Danish Delights: A Perfect Guide to Copenhagen

Copenhagen is an amazing city with so much to offer! Here’s a mix of classic must-dos and cool experiences:

• Canal tour: Start with a scenic boat tour of Copenhagen’s canals. It’s a great way to get an overview of the city from the water, passing by colorful buildings, historic architecture, and landmarks like the Little Mermaid statue and Christiansborg Palace.

• Bike tour: Copenhagen is a bike-friendly city, so hop on a bike and explore its charming streets. A guided bike tour is perfect if you want to cover more ground and learn about the city’s history and culture. You’ll cruise through districts like Nyhavn, the lively Vesterbro and the artsy Nørrebro.

• Eat a Danish hot dog: No trip to Copenhagen is complete without trying a dansk hotdog. You’ll find stands all around the city, especially near Tivoli Gardens and in busy squares. The hot dog comes with a variety of toppings, from mustard and ketchup to crispy onions and remoulade.

• Lunch at Reffen Street Food: Head to Reffen, Copenhagen’s massive street food market. Located on the waterfront in the Refshaleøen district, it’s the perfect place to try a variety of foods. You’ll find everything from fresh seafood to Asian fusion dishes and, of course, local Danish delicacies. Plus, the vibe here is super relaxed, and it’s a great spot to hang out by the water.

• Visit Nyhavn: After lunch, stroll through Nyhavn, Copenhagen’s iconic harbor filled with colorful 17th-century townhouses, lively bars and restaurants. It’s a beautiful area to grab a drink and people-watch, or you can hop on a boat for another tour of the city.

• Tivoli Gardens: If you’re in the mood for some fun, check out Tivoli Gardens, one of the world’s oldest amusement parks. It’s a charming, nostalgic place with rides, games and beautiful gardens, especially magical at night when the park is lit up.

• Explore the food scene in Vesterbro or Nørrebro: Copenhagen has become a major foodie city. In Vesterbro, you’ll find trendy coffee shops, bakeries and innovative eateries, while Nørrebro offers a mix of multicultural influences. Grab a pastry at Lagkagehuset or try something sweet from Andersen Bakery.

• The National Museum of Denmark: If you’re into history and culture, the National Museum is a great spot to learn about Denmark’s past, from the Viking era to the modern day.

• The Round Tower: For a bit of a hike and great views of the city, head up the Round Tower (Rundetårn). It’s a 17th-century observatory and has a spiral ramp that takes you to the top, where you can look out over Copenhagen’s rooftops.

• Christiana: If you’re into alternative cultures, visit Freetown Christiania, a unique, self-proclaimed autonomous neighborhood with a colorful history. It’s a great spot for unique art, quirky cafes and a totally different vibe from the rest of the city.

• Try Smørrebrød: After your canal tour or during your bike tour break, grab a traditional smørrebrød at one of Copenhagen’s top spots. Some of the best places to try this classic dish are:

  • Restaurant Schønnemann: A Copenhagen institution, Schønnemann is famous for its wide selection of smørrebrød, from the classic pickled herring to roast beef with remoulade.

  • Aamanns: Known for modern twists on traditional Danish smørrebrød, Aamanns serves up beautifully crafted open-faced sandwiches, perfect for a casual yet flavorful lunch.

  • Halifax: If you’re near Vesterbro, Halifax is another popular spot where you can customize your smørrebrød with different toppings.

Day trip

• Helsingør (Elsinore)
  Why go? Famous for Kronborg Castle, the setting for Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Helsingør is a charming town just a short train ride from Copenhagen.
  What to do: Explore the majestic Kronborg Castle, stroll through the cobbled streets of the old town, and visit the Maritime Museum. You can also take a ferry across the Øresund Strait to Sweden (a short 20-minute trip).
  Travel time: ~45 minutes by train.

• Malmö, Sweden
  Why go? Just a short train ride across the Øresund Bridge, Malmö is a vibrant city with great shopping, dining and modern architecture.
  What to do: Visit Malmöhus Castle, explore the futuristic Western Harbour area and take a walk through Malmö’s Old Town (Gamla Staden). Don’t miss the stunning Turning Torso, the tallest building in Scandinavia.
  Travel time: ~35 minutes by train.

• Roskilde
  Why go? Known for its Viking history and the Roskilde Festival, this town is rich in history and culture.
  What to do: Visit the Viking Ship Museum to see reconstructed Viking ships, explore Roskilde Cathedral (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and walk through the charming streets of the old town.
  Travel time: ~30 minutes by train.

• Frederiksborg Castle (Hillerød)
  Why go? This Renaissance castle, located on a beautiful lake, is one of Denmark’s most stunning castles and a must-see for history and architecture lovers.
  What to do: Explore the Frederiksborg Castle Museum, stroll around the gardens and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. The town of Hillerød itself is quaint and lovely to wander around.
  Travel time: ~40 minutes by train.

• Dragør
  Why go? A picturesque, old fishing village on the coast, Dragør offers charming cobbled streets and well-preserved traditional buildings.
  What to do: Walk around the charming harbor, visit the Dragør Museum and enjoy a seafood meal by the water. It’s a peaceful and picturesque escape from the city.
  Travel time: ~30 minutes by bus or bike.

