Like some sort of mythological riddle, Copenhagen seems to embody every phase of life at once. Want to evoke memories of childhood? Head to the whimsical Tivoli Gardens (which, unlike the Little Mermaid statue, is worth the crowds). Those college stoner days? Bond with bohemians across the river in Christiania. How about your seemingly endless hipster phase? Take a stroll though Nørrebro, where twenty-somethings dressed in wide-leg jeans and top knots are as ubiquitous as the eco-friendly concept stores. But among all that nostalgia, Copenhagen is a city planted firmly—and constantly—in the present. The Danish capital continues to churn out imaginative, ultra-modern hotels, as well as its famously cutting-edge restaurants (Noma is just the beginning—the city currently lays claim to a whopping 15 Michelin-starred restaurants). But when in existential doubt, take a pause and open your eyes: One glimpse of the waterfront, Crayola-bright houses of Nyhavn will bring you right back to where your feet are.

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Copenhagen Travel Guide
Plan Your Copenhagen Trip
Copenhagen Landmarks Like Tivoli Gardens Have Reopened—As Temporary Kindergartens
Danish children have Tivoli Gardens all to themselves.
How I Travel: Gail Simmons Can’t Wait to Reschedule Her Noma Reservation
We peek into the airport routines and bizarre quirks of the world's most well-traveled people.
Featured
Vintage Airline Goods, Copenhagen Architecture, and More On-the-Scene Photos from Our Correspondents
We stalked a few of our globe-trotting contributor's Instagram and Twitter profiles to see just what they've been up to. Check out a few of the photos they've snapped from places all over the map…
The Arne Jacobsen Suite: Copenhagen's Hidden Destination for Design Lovers
You won’t find it on your average tour of Copenhagen, but room 606 inside the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel is a revered destination. A living museum to the work of Danish designer Arne Jacobsen, the room is the only one left untouched despite decades of renovations. We met with Head Concierge Uffe Sørensen for a look inside.
A Look Inside Copenhagen's Tiny One-Room Hotel
Copenhagen is a city of many superlatives, including the fact that it's home to one of the world's smallest hotels. Take a peek inside the Central Hotel & Cafe, whose one room can hold only two people.
14 Best Hotels in Copenhagen
Hotels in Copenhagen are every bit as compelling—and varied—as the city itself. Here are a few of our favorites, from a houseboat to the city's grande dames.
Editor Hotel Recommendations
- $$$
Hotel d’Angleterre
This hotel, a 1755 Neoclassical palace that was updated in the 1870s by architect Jens Vilhelm Dahlerup, remains an icon.Read full review - $
Villa Copenhagen
A forgotten city center landmark has undergone an ambitious transformation into Copenhagen’s newest ‘Grande Dame.’Read full review - $
Hotel SP34
A playground for creatives who love relaxed luxury, this hotel offers so much social stimulation that you never have to leave.Read full review - $$
Hotel Danmark
This upscale boutique property is comprised of two buildings, one from 1792 and the other—clad in striking green tiles—from 1969.Read full review - $$
Skt. Petri
"Relaxed luxury" are the words often used to describe this hotel—a 1928 structure with revamped interiors—and for good reason.Read full review - $$
Hotel Herman K
Located in the center of Copenhagen, this hotel is a small, sophisticated hub of design and gastronomy with a distinctive heritage.Read full review
The Best Things to Do in Copenhagen
15 Best Things to Do in Copenhagen
Denmark’s capital is filled with as much to see and do as there is to eat and drink—no room for boredom.3 Best Day Trips From Copenhagen
There's a whole lot more to Denmark than its capital.9 Best Canal Tours in Copenhagen
There are many avenues for exploring the best of Copenhagen, but almost nothing is as classic as cruising its historic and fascinating canals by boat.10 Best Museums in Copenhagen
The city's art scene is vast and varied, with plenty to weave into the schedule.10 Best Shops in Copenhagen
Where to go and what to buy for some of the best finds in town.Top 10 Free Things to Do in Copenhagen
Find out where you can go in Copenhagen to taste gourmet food, watch deer roam, or how to tap your inner hunter-gatherer instincts—for free.What to Do in Denmark Beyond Copenhagen
If you've ever been to Denmark, you can probably tell your friends all about the Tivoli Gardens, Michelin-starred restaurants, and how crowded the Little Mermaid statue was—in others words, you've definitely been to Copenhagen. But if you're looking to get off the beaten path on your next visit (or even if it's your first time visiting), you should try venturing outside of the capital city. From white cliffs to cultural meccas, here are 13 of the best places to visit in Scandinavia's smallest country.
