In ‘Pack With Me,’ influencers and editors give us a rundown of their travel must-haves and a few travel hacks to go along with them. For our second installment, our Associate Commerce editor shares what essentials are in her suitcase for a trip to Copenhagen.
Perhaps the colorful, canal-ridden city of Copenhagen, Denmark has been at the top of your travel wish list for some time, or you’ve been recently influenced to immerse yourself in the quirky Danish capital. (Season 2 of “The Bear” might have been indirectly responsible for my own recent voyage to the Scandinavian city.) Regardless of what’s inspired your interest in one of Northern Europe’s most charming towns, you’re bound to have a memorable experience. From eccentric Danish ceramics and pastries galore to historic castles and the universally beloved practice of hygge, there’s so much to see and even more to love about Copenhagen – just make sure you’re prepared for the occasional afternoon rainstorm. Ahead, read our complete guide on what to pack for Copenhagen to help you make the best use of your time while you’re there.
Best Packing Tips For Copenhagen
I am a carry-on girlie through and through, which means that my number one packing tip can be applied to pretty much any vacation: pack light. I’ve had far too many negative experiences losing luggage when I’ve checked bags, so I’ve resorted to simply condensing all of my travel essentials – even up to two weeks worth of items – into a carry-on suitcase. Not only has it removed the headache of tracking my luggage (especially for longer trips that might involve connecting flights or layovers), but it’s also proven to make my on-the-ground travel in Europe much more manageable.
In Copenhagen specifically, many boutique hotels are older and smaller, meaning you’ll often have to carry luggage up flights of stairs or squeeze it into the corner of a very tight room. Copenhagen is also popular because of its vicinity to other major European countries like Sweden, which can be visited by train from Denmark. While most trains have ample storage for larger suitcases, carry-on bags are definitely a safer bet.
With all this in mind, I’ve found that a carry-on is a much better luggage option than a checked bag in Copenhagen. Additionally, if you’re struggling with fitting all of your clothing items into a smaller suitcase, I recommend trying these editor-approved Monos Compressible Packing Cubes, or purchasing these
Best Travel Tips For Copenhagen
Whether you’re only visitng Copenhagen for a couple days or a few weeks, I recommend investing in the Copenhagen Card, which essentially acts as a city pass. Prices vary, but most packages include free entrance to some of the city’s top attractions, as well as free unlimited transportation.
This meant that during my trip, I never had to worry about reserving tickets separately for attractions (whether it be canal boat tours or entrance into Rosenberg Castle), nor did I have to purchase individual tickets for any of the public transportation options, like buses or trains. Everything was conveniently included in the Copenhagen Card, and all for a price that was much more feasible than if I had to buy everything separately. The card was easy to access on my phone; I simply activated it when I landed and then pulled up the provided QR code accordingly for different attractions.
If you’re wondering what to what to pack for Europe – including the best travel adapter – or what to wear for winter in Denmark, I created the ultimate packing guide, with firsthand recommendations that come right off the heels of my own trip to Copenhagen. From the best compression socks for longer flights and durable luggage that can withstand the city’s cobblestone streets to comfortable walking shoes you’ll feel good wearing all day, and even a reusable travel cup that’ll help keep you hydrated while you’re on the go, these expert-approved travel essentials will ensure your next trip abroad is seamless, regardless of your budget.
