Travel guide: Copenhagen
The city we associate with design and vikings, the home of famous storyteller H. C Andersen, the city where you find "the world´s best restaurant" Noma - we are of course talking about Danish capital city Copenhagen. Let us guide you through the Scandi city where bikes are preferred over cars.
SEE
Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek: A huge museum of the ancient cultures of the Mediterranean, as well as Danish and French art from the 19th century. Worth popping by as much for the building as for the art: make sure to visit the beautiful cafe which is filled with palms and a tall glass ceiling (feels a bit like a green house).
Dantes Plads 7, 1556 København V http://www.glyptoteket.dk/
Botanisk Have: The Botanical Garden, which is part of the Natural History Museum of Denmark, is located in and holds the biggest collection of living plants in Denmark. Walk around the area and get mesmerised by the beautiful glass houses and plants.
Øster Farimagsgade 2 B - 1353 København K http://botanik.snm.ku.dk/
Rundtårn: "The Round Tower" is probably one of the most iconic buildings in Copenhagen, dating from 1642. With its extraordinary architecture and marvellous view it is a true pearl in the middle of the city.
Købmagergade 52A, 1150 København http://www.rundetaarn.dk/en/
Central Hotel: As the name implies this is a hotel, but with only one room! We recommend to pop by and enjoy a coffee in their café downstairs (yes, the building has two floors!).
Tullinsgade 1, 1610 København http://centralhotelogcafe.dk/
Nyhavn: Copenhagen´s equal to Oxford Street – packed with tourists, but a must to visit because of the iconic waterfront accompanied by colourful houses and sailboats.
Nyhavn 1-71, 1051 København K
Lousiana Museum of Modern Art: Lousiana is actually not in Copenhagen, but in Humlebæk. However, this is a not to be missed art centre which luckily is just about 45 minutes with train from the capital city. Not only is the art and architecture fantastic, the building is also located right next to the sea and provides a mesmerising view.
Gl. Strandvej 13, 3050 Humlebæk https://www.louisiana.dk/
Det Kongelige Biblioteks Have: Close to the centre an oase of a garden is hidden between old brick buildings. Highly recommended for a afternoon stroll. Meanwhile you are there you might as well also stop by The Danish Jewish Museum for some cultural and historic fuel.
Proviantpassagen 6, 1218 Copenhagen K http://jewmus.dk/en/the-danish-jewish-museum/
EAT
Olufs Is: Freshly made popsicles, Italian style. Located in Østerbro.
Olufsvej 6, 2100 København Ø http://olufs.dk/
Pastis Fishmarket: Probably one of the best and most affordable restaurants in Copenhagen (in terms of quality), this French sea food bistro offer high quality fish and sea food dishes together with quality wine. Despite the "posh" interior the vibe is really relaxed, and as a cherry on top the restaurant is only a stones throw from Kongens Nytorv which makes it super central.
Hovedvagtsgade 2, 1103 Copenhagen K http://fishmarket.dk/en/
Llama: Newly opened restaurant serving South-American food on the menu. Try the fish tacos, the grilled squid and pisco sour for an unforgettable food experience.
Lille Kongensgade 14, 1074 København K http://llamarestaurant.dk/
Väkst: Another new restaurant from the same chain as Llama, with a completely different concept. "Väkst" means "growth" which is a theme you see throughout the whole restaurant – plants on every corner, mint green walls and an actual greenhouse in the middle of the restaurant. The food is just okay, so going here would be more of a visual experience than a food experience.
Sankt Peders Stræde 34 · 1453 København K http://hostvakst.dk/vakst/
Atelier September: Tiny but lovely café placed in Gothersgade serving the best avo toast in town and a surprisingly tasty courgette (!) yoghurt. Always packed, so make sure you have plenty of time. Plus for top notch interior.
Gothersgade 30, 1123 Copenhagen - DK http://atelierseptember.dk/
Dyrehaven: Relaxed pub located in Vesterbro, perfect for cocktails and beers. Also serves brunch during the day which is popular amongst trendy copenhagers.
Sdr. Boulevard 72, 1720 København V http://www.dyrehavenkbh.dk/
Vinhanen: Charming little winebar in Vesterbro offering a wide selection of Italian wine as well as apertifs like salty roasted almonds, charcuterie and juicy olives.
Enghavevej 24, 1770 København V http://www.vinhanen.dk/
Chez Bruno: Traditional French brasserie serving the best steak in Copenhagen. Not the most intriguing interior, but the food and staff definitely makes up for this.
Gammel Kongevej 27, 1610 København http://www.chez-bruno.com/
Mikkeler and Friends (Kødbyen): Craft beer bar with various locations. However, we recommend the one placed in Kødbyen because of the vibrant night life in this area.
SHOP
Frama Studio Shop: Frama Studio just opened their first physical store, and what a beauty. The locale, which used to be an old apothecary, is filled with desirable furniture, lamps and is decorated in a very welcoming way. In their dreamy kitchen they even serve you tea, coffee and snacks.
Org. St. Pauls Apotek Fredericiagade 57, 1310 Copenhagen K http://www.framacph.com/
Line & Jo: Visit Line & Jo or a minimalistic piece of jewellery with that little exra something.
Gothersgade 31, DK-1123 Copenhagen K http://www.lineandjo.com/
Storm: Department store selling brands like Henrik Vibskov, Raf Simons, Comme des Garcon and Byredo.
Store Regnegade 1, 1110 Copenhagen http://stormfashion.dk/
HAY: Visit HAY´s flagship store for typical minimal Danish design and a marvellous view over the city.
Nytorv 9, 1450 Copenhagen K http://hay.dk/
Torvehallerne: Food market packed with all sorts of delicasies: Pastries, sweets, beer, fresh meat and fish, pizza, wraps, fruits and veg. Everything you can imagine that would satisfy your belly.
Frederiksborggade 21, 1360 København K http://torvehallernekbh.dk/
Irma: If you wish to do some foodshopping to bring back home, this is the place to go.
STAY
AirBNB: For those with a lower budget, Airbnb is always a great option. And why not rent a private flat when more or less all Danes have great taste in design? We recommend to stay in charming Vesterbro.
SP34 Design Hotel: Boutique hotel located in `Latinokvarteret´ (the Latino Quarter), with walking distance to the centre. Focuses on design and therefore looks super stylish.
Sankt Peders Stræde 34,1453 Copenhagen C http://www.brochner-hotels.dk/our-hotels/sp34/
Text and photos by Thea C. Sneve Løvstad