First Day in Copenhagen — Arrival and First Impressions
Copenhagen was my first European city, and I arrived with the kind of mix of curiosity and mild anxiety that comes with any genuinely new continent. Coming from Singapore via a long-haul connection, landing at Copenhagen Airport (Kastrup) felt like stepping into a different version of what an airport could be — calm, clearly signed, and eerily efficient. This is my honest account of that first day.
Getting from the Airport into the City
The Copenhagen Metro connects the airport directly to the city centre in approximately 15 minutes. Buy a City Pass at the airport before boarding — it covers unlimited Metro and bus travel for the duration you choose and pays for itself quickly. The train runs frequently and the ride to Kongens Nytorv (the main city-centre Metro station) is smooth and straightforward. No taxi required, no premium transfer service necessary.
Nyhavn — The Unavoidable First Stop
Nyhavn is impossible to avoid on a first day and frankly, you should not try. The coloured 17th-century townhouses reflected in the canal water look exactly like the photographs — which is rare for a famous landmark — and the atmosphere in summer is genuinely festive. It is touristy, yes, but the tourists are there because it is beautiful. Grab a coffee from a canal-side cafe, sit outside despite the breeze, and give yourself permission to enjoy it.
Food on Arrival Day
Copenhagen is expensive by Southeast Asian and Indian standards. Budget roughly 150 to 200 DKK (SGD 28 to 38) for a sit-down lunch. For a more budget-friendly first meal, the Torvehallerne food market near Norreport station has high-quality sandwiches, smoked fish, and local produce at prices lower than restaurants. The smørrebrød (open-faced rye bread sandwich) is the practical first food experience to have.
Tips for Arriving in Copenhagen
- Currency: Denmark uses Danish Krone (DKK), not Euros — check your card's foreign transaction fees
- Card payments: Denmark is almost entirely cashless; cards and Mobilepay work everywhere
- Weather: Pack layers regardless of the season — Copenhagen weather shifts quickly
- Walk everywhere: The historic centre is compact and best experienced on foot