Editor Recommendations
- Landmark
Assistens Cemetery
Famous graves, lush natural beauty, peaceful gardens, and art sculptures.Read full review - Parks & Gardens
Nyhavn
Nyhavn is a great place to orient yourself to Copenhagen’s rich history, and lots of canal tours depart from here, too.Read full review - activity
Tivoli Gardens
Visitors of all ages love this classic park, but it is particularly appealing for families.Read full review - Parks & Gardens
Botanical Garden
This is a must-do for botany nerds seeking a nature fix.Read full review - Tour
Hey Captain
This tour, which takes place in a sleek convertible boat that holds up to 12 people, offers an intimate experience.Read full review - Museum
National Museum of Denmark
Denmark’s largest museum is a stunning display of cultural history, both Danish and foreign.Read full review - Sports
CopenHill
Even if you have no interest in skiing down the 1,300-foot slope, you'll certainly be interested in seeing the action.Read full review - Landmark
Rosenborg Castle
Most days, the castle is crawling with history lovers, students, and architecture aficionados.Read full review - Museum
Designmuseum Danmark
Denmark’s design legacy is incredibly rich and influential, and it's vibrantly captured at this museum.Read full review - Landmark
Refshaleøen
Refshaleøen has some of the best restaurants in the city (Noma, Amass) as well as some lesser-known favorites.Read full review - Sports
Bike on Copenhagen's New Bridges
Bike onto Olafur Eliasson’s Circle Bridge, then ride back over the harbor on the new Lille Langebro bridge.Read full review
Why Denmark Put a 120-Year-Old Lighthouse on Rollerblades
An ingenious plan to save a historic landmark.
The Best Places to Eat & Drink in Copenhagen
22 Best Restaurants in Copenhagen
Noma was responsible for putting Copenhagen on the culinary map, but there's so much more to the Danish capital's culinary scene. These are a few of our favorites.15 Best Bars in Copenhagen
Copenhagen brims with diverse, quality bar experiences, from cozy craft beer establishments to chic speakeasy-style cocktail bars. Here, see our 15 favorites.10 Best Street Food Spots in Copenhagen
Our picks of the greatest smørrebrøds, skr, and tepache Copenhagen has to offer (we'll explain.)Punk Pastries: Copenhagen's Coolest Bakeries
An accompaniment to March 2019's Copenhagen print feature.
Editor Restaurant and Bar Recommendations
- Restaurant
Alchemist
The Alchemist, a bucket-list dining destination, gears its menu around 47 intricate, creative courses. - Restaurant
Marchal
Located inside the ritzy Hotel d'Angleterre, this is a truly opulent Michelin-starred restaurant in a city that likes to dress down. - Restaurant
La Banchina
This Christianshavn neighborhood joint is perfect for a swim and slice of cake, a post-work glass of rosé, or a romantic dinner. - Restaurant
Relæ – CLOSED
This smash-hit restaurant in Nørrebro has won numerous awards, including the title of the most sustainable restaurant in the world. - Restaurant
Manfreds – CLOSED
This easygoing restaurant in Nørrebro, which serves an array of seasonal plates as well as natural wines, feels like a friend's home. - Restaurant
Kadeau
This Nordic tasting-menu restaurant is so warm—so cozy, so beautiful—that you might think it was the birthplace of hygge. - Restaurant
Ancestrale
This tiny space, which is flecked with gorgeous pieces of Danish furniture, is a wine bar with a small, excellent menu. - Restaurant
Sanchez
Despite its fairly minimalistic design, this Mexican restaurant in Copenhagen's gritty Vesterbro area still has an energetic vibe and loads of character. - Restaurant
Geranium
Located in a sharp and sophisticated dining room in Østerbro with stiff white tablecloths, this is Copenhagen's first and only three-Michelin-starred restaurant. - Bakery
Conditori La Glace
Founded in 1870, Denmark's oldest and most revered confectionary is the pastry version of Willy Wonka's chocolate shop. - Restaurant
Apollo Bar & Kantine
Tucked into the courtyard of the Kunsthal Charlottenborg at the Royal Danish Academy of Art, this is a hidden Copenhagen treasure. - Restaurant
Gemyse
With a very Instagrammable greenhouse and a plant-filled outdoor area, this restaurant inside the busy Tivoli Gardens looks as good as its vegetable-driven food tastes. - Restaurant
Aamanns 1921
This bright, lofty restaurant, which has a neutral palette and modern chandeliers, serves up the city's best smørrebrød.
Copenhagen by Foot
The capital of Denmark is one of Europe’s great cities and the best way to see it all is to set off on foot. Here, discover all the things you can see, do, and eat in beautiful Copenhagen.
More from Copenhagen
News & Advice
A Michelin-Starred Restaurant in Copenhagen Is Feeding the Homeless During the Coronavirus Outbreak
The Alchemist is now cooking for the city's homeless shelters.
News & Advice
A New Metro Line Means It's Never Been Easier to Explore Copenhagen
Here's how to make the most of it.
Inspiration
Where Danish Chef Rasmus Munk Finds His Most Out-There Ingredients
From sake sediment from Japan to soursop from Antigua.
Destinations
What to Do in Copenhagen This Spring
Here's what's happening in the city in April, May, and June 2019.
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