Copenhagen: A Birthday Return to My Favorite City

Last May, I treated myself to a birthday trip that was more than just a getaway—it was a return to one of the most special places in my life: Copenhagen. I had lived there for seven months during my university Erasmus exchange, so visiting again felt like stepping right back into a chapter of my life that I’ll always treasure.

Copenhagen holds such a deep sense of nostalgia for me. It’s probably my favorite city so far—not just because I lived there, but because of everything it offers. It’s a place where you can go from a historical castle to the seaside, wander through beautiful parks, or grab a healthy bite in a cozy cafe with modern Nordic charm.

The architecture there always takes my breath away—clean, elegant, and full of thoughtful detail. The Old Town, with its narrow streets and colorful buildings, still has that timeless charm, but what I love most is how it blends so naturally with modern design and a calm, urban lifestyle. It’s a city that knows how to balance tradition and innovation.

During this short trip, I spent most of my time walking around familiar neighborhoods, revisiting my favorite streets, and soaking in the vibe. There’s something about Copenhagen’s atmosphere that feels both lively and peaceful at the same time. Whether you’re sitting by the canals or cycling through a quiet residential area, it just feels right.

I also love how the city is full of health-conscious food spots and in grocery stores it's so common to find healthy snacks for example just a packed boiled egg! I wish more places were like this, but maybe that’s what makes Copenhagen so special. It really has everything: sea, parks, castles, good design, chill energy.

If I could, I’d visit every year. Even more often. The only downside? It’s a bit of a stretch for my Eastern European wallet—Copenhagen is beautiful but definitely not cheap! Still, every time I go, I feel incredibly lucky to be back, even for a few days.

Here are a bunch of photos I took while walking around, revisiting old spots and creating new memories. Hope they give you a little glimpse of why this city will always have my heart.