Where to Relax in Copenhagen

hotel

Woodah-Hostel

Copenhagen, Denmark

Despite its central location amidst the energy and excitement of daily Copenhagen life, Woodah-Hostel is a haven of relaxation, offering an affordable and comfortable stay in an eco-conscious environment. The ethos behind Woodah is appealing; their mission statement “healthy rather than wealthy” is derived from owner Maj’s own travel adventures. Having travelled the globe from the age of 19 uncovering the world’s best surfing spots, she came back home with the desire to establish the ideal base for fellow travellers to explore Copenhagen. With optional morning yoga and organic breakfast included, as well as a 24-hour café selling local sustainable products, Woodah aims to provide an enriching travel experience.

Address

Abel Cathrines Gade 1 1654 Kbh

hotel

Alexandra Hotel

Copenhagen, Denmark

This stylish hotel is a stone’s throw away from Copenhagen Town Hall Square and Tivoli Gardens, in the heart of the city. In addition to its central location, it offers a true Danish experience – rooms throughout the hotel are furnished with work from the seven most renowned Danish designers of the 20th Century. Deluxe rooms and suites are dedicated entirely to Danish icons such as Finn Juhl, Verner Panton and Børge Mogensen, making for an interesting cultural experience.

Address

H. C. Andersens Boulevard 8 1553 Kobenhavn V

hotel

CPH Living

Copenhagen, Denmark

For an accommodation experience like no other, opt to stay on CPH Living, the city’s floating hotel. Housed in a converted barge, this trendy spot features contemporary Danish furnishings throughout, including precious woods, with 12 rooms offering both harbour and city views, as well as a great rooftop terrace, perfect for watching the sun go down with a beer in the Danish summer.

Address

Langebrogade 1C 1411 København K

hotel

Hotel SP34

Copenhagen, Denmark

If there’s one boutique hotel in Copenhagen that excels when it comes to location, style, and facilities, it’s the uber cool Hotel SP34. Based in the city’s vibrant Latin quarter, Hotel SP34 has its own cinema, two bars and two restaurants – one of which, Cocks and Cows, serves arguably the best burger in Copenhagen. Throw in a delicious organic breakfast and pared-back yet comfortable rooms and it’s easy to see why this hotel is one of the city’s finest.

Address

Sankt Peders Straede 34 1453 Kobenhavn K

hotel

Hotel Skt Petri

Copenhagen, Denmark

If you’re looking to blow the budget, this super stylish 288-room hotel in the city centre is a great spot to see and be seen. You can expect a haven of laidback luxury, with the owners bringing together art, design, high quality amenities and exceptional service, making this a must-stay for a long weekend in Copenhagen.

Address

Krystalgade 22 1172 Kobenhavn K

bar

Jolene Bar

Copenhagen, Denmark

With a large sign declaring “This is not a f***ing cocktail bar”, Jolene Bar sets the message straight that this is a place to come and have a good time. Run by two Icelandic girls, Jolene Bar is a small club inside an old slaughterhouse, renowned for its impressive DJ lineups. With a chilled vibe by day, the place comes alive at night when packs of trendy locals come to listen to the mix of techno and house beats.

Address

Flaesketorvet 94 1711 Copenhagen

bar

Jane Bar

Copenhagen, Denmark

After cocktails at Strøm, go directly across the road to Jane Bar to dance the night away on their great dance floor. Channeling 'Mad Men' vibes, this bar-cum-club pays homage to an era of suave gentlemen and well-heeled women, with an award-winning cocktail menu to match.

Address

Gråbrødretorv 8 1154 København

bar

Brass Monkey

Copenhagen, Denmark

To experience something a little bit more exotic in Copenhagen, pay a visit to Brass Monkey. A late-night tiki bar, Brass Monkey is decorated in true Hawaiian style with palm trees and hand-carved tikis. Boasting the largest collection of rum in Copenhagen, the cocktails at Brass Monkey are served on fire in volcanoes and conches. The light-hearted, lively atmosphere makes for a great night – you’re sure to find yourself joining in a game of limbo after a few tipples.

