30 Of The Best Things To Do in Copenhagen For Food And Design Enthusiasts

It's not far-fetched to call Copenhagen the Goldilocks of European capitals. Everything here feels just right—from a pitch-perfect mix of street food markets and white tablecloth Michelin spots to the city's copious and easy-to-navigate bike paths and reliable public transport.

Whether your passions lie in history, architecture, design, food, or discovering the next big thing before everyone else zeroes in on it, you can find all of it here in Denmark's most famous city. It's also one of our favourite spots in Europe to take in dazzling holiday décor and explore open-air Christmas markets. No matter when you visit, it's hard not to be enthralled by the city's overall commitment to sustainability and high quality of life—in a word: hygge.

Our tightly curated list tells you where to stay, what to see, and which tables to book—including one with a 50-course tasting menu. Read on for 30 of the absolute best things to do in Copenhagen.

Related article: 9 Spring 2024 Fashion Trends That Ruled Copenhagen Fashion Week

Take a walk along Nyhavn

It may be touristy, but there's a reason everyone flocks to this former commercial port. The colourful and historic houses make up one of the most iconic images of the city, and the plentiful outdoor cafés are perfect for people-watching. Fun fact: Hans Christian Andersen, of the famed fairytales, lived here for decades.

Explore the city like a Dane

Biking and Copenhagen are nearly synonymous. In fact, there are actually more bikes than people in the city—so if you really want to explore the city like a local, that means renting your own set of wheels. With over 200 miles of bike paths and traffic lights coordinated for cyclists, even beginner bikers will have a blast navigating the city behind the handlebars.

Enjoy a picnic at Frederiksberg Gardens

In warmer months, there are few places more beautiful than Frederiksberg Gardens. Take a boat tour, visit the zoo at the northernmost corner, or do like the Danes do and enjoy a picnic lunch on a grassy knoll.

Spend a day in Superkilen Park

This public space in Nørrebro has something for every type of visitor. Divided into three sections—The Red Square, The Black Market, and The Green Park—Superkilen has everything from cafés and picnicking spots to ample space for skateboarders. There are also design pieces from all over the world, including Moroccan fountains, Iraqi swings, and Brazilian benches.

Step back in time at the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek museum

Built by Carl Jacobsen in the late 1800s, this ancient and modern art museum is one of the most beautiful in Denmark's capital. The winter garden—the museum's most famous room, with placid fountain and lush palm trees—is a lovely spot to enjoy a coffee, especially in the colder months.

Visit Hamlet's castle

Just 40 minutes outside of the city lies Elsinore, an 800-year-old market town. While the ancient city is fun to explore in its own right, literary buffs will want to pay a visit to Kronborg Castle. Better known as Hamlet's Castle, the sprawling palace is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Pro tip: The castle has one of the country's best Christmas markets during the holiday season.

Book a stay at Villa Copenhagen

One of the city's coolest boltholes, this 390-room hotel is housed inside the former post central from 1912. Its outdoor, heated pool may be one of the buzziest spots to take a swim in the city, but we're also big fans of the elegant rooms, which were inspired by the grand mansions of the turn of the century.

Watch the changing of the guard at Amalienborg Palace

In the heart of the city, this is the official seat of one of the oldest monarchies in the world. If you're one for pomp and circumstance, don't miss the changing of The Royal Life Guard: At noon every day, the troop marches through the city streets from their barracks near Rosenborg Castle to Amalienborg.

Treat yourself to dinner at Nimb Hotel

If you already have a place to stay, one of the city's most iconic hotels is also one of the best spots for food lovers. Nimb Hotel's Moorish-design palazzo may be one of the most recognizable landmarks in Copenhagen, but on-site restaurants—like Nimb Bar and Nimb Brasserie—make the interior of the boutique hotel as worth a visit as its facade. Visitors with a sweet tooth, take note: Cakenhagen's Danish cream cakes are divine.

Stroll King's Garden

Also known as Rosenborg Garden, this is Denmark's oldest royal lawn. Located next to the beautiful Rosenborg Palace (which is also worth a visit), it's one of the most popular spots in the city for a spring or summertime picnic, when fragrant flowers turn the manicured stretches into a technicolour wonder.

Take a swim in Manon Les Suites' Bali-inspired pool

Perhaps the most Instagrammable hotel in the city is the dreamy Manon Les Suites, located a short walk from the Copenhagen Lakes. Its centerpiece is the Bali-inspired Junglefish Pool, an indoor oasis surrounded by lush tropical plants. While hotel guests receive free access, other travellers can reserve a day pass to take advantage of the pool, steam room, and sauna.

Day trip to Louisiana Museum of Modern Art

Anyone with even a passing interest in art or architecture should plan to see one of the best modern art museums in the world. Located in Humlebæk, it's a beautiful and easy day trip from the city center, and visitors will be rewarded with a collection that includes Yayoi Kusama’s glittering installation "Gleaming Lights of the Souls." A wander through the expansive sculpture garden is also a can't-miss at any time of year.

Explore the restaurant scene on Refshaleøen

A former industrial district that has turned into one of Copenhagen's hottest neighborhoods, the island of Refshaleøen is a must-visit for anyone looking to immerse themselves in contemporary art, explore the city's beer scene, and, most of all, sample the city's buzziest restaurants. Snag a table (if you can) at Alchemist for a 50-course tasting menu, or keep it low-key with natural wine at the waterfront La Banchina.

Venture underground to one of the city's coolest art spaces

When you spot the two glass pyramids, you'll know you've found the entrance to Cisternerne—and trust us, this subterranean contemporary art space is worth seeking out. Housed in the former water reservoirs for the city, the venue hosts a rotating selection of site-specific installations, all of which are always thought-provoking and, to put it simply, super cool.

