Copenhagen is exclusive for a number of causes. Not as stuffy as Paris (opens in a brand new tab) or a scene like Berlin, Denmark’s capital is understood for its eccentric avenue fashion, elegant delicacies and gracious residents. In line with the World Happiness Report 2020, town is ranked fifth happiest on the planet (opens in a brand new tab) (whereas COVID-19 gripped the world, the Danes have been nonetheless in a position to see the intense facet, a real testomony to their infectious optimism) and follows the Danish idea hygge, which values consolation, happiness, belief and cohesion. It is an especially eclectic and colourful metropolis that welcomes weirdos with open arms. In fact I needed to go.
So when one in every of my expensive buddies despatched a message in our scholar group chat that I vaguely keep in mind learn as “Copenhagen – you guys?” I used to be not notably satisfied. We have booked our week’s vacation, began working towards our Danish, and I turned to Jasmine Fox-Suliaman, Style Editor of Who What Put on, who just lately attended Copenhagen Style Week, for her top-notch suggestions. Quickly sufficient (and earlier than I may end my Duolingo course, I solely acquired so far as “whats up!” and “Sure!”), we went to Scandinavia.
Forward, you may uncover the highlights of our keep and a well-curated listing of the most effective eating places, bars, neighborhoods, retailers and museums to go to in Copenhagen.
The place to remain
First, biking is to Copenhagen locals what tough brisk strolling is to New Yorkers. In the event you contemplate your self savvy and skilled sufficient to journey alongside nimble metropolis cyclists, I like to recommend renting a motorbike. In any other case, you may get round on foot and through town’s metro and buses, which is what my group did. Be aware: There isn’t any Uber in Copenhagen and native taxis may be fairly costly, so you need to be cautious the way you get to your vacation spot.
Copenhagen shouldn’t be a really huge metropolis, however it’s not small in any respect. Indre By is taken into account the middle of town, the place you may discover Nyhavn, a harbor with colourful homes in rainbow hues, and Strøget, a protracted avenue lined with mainstream retailers and indie boutiques. It is an awesome space for first-time guests who want quick access to common spots like Rosenborg Citadel, Tivoli Gardens, and the Little Mermaid statue (it is admittedly fairly small, so wait carefully).
(Picture: Emma Childs)
For our keep, we rented an Airbnb in Esterbro, a extra residential space, away from town noise and colourful bustle, stuffed with fantastic bakeries and home-style eating places. Norrebro is one other space that is extra off the overwhelmed monitor and presents loads of cozy Airbnbs and lodges for lower than what you may discover downtown.
Nonetheless, in order for you a extra artsy scene with extra nightlife attraction, Vesterbro is the place you wish to be. Referred to as the Meatpacking District and the Crimson Mild District, this stylish hub presents galleries, nightclubs and eating places with quite a lot of cuisines, from Japanese to American barbecue.
The place to eat and drink
Whereas exploring downtown Copenhagen, one in every of our tasty pit stops was Gasoline Grill, the place I ate, and I’m not exaggerating, the most effective veggie burger of my life. My carnivore buddies give comparable rave opinions for his or her juicy beef patties. One other uplifting fast meal was open-faced sandwiches on toasted rye bread, a conventional Danish product generally known as smørrebrød, on the cramped Kompa’ 9 espresso store within the metropolis middle. Additionally noteworthy are the grilled langoustines and sea bass at Delphine, a Greek-Italian fusion restaurant. Positioned within the coronary heart of Vesterbro, Delphine is an up-and-coming, stylish spot that can fulfill any lover of contemporary and salty seafood palettes.
For out-of-this-world pastries, head to Hart Baggers. Their Cardamom Croissant was heaven within the type of a crunchy, buttery deal with with nice spices. Nonetheless, the most effective baked items of our journey have been the cardamom buns from Juno Bakery, an Instagram favourite in Esterbro that greater than lives as much as the hype. Its vanilla cream scones and almond croissants are additionally price shopping for.
Barr’s restaurant was our greatest gastronomic splurge. Run by the identical group behind the award-winning Noma, it is housed within the former waterfront warehouse of the award-winning restaurant. Given its affiliation with what’s extensively thought to be among the best eating places on the planet, I had excessive expectations – all of which have been exceeded by Barr once I took a sip of his well-known home gin and tonic, which the restaurant advertises as “the most effective gin and tonic in us ever had.” The grilled mackerel served with roasted carrots and roasted pumpkin seeds was scrumptious, however our caramel custard dessert was divine and the star of our meal.
Apollo Bar, a 10-minute stroll from the Bar, is one other place that comes extremely really useful and made for an awesome evening out. And on Friday evenings, the comfortable museum cafe-bar-restaurant turns right into a membership with a DJ and electrical dance events.
(Picture: Emma Childs)
What to do
On our first day within the metropolis, we did a bit sightseeing on the Stromma Canal Tour, which left from Nyhavn and was a good way to discover Copenhagen’s waterways in lower than an hour. To study extra a couple of native information, contemplate the Hygge and Happiness Tour (opens in a brand new tab) guided by GetYourGuide, the place you may discover town on foot, find out about hygge tradition and fulfill your candy tooth with a conventional Danish flødeboller, a chocolate-covered marshmallow deal with.
In the event you fancy a fast day journey, hop on the prepare and head to Helsingør to go to Kronborg Citadel, factual the citadel from which William Shakespeare and Hamlet drew inspiration. Discover the inexperienced environment, wander across the well-known citadel, which was first inbuilt 1420, and study extra about King Frederick II, who was recognized for internet hosting lavish banquets and feasting for days.
In your prepare again to town, hop off at Humlebaek and go to my favourite cultural vacation spot, the spectacular Louisiana Museum. Discover the sculpture gardens, take within the views from the waterfront terraces, then head inside to wander the various rooms stuffed with thought-provoking up to date artwork, from David Hockney to Yayoi Kusama to Dana Schutz. One other nice museum to spend a day at is Designmuseum Denmark (opens in a brand new tab) in Frederiksstaden, in a Rococo former hospital constructing. Along with receiving a quick however informative overview of conventional Scandinavian design, you’ll discover historic works from East Asia and the late Center Ages and interact in disruptive thought experiments about what the way forward for design may seem like.
The signature city style is whimsical and eccentric, outlined by voluminous silhouettes, colourful patterns and a sensibly pleased strategy to clothes. Unapologetically daring and joyful style is what initially drew me to Copenhagen, so procuring was excessive on my to-do listing.
Let’s speak GANNI (opens in a brand new tab). A staple for followers of Scandinavian fashion, the Copenhagen-based model is a maximalist haven in lots of shops throughout town. We visited not one, not two, however three separate areas along with her postmodern (opens in a brand new tab) The Showcase of Previous Seasons Offers is the place we struck probably the most gold. Zits Studios (opens in a brand new tab)Zits Archive’s department retailer situated in Nørrebro is one other must-see for lovers of discounted luxurious items.
For followers of archival Paloma Classic style (opens in a brand new tab) is a non-negotiable must-see. I spent one in every of my most fantastic evenings in current reminiscence in a well-prepared retailer: the founding father of Ferial Berri kindly allowed me to strive on classic Miu Miu, Saint Laurent and Valentino and arrange my buddies for an hour-long style present, ending up with a black and white corset on button-down with matching pencil skirt and sleeves. Shared area within the coronary heart of Copenhagen’s procuring district, Jerome Classic and Rosy Classic are different locations to buy distinctive second-hand luxurious.
(Picture: Emma Childs)
