One of the best summers I had in Copenhagen was last year and not just because of the weather. I was at a turning point in my life and a little financially challenged which for me usually equates to my scratching my head and wondering what I can do. What it did was force me to get back to the way I used to think before my corporate job ate into my brain! And in the end I enjoyed some of those summer evenings far more than when I would go out and splurge (don’t get me wrong… I still enjoy a good splurge now and again! ).
So what did I do? Well nothing that could be considered extra creative or visionary… I just followed the locals basically. Copenhagen is full of canals, harbours and waterways. Most of which also have easy access in and out of the water as well as places to lay a towel down or some type of floor cover and just chill (this year I want to pack one of those Sit Sacks you inflate by swooshing the air into them). Find your favourite location - mine (ours), is along the water in Islands Brygge where there is a long boardwalk to sit around with a drink and food, and there are also grassy areas where you can set-up a small BBQ.
What we did, most evenings after work, was to head to the supermarket get a bottle of wine or some beers, some cheese, some hams and create our very own outdoor wine bar next to the water. And if it got really hot we’d even take our bathers and have a dip. This cost us next to nothing and we got in some quality time together just talking as well as getting to try out a variety of different cheeses, meats, tapas, etc. As the summer went on, we’d spend a little more and go and try some gourmet cheeses or some champagne. It’s still vastly cheaper and more enjoyable than sitting and fighting for an outside table at a wine bar during this time of year.
By the end of the summer, we felt extremely relaxed, happy and our wallets were fairing far better too. Try it I am sure you will enjoy it and a tip - you don’t need to wait till summer. Even now, the weather is not all that cold some days in the evening and it can be romantic to sit on the deserted benches overlooking the water, with a bottle of wine and some soft music on your phone, just enjoying time with people or even yourself.
