This city is the perfect blend of old-world charm and cutting-edge cool, perfect for foodies, outdoor people, arts, nightlife and shopping.
Where to Setup Home Base
1 Hotel is your spot, trust me. It's that perfect mix of Danish design (read: actually gorgeous, not just Instagram-bait) with a killer location. The breakfast spread alone is worth writing home about, and they'll hook you up with bikes. You know you want to look like a local. I highly reccomend booking a room with a balcony on the rooftop - the most amazing views every morning and evening.
Food Scene (aka Where to Blow Your Budget)
Fancy Pants Dining
Kadeau: Bring your wallet and your appetite. It's worth every krone.
Fiskebarren: My all time favorite meal in Copenhagen. Amazing food, and a scene so cool and understated I almost forgot I was a decade older than all the cool young couples and scenesters dining there. Meatpacking district.
Barr: Set in Noma's old digs (yes, THAT Noma), this place does comfort food with a Nordic twist. Get the Wiener schnitzel - it's life-changing. Pro tip: Can't snag a res? Hit up the bar, they serve most of the menu there.
Cool Without Trying Too Hard
The Sixteen Twelve: Brunch game strong. That's all you need to know.
Esmée: New kid on the block that's actually living up to the hype. Nordic-meets-French in the prettiest space you've ever seen. Perfect for when you can't decide if you want to share or hoard your food (they do both).
Keep It Real
Reffen: This is where you'll find me in summer. Picture this: 40+ food stalls in old shipping containers, waterfront views, and everything from Nepalese momos to Louisiana seafood. It's street food heaven, and yes, you want to go here.
Cocktail O'Clock
Lidkoeb: Three floors of cocktail magic in an old pharmacy. Gorgeous staff, even prettier drinks. The sheepskin-covered chairs are basically asking for you to stay "just one more drink."
What To Actually Do
Water Vibes
This city is built on the water, full of canals and small little spots you'll never see from a bike or walking. You HAVE to do a canal tour - but make it Hey Captain. None of that massive tourist boat nonsense. These guys keep it small, keep it fun, and yes, there's drinks. Book ahead or cry later.
The Instagram Spots (That Are Actually Worth It)
Nyhavn: Yes, it's those colorful houses you've seen a million times on social. Yes, it's touristy. Yes, you still have to go and you'll want to go back again so do it day 1.
Christianshavn: Like Nyhavn's cooler little sister. Same vibe, fewer selfie sticks.
Swimming in the harbor: The water is cold but not to be missed. The boat tours leave from this area so you cant miss it and you'll see all the locals jumping right in!
Biking Routes (Because You're Basically Danish Now And You Need to Burn Off Those Meals)
The Greatest Hits Route:
Start at 1 Hotel, cruise through the shopping district (window shopping counts as sightseeing), hit Nyhavn, cross over over the Inderhavn to Christianshavn. Make sure to take Refshalevej to see views across the canal, past famous Noma. Easy peasy, and you've just seen half the city's highlights.
The Local Experience:
This one's for the cool kids. Head to Nørrebro, hit up Jægersborggade (coolest street ever, fight me), and cruise around the lakes. Make sure to see or take a ride in one of the famous Swan pedal boats on the Copenhagen Inner Lakes, better known as the Lakes or "Søerne". If you don't take a ridiculous photo in a swan pedal boat, did you even go to Copenhagen?
Ravnsborggade is a charming street with designer shops, cafés and number of antique and vintage shops.
Real Talk
- Copenhagen's not cheap, mostly because you won't stop spending money of the fabulous food and clothing, but it's worth it. And until our next felon President starts a trade war, the dollar is still strong.
- The bike lanes are serious business - don't be that tourist walking in them
- Summer is magical, winter is... character building
- Three days minimum, but you'll want to stay longer
Now go book those tickets. Your inner hygge awaits. 🇩🇰✨
P.S. Save this guide. Your future self will thank me.
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