There’s nothing quite like the feeling of rocking up solo to a new corner of the world and realising, ‘I’m completely free… and slightly terrified in the best way possible.’

Solo travel grants you the rare gift of total freedom — dictating your own schedule entirely, a luxury life rarely affords you. When you’re on your own, it pushes you to initiate conversations with strangers you probably wouldn’t bother talking to if you were with familiar company.

For me, these moments have often nudged me to start conversations that have bloomed into friendships, even if they end up being the long-distance, extra-special kind. Plus, there is something so main-character-esque that comes with being blissfully anonymous in a new city, a feeling I wish I could bottle.

While I’ve loved all my solo adventures, this European city has to be my top recommendation for travellers looking to ease into it. Safety is a top priority for me when I’m on my own and I found this city to be warm, welcoming, exciting, and, in my experience, safe.

It’s also, in my (humble) opinion, the most underappreciated city in Europe. I know. Big call, but it’s the city I harped on most about to my friends when I came back from my six-month backpacking trip and the one my itchy feet want to get back to the most.

So before you start booking the classic Euro summer route, I urge you to consider adding Copenhagen, Denmark, to your list, especially if you’re booking that life-changing solo trip.

Where to stay…

Copenhagen is full of charming neighbourhoods perfect for exploring, but I highly recommend staying in Christianshavn. It feels like the heart of the city and is close to other boroughs that you can easily explore on foot or by bike (a popular way to get around).

It’s also arguably Copenhagen’s most picturesque district, with colourful houses and houseboats lining the canals — it felt like I was in a picture book. Plus, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to quaint little cafés, restaurants, and bars.

What to do…

If you happen to be there on a warm summer’s day, I highly recommend going for a dip in the canals.

Mind you, compared to our wonderfully warm Australian beaches, the water is cold, but it’s all part of the fun. If your budget allows, getting out on the water in a boat is a lot of fun. You can hire your own small boat (no boat license needed) for a few hours, or join a canal tour – either way, it’s a great way to see more of the city.

Copenhagen is also a great place to do a free walking tour if you want to get a quick snapshot of the city. You always learn some interesting historical tidbits.

If you’re a gloriously disorganised Type B personality who prefers local recommendations, over sifting through Google reviews, they always offer great local spots to eat and drink.

I booked mine with GuruWalk and I highly recommend them. I’ve used them all across Europe and they offer a number of different tour types and times, which is very convenient.

Whether you’re an art enthusiast, or not like me but fancy the odd art gallery when you’re travelling, I’d highly recommend checking out the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art.

I went specifically for the Yayoi Kusama exhibition (you’ve probably seen those mirrored infinity rooms everyone takes selfies in), but really enjoyed exploring the various other bold and quirky exhibitions.

The bodies of work were more unconventional than what I had typically seen at other art galleries, and it was the first time I truly appreciated art.

For me, though, the real highlight was the garden with its gigantic sculptures on the lawn, all overlooking a stunning cliff edge and the sea. Plus, they have a lovely little restaurant where I enjoyed a glass of rosé while people-watching (ah, another one of my favourite holiday pastimes).

What to eat…

First things first — you absolutely have to get your hands on some traditional Danish pastries. My personal strategy was rotating between the kanelsnegle (glorious cinnamon scrolls) and the spandauer (a creamy custard number). And yes, that pretty much constituted breakfast for me every single morning at a different café.

As a backpacker sticking to a tight budget, I did treat myself to one slightly more upscale dinner at Restaurant Grøften in Tivoli, one of Copenhagen’s oldest restaurants. I was keen to try their national dish, the tarteletter — a crispy pastry cup filled with creamy chicken and asparagus. It was delicious.

Think warm, hearty, and filling food that’s great for the soul.

I decided to swerve the fancy wine bars, although there are plenty around, and beelined for the Bodegas, where my perpetually sad Aussie dollar could stretch further.

Bodegas are these slightly rough-around-the-edges “pubs” where the drinks are much more affordable (and where plenty of the  locals go — I even went with some).

However, if you’re after a proper night out, I recommend checking out Kobenhavn, which has super-fun little streets buzzing with people and tons of great bars.

Copenhagen is bursting with art, culture, amazing food, vibrant energy, lovely people and great sustainable fashion, all wrapped up in this gorgeous little corner of the world.

It also happens to be one of the absolute best cities to explore when you’re solo, so take this as a sign to book the trip.