Single in Copenhagen
Does the thought of traveling bring a smile to your face? Does it give you endless jitters of excitement while waiting to board your next flight to your next unfamiliar destination? Traveling can be a great combination of new experiences, creating wonderful memories, laughing so hard that you cry, but it can also be an extremely scary and maybe slightly unnerving experience, especially for those traveling alone. When I say scary and unnerving I don’t mean that you are physically afraid of being on your own (although that could be an issue as well), but what I am referring to is the sensation of plunging into a totally unfamiliar territory, unaccompanied by the security of your friends and family and taking on an adventure totally on your own. For those new to the traveling realm, I can imagine this to be quite overwhelming.
You stress and think, ‘If I am all alone who is going to take my picture?!’. Or will it be weird to go out to dinner alone? What if people stare? Will I be able to navigate my way around with just a map and not my usually direction savvy boyfriend? How will I meet people? Will I be able to communicate with the locals? And what if I want to go out at night and not just stay in my hostel, because of course that would be boring 
thing to do? Traveling alone can bring about a host of anxieties for many people…but it does not have to. Actually, traveling alone can be one of the most rewarding experiences; a time for relaxation, moving at your own pace, self-reflection and a way to conquer your own fears. Traveling alone has become the new and cool hip thing to do!
When planning your next solo journey, the important thing to remember is to select a destination where you can go alone, but not feel alone! And what do I have in mind…? A place that offers friendly people, exciting sightseeing opportunities during the day and a fantastic nightlight for all age groups...but a place many people have never heard of, and cannot always locate on a map…Copenhagen, Denmark! This is one city that should be on your ‘To-Do’ list as a single traveler. Whether you are interested in meeting locals, other lone travelers, picking up a date, or are just looking for a fun and vibrant atmosphere, this is the place to go!
It has been said by many who have traveled this wonderful city that Copenhagen offers some of the friendliest, happiest and most outgoing people…and the best part…everyone here speaks English! There are many ways to meet people and enjoy social interaction and one of the best is through a group called Meetup. Meetup is a global organization that brings together hosts of different people…all with a common objective…to meet others in an unfamiliar place. Copenhagen’s Meetup chapter has loads of different groups such as Young Internationals, Singles for 20’s, 30’s and 40+, The Adventure Group, American Expats in Copenhagen, Copenhagen Photography etc…where everyone can find people and activities that suit their personal interests. Though it is targeted towards expats, many Danes have joined to expand their network of friends. There are activities every week depending on what is going on, but there is always a Friday night meet up hosted by the British Expat Group at the pub called The Globe on Nørregade and 
sually one hosted by the American Exapts, where the location changes weekly. If the pub/bar scene does not interest you look for activities such as hiking trips, film screenings, cultural festivals, cookouts, beach parties, museum get togethers, jazz nights/live music nights…there is something for everyone! And the best part is…it does not cost a single cent to join this organization. Just go to www.meetup.com and search for Copenhagen, create a free profile and start joining the local groups; this way whenever you travel here you will be update to date on what is going on. Plus, you can also post when you are arriving in Copenhagen and ask if others would like to meet up for a coffee or beer at the local café. And no worries…because everyone is in the same boat, no one knows each other when they first join…but everyone feels like they have made new friends by the end. Whether you are coming just for a couple of days or a few weeks, this is the best way as a single traveler to meet up with others like yourself!
Another great way to enjoy this city, as a solo traveler would be to visit www.visitcopenhagen.com/single where you can make an online bookings for countless activities geared specifically towards those traveling on their own. For example they arrange a brewery tour of the famous Nørrebro Bryghus, or you can sign up for a night out at the opera and dinner. This way you are really never alone…and forget that fear about eating by yourself, because here everyone comes on their own but never leaves alone!
