As the capital of Denmark, often ranked as one of the happiest countries in the world thanks to its hygge lifestyle, Copenhagen is perhaps one of the friendliest, greenest and the most tasteful travel destinations you’ll ever visit. Whether you’re journeying solo or with a group of companions, there are endless options when it comes to places to see and things to do in the Scandi-chic city.
“There is always a very special local community feeling in Copenhagen and we really enjoy that,” the co-founders of Danish fashion brand Saks Potts speak of their hometown fondly. “We always feel at home no matter which borough we are in and enjoy exploring the city’s many museums, art galleries and buildings. Not to mention the restaurants — there are so many good ones it is always difficult to pick.”
What Cathrine Saks and Barbara Potts said was no exaggeration. Whether you consider yourself a style enthusiast, art and design lover or someone who travels for memorable gastronomic experiences, we’ve compiled a list of editor-favorite locations in Copenhagen as well as locals’ recommendations for you. Read our city guide below for some insider tips from GANNI‘s Ditte and Nicolaj Reffstrup, ROTATE creative director Jeanette Madsen, NAKED co-founder Stine L. Pedersen, Tekla Fabrics’ founder Charlie Hedin and more.
Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
“30 minutes outside of the city, Louisiana Museum of Modern Art is one of my all-time favourite museums. The architecture is pure beauty. I love how it blends in with the waterside surroundings by the coast north of Copenhagen. The glass walled cafeteria gives amazing views and the art is of course also in a league of its own. I always come home feeling inspired.” – Ditte Reffstrup
“Even though it’s located in the outskirts of Copenhagen, Louisiana has not only amazing art exhibits, but it also carries a zen-like atmosphere both inside and out. It’s the best place to source inspiration or simply to enjoy a peaceful walk in the garden by the sea.” – Stine L. Pedersen
“The Louisiana Museum is one of our favorite places for exploring art and architecture. And we recommend that you take your time, as there is so much to see. On your way back to the city, stop by the small Krogerupgaard, where they sell the most delicious produce at very nice prices.” – Cathrine Saks and Barbara Potts
Address: Gl Strandvej 13, 3050 Humlebæk
SMK (Statens Museum for Kunst)
Also known as the National Gallery of Denmark, SMK offers visitors a look at the nation’s rich cultural heritage with its massive collection of art on display. Experience new exhibitions, concerts, film screenings, talks and more at the museum as well.
Address: Sølvgade 48-50, 1307 København
Etage Projects
“If you’re interested in the fusion of interior and art, Etage Projects is a must-visit. It’s really more a museum than a store, and a great place to gather inspiration — but everything is up for purchase.” – Marie Jedig
Address: Borgergade 15E, 1300 København
Copenhagen Contemporary
Housed within the former B&W welding hall in Refshaleøen, Copenhagen Contemporary is one of the largest exhibition venues for contemporary art in Scandinavia. From installations to performance art, expect to see the work of iconic artists as well as new, emerging talents
Address: Refshalevej 173A, 1432 København
Superkilen
A trip to the Nørrebro district wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Superkilen. An architectural delight, the park is divided into three main areas, namely the Red Square, the Black Market and the Green Park, serving up photogenic backdrops for all your Instagram needs.
Address: Nørrebrogade 210, 2200 København
Royal Library Garden
“Located on Slotsholmen, between the Christiansborg Palace and the Royal Library, the garden constitutes a small oasis in the heart of the city. It’s a great place to escape the noise of the city and to get some rest during the day. Bring a book.” – Charlie Hedin
Address: Proviantpassagen 1, 1218 København
Sønder Boulevard
“Head to the grassy strip on Sønder Boulevard for a picnic, grab a bottle of natural wine from a great selection at the Volatil Vinhandel wine shop and a cheap pepperoni pizza from Itzi Pitzi Pizza. This area gets super lively in summer as it’s an ideal place to get the sun all day.” – Emily Petersen
Address: Sønder Boulevard, 1720 København
Dyrehaven Forest
“Catch a train from Nørreport or Østerport to Klampenborg north of the city. This is basically an Arne Jacobsen heaven where you can glance at many of the beautiful houses he designed — but just from the outside, though. Afterwards, enjoy the forest Dyrehaven. It’s a big forest north of Copenhagen and it’s beautiful to take a walk up to Eremitageslottet, from where you can have a perfect view of the fields with Øresund sea in the horizon.” – Cathrine Saks and Barbara Potts
Address: Dyrehaven 2930 Klampenborg
Lille Bakery
Make a beeline for Lille Bakery if you’re hungry for some delectable pastries for breakfast. Order its famous sausage rolls, or if you have a sweet tooth, get yourself some of its Berliner doughnuts perfectly dusted with sugar.
