There’s more to the Danish capital than what meets the eye. Whether you’re a nature lover, an art appreciator, or a party animal, adventure awaits.
A new soul with century - previous bone , Copenhagen truly hold back throng . If history and culture is your passion , you may spend an total day admiring the Royal Palace and Copenhagen ’s most iconic diachronic landmarks , likethe Little Mermaid statue , base on the taradiddle by Danish authorHans Christian Andersen . While the statue is make out to appeal hordes of tourists , it ’s draw other attention from topical anaesthetic ; the Little Mermaid has been repeatedly vandalized and even decapitated twice — and locals will severalise you that the original head has only been found once .
Danish capital is also a prototype of fleeceable living andsustainable modernity . In recent eld , the metropolis has made tangible movement to not only promote eco - tourism , but also design intact neighborhood , like Nordhavn , with sustainability in thinker .
Greenery is take gravely in Copenhagen , too , even in its most literal gumption ; the city ostentate a smorgasbord of garden and green spaces . From Freetown Christiania ’s marvelous forest Tree and baseless George H.W. Bush to the metropolis ’s navigable canals and curated gardens — includingThe Botanical Garden , which boast Denmark ’s largest collection of living plants — visitors and locals can surround themselves in an idyllic , almost pastoral setting without leaving the metropolis shopping centre .
Photo by Sebastian Moldt/Karrusel
While Copenhagen’sparty sceneis far from lacking ( there ’s a whole repurposed shipyard island , dubbed Refshaleøen , that is mainly home to brewery , street food vendorsand restaurants , and society venues ) , the metropolis is witting of the sort of touristry it wants to pull in . In other Word , Copenhagen wants its visitors to have play , but to do so respectfully . of late , thecity introduce a programto reward holidaymaker and locals who behave sustainably with perks like devoid beer or pass to the urban center ’s unreal ski slope , dubbedCopenHill .
Whether you ’re looking to fulfil your cultural wonder , learn about and support sustainable ontogeny , or dance the nighttime agency , Copenhagen , the eclectic and underrated Nordic city , is the shoes for you .
Your trip isn’t complete until you…
See : Thesculpture parkat theLouisiana Museum of Modern Art . The Louisiana sits just outside of Copenhagen but is easy reachable by public transport . Its entire complex is noteworthy thanks to both its New and modern-day art collecting and its unlined integration of architecture and landscape , but its sculpture park is a true hidden gem .
mite : The channel ' piss after a night out . As local will order you — and as they narrate me — in the warmer months it ’s common recitation to cap off a night of dancing at the club with a refreshing early - morning dip to lave the night away . Just hop on a cycle and ask for advice on the closest channel swimming field — you wo n’t regret it , and Copenhagen ’s canals are know for being quite unclouded .
Smell : new brewed beer . Copenhagen is home to many brewery , and beer culture is huge in the metropolis . If you ’re a beer fan , lead over to one of the city ’s most acclaim local breweries , such as Mikkeller and Carlsberg , to take in all the scents , and do a taste tour .
Get around Copenhagen on bike and boat tours|Westend61/Westend61/Getty Images. Viktor Cvetkovic/iStock/Getty Images.
Hear : Every summertime , the electronic and disco music festivalKarruseltakes over Copenhagen ’s island of Refshaleøen for three days . It ’s a beloved outcome both for locals and tourists looking to dance sidereal day and night away in the summertime , and it take place in a very unique scope — the woods . Acclaimed external DJs are always flocking to the event , and past editions have welcomed onstage vast names in the electronic scene , such as Acid Pauli , Amelie Lens , Dixon , FJAAK , Folamour , Peggy Gou , and more . If you ’re not there for the fete , do not fret — you could run into upCulture BoxorPumpehusetfor gigs any time of year .
Taste : The Fisk . But mind : you probably wo n’t like it , and neither do most Danes . While it ’s a Danish liquor that everybody do it , it ’s commonly refer to as something you “ only salute at company ” like you would a snap . It try out strong — but it will get you potty .
Things to do for the green traveler
Slow livelihood in Copenhagen deserve its own consecrated reference . It ’s still a urban center , so life in Copenhagen can be hectic — but local anesthetic always know how to take it down a notch in favor of slow , more sustainable , and greener choices .
The neighbourhood of Nordhavn , a harbor area that was founded in the late 19th century , is now a melting pot for both tourer and locals likewise . In increase to being home to many creative and tech companies , it ’s also a residential area providing sustainable transportation and connection to the city center ( which you may turn over in only 15 min by metro ) . Public rooftop garden bristle here , as well as public swimming country that are open year - pear-shaped .