Warm up in the city's hippest hot tubs

With winter nights that can get more than a little chilly, is it any wonder that the city boasts some of the region's best sauna and hot tub-focused experiences? One of our favorites is CopenHot, a company whose fleet includes sailing hot tubs, stationary hot tubs, and even a regular tour boat.

Ogle the finest Scandinavian design at Normann Copenhagen

Design buffs are probably already familiar with Normann Copenhagen, but it's worth a spin around their beautiful flagship store—especially since they no longer ship directly to the U.S. While lugging a couch home might be tricky, scoop up smaller pieces, like textiles and glassware.

Related article: The 5 Best Interior Design Trends To Shop In 2024

Walk Jægersborggade, the coolest street in Copenhagen

If you're coming to the Danish capital to shop, a stroll down this stretch in Nørrebro should be on your itinerary. Jam-packed with vintage stores, home design outlets, and locally owned shops, it's the ideal place to get a sense of inimitable Danish style. Some of our favorites include Tú a Tú for vintage goods, underground wine bar Terroiristen, and Flacodesign for gorgeous lamps.

Climb artificial mountaintop CopenHill for stunning city views

Only in Copenhagen would the exterior of a waste management center also be one of the city's coolest spots for skiing and hiking. Such is the magic of CopenHill, an artificial ski slope and recreational hiking destination built on top of a power plant. When you're ready for break, you can take in the stellar view from the on-site rooftop café.

Grab a snack at Reffen

Denmark's capital city may be known for its superb lineup of fine dining restaurants, but its more casual venues are certainly worth a visit too. One of the best spots in the city to get a sense of its street food is Reffen, an eco-friendly market with over 50 stalls from around the globe. (It's the largest street food venue in the Nordics.) Treats include everything from Nepalese to Kurdish snacks, all in a waterside location with lovely views of the harbor.

When the weather permits—it's the perfect way to cool off during warmer months—take a plunge in the harbor baths sprinkled throughout the city. We like Islands Brygge, which is just over a bridge from the city centre.

Bask in the city's beauty by canal boat

It comes as little surprise that one of the best ways to explore this maritime city is via boat—and with its extensive system of canals, you can navigate through much of it without ever stepping foot on land. Look into Canal Tours of Copenhagen for a guided expedition, or be the captain of your own ship by renting from Kayak Republic.

Wander the National Museum of Denmark

For a superb overview of the Danish way of life, there's nowhere better than Denmark's largest museum of cultural history. Exhibits include everything from treasure and archaeological finds from the Viking era to the famed, 3,000 year-old Sun Chariot. When you get peckish, visit on-site restaurant SMÖR for innovative smørrebrød and an impressive weekend dessert display.

Stop by a pølsevogn for a hotdog

For the last century or so, hotdogs have become known as the Danes' most beloved street food. Ask for a "ristet pølse" if you're looking for a classic version, but it's easy to find even vegan options if you do your homework. One of the most famed vendors is John’s Hotdog Deli, where you should make sure to order one with his famous hot sauce.

Delve into Danish design at this fascinating museum

It's hard to get a full grasp of Danish culture without understanding how design—whether it be urban, clothing, or furniture—is such an integral part of the country's DNA. An excellent place to start is the Design Museum Danmark, which not only has pieces from the country's famed masters, like Arne Jacobsen, but decorative art and design works from around the world. Not to be missed, the gift shop has an impressive array of Danish ceramics and fabrics.

Eat a traditional Danish dinner inside Christianborg Palace

One of the most stunning dining rooms in Copenhagen is actually an old lumber room at Christianborg Palace, now home to Meyers i Tårnet. Notable for its classic Danish menu, the restaurant serves a rotating selection of smørrebrød, or the open-faced sandwiches for which the country is known. If you're in the city during the holiday season, make sure to reserve a table here for a Christmas feast.

Discover the coolest Danish-owned stores in Carlsberg City District

One of the city's newest neighborhoods to explore is also, paradoxically, one of the oldest. Carlsberg City District is housed inside historic buildings, but the carefully edited shops speak to the city's forward-thinking nature. Some of our favorites to explore include File Under Pop for paint, the gorgeous home goods at Carl Hansen & Søn's flagship store, and Henrik Vibskov Archive Boutique for modernist fashion.

Related article: These Emerging Danish Designers Define Scandi Fashion

Sip suds in one of the world's craft beer capitals

There are few cities with a more lively beer culture, so swing by a few breweries while you're there. The two biggest names in the game are Carlsberg and Mikkeller, but a spin around the Nørrebro and Vesterbro neighborhoods will also turn up plenty of smaller craft breweries. If you're really a big fan of brews, try to align your visit with Copenhagen Beer Week.

Delight in Tivoli Gardens' Christmas décor

One of the most famous landmarks in the city is certainly Tivoli Gardens, the world's second-oldest amusement park—and during the holiday season, it's an especially magical escape. Thousands of Christmas lights festoon the park, and its holiday market—with over 60 stalls selling sweets, drinks, and decorations—is one of our favorites.

Snag a room at Coco Hotel for a boutique stay

With a lobby that plays double-duty as a café, there are few spots more charming than this 90-room property on Vesterbrogade. Ask for a Junior Suite if you want a view of the city skyline.

Satisfy your sweet tooth with traditional pastries

You bet we saved the best for last. The city has been experiencing a baked goods renaissance as of late, which means it's imperative you sample a sweet treat at least once a day while you're there. Some of our favorites include Hart Bakery (or Bageri)—run by the former baker at Noma—and Andersen Bakery's fresh breads.

This article originally appeared in Harper’s BAZAAR US.