A Copenhagen City guide: Explore, taste, & connect
With spring around the corner, Copenhagen starts to blossom, offering an array of experiences that capture the essence of the season's renewal and new beginnings. Through this guide, I'll take you on a personal journey through the heart of the Danish capital, highlighting some of my favourite spots that resonate with the vibrant energy of the season, from culinary treasures to unique shopping experiences and engaging activities. Each destination is a chapter in the city's story of renewal, inviting you to explore, taste, and connect.
EAT
In a cozy corner in the heart of Nørrebro, you'll find the most charming wine bar and eatery, Andra. With a focus on fresh, locally sourced quality ingredients, Andra offers a menu that blends traditional flavors with a modern twist, complemented by an impressive selection of wines. The setting is as inviting as it is beautiful, with stunning decor – including unique furniture, ceramics, textiles, showing that they really have attention to detail. A must-visit spot for anyone looking to enjoy an exceptional dining experience or simply just a glass of wine in a beautiful setting. Look out for their reopening in April!
Head chef and co-founder Philipp Inreiter left his Noma days behind him to embark on a journey through Japan, where he discovered his passion for ramen and did us all the favour to bring the flavours to Copenhagen. The result was Slurp Ramen Joint. Nestled within the heart of Nørreport, it emerges as a unique gem for ramen lovers. The menu is carefully curated of four types of ramen dishes, alongside a selection of sides. The Nduja Miso, available only in the evenings, is my go-to order that I find myself constantly craving and ordering again and again... The intimate setting of Slurp, with its minimalist design inspired by Japanese simplicity, offers diners a glimpse into the culinary mastery in action. Seated at a sleek bar, guests watch as their dishes are prepared, making every meal an up-close experience of the craft behind their delicious slurps.
Speaking of new beginnings, Lillebarn Bageri is the latest gem to hit the bakery scene, making getting your hands on freshly baked goodies super simple. Every Sunday, a weekly menu is posted on their Instagram page, you shoot them a DM with your order, and voilà, freshly baked delights are on their way to you by the week's end. You can choose delivery straight to your doorstep or opt for pickup. And for those with a specific craving, they're all about catering to your custom or special requests. So, whether it's the tang of sourdough or the sweet rush of a cinnamon bun you're after, LilleBarn Bageri has got you covered.
SHOP
Exciting news for vintage lovers in Nørrebro! Two of my favorite stores, Wilén and Chamoi, have recently opened new locations in the area. Both stores offer a fantastic handpicked selection of 90s and Y2K pieces, sourced from across Europe at reasonable prices. In addition to these vintage treasures, they also feature new items from smaller Copenhagen-based clothing and jewelry businesses, such as Arkiv Hybrid, Kernemilk, Sasaauw and Sabot, among others. The combination of vintage and handmade locally-sourced pieces adds a unique flair to their offerings, making it hard to leave empty-handed...
Chamoi
Wilén Store
Strand 32
If you're on the hunt for distinctive silhouettes, superior quality, or just a wealth of inspiration, Strand 32 is your ultimate destination. The boutique offers an impressive collection of unique designer items for both men and women, all in amazing condition. While it may not always be the most budget-friendly option, it's the ideal spot for discovering those special, investment-worthy archive pieces that will remain staples in your wardrobe for a lifetime!
HVORNUM is a concept store in Frederiksberg that stands out for its exceptional collection of handcrafted items and design pieces. It offers a carefully curated selection of Scandinavian and Italian design appealing to those with a discerning eye for quality and craftsmanship. Showcasing a diverse range of products, from timeless vintage furniture to contemporary art and home decor, all sourced or created with a commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. At HVORNUM, you're guaranteed to discover something unique that stands out from the ordinary, ensuring you find a piece that's not just in every other home.
DO
Søhesten
By the beautiful lakes of Copenhagen you'll find a pearl that quickly became my go-to bar in the city. Søhesten is a truly special place, offering packed jazz nights every Wednesday, and DJs on Friday and Saturdays, blending electronic, funk, and soul into the early hours of the morning. The space is enveloped in a warm, soft red glow from antique lamps, creating a laidback and intimate environment. Simply, great music and a unique vibe — a chance to escape the ordinary, even if just for a few hours.
In an exclusive area of the old City of Copenhagen; Ny Østergade, you will find a treasure trove for those whose hearts beat for stylish literature. New Mags is a beautiful store showing a carefully curated selection of coffee table books, with fashion and design in focus. On occasion, when my inspiration runs dry, I find myself drawn to this store, flipping through pages upon pages of captivating content. Currently, my sights are set on buying the Sofia Coppola Archive, a gem I've been eagerly anticipating to add to my collection.
Dressing up your home in spring colors with bouquets in various shapes and forms brings the essence of the season indoors. In Copenhagen, a city abundant with floral havens, Blomsterverk shines as a personal favorite. Located in the city's heart, this charming flower shop is distinguished by its outstanding array of flowers and beautiful arrangements. For those eager to infuse their spaces with spring's vibrant spirit, a visit to Blomsterverk is absolutely essential.
Sort Kaffe & Vinyl
Sort Kaffe & Vinyl is my go-to spot when I need to switch up my study environment. Situated just off the historic Istedgade, you’ll find a laid-back little place where coffee and music go hand in hand. The gentle jazz playing in the background along with the retro decor and walls decorated with vintage records, lends the place a captivating charm. Give it a try next time you're passing by; you might just discover your new favorite coffee spot.
Located just 20 km south of Copenhagen, on the shores of Ishoj, stands ARKEN, Denmark's largest museum of contemporary art. Offering a broad selection of works, ranging from installations and sculptures to paintings and multimedia creations, encompassing the entire spectrum of modern art in all its forms. The museum is home to permanent exhibits from world-renowned artists like Warhol, Ai Weiwei, Damien Hirst and Olafur Eliasson. Starting in April, ARKEN will feature "Unseen" by Anish Kapoor, an exhibition you don't want to miss. Kapoor, the British-indian artist famed for his iconic Cloud Gate sculpture (the big shining bean) in Chicago's Millennium Park, will have his most impactful large-scale works displayed. Spanning over forty years of his career, these pieces promise an in-depth exploration of Kapoor's distinct vision and creative genius.
