SCANDI BREAKS ARE all the rage these days, and we can really see why.
There’s something about their effortless cool, amazing design and laidback vibe that keeps tourists coming back for more. Nowhere captures this spirit more than Copenhagen.
(And of course, watching shows like Borgen and spotting stars like Viggo Mortensen on the silver screen might have helped Denmark’s case too…)
So here’s our whistle-stop guide to all the coolest, more off-the-beaten track things to enjoy in Copenhagen. Got any more tips from your own holidays? Let us know in the comments section.
First things first: Copenhagen is a foodie destination, home to what is commonly described and voted as the best restaurant in the entire world called Noma. Why not? Go big or go home, after all. It’s a pioneer of so-called New Nordic grub, using unusual and locally sourced ingredients. If you can’t snag a seat at Noma, check out this list of restaurants that former staff have set up.
As you almost certainly know, there is non-stop epic TV coming out of Denmark these days. Nordic Noir guided walking tours shows tourists “the dark side of Copenhagen” with the tours stopping by locations moved in top Danish TV. The tours are in English and are completely free, leaving twice daily from Vesterport Station.
Havnegade is the place to see and be seen – full of cutting edge restaurants, lots of cafés, bakeries, the whole nine yards. And speaking of The Bridge and The Killing, you’re sure to see a familiar face from the telly around this area, due to it being really popular with actors and artsy types. Dip into Holberg 19 for a drink afterwards and look out for Sarah Lund.
Alright, alright – bear with us. So this isn’t an attraction to see in Copenhagen itself, but rather a way to take advantage of Denmark’s close proximity to Malmo. This will take you up close and personal with the Öresund Bridge, and a short train journey will show you a massive national and city contrast in an afternoon. (Plus you can say you were in both Sweden and Denmark on your travels. #Swish).
And after all of your gallivanting, you’re going to need some caffeine. Enter Sort Kaffe & Vinyl (which translates as Black Coffee & Vinyl) off Istegade for some a wide range of newly pressed wax for music-lovers and fine coffee for those with a refined palate. Match made in heaven.
Next stop: Papirøen, or Paper Island to us anglophones. Catch the little water taxi (even though it’s a really short trip) to add a bit of glamour to proceedings, and once you land, get some of the incredible street food from the market. It might not be as fancy as Noma, but perhaps a shade more realistic for the average Joe. This is also the ideal spot to grab a pitcher of one of the many, many delicious beers available in Copenhagen to enjoy as you look out over the harbour and kick back.
Speaking of kicking back with a brew, let’s talk about Nyhavn. Its picturesque, multi-coloured facades are what might come to mind when you think of classic Danish vistas, and beyond them you’ll discover plenty of hip beer bars (some outdoors too, if you’re there in the summer months). Whatever you’re into, Copenhagen can deliver. Go forth and taste something different. After all, you’re on your holidays…
To celebrate the 140th anniversary of the Carlsberg Research Laboratory in Copenhagen, leading scientists and brewers at the Laboratory have now re-brewed the world’s first quality lager, using the original pure yeast from 1883. Enjoy Carlsberg responsibly. Visit drinkaware.ie.
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