10 Things Not to Do in Copenhagen

What are the 10 things you should NOT do in Copenhagen?

Considered one of the greenest cities in Europe and the world, Copenhagen, the Danish Capital, is increasingly becoming a popular travel destination in every season.

It is suitable for groups of friends looking for fun, for young couples dreaming of a romantic and relaxing getaway from their routine, and also for families with children wanting to explore new and stimulating (but not difficult) places.

In Denmark and specifically in this city, you can count on a very high quality of life that obviously reflects on the overall quality of the vacation; however, there are also things that you should NOT do in Copenhagen. Here are ten.

The community of Copenhagen is absolutely cosmopolitan and tolerant of any customs and differences, which makes it very welcoming to tourists.

However, there are some unwritten rules that absolutely must be followed in the city for the common good and harmonious living.

Among these is the respect for lines at supermarkets, bank counters, and generally in stores.

Cutting in line or overtaking someone who was ahead in line could definitely start your vacation off on the wrong foot.

Copenhagen is not just a tourist destination but also a city where residents are constantly working and often need to navigate public transport (which runs with Scandinavian precision!).

To avoid unpleasant confrontations, it is advisable to keep to the left on escalators to leave the right side clear for those in a hurry.

As the saying goes, when in Rome, do as the Romans do. The Danes love to eat everything with a knife and fork, even sandwiches and stuffed buns with hamburger, salad, cheese, various sauces, and anything else you can think of.

Though eating with your hands isn't strictly forbidden, due to the custom of using cutlery for everything, those who choose to eat with their hands are not seen favorably.

Thus, if you decide to visit Copenhagen, it is preferable to avoid it.

In big cities, it's known that one can become a victim of pickpockets, and this can also happen in the Danish Capital.

Therefore, it is advisable not to carry a lot of cash in your bag and wallet to try to limit the damages in case of theft.

The Danes are a very hospitable people, and for this reason, it's common for tourists to be offered a drink to toast together in restaurants.

Refusing it is a sign of great disrespect: if in Copenhagen someone offers you a drink, you should accept and at least take a sip of what they are offering.

Copenhagen is considered one of the safest cities in the world, but this does not mean that there are areas which are better to avoid.

The neighborhoods that are best excluded from your travel itinerary are Vesterbro, Nørrebro, and Istedgade, considered the most notorious in the Danish Capital.

Istedgade is located near the train station, so if it's necessary to pass through, it's always better to do so in the company of locals who know perfectly well what and who to avoid.

One of the most visited neighborhoods in Copenhagen right now is Christiania, on the island of Amager, where the last hippie community in Europe lived.

Today, it remains a folkloric area well-loved by tourists, but one must be very careful when taking photos.

The heavy presence of visitors wanting to capture moments often attracts petty criminals who primarily steal cameras and cell phones.

Among the primary values of the Danish people is punctuality. If you have an appointment in Copenhagen with a friend, do not even think about being late.

After the proverbial (and already grudgingly accepted) fifteen-minute grace period, the person you are meeting will leave the designated meeting place without giving you any notice.

When visiting a city like Copenhagen, there is only one rule regarding clothing: dress in layers.

Temperature swings are quite frequent, and it's also wise to be prepared for any situation. A windbreaker is essential to have in your suitcase to cope with sudden and fairly common rain.

It's true that public transportation is widely used by both locals and tourists, but in Copenhagen, many love to get around by bicycle.

To truly blend in with the residents of the Danish Capital, it's good to rent a bike and zip around the city on two wheels.

It's wise to avoid busy bike paths during rush hour, as they can be particularly crowded.