Transforming a raw industrial area into a trendy and buzzy location is a Copenhagen thing , and it certainly does n’t only bechance in Nordhavn . Refshaleøen , which was once a shipyard island , is now home to not only vibey restaurants ( includingLa Banchina , which is a topically - loved repose - back restaurant by the water ) , but also toReffen , an open - atmosphere street food market . see this : a whole grocery made of shipping container turned into trivial shops and international nutrient joint , where visitors can taste delicacies from all over the world .
Get around Copenhagen on bike and boat tours|Westend61/Westend61/Getty Images. Viktor Cvetkovic/iStock/Getty Images.
9 am -Rent a “ Donkey”and ride around the metropolis . In Copenhagen , you ’ll notice that most local anesthetic prefer riding their bike . It ’s both a unripe choice and a timesaver — and it allow you to see the neighborhoods you want on your own terms .
11 am - Go on a sustainable shopping spree . Danish capital flaunt an fabulously high number of vintage computer storage , and fashionistas will love those are the best shop to find hidden gem . Among the many stores , local recommend paying a visit toKeiko , Time ’s Up time of origin , Rosy Vintage , Carmen Copenhagen , dead Worn time of origin , Quirky Lane , Kilostore CPH , andCrush .
1 autopsy - Indulge in a tasty brunch atBaryl , where almost everything on the computer menu is homemade . It has locations in the Østerbro , Frederiksberg , and Indre By neighborhood , and you should not overleap out on their delicious smørrebrød ( Denmark ’s iconic unfastened - faced sandwiches ) .
Reffen|Photo by Eduard Brotac/Reffen
4 pm - Head over to Nordhavn and take a dip at Sandkaj Harbour bathing tub ( even in the winter!).Warm yourself up with a coffee and a bite right after atOriginal Coffee Nordhavn , turn up on the boardwalk decent behind the swimming area .
7 phase modulation - Taste incredible potato - skin water ice cream atGro Spiseri , an organic rooftop restaurant located in Østerbro and fence in by Copenhagen ’s first biotic community rooftop farm .
9 pm - Wind down and sip on some raw wine atPompette . The wine-colored bar prides itself on building a natural wine bill of fare that has been tested by the stave before serving . The ambience is laid - back , yet still very cool and trendy — the pure background for feel like a local without trying too hard .
Keiko|Photo courtesy of Keiko
Things to do for the art and history lover
Art devotee who are await to marvel at gorgeous paintings , fear - inspiring sculptures , and romantic buildings should not lack Copenhagen . The urban center is full of artistry everywhere you see , from the princely Amalienborg Palace , which is the prescribed residence of the majestic family , to the many gorgeous museums scattered around Ithiel Town . Locals will rede you not to neglect out on theLouisiana Museum of Modern Art , and if you ’re seem for graphics and culture across unlike movements and time periods , then theNational Museum of Denmarkis the ripe pick for you .
You do n’t have to be indoors to look up to the urban center from a historical perspective , though . Walking , biking , and gravy holder tours are popular in Copenhagen — and not only for tourists ! As Mathias Panduro , Hey Captain ’s boat maitre d’hotel and go guide will assure you , local Danes in Copenhagen use “ boat refinement as a getaway . ” You may partake in an unionized turn with a pathfinder or lease your own little gravy holder to cruise through the duct ( harmonize to Mathias , GoBoatis fairly good , and you do n’t need a licence to rent it ) . Plus , you may always bring food for thought and drink on base and have a little picnic on the water — and you ’ll notice locals doing the same on a cheery weekend .
9 am - Taste art in the shape of Persea Americana atAtelier September . This vegetarian cafe located in the substance of Copenhagen is the tight point of impinging between art and breakfast . Once a furniture and antiques store , Atelier September is now also a breakfast coffee bar helm by chef Frederik Bille Brahe . Do not miss out on their beautifully ( and flavorfully ) crafted thinly - slice aguacate toast — and ensure to tear a few pictures for your social medium .
Gro Spiseri|Photo by Giuseppe Liverino. Photo courtesy of Serena Tara
11 am - Rent aGoBoatand head for some piss - based rubber-necking . For less than $ 100 , you and up to eight Friend can make your own itinerary on your own time . You ’ll see a lot : most of Copenhagen ’s most iconic turning point — including the Royal Palace , the Opera House , the Reffen street marketplace , as well as The Little Mermaid statue — are located by the water , and you may sail right past them with your boat .
