Copenhagen, Denmark. Photo: Dudi Rubinstein It's cool on the outside, but warm on the inside. Organized, quiet, clean – and precisely because of this, Copenhagen is so surprising. It's a city that doesn't shout "Come to me," yet everyone who visits falls in love – with the tranquility, the design, the bicycles, the taste of strudel, and the Jewish community that manages to embrace you even in the northern cold.
Just before you dismiss it because "it's expensive" or "too quiet," here are 10 reasons (plus one straight from the heart) why you'll feel at home – and abroad at the same time.
Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, might not be the first destination that comes to mind for an urban holiday for the discerning traveler – but the more you hear about it, the more you'll discover it's just what you need. Here are 10 excellent reasons to add it to your next destination list:
1. Like visiting Amsterdam: The canals, the design, the vibe, the architecture. Only more expensive... and with taller and more beautiful people...
2. City of bicycles: If you're not on a bike, you're probably a tourist. But that's okay, they forgive you, just don't get into their bike lanes.
City of bicycles. Photo: Dudi Rubinstein3. Some unique achievements of Copenhagen!
Tivoli: The world's first amusement park! With an old charm and a modern strudel.
Strøget: The longest and busiest pedestrian street in Europe
Christiania: A commune in the heart of the city, don't ask...
4. Oldest and most humble monarchy in Europe, with its palaces open to the public. Oh, there’s also a changing of the guards ceremony, the most redundant one I've seen…
The royal palace in Copenhagen. Photo: Dudi Rubinstein5. The Little Mermaid: A tiny statue, huge and exaggerated hype... but a must for photos.
6. Food? The most contrasting in the world. From street sausages to sophisticated restaurants, from markets to beer houses. It seems like this entire city is one big restaurant. Kosher observers can eat at 'Taim', the only strictly kosher restaurant in all of Denmark, combining traditional Danish dishes. Oh... and everything goes with beer.
Kosher meal in Copenhagen. Photo: Dudi Rubinstein7. You can visit 2 countries for the price of one: With the Øresund Bridge, an engineering marvel, 30 minutes and you are in the heart of Malmö, Sweden.
8. Convenient public transport system, sophisticated and spotless, with metro lines reaching every point in the city, operating 24/7 without a human touch.
Copenhagen, Denmark. Photo: Dudi Rubinstein9. "Hygge". There's no direct Hebrew translation, but the closest would be: "Chill, everything's alright mate." To the extent that their tranquility can drive you crazy... It's either we're too fast, or they're just too slow... Who knows, "Hygge."
10. On a personal note, because of Rabbi Itchy Lowenthal and his amazing family, 28 years of action and mission in Denmark with a warm heart for every Jew. Seeing the Danish Jewish community where all its branches get along with each other truly warms the heart.
Copenhagen, Denmark. Photo: Dudi Rubinstein