This insider's city guide has been a long time in the making. We've eaten in countless Copenhagen restaurants, dined in the best foodie gems and visited the latest local hotspots. We've also asked the most discerning locals we know to share their favourite hangouts – whether brand new or classic institutions. We bring you our hand-picked selection of our favourite places in Copenhagen right now.

Whether you're looking for a chic design hotel, a cosy boutique gem, or a luxurious 5-star haven, here is our pick of the best places to stay in Copenhagen.

One of the world’s first luxury hotels and a Copenhagen landmark ...

Set within an 18th-century neoclassical palace, the opulent Hotel d’Angleterre sets the bar for luxury living in Copenhagen. The hotel enjoyed a complete refurbishment in 2013, where guests can now enjoy gleaming marble bathrooms, individual climate systems and complimentary Wi-Fi. Each of the hotel's 92 rooms and suites has been individually decorated to showcase lofty ceilings, hand-picked art works and a classic contemporary ambiance; you'll also find Copenhagen’s only indoor hotel swimming pool here. Take advantage of the hotel’s bicycles and explore the city before taking a table at Marchal, the hotel’s superb Michelin starred restaurant, followed by drinks at the Balthazar Champagne Bar. €€€

Kongens Nytorv 34, 1050 Copenhagen
dangleterre.com  |  +45 33 12 00 95

Sophisticated designer living in Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens ...

With an impressive Moorish façade that once adorned a turn-of-the-century bazaar, The Nimb is a luxurious boutique hotel set within Copenhagen's Tivoli gardens. The hotel’s 17 guest rooms have been furnished with exquisite taste, where antique furniture blends with contemporary artworks. The fireplace burns all year long, completing the feeling of the ultimate stylish home-away-from-home. An intimate, rustic atmosphere prevails at the modern Nimb Brasserie, where classic French fare is accompanied by sweeping views of the Tivoli gardens. Later, sip a prohibition-era "Silk Stocking" with the jet-set crowd at The Nimb’s cocktail bar, or Vinotek wine bar which showcases a staggering 1,200 bottle wine collection. €€€

Bernstorffsgade 5 , 1577 Copenhagen
nimb.dk  |  +45 88 70 00 00

A world of colour waits behind the unassuming facade of the city’s oldest family-run hotels. ...

In Copenhagen's trendy Vesterbro neighbourhood, the Hotel Absalon’s welcoming shared spaces are home to thoughtful touches, including well-stocked bookshelves and chessboards for visiting players. There's a distinct homely feel throughout the hotel's 161 rooms, where oak floors offset bursts of fuchsia, royal blue or moss green soft furnishings. After a hearty Scandinavian breakfast of cheese, pastries and freshly baked breads, explore the surrounding boutiques and trendy cafés. €€

Helgolandsgade 15, 1653 Copenhagen
absalon-hotel.dk  |  +45 3331 4344

The Hotel Anderson offers a refreshing alternative to ultra-modern Scandinavian design ...

Surrounded by the cafés, bars and design stores of Copenhagen's hip Vesterbro neighbourhood, the Hotel Anderson delivers a riot of colour with geometric fabrics by the Designer’s Guild, plush carpets, giant lampshades and sofas to sink into. Eye-grabbing prints feature throughout the hotel's 73 rooms, while Philippe Starck bathroom fittings and Molton Brown products confirm the Anderson’s discerning taste. After a day exploring the city on one of the hotel’s rental bikes, join fellow guests in the lobby for a complimentary drink during Wine Hour, before heading out to dine at one of the trendy nearby restaurants. €€

Helgolandsgade 12, 1653 Copenhagen
andersen-hotel.dk  |  +45 33 31 46 10

A haven of stylish tranquility in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter ...

Hotel SP34 is guaranteed to soothe the mind and calm the senses. Minimalist, sleek and full of natural tones, the Hotel SP34 is a haven of wood, leather and polished concrete. Slate-grey walls, immaculate white linens and REN toiletries feature throughout the 118 rooms, while the shared lounge bar and café is the ideal place to relax with a book, or to mingle with guests during the 5pm complimentary Wine Hour. Built around a central greenhouse, the hotel's Väkst Restaurant has the air of an exclusive garden party with its lush plants, alfresco seating and superb cuisine, while at Cock’s & Cows, locals can be found enjoying cocktails and hearty burgers. For the perfect start to the day, hang out with the local crowd sipping coffees in the hotel’s trendy Din Nye Ven café.€€

Sankt Peders Stræde 34, 1453 Copenhagen
brochner-hotels.dk  |  +45 33 13 30 00

A stylish and affordable boutique hotel in Copenhagen’s fashionable Norrebro district ...