Address

Enghavevej 31 674 København

bar

Lidkoeb

Copenhagen, Denmark

From the guys behind cocktail bar Ruby on Gammel Strand, this cool and cosy bar is situated in a listed renovated building, complete with a popular courtyard and typically Scandinavian design features. You’ll find wooden benches attired with sheepskin throws, Chesterfield furniture and a glowering fireplace. Enjoy one of the menu’s many experimental cocktails such as the ‘papir flyveren’ comprising Four Roses yellow label whiskey, Aperol, Gran Classico and fresh lemon.

Address

Vesterbrogade 72B 1620 København V

bar

Mikkeller

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen is known for love of craft ale, so it would be remiss to visit the city and not sample one of its locally brewed beers. A beer-lover’s paradise, Mikkeller is one of the best spots. Created by world-famous brewer Mikkel Borg Bjergso, at this Vesterbro bar, you’ll find 15 taps on featuring brews – ten from Mikkeller’s own brew and others from around the world. The bar is a hipster favourite for pre-dinner drinks with friends.

Address

Viktoriagade 8 1655 København

restaurant

PATÉ PATÉ

Copenhagen, Denmark

A favourite with Danish young professionals, this former slaughterhouse and second-hand bookshop turned restaurant was inspired by owner Kenn Husted’s culinary experiences across France, Spain and Morocco.The atmosphere is cosy and the food excellent – particularly sharing dishes such as the harissa-roasted chicken with spicy carrots and savoy cabbage. Stop by the corner of cookbooks on your way out for a dose of Danish culinary inspiration.

Address

Slagterboderne 1 1716 København

restaurant

Väkst

Copenhagen, Denmark

The name of this rustic restaurant in the heart of the city, part of Hotel SP34, means ‘growth’. Inspired by nature, its interior resembles a greenhouse, resplendent with plants, over two floors of bright and airy space. The veg-centric, Nordic menu is the brainchild of chef Jonas Christensen. We’d recommend the set menu – three courses, plus wine for around £50 per head.

Address

Sankt Peders Stræde 34 1453 København K

restaurant

KØDBYENS FISKEBAR

Copenhagen, Denmark

Tucked away in the meatpacking district, this is one of Copenhagen’s culinary gems. Kødbyens Fiskebar is a modern, open-plan restaurant designed so customers can watch the raw menu and drinks being prepared, against a backdrop of a large cylindrical fish tank. Offering a spectrum of dishes from traditional fish and chips served in newspaper to sea urchin alongside fantastic service and knowledgeable staff, it’s a great place for gastronomes.

Address

Flæsketorvet 100 1711 København

restaurant

Papirøen

Copenhagen, Denmark

Just opposite the pretty Nyhavn harbour you’ll find Papiroen – Paper Island – home to Copenhagen’s popular street-food market. A great place to hang out at the weekend, the market sells global cuisine including Mexican, Brazilian, Vietnamese and Italian, though much of the produce is sourced locally. Grab a craft beer and a burger from one of the many vendors and sit on one of the long benches outside with a view of the harbour.

Address

Trangravsvej 8 1436 København K

restaurant

RELÆ

Copenhagen, Denmark

This Michelin-starred restaurant is frequently voted one of the best in the world, and also boasts the title of World’s Best Sustainable Restaurant in 2015. It offers a reasonably priced, creative menu in the comfort of a warm, relaxed atmosphere, with over 90 per cent of ingredients sourced from organic suppliers.

Address

Jægersborggade 41 2200 København

shopping

HENRIK VIBSKOV BOUTIQUE

Copenhagen, Denmark

The most iconic modern Danish fashion designer and only Scandinavian designer to showcase at Paris Men’s Fashion Week, Henrik Vibskov is considered part of the New Nordic fashion Movement. His boutique is the place to go to discover the best of Danish fashion, selling not only his own collections, but also avant garde designs from Opening Ceremony, Yohji Yamamoto and Comme des Garçons. A man of many talents, Henrik Vibskov is furthermore an interior designer, so admire the impressive store interior while you shop, making sure you make a visit to the changing rooms to see installations of upside-down flamingos hanging from the ceiling.

Address

Krystalgade 6 1172 København K

shopping

Storm

Copenhagen, Denmark

Voted ‘best retail space’ at the Dansk Fashion Awards, Storm is a concept store, which sells designer clothes, beauty products, music, books and magazines. They also hold regular in-store exhibitions, which help to make this store one of the trendiest spots in Copenhagen.