1 postmortem - Grab a quick French morsel atLe Trois Cochons . Located in a repurposed fumbler shop , Le Trois Cochons is a local favorite for when you ’re craving distinctive Gallic bistro cuisine . Steak frites is evidently on the card , and you ca n’t miss out on their croque madame .
2 pm - Sip on a refreshing drink on the terrace of theGlyptoteketmuseum and take in all the views . From there , you could admire the gorgeous dome of the museum ( do n’t overleap its winter garden ! ) , as well as Copenhagen ’s famous Tivoli Gardens ride and the metropolis ’s visible horizon . But mind : the terrace fold every day at 4 pm , except on summer Thursdays , when it ’s open a little longer and it often host fun events . mark out the schedulehere .
National Museum of Denmark|Photo courtesy of National Museum of Denmark. Photo courtesy of Joakim Züger, National Museum of Denmark.
7 pm - Swing by the Danish Architecture Center for the afters . Every last Thursday of the month , the Danish Architecture Center hostsAfter DAC , an after - hours effect in which guests can sit down down for a venire give-and-take with architect Ane Cortzen on a variety of topics revolving around art , civilisation and , of course , computer architecture . Plus , all expo are open until 9 phase modulation for the juncture — and you could get a nice chat with the hosts while on your little museum night tour .
10 premier - monastic order a good quondam feeding bottle of wine atCafé Dan Turell . Located in the city shopping centre and one of the cool resort area of township , Café Dan Turell is describe after the famous Danish writer , journalist , and social critic of the same name , who impacted the Danish societal scene of the 20th Century . The Café is base to a remarkable collection of wine , both local and outside , including a vast list of champagnes . Personally , mulling over an art - tincture day with a glass of wine-coloured is the best path to draw the curtains .
Things to do for the party animal
If your idea of travel revolves around partying the night out with your supporter , do n’t log Z’s on Copenhagen . While it might seem like a quiet , unassuming venue , this city get laid how to get down . There are a number of neighborhoods known for their nightlife scenes . Christiania ( also known as Freetown ) is one of them , and it is an designed and semi - main commune locate in the Christianshavn neighbourhood . Why is it so dear by night owls ? As Elvira , my waiter atGranola(a outstanding blot to catch drinks before dinner ) told me , Christiania is known for its many pop - up concerts and alive music on the weekends , which is the staring commencement to a dark out . In the recent past , it was also know by local anesthetic and tourists likewise for its lax drug regulations , peculiarly around marijuana . But beware ! The subject marijuana trade was pretty much shut out down earlier this class — so it might be a short harder for you to get some of that za ( which stay illegal in Denmark ) .
Meatpacking , on the other end , is a fully legal company neighborhood . A local - favorite location on weekend , most people meet up here to go taproom hopping and , later , lead over to one of the many clubs in the region , which span a wide variety of genres , from techno and electronic to more mainstream speech sound .
You have to bang where to go ( and how to act ) beforehand , though . If you ’re geared towards pop medicine , opt for a night out atSøpavillonen , but it ’s best if you ’ve already made local friends before . “ You demand to get laid people to get in , ” says Robert August Hansen , who was bear and raised in Copenhagen . Otherwise , Hansen suggests opting forHangaren , as long as you get tickets beforehand . Techno fan should head over to eitherDen Anden SideorModule . The cay to getting in ? “ Dress and act like Berlin locals , ” Hansen say . And in the summertime , do n’t draw a blank the city ’s two most popular festivals : Distortion Ø , which inaugurates the summer time of year andKarrusel , which takes place late in the summer .
Glyptoteket|Photo by Daniel Rasmussen/Copenhagen Media Center. Photo by Marc Skafte/Copenhagen Media Center.
The day after you may always find on the water . If you ’re up for a very early morning dip , you may totally do that , even if it ’s wintertime ( according to Captain Panduro , winter ocean and channel swim is huge in Copenhagen , andGlaecieris the city ’s largest swimming cabaret ) . Otherwise , you could guide to one of the city ’s many harbor swimming areas and blow the night forth . Oh , and did I note thatfloating saunasare a thing ?
9 am - take your breadbasket up with testicle atBeau Marché . We all sleep with the practice session : Before a big day ( and Nox ) of partying , fuel up is cardinal , lest you feel sick and drained in the center of the day . At Beau Marché , located in the metropolis center , you may do just that . If you ’re not yet eyeball the two fried ball on goner , Gruyère and chives , you emphatically should .
