Summary
During our exploration of Copenhagen, two aspects particularly impressed me. Firstly, the remarkable friendliness of the Danish population, and secondly, the necessity of a well-informed guide for navigating this vibrant city. It is a destination that can easily consume your time, especially when faced with the multitude of wonderful experiences available upon arrival.
This compulsion to share the insights we gathered during our visits to Copenhagen prompted me to compile a series of recommendations.
All 33 suggestions have been consolidated into this comprehensive article, which highlights the most exceptional experiences and provides guidance for first-time visitors to Copenhagen.
After all, the last thing one desires is to squander valuable time in a city eager to be explored.
With that in mind, continue below to explore our comprehensive guide to visiting Copenhagen. Enjoy your journey!
Danish Gastronomy
Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, has gained notable recognition for its culinary scene over the past decade, with a plethora of new eateries emerging that invite indulgence in the city’s gastronomic offerings.
Indeed, Copenhagen’s restaurants have triumphed in numerous awards, necessitating an informed guide to visiting the city and identifying the prime culinary destinations. Below, I will outline a selection of these noteworthy establishments.
1.) New Nordic Kitchen
The New Nordic kitchen has garnered international acclaim, emphasizing a unique Nordic identity rooted in a commitment to organic, sustainable, and locally sourced ingredients. This dining philosophy has become widely available due to established restaurant groups like Cofoco, ensuring memorable dining experiences.
2.) Høst
Another popular establishment is Höst, an affordable café that specializes in exquisite Nordic cuisine within central Copenhagen.
At Höst, the focus centers on raw ingredients from the Nordic spectrum, inviting patrons to taste dishes featuring lobster, beef, or Danish cheese sourced from near the North Sea. Additionally, Höst has garnered three international design awards, including the prestigious World’s Best-Designed Restaurant award at the Restaurant & Bar Design Awards.
3.) Uformel (Informal)
In late May 2014, Kristian Arpe-Møller and Rune Amgild Jochumsen, the creators of the Michelin-starred restaurant Formel B, inaugurated Uformel, their self-described “cool and edgy younger sibling.”
Chef Frederik Rudkjøbing, previously a sous chef at Formel B, collaborates closely with small Danish farms to curate seasonal ingredients from around the globe.
Signature dishes include Danish Organic Lamb accompanied by Tomato and Grilled Salad, and a Ceviche of Turbot with Green Strawberries, Grilled Fennel, and Pickled Garlic, which are highly recommended.
4.) Number 2
Number 2 functions as the casual counterpart to the gourmet, two Michelin-starred establishments, AOC.
Perched beside the water in Christianshavn, No. 2 provides diners with striking views of the Copenhagen Canal and the Black Diamond—an impressive black marble extension of Denmark’s Royal Library—while showcasing Resident Chef Nikolaj Køster’s focus on fresh, local seafood.
Along with co-owner and chef de cuisine at AOC, Søren Selin, Chef Køster emphasizes elements such as beach, sea, forest, and field, crafting detail-oriented dishes that feature thoughtfully sourced raw ingredients presented in innovative combinations like North Sea Cod, Salt Baked Celeriac, Browned Butter with Sorrel, and Radishes paired with Smoked Cheese and Bottarga.
The wine list at No. 2 was crafted by Christian Aarø, the owner of AOC and the “Best Sommelier” in both Denmark and Norway, and offers a range from local to global selections, with a strong emphasis on sustainable wine options.
Food markets
5.) Torvehallerne
Torvehallerne is an impressive collection of food market halls located in the city’s heart. This market stands out as one of the best places to take a break for lunch and perhaps indulge in a glass of wine while exploring Copenhagen. It deserves a spot in our guide for its accessibility combined with consistently excellent food offerings.
6.) Kødbyens Mad & Marked
This vibrant food market features a mix of independent eateries located within Copenhagen’s Meatpacking District. It transforms into a lively destination, particularly on Friday and Saturday evenings, making it a perfect choice for those seeking delicious bites in a festive atmosphere.
Smørrebrød (Open Sandwich)
The traditional Danish open sandwich, or smørrebrød, is currently experiencing a surge in popularity. Personally, I find them quite delightful.
Dating back to the 19th century, smørrebrød served as a principal meal for many agricultural workers during lunch. This style of open sandwich has become a daily staple for numerous Danes and a quintessential aspect of the nation’s traditional cuisine. Typically based on dark rye bread, smørrebrød can adopt a wide array of toppings, including herring, raw beef, seafood, and eggs.
Its rise in popularity in recent years, particularly among younger generations, makes it indispensable in any guide detailing a visit to Copenhagen.
7.) Aamanns Etablissement
Aamanns Etablissement, recommended by the Michelin Guide, serves signature smørrebrød alongside classic Danish dishes for lunch, complemented by homemade schnapps and locally crafted organic beer.
