CITY GUIDE
CITY GUIDE
The iconic rainbow facade is Copenhagen’s picture perfect Instagram spot. The 17th-century canal was previously the gateway for delivering cargo from the sea to the old inner city at Kongens Nytorv (King’s Square). The sailors and prostitutes have been replaced by cosy bars, cafes and classy restaurants. Stroll along the waterfront and snap your selfie next to the many historical wooden ships sitting in the harbour.
TIP: The restaurants along Nyhavn mostly cater for tourists and tend to be overpriced. I would recommend dining a few streets away (check the Where To Eat section below). Instead, grab a beer from the local supermarket and sit by the waterfront to watch the sunset.
One of the world’s oldest amusement parks, Tivoli Gardens opened its doors in 1843. Scandinavia’s equivalent to Disneyland (it is rumoured that Walt Disney drew inspiration from this theme park), little kids and big kids should spend an entire day here. Bring a picnic to enjoy in the lush gardens or choose from Tivoli’s broad selection of restaurants. Feel wistfully nostalgic as you wander by historic buildings and make sure to be around when night falls to witness the magic of thousands of coloured lights illuminating the gardens. For the adrenaline junkies, the ‘must-do’ ride is the wooden roller coaster from 1914. There’s live music every day and seasonal events during Halloween, Christmas and New Year.
If you’re keen to skip the line and get onto some rides quick smart, you can order your entrance ticket right here!
Hans Christian Andersen’s under-the-sea protagonist was immortalized in a bronze and granite sculpture by sculptor Edvard Eriksen. The Little Mermaid was inspired by ballerina Ellen Price who dance the lead role at the Royal Theatre in 1909. The sculpture has sat in Copenhagen harbour since 1913. She has unfortunately been victim to vandals several times but is lovingly restored after each attack. Visit one of the most famous tourist attractions perched on a rock at Langelinje Promenade.
An alternative society established in 1971 by a group of hippies, (Freetown) Christiania operates as a separate society completely independent of the Danish government. Residents are largely self-sufficient in the green and car-free neighbourhood. Visitors to the area are free to explore the art galleries, music venues and organic eateries. Guided tours are also run by local Christianites. Visitors are advised not to film or photography in Christiania.
Copenhagen’s Citadel is one of the best preserved star fortresses in Northern Europe. Commissioned by the Danish King, Christian IV in 1626, Kastellat used to encircle the city with the ring of bastioned ramparts. Today, the buildings inside are used as military barracks and offices. Visitors can enter the citadel via two gates to walk around the historic site and public park.
Located in Copenhagen’s meatpacking district, this Texan BBQ joint is not one for our vegetarian friends. It’s a good idea to visit with a group of friends as Warpigs serves up trays full of delicious slow-cooked meat. The restaurant also features an onsite brewery in case you get thirsty. Whatever you do, arrive hungry and early, as they do sell out most nights. Once it’s gone – it’s gone. #meatsweats
For all the health-nuts, you’re best to start your day at one of the Grød cafes dotted around the city. Having opened its first porridge bar in 2011, Grød now has three locations and has made porridge a cool breakfast food once more. I’d recommend the acai-chia Grød bowl. Topped with peanut butter and banana, this low GI bowl is sure to keep your energy up for a full day of sightseeing.
If you’re looking for a late night snack or a greasy hangover cure, look no further than Isted Grill. Add extra cheese or bacon to your burger or sandwich or pick from the BBQ menu for grilled meat with a side of fries. Order the pork sandwich to cure your late night cravings (I might be speaking from experience). Your tastebuds can also travel to Asia as Isted Grill also offers a vast array of Chinese menu options!
If you are an adventurous eater, more international flavours can be found at the up and coming food markets in the city. Check out this blog post which details some of the best street food in Copenhagen.
One of the oldest restaurants in the Meatpacking District, Paté Paté serves rustic food with Spanish, French and Moroccoan influences. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the restaurant is suitable for morning meetings, a lazy lunch or a candlelight dinner date for two. Located in a beautiful raw room (a former paté factory), Paté Paté offers an extensive wine list with staff on hand to tell you stories behind the wine. Reservations recommended.
You can’t miss the entrance to Granola with the large decorative sign hanging over the shopfront. Hang with the locals in the coffee lounge which is smothered with nostalgic paraphernalia from the 50s and 60s. In the summertime, Granola’s creamy ice-cream and fruity milkshakes will be an ideal option. It’s a popular haunt for weekend brunch so make sure to make a reservation. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Deeply committed to a transparent direct trade model, The Coffee Collective has been pioneering the specialty coffee experience in Copenhagen since 2007. Farmers are visited yearly to oversee working conditions and coffee production. Coffee beans are roasted on Godthåbsvej where guided tours are offered on the first Friday of each month.
