Curator’s statement
Copenhagen is for lovers of cool design. If you have any design nerds on your Christmas/Hannukah present list, this is where you’re going to find all kinds of smartly-designed things that’ll earn you the coveted Most Thoughtful Gift-Giver Prize. If you’re shopping for furniture or home décor for yourself and your vibe is minimalist, modern, highly-functional, sleek, clean lines, blonde woods, and the occasional pop of color, this town is your one-stop shop. The Danes are the Gods of modern design. And Copenhagen is the Mecca. So, let’s get into it.
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Where to stay in Copenhagen
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Things to do in Copenhagen
photo credit: Eva Dilmanian
Where to shop
Illums Bolighus: Everybody else is going to tell you to go to Illums Bolighus if you’re shopping for furniture. I’m also going to tell you to go to Illums Bolighus if you’re shopping for furniture. Sometimes “everybody” is right. (But not often). A well-curated emporium of Danish design for every room in the home. If you love design, don’t miss it.
Kira CPH: Danish-designed, but Moroccan-made throw pillows, blankets, rugs, and more in bright colors and fun patterns.
Flying Tiger: Fun trinkets for fun kids. And fun adults.
Studio Arhoj: Bright cheery Danish ceramics and glassware with a Japanese twist. (You’ll get it when you see it).
Dansk: Simple, functional, beautiful dinnerware, cookware, and decor for the kitchen and dining room.
Notre Dame: Our Lady of Cutesy Design. Lots of colorful home accents to add some personality to a home. This shop carries all my favorite Scandinavian design brands, including Bloomingville and Marimekko.
Instagrammable spots
Designmuseum Danmark: superb museum chronicling the whole history of Danish design. When I was there, there was an excellent exhibit on Danish chairs. Truly not to be missed.
Nyhavn: (pronounced new-hown) famous canal lined with colorful townhouses and lively outdoor cafes.
Boat tour: Nyvahn is the starting point for the sightseeing boat tour that, in Copenhagen, is totally worthwhile and takes you to all the photogenic spots.
Rosenborg Castle: Renaissance-era castle and its pretty grounds make you feel like a princess or prince.
Places to eat & drink in Copenhagen
Make a beeline straight to Reffen Copenhagen Street Food for every meal. It’s my favorite international food court ever, anywhere. Stalls serve everything from crepes to empanadas to fish & chips to pasta to kabab to ramen to gyros to dumplings and much much more.
Need to know
Language basics
Hello = Hej
Goodbye = Farvel
Please = Behage
Thank you = Tak!
Where’s the bathroom? = Hvor er badeværelset? (pronounced Vor eh bay-the-VAY-rell-she)
How much is it? = Hvor meget er det? (pronounced Vor marl er deh)
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Travel Advisor
Eva Dilmanian
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For more travel inspiration and insider recommendations, check out our Copenhagen page.