Copenhagen Travel Guide: How to Make the Most of One of the World’s Happiest Cities

Copenhagen has long been praised for its design, livability, and culinary innovation, and after visiting, we totally get why. It’s a city where biking is more common than driving, the food scene balances fine dining with cozy hygge cafés, and everything is just… easy. Whether you're strolling along the canals of Nyhavn, eating pastries that put all others to shame, or sitting down for one of the best meals of your life, Copenhagen makes intentional living feel effortless.

If it’s not on your travel list, consider adding it. Here’s how we recommend spending your time there:

Where to Stay

We’ve already broken down our favorite hotels in Where to Stay in Copenhagen: 3 Hotels for Every Kind of Traveler, but here’s a quick cheat sheet:

  • Manon Les SuitesBest for Instagrammable vibes and sustainability

  • Nobis Hotel CopenhagenBest for design lovers and centrality

  • AC Hotel Bella SkyBest for business or budget-conscious travelers

Each has its own personality and price point, so you can tailor your stay to your vibe.

Where to Eat

Fine Dining Musts

Copenhagen’s holy trinity of fine dining isn’t just hype. It’s culinary artistry on another level.

  • Noma: Possibly the most iconic restaurant of all time. Inventive, immersive, and absolutely worth the hype. Voted #1 in the world 5 times. Read our full review here.

  • Geranium: Elegant and technically flawless, this 3-Michelin-star spot delivers Nordic fine dining in a light-filled penthouse setting. Voted #1 in the world. Read our full review here.

  • Alchemist: A multi-sensory food experience unlike any other, blending theatre, science, and bold creativity across multiple rooms. Voted #5 in the world. Read our full review here.

Other Foodie Finds

There are tons of other fine dining options and casual eateries that we highly recommend.

  • The Japanese Pagoda at Tivoli: Tivoli Gardens is one of the oldest amusement parks in the world. You wouldn’t expect it, but it’s also home to a rotation of Michelin restaruant op ups. We had a really fun meal at the Maison Dali pop up, whose chef was trained by the Frantzén (one of our global favorites).

  • Soho House Copenhagen: Worth visiting even if you're not a member! This is a great spot for a slow but refined setting. Grab a canalside seat for brunch or cocktails here and you’ll be happy you did.

  • Conditori La Glace: One of the oldest pastry shops in the city and a must for Danish cakes and traditional sweets.

What to Do

Copenhagen is incredibly walkable and full of charm. Here’s what to prioritize:

  • Tivoli Gardens: A historic amusement park right in the center of town. Yes, it’s touristy, but it’s also pure delight. Even if you don’t go on any rides, it’s a great spot for food and for an entertaining stroll!

  • Cisternerne: An underground art installation space housed in a former reservoir beneath Søndermarken Park. It’s dark, moody, and unexpectedly serene. This one is a hidden gem for alternative art lovers.

  • Architecture & Design Walks: Copenhagen’s urban planning is a masterclass in thoughtful design.

  • National Museum of Denmark: We loved the immersive Viking witch exhibit we saw here! But even beyond that, it’s an excellent window into Danish history and culture.

  • The Little Mermaid Statue: This one is more of a “check-the-box” landmark, but it’s a scenic walk through Kastellet Park, especially on a nice day.

  • Nyhavn: The postcard-perfect canal surrounded by brightly colored buildings. It's touristy but still stunning. Another “check-the-box” spot but easy enough to make happen!

What to Pack

Check out our Summer Eurotrip Capsule Wardrobe for a full breakdown of what we packed! But some highlights include:

  • Comfy Shoes: This is a walking city. You’ll want to explore on foot (or by bike), so prioritize comfort.

  • Smart Layers: Copenhagen weather can vary throughout the day, so layering is key.

  • Elevated Casualwear: The locals are relaxed but effortlessly stylish. For fine dining, smart-casual outfits fit right in.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're there for the food, the culture, or just a taste of Danish simplicity, Copenhagen delivers. It's polished without being pretentious, modern without losing its soul, and we highly recommend a visit.

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We spent a full day at Noma in Copenhagen… is it really the best restaurant of all time?