As a relatively inexperienced European traveler, I appreciate any and all help I can get. My husband is going to Kalmar via Copenhagen on May 23 from Dallas, and I am tagging along for a week of his two week trip. We will fly into Copenhagen and take a train to Kalmar. I understand that's about a 4 hour train ride. Kalmar questions: what should I see and do while I'm sightseeing for the week? Will capri length pants be acceptable for both climate and socially during the day? Copenhagen question for return: We will be taking the train back the following Saturday morning, and my husband will spend the afternoon in Copenhagen with me and overnight before my Sunday morning flight (he's training it back to Kalmar Sunday). What are the MUST SEE'S in Copenhagen that we could accomplish from let's say noon forward? And, where on Earth should I book a hotel room? Any other advise? THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!
I don't know if I can do the best in answering your questions: I was in Kalmar a couple years ago - we toured the castle (and really enjoyed it). The town of Kalmar is quite cute and when we were there many street musicians were out and about. I understand there's a very nice museum there, but we didn't get there. We had a rental car, so went out to Oland Island which is wonderful. In Copenhagen (we're really into museums) so we went to the National Museum (history) which we liked, the Danish Resistance Museum, took a double decker bus ride and saw the Little Mermaid, saw Rosenborg Castle, and walked the town and enjoyed sites. There's also the Tivoli Amusement Park if you like this type of thing. Many other things, but these were probably the highlights for me right in Copenhagen.
Capri length pants are acceptable socially, but you may find them a bit too cool. The temperature will probably be in the 60s ... although it could be warmer or cooler. So just make sure you bring some long pants as well. Kalmar has a very pleasant center and a nice castle. Kalmar is very close to the glass region. The island of Öland is also very nice. We rented a car when we were in that area and it driving was easy.
If the weather is nice, a good thing to do with your very limited time in Copenhagen is to take a canal boat tour. You'll see the exterior of many more historic buildings than you could do on foot. The TI office is across from the train station and has the info about the tours. Incidentally, you'll also be very close to city hall and its plaza when you exit the station.
Thanks for all the replies. We are considering the Marriott in Copenhagen. I understand it's a nice hotel but not right in the heart of things. I suppose it really won't matter much since we will be spending every waking hour that one day seeing things.
I would get a hotel close to the Central Train station (to save you time), somewhere off the main street called Vesterbrogade. From there you can walk the main shopping area, Stroget, to Kongers Nytorv and the big draw in Copenhagen which is Nyhaven (about a 25-30 minute walk if you don't stop to shop along the way). From there you can catch a 1 hour harbour boat tour. I was there last week and took Rick Steve's recommendation of the Netto-Badene boat. Good tour, and it takes you out to the Little Mermaid (it's over-rated, so good if you can see it from the boat tour). I don't think you'll have time to see Rosenborg Slot, but it's a great sight if you can fit it in. Again, within walking distance of the Stroget. Copenhagen is a very walkable city, with all the main sights within close distance.