We spent just over a week in Copenhagen, diving deep into everything the city has to offer. From walking more than 20k steps a day to hunting down the next great bite, drink, or sight, we left no corner unexplored. What follows are some of our absolute favorites—places that truly captured the essence of Copenhagen’s creative energy. I’ve left out the spots that didn’t quite hit the mark (though there were a few). Overall, Copenhagen is a safe, welcoming city, filled with charm and culture—a modern-day utopia that lives up to its reputation of happiness.
Stay
Hotel Sanders: If you’re looking for something chic and stylish in the heart of Copenhagen, Hotel Sanders is a great pick. The vibe is cozy but cool, with a mix of modern and vintage touches that make it feel both comfortable and unique. Their bar is fantastic (award-winning, even!), and the staff couldn’t be friendlier—it’s a perfect spot to relax and have a cocktail before walking to dinner. I skipped breakfast at Hotel Sanders, but their restaurant came through with an excellent post-flight lunch. Fries, Caesar salad, and charcuterie were exactly what I needed to fend off the jetlag. Heads-up though, the rooms can be on the smaller side depending on how much luggage you’re hauling. If you’ve got a lot in tow, you might want to check the square footage when booking or even consider upgrading for more space.
Hotel D’Angleterre: For something a bit more traditional, Hotel D’Angleterre is a classic, elegant option. It’s right on Kongens Nytorv square, and the location is super central—we easily walked our bags over from Sanders to meet family for the rest of our trip. I’d honestly suggest skipping breakfast and checking out the amazing coffee and pastry shops just outside the hotel doors. The cafe scene in Copenhagen is too good to miss! We also rented bikes from the hotel for the day.
Notable mention: Several people suggested we stay at Villa Copenhagen, which is conveniently located near one of the city's largest train stations. However, after exploring most of the city on foot, I’m glad we didn’t. We only ended up in that area a couple of times during the trip, and unless you have a specific reason to be near the train station or Tivoli Gardens, I’d recommend staying elsewhere. The central locations of Sanders and D’Angleterre felt much more convenient for getting around and enjoying the city.
Coffee
Coffee Collective: A must-visit for any coffee lover, Coffee Collective is a pioneer in Copenhagen’s coffee scene. They’re all about sustainability and direct trade, which makes each cup feel even better. The vibe is laid-back but serious about good coffee, and you can really taste the difference in every sip. Whether you prefer a perfectly pulled espresso or something more adventurous like their single-origin pour-overs, you won’t be disappointed. They have multiple locations around the city, so it’s easy to pop in while exploring.
Studio X Kitchen: A hidden gem in Copenhagen’s coffee scene, Studio X Kitchen is part coffee shop, part creative space, part restaurant. It’s where coffee meets design, and you’ll find not only great brews but also a fun, artistic vibe. It can get quite busy so we opted for americanos to go and a vegan cookie - delicious! It’s the perfect spot for a mid-morning pick-me-up.
Pastries
Andersen & Maillard: This spot is a perfect blend of coffee and pastries (and why I recommend skipping breakfast at your hotel). We went here three times! Their croissants are a must-try—flaky, buttery, and perfectly crisp. What sets them apart is their creative twist, like the croissant with a coffee glaze. The atmosphere is both trendy and cozy, making it a great place for breakfast or a quick treat with a top-notch cup of coffee.
Juno the Bakery: Juno is a local favorite, and the hype is real. Their cardamom buns are legendary—soft, fragrant, and just sweet enough. They also do fantastic sourdough and seasonal pastries, all made with care. The line can be long, but it’s worth it. Grab a few buns to go, and enjoy them as you explore the city!
Drinks
Den Vandrette: This cozy wine bar along the harbor is perfect for a laid-back evening. Specializing in natural wines, Den Vandrette offers a curated selection from small producers. It’s a great spot to relax with friends or enjoy a solo glass with a view. Their knowledgeable staff will guide you through the ever-changing list, so you can try something new each time.
Mikkeller: Copenhagen’s craft beer scene is legendary, and Mikkeller is at the forefront. Known for pushing boundaries, they offer a huge range of inventive beers, from classic IPAs to sours. Their bars across the city each have a different vibe, but the beer is always top-notch. A must for any beer enthusiast.
To Øl Tapperiet Brus: Another standout in the beer scene, To Øl Tapperiet Brus combines a brewery, bar, and restaurant in a sleek industrial space. With an extensive selection of craft beers brewed on-site, you can expect everything from crisp lagers to bold stouts. The laid-back atmosphere and excellent food pair perfectly with their innovative brews. We had the chance to take a private tour and discovered that To Øl actually started as a high school project between two friends. If you grab some food while you’re there, make sure to get the fermented fries!
Rødder & Vin: Part boutique wine shop, part cozy bar, Rødder & Vin is a haven for natural wine enthusiasts. It’s a casual, welcoming spot where you can pick up a bottle or sit and enjoy a glass in the heart of the city. Their selection focuses on small producers with an emphasis on organic and biodynamic wines. It’s a great stop for anyone looking to dive deeper into the world of natural wine.
Casual Dining
POPL: If you’re craving a great burger in Copenhagen, Popl is the spot. Born from the team behind Noma, they’ve mastered the art of creating a casual, laid-back burger joint with serious quality. The burgers are juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked.
