Copenhagen: The Perfect Blend of History, Design & Food

Walking tour

My standing recommendation in any new city. It’s the best way to get oriented and combat jet lag, and you’ll often see or learn about a few extra places to add to your itinerary. Choose a tour with a private guide for a comprehensive orientation, or jump on a small-group tour for the highlights.

Nyhavn

The iconic (and Instagrammable) canal, lined with colorful 17th-century townhouses. Plan to visit on foot or by bike in the early morning, before the crowds arrive.

Tivoli Gardens

Copenhagen’s famous 1843 amusement park, the one that inspired Walt Disney. I love to visit at night when everything is illuminated.

Amalienborg Palace

A working royal residence made up of four matching mansions around a cobbled square. I suggest timing your visit around noon to catch the changing of the guard.

Christiansborg Palace

The seat of the Danish Parliament, with royal reception rooms and the ruins of two earlier medieval castles beneath the building.

Rosenborg Castle

A 400-year-old castle in the King’s Garden, home to the Danish Crown Jewels, which are on display. The garden is a great place to take a break between sightseeing destinations.

Rundetarn (Round Tower)

A 17th-century tower in the Latin Quarter with a spiral ramp instead of stairs. Climb to the top for some of the best panoramic views of the city.

Stroget

Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping street, running from City Hall Square to Kongens Nytorv. Skip the global brand flagship stores and explore the side streets to find unique stores like Gungun, a women-owned design collective, or Skall Studio, where you’ll find classic Danish wool knits.

Designmuseum Denmark

A must-see for Danish furniture and design history, from Arne Jacobsen to today. This is a museum I’d recommend to people who aren’t traditional museum lovers, as it highlights why Danish design became a global phenomenon without feeling overly academic.

Carlsberg Brewery tour

A short trip to Vesterbro to see the original brewery grounds, including the iconic Elephant Gate. Even as a non-beer drinker, I enjoyed learning about the company’s history and seeing the grounds.

Bæst

Norrebro’s celebrated wood-fired pizza and house-made charcuterie and mozzarella from chef Christian Puglisi—consistently ranked among the best pizza in Europe. It may seem counterintuitive to go for pizza in Copenhagen, but you’ll be glad you did; it’s one of my go-to spots.

Restaurant Schonnemann

Open since 1877, the definitive old-school smørrebrød experience near Nørreport.

Aamanns 1921

Contemporary smørrebrød from a Copenhagen institution, with several locations around the city.

Geranium

Three Michelin stars, entirely seafood- and plant-based, located above the national football stadium. The location seems like a mismatch until you see the space. Truly a bucket-list-worthy meal.

Alchemist

Rasmus Munk’s two-Michelin-star theatrical tasting menu, served under a planetarium-like dome on Refshaleøen. One of the most memorable meals I’ve had anywhere.

Restaurant Barr

Nordic beer hall cooking on the Christianshavn waterfront, in the building that used to house Noma. My personal favorite for smørrebrød.

Nimb Roof

The hotel’s rooftop terrace, with a heated mosaic pool and views over Tivoli’s fairy-lit gardens. Open to the public on select summer evenings (otherwise reserved for hotel guests).

Torvehallerne Food Hall

Two glass market halls for Danish meat, cheese, fish, produce, and prepared foods from all over the world. Try the tacos at Hija de Sánchez (featured on Somebody Feed Phil and worth the hype) or visit Grod for their elevated porridges.