Copenhagen
City Guide
If Copenhagen isn’t the first city on your travel wishlist, it should be… The Nordic culture has a serenity like no other. It overtakes you from the moment you arrive. The canals are set with colored brick buildings, antique sailboats, waterside markets and neighborhoods… We spent hours walking alongside the canal water, just taking in the stunning views.
Copenhagen is the capital of Denmark, and is set between the coastal islands of Zealand and Amagar… Typically cold (and kind of dark!) most of the year, I’ve heard the summer is the best time to go, with temps in the high 60’s – the hottest it gets there if you can believe it! Mad and I went in April but personally think there’s no bad month to visit Copenhagen – there was something so majestic about the cool air and icy scenery.. With the Nordic castles in the background, it’s feels cinematic.
When it comes to design and architecture, the Danish are ahead of the curve. Danish-crafted furniture is modern and beautiful, and the fashion is French girl smart but maybe even better. They put a casual spin on elegance and just enough street smart. And the food, the FOOD! We ate and drank our way through this city. There are coffee shops on every corner – I think my favorite activity was taking a coffee stroll on the canals.
A Copenhagen staple, their menu is divided into three seasons; seafood, vegetable, and game & forest. It’s always changing, but always delicious. Be sure to make a reservation, they book up very far out.
Delicious Italian food and great wine pairings but the best part about this restaurant in the setting – it is on a pier! During the winter months they have a wood fired sauna, which I haven’t gotten to experience but I bet it would be a blast.
One word – Yum! 108 offers ingredients from local farms throughout the region, so come here for a true taste of Nordic food. Little known fact, a Noma alum opened this restaurant – so you know its good!
Burger heaven! If you like a good burger you’ve got to go here. I got their seasonal green burger and Mad got their butterburger (which they’r known for), he loved it!
I have always loved sushi, and this spot had some of the best freshest sushi I have ever had. They also have a HUGE selection of Saki!
With seasonal Nordic food and a beautiful atmosphere, Host is the kind of restaurant that you want to stay a while. We started with wine, and ended with dessert. I recommend spending a few hours here!
This restaurant celebrates all things vegetables and it is truly delicious. It sits in the center of Tivoli Gardens (see below). Side note – if the gardens are open admission it is required to eat at Gemsye.
I love this dimly light, romantic cocktail bar – fun for a romantic date. Their menu changes with the season but I ordered the winter cobbler, so refreshing.
The Barking Dog– They call this a cocktail pub; it’s a fun casual environment. They have a great selection of beer – the negroni and tonic was my favorite, very different but super good.
They call this a cocktail pub; it’s a fun casual environment. They have a great selection of beer – the negroni and tonic was my favorite, very different but super good.
This cocktail bar is great. Cool spot with comfy sofas and an intimate ambience.
Delicious cocktails and they have a ton of different kinds! I also got some oysters to go along with our drinks, so tasty!
The Danish love to bike! And this coffee shop combines the two –fun atmosphere and really sweet people.
Sonny makes a mean chai latte and the environment is great. We stopped here for a late afternoon cup of tea. They also serve breakfast and lunch which I am sure is great!
Gorgeous and reknown — Prime city-center location, incredibly cozy, spacious and upscale rooms – this is by far my favorite hotel in Copenhagen. I loved ending the night on their rooftop terrace. Peaceful way to end our travel day.
What used to be an old warehouse is now a chic boutique hotel, I love this place because of its atmosphere. It is beautifully located on the Nyhavn Canal – you won’t regret staying here. Or in the least, popping over to their restaurant, SEA. It’s a Southeast Asian kitchen – I had their frozen red curry and highly recommend!
Beautiful and cozy with some Nordic flair, I highly recommend Hotel Sp34. I loved the design here. Their in-house restaurant is decorated with a ton of hanging flowerpots. Inspo!
Okay I know most people would stay far away from an amusement park while on vacation but the Tivoli Gardens are not at all your typical theme park! It is the second-oldest amusement park in the world; you almost feel as if you’ve stepped into a board game – the rides are beautiful (and fun!). If you are traveling with children this is a must do!
You’ll probably recognize this as soon as you see it, a beautiful iconic bronze mermaid statue that sculptor Edvard Eriksen created that is sitting on a rock by the waterside at the Langelinie promenade – historic.
Nyhavn is a beautiful historic waterfront area. As mentioned, it’s mesmerizing to walk along the waterfront and look at the old wooden boats and the houses in all-different crazy colors. Great photo opportunity too!
Copenhagen is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world, most locals get around by bike over car. There are plenty of rentals companies – definitely did this if you’re on the adventurous type. Luckily the city is very flat, so it’s not hard!
This is one of the craziest places I have ever been, such a unique experience. Christiania is a sort of commune on the site of old military land that was established back in the 70’s. Today it has turned into a place where local artists have studios, there are organic shops, and restaurants, and music venues. It is a bit hard to explain but definitely worth the trip!