Copenhagen, the enchanting capital of Denmark, has always held a special allure, especially during the fall season. Alongside Oslo and Stockholm, it’s a city that constantly invites rediscovery. When it comes to finding the perfect place to stay in Copenhagen, you’ll be spoiled for choice.
Uniquely Designed Hotels
For those seeking a truly creative retreat, The Audo stands out as an exceptional choice. This unique space, a brainchild of Bjarne Hansen (the mastermind behind MENU, Denmark’s design and lifestyle haven), seamlessly blends hotel, restaurant, café, concept store, library, artist studio, and cultural event venue. Designed by Norm Architects and Nathan Williams, co-founder of Kinfolk magazine, The Audo embodies a curated aesthetic, drawing inspiration from the art of living and architecture. Located in a beautifully preserved neo-baroque building in Copenhagen’s industrial harbor district, The Audo feels like stepping into a collector’s haven. Its loft-style rooms offer cozy cocoons bathed in natural light. Don’t miss the charming café overlooking a garden, perfect for savoring lattes and pastries.
Another top contender for design-conscious travelers is Hotel Sanders, perfectly positioned behind Copenhagen’s Royal Theatre. Opening its doors in November 2017, this hotel embodies the vision of renowned ballet dancer Alexander Kølpin. He infused the hotel with his theatrical flair and meticulous attention to detail, seamlessly blending colonial influences with British charm and Parisian elegance. This collaboration with the Lind + Almond studio resulted in 54 inviting rooms, sophisticated lounges adorned with art from the Dais Contemporary collection, a serene winter garden, and a Nordic restaurant serving seasonal delicacies.
For a more contemporary vibe, look no further than the eco-friendly Nimb Hotel, a project spearheaded by the Nordic Hotels & Resorts group (known for their exceptional properties like Amerikalinjen in Oslo and At Six in Stockholm). Designed by the London-based Universal Design studio, the hotel boasts 390 spacious rooms furnished with Scandinavian pieces and natural wood. The rooms feature large windows and sleek bathrooms equipped with Skandinavisk beauty products. Its prime location near Tivoli Gardens, the vibrant Meatpacking District, and The David Collection makes it a perfect base for exploring the city.
For a smaller, more intimate experience, Kaj offers a unique micro-hotel experience. This eco-friendly haven, conceived by Barbara von Haffner and Toke Larsen with the help of architect Karl Smith Meyer, is crafted from recycled wood. It features a spacious bedroom with a loft area and a delightful terrace overlooking the water. It’s also accessible by boat, adding to its charm.
Adding to Copenhagen’s unique accommodation options, Vipp, a Danish design company renowned for its minimalist and functional products, has created a one-of-a-kind hotel room within the walls of a former pen factory. Designed by interior architect Julie Cloos Mølsgaard, this airy space features a bedroom, lounge, dining room, and a fully equipped kitchen.
For a more residential experience, the Danish boutique store, Tina Seidenfaden Busck, offers a unique opportunity to stay in an elegantly designed apartment. Combining vintage furniture with contemporary pieces, this space is a treasure trove of designer finds, including Venini chandeliers, McCollin Bryan tables, and 20th-century lighting. You can choose to book a one- or two-bedroom apartment complete with a spacious living room and bathroom, all beautifully curated by the designer herself. It’s a captivating alternative to the traditional hotel experience.
Copenhagen’s Culinary Delights
The city of Copenhagen embraces a vibrant culinary scene, with an abundance of coffee shops, bakeries, and restaurants.
For a quintessential Copenhagen coffee experience, head to Cub Coffee Bar. This minimalist haven is run by a team of coffee enthusiasts who roast their beans in-house. Enjoy a perfectly brewed cup accompanied by hearty sourdough bread, croissants, or cinnamon rolls.
Start your day with a visit to La Banchina, a charming bakery serving delicious pastries and sourdough bread. Their menu features spice-infused lattes, cheese sandwiches, poached eggs, and traditional Danish pastries.
For a taste of Scandinavian baking tradition, Hart Bageri is a must-visit. This beloved bakery offers simple yet flavorful recipes. From cinnamon rolls and chocolate chip cookies to homemade sandwiches and a selection of local sweet treats, their menu is perfect for a morning or afternoon treat.
Located within the elegant Frama concept store, Apotek 57 is a café conceived by chef Chiara Barla. Their menu reflects a respect for seasonal ingredients and draws inspiration from Danish comfort food. Enjoy a delightful selection of cinnamon rolls, focaccia topped with fresh tomatoes, granola with fresh fruits, and all accompanied by their signature sourdough bread.
