The Comprehensive Copenhagen Guide: Where to Eat, Shop & Swim Like You Live Here
Curated By
Alyssa Gordon
Curator’s statement
After three years of living in Sweden and countless weekend trips to Copenhagen (seriously, I’ve lost count at this point!), I’ve fallen hard for this city. It’s the perfect blend of historic charm and cutting-edge design, with a food scene that will blow your mind and enough cozy corners to keep you exploring for weeks. Here’s my thoroughly tested guide to experiencing Copenhagen like you actually live here.
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Where to stay in Copenhagen
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Things to do in Copenhagen
One of my favorite ways to spend a sunny day in Copenhagen is grabbing bikes and heading to Reffen. There’s this amazing sauna nearby, and the cutest bakery called Lille Bakery. Make it an all-day affair—start with pastries, hit the sauna, and go for a swim, then end with amazing street food and drinks as the sun sets. The waterfront vibes are unmatched!
Jægersborggade is my secret weapon for shopping. This street is lined with the coolest independent boutiques and cafes. Pro tip: Start your morning at Coffee Collective, then work your way down the street. Don’t miss Time’s Up Vintage—they have the best curated designer vintage in the city.
Take some quick pictures at Nyhavn, but skip the crowds and head to Amager Beachpark or Islands Brygge for a local swimming experience. On summer days, you’ll find Copenhageners diving into the clean harbor water between sips of natural wine. The wooden pontoons at Islands Brygge are my go-to spot.
For design lovers, the Danish Architecture Centre and Designmuseum Denmark are must-visits. The Designmuseum reopened after a massive renovation and it’s absolutely stunning—I spent hours there during my last visit studying Danish design history.
One overlooked gem is Valbyparken—it has 15 themed gardens and feels like a secret escape from the city. It’s perfect for a picnic and way less touristy than the main parks.
My favorite neighborhood to explore is Nørrebro. It’s where all the cool kids hang out, with amazing vintage shops, natural wine bars, and some of the city’s best restaurants. Just wander and get lost—you’ll find something amazing around every corner.
For the best city views, skip the Little Mermaid (honestly, it’s tiny and underwhelming) and head to the Church of Our Saviour instead. The 400-step climb to the top gives you incredible 360° views of Copenhagen.
Places to eat & drink in Copenhagen
Copenhagen’s culinary landscape is insane. While the city is famous for its Michelin-starred establishments like Noma, Alchemist, and Geranium ($$$$ book months in advance!), there’s so much more to explore.
Breakfast and coffee:
Andersen & Maillard: This is my Copenhagen happy place. Their caramelized croissants are life-changing. They also have this square flaky pastry and amazing chocolate chip cookies. You really can’t go wrong here. Get here early—they sell out fast!
Hart Bageri: exceptional pastries and really good coffee. There are a few locations.
Juno the Bakery: Run by an ex-Noma pastry chef, this tiny spot makes the most incredible cardamom buns in the city. People say they make the best cardamom buns outside Sweden. Worth the queue, trust me.
Democratic Coffee: Perfect spot for working or people-watching with excellent coffee and pastries.
Lille Bakery: Found this gem on a bike ride to Refshaleøen. Great sourdough and the most amazing rotating lunch menu.
Atelier September: A great spot for the famous avocado toast.
Lunch:
Aamanns 1921: This is where I take visitors for their first smørrebrød experience. Their herring is amazing, even if you think you don’t like herring (I was a skeptic, too!)
La Banchina: My favorite summer spot. Grab some natural wine and fresh seafood, then jump in for a swim between courses. There’s even a sauna you can book!
TorvehallerneKBH: This is a food market which is perfect for sampling local delicacies. They have fish dishes, pork, international dishes and I always stop for a Flødeboller (Danish Marshmallow Puffs).
Don't miss the famous Danish hot dogs at DØP - Den Økologiske Pølsemand
Dinner:
Barabba: Their spaghetti with butter and caviar is worth the trip alone. Book ahead—this place is always packed with locals.
Baka d'Busk: My vegetarian friends swear by this place, and the “plant boys” who run it create the most incredible dishes.
Restaurant Pluto: Perfect for those nights when you want amazing food without the formality. The menu changes constantly but never disappoints.
Propaganda has been a recent favorite so good I went back a second time they have spicy Korean food and natural wines, really good vibes and team there.
Bars:
Ved Stranden 10: My favorite wine bar in the city. They focus on Danish-grown wines (yes, that’s a thing now!) and have the most knowledgeable staff.
Balderdash: They treat cocktails like fine dining but keep the vibe super casual. Their seasonal menus are always creative and fun.
Pompette: Tiny natural wine bar that feels like you’re in someone’s living room. Great for meeting locals!
Need to know
Having tested quite a few hotels across the city (perks of frequent visits!), here are my top picks:
Luxury:
Hotel Sanders: My splurge recommendation. It’s housed in a stunning historic building, and their cocktail bar TATA is one of my favorite spots in the city. Pro tip: Even if you’re not staying here, grab a drink at the bar—the mixologists are incredible.