Now with four cafes across Copenhagen you’ll never be too far away from getting the best coffee in town. While the décor of the four café bars bucks uniformity, you can expect premium coffee brewed at all locations. Make sure to stop by Bernikow for one of the coffee cocktails.
CUB, short for Copenhagen Underground Brewers, is another Danish specialty coffee company passionate about sourcing the highest quality coffee. Closely collaborating with Copenhagen Coffee Lab, CUB’s coffee selection changes seasonally to keep things exciting and fresh. Each coffee bar features typical minimalist Scandi décor with abstract art and wooden furniture. Choose a milk-based coffee or pour over with a breakfast pastry and if it’s sunny, grab a seat at one of the outdoor tables. A sister location can be found in Copenhagen K.
The students who study at the Hovedbibliotek are pretty lucky to have Democratic Coffee next door. Occupying the space next to the library, I’m not sure how you’re supposed to concentrate on your books when the smell of freshly baked almond croissants wafts through the air. Specializing in single-origin coffee, the wooden bar provides an optimal spot for sipping coffee and watching the world pass by outside If crumbs from your almond croissant fall between the pages of your book, I think you’d be somewhat forgiven.
From math and physics teacher to internationally acclaimed brewer, Mikkel Borg Bjergsø established Mikkeller from his kitchen in Copenhagen. Today, craft beer fans can enjoy more than 20 varieties on tap brewed by Mikkeller and the world’s best breweries. Take a seat and enjoy a few pints with a selection of chesses, snacks and meats. The staff are beer enthusiasts and will happily talk your ear off. And if you can’t get enough of Mikkeller’s brew, visit their webshop and have it delivered to your doorstep.
HINT: If you can’t nab a seat at this venue, a second beer bar called Mikkeller and Friends can be found in Nørrebro. World travellers can also find Mikkeller bars in San Francisco and Stockholm.
One who consumes alcoholic beverages regularly wouldn’t expect to see the words “cocktail” and “pub” go hand in hand. But The Barking Dog in Copenhagen has defied expectation and has been (rightly so) crowned a cocktail pub. This Nørrebro establishment is a chilled place that has a good times vibe written all over it. Try the house special Lagerita, described as “a hybrid between a pint in a pub and a well-made Margarita”. The bartenders will whip up one of the cocktails on their menu and you can order a fruit plate or veggie plate if you’re feeling peckish. Open 7 days a week til late.
A fashion & lifestyle brand born in Copenhagen, Wood Wood offers contemporary streetwear infused with strong sports elements. Rock style and attitude by combining high fashion with streetwear that draws inspiration from graffiti and street culture, music and art. Having successfully collaborated with big brands including Barbour, Eastpack and Adidas, shop Wood Wood’s tailored pieces that focus on functionality as much as style.
From a small namesake shop in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter to an international fashion house, Samsøe & Samsøe’s minimalist and wearable aesthetic has never wavered from its Scandinavian heritage. Channelling Copenhagen street style through its contemporary clothes, footwear and accessories for men and women, expect to make a big dent in your bank account.
Fascinated by how metals can be twisted to morph into different shapes and sizes, Maria Black fuels this fascination by designing and crafting fine jewellery in her Copenhagen-based studio. Using premium metals, her jewellery possesses a delicate simplicity that can be paired effortlessly alongside strong silhouettes. The designer is also a vocal advocate for diversity, individuality and empowerment. All of her polished, intelligent designs are gender-neutral and earrings can be bought individually.
Selected by Lonely Plant’s as one of the world’s ten coolest neighbourhoods in 2017, you’ll have to concur after spending ten minutes in the area. Walk along wide boulevards, find sartorial gems in trendy boutiques and sample top-notch cuisine at high-quality establishments around almost every corner.
Not to be outdone, Vesterbro’s northern neighbour is an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy the city’s nightlife. With an array of bars to choose from the suburb is influenced by its multicultural roots which diversify the restaurant scene.
Formally a municipality independent of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg is typically treated as a part of the Danish capital given its proximity. A bit more posh than Nørrebro and Vesterbro, you’ll also find an older, more established population. Flash your credit card shopping up a storm along Gammel Kongevej, feast in the gourmet’s paradise of Værnedamsvej and then catch your breath in the peaceful tranquillity of the royal gardens, Frederiksberg Have.
Dominated by canals among several artificial islands, Christianshavn is unsurprisingly boasts the most nautical atmosphere of Copenhagen’s neighbourhoods. The district has embraced an eclectic mix of residents with businessmen, students, artists and traditional families all living side-by-side. Join proud Christianshavners for a few beers and snaps at the century-old watering holes previously occupied by thirsty sailing merchants.