8.) Royal Smushi Café
Located in the core of Copenhagen, the Royal Smushi Café marries traditional Danish cuisine with contemporary design in an inviting and whimsical atmosphere. The menu features smushi, a condensed version of the typical open-faced sandwich, crafted in sushi size.
9.) Peder Oxe
Situated at Gråbrødretorv, right in the center of Copenhagen, Peder Oxe offers freshly prepared smørrebrød inspired by both Nordic and French culinary traditions. The menu adjusts seasonally, emphasizing fresh produce, thereby ensuring an authentic Danish lunch of the highest caliber.
10.) Øl & Brød
Øl & Brød, translating to Beer and Bread, presents a modern twist on classic Danish open sandwiches, located near the Mikkeller brewery on Vesterbro in Copenhagen, just a short distance from the original Mikkeller Bar.
11.) DØP
This is an organic hot dog kiosk situated adjacent to the Round Tower on Købmagergade Pedestrian Street. The sausages are crafted from organic meat, accompanied by whole grain bread made from slowly raised dough, richly topped with linseeds.
Cocktails
12.) Lidkoeb
Do not overlook the third-floor whisky bar located in this former pharmacy laboratory.
Located within a charming heritage building, through a unassuming alleyway, Lidkoeb ranks among the premier cocktail establishments in Copenhagen, serving exquisitely crafted cocktails prepared by exceptionally skilled mixologists.
13.) Strøm Bar
The cocktail venue, Strøm Bar, found by Gråbrødre Torv square in central Copenhagen, has been gaining recognition within the international bartending community. This establishment specializes in gourmet cocktails, where every ingredient is crafted in-house.
14.) Balthazar
Balthazar, the luxurious champagne bar located within the iconic Hotel d’Angleterre, founded in 1755, offers an extensive selection of over 200 champagnes, complemented by tapas-style cuisine, caviar service, and live DJs on weekends. It presents an opportunity for luxurious indulgence after exploring the city—an ideal spot to unwind!
15.) Salon 39
This unique cocktail bar is situated in the Frederiksberg district, where you can taste cocktails not available elsewhere. The Spotted Pig includes bacon-infused tequila, the Ducktail is crafted with foie gras cognac, and the Ox Blood is a distinctive mix containing ox bouillon.
Top Attractions
16.) Canal Cruise
An exemplary means to gain a rapid overview and introduction to the city is via a canal cruise. Boats depart every 15 minutes from Gammel Strand, and the one-hour guided excursion is complimentary with your Copenhagen Card.
This journey delivers picturesque views of the Opera House, The Little Mermaid, The Black Diamond (a striking black marble addition to the Royal Library that elegantly leans over the water), The Parliament, Denmark’s National Museum, as well as the charming area of Christianshavn.
17.) Tivoli Gardens
Tivoli Gardens was established in 1843 and has emerged as a national treasure and an international attraction. The gardens have attracted numerous distinguished visitors, including fairy tale author Hans Christian Andersen and Walt Disney, all captivated by their enchanting atmosphere.
18.) Amalienborg Castle
This castle serves as the official residence of the Danish Royal Family, guarded by The Royal Guard. It stands as one of the finest castles and certainly warrants inclusion in our guide to visiting Copenhagen.
Witness the changing of the guard ceremony as soldiers march from their barracks in Gothersgade by Rosenborg Castle through the city streets and conclude at Amalienborg, with the ceremony commencing at 12:00 noon.
19.) Nyhavn
Historically, Nyhavn served as a bustling commercial port where vessels from around the globe would dock.
The area was once populated with sailors, ladies of leisure, pubs, and taverns. Presently, the beautifully restored houses house upscale restaurants that dominate the picturesque waterfront.
Nyhavn is a lively destination for people to enjoy the relaxed ambiance by the canal, accompanied by jazz music and diverse food offerings. These can sometimes be slightly touristy, so selecting options wisely is advisable. This iconic spot is undoubtedly one of the must-see locations in our guide to visiting Copenhagen, characterized by its vibrant colors.
Views of Copenhagen
20.) The Round Tower
The Round Tower, known as Rundetaarn, a 17th-century observatory, holds the distinction of being the oldest functional observatory in Europe.
21.) The Tower, Christiansborg Palace
Dine amid the backdrop of Danish politics within a historically rich environment. At 106 meters, the Christiansborg Palace tower claims the title of the tallest tower in Copenhagen.
Managed by Rasmus Bo Bojesen, who also oversees the restaurant at The Royal Opera House in Copenhagen, the tower restaurant serves traditional Danish cuisine enhanced by a contemporary gastronomic perspective, promising guests an exceptional culinary experience.
We thoroughly enjoyed this and were captivated by the stunning views offered.
22.) Alberto K
Experience breathtaking vistas of Copenhagen, The Bridge, and Malmø from the Alberto K restaurant located at the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel.