Enjoy a picturesque waterfront setting at La Banchina, a delightful spot for breakfast or a relaxing evening. Sip coffee and savor a cheese sandwich or enjoy a glass of wine and oysters before taking a dip in the water and warming up at the adjacent sauna.
Groed has become a Copenhagen culinary sensation with its innovative takes on traditional Danish porridge. They offer a wide array of combinations, including fresh or dried fruits, nuts, berries, chocolate sauce, and compotes, ensuring a unique and satisfying meal.
Slurp, a ramen haven in Copenhagen, invites you to indulge in authentic Japanese flavors. Founders Philipp Inreiter (former Noma chef) and chef Andrea Piras, inspired by their travels across Asia, serve up classic ramen dishes with beef, chicken, or vegetables, along with delicious baos, yakitoris, and sashimi.
Esmée, designed by the Blank Space Copenhagen studio, offers a charming blend of country-style charm and classic brasserie. Their menu features fresh oysters, lobster spaghetti, grilled fish, and creative cocktails.
Kappo Andō, a Japanese counter with a striking blue-hued decor, specializes in yakitoris. Led by Chef Akiko Andō Levinsen, the restaurant offers an array of Japanese delicacies, including broth-based dishes, stuffed dumplings, tuna snake, and an impressive selection of sakes.
For a warm and inviting dining experience in Copenhagen’s old town, visit Restaurant Nimb. This charming spot, functioning as a wine bar, café, and bistro, offers a diverse menu featuring grilled fish, vegetarian dishes, a communal table, and film screenings on Wednesdays.
No discussion of Copenhagen’s culinary scene is complete without mentioning Noma, the legendary restaurant helmed by Chef René Redzepi, consistently recognized as one of the world’s best. Following a period of closure, Noma reopened its doors earlier this year, introducing a new culinary calendar. Their menus now reflect the seasons with thematic variations, ranging from summer vegetables in early autumn to forest and terroir flavors from autumn to the end of the year, and fish and seafood from winter to spring. Advance reservations are highly recommended, as spots are highly coveted.
Beyond Food and Design: Exploring Copenhagen’s Cultural Gems
Just a half-hour drive from Copenhagen, the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art is a must-visit destination. Nestled in a verdant park overlooking the Baltic Sea, this museum boasts Scandinavia’s most extensive collection of post-war art, featuring works by Giacometti, Warhol, Picasso, Rauschenberg, and currently showcasing the art of Nancy Spero.
Step into the Jægersborg Dyrehave, a natural reserve north of the city, to discover the Louisiana Museum. This architectural marvel, seamlessly blending art and architecture, showcases extensions designed by the renowned studios Snøhetta and Zaha Hadid Architects. Explore its collection of 19th-century French and Danish paintings, including the home of architect Finn Juhl, beautifully preserved and adorned with his own furniture, a true testament to his design legacy.
Located on the ground floor of the IKEA headquarters, Space10 is a unique space blending a café, library, and communal area. Inaugurated this winter, the minimalist and luminous decor was conceived by the Spacon & X studio. Discover hundreds of books on futuristic themes, a design shop, and an art gallery that has been a fixture in Copenhagen.
In the heart of Copenhagen’s Indre By district, you’ll find Stilleben, a charming Danish interior design shop. Celebrating Scandinavian design in all its forms, the store showcases beautiful ceramic vases, soft llama blankets, vintage photographs, and posters, and stylish furniture.
For a true taste of local culture, immerse yourself in Copenhagen’s vibrant beer scene at Mikkeller. This temple of craft beer offers a diverse selection of bottled and draft beers, all brewed in their industrial setting.
For a more intimate and cozy wine experience, visit Manfreds. This welcoming spot boasts a curated selection of international and natural wines just steps away from the docks. Their simple yet delicious food is perfect for sharing.
Looking for a vibrant wine cellar with a Mediterranean twist? Head to Vin & Tapas, offering a tempting selection of tapas and expertly crafted cocktails.
Immerse yourself in the ambiance of The Jane, a timeless Copenhagen bar known for its leather banquettes, animal skin throws, and crackling fireplace. This intimate space serves up unique Nordic cocktails, including bourbon with smoked walnut and birch syrup, as well as rare whiskeys from an impressive cellar.
Finally, don’t miss the opportunity to experience Copenhagen’s waterfront, offering a plethora of invigorating walks. Be sure to explore Kastrup Søbad, an architectural hot spot where locals take a plunge during the summer months.
As you navigate the captivating world of Copenhagen, allow its unique blend of design, food, and art to enchant you. This city invites you to explore its hidden gems, indulge in its culinary delights, and embrace its creative spirit. Let Copenhagen become a memorable chapter in your travel journey.