Address: Refshalevej 213A, 1432 København
Atelier September
A go-to hangout among local fashionistas, the Frederik Bille Brahe-owned café boasts an effortlessly chic and cozy interior while offering a menu of refreshingly good vegetarian dishes. Its yogurt granola with zucchini jam and grapefruit “Kyoto Style” are our favorites.
Address: Gothersgade 30, 1123 København
Torvehallerne
With over 60 stalls selling a wide variety of produce and food — from fresh fruits to quick bites like tacos, sushi and ice cream — Torvehallerne is the food market you need to visit if you live to eat.
Address: Frederiksborggade 21, 1362 København
Restaurant Babylon
“This place is definitely the best of both worlds: whether you’re just up for an amazing meal with friends, or want a night out dancing, Babylon is the place to go. It is located in an old, two-story, iconic nightclub building overlooking the lakes in the center of Copenhagen. They always play the best music and entertain with live acts every so often. We hosted a huge party a couple months ago to celebrate the launch of our NAKED x Nike P-6000. It was definitely a night to remember.” – Stine L. Pedersen
“We would always stop at the newly opened restaurant and bar Babylon to get a drink. The food there is also amazing. It’s located in front of the lakes and Barbara’s older brother William is responsible for the interior design.” – Cathrine Saks and Barbara Potts
Address: Gyldenløvesgade 24, 1369 København
La Banchina
“A hidden gem located at the far end of Refshaleøen, this is one of the coziest places in Copenhagen. It overlooks the water, and in the summertime you can swim from the docks there or just enjoy a glass of wine in the sun. It’s also a great place for people watching, and who doesn’t like people watching? – Stine L. Pedersen
“La Banchina is a favorite. It used to be very silent out there, but now there are quite a lot of people. It’s a little hidden gem if you go there on a weekday. Go for a swim during sunset, or have breakfast, lunch or dinner made from organic vegetables and local seafood.” – Jeanette Madsen
“Go for a dip and sauna at La Banchina. The food is amazing and always fresh. If it’s too busy, it’s a short walk to Baby Baby for afternoon DJs and a slide into the canal. Have a seat and watch the boats go by.” – Emily Petersen
Address: Refshalevej 141, 1432 København
Mangia
“Manga is our ultimate favorite restaurant in Copenhagen. It’s the place to go for delicious, North Italian food. We recommend you take the menu, which is reasonably priced. The best way to get there would be to bike around the lakes of Copenhagen on a Christiania bike, which is kind of a cargo bike, where you can have your friends sit in the front box.” – Cathrine Saks and Barbara Potts
Address: Bagerstræde 9, 1617 København
Bottega Barlie
“A new spot in Copenhagen, Barlie is great for a morning coffee and a croissant or a glass of natural wine and some tapas in the evening.” – Ditte and Nicolaj Reffstrup
Address: Fredericiagade 78, 1310 København
Baka d’busk
“Baka d’busk is quite a new restaurant in Nørrebro, but I’ve already been there a lot. It’s a vegetarian restaurant with the most delicious green dishes that makes even meat lovers feel satisfied. The atmosphere is great and casual, and they serve amazing natural wine.” – Trine Kjær
Address: Rantzausgade 44, 2200 København
KLINT & BRO
“A kombucha and microbrewery bar set up by two good friends Eddie and Louis.” – Ditte and Nicolaj Reffstrup
Address: Tagensvej 67, 2200 København
Nebbiolo Winebar
“An authentic Italian feeling and the best wine and snacks in Copenhagen. On Sundays, the bar turns into “La Famiglia,” a restaurant concept where you get a starter, a pasta dish and a glass of wine for kr.150 DKK (approximately $23 USD, which is cheap in Copenhagen!).” – Marie Jedig
Address: Store Strandstræde 18, 1255 København
Kølsters Tolv Haner
“As a Nørrebro local, my favourite spot for an afternoon drink is Kølsters Tolv Haner for a beer in the sun. Then Blaaregn Taverna for a Mediterranean feast. You will see them grilling the fish of the day out at the front.” – Emily Petersen
Address: Rantzausgade 56, 2200 København
Restaurant Sankt Annæ
“One of the best smørrebrød restaurants in Copenhagen. It’s just open for lunch and it’s always packed, so book in advance. This is where you really experience the classical Danish traditions which I as a foreigner really enjoys.” – Charlie Hedin
