Your complete guide to Copenhagen, according to our editors

A pioneering culinary scene, bi-annual fashion week, vintage and secondhand shopping mecca, biking culture, sleek design at every turn, hygge lifestyle, Tivoli Gardens, Nyhavn… These are just a handful of things we love about Copenhagen. And trust us, there’s much to adore about the vibrant Danish capital – just ask Emily in Paris lead and our former cover star Lily Collins, who calls the city her second home.

Also home to the Danish royal family and the Little Mermaid statue, Copenhagen charms with its inviting, laid-back vibe, which extends from the cosy cafés and bistros dotting the cobblestone streets and the city’s sustainability-first approach to its warm and welcoming (and fashion-forward) residents. Be it winter, summer, or anything in between, there’s always something fun to get up to and plenty to see, whether you’re a culture fiend, a sartorial savant, a gastronomy enthusiast, an outdoors buff, or simply seeking a relaxing yet invigorating city break.

To level up your next trip to Copenhagen, Vogue Scandinavia has curated an insider’s guide to the very best the city has to offer, sourced from the next best thing to a local – our editors. Scroll on for our pick of the hotel to book, mouthwatering restaurants to visit, all the supreme shopping to indulge in, and other unmissable spots. 

In a city like Copenhagen, you’ll want to book your hotel where the action is – or at least a short bike ride away. The Radisson Collection Royal Hotel just steps away from the Tivoli Gardens, the National Museum of Denmark and Strøget (one of Europe’s largest pedestrian shopping streets), offers a luxe stay complete with sweeping panoramic city views. At 20 floors tall, the 1960-designed building was Denmark’s first-ever skyscraper and still defines the city skyline. Dreamt up by Danish visionary Arne Jacobsen (who designed the whole site, from the facade to the cutlery), whom we’ve featured in the magazine, it was the world’s first design hotel, celebrated for its modernist architecture. The polished, minimalist style continues to flow throughout the space, with some of Jacobsen’s most sought-after pieces (which he initially designed just for the hotel), like the ‘Egg’ and ‘Swan’ chairs, sprinkled across the premises.

With its generous size, the hotel offers a wide range of rooms, from individual and collection options to grand suites. There’s a space to suit every need, whether travelling alone, with a partner, family, or friends. The timeless, sophisticated design carries over to the rooms, featuring minimalist furnishings and premium amenities. Reflecting Jacobsen’s design philosophy, the rooms are filled with natural light, while a nature-inspired palette takes centre stage. Serene neutral tones of whites, greys and browns create a cosy mood without feeling cold or sterile.

Like many other Radisson Hotel Group’s hotels, this Copenhagen location comprises a state-of-the-art fitness centre where you can kick off your morning or revitalise after a long day exploring the city. Guests can also book pilates and yoga classes or unwind in the relaxing sauna. If you’re keen on roaming around town like a true local, bicycle rentals are available at the hotel. We suggest checking with the concierge desk for the best and safest biking routes – no doubt the ultimate way to navigate the city. Feeling famished after your adventures? Fret not. Guests won’t even have to leave the hotel for tasty bites, as its very own eatery, Issei – serving flavour-bursting Nikkei cuisine (marrying Peruvian and Creole tastes with Japanese techniques) – is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings with its vibrant plates harnessing the freshest ingredients.

Staying true to the Danish (or Nordic, really) mentality of protecting the health of our planet, the Radisson Collection Royal Hotel is a third-party eco-labelled destination – just another reason to choose it as your base. This means that the site is part of a select group of Radisson establishments that have adhered to a robust sustainability action plan, successfully implemented eco-conscious practices and made a positive impact, setting a leading example for the rest of the hospitality industry.

Hop on your bike or slip into a pair of comfy shoes (preferably dad sneakers, if you ask the locals) and hit the bustling streets. Copenhagen boasts attractions to explore for days on end, though there’s always one must-visit stop we make sure to pencil into our itinerary: the Tivoli Gardens, conveniently sitting right across the road from the Radisson Collection Royal Hotel.

The second-oldest amusement park in operation across the globe, Tivoli Gardens offers much more than the classic (and undeniably fun) roller coaster, carousel, and Ferris wheel rides – plus many more for the thrill-seeker. Stroll along the picturesque paths or grab a quick, delicious bite from one of the park’s numerous restaurants. During the holiday season, Tivoli transforms into an enchanting winter wonderland, complete with a market brimming with Christmas goodies, twinkling fairy lights, festive music, an ice skating rink and other magical experiences.