Address

Store Regnegade 1 1110 København

shopping

NORR

Copenhagen, Denmark

Selling brands owned by the Metropol fashion house in Denmark such as St-Martins, Margit Brandt and Amust, Norr is the shop to visit for well-designed, good quality casual and formal wear.

Address

Pilestræde 36 København K

shopping

Acne

Copenhagen, Denmark

No trip to Copenhagen would be complete without a shopping trip to one of Acne’s three stores, Scandinavia’s most successful avant-garde fashion brand. The Pilestraede boutique is the label’s flagship housing its full men’s and women’s collections, while the Norrebro location is the archive store where you can pick up past season pieces at significantly reduced prices.

Address

Pilestræde 40B 1112 København K

shopping

HAY House

Copenhagen, Denmark

Don’t miss the ever-inspiring HAY House with its cutting-edge Danish and international furniture, interiors and homeware set in a magnificent art-nouveau building. The store sells typically minimalist furniture finished in quality materials and a pared-back colour palette, offset by colourful, print-heavy cushions and rugs, modern lighting and quirky stationery, making it impossible to leave without a buy.

Address

Østergade 61 1100 København K,

thingstodo

Tivoli Gardens

Copenhagen, Denmark

Tivoli Gardens is one of the oldest amusement parks in the world, having opened in 1843. Not only does Tivoli provide fun amusement rides, but also beautiful gardens, restaurants, daily live music performances and weekend fireworks. Be sure to visit in spring or summer as Tivoli is closed during the winter months, bar Halloween and Christmas.

Address

Vesterbrogade 3 1630 København

thingstodo

TORVEHALLERNE

Copenhagen, Denmark

Visit this indoor market to discover new culinary delicacies and delicious fresh produce. With over 60 stands selling everything from fresh fish to meat, as well as lots of small places where you can get food to takeaway including sushi, tapas and a delightful cake store called Granny’s House, there is something for everyone.

Address

Frederiksborggade 21 1360 Kobenhavn K

thingstodo

Danish Design Museum

Copenhagen, Denmark

Perfect for a rainy day, pay a visit to the Danish Design Museum in the very centre of Copenhagen. Recommended for anyone with an interest in design, architecture and arts, the museum exhibits the development of Danish design throughout the 20th Century. Avoid the crowds and visit during their late-night opening hours.

Address

Bredgade 68 1260 København

thingstodo

Canal Tour

Copenhagen, Denmark

The nicest and most memorable way to explore Copenhagen is undoubtedly on a canal tour. Visit in the summer to explore the city by kayak, available as a single or double. Alternatively, hire a self-drive Go Boat where you can kick back with a beer and snacks and drift around Copenhagen harbour at your own pace.

Address

Islands Brygge 10 2300 København S

thingstodo

Kunstforeningen GL Strand

Copenhagen, Denmark

Although less renowned than the likes of the Design Museum Danmark and Statens Museum for Kunst, this small museum is a Copenhagen insider’s favourite, featuring more than six modern art exhibitions a year as well as films. In the past, the gallery has showcased the work of fashion heavyweights such as Mario Testino, while the ground-level gift shop sells design posters and many art and design tomes.

Address

Gammel Strand 48 1202 København

thingstodo

The Tage Anderson Gallery

Copenhagen, Denmark

The Tage Andersen Gallery in Copenhagen sits just outside the city centre, old wired birdcages, exotic birds and rotting fruit sculptures fill the windows and spill out of the doors onto the pavement. Electing everyday objects and scenes, Tage reimagines the ordinary and succeeds in creating emotive pieces reflective of both the season and time. Far from being displays of superfluous vanity, his bouquets combine and contrast aspects of old with new to create a sensory fairy tale that does nothing short of feed the soul. 50 successful years in the industry — and numerous awards to show for it — are a testament to the success of his unique and progressive vision. A exciting and otherworldly place, The Tage Andersen Gallery is one not to miss.

Address

Ny Adelgade 12 1104 København K

restaurant

Atelier September

Copenhagen, Denmark

Make like the influencer crew with a trip to this breezy, veggie-only spot in Hellerup. Bright and beautiful, the café serves breakfast, lunch and coffee and cake throughout the day. Plates are healthy, vegetarian and photogenic (hence the crowd), but taste as good as they look. Take a seat in the window and order the cult classic of avocado on toast, a caramelised grapefruit and a glass of seasonal kombucha. If you visit Charlottenborg’s Kunsthal, you can find similar fare at the gallery’s Apollo Bar – chef Frederik Bille Brahe is behind both establishments.

