48 hours in Copenhagen: the stylish Danish capital that influences the world
The Denmark Capital Of Copenhagen,
Thanks to its culinary, cultural and fashion awakenings Copenhagen seems to have been merrily freewheeling as Europe’s capital of cool for what feels like two decades.
The city is the ultimate influencer and from its bourgeoisie boulevards to its edgy maritime districts which pulse with Nordic Noir, the Danish capital offers an ever-dynamic, diverse tourist destination.
Meaning whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned visitor, you’ll find Copenhagen is a city which continues to reinvent itself, and though it would be shy to admit it, perhaps the world around it too.
For any first-time visitor to Copenhagen, Nyhavn — the city’s Insta-perfect merchant quarter — makes for a fairy-tale point to chart your weekend. And we do mean fairy-tale, the charming waterfront — lined with multi-coloured 17th-century townhouses — was once home to Hans Christian Anderson himself.
Nowadays, it’s mostly lined with touristy haunts serving up pricey pilsners.
But once you’ve finished ogling its gorgeous streetscapes you’ll find excellent locales just a block or two beyond it: Like POPL, a trendy burger joint from the people behind Noma.
Copenhagen may be pretty flat-packed when it comes to topography, so perhaps it’s all the more surprising as a destination for a spot of skiing!
Located in the Amager neighbourhood, CopenHill is a 450m astroturf slope which winds its way down the most unlikely of settings — a working waste-to-energy plant.
Visitors can rent all the necessary kit on site, while CopenHill’s Rooftop Café offers the likes of beers and fresh toasties.
- From €40 for a one-hour pass and gear rental; copenhill.dk
Design forms as much part of the Danish DNA as hygge, ham, and Lego, and Copenhagen is loaded with a whole mosaic of attractions guaranteed to wow.
The newly renovated Designmuseum Danmark makes for a colourful stop to discover the country’s creative history.
Current exhibitions include The Magic of Form — which highlights the country’s design renaissance — to Rocks of Greenland, which showcases the Arctic nation’s mining-to-jewellery industry evolution.
Pick up a delicious brew from the museum café or a stylish souvenir.
Eat, dip, repeat. That’s the mantra at La Banchina, a supremely Scandi hangout located in the city’s trendy Holmen neighbourhood.
The waterside outfit features a small, hyper-local restaurant, a cosy wine bar, as well as an on-site sauna to enjoy a post-meal sweat.
The restaurant works on a walk-in basis, but it does have some bookable events from its five-course dinners on Saturdays to Soup & Sauna Sundays.
Copenhagen’s iconic Noma is set to close in 2024, but Geranium — with its three Michelin stars — has taken the mantle.
Their Winter Universe menu invites guests to taste nature over a three-hour celebration of Denmark’s finest seasonal food.
Like Noma, this is a super premium dining experience, but expect to pay about €400 per head — depending on how the Krone bounces.
Danish baked goods are renowned the world over, after all, what Irish home doesn’t have a tin of butter cookies in their attic?
Copenhagen itself is famed for its pastries (named wienerbrød, after the Austrian pastry chefs who first brought them here) and perhaps most beloved is the kanelsnegle, a sweet sticky bun which literally translates in Danish as a “cinnamon snail”.
To sample the goods, Hart Bageri — which featured on the series The Bear — is one of the city’s most popular spots, while H.U.G. is a delicious and entirely gluten-free bakery.
If you love a shopping haul, then head to Jaegersborggade, located in the trendy (where isn’t trendy in Copenhagen?) Nørrebro neighbourhood.
You’ll find dozens of boutiques, pre-loved stores, and artisanal food producers; think everything from Japanese vintage and local ceramics to sublime handmade chocolates.
If you need to deliberate any potential purchases, Terroirlist is an underground wine bar located nearby.
Homegrown Danish fashion houses are taking the world by storm and Copenhagen’s city centre is dotted with stellar options to wear the look.
Men and womenswear brand Mads Nørgaard offers Scandinavian style-goals threads at reasonable prices, while Wood Wood create high spec couture with a more indie look.
For a bolder wardrobe, Stine Goya on Gothersgade is a Danish brand which aims to challenge pared-back Scandi norms.
Nothing makes you feel like a local more than a good food market trawl.
And whether you’re seeking a simple smørrebrod (open sandwich) on the go or are loading up on the best of Danish produce to rustle up a meal in your Airbnb, head to the city’s main fresh food hub — Torvehallerne.
Outside you’ll find awnings full of fresh farmer’s market produce, while inside the historic glass-covered food hall you’ll enjoy excellent specialty stores serving everything from coffee and beer to oysters and tacos.