When a hotel offers designer bed spreads by luxury Italian fashion brand, Missoni, and staff dressed in uniforms by hip Scandinavian fashion label, DAY Birger et Mikkelsen, you can expect a certain type of hotel experience. The hotel’s 68 contemporary rooms and suites feature luxurious fabrics, mid-century Danish furniture and original photography by famous Danish photographers. Enjoy a delicious complimentary breakfast buffet and light meals in the lounge. Pre-dinner cocktails are served in the leather-lined bar, along with drinks on the wooden patio during the warmer months or a warming glass of hot wine during the chilly winters. €€

Åboulevard 29, 1960 Frederiksberg C, Copenhagen
avenuehotel.dk  |  +45 35 37 31 11

The unique spirit of a boutique hotel that combines classic charm with modern design ...

Showcasing designer chandeliers and Arne Jacobsen Egg chairs, Hotel Alexandria is a veritable homage to 20th-century Danish design. While the 61 rooms have been outfitted with a mix of retro furniture in earth tones, several of the hotel’s upscale suites have been designed by famous Scandinavian designers such as Hans J. Wegner, Arne Jacobsen and Borge Mogensen. Enjoy a relaxing scrub in the spa accompanied by a glass of Asti and some fresh fruit, then stop by Lêlê Street Kitchen for a Vietnamese feast. Located on Hans Christian Anderson Boulevard, you’ll be only a short walk from the city’s best landmarks, shopping, dining and nightlife spots. €€

H. C. Andersens Boulevard. 8, 1553 Copenhagen
hotelalexandra.dk  |  +45 33 74 44 44

Where Indonesian and Danish design combine to create a unique boutique hotel experience ...

The up-and-coming district of Vesterbro plays host to the intimate Bertrams Hotel Guldsmeden, a chic and affordable boutique hotel located ten minutes drive from Copenhagen’s city centre. Following an elegant renovation of a century-old building, the hotel is decorated with an original Indonesian and Danish aesthetic. The 47 rooms are furnished with four poster beds; superior rooms offer private balconies, clawfoot bathtubs and cosy lounge areas. As the hotel is located on a major boulevard, we recommend booking a courtyard-facing room if you're looking for a quiet night’s sleep. The warm and highly professional owner Nicholas Hall and his team will go out of their way to make your stay as enjoyable as possible. €

Vesterbrogade 107, 1620 Copenhagen
guldsmedenhotels.com  |  +45 70 20 81 07

Whether you're looking for a fabulous foodie dining spot, the city's best food market, or a see-and-be-seen dining spot, here is our pick of the best places to eat in Copenhagen right now.

Head Chef Jonathan Tam takes the helm at Christian Puglisi’s award-winning restaurant ...

Having worked shoulder-to-shoulder with celebrated chef Christian Puglisi since Relæ’s doors first opened in 2010, chef Jonathan Tam took over the reins from his illustrious mentor in 2016. The same electric dynamism buzzes from the kitchen as Tam and his team craft an immaculate multi-course menu driven by organic, locally-sourced ingredients, where dishes are designed to work together to create an immersive gastronomic odyssey. The Relæ team has also opened a casual dining venture just across the road, Manfreds & Vin, along with a smash-hit pizzeria called Bæst. €€

Jægersborggade 41, 2200 Copenhagen
restaurant-relae.dk  |  +45 3696 6609

The first Danish restaurant to be awarded three Michelin Stars ...

Geranium is the culinary tour de force of its talented chef and co-owner, Rasmus Kofoed. Having won the coveted Bocuse d’Or award in 2011, Kofoed was soon adding Michelin Stars to his list of achievements. Awarded its third Michelin Star in 2016, this trailblazing restaurant is setting the benchmark for fine dining in Copenhagen. Perched above the treetops of Copenhagen’s Fælledparken, Geranium's elegant dining room showcases verdant views coupled with glimpses of Kofoed and his team hard at work in the glass-walled kitchen. Geranium's menu engages all of the senses, from the artistic beauty of each plate to the ingenuity of the inventive flavours. Make sure to discover the award-winning wine selection by co-owner and sommelier, Søren Ledet. €€€

Per Henrik Lings Allé 4, 2100 Copenhagen
geranium.dk  |  +45 69 96 00 20 

A former Noma head chef brings his culinary talents to his first solo outing ...

With a unique location within a former shipyard, Amass restaurant marks chef Matthew Orlando’s first solo dining venture. As the former Head Chef at Copenhagen’s world-renowned Noma restaurant, Orlando blends serious culinary credentials with a meticulously-crafted menu that showcases locally-sourced ingredients, making this one of the hottest tickets in town. Menu-listings are as unfussy and minimalist as Amass’s contemporary dining setting, featuring dishes such as fish roe, sour pancake and broken crème fraîche; pork cheek, beach greens, grass and virgin butter; and white asparagus, walnut, rosehip and yoghurt. The restaurant’s lofty ceilings are supported by thick concrete pillars, graphic art adorns a graffiti-tagged feature wall, and jet black tables surround the spacious open-plan floors to create a minimalist setting softened by views of the restaurant’s garden and orchard. €€  

Refshalevej 153DK, 1432 Copenhagen
amassrestaurant.com  |  +45 43584330

Enjoy a complete sensory dining experience with a Nordic touch ...