Nobis Hotel: Perfect location for first-timers, and the building is a former music conservatory with gorgeous architecture.
Mid-range:
Villa Copenhagen: Stayed here in 2024 and loved it. They’ve transformed the old central post office into this super stylish hotel with great sustainability credentials.
25hours Hotel: Fun, quirky vibes, and centrally located. The rooms are compact but well-designed (very Copenhagen!).
Boutique:
Coco Hotel: My go-to recommendation for friends. Stayed here in 2022 and loved the sustainable focus and intimate feel. Their breakfast is fantastic.
Hotel Kong Arthur: Great value in a lovely location near the lakes. The cozy fireside lounge is perfect for winter visits.
Budget-friendly:
Hotel Bella Grande: New on the scene but getting good reviews for clean, simple rooms at reasonable prices.
Absalon Hotel: Well-located in vibrant Vesterbro, with recently renovated rooms.
Copenhagen has some of the best shopping, especially if you’re into sustainable and design-focused brands. Here are my favorite spots:
Vintage and second-hand:
Time’s Up Vintage: This is where I scored an amazing designer leather trench coat. They have the best curated designer vintage in the city.
Carmen Copenhagen: Great for more affordable second-hand finds. I always stop in when I’m in the area.
Episode: A chain, but consistently good for vintage. Their denim selection is particularly strong.
Danish design:
HAY House: Multi-level store showcasing HAY's iconic Scandinavian design. I could spend hours here just looking at their colorful homewares.
Illums Bolighus: A design department store that’s like Copenhagen’s version of MoMA Design Store. Perfect for unique souvenirs.
Studio Arhoj: Gorgeous ceramics and glass. I have way too many of their ‘ghost’ figurines, but can't stop collecting them!
Fashion:
Ganni: The epitome of Copenhagen cool girl style. Their Birkegade store is my favorite—it feels like stepping into a Danish Instagram feed.
Stine Goya: For when you want to inject some color into your Scandinavian wardrobe. Their prints are so joyful.
Mads Nørgaard: My go-to for classic striped tees and simple, well-made basics.
Beauty:
Aesop on Gammel Mønt: Even if you’re familiar with Aesop, this store is worth a visit for the stunning interior alone.
Rudolph Care: Danish organic skincare that’s a favorite among locals. Their sunscreen is a summer essential.
Neighborhoods for shopping:
Jægersborggade: My favorite street for independent boutiques. Don't miss Kaktus København for plants and Res-Res for curated homewares.
Værnedamsvej: Known as ‘Little Paris’, this charming street is lined with boutiques, florists, and cafes.
Elmegade in Nørrebro: Great for vintage shopping and small Danish brands.
Getting around:
Rent a bike! It’s the most Copenhagen way to explore. Most hotels offer rentals, or use the city bike share system, Bycyklen.
If it’s raining (which happens a lot), the metro is super efficient and clean.
Etiquette:
Danes are big on ‘hygge’ (coziness) and equality. Be polite, but don’t be overly formal.
Tipping isn’t expected, but rounding up or leaving 10% for exceptional service is appreciated.
Money-saving tips:
Many museums are free on Wednesdays. The National Museum of Denmark is always free and offers a great intro to Danish history.
Grab a Copenhagen Card if you’re planning to hit lots of attractions. It includes public transport, too.
Seasonal considerations:
Summer (June–August) is magical in Copenhagen. The days are long, and the city comes alive with outdoor events.
Winter can be dark and chilly, but it’s also when ‘hygge’ is at its peak. The Christmas markets are charming, especially at Tivoli Gardens.
If you’re visiting in the winter, check out CopenHot for a unique sauna and hot tub experience right on the harbor.
Off the beaten path
Take a day trip to Dragør, a quaint fishing village just south of Copenhagen. It’s like stepping back in time.
Visit Grundtvig’s Church in Bispebjerg. It’s a stunning example of expressionist architecture and rarely crowded.
Explore Superkilen, an urban park in Nørrebro that showcases objects from 60 different nationalities represented in the area.
Foodie tips:
Try a ‘walking dinner’ in the Meatpacking District. Start with oysters at Kødbyens Fiskebar, move to Gorilla for small plates, and end with cocktails at Jolene.
Don’t leave without trying a Danish hot dog. My favorite stand is DØP (Den Økologiske Pølsemand) near the Round Tower.
For a true local experience, grab some beers and snacks and have a picnic by the lakes or in one of the many parks.
Remember, Copenhagen is a city that rewards slow exploration. Don’t try to pack too much in—leave time to wander, discover your own favorite spots, and live like a local, even if just for a few days.
Lastly, my absolute favorite Copenhagen ritual: On your last morning, wake up early, grab a coffee and pastry from Andersen & Maillard, and watch the city come to life from a bench by the lakes. It’s the perfect way to say ‘farvel’ to this incredible city.
Skål (Cheers) and happy exploring!
Travel Advisor
Alyssa Gordon
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