Has anyone been to Copenhagen recently?

[asparagusffern]

My 81 year old mum and her 83 year old friend are off to Copenhagen this weekend. Neither has been there before. Mum was not keen on going (too cold) but had her arm twisted by her bossy friend!

She's totally stressed out now about the currency. Last year they went to Lisbon and were able to tap their cards in cafes, etc just like at home but the travel agent said that's not the done thing so mum is fussing about having to get Krone, how much she'll need etc.

I was wondering if anyone has recent experience in the touristy areas of the city regarding paying in shops, cafes, restaurants etc ?

Thanks so much!

It's hard to explain but the layout can confuse you especially an older person and when you are looking around at the sights. The cycle lanes aren't always in the same place. Sometimes there is a parking lane then a cycle lane then the road. Other times the cycle lane is right by the pavement but there is no curb so it seems sort of flat and ambiguous if you aren't looking carefully or used to it.
It will make sense when she's there just tell her to keep her eyes open

Cashless everywhere unless they go to Christiana town and want to buy drugs.

I live here. Cash never required - just tap your card everywhere.

Download 'Rejsekort' app for tickets on the very easy Metro. (Airport to city around €4, a taxi can be €40.)

Have never heard of a pickpocket problem. Just take the same precautions as you would take anywhere.

Good advice re long coat!

True. Although that third photo certainly isn't Copenhagen.

I was there recently. Really loved it, already thinking about going again. It felt very safe and clean. Bicycles left unlocked in lots of residential areas, restaurants could leave stuff outside without it being stolen.

It’s totally flat so very easy for walking. The centre is very pedestrian friendly - eg at crossings there is a good long time to get across before the lights change, in comparison to the UK.

We didn’t bother getting kroner, used our cards everywhere.

I’d say it’s a perfect destination for your mother.

I live here and absolutely agree, no need for cash at all - I can’t remember the last time I used cash tbh. The only thing you cannot use it for is transport (like you would in London)

You can buy physical tickets at machines in stations, download the DOT app (see below) or get a Reisekort card from 7/11 at the airport and top it up at machines.

Oops!

I went before Christmas, thought I'd better get just a bit of Krone just in case so changed £20, had to buy food in the airport to get rid of it, everywhere else wanted card. Agree with pp's, the level of spoken english was amazing!

I’ve visited every EU capital city, 10 or 12 of them in the last two years. I have taken the sane €20 note with me every time, and brought it home with me again. It’s a very well-travelled note! 😬

It’s like this in some parts of Paris too and other French cities. You definitely need to be on your guard.

There in October. Card everywhere. We got the Copenhagen card for entry to attractions plus travel. Flat and easy to navigate the very efficient Metro. We travelled with our 2 kids and felt very safe throughout.

If they're feeling sociable, the Absalom communal dining experience is great fun (other options also exist, that's just the one we went to.)

I think it's a very easy city to visit. Nothing is very far. The airport is pretty easy to access. I once went alone with a 4 year old and had no issues at all.

@cphsouth oh. Maybe you are right. I found it on a page about Copenhagen bike lanes but perhaps they've used the wrong image.

Thanks so much everyone for your replies, just read through them all with mum, she's very reassured about using her card, but will take some cash 'just in case' ( I predict I'll be bringing it back to the currency exchange next week)

I haven't used cash in Europe for years, it makes travelling so easy. I remember taking travellers cheques when inter-railing, and guarding them with my life in case I lost them. Seems like the dark ages!

Thanks for the tips regarding things to do and looking out for cycle lanes, she has been warned!

Hopefully they'll have a lovely time, I'm a bit jealous and putting Copenhagen on my 'must visit' list.

I hope she has a lovely time. We only went because it was cheaper to fly to
Copenhagen than it was to drive, fly or use the train to any city in the UK. Ridiculous really.

I'd also add that Denmark is having the mildest winter in living memory, so it's cold but not freezing.

I'd like to apologise. I'm in Copenhagen now and all week it's been just below freezing, and this morning we awoke to snow.

We're having a lovely time though!