleasure and you actually see the effort they put in by the presentation of the plates.

The music was great and there was even a fellow neighbor singing along very loud next to us – at least he had a good voice . The whole atmosphere was just right for a Sunday brunch time! But any mood you’re in, this place will be a right fit!

The title says it all, in danish “hygge” means something very cozy, so… Enjoy the Cafe and the neighborhood, Nørrebro, you will not regret it!

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Cafe Tjili Pop | Coffee & tea, Relaxing, Restaurants | Warm sandwich DKK 69.00
Rantzausgade 28 | Nørrebro | +4535359020
Sun – Tue 10:00 – 00:00, Wed 10:00 – 01:00, Thu 10:00 – 02:00, Fri – Sat 10:00 – 03:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Copenhagen

Image by The Coffee Collective

Ok, there are many good coffee places in the city, but I couldn’t let The Coffee Collective pass unnoticed. This place (a specialty coffee micro roastery and coffee consulting company) is heaven for coffee lovers. I have to admit one thing: I am a Brazilian girl that doesn’t really like coffee, but in this place, I drink at least 2 cups!

The place is small, but has a great lively vibe. People usually take coffee to go, but I like to sit there and see what is going on! There is always someone coming or going, but yet you feel relaxed. I sit by the window, get myself a book and immerse in the world of coffee! I was there once, right after they roasted some beans in the big roaster they placed in the middle of the shop. What a great smell!!

There are four owners and they all live for coffee. They have a World Barista Champion, a World Cup Tasting Champion, an internationally acclaimed roast master, etc. Another thing: not only they sell coffee, but it’s all Direct Trade. As they say, “good coffee begins with good ethics”.

You can also enjoy the surroundings of the charming neighborhood, Nørrebro, where the shop is located. Definitely go by Assistensens Kirkegård, an old cemetery, where H.C Andersen is buried (it resembles more like a park than an actual cemetery). The shop just opened another branch at the very cool Torvehallerne, a food market of modernist glass sheds. A must visit!

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The Coffee Collective | Coffee & tea, Relaxing | Coffee DKK 20.00
Jægersborggade 10 | Nørrebro | +4560151525
Mon – Fri 7:30 – 20:00, Sat – 09:00 – 18:00, Sun 10:00 – 18:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Copenhagen

Image by Mayra Lemos

Let’s say you are in Christianshavn’s area and you are hungry and want something quick, organic and cheap. Well, the best place I know is Organic Corner, a little place with some of the best sandwiches I tried in Copenhagen.

They have options for all kinds of taste. I am vegetarian and their falafel sandwich is simply the best. I also tried all the other vegetarian options and they were all a very good surprise! The staff are very friendly and they are always smiling or willing to talk, if that is what you want! You should also try their hot plates, great spices and large portions, and/or their salad options.

You can take away or eat in, up to you. Since it’s a small place, if you are lucky, you will be able to sit in their cozy corner, with a couch and a table, or outside, if the weather let’s you!

The restaurant uses 30% to 60% organic products, which in my opinion is better than nothing!

Just stroll down from Christianshavn to Organic Corner (right in the beginning of Amagerbrogade). There are many things to see in this walk, from lakes to old churches. Also many interesting shops to look at. Nice views and certainly very nice food!

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Organic Corner | Relaxing, Restaurants (Organic) | Falafel sandwich DKK 45.00
Amagerbrogade 13 | Amager
Mon – Sat 11:00 – 21:00, Sun 12:00 – 21:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Copenhagen

Image by Mayra Lemos

Have you heard of the trend of eating only raw food? Well, it is out there and getting more and more popular all over the world. And it’s not different here in Copenhagen. I’ve noticed a few more of these kind of restaurants around the city and many people talking about it.

I want to clarify that I am not trying to raise any flags here, and I’m most definitely not getting into whether is good or bad for your health. But I will tell you that this place has one of the best salads I ever tried. And instead of using the customary splash dash of dressing out of a bottle, Raw 42 has their own way of dressing your salad in the form of powder! Yep, they sprinkle a powdered oil over your food… it tastes absolutely amazing. I have to go back there and ask for the recipe.

The restaurant itself is very well located, close to Strøget and some of the most charming streets of Nørreport. You will find all kinds of shops around the area, from expensive brands to alternative stores. The place has a kind of harmony and warmth to it. You feel great just by sitting there and if you have one of their smoothies and/or salad next to you, even better!

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Raw 42 | Relaxing, Restaurants (Raw lasagne) | Take Away Sandwich DKK 98
Pilestræde 32 | Inner City | +4532123210
Mon – Fri 10:00 – 20:00, Sat 10:00 – 18:00, Sun 11:00 – 17:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Copenhagen

Image by Elina Roivainen

Adventure or relaxation? They have it all! DGI -Byen is a home to all kinds of activities you can imagine -and right in the middle of the city. They are specialized in offering business-meeting/relaxation -combos, parties for companies and clubs and -of course- experiences to everyone.

This is a fantastic place for the whole family to spend a day doing what interests them  the most. Up for some action? Go try one of the cool sports they offer: water spinning, rock-wall climbing, scuba-diving, badminton, shooting or my favorite, bowling. There is also an inside rock climbing wall and jump towers in the Water culture -house, a certain high point for every teenager -kids family trip. It’s also possible to buy a training pass for a day to their well-equipped gym.