Address: Sankt Annæ Pl. 12, 1250 København
Cafe Intime
“Copenhagen is full of old bodegas, some more charming than others. Cafe Intime is located just outside the city center of Copenhagen and is an old classic bodega with live music every night. The interior reminds you of the Années folles era in Paris. It really is like walking into a time warp.” – Charlie Hedin
Address: Allegade 25, 2000 Frederiksberg
Holly Golightly
“If you go to Copenhagen without paying Holly Golightly a visit, you’re a fool. The owner Bibi buys in the most eclectic, daring and cool pieces from high-end to underground, up-and-coming designers, and offers the settings for a magical purchase experience by having the most beautiful store in town.” – Marie Jedig
Address: Borgergade 17B, 1300 København
Collect23
“Collect23 is a small vintage shop with an amazing selection of vintage pieces — everything from Dior blazers to beautiful no-brand dresses and silk pants in pastel colors. The shop is only opened on Wednesdays or by appointment, but you can see most of the selection online.” – Trine Kjær
Address: K, Gothersgade 27, 1123 København
Birger Christensen
“A well-known family business since 1869, I think Birger Christensen is the best concept store in Copenhagen. Not only do they carry ROTATE Birger Christensen, but they also stock brands such as The Row, Jil Sander, Jacquemus, Acne Studios, Dior and Miu Miu. When I’m not shopping high street, this is my go-to store.” – Jeanette Madsen
Address: Østergade 38, 1100 København
NAKED
Sneakerheads and streetwear devotees, take advantage of your time in Copenhagen to check out the latest releases available at NAKED. As one of the top women’s-only sneaker boutiques in Scandinavia, the store is filled with the newest designs from brands including Nike, adidas Originals, New Balance and many more.
Address: Pilestræde 46, 1112 København
Storm
Whether you’re into fashion, art or design, you won’t be disappointed after taking a tour of Storm. Bridging the gap between lifestyle and fashion, the concept store carries a huge selection of products ranging from books and magazines, to the latest sneaker releases and Scandinavian beauty gems. Find brands such as Byredo, Kjaer Weis among other cult-loved labels at the boutique.
Address: Store Regnegade 1, 1110 København
FRAMA
For those with an interior design obsession, make sure to add FRAMA‘s Studio Store to your itinerary. Sophisticatedly decorated with furniture, home goods and items from its in-house beauty line, the shop is a must-visit for anyone who aspires to build an aesthetically pleasing abode.
Address: Fredericiagade 57, 1310 København
Hotel Sanders
“If I should choose a place to go after work, I would go to Hotel Sanders. I love its aesthetics, the vibe and the food. And I love that its owner, Alexander Kølpin, is always found working in front of the hotel at the café. I could literally sit there from day to night, moving between the rooftop, to the courtyard, to out front, to the cocktail bar. Every corner is so cozy.” – Jeanette Madsen
Address: Tordenskjoldsgade 15, 1055 København
The Apartment
“The Apartment is probably one of the prettiest shops/galleries in the world. It’s a real apartment that is decorated with designer and vintage pieces. It’s really colorful and inspiring, and everything is for sale. Furthermore, it’s possible to rent the apartment if you’re spending some days in Copenhagen. Couldn’t imagine a prettier place to sleep at.” – Trine Kjær
Address: Overgaden Neden Vandet 33, 1.sal, 1414 København
Amazing Space
“This is the best spa in Copenhagen. It’s the perfect spot to retreat on a rainy day in Copenhagen and relax in the tranquil surroundings. They also make their own line of organic beauty products, and they’re so good. Our favorites are the Cool Cucumber cooling mask and the Rosehip Repair facial oil.” – Cathrine Saks and Barbara Potts
Address: Hovedvagtsgade 3, 1103 København
Moxy Copenhagen Sydhavnen
A 10-minute train ride away from the Copenhagen Central Station, the conveniently-located Moxy is the ideal hotel to stay at during your travels. Take a short walk to the Vesterbro neighborhood to go window-shopping or to explore the local eateries and bars.
Address: Sydhavns Pl. 2, 2450 København
We discourage irresponsible and/or underage drinking. Drink responsibly and legally.
Editor
Teresa LamPhotographer
Paul Jeong