Copenhagen
Copenhagen is always a good idea. They say. And indeed, it is. Denmark's capital is a city of fairy-tale streets, whispered secrets of the elusive hygge lifestyle, and effortless Scandi cool that makes every corner feel as though it belongs in a magazine. From canal-side walks to hidden design boutiques, Copenhagen is both understated and endlessly charming. And even after nearly seven years of living here, I still find it just as enchanting - a place that manages to feel both fresh and nostalgically romantic every time I wander through it.
Bike city, Photo Credit: Visit Copenhagen
The city has four very distinctive seasons, each offering its own personality - and I’ve always felt that it mirrors our individuality too. Different people visiting Copenhagen will give you a different perspective, and that’s part of the city’s beauty. As we approach the end of the year, Copenhagen takes on a crisp, contemplative character. The air feels lighter, the light softer, and there’s a distant, introspective elegance to every stroll along the lakes or through the many parks scattered across the city. Life seems to slow down, as if the city is giving you permission to linger, sip a warm coffee, and simply breathe it all in.
Photo: Daniel Jensen
Where to shop
Copenhagen is a haven for design lovers and I always find it almost impossible not to shop around or check them out. From high-end Nordic brands to curated concept stores, vintage gems, and affordable finds, the city has something for every kind of shopper. What makes it special is how each neighbourhood has its own distinct character. You can plan where to go with purpose, or my favourite, simply let yourself get lost. On foot or by bike (I don't bike, but it's lovely if you do), Copenhagen rewards the curious with discoveries around almost every corner.
Shop Dora, Photo Credit: Daniel Rasmussen
City Centre & Strøget
The beating heart of shopping in Copenhagen. Strøget, one of Europe's longest pedestrian streets, is lined with international fashion houses and Danish classics. Around Kongens Nytorv and Bredgade, you'll find a mix of high-end designer stores, jewellery ateliers, art galleries, and Danish furniture showrooms. Don't miss Illum and Illum Bolighus, the luxury department stores where Scandinavian and international interior brands are beautifully curated under one roof.
Nørrebro
Edgy, creative, and buzzing with youthful energy, Nørrebro is where Copenhagen's cool crowd shops. Elmegade is packed with independent labels and quirky concept stores like Fünf and Carhatt WIP. The area is also a goldmine for vintage finds: from affordable charity shops like Røde Kors (Red Cross) to carefully curated boutiques such as Genbro, which sells retro clothing and furniture.
Apotek, Photo Credit: Daniel Rasmussen
If you're looking for everyday staples or accessible fashion, side streets off Strøget offer brands like Ganni, Arket, Stine Goya, Samsøe Samsøe and & Other Stories. Copenhagen's weekend flea markets (loppemarkeder) are also worth a wander; you'll almost always stumble upon something unexpected.
Where to Hygge
To truly understand hygge, you have to allow yourself a little indulgence: an enjoyable moment. It could be as simple as a coffee and croissant, or pausing by the lakes to breathe it all in. Danes are wonderfully outdoorsy, and almost everywhere you look you’ll see someone with a takeaway cup in hand, enjoying the ritual of coffee paired with fresh air. Hygge isn’t always candles and blankets; it’s about being fully present in a pleasant moment, whether alone or with company, indoors or outdoors. It’s a feeling, a vibe, more than a physical setting. One of my favourite things to do is grab a warm coffee, wander slowly around the lakes, and then settle with friends on a bench, no agenda, just conversation, laughter, and the city gently carrying on around us. Whenever the sun is out, you will find the city packed with locals doing exactly that while soaking in all the sunlight they can. That, to me, is hygge.
Civic Østerbro, Photo Credit: Daniel Rasmussen
Coffee & Bakery
HART – Minimalist interiors, maximum flavour. This bakery took Copenhagen by storm. A perfect spot for sourdough and delicate pastries.
BUKA – Rustic and full of surprises. Try their pistachio croissant, a Scandinavian take on indulgence.
Andersen & Maillard – A fusion of Italian and Scandinavian coffee artistry and baking. Mornings here feel like a ritual.
Original Coffee – "Brew by friends since 2012." A boutique chain with charming cafés across the city for the true coffee aficionado.
Orsa – Young, chic, and cosy. A perfect spot for people-watching and chatting with the friendly owners.
Nørrebro, Photo Credit: Daniel Rasmussen
Where to stay
Before moving to Copenhagen, I tested out a handful of different hotels, each with its own charm. The city’s boutique hotels are wonderfully diverse in design, style, and atmosphere. You can expect design-led interiors, warm and attentive service, and locations that put you right in the middle of it all. And no matter your budget, there’s always a spot that feels like it was made for you.
SP34 – Stylish, central, and full of character. Guests love "wine o'clock" each evening, where mingling is part of the charm.