• The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
  Why go? Located by the sea in Humlebæk, the Louisiana Museum is a world-renowned modern art museum with stunning views of the Øresund Strait.
  What to do: Explore the museum’s diverse collection of modern art, enjoy the beautiful sculpture park overlooking the sea and take in the serene atmosphere of the surrounding gardens.
  Travel time: ~35 minutes by train.

• Kolding Why go? A small, charming town known for its impressive Koldinghus Castle and vibrant cultural scene.
  What to do: Visit Koldinghus, explore the local museums and take a stroll through the beautiful Kolding Miniby (a miniature version of the town). The town also offers great shopping, cafés and parks.
  Travel time: ~1.5 hours by train.

• Skagen
  Why go? Skagen, located at the northernmost tip of Denmark, is famous for its unique light, beautiful beaches and art history.
  What to do: Visit the Skagen Museum, enjoy the view at Grenen, where the North Sea and the Baltic Sea meet, and explore the charming yellow houses that have inspired many artists.
  Travel time: ~4 hours by train or bus (this one is a longer journey but worth it for a day out).

• Hornslet and the Mols Bjerge National Park
  Why go? If you enjoy nature, hiking and Danish countryside, this national park offers beautiful landscapes with rolling hills, forests and lakes.
  What to do: Explore the Mols Bjerge National Park, go hiking or take a walk around the picturesque town of Hornslet. The area is known for its stunning scenery and great outdoor activities.
  Travel time: ~1.5 hours by train.

• Odense
  Why go? The birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen, Odense offers a charming mix of culture, history and picturesque streets.
  What to do: Visit the Hans Christian Andersen Museum, stroll through the old town and see the charming Odense Cathedral. There are also great cafes and local shops to explore.
  Travel time: ~1.5 hours by train.

For traditional Danish food:

Restaurant Schønnemann
• What to try: Classic smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches)
• Vibe: Historic and cozy, a Copenhagen institution since 1877.
• Location: Hauser Plads 16

Aamanns
• What to try: Modern smørrebrød with seasonal ingredients.
• Vibe: Stylish and contemporary, with a focus on quality.
• Location: Bredgade 2

Flæsketorvet
• What to try: Danish meat dishes like roast pork and sausages.
• Vibe: A bustling food market, perfect for a casual but authentic Danish meal.
• Location: Vesterbro

Torvehallerne
• What to try: A variety of Danish and international delicacies — grab a smørrebrød, pastries or fresh seafood.
• Vibe: A popular indoor market filled with food stalls and specialty items.
• Location: Frederiksborggade 21

For casual eats & street food:

Reffen – Copenhagen Street Food
• What to try: Grab a variety of street food dishes, including tacos, pizza and fresh seafood.
• Vibe: Waterfront food market with a relaxed atmosphere. Perfect for a laid-back lunch or dinner.
• Location: Refshalevej 167

Grød
• What to try: Danish porridge, served sweet or savory.
• Vibe: A cozy spot that specializes in modern takes on classic porridge.
• Location: Jægersborggade 50

Mother
• What to try: Neapolitan-style pizza with high-quality ingredients.
• Vibe: Warm, inviting atmosphere with a focus on authentic pizza.
• Location: Halmtorvet 31

Café Dyrehaven
• What to try: Classic Danish comfort food like frikadeller (meatballs) or a traditional Danish breakfast.
• Vibe: A charming, relaxed café in the Vesterbro district.
• Location: Vesterbrogade 65

For coffee & pastries:

The Coffee Collective
• What to try: A meticulously brewed coffee and Danish pastries.
• Vibe: A pioneer in the Copenhagen coffee scene, focusing on high-quality, sustainable beans.
• Location: Various locations, including Godthåbsvej 34.

Lagkagehuset
• What to try: Danish pastries, including kanelsnegl (cinnamon rolls) and wienerbrød.
• Vibe: One of Copenhagen’s favorite bakeries, with a modern twist on Danish pastries.
• Location: Various locations across the city.

For drinks & cocktails:

Ruby
• What to try: Creative cocktails in a relaxed setting.
• Vibe: Intimate and classy, perfect for a night out with great cocktails and a cozy ambiance.
• Location: Nybrogade 10

Mikkeller Bar
• What to try: Craft beers from Mikkeller’s own brewery.
• Vibe: A hip, casual bar with a huge selection of craft beers. A must for beer enthusiasts.
• Location: Viktoriagade 8

Tivoli Gardens - Vesterbro
• What to try: Cocktail at one of the outdoor bars, especially in the evening when the park lights up.
• Vibe: Magical and nostalgic, with a carnival-like atmosphere.
• Location: Vesterbrogade 3

Bar50
• What to try: Specialty cocktails with a Nordic twist.
• Vibe: Trendy, stylish bar, great for drinks and a bit of people-watching.
• Location: Pilestræde 50

For fine dining:

Noma
• What to try: A tasting menu focused on Nordic ingredients, one of the best dining experiences in the world.
• Vibe: Renowned for its innovative approach to fine dining.
• Location: Refshalevej 96

Geranium
• What to try: A contemporary fine-dining experience with a focus on local and seasonal produce.
• Vibe: Elegant and minimalist with a Michelin-starred menu.
• Location: Per Henrik Lings Allé 4