Nyhavn
The postcard shot. Beautiful, and busy from about 10 in the morning until late evening. Go at sunrise or in the first hour after it – you will have the coloured houses almost to yourself, and the light comes from the side instead of straight down.
The old town: Magstræde, Snaregade, Gråbrødretorv
My favourite streets in the city. Cobblestones, crooked houses, warm walls. They work in almost any weather because the buildings shelter you, and they are two minutes from City Hall – perfect right after a ceremony.
The City Hall and its garden
The halls inside are grand and dim; the small garden behind is calm and green. Both are free to walk through outside ceremony rush hours.
Frederiksberg Have
Wide lawns, old trees, a canal and a little Chinese pavilion. Best in late afternoon when the light comes through the trees from the side. Lovely for families – there is room for children to run.
Kongens Have and the Botanical Garden
Central, elegant, and very green from May onwards. The Botanical Garden's glasshouse is a good rain plan.
The Marble Church and Amalienborg
Dramatic architecture and wide symmetrical views. Quietest early in the morning.
Christianshavn and the canals
Boats, low houses, reflections. Calm on weekday mornings.
Amager Strand
Sand, dunes, grasses and a wide sky – it does not look like a city at all. Go in the last hour before sunset. Bring a jacket; the wind off the sound is cold even in July.
Bispebjerg cherry blossoms
Around the second half of April, for roughly ten days. Astonishing, and crowded – we go at sunrise or not at all.
Seasons and light
- Winter (Nov–Jan): the sun is low all day, so the light is soft from 10 to 14. Short days, beautiful golden hour, and Christmas lights in December.
- Spring (Mar–May): blossom, fresh green, changeable weather. My favourite season.
- Summer (Jun–Aug): the golden hour runs late – often 20:00 to 22:00 – and it is wonderful. Midday sun is hard and best avoided.
- Autumn (Sep–Oct): warm colours in the parks and soft grey days that are perfect for portraits.
Tell me what you like
I plan a route so we walk, not rush – usually two or three spots in an hour. Check your date and tell me what kind of places you are drawn to.
