24 HOURS IN COPENHAGEN

Ok maybe that’s my weak spot but I admit that most of the cool places I visited immediately made me want to buy a house and stay there forever. But never ever have I been so serious about leaving it all behind to come to live in Copenhagen. Maybe it’s my obsession with design and food and funny languages. I love this city! So here you go: our absolute favorite places you have to see if you come to Copenhagen for a day:

TO STAY

Honestly, there’s really only one choice for you: Hotel SP34. It’s perfectly close to the train station and even closer to the pedestrian street Strøget – the longest pedestrian street in the world. The hotel has a rooftop terrace, 4 bars, and 3 restaurants. If you haven’t noticed most Danes have a great sense for design and this hotel hits the spot. Make sure to rent a bike to get around and feel more like a local.

Address: Sankt Peders Stræde 34, 1453 København
www.brochner-hotels.com/hotel-sp34

For all friends of Danish Design, another choice would be to stay at the VIPP Loft or their Chimney House. While Nobis Hotel or Hotel Sanders offer cozy atmospheres, if you’re feeling a little crazy and more minimalistic, definitely book the only room at this all-black Krane.

TO EAT

Copenhagen is all about food and there are so many places that I still have on my to-do list!  The ones we’ve listed here are great if you visit for the first time, to get you started:

Grød is a fun concept for breakfast, they serve nothing but porridge, risotto or similar yum stuff in a bowl; They also have a stand at Torvenhallerne food market (see below) but I think you should make the way to Nørrebro. Drive through the old cemetery Assistens Kirkegård, which is better described as a park, where locals come to hang out in summer. Also, the street Jægersborggade has lots of little hip shops and restaurants, some of which we’ve also listed here below.

Address: Jægersborggade 50, 2200 København 
www.groed.com

Atelier September if you have some time to spare this is a super relaxed breakfast spot, with chilled-out music and good food. The space behind the restaurant operates as a shop but serves as a showcase of own designs as well. Oh and, the avocado bread is perfection, need we say more?

Address: Gothersgade 30, 1123 København
www.atelierseptember.dk

Torvenhallerne is a marketplace that’s nice to wander around and have delicious lunch at one of the many stalls; Watch out for ex-Noma Chef Rosio Sanchez’s “Hija de Sanchez” Taco stand – YUM! They also recently opened a permanent restaurant in the meatpacking area Kødbyen.

Address: Frederiksborggade 21, 1360 København 
www.torvehallernekbh.dk

Ammann’s Deli; for the best smørrebrød you will ever taste! Eat them there or take them out and sit by the nearby lakes! They also have a restaurant right next door that’s definitely noteworthy but if you can’t squeeze in a short stopover here at least have the smørrebrød at their new airport location. They look and taste like a piece of art – it’s an absolute must!

Address: Øster Farimagsgade 10, 2100 København
www.aamanns.dk

Manfreds is great for lunch or dinner. A cozy place with delicious food. Make sure you order the tartar (extra large) and thank me for it;

Address: Jægersborggade 40, 2200 København 
www.manfreds.dk

Sanchez Cantina

This is the much-hyped restaurant of the above-mentioned Noma alumni Rosio Sanchez. I have to admit: the food and drinks are absolutely delicious – but the fact that you book your table for a certain time period kinda makes this place feel fast-paced and unwelcoming – service was really pushy and we felt kicked out right after our  meal.

Broaden and Built

 

TO SHOP

HAY House, The flagship store of this famous design brand is worth even for just a visit.

Address: Østergade 61, 1100 København
www.hay.dk 

Normann Copenhagen: the same goes for this old theater that’s been converted into a concept store; Most recently they’ve transformed the lower level into an Instagram-worthy pink room #uterus!

Address: Østerbrogade 70, 2100 København
www.normann-copenhagen.com

Samsøe & Samsøe, obviously. But yeah, we always find cool stuff there;

Address: Købmagergade 44, 1150 København
www.samsoe.com

Kaktus, a store that sells ultra hipster cacti and pottery that we just can’t help but love!

Address: Jægersborggade 35, 2200 København
www.kaktuskbh.dk

TO VISIT

You should at least try to make time to go out to Louisiana Museum, 40 minutes or so drive north of Copenhagen along the beautiful coastline. The architecture of the buildings, the view and the gardens are as impressive as the light installation by Japanese artist Kusama.

Address: Gl Strandvej 13, 3050 Humlebæk
www.louisiana.dk

TO KNOW

No need to buy bottled water, you can drink the tap water in Denmark! I’ve had a Danish guy giving me super angry looks in a supermarket. He even made me put the bottle of water back! Have I mentioned that most Danes are a little crazy? I mean to say that in the best possible way! But seriously. They’re bonkers.

Photos: Jessie Schoeller, Manuel Bitton, Hotel SP34, Grød, KaktusCPH, Norrmann Copenhagen, Katrin Bjork, Columbus Leth