Copenhagen is a land of fairytales: it’s home to The Little Mermaid and the source of inspiration for Hans Christian Andersen’s enchanting stories. But don’t be mistaken, Copenhagen’s magic is not fictitious in the least, captivating in its unpretentious sensibilities and respect for sustainability, all of which palpably reflected in the way people shop pre-loved, dine local and commute by bike in this cycling capital. Upholding the highest quality of life, Danes have imbued hygge into their cultural DNA — in Copenhagen, a sense of cosiness prevades the every day and comfort can be found in the smallest of pleasures. Here’s how you can find your hygge in the city of spires.
SHOPPING
ILLUM
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To find all the best luxury designers that Scandinavia has to offer, take a stroll to ILLUM. Located in the city centre, the five-storey department store boasts a range of quality products from freshly baked bread at ILLUM Underground to the latest seasons of internationally renowned brands. But, what makes ILLUM the crème de la crème of all department stores is its Rooftop, which offers a stunning view of Copenhagen’s skyline. While you’re there, do enjoy a seafood platter on the terrace of Skagen Fish Restaurant or enjoy the sunset with a cup of coffee at Original Coffee.
Østergade 52, 1100 København, Denmark
Palette 26
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Palette 26 is both a destination for wonderfully curated pre-loved clothing and a concept store housing eye-catching tableware, home goods and artwork. On the clothing racks, scavenge for floral print camisoles, sequinned tank tops, chunky statement necklaces, kitten heels and striped shirts. And in their popular concept store, bouquets of beaded flowers bloom in colourful hand-blown vases, ceramic Danish flags decorate the shelves and vibrant posters stack up on magazine racks. It’s heaven for those who love a bit of 2000’s inspired eclecticism in their lives.
Hyskenstræde 9, 1207 København, Denmark
Vera’s Market
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Arguably one of the most popular pre-loved retailers in Copenhagen is Veras, where they believe in a “circular recycling universe”. Essentially, customers can exchange, sell and shop pre-loved clothes. Anything that is worn out will be repaired and upcycled by the Veras team. Veras Market is held regularly for people to rent a stand and sell clothes, while a permanent shop is open every day of the week. The markets always draw in a diverse crowd of fashion enthusiasts, so even if you don’t bring home any pieces, you’ll surely leave overflowing with outfit inspiration.
Studiestræde 27, kld. tv, 1455 København K, Denmark
Louise Roe Gallery
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Danish designer Louise Roe creates elegant homeware and furniture crafted by skilled craftspeople in Europe. Her eponymous interior design brand is simplistic but sophisticated – to appreciate it truly, one must look at the fine details where even the highest standard is upheld. The same concept of elevated simplicity applies to The Roe Bar, the cafe inside the Louise Roe Gallery. Sit on and among great design and enjoy their sourdough bun with “Fyrtårnsost” (salty cheese) and other bites.
Vognmagergade 9, 1120 København, Denmark
FRAMA Studio Store
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FRAMA goes back to basics with simple geometric designs and natural materials. Being a multidisciplinary brand, they have a range of furniture, home goods and self-care items like The Apothecary Hand Wash, a client favourite. Next to the studio space nestles Apotek 57, an eatery featuring a rotational menu of house-made seasonal bites and beverages. The calming and warm ambience often brings in many locals and tourists alike.
Fredericiagade 57, 1304 København, Denmark
Stilleben
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Established in 2002, Stilleben designs and produces its own tablewares, textiles and interiors – a treasure trove for those who love “peculiar” gems. The brand name itself refers to the art concept of “still life”, in which the subject is often an arrangement of objects “usually in a table setting”. At Stilleben’s flagship store, one will find not only an arrangement of the brand’s original collection but also a fun assortment of handmade ceramics, glassware and other unique products curated by the two founders themselves.
Frederiksborggade 22, 1360 København, Denmark
Hay House
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To step into the HAY House is to enter the quirky, vibrant and functional universe of HAY design. The four-storey space is complete with a showroom and event space and hosts all of the beloved brands’ fun creations. Find a wall of multi-coloured collapsible crates, a light-streaked living room with inviting sofas, and tables lined with colourful designs – hours can easily pass getting lost in their wonder.
Østergade 61, 2, 1100 København, Denmark
DINING
Seks
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In the heart of the city lies a hodgepodge of international cultures where runny Turkish eggs, Alaskan hotcakes, and Moroccan mint tea converge on the same menu. When Seks founders Monika and Jan aren’t behind the counters, they have likely travelled to another corner of the world with their kids to “know people around their tables, meet their culture and enjoy new experiences”. What’s great news for diners is that they bring what they’ve learnt back to the cafe in the form of decadent vegetarian dishes. Recommendations are endless, but a meal at Seks isn’t complete without one of their creamy cheesecakes and a mango lassi mixed with coconut milk, ice, a pinch of chilli, cardamom and salt.
