City Escape to Copenhagen

Fly into Copenhagen Airport (CPH), then meet your driver in the arrival hall. A short 30 minutes later and you’ll be welcomed at Hotel D'Angleterre, a Copenhagen icon since 1755, offering a blend of historic charm and modern luxury. Located on King’s Square, it is within walking distance of the Royal Theatre, Nyhavn Canal and Strøget shopping street. During your stay at the hotel, enjoy the Amazing Space SPA, a fitness center and the indoor pool.

Depending on your arrival time, explore the area around the hotel and indulge in a delicious dinner at the Michelin-starred Restaurant Marchal, featuring a walk-in wine room and open display kitchen. Then have a glass at Balthazar Champagne Bar, offering over 200 champagnes and live DJs on weekends (this is where the $100 hotel credit comes in handy!).

Fight jet lag and head to Oscar Bar & Café, a popular LGBTQ+ friendly spot located near City Hall Square. Known for its relaxed vibe, it offers a mix of cocktails and beers in a welcoming atmosphere. Perfect for closing out your first day in the Danish capital.

Start the day enjoying the complimentary breakfast buffet, then get ready to meet your private guide for a three-hour introductory tour of Copenhagen, led by a history expert or local art historian, offering a deep dive into the Danish royal family, the monarchy's history and Danish culture, including contemporary traditions. The route covers key sites in the city center, such as the exteriors of Christiansborg Palace, Amalienborg or Rosenborg Castle, the Round Tower and Nyhavn Harbour. Perfect for first-time visitors, the tour explores Copenhagen's evolution from a fishing village to the capital of the Danish Empire.

For lunch, head to Restaurant Schønnemann, one of the oldest existing dining places in Copenhagen. This is the spot for some of the best smørrebrød in town. In addition, you will find classic Danish dishes and exciting specialties — all made from the best ingredients and always prepared to order. While the fish and seafood are outstanding, there are also many meat and veggie options.

In the afternoon, explore the interiors of the castle or the palace from the morning tour. Spend some more time in the Nyhavn area with a stop at Vaffelbageren for a sweet treat (a warm waffle and a nice coffee are perfect for a cold Copenhagen afternoon). Then watch the little show that is the Circle Bridge — a sight to be seen when it opens and closes.

Retreat to your room to get ready for dinner, then take a car to Barabba, a fantastic Italian place. The chef here has its roots in Noma’s sister restaurant, so has a solid fine-dining background. You can order à la carte or choose from the tasting menu.

After, stop by Ruby, one of my favorite cocktail bars, for a nightcap. It’s super cozy, serving perfect cocktails in a great atmosphere.

Start the morning with another excellent hotel breakfast, then explore the Tivoli Gardens, a world-renowned amusement park and garden located in the heart of Copenhagen. Opened in 1843, it is the second-oldest operating amusement park in the world. The park is known for its beautiful scenery, featuring lush gardens, exotic architecture inspired by countries around the world and a picturesque lake in the center. It offers a variety of attractions including roller coasters, roundabouts, puppet theaters, restaurants, cafés and open-air stage shows, making it a popular destination for visitors of all ages. You can easily spend a day here, exploring everything there is to experience. Also, Tivoli Foodhall is a great place for lunch!

In the afternoon, stroll down Strøget, the main shopping street with its many shops, cafes, stores and retailers. Check out Illum, the city's oldest department store, which opened in 1891 and has a wide range of high-end fashion, jewelry and beauty products.

For dinner, I recommend Restaurant Barr. The schnitzel is fabulous and the ambiance is as well. Barr is a casual restaurant and bar, located on Copenhagen’s waterfront, serving up classic dishes of Northern Europe like salted waffles, schnitzel and Danish meatballs, along with a selection of traditional-style beers, aquavit and wine. Barr’s menu embodies the spirit of what is called Northern Sea Cuisine.

To round out the day, stop by Centralhjørnet, the oldest gar bar in Copenhagen and one of oldest in all of Europe.

You can either have breakfast at the hotel again or stroll to Atelier September, which serves some of the city's finest breakfast. This charming cafe, managed by Frederik Bille Brahe, acts as a cozy retreat for stylish Copenhageners. They visit Atelier September to socialize with friends over cups of matcha, plates of sliced rye bread with Comté and sourdough croissants.

Then, had to the Design Museum Danmark, one of Denmark's most celebrated postmodern culture museums. It is housed in a historic 18th-century hospital building, which itself is a work of art. The museum's mission is to inspire creativity and encourage innovation through design. It achieves this by showcasing Danish and international design and crafts. The museum's collection spans a vast period, from the middle of the 20th century to the present day. It includes works by Danish designers such as Arne Jacobsen, Jacob Jensen and Kaare Klint.

For lunch, I highly recommend a stop at the nearby Gasoline Grill. The burgers here are super delicious, so much so that they were even featured on Somebody Feed Phil. I’ll make it a point to have a burger there every time I’m in the city. Have the Butterburger and fries and you’ll be ready to conquer the afternoon.

To continue your art spree (and to walk off the burger goodness), walk to the National Gallery of Denmark, the country’s largest art museum. It boasts an extensive collection of Danish and international art spanning seven centuries, from the 14th century to the present day. The museum's collection includes masterpieces by renowned artists such as Rembrandt, Picasso and Matisse. The building itself, a fusion of classic and modern architectural styles, is a sight to behold.

For a final special dinner, indulge in the tasting menu at Geranium, a three-Michelin-starred restaurant located on the 8th floor of the National Football Stadium. The presentation of the meticulously arranged dishes goes hand-in-hand with the artistic theme of the day. You’re in for an absolute treat during the three-hour spectacle.