It would be a crime to visit Copenhagen without swinging by Nyhavn, the 17th-century port lined with paintbox-bright houses, pubs, and eateries you’ve likely seen in an Instagram post or two. A quick walk or bike ride from there brings you to the Louise Roe gallery, our editors’ top pick for a hefty dose of Danish interior inspiration. More of our favourite design and art destinations, perfect for a rainy day, include Copenhagen Contemporary, New Carlsberg Glyptotek, ceramic painting classes at the Flagship Store of Royal Copenhagen, Ordrupgaard (the home of Danish design great Finn Juhl, which we’ve featured in the magazine), and Louisiana Museum of Modern Art (a 40-minute drive from the city – we recommend making a day trip out of it).

If you’re in town during summer, make sure to partake in the locals’ cherished warm-weather activity: swimming. The best spots for a dip in the heart of the city? Kalvebod Bølge, La Banchina (also a restaurant), Islands Brygge Harbour Bath and Sandkaj Harbour Bath. Afterwards, treat yourself to an ice-cold drink at the buzzy Palæ Bar, just off Nyhavn. And if your body is tired after all the walking, biking and swimming, a lovely way to spend the rest of the day is taking an evening Venetian water taxi tour, during which you can marvel at Copenhagen lighting up as twilight cloaks the city. And yes, they have refreshments on board.

Should you have time for a longer day trip or even an overnight stay, there are a couple of unmissable spots. About an hour and a half’s drive from Copenhagen, you’ll find Camp Adventure and its famed, Instagram-worthy Forest Tower – a tall architectural wonder with magnificent views into the deep green woods. Meanwhile, in the countryside south of the city, you’ll discover a true hidden treasure, the Paradehuset, a stunning castle surrounded by expansive, lush gardens. Pro tip: bring your favourite snacks and a blanket for a picnic in the gorgeous surroundings.

With iconic, three Michelin-starred restaurants like Noma and Geranium having put Copenhagen on the culinary map, the city has evolved into a foodie’s paradise. Its cobbled streets are teeming with both fine dining and more rustic options, alongside a wealth of cafés serving up those famous, melt-in-your-mouth Danish pastries.

For breakfast and coffee, you’ll find us at Juno the Bakery, which was also the location of our digital cover shoot with honorary Dane Lily Collins. Other great places to relish a fika include Andersen & Maillard, Pixie and Atelier September – sure to fulfil your speciality coffee dreams. When it’s time to head for a healthy and hearty lunch, our top picks are two French-inspired eateries: the hideaway bistro Beau Marche and quaint, vintage-style Les Voyageurs.

The all-time favourite restaurant among Vogue Scandinavia editors is Apollo Bar in Nyhavn, serving tasty food all day, from breakfast to dinner – not to mention an extensive wine list and decadent cocktails. “Some of my fondest and most unmentionable Copenhagen memories took place at Apollo bar. It’s just one of those can’t-fail spots where you never know what’s going to happen or who you’re going to run into, especially during Copenhagen Fashion Week,” says the print editor of Vogue Scandinavia, Allyson Shiffman.

Other ambient, standout dinner spots include the contemporary bistro Bobe, Jah Izakaya for Japanese flavours and sake, and Italian gems Mangia, Graziano and Locale 21. “I came across Locale 21 by chance during Copenhagen Fashion Week this August. And it was a love at first sight – and taste – kind of experience. Their risotto served with duck is a must try,” says our junior fashion editor, Amelie Langenskiöld. Post-dinner (or pre-dinner), we recommend wine lovers check out the snug, ultramarine-walled Lille Blå Vinbar.

With beloved brands like Ganni, Stine Goya, Saks Potts, Helmstedt, Baum und Pferdgarten and Cecilie Bahnsen hailing from the city – and Copenhagen Fashion Week swiftly establishing itself among the biggest fashion weeks in the world – it’s no surprise that the capital offers some of the best shopping in the Nordics.

Boasting an outmatched vintage and second-hand scene, some fashion insiders’ favourite Copenhagen stores for pre-loved treasures include Jerome Vintage, Time’s Up Vintage, 2nd Rag, Kirkegaard Antikvariat and Carmen. “[Carmen is] a mecca for handmade pillows, vintage cowboy boots and one-of-a-kind silk kimonos,” notes our digital editor, Clare McInerney. Meanwhile, over on the neighbouring island of Refshaleøen, the locals organise flea markets every other weekend, where you can uncover a slew of unique fashion and interior pieces. Passionate about Ganni, one of the country’s greatest sartorial exports? Stop by the the brand's archive store in Christianshavn, where some of its most sought-after pieces, plucked from seasons past, are available for purchase.