Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen’s vibe is unlike any other. Ask anyone who’s ever visited or lived here and they’ll light up from within; the city’s mix of engaging locals, rich culture, and progressive ideals combine in a way that can’t quite be adequately put into words; it’ll draw you in and leave you feeling comfortable and rejuvenated. Year-round, Copenhagen is a happy place: locals relish the summer sun but are just as content to stay inside perfecting their “hygge” game during the winter. (Say it with us: HUE-ghee.)
Know Before You Go
Festivals
Come for the 10-day jazz festival, when you’ll find live jazz around almost literally every corner, or the annual Roskilde music fest that’s taken place an hour outside the city center since 1971. Organizers boast that it's the oldest music and arts festival in Northern Europe – and it’s put on by a humanitarian aid non-profit.
Shopping
The idea of shopping in Copenhagen might conjure images of impossibly chic Danish-modern concept stores, but why reinvent the wheel? Just as enticing are the city’s flea markets, which go into full swing come summer.
Biking
Unless you're snowed in or it's raining cats and dogs, you should absolutely look forward to hopping on a bike for much of your local transportation needs. It's a surefire way to get mistaken for a local.
Danish Food
Danish food: if you know, you know. If you’re looking to find out, hit up Hart Bagerj for a crash course in fanciful baked goods.
Can’t-Miss Neighborhoods
Nørrebro
If you’re looking for the artsy, hip, see-and-be-seen corner of Copenhagen, there’s do dispute that Nørrebro’s your spot. Want to pay a visit to the graves of Hans Christian Andersen or Kierkegaard? Nørrebro is your spot, too. Eager to get a scenic workout in among some of the city’s idyllic lakes? We think you get the idea. Equally as popular at night, when this student-heavy area is lively and up late, you haven’t been to Copenhagen until you’ve been to Nørrebro.
Vesterbro
Summertime in Copenhagen commands you to go over to Vesterbro, where unique bars commingle with art galleries, cafés, and shops aplenty in what was once Copenhagen’s Red Light District. Just outside the city center, definitely try to spend a full day here: get a coffee/pastry fix in the morning, take a stroll around Tivoli Gardens midday, and lose yourself among the shopping or culinary decadence of your choosing until nightfall. If the weather’s nice, hit up the sprawling green known as Sønder Boulevard, or grab a drink on Værnedamsvej, a bustling street with an undeniably Parisian vibe.
Christianshavn
If you’ve seen a picture of Copenhagen, you’ve seen a picture of Christianshavn. If you’re in the city and catch a pungent whiff of the city’s, uh, counterculture, you’re in Christianshavn. Commonly known as the laid-back, houseboat-filled, canal-laden hippie sector of the city center, this place is no stranger to the guidebooks, but that doesn’t mean it’s overhyped. Check out Byens Lys every other Tuesday for Science & Cocktails, a locals-approved tradition where mixologists and researchers put on an entertaining and informative show – in English!
When To Go
Denmark is proud of its hard-won ability to embrace winter, but you really ought to forget all that and come visit in the summertime, when the city is alive and festivals are stacked on top of one another. Warm days here mean locals outside as much as possible to enjoy the weather, drink some wine, and make new friends.
Featured Local: Helen Fondnæss
I’m Helen, a freelance photographer, social media storyteller, and all-around foodie based in Copenhagen. I was born in a little town in Norway to an American mother and Norwegian father; I've lived in Belgium, Colorado, Maine, Norway, and now Denmark. My family and friends would describe me as quirky (I get that from my mom), silly, and funny. I love to travel, try new foods, and capture the most beautiful and intriguing things I see. Most of my photographs are of food and my travels.
Helen’s Must-Dos
Andersen & Maillard
One of my favorite spots is the coffee shop Andersen & Maillard. In the summer they make the most creamy soft serve coffee ice cream and if you are really craving sweets you can get it in a croissant. I usually go for an Americano and kough amann, which makes for the perfect pick-me-up. It’s always busy and for good reason. On my way out, I will grab a loaf of their sourdough bread that usually only lasts a day since it’s so good.
Balderdash
A must go when in Copenhagen. American owner, Geoffrey is somewhat of a mad scientist when it comes to cocktails. He's creative, inventive, and not afraid to experiment. "Bone Marrow Old Fashioned" sound interesting? Then this place is for you. The atmosphere is quirky and unlike any cocktail bar in Copenhagen.
More of Helen’s Recs
Jægersborggade
This former pusher street is now one of the coolest in town, occupied by independent shops and small eateries. You can grab a coffee kombucha (my favorite) from Coffee Collective and stroll along the street to window shop, people watch, it’s up to you! If you’re a local then you can easily bump into someone you know.
Juno the Bakery
When you turn onto Århusgade you can already smell it. It is the smell of the Kardemommesnurrer wafting through the air. The bakery is small, maybe only five people can sit down at a time, but most costumers are there just to pick up one the city's best treats. Be sure to order Kardemommesnurrer and sesame seed sourdough bread – one of each!
Ved Stranden 10
I love wine and the natural wine buzz has gotten to me, maybe because there are so many natural wine bars in Copenhagen now. One of my favorites is Ved Stranden 10. Someone described it to me as “their living room”. You can spend your whole night there with good company sipping your wine. They don’t have a menu, you just tell the waiters what you like and they deliver!