The hotel’s architect is Arne Jacobsen, who has designed most of its interior décor, including lamps, door handles, and cutlery, specifically for this establishment.
Art and Design
Denmark’s design legacy continues to thrive today, influencing various domains such as furniture, homeware, toys, architecture, and fashion.
Danish fashion is expanding rapidly, with high-end designers establishing a global presence. In light of this, several exquisite locations merit mention within our guide to visiting Copenhagen.
23.) Designmuseum Danmark
Thanks to 1950s Danish Modern designers like Arne Jacobsen and Hans Wegner who helped popularize Danish design, Denmark is now recognized as one of the leading centers for design and architecture, with its significance reflected in the museum’s vast collections.
24.) Hay House
Hay produces contemporary furniture and design products that prioritize modern living needs, highlighting Copenhagen’s standing as a city renowned for world-class design.
Hay House is situated on the second floor of Østergade street, also known as the Strøget pedestrian shopping area in central Copenhagen.
25.) Illums Bolighus
Illums Bolighus serves as Scandinavia’s foremost venue for Danish and international design, featuring an extensive range of furniture, lamps, kitchen and bathroom items, ceramics, porcelain, silver, and glassware.
26.) Art & Museums
Copenhagen is a remarkable city for art enthusiasts. It is home to internationally acclaimed art museums that consistently attract a global roster of artists. Notable venues include the scenic Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, located north of Copenhagen, and ARKEN Museum of Modern Art, situated to the south.
Additionally, the Danish National Gallery in central Copenhagen features a mixture of temporary exhibits along with three permanent collections that showcase paintings, sculptures, graphic art, and plaster casts. If you have a passion for museums, Copenhagen is sure to captivate you.
Hipster Copenhagen
27.) Jægersborggade
The Nørrebro district is a multicultural epicenter, bustling with diverse restaurants, bars, and eclectic shops.
Stroll through the picturesque graveyard where Hans Christian Andersen is interred, Assistens Churchyard, emerging onto Jægersborggade, which stands as one of Copenhagen’s most trendy streets.
Home to approximately 40 art galleries, organic produce shops, vintage clothing stores, ceramics, jewelry designers, alongside wine bars, coffee shops, and restaurants, you will be presented with an abundance of choices.
28.) The Meatpacking District
The Meatpacking District cultivates a creative ambiance characterized by stylish nightlife, including venues like Jolene, Mesteren & Lærlingen, and Bakken, art galleries such as V1, Bo Bjerggaard, Gallery Poulsen, and Butcher’s Lab—a unique combination of a gym and gallery, along with a diverse selection of high-quality restaurants.
A visit on a Saturday evening is highly recommended, as it fits seamlessly into a weekend itinerary when exploring Copenhagen. You can easily spend hours immersing yourself in this vibrant area.
Green Copenhagen
29.) Bicycles
On a daily basis, one-third of Copenhagen’s residents opt for bicycles as their primary mode of commuting to work or school. The city boasts over 300 km of dedicated bicycle lanes, and various guided bicycle tours are readily available. So, hop on a bike to uncover the charm of Copenhagen at a leisurely pace.
While staying at hotels, guests often have the option to rent bicycles right from the front desk.
30.) Clean Waters
For a refreshing swim, you can take a dip in the clean, swimmable harbor or relish a canal tour to experience the city from an aquatic perspective.
Your Copenhagen cards also enable you to ride the battery-powered bus 11, which circles the city’s main attractions.
31.) City Beaches
Halvandet Beach Club captures the essence of summer as locals flock to the parks, waterfronts, and beaches. To access one of the preferred summer retreats, take the harbor bus (boat) to Halvandet, a tranquil beach club.
Here, visitors can relax on beach chairs, stroll barefoot along the sand, and indulge in food, drinks, and dancing, all while feeling removed from the urban hustle and bustle.
Adventures & Excursions Beyond Copenhagen
The relatively small size of Copenhagen, coupled with its efficient public transportation system, allows travelers to explore most attractions and diverse neighborhoods over a weekend.
If you have an interest in excursions beyond the city limits, a wide array of options exists. You can experience exceptional art, architecture, and breathtaking sea views north of Copenhagen at Louisiana, one of Europe’s premier modern art museums—a destination worthy of inclusion within our guide to exploring Copenhagen.
32.) Kronborg Castle
Kronborg Castle, internationally recognized as Hamlet’s castle from Shakespeare, was constructed by Frederik II, the father of Christian IV, in the period from 1574 to 1585. The castle, inspired by European royal architecture, symbolizes wealth and power, and was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000.
33.) Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
Situated 40 kilometers north of Copenhagen, the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art has earned recognition as a museum that resonates with contemporary art trends.
In addition to its extensive permanent collection boasting over 3,000 works, the museum hosts 8-12 special exhibitions annually.
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