Copenhagen is one of the most practically designed bike cities, where more of the population use bikes as their main form of transportation than anything else…it is also, by far, the best way to see the city in its’ entirety. If you want to fit in as a local head to one of the plethora of bike rental shops in the center of town. The best-known company is Rent A Bike with two central locations, one in the heart of the city at the city’s Central Station called ‘Københavns Cykler’ and one Østerport Cykler at Østerport Station. Just be aware and prepared for the madness that takes place in the bike lanes during rush hour times both in the morning and around 4:30-5pm…Danes who are on the go let no one in their way! Also, always look twice and never turn with out signaling…this could literally save your life!
The other popular hang out for locals, internationals, singles, groups, you name it is one of Copenhagen’s numerous city parks. People picnic, read, play chess and most of all start pick up games of football (or soccer as they call it there) and Frisbee where any and all are welcome to join. Check out Fælledparken in Østebro, Frederiksberg Have or the famous Kongens Have, which translates into The Kings Gardens. On a spring or summer day these outdoor facilities are always packed with people looking for a good time. If you arrive and its sunny, but 15 minutes later its dark clouds with threatening storms (because Copenhagen’s weather can literally change every 10 minutes) head to one of the local cafes such as ‘wanna B’ or The Living Room on the corner of Studiestrade where you can find a cozy indoor atmosphere of big comfy couches, a fireplace and people discussing their favorite literary works. These types of places are open and welcoming to anyone interested, and a great place to simply strike up a conversation.
And of course, last but not least is Copenhagen’s infamous nightlife scene that everyone should experience in one form or the other. Whether you like local dive bars with cheap beer and truly a Danish atmosphere, an upper class posh and trendy bar, or a nightclub where you can dance till you drop at 5:30am, Copenhagen has something for everyone!
Rosie Magees located on Vesterbrogade right in the center of town is known for its super friendly atmosphere and late night parties. The staff is all English speaking, which can put you at ease and be a total plus if you don’t speak Danish and are afraid to make those extremely throatal attempts at the language! The vibe is very international but you will certainly not see an absence of local Danes who like to get their groove just like everyone else. If you go before 10pm you can avoid the 60 kroner cover charge (approximately $12) and also will have a better chance of starting a conversation as the real party does not get started until about midnight or 1am. You will find waiters and bartenders who are interested in getting to know you…and who knows, maybe even buy you a round on the house! It is definitely a place for single travelers to go where you can feel comfortable and at ease while mingling with others. The dress code is not super fancy, but be warned no sneakers or hats allowed. The age ranges from mid-20’s to mid 40’s. The music on Friday and Saturday nights varies from techno to hip hop and the latest disco vibes, and people stay until all hours of the night…many till 5:30am when the club is starting to close and people leave in search of their late night snacks, which normally consists of the popular Ristet hotdogs topped with Ketchup, Remoulade, fried onions, and Agurk Salat (cucumber salad)…Yummm!
If you are looking for a bit more laid back atmosphere check out a place like the Jazz House on Niels Hemmingsens Gade, which is home to Copenhagen’s best jazz artists. During the weekdays you can find countless different musicians playing, but Friday and Saturday nights the Jazz House becomes a nightclub. Unlike Rosie Magees, which is more of a disco tech, the Jazz House re-invents a cool and collected vibe with classy cocktails. The age range starts more in the late 20’s but can be a good time for anyone who can appreciate this scene.
Students and young travelers would want to check out places like The Temple Bar on Nørrebrogade which has a funky and hip attitude with music, local beers, pool tables along with a relaxed and fun environment. It is also a great place to meet locals as it is out of the direct tourist attraction area in a culturally diverse part of Copenhagen.
And if you are 30+ traveling on your own definitely check out Nord also on Vesterbrogade that caters to the social lives of those who have passed the partying years of their early twenties, but still looking for a night out on the town. Nord is quite an upscale and trendy place, with the dress code to match; be prepared for stilettos, suit jackets and form-fitting outfits as these people take going out very seriously. No doubt though it is a popular place both by locals and internationals as there is always a queue on Friday and Saturday nights!
Whatever you do, do NOT despair or digress about traveling solo to Copenhagen. With everything mentioned above and plenty more that I did not have room to mention there is truly something for everyone! Close your eyes, take a deep breath and with a leap of faith dive into the wonderful world of Single travel.
