Jun 19, 2022
5 min read
A City Guide to Copenhagen
Since ‘hygge’ became a global trend, we’ve all been coveting the Danish lifestyle. And in Copenhagen, the people are just as cool and laid back as you would hope. Their effortless, no-fuss confidence is honestly refreshing, and bound to rub off the longer you spend here.
Pleasure is simply a way of life – think pastries, coffees and good conversation. There are also more bikes than people in Copenhagen, so you’ll be safe cycling around as your explore the city. And there’s plenty to explore – Denmark is a leader in design, fashion, art, and food (hello
Noma and
Ganni!).
Denmark also has the happiest workforce in the world. As author of
The Little Book of Hygge, Meik Wiking, explains: “Danes are aware of the decoupling between wealth and wellbeing. After our basic needs are met, more money doesn’t lead to more happiness and, instead, Danes are good at focusing on what brings them a better quality of life.”
Here’s our guide to Copenhagen, to get yourself some of that Danish spirit.
Where to stay in Copenhagen
Hotel SP34
A boutique hotel with an arty vibe that’s perfectly located in the Latin Quarter of Copenhagen. It’s walkable or bikeable to some of the best spots in the city (scroll down for a few).
Nobis Hotel
The Nobis Hotel has got it all – including toiletries from Byredo that you can take home with you. The building is historic and the restaurant is divine.
D’Angleterre
This classic 5-star hotel offers the best breakfast view from a very cute rooftop terrace. Previous guests have included rockstars and royalty. If it’s good enough for them, it’s good enough for us.
Where to eat in Copenhagen
We’d be remiss not to mention that Copenhagen is home to some of the top-rated restaurants in the world, including
Noma and
Geranium. There’s also the more laid back
Selma, which received a Michelin Bib Gourmand for it’s exceptional yet moderately priced food, and the list goes on.
Of course, there are many amazing restaurants without Michelin stars in this city as well. Three of them happen to be Italian: go to
Mangia for incredible pasta and a dope atmosphere;
Baest for the best pizzas in town; and
Spaghetteriafor the local feels. The latter really embodies the Copenhagen attitude of being very cool and casual. Elsewhere,
Fishmarket and
Osteria 16 are two of our favorite seafood restaurants.
Where to get coffee
Café Atelier September
Thanks to the hip owner Fredrik Bille Brahe (brother of Sophie Bille Brahe, the renowned jewelry designer) this place is a local hotspot. The curated menu offers healthy snacks, and great coffee. Note: they only do dairy milk.
Juno the Bakery
Less trendy, but no less delicious, the wienerbrød – aka Danish pastry – and coffee here is amazing.
The Coffee Collective
If you’re really into exceptional coffee and don’t care about the rest, then this is the place for you.
Where to shop in Copenhagen
Storm
should be your first stop, for sure. An impressive concept store that will leave no one empty-handed. Around the corner is
Beau Marché, another must-see. If not for the design decoration, go to grab a coffee in their cozy backyard café.
Local brands like
Ganni,
Soulland, and
Wood Wood all need to be explored, too. Go to
Time’s Up for some secondhand shopping – it might be worth mentioning this was a favorite of Virgil Abloh’s.
Where to get a hit of culture
Louisiana
This modern art museum is located outside of Copenhagen, so it doesn’t technically qualify for this list, but it is so good. The train from the central station only takes 30 minutes – cheap and easy.
Glyptotek
If you prefer to stay in the city center, make your way to Glyptoteket. The main hall is inspiring and soothing; the cafe is good for lunch; and, make sure to check out the exhibitions as well.
Where to party
Apollo Bar
Put on your sneakers and go to Apollo Bar (also owned by Fredrik Bille Brahe). There, you’ll find a cool crowd from the creative industries, especially during Fashion Week.
Bakken
Basically, Bakken is where the afterparty is at. Enough said.
Where to work
Skt. Petri Hotel
The lounge is the perfect place to sit down with your laptop without being disturbed. In the summer, head to the terrace and enjoy some sun while you work.
What to do in Copenhagen
Christiania
Rent a bike or hop on a bicycle taxi (or just take a normal taxi), and go to this ‘free town’ – a community where people pretty much make a living out of selling art and handicrafts (and sometimes weed) to tourists. It’s a strange place, but one you’ll want to see before leaving.
Where to work out in Copenhagen
In the summer, go for a swim – firstly, it’s a super clean harbor in the middle of a big city, which basically never happens. Secondly, there are wooden docks all over the place that encourage a dive (or five).
Copenhagen is, as mentioned, the perfect city for cycling. It’s flat and there are 350km of cycle paths (so, it’s super safe). Rent a bicycle and cycle anywhere you need to go – refueling on Danish pastries as often as needed.
Where to drink
Ruby
For some of the best cocktails in town, head to Ruby’s. It will feel like your friend’s living room, complete with dark lighting to set the mood and small corners to hide away in.
Hotel Sanders
For something better suited for that daytime date, then the roof terrace of the luxury Hotel Sanders is a perfect spot in thoughtful surroundings.
Best place to buy gifts
Hay
A cool brand and an even cooler store. Buy some Danish design for someone you love, or, self gift.
Best spot for a photo in Copenhagen
The waterfront in
Nyhavn, by the postcard ready buildings. Regardless of whether that photo is going on your social / LinkedIn / dating app profile or not, this place requires a stroll and a snapshot. Don’t stay for lunch though, as every place in this ‘hood is a tourist trap.