Hotel Sanders – Quiet sophisticated luxury with a Scandinavian touch. Tucked close to Nyhavn, it's central yet feels discreet.
Nimb – A fairy-tale façade with modern elegance. Inside Tivoli Gardens, each room tells its own story, with magical views of the amusement park.
Nimb, Photo Credit: Nimb Hotel
D'Angleterre – Classic sophistication and historic charm. Think thick carpets, chandeliers, and timeless service.
Nobis Hotel – Contemporary comfort with a hint of glamour. The historic building has soaring windows, perfect for watching city life go by.
Coco Hotel – Cosy, cute, and central. A Vesterbro gem that puts you steps away from cafés and shops. Guests also enjoy 20% off Pilates classes at the exclusive Studio41 Pilates, a lovely wellness perk during your stay.
Hotel Bella Grande – Stylish, comfortable, and Instagrammable. A new "talk of the town" hotel where Copenhagen's trendy crowd gathers.
Hotel Bella Grande, Photo Credit: Hotel Bella Grande
Where to eat
Copenhagen's food scene is flourishing and there’s no arguing with that. From flaky artisanal pastries to seafood feasts, from bustling markets to Michelin-starred dining, every craving has a place here. What I love most is that, in general, the quality of food is consistently high, and you truly get value for money.
Scarpetta – Italian warmth with Danish precision. Perfect for a date night or a cosy dinner with friends.
Fiskebaren – In the buzzing meatpacking district, locals love this spot for seafood fresh from the harbour.
Tacos, Photo Credit: Visit Copenhagen
Oenshave, Photo Credit: Micheal Gardenia
Torvehallerne – A stunning glass market hall where you'll find everything from fresh produce to street food. In autumn and winter evenings, with lights twinkling, it's pure magic. You can also browse small design and kitchenware stalls alongside your meal.
Refshaleøen – A former industrial area turned creative hub. From Reffen street food to farm-to-table dining, café like La Banchina, where you can dip into the harbour, this is Copenhagen at its most unexpected, as local as you can experience.
La Bachina, Photo Credit: Marc Skafte-Vaabengaard
Cultural experiences
Copenhagen isn’t just about cafés and bikes; it’s a cultural capital that lives and breathes art, design, and history. There’s a reason Danish design is considered iconic and timeless: for centuries, Danes have worked in harmony with nature, and their deep respect for craftsmanship, history, and culture continues to shape their unique sense of style.
Louisiana Museum of Modern Art – Just north of the city, this world-class museum marries cutting-edge exhibitions with breath-taking coastal views.
Design Museum Denmark – A journey through the country's iconic design legacy, from furniture to fashion.
DAC – Danish Architecture Centre – For lovers of architecture and urban design, this is a must.
SMK – Statens Museum for Kunst – Denmark's national gallery, where classical and contemporary art meet. On Fridays, enjoy the free-entry SMK Fridays with live events, food trucks, and a convivial crowd.
Tivoli – A seasonal wonderland. Halloween and Christmas at Tivoli are nothing short of magical.
Halloween in Tivoli 2025, Photo Credit: Jakob Melgaard
Rosenborg Castle – King Christian IV's Renaissance gem, home to the Danish Crown Jewels.
Kongens Have – The oldest royal garden in Denmark since the 1700s, perfect for a picnic or a reflective stroll.
Øvre plæne i Skulpturparken, Alicja Kwade - Pars Pro Toto - 2018, Photo Credit: Kim Hansen
Day trips from Copenhagen
If you have a little extra time, the city is also a gateway to history, culture, and fairy-tale escapes, all just an hour or so away by train. The joy of living here is how easy it is to slip into a completely different atmosphere within such a short journey. Whether you’re in the mood for castles and royal history, a seaside breeze, or a nostalgic amusement park in the forest, Copenhagen makes it effortless to escape for the day and return in time for dinner back in the city.
Helsingor, Photo Credit: Lukas Bukoven
Helsingør & Kronborg Castle – The setting for Shakespeare's Hamlet, this UNESCO-listed fortress is a quick train ride away.
Bakken – The world's oldest amusement park, nestled in the forest north of Copenhagen.
Roskilde Domkirke – 20 mins away by train from Copenhagen, a UNESCO Gothic masterpiece and royal burial site, rich in history and serenity.
ARKEN Museum of Modern Art – A striking, ship-like museum on the coast, housing bold collections of modern and contemporary art.
Bakken, Photo Credit: Jacob Lisbygd
Copenhagen is compact yet endlessly charming. It's a city to explore at a gentle pace, allowing each neighbourhood, café, and gallery to reveal its unique personality. Whether you're sipping the perfect latte, stumbling upon a design treasure, or finding stillness by the lakes, the Danish capital reminds you that style, serenity, and curiosity can beautifully coexist.
