COPENHAGEN
Vaelkommen til København (welcome to Copenhagen). A city of flavours pumping Nordic cuisine, alongside charming streets filled with fashion-forward Danes; an effortless blend of cutting-edge design merged with age-old tradition.
Seek a slice of hygge (Danish concept of contentment and cosiness) in one of the numerous cafes. Indulge in the gastronomic European hub over a natural wine or satisfy the inner culture vulture at a gallery. In the warmer months, the Scandinavian sunshine hits the sea of cyclists bursting through colourful neighbourhoods.
Nestled on Denmarks’s eastern coast, the city seamlessly blends historic grandeur with modern innovation, creating a quirky and captivating destination.
BARS
Pompette.
A favourite in the city, nestled in a quiet spot off the buzzy streets of Nørrebro. A sleek wine bar, Pompette has an emphasis on ambience and design, mirrored by their wine selections.
For the wine aficionados, or casual enthusiasts in a historical tea shop overlooking the Holmens canal. With a curated selection of global wines, the wine list showcases a diverse range of varietals, including natural and biodynamic options.
In the trendy hub of Fredericksburg, this delicatessen and bar is open from morning till night. Food, music and natural wine fill the evening air, with tunes spinning and a side of fanciful food (arguably whipped ricotta, soft pumpkin & sage) to match.
RASCAL
Craft cocktails, artisanal cheeses, and small plates, designed to complement the beverage offerings.
An honourable mention is needed for Goldie, located in Nørrebro. Mexican street food-focused, and of course, excellent local wines. Sunday afternoon, sorted.
RESTAURANTS
Kødbyens Fiskebar
Set in an industrial fish market, Fiskebar is known for its contemporary focus on seafood. Designed for sharing, scallops are an essential starter (served with cucumber, mild horseradish and oyster leaf), among other intriguing items, Danish leeks with trout roe, seaweed and smoked cheese. This is all to be consumed with a Copenhagen Orange cocktail from their master mixologist.
With a focus on innovative Smørrebrød, Selma has a steady balance of Nordic cuisine without causing too much havoc in the kitchen. The menu is guided by seasonal produce from a delicate serving of white currant and Geranium herring, to squid with sunflower seed, cacao and carrot. The Smørrebrød samplings swerve between smoked mackerel with radishes and trout roe, to Jerusalem artichoke with apple, truffle and hazelnut.
The eatery is open for breakfast (the Dane way), however, transition into an afternoon or evening session at your will. Rotating through seasonal suspects of straciatella with courgette to salted cod and finishing with blood orange sorbet with yoghurt mousse, the equally aesthetically pleasing wines are a tantalising highlight.
From coffee to wines and feasts in between, Apollo Bar can be found hiding off Nyhavn in the historical courtyard of Kunsthal Charlottenburg. From traditional blueberry toast in the A.M. through to oysters with blood orange, grilled redfish sashimi and the orange wines in between, it’s a cosy lounging spot.
CAFES
Start the morning Scandi-slow at Juno. A bakery for the sweet treat fiends focusing on in-season flavours, with an evolving selection from a light blackcurrant jam-infused brioche, a dreamy mælkesnitter (milk slice) and their take on the classic cardamom bun.
For a quaint coffee and pastry in the aesthetic setting of the LOUISE ROE GALLERY. Sleek decor, and an offering of Danish overnight oats or the popular morning dish, toast with Fyrtårnsost cheese.
THE ROE BAR
Simple, and stylish, adjacent to its interiors store. For breakfast, select from rotating Danish delicacies (hey, honey buns), or catch rays in the sunlit interior over matcha.
For a traditional Copenhagen breakfast, with a contemporary Japanese spin. Like, a matcha tea with peppermint, savoury porridges and avocado omelettes. Their Instagram will spark the salivating.
THINGS TO DO
CPH Fashion Week is arguably one of the most innovative worldwide and yes, you can purchase tickets. Say less.
Christiansborg Palace
Explore the Danish Parliament (where the Supreme Court and Prime Minister’s Office are housed), royal reception rooms, and the ruins beneath the palace.
Nyhavn
The iconic waterfront lined with colourful buildings, restaurants and bars. Immerse yourself in the vibrancy, or take a canal tour.
Tivoli Gardens
Famed as one of the world’s oldest amusement parks (the wooden roller coaster was built in 1914), Tivoli Gardens features rides, games, gardens and live entertainment. Illuminating in the evening, enjoy a wine in the gardens or try the multiple food stores at the indoor market.
Visit a gallery
Mainly of the contemporary variety, Galleri Nicolai Wallner (opened in 1993), Nikolaj Kunsthal, or Kunstforeningen Gl Strand are just a few names of the core art displays on offer. Copenhagen Contemporary and The National Gallery of Denmark are also not to be missed.
Visit a museum (or two)
A variety of arts, crafts and various designs can be explored in the Designmuseum Denmark. In the summertime, the cafe offers outdoor seating in the Grønnegård courtyard. Spare some time to dive into Danish history and culture at the National Museum of Denmark. Exhibits span from the Stone Age to present day, including Viking and ancient artefacts.
Rosenborg Castle
A Renaissance castle, housing the Danish Crown Jewels and a treasury. Wander through the royal chambers and the extensive gardens surrounding the castle.
Vintage Shopping
In arguably one of the most stylish cities worldwide, the shopping scene is dangerously good (honouring the focus on reducing waste). Found in just about every neighbourhood, standouts include PRAG Vesterbro, Carmen Copenhagen, Keiko and Wasteland.
Malmö
If you’re seeking to escape the city, the Swedish city of Malmö (the country’s third largest) is just a 40-minute train ride from Copenhagen. Set along the coast, the city is lined with cafe-filled cobblestone streets and the famed Malmö Castle, a 16th-century fortress (built by King Christian III of Denmark).
Shop at Strøget
An essential afternoon stroll down Europe's longest pedestrian street, lined with shops, boutiques, cafes, and street performers is essential. Or, visit for the people watching.
Cycle around the city
Copenhagen’s bike-friendly culture is easy to navigate, using the dedicated bike lanes to discover at your own pace.
STAY
Hotel Ottilia by Brøchner Hotels
For an ultimate CPH designer stay in an architectural landscape, inside a former brewery. A small luxury hotel, dabble in cocktail flights, organic breakfasts on the rooftop with 360-degree views, or just experience unparalleled sophistication. Each room is a sanctuary of style and comfort, featuring bespoke furnishings, and the ultimate space to unwind.
Hotel Astoria, BW Signature Collection
Located beside the main train station, the newly refurbished Hotel Astoria is a short walk to the main sites of Copenhagen. A generous breakfast spread awaits (as does a sustainability fine for not finishing your plate, with a strong focus on reducing food waste).
Hotel Kong Arthur
Hotel Kong Arthur offers an aesthetic journey of modern luxury and design elegance. With sleek minimalist interiors, the hotel partners with well-known jazz artists to bring a euphonic ambience (particularly peaking during the annual Copenhagen Jazz Festival).
It’s time to flick the Scandi switch.