Krystalgade 6, 1172 København, Denmark
Apollo Bar and Kantine
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Apollo Bar and Kantine is situated in the capacious backyard of Kunsthal Charlottenborg, a contemporary art exhibition space that hosts events regularly. Being a seasonal bistro, their menu shifts, but one can always expect refreshing combinations and simple ingredients reimagined. Think stracciatella, nduja and kohlrabi beautifully plated together like waves in a red sea or pike perch sashimi and cucumber with a kick of XO sauce. The backyard is a great spot to grab a fizzy soda and chat with friends in the sun, otherwise, snuggle up in their indoor space where ceilings are high and the door is always open to welcome guests in.
Nyhavn 2, 1051 København K
Nr. 30
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Organic farming and sustainable fishing are key to the food served at Nr. 30. At their farm and vineyard in Hørsholm, they harvest herbs, vegetables and flowers that can be found on the menu. For all the carb lovers, delight in knowing that their sourdough is freshly baked daily and a perfect vessel to soak up the addicting sauces in their seasonal dishes. Everything is meant to be shared, so bring friends and family along and take your picks from their extensive wine list.
Nansensgade 30, 1366 København, Denmark
Studio x Kitchen
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Folded eggs are notoriously hard to perfect, but Studio x Kitchen might have cracked the code. Serving homemade breakfasts, baked goods and seasonal dishes daily, the kitchen sources from local farmers like Søagergård whose regenerative farm provides eggs from the outskirts of Copenhagen. Japanese straw ornaments, a delicate green cabinet by Belgian designer duo Muller Van Severen and other sophisticated designs illuminate the sun-lit restaurant. Expect a long queue of enthusiastic diners who are as interested in trying the food as taking photos of the space.
Dronningens Tværgade 52, 1302 København, Denmark
Beau Marche
Beautiful objects, vintage and contemporary furniture, art and food all amalgamate into Beau Marche. The founders are four French siblings raised in Denmark who have created a little corner of France in the Danish city. In their shop, there’s no shortage of interesting decor, such as grape-shaped ceiling lamps made in Italy and Cubist console tables. Venture further into the courtyard and you’ll find their quaint French bistro lit with candles and decorated with flowers. The romantic spot is complete with croissants, cheese boards and delicious cakes.
Ny Østergade 32, 1101 København, Denmark
John’s Hotdog Deli
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There’s no fast food more ubiquitous in Denmark than hotdogs, so you are bound to find a few hotdog carts when walking through Copenhagen’s city centre. What makes classic Danish hotdogs so addictive are the toppings which include fried onions, raw onions, pickles, and condiments of ketchup, mustard and/or remoulade (of course, you can choose to opt out on some based on preferences). But if you’re looking for the gourmet rendition of the beloved classic, John’s Hotdog Deli promises good quality and innovative flavours. They make Mikkeller beer mustards, truffle mayo, and chunky remoulades…our mouths are already watering.
Bernstorffsgade 18, 1570 København, Denmark
Lille Bakery
Lille Bakery always buzzes with liveliness – the sight of their hearty spread which boasts meatballs, sourdough bread with stracciatella, fresh vegetables, and jammy Berliners (German jelly doughnut) – can instantly bright up any foodie’s mood. With the welcoming space, workshops, markets and other events are frequently held here. Commuting to the spot might be a longer journey, but the food and ambiance make up for it, with no doubt.
Refshalevej 213A, 1432 København, Denmark
Meyers Bageri
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For 13 years, Meyers Bageri has been serving organic sourdough and pastries and has since grown its business into four branches dotted around Copenhagen. Scrumptious bites aside, baking supplies and freshly ground flour are available here. If you bring your own container, bakers will treat you to free sourdough! Don’t leave without trying their popular cinnamon roll “kanelsnurrer” made with rich Valrhona chocolate.
Gl. Kongevej 107, 1850 Frederiksberg ; Jægersborggade 9 2200 Copenhagen N ; Amagerbrogade 48, 2300 Copenhagen S ; Classensgade 33, 2100 Copenhagen Ø ;
Hart Bakery
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Founder Richard Hart formerly worked at Noma, a frequent title-holder of the best restaurant in the world, before starting Hart Bakery. Swiftly after its opening, lines snaked out of the small bakery with enthusiasts vying for a soft milk loaf and freshly made sandwiches. But, it would be remiss not to mention their rustic pork sausage roll that is generously seasoned with chilli and fennel. While the first branch at Frederiksberg is more of a grab-and-go situation, the two following branches have ample indoor and outdoor seating.
