The best tips and hotspots in Copenhagen
Copenhagen is one of the nicest destinations for a city trip or weekend getaway, if you ask me. It's not even an hour and a half flight, it's a very beautiful city, there's plenty to do and see, and you can also eat very well there (which is not entirely unimportant). Scandinavian cities are somewhat known for being quite expensive, but you have a lot of control over that, of course. In any case, that's absolutely no reason to put this city on the blacklist. If you're still in doubt, check out the best tips for Copenhagen here. Guaranteed for an ultimate getaway.
Tips for things to do in Copenhagen
Rent a bike. Yes, cycling is also a great way to get around here (and the way to see as much as possible in a short time) and as Dutch people, we can of course cycle like the best. Rent one at a bike rental, or via the Donkey Republic app: they have pickup locations all over the city and you can drop it off anywhere. Copenhagen isn't that big of a city, so it's ideal to explore on your steel horse.
Visit Christiania. That's a self-proclaimed semi-independent enclave (that's quite a mouthful) in Copenhagen. There is really a completely different atmosphere here than in the city itself. Here you'll find many hippie-like market stalls, cafes, and various restaurants. You'll also find Pusher Street here, known as the ‘drug street’. Don't expect shady dealers, but just bags of hash and weed being sold at the stalls. Christiania has been occupied by squatters for fifty years now – officially illegal.
Take a boat tour. I always find it fun to see a city from the water as well. Even in Amsterdam, I always see something new, and it gives a completely different perspective than when you're walking through the streets. The same goes for Copenhagen. There are various providers for boat tours, so it's smart to check in advance which one seems the most fun to you.
Going out and eating in the Meatpacking District. Move over New York, the Meatpacking District in Copenhagen is at least just as fun (though a lot smaller, of course). Here you'll find the trendiest restaurants, cocktail bars, and nightlife spots. From pizzas to burgers and of course fresh fish; there's something for everyone here. Especially with some sunshine, it's great to hang out on one of the terraces around snack time.
Shopping. During a city trip, shopping is a must. You can do that here at Stroget (the longest car-free street in Europe), Studiestræde, and Vaernedamsvej. By the way, I really wouldn't know how to pronounce the last one, but you can definitely shop well there.
Hotspots in Copenhagen
Restaurant Barr. By the water, you'll find this spot, which is one of my favorites in Copenhagen. I can really spend hours dining here (a bit of a waste of your weekend away if you want to see everything, but still very cozy). If you don't want to eat something but just drink, you can also go to the adjacent Beer Bar (love it). On the menu, you'll find many different dishes, steak tartare, Danish meatballs, but also... schnitzel. So there's a good chance there's definitely something on the menu that you're in the mood for.
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Strandgade 93
Mother. One of the most popular spots in Copenhagen, I think. In the Meatpacking District, you'll find this place, which is open every day from 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM. Great for a (warm) lunch, but definitely also in the evening. Here you eat pizza from the gigantic wood oven. Good to know is that the prices here are not sky-high either.
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Høkerboderne 9-15
Gorilla. Also found in the Meatpacking District. The food here is very tasty, but especially for the evening, the cocktail menu is very attractive. Be sure to try their version of the Espresso Martini. For food, you can choose the surprise menu or just à la carte. On the menu, you'll find ceviche and steak tartare, but also a number of vegetarian options.
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Flæsketorvet 57
Slurp Ramen Joint. The best ramen in the whole city – if the locals are to be believed. I got tipped about this by several people we met there, so we decided to stop by for lunch. It's a very small place, but all the praise turned out to be true: so delicious.
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Nansensgade 90
Curfew. For cocktails, you have to go to Curfew. A very nice speakeasy, where you first have to ring the bell to get in. What you see in front of you is a large bookshelf, which also serves as a door. On weekends, it can get incredibly busy (and it's surprisingly large inside), but during the week, it's conveniently closed off to make it cozier. I let myself be surprised by the bartender and finished with a Moscow Mule. Highly recommended.