Tired of all the walking and travelling? Pamper yourself with a day in the Spa with loads of the incredible treatments included to the entrance fee. How does a long afternoon with sauna, swimming and cozying in front of a fireplace with a cup of good tea sound like? And if the relaxation isn’t enough to get your mind off the busy life, one can also book a massage to make the trip to DGI -byen absolutely perfect.

After all the action and relaxation is nice to have something to eat, and I recommend to go have a dinner at Vestauranten, the center’s own restaurant. Delicious way to end a perfect day.

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DGI -byen | Coffee & tea, Music, Relaxing | Spa entrance DKK 250
Tietgensgade 65 | Vesterbro | +4533298000
Mon – Thu 15:00 – 22:00, Fri 14:00 – 22:00, Sat 09:00 – 19:00, Sun 09:00 – 18:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Copenhagen

Image by David Brandt

Winter is fast approaching in Copenhagen and one of my favorite secret spots this time of year is wedged between the Christiansborg Parliament building and The Royal Danish Libary. It is called Bibliotekshaven (literally Library Garden) and is part of the Royal Danish Library.

A former shipyard and mooring point for war ships during the 17th century, the park is one of the most quiet places in Copenhagen. Hardly anybody in Copenhagen knows of this place, hence it is not near as overrun as some of the other Copenhagen parks.

The garden is centered around a fountain with a new-ish sculpture in it and there are plenty of benches where one can sit and relax looking at the statue of Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard. The small patches of grass can be used for tanning in the summer or maybe for a picnic basket. There is no ball-playing allowed and not really space enough for it.

If you look close you’ll be able to see some of the old mooring rings on the surrounding walls.

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Royal Library Garden | Relaxing
Søren Kierkegaards Plads 1 | Inner City
06:00 – 22:00 daily

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Copenhagen

Image by Elina Roivainen

The thing about Copenhagen is it surprises me almost every day. I found this  surprise on a beautiful night after walking home from the Fisketorvet -cinema. This skinny,gray and simple biking/pedestrian bridge happens to be an exquisite “work of art” telling the Copenhageners and its visitors’ love stories.

On this bridge combining areas Islands Brygge and Kalvebod Brygge you will find hundreds of padlocks. The phenomenom behind is Love locks, also seen in other big cities of the world. The couples come and lock their padlocks (decorated with their names) to the wires of the bridge, then throw the keys to the water below as a sign of unbreakable love. 

Absolutely cute idea, and without a big effort, creates a beautiful story of romance and love in Copenhagen. Go see in the evening when its dark, the view from the bridge offers a lot to watch in the surroundings, too, with all the modern buildings being lit with pretty lights. An every romantic’s must-see -spot.

p.s. On the Kalvebod Brygge’s side, there is a very nice spot looking over the water  to sit and talk sweet with your “kæreste” f.ex. before going to see a film in Fisketorvet’s Cinemaxx

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Bryggebroen | Art & culture, Relaxing | Free
Brygge broen | Amager
24 hours daily

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Copenhagen

Image by Elina Roivainen

Only 5 kilometers from the city center of Copenhagen you can find a true oasis- Amager strandpark. It is very easy to reach the beach by metro. As its name reveals, it consists of both sandy beaches and grassy parks with sidewalks by the water and middle of the beaches.

This is a perfect place to escape the city life for a day, whether you want to just lay in the sun with a good book (like I love to do every hot summer day) or are graving for some action. There is something for everybody, from kayaking and diving to wind carting and beach volley.

Are you visiting the city during autumn or winter? No problem, the beach still has something to offer. Especially on the sunny days lots of people come to the beach’s paths to jog, bike, rollerblade or walk. Even though I most certainly am not a morning person, I have to admit that it is the most perfect way to start a sunny Sunday with a stroll on Amager strandpark. Go have a look, I’m sure you’ll enjoy the fresh sea air!

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Amager strandpark | Relaxing | Free
Jollevej | Amager
Open all day

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Copenhagen

Image by Elina Roivainen

Are you bored of all the modern discos and super-hip clubs with the latest technology and flashing lights? Do you need a change? The Jane is your answer!

The bar – or should I say She – is wrapped to a slight curtain of mystery: where it is, how is She to experience, what do people talk about Her? Check their homepage to find out Her secrets…

The Jane is a relatively new place in the Copenhagen night-scene, but in my opinion the most interesting one, too. The bar is decorated in a style of the tv-show Mad Men – expect big comfortable sofas and armchairs, dark wooden panels and bookshelves, they even have a real fireplace which really does make a cold winter-evening quite merry. Have friends with you who don’t care for the cozy cocktail sipping on the sofas? No problem, The Jane has also a small dance floor!

And the cocktails! Their drink list consists of marvelous creations, some more known, some of their own. I highly recommend The Jane’s own drink including passion fruit-an absolute crown to a great evening. There’s also something delish offered for the friends of tea…

Absolutely the place to be on weekends!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
The Jane | Bars, Relaxing | Cocktail DKK 80.00
Gråbrødretorv 8 | Inner City | +4569696000
Wed – Sat 20:00 – open end

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Copenhagen