The Danes are some of the happiest people in the world, and it’s easy to see why.
You can’t deny that Copenhagen is cool. From the food to fashion, this is where trends are set. But that doesn’t mean this city is intimidating – far from it! The Danes specialise in all things hygge – a special Danish phrase for total cosiness.
I’ve travelled to Copenhagen at all different times of the year, and you can find this sense of hygge everywhere. In wintertime, there’s nothing better than visiting one of the many outstanding bakeries or cafes for a hot coffee (the Dane’s are expert baristas) and a baked treat. In the summertime, it’s all about afternoon swims in the harbour and drinking natural wines at a tiny wine bar – that’s pure joy to me!
It’s impossible to list all of the incredible food offerings in this city – but here are a few on my must-visit list.
Related story: A former head chef from Noma, Copenhagen has opened a restaurant in Australia – you’ll never guess where
Where to stay
Located in iconic Danish architect Vilhelm Lauritzen’s heritage-listed building, the Skt Petri is the perfect example of effortless Scandinavian luxury.
Previously an old department store, the hotel’s super central location makes it perfect for a city, regardless of how long you can stay. You’re only a short walk to the Round Tower and iconic Nyhavn, not to mention the amazing cafes, wine bars and restaurants in the city.
Rooms and suites straddle old and new, with all the modern amenities you could want plus stunning views over Copenhagen’s old town.
The best bakeries
Juno the Bakery
Owner and former Noma pastry chef Emil Glaser is famous for his cardamom bun (a classic Scandi treat). I would say it’s the best in Copenhagen – expect a chewy textured bun with a peppery cardamom topping. A must!
Hart Bageri
Located in Frederiksberg, this bakery (owned by Richard Hart) everything here is made by hand. You can really taste the love.
Andersen & Maillard
Located in the heart of Norrebrogade, the coffee here is exceptionally good and roasted on site. The croissants are known to be the best in Copenhagen, with perfect crispy lines to satisfy any food enthusiast. Don’t leave without trying the cube croissant filled with pistachio ganache.
Cafes to try
Apotek 57
Brunch is definitely a thing in Copenhagen. With a minimal interior and Instagrammable dishes, this is the place to be seen. Get in quick as there is always a line.
Studio X Kitchen
This cafe focuses on creating dishes around seasonal produce while working with small Danish farms. Don’t leave without ordering the folded eggs with gammel knas cheese, covered in ‘nduja butter and fluffy focaccia.
Wine bars
Pompette
Pompette means tipsy! And you might just feel the same way when you visit this wine bar located in the cool suburb of Nørrebro. The menu is focused on natural wines with a selection of only one white, orange and red. This means you will get a taste of what’s open at the time and for only 50DKK (around $10).
Ven Stranden 10
This combined wine bar and bottle shop overlooks the Holmens Kanel and serves natural wines. With a classic Danish feel, this bar is packed in the summertime. Stop by on a Wednesday night for their special wine tasting nights, with 4-6 wines to be sampled.
Den Vadrette
Located in the centre of Copenhagen, Den Vadrette is run by the guys behind Rosforth & Rosforth (one of the top wine suppliers in the city, who provide the wine to some of Copenhagen’s best restaurants). With a seasonal menu focusing on small dishes, it’s the perfect place to feel all those Danish vibes.
What to do when you’re not eating
Ride a bike across Nyhavn, the most picturesque place in Copenhagen, where you will find the famous strip of coloured buildings lined side by side. With restaurants, bars and townhouses you’ll be able to spend the day living like a local. Renting a bike is as simple as downloading the app Donkey Republic and securing a bike for 24 hours.
Take a day trip to Louisiana Modern Art Museum, a short train ride from Copenhagen. Focusing on contemporary art from 1945 to the present, Louisiana features over 4000 pieces from around the world and offers a dreamy panoramic view of Sweden.
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