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Vesterbrogade 20
Maple. And before you start on the cocktails, eat two doors down at Maple. Be sure to make a reservation, as this is an extremely popular spot – and that's completely justified. I had a delicious meal here with matching wine. Tuna tacos as a starter, bizarrely delicious risotto, and a cheese platter as a starter. Rolling home.
Vesterbrogade 24
War Pigs. Close to Mother and Gorilla, you'll find this spot for true meat lovers. It's self-service, incredibly busy, and large portions. They also have a lot of craft beers on tap and it's especially very cozy. If it's sunny, you can sit outside at the picnic tables, but it's also fine inside. Be sure to try the chicken wings and pulled pork.
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Flæsketorvet 25-37
Fleisch. Again, just around the corner from Mother, Gorilla, War Pigs, and practically next to Paté Paté. Yes, within a radius of 100 meters, you'll find so many fun spots here. We had lunch here: it's not cheap, not for the big eater, but it's incredibly delicious. I had the famous smørrebrød for lunch (I had never had it before – super tasty) and since it was sunny, we sat on the terrace. Almost a shame, because I think the interior here is so cool.
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Slagterboderne 7
Kødbyens Fiskebar. A short walk from Gorilla, you'll find this hotspot in Copenhagen. Nowadays, this place is also open every day for lunch. You don't have to be a language genius to figure out from the name that this is a paradise for fish lovers. And yes, it certainly is. A recommendation (not cheap, but very tasty) is to start with an oyster tasting. I always get choice stress with this menu because I want everything. Good luck choosing.
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Flæsketorvet 100
Noma. Well, I definitely have to mention this one too. I haven't eaten there myself, because – well-timed – the restaurant was closed before it started its game season. Bummer (better for the wallet, by the way). This restaurant obviously doesn't need an introduction anymore and it remains on my bucket list. One day I will go here, to the best restaurant in the world.
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Refshalevej 96
Restaurant Iluka. According to many, the absolute best seafood restaurant in all of Copenhagen. Well, as a fish lover, you definitely have to test that out. They serve many types of oysters, anchovies, mussels, herring… Basically everything that comes from the sea. So don't bring your vegetarian friends here. But honestly: eating here is really a party.
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Peder Skrams Gade
Geranium. If Noma is also on your bucket list, definitely don't skip this one when you're heading to Copenhagen. This is actually the second restaurant in the world. Yes, the number one and two are both located in Copenhagen. I did say we still have a lot to learn from them?
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Per Henrik Lings Allé 4
Lêlê Street Kitchen. This Vietnamese spot now has four locations in Copenhagen. I personally like this one the most, in Vesterbro. You can either take away or get a table. I would recommend getting a table, as it's cozier and you can easily order a bit more. The bao, the spring rolls, the ceviche in soy sauce: it's all delicious.
Vesterbrogade 40
Jolene. Just because this is one of my all-time favorite songs, this spot in Copenhagen can't go wrong. Luckily, it's also genuinely a nice place to have a drink on the weekend (they're open Thursday to Saturday in the evening) in the Meatpacking District. Not a place you go for special cocktails or a fancy night; no, here you just hit the dance floor and leave in the early hours. Sometimes that's just fine.
Flæsketorvet 81-85
Paté Paté. Nice all-day spot, which opens at nine in the morning (except on weekends, then from twelve), so they also serve breakfast. In the background, you hear jazz and soul music, and on the menu, you'll mainly find Spanish snacks and an extensive wine list. A great formula for a date night or a night of dining with friends.
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Slagterboderne 1
La Banchina. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner; you're good here. By the water, with a glass of wine, because they also have a wine bar. And as the cherry on top, they also have a sauna. Yes, you read that right. The focus in terms of food is on vegetables, so vegetarians: go for it here. Inside it's not big, especially outside it's very nice. Note: they do not take reservations. Just drop by.
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Refshalevej 141