Gl. Kongevej 109, 1850 Frederiksberg C ; Galionsvej 41, 1437 København, Denmark ; Høkerboderne 17, 1712 København, Denmark
Juno The Bakery
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The first thing that greets you when walking into Juno The Bakery is the warm and enveloping scent of cardamom. From the baking room, the scent wafts into the eggshell white shop area where customers line up, then into the service spot where cardamom buns are sold incessantly. This interior space of seamless flow was designed by Frama in 2020 when the bakery moved from its small 35 sq ft. space down the street. At the current location, seating in the outdoor area is often packed with people, but that’s no surprise for this iconic corner bakery, opened by former-Noma chef Emil Glaser.
Århusgade 48, 2100 København Ø
Depanneur
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Ask any Copenhagen local, and they will tell you that Deppaneur is the spot for the best bagels. But at its essence, Deppaneur is a convenience store and beverage label that happens to do amazing food. Indulge in their popular porchetta bagel that brims with cream cheese and wild garlic chimichurri, and satisfy your sweet tooth by opting for one with ricotta and homemade seasonal jam. At night, bagels are switched out with satisfying pizzas, and one-dollar oyster nights are recurrent happenings.
Rantzausgade 36, 2200 København N
SIGHTSEEING & ENTERTAINMENT
Island Brygge Harbour Bath
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No matter the season, Danes can be found taking a dip in their clear harbours. In the colder months, cold plunges are typically followed by a steamy sauna to reinvigorate the senses; in the summer, dozens flock to the harbour to sunbathe and cool off in the waters. Many designated harbour baths and bathing zones facilitate this culture, but Island Brygge’s is one of the most iconic. There are three diving towers of varying heights and five pools, one of which is designated for children. The best part? It only takes a bike ride across the city centre bridge to partake in one of Denmark’s oldest cultural traditions.
Islands Brygge 14, 2300 København S, Denmark
Vester Vov Vov
Opened by a group of film enthusiasts in 1975, Vester Vov Vov is an independent art cinema and café with a nostalgic flair. At night, pink neon signages lead cinema-goers into the poster-clad space. At the café, beers, wine and coffee are available for purchase and welcomed into the cinema. For English speakers, Danish movies with English subtitles are periodically shown.
Absalonsgade 5, 1658 København, Denmark
Museum of Copenhagen
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To gain a deeper understanding of Copenhagen, visit the Museum of Copenhagen where the city’s collective memories are kept safe. Here, you can learn about Denmark’s Viking roots, the revitalisation of Copenhagen’s social housing system, and get an overview of Copenhagen with a 1:400 scale model that lights up when you push the button of different sights. Private tours and guided walks are also available for booking at the museum.
Stormgade 18, 1555 København V, Denmark
Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
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Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek holds over 10,000 works of art and archaeological objects spanning 6,000 years of history. The founder was none other than Danish brewery master Carl Jacobsen (1842-1914), who gave his esteemed collection to the museum that opened in 1897. The landmark Winter Garden in the museum is venerated for its lush palm trees and honey-coloured dome made of iron and glass. The Central Hall will transport you to ancient Rome, where Roman portrait statues of emperors and citizens tower beside the marble columns.
Dantes Plads 7, 1556 København, Denmark
Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
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Lauded as the “most beautiful museum in the world”, the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art brings its sculptures and artworks to life by creating a dialogue between nature and art. The museum’s discreet modernist architecture seamlessly integrates into its landscape, whereby all 45 sculptures in The Sculpture Park weather the seasons as they hide or stand distinguished among the trees. At The Calder Terrace, Calder’s Little Janey Waney sculpture swivels in the breeze while teenagers nearby lounge barefoot on the grass. To be so at ease among remarkable works of art perfectly encapsulates the Scandinavian view of life and implores us to reflect: why take life so seriously?
Gl Strandvej 13, 3050 Humlebæk, Denmark
The Black Diamond, Royal Library Denmark
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Designed by architect Schmidt Hammer Lassen, the Black Diamond is a stunning extension of the Royal Library. Located on the waterfront, light filters through the glass facades and onto those ascending from the library’s sloping elevator. Below the study rooms, a cafe readily provides coffee and snacks to those in need of an energy boost and a small bookshop sells designer stationery and hefty photography books.
Den Sorte Diamant, Søren Kierkegaards Pl. 1, 1221 København K, Denmark
Tivoli Gardens
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Opened in 1843, Tivoli Gardens has earned the title of the second oldest amusement park in the world (The first is Bakken, which opened in 1583 in Lyngby-Taarbæk Kommune, Denmark). Among its many visitors, Hans Christen Andersen was so inspired by the park that he created the fairytale The Nightingale. Today, the park boasts around 30 rides and welcomes guests from the end of March to the end of December.
Vesterbrogade 3, 1630 København V
Editor
Karrie LamCredit
Lead Image: @mayanoue via Instagram