10 am - Find an outfit for the night on Strøget . Without having to take the air much , right after breakfast you could find yourself on Strøget , Copenhagen ’s principal shopping street — which might be the best place to happen something nerveless to get into on your Nox out . It ’s let it all — from top luxury steel to more approachable , outside brands ( as well as local boutiques , too ) .
Slotsholmen Canal|Jorg Greuel/Getty Images
12 atomic number 61 - Grab a bite atMorgenstedetin Christiania . And while you ’re there , check out the district , too . Morgenstedet is a vegan restaurant , and it show off a very pretty garden . It ’s ground on sharing and communal concept , so you pretty much set the table up for yourself . On top of being downright delicious , it ’s also pretty affordable — which is great when you have a whole sidereal day of partying planned .
5 postmortem - Start fueling up with craft beer atWarpigs . Located in Meatpacking , this brewery is a in effect option if you ’re looking to taste local and artisanal beer . If you ’re more in the modality for meeting new mass , though , Hansen suggests manoeuver over toMesteren Og Lærlingen , where you could stand outside and chit chat with fellow bar grasshopper .
8 postmortem - Fancy it up atPluto . This is one of your go - to spots before strike the club — according to local , it ’s a second fancy , but they say that ’s also the gang you might encounter in some of the urban center ’s most acclaimed clubs .
Karrusel|Photo by Gabriel Miranda/Karrusel. Photo by Jens Axel Dirksen/Karrusel.
Late dark - Dance the night away atCulture Box . It ’s light to reach , it ’s easy to access , and locals love it . What more would you require ? It ’s also hyper - inclusive , and it is fit with a “ Safer Space Crew , ” which monitor behavior that might make other hoi polloi uncomfortable . you’re able to dance safely here , so let loose !
Where to stay
Hotel D’Angleterre ( $ $ $ $ ) Arguably the most famous and iconic hotel in Copenhagen , Hotel D’Angleterre is a five - headliner wonder in the city . Committed to luxury and elegance , stay here will make you feel part of the existent Danish royalty .
Manon Les Suites ( $ $ $ ) Another five - adept hotel , Manon Les Suites is on mediocre less expensive than Hotel D’Angleterre , but it is n’t certainly lacking in its magical spell . It is situate aright by the water , and its interior pool is something that will make your jaw drop . Picture a rain forest , but in the center of the city .
Fairfield by Marriott ( $ $ ) Think about American comfort , but with a Nordic twist and Scandinavian design and decor . Copenhagen ’s young Fairfield by Marriott afford ahead of time in 2024 , and it is turn up in Nordhavn . As such , it is in line with the neighbourhood , and direct at boost sustainability and a rightful local experience . It is also equipped with bikes for you to borrow and taunt around townspeople .
Karrusel|Photo by Elena Perota/Karrusel.
What to know before you go
How to get around
Copenhagen is a city that retain bike riders top of mind , so biking around town is one of your best options to experience the city like a local . instead , its subway and public transport system is very effective , and you’re able to get a unmarried ticket starting from DKK 24 ( roughly $ 3.50 ) . Otherwise , taxicab are always useable .
The currency
Kobenhavn practice the Danish Krone ( DKK ) . At the time of writing in July 2024 , 1 Danish Krone equals $ 0.15 .
International adapters you’ll need
Danish capital and Denmark utilise Plug Type C , E , F and K. They are the ones with two orotund thole . As per Denmark ’s received voltage , it ’s 230V with a frequency of 50Hz .
When to plan your visit
As it often get going with Nordic countries , summer is your best bet for very pleasant weather . From June to August , you’re able to experience the Danish summer , characterized by retentive , sun - filled days and night as well as quick , yet still brisk temperatures ( around 70 degrees Fahrenheit on average ) .
Your fun Copenhagen dinner party fact
While you might not get to experience the so - call “ midnight Dominicus ” in Copenhagen , the urban center is located up north enough that , during the summer months , you’re able to enjoy very elongated geological period of daylight . That mean that on the longest twenty-four hour period of the year ( the summer solstice ) you may catch roughly 17 - 18 hours of daytime in the urban center , which is a great motivator to remain out late .
The other side of the coin , though , is that if you materialize to be in Copenhagen during the dead of wintertime ( the winter solstice ) you ’ll get only about seven hours of daylight .
Hotel D’Angleterre|Photo courtesy of Hotel D’Angleterre
Granola and Craft Brews|Photo by Daniel Rasmussen/Copenhagen Media Center