Diamond Slice: This place brings a little slice of New York to Copenhagen with its no-frills, delicious pizza by the slice. Diamond Slice has become a favorite for both locals and visitors, thanks to its thin, crispy crust and simple but high-quality toppings. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or late-night snack when you’re on the go.
Lille Bakery: More than just a bakery, Lille is a community hub with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Their menu features freshly baked bread, pastries, and simple but incredibly satisfying dishes made from local, organic ingredients. It’s a little off the beaten path, but well worth the trip for a relaxed breakfast or lunch. We got a bottle of kombucha, savory pastries and sandwiches to share. We walked back to our hotel through Christiania.
La Banchina: A small waterfront café with a simple but delicious menu, La Banchina is the perfect spot for a casual meal with a view. They’re known for their fresh seafood and seasonal vegetable dishes. In the summer, you can even take a dip in the harbor before/after grabbing a bite or glass of natural wine. It’s low-key, charming, and very much worth a visit.
Places we didn’t make it to but wish we had: Auren’s Deli & Café Dyrehaven.
Fine(r) Dining
We took a food tour during our trip and learned from our guide some of the origins of Copenhagen as a dining destination:
The rise of Copenhagen as a global food destination can be traced back to the early 2000s, when a group of chefs and restaurateurs came together to redefine the city’s culinary identity. At the heart of this movement was René Redzepi, who co-founded Noma in 2003 with Claus Meyer. They helped pioneer what became known as New Nordic Cuisine, which focused on using local, seasonal, and often foraged ingredients to create innovative dishes that reflected the region’s natural landscape. This approach wasn’t just about offering great food but reshaping the dining experience with a commitment to sustainability and creativity.
In 2004, this movement was formalized through the New Nordic Food Manifesto, which outlined principles like respect for nature, ethical sourcing, and seasonality. The menus of these restaurants can change fairly frequently! Chefs across Copenhagen embraced these ideas, working together to elevate the local food scene rather than competing with one another. This collaborative spirit, sometimes referred to as a “Copenhagen pact,” helped transform the city’s dining culture and made it a hub for culinary innovation. The city’s focus on sustainability, creativity, and local ingredients has solidified its place as a leader in the modern food world, with restaurants like Noma, Geranium, and others pushing the boundaries of what fine dining can be.
Ancestrale: A cozy and intimate spot with a focus on natural wines and seasonal dishes, Ancestrale offers a unique and ever-evolving dining experience. The menu is short but carefully curated, featuring fresh, local ingredients prepared with a minimalist yet refined approach. It’s the perfect place for a relaxed yet elevated meal, where the food and wine are equally the stars of the show.
Kadeau: For a truly memorable fine dining experience, Kadeau is a must. With two Michelin stars plus a Green star, this restaurant brings a taste of the Danish island of Bornholm to the city. The tasting menu is an exploration of Nordic flavors and local ingredients, with each dish beautifully plated and thoughtfully crafted. It’s a splurge-worthy meal that highlights the best of New Nordic cuisine in an intimate, stunning setting.
Cleo: Cleo is all about balance—combining fresh, high-quality ingredients with a touch of Mediterranean flair. The achiote bread is a must! It tasted like a chicken wing. The menu leans toward lighter, vegetable-forward dishes, but the flavors are bold and inventive. Whether you’re indulging in the tasting menu or picking à la carte (we opted for the tasting menu. They also have good non-alcoholic options too!
Bæst: While Bæst is known for its incredible pizza, it’s more than just a pizzeria. This spot takes a farm-to-table approach, with everything from the cheese to the charcuterie made in-house from organic, locally sourced ingredients. The atmosphere is lively but elegant.
Theo: Theo blends Nordic and French influences to create a dining experience that feels both refined and relaxed. The menu focuses on seasonal ingredients, prepared with a creative twist, and the wine pairings are expertly chosen. The intimate setting and welcoming service make it ideal for a special night out without the formality of a traditional fine dining experience.
Kødbyens Fiskebar: Located in the trendy Meatpacking District, Kødbyens Fiskebar is a seafood lover’s dream. The menu is all about fresh, sustainable seafood, served in a cool, industrial-chic setting. Dishes range from raw bar offerings to more elaborate mains, but the focus is always on letting the quality of the seafood shine through. It’s a stylish yet laid-back spot where you can enjoy top-tier seafood without all the fuss.
Shopping
Sobek: A charming little shop tucked away by the park, where the owner handcrafts beautiful pieces from reclaimed wool blankets—perfect for finding something truly unique and sustainable.
Ganni: Stop by Ganni Post Modern for great markdowns on one of Copenhagen’s most iconic fashion brands, known for its playful yet sophisticated designs.
By Malene Birger: Expect refined, cozy silhouettes that blend effortless style with timeless elegance—perfect for those looking to invest in high-quality Scandinavian fashion.
Baum und Pferdgarten: A vibrant showroom filled with bold prints and playful designs, making it a fun stop to explore standout pieces from this beloved Danish brand.
Tekla: Specializing in elevated pajamas and luxurious home linens, Tekla is where comfort meets style in the most refined way.
Kinraden: Discover one-of-a-kind jewelry crafted from wood, silver, and gold—each piece a wearable work of art that reflects the craftsmanship and creativity of Copenhagen’s design scene.
Off the beaten path & Activities
Walk through Christiania (during the day)
Boat ride through the canals
Rent bikes (if you are renting a bike from your hotel, make sure they walk you through how to properly lock and unlock the bike)
Go for a swim/ sauna