Address

Strandvejen 134, Hellerup, 2900

restaurant

The Coffee Collective

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhageners love all three sites of this devoted roaster, which is run by some of the city’s most famous coffee nerds. The mothership of the group is located on Godthåbsvej in the city’s fashionable Frederiksberg district, and is worth peddling your bike a little further for. Head there for a little coffee education (learn how to brew from the best/take part in a cupping) or to get a caffeine hit in the most delicious way possible (black ice coffees/creamy flat whites/banging espressos).

Address

Godthåbsvej 34B 2000 Frederiksberg

restaurant

Hija de Sanchez

Copenhagen, Denmark

When the Danes want tacos, the Danes go to Hija de Sanchez. This taco stand, located in the food nirvana of Torvehallerne market, is the brainchild of ex-Noma pastry chef Rosio Sanchez. She procures all of her corn from Oaxaca for the most authentic tortillas this side of Mexico. Try succulent fillings like cod skin or beef tongue with tangy, peppery salsa. Fantastic.

Address

Frederiksborggade 21 1360 København K

bar

Ved Stranden 10

Copenhagen, Denmark

If daytime drinking calls, look no further than this waterside bar, which serves delicious natural wines. Copenhagen is swimming in low-intervention wines (wines that don’t use pesticides) Head here on a sunny afternoon to enjoy the views, or find a spot at the black bar to chat to the bartender and wangle a few free swills.

Address

Ved Stranden 10 1061 København K

restaurant

Stedsans

Copenhagen, Denmark

‘Clean. Simple. Local.’ is the name of the game at this place, with a fresh, vibrant 6-course meal served around communal tables inside a flower-filled rooftop greenhouse. And yes, it is just as dreamy as it sounds. Worth noting, they close for the winter season and reopen sometime in April. Be sure to check their site before going.

Address

Æbeløgade 4 2100 København Ø

bar

Gilt

Copenhagen, Denmark

Look no further for Copenhagen's best old fashioned, Gilt's version is the punchiest, most citrus-spiked version that'll you'll ever try. The speakeasy has a long and inviting cocktail menu, and can be found behind a hidden(ish) heavy wooden door at the quiet end of the devilishly cool Norrebro district.

Address

Rantzausgade 39 2200 København

restaurant

Jagger

Copenhagen, Denmark

Dynamic chef Rasmus Oubaek has redirected his focus toward fast food, and we couldn't be happier about it. His burger joint Jagger, which opened in 2016, is considered one of the best in Copenhagen. Expect a go-easy vibe and spot-on eat-in or take-out options. Serving up gloriously greasy burgers and thin-cut, skin-on fries, this place is turning fast food into fine dining and we're there for it.

Address

Istegade 62 DK–1650

hotel

Hotel Sanders

Copenhagen, Denmark

Tucked on a side street behind the Royal Danish Theatre just steps away from King’s New Square in the centre of Copenhagen, Hotel Sanders encapsulates the casual coolness of Copenhagen. And no wonder, because owner Alexander Kølpin – a former dancer for The Royal Danish Ballet – has teamed up with modish designers Lind + Almond to create a handsome townhouse that is at once comfortably homely and impeccably chic. This is, in part, due to nonchalantly cool staff who are quick to foster an easy rapport (without straying into over-familiarity) that will provide you with plenty of under-the-radar recommendations and leave you feeling like their favourite guest. Teamed with an excellent restaurant and bar, this is the kind of hotel that you’ll go back to – if only to pick the brains of your new friends.

Address

Tordenskjoldsgade 15 1055

hotel

Hotel Ottilia

Copenhagen, Denmark

With a clear nod to the building’s former purpose as the Carlsberg brewery, Hotel Ottilia proudly showcases a genuine industrial-chic aesthetic. Dark-wood beams and iron balconies offset rough white floors and walls, creating a Scandi vibe that attracts stylish clientele. Head straight for the lobby bar to sample craft beer and take in the hotel’s quirky design before making your way to the rooftop terrace for panoramic views and cocktails made with the hotel’s own Wilderness Gin, concocted using Danish ingredients.

Address

Bryggernes Plads 7, 1799