Copenhagen

Copenhagen has previously been voted by Monocle as “The most livable city”, more recently CNN voted it as “The best bathing city”,  it’s been lauded to have “The happiest people” and wherever you look, everyone just seems to be good looking or at least well put together. So what is it about the city? Is it the security that comes from being able to trust in the excellent social welfare system? Perhaps the calmness that comes from the homogeneous sense of fashion? Or maybe even the fact that you can buy beer 24/7 and drink on the streets?

Whatever it might be, it’s definitely a city worth exploring and we hope our simple guide will help you experience only the best.

Arriving

Copenhagen airport is arguably one of the most calming experiences. The dark wood floors make it feel like you arrived in a really upmarket food hall, or if you’re lucky enough – your living room ;-).

The airport operation is fantastic for business travel and when departing from here it takes hardly any time to clear security to the lounge and gates. Luggage, however, can take a while (20mins) to arrive on the conveyors. This is especially troublesome during the July holiday month when every single dane goes traveling and it’s highly recommended to travel carry-on as it could take up to 2 hours to check in and an hour to collect your bags if you’re arriving here.

Once you exit the reclaim area, proceed right to the end of the hall, where you will find the trains (departing from the lower level) & metro (departing upper level). To get to central station (Hovedbanegarden) you need to take the train, and if you want to reach Nørreport (the other big station) take the metro. Google maps will advise which is best for where you’re heading. You will need a 3 zone ticket which you can get from the machines or the counter on the right at the end. Alternatively, download the DSB app which will allow you to purchase single- or multiride tickets on demand.

There’s no Uber, but you could use Viggo which is a local ride hailing alternative. The taxi collection area is normally from the right-hand side behind the ticket counter – this is also Terminal 3.

Getting Around

Even though the city is incredibly walkable, there really is only one way to get around the city. BIKE. Copenhagen has 650K bikes for 550K residents in the central area. Try Donkey Bike or Kinto if you’re not already using Lime.

When it’s raining the Metro offers a good alternative and runs every 5 mins 24h.

Eat

Cafe Frank (K) – a Michelin-style experience, but laid-back and more  experimental, great food and excellent wine-list. Also see Grimal, the more relaxed sister in Vesterbro.

Restobar (V) – a little eating spot on the Vesterbro Square. Grab a drink at the Vinbaren Vesterbro Torv around the corner before.

Pluto (K) – A classic for a 10-course family style meal that turns into a bit of a party.

Cafe Dyrehaven (V) – this hipster bar cafe is under EAT because of their amazing Hønsesalat lunch

Donda (K) – Latin-american style eatery with a Scandi-twist.

Mangia (V) – Pasta. Do it.

Apéro (K) – Italian-inspired, light dishes and drinks.

La Banchina (R) – A hidden spot out on Refshaløen, if tourist-dodging on Papirøen is not your thing. On the water with a daily meal and a glass of wine. Don’t go for wine if you hate “nature wine” (The kind that’s not entirely unlike sewer water). Pop across the street to Kickstarter success story Lille Bakery for some amazing baked things.

Reffen on Refshaløen (R) – This is version two of the old Copenhagen Street Food from Papirøen. Expect a container village on the far end of this industrial island with plenty of good food and atmosphere. Worthwhile biking out or taking the harbour bus. Check out the Mikeller Barrel Room when in the area. There’s also some huge antique warehouses right behind the food section that’s great to find some keepsakes.

Enghave Kaffe (V) – a cafe at the end of Vesterbro that doesn’t allow laptops or tablets. only good “hygge” and conversation

Hart Bageri (Everywhere) – Have the Cardamom Croissant (and anything else your heart desires).

Torvehallerne (K) – The Market halls are fantastic to browse the best of the local produce, also love Hallernes – some of the best smørrebrød (famous open sandwiches)

Restaurant Kronborg  (K) – for a real Danish smørrebrød lunch with Beer & Aquavit.  Ask for Walther or Clæs and tell them I sent you. 🙂

Höst (K) – a real favourite for an authentic Scandinavian dining experience that’s also surprisingly well priced.

