Curator’s statement
Copenhagen is where my shoulders drop and my senses wake up—clean lines, candlelight, bikes humming past bakeries that actually live up to the hype. It’s a human-scale city that invites you to slow down: harbor swims, design strolls, and long, cozy dinners that feel like home. I come here for inspiration—architecture, craftsmanship, and that effortless Scandinavian warmth—and leave feeling lighter, clearer, happier. For 2025, “The Happiest Place on Earth” isn’t a slogan—it’s the way this city recalibrates you.
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Things to do in Copenhagen
Canal boat tour and/or harbor swim!
Harbor swim and sauna
Start or end your day with a plunge at Ofelia Plads or Islands Brygge. In cooler months, book a floating sauna and do the hot-cold dance. It’s the fastest way to feel like a local (and oddly addictive).
Bakery crawl
Juno → Hart → Lille
Follow the scent of butter and cardamom. I order a kardemummabullar at Juno, a sourdough sandwich at Hart, and something seasonal at Lille—then walk it off along the lakes.
Designmuseum Danmark & shop-hopping
Pair the Designmuseum with a browse at HAY House and Illums Bolighus. It’s a masterclass in form-meets-function and a great place to pick up beautifully made souvenirs.
Torvehallerne for a graze-y lunch
Stalls of smørrebrød, oysters, coffee, and pastries under one roof. I grab open-faced sandwiches and people-watch by the flower stands.
New Nordic dinner & a cozy nightcap
Book Bæst or Høst for a delicious, design-forward meal, then tuck into a moody cocktail bar like Ruby or Lidkoeb. Candlelight everywhere—peak hygge.
Park & palace loop
Walk from the royal guards at Amalienborg to the star-shaped fortress of Kastellet and out to the harbor. It’s history, architecture, and fresh air in one easy loop.
Contemporary art fix
The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art (a quick train up the coast). Art, sea views, sculpture garden—totally worth the half-day.
Neighborhood thrifting & indie boutiques
Poke around Vesterbro and Nørrebro for vintage denim, ceramics, and small Danish brands. I leave time for a natural wine bar stop and a sunset stroll around the lakes.
Places to eat & drink in Copenhagen
Lunch at Hija de Sanchez
Juno the Bakery: Cardamom buns that actually live up to the hype, plus perfect sourdough. I grab a coffee, sit on the curb, and watch bikes stream by—peak Copenhagen morning.
Hart Bageri: Rustic loaves, flaky pastries, and simple sandwiches done with serious craft. It’s my move for a late breakfast before a long museum or shopping day.
Aamanns: Classic smørrebrød made modern: pristine toppings, beautiful plating, and just the right crunch. Book lunch and try two or three—I always add the herring.
Høst: Candlelit, calm, and very Copenhagen: seasonal Nordic plates in a warm, wood-and-linen room. It’s delicious without being fussy—great for a first “wow” dinner.
Bæst: Sourdough pizza, house-made charcuterie, and natural wines in a lively space. Order the burrata and let the staff steer you on a couple of small plates.
Kødbyens Fiskebar: Casual seafood in the Meatpacking District with oysters, crudo, and a good energy. Sit at the bar, share a few plates, then wander for a nightcap nearby.
Barr: Hearty, beer-friendly cooking (think schnitzel, roasted veggies, sauces you want to mop up) right on the water. Come hungry and pair it with their beer list.
Hija de Sanchez: A quick, joyful detour for tacos by former Noma pastry chef Rosio Sanchez. Perfect for an easy lunch between neighborhoods.
Ruby: Cocktails in a townhouse that feels like you’ve been invited into someone’s chic living room. I love it for a pre- or post-dinner drink. Reservations help on weekends.
Lidkoeb: Multi-level bar with a cozy upstairs whiskey lounge and a buzzy courtyard in warmer months. Great service, balanced drinks, and that soft Danish candlelight everywhere.
Need to know
Bike etiquette matters. Use bike lanes only, signal clearly, don’t stop in the lane for photos, and look both ways before stepping off a curb—bikes have right of way.
Reserve the hits. Popular restaurants and bars (Bæst, Høst, Ruby) book up, and bakeries peak early. Set alerts or join waitlists, and plan 1–2 anchors per day.
Cards over cash: Tap-to-pay is everywhere. Tipping isn’t expected—round up or add ~5–10% for standout service.
Harbor swims are legit. The water is clean—pack a swimsuit, use designated baths like Ofelia Plads or Islands Brygge, and bring a quick-dry towel.
Weather = layers: Even in summer, nights get breezy. In shoulder seasons bring a waterproof shell and warm midlayer, and in winter you’ll want real boots and a hat.
Sundays and Mondays can be quiet. Some shops and museums close or keep limited hours—aim your “musts” for Tuesday through Saturday, and save Sunday for parks, canals, and pastries.
Transit is easy. The metro from the airport is seamless. Buy a City Pass or use contactless—no need for paper tickets. Walking and biking will cover most days.
Copenhagen Card is situational: It’s great if you’ll hit multiple museums or ferries in 48–72 hours. Skip it if your plan skews cafés, boutiques, and long strolls.
Day trips are excellent: Louisiana Museum of Modern Art (train up the coast), Kronborg Castle, and Roskilde’s Viking Ship Museum pair beautifully with a Copenhagen base.
Hydration and coffee: Tap water is excellent, so bring a refillable bottle. Coffee culture is strong—expect smaller, better cups and fewer syrups.
Dietary notes: Gluten-free and vegetarian are widely accommodated, but pre-book when possible—smørrebrød spots can prepare GF bread if asked ahead.
Travel Advisor
Erin Arnold
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