20A (N) – a real local spot with a meal of the day, paired with plenty of great wines.

Jah Izakaya (V) – For when you have had enough smørrebrød and just want some Karaage and Sashimi.

Spaghetteria (V) – Set italian menu with 6 dishes. Great for both weeknights or special occasions.

Drink

Ved Stranden 10 (K) – Wine bar in the city on the canals – all wines by the glass. Amazing setting $$$.

Lidkoeb & The Duck & Cover (V) – two amazing hidden cocktail bars across the road from each other – make for a perfect start to a night out (or a full night out during the week). Vesterbrogade

BeviBevi (V) – a tiny little neighbourhood wine bar in Vesterbro.

Vinhanen (N) – a small winebar on the lakes with french wine served from tanks. The wine’s not the best (inexpensive french co-op wine) but it’s priced accordingly and the vibe is great.

Kødbyen (V) – the original meatpacking area – still in use – is home to a multitude of bars and restaurants.

Shop

Dora (V) – a great selection of curated items. Old and new blended together.

Acne Archive (N) – The great Acne clothing samples and items out of season are available at a steal.

Frama (K) is a Danish interior brand. The showroom is an old pharmacy with original detailing from the 1800s mixed with a clean modern aesthetic.

Illums Bolighus (K) – all design brands are available here.

Do

Assistens Kirkegård (N) – The beautiful cemetery (used more like a park) where Hans Christian Andersen is buried – stroll up towards the Meyers Bageri mentioned above.

Jægersborggade (N) – very cool street with plenty of nice shops and something happening almost every weekend.

Botanisk Have (K) – The Palm House is a must-visit. I think they’re beautiful and have some insane buildings and conservatories

Canal boat tour (K) -Copenhagen is great from the water. Hop onto a tour (nice late afternoon with drinks), rent a small Goboat and head out on your own or just take the harbour bus (price of a regular bus ticket).

Værnedamsvej (V) – awesome street in Vesterbro, see Playtype and Dora shops

Swim in the harbour – Head down to either Kalvebod Brygge, Islandsbrygge (if you’re 16 and want to see & be seen), Krøyers Plads or pretty much anywhere you fancy and enjoy the harbourside hangout and swimming. Take a salad and a bottle of wine – no need to leave.

Louisiana – My favourite museum, just a little north of the city in a beautiful plantation house

Charlottenborg (K) – Gallery – one of the most beautiful buildings in my opinion and the Art Academy. Also worth coming for Chart Art Fair in August.

Loppemarked – These fleamarkets pop up almost every weekend in summer – once I know when you’re visiting I can check if there’s one happening somewhere.

Superkillen (N) – an “urban park” in Nørrebro

Rentemestervej (N) – an office area in NV that’s made up of streets of old industrial buildings – super “rough: & cool.

Stay

Central Hotel & Cafe (V) – First on the list as it only has one room 😉

Hotel Alexandra (K) – a great relaxed design hotel, super central but on a slightly busy road.

SP34 (K) – modern and slick design hotel in the old “Latin Quarter”

Sankt Petri (K) – It’s a real classic. Chic designer hotel.

Hotel D’angleterre (K) – the Rolls Royce of hotels for this city.

Hotel Sanders – a new addition from White Lines group. Absolutely sublime. If you don’t stay there, still be sure to check out the rooftop.

Airbnb – there’s plenty of Airbnb options available in CPH and a pretty safe option here.

Events

The following noteworthy events might be worth planning your trip around.

Distortion (June) – one of the biggest street parties in Europe. It starts on Wednesday in Nørrebro, then Thursday in Vesterbro and Friday & Saturday in Refshaløen.

Copenhagen Pride (August): Unlike other pride events, this one involves the whole city, young and old. The street party at the end is spread throughout the city and a real blast.

Copenhagen Marathon (May) – A great run through the city in the Spring.

For more up-to-date events and the very latest spots, head over to Scandinavian Standard.