When Noma co-owner Claus Meyer and ex-Noma chef Torsten Vildgaard decided to open a new fine dining establishment in 2013 called Studio, Copenhagen’s local foodies took notice. Several years on, it is the restaurant's innovative menu, superb service and modern design that has carried its reputation worldwide and earned the restaurant a Michelin star. For a total sensory experience with a Nordic touch, opt for the ambitious 12-course menu featuring unique ingredients such as baked witch flounder with sweet onions and ramson capers, or Norwegian scallops with smoked cockles. Plated to perfection these Michelin-starred masterpieces will smash any expectations.
€€€

The Standard, Havnegade 44, 1058 Copenhagen
thestandardcph.dk  |  +45 72 14 88 08

Expect cutting-edge cuisine at this central and affordable eatery ...

Brought to you by the talented owners behind the sophisticated dining institution, formel B, Uformel works closely with Danish farmers to ensure the highest quality of produce and ingredients are used across the menu. This foodie gem leaves conventional culinary rules behind to allow the creativity of the chefs to flourish. With a menu of artistically-presented tasting dishes, we suggest ordering several courses. Meaning ‘informal’ in Danish, Uformel sets a casual yet moody dining ambience with dark décor, soft background Jazz music and low lighting. Expect an innovative menu, an expertly-curated drinks list and a friendly service team. €€

Studiestræde 69, 1554 København
uformel.dk  |  +45 70 99 91 11

Light, fresh and flavoursome Nordic cuisine in Copenhagen's hip Meatpacking district ...

With a young and talented team of chefs with world-class credentials, Copenhagen's Kødbyens Fiskebar delivers some of the best and most affordable seafood in Copenhagen. Delivered straight to the kitchen from the fishing boats nearby, Kødbyens Fiskebar’s fresh Fish Bar focuses upon raw fish, oysters and shellfish. The main kitchen produces creations such as potted shrimps with cucumber gel and smoked cheese, and melt-in-your-mouth fresh tartare of trout. The decor is minimalist-butcher-shop-cool, and as the night wears on, the restaurant morphs into a happening, late-night party spot. Don’t miss the expertly crafted Asian-inspired cocktails or the superb wine list. €€

Flæsketorvet 100, 1711 Copenhagen
fiskebaren.dk  |  +45 32 15 56 56

This casual Copenhagen eatery boasts cutting-edge culinary credentials ...

Before joining forces to open Copenhagen’s Bror restaurant, chefs Victor Wågman and Samuel Nutter earned their stripes as sous chefs at Copenhagen’s world-renowned Noma restaurant. Showcasing sophisticated Nordic flavours in a relaxed, white-walled bistro setting, Bror’s airy spaces are home to eye-popping artworks which add a splash of colour to the minimalist interiors. Bror’s creative 5-course set menu changes according to the freshest ingredients and daily inspirations of its two chefs, hinting minimalist descriptions such as “celery, apple, buckwheat”, or “chicken liver, blackberry and kale” - never fear, Bror’s friendly team will be on hand to explain each dish in mouthwatering detail. An excellent selection of organic wine compliments this highly enjoyable gastronomic experience. €€

Sankt Peders Stræde 24A, 1453 Copenhagen
bror-ante.dk  |  +45 32 17 59 99

Experience the intimate Michelin-Star cuisine of a New Nordic innovator ...

One of the first champions of the New Nordic movement, chef Nicolai Nørregaard made the small Baltic island of Bornholm in Denmark a serious foodie destination when he opened his first restaurant, Kadeau, in 2007. To the delight of culinary connoisseurs, Nørregaard opened a second restaurant in Copenhagen in 2011, creating an exquisite 20-course tasting menu showcasing ingredients foraged on the chef’s native island. With only 24 seats, Kadeau will immerse you in an odyssey of Nordic flavours, in an intimate dining setting with log fires, clean lines and a cosy library lounge. €€€

Wildersgade 10b, 1408 København K
kadeau.dk  |  +45 33 25 22 23

Discover the celebrated chef bringing authentic Mexican flavours to Copenhagen ...

At the heart of Copenhagen’s Torvehallerne Market you’ll find Rosio Sanchez – the former pastry chef of the world-famous Noma restaurant – crafting authentic Mexican cuisine within her funky taco stand. Infusing the flavours of her Mexican heritage into a medley of moreish tacos, Sanchez imports chillies and corn from Oaxaca and has been known to serve crispy grasshoppers alongside her fresh homemade salsas and pitch-perfect tortillas. Join the fast-moving queue amidst the bustle of the market to discover Sanchez’ latest creations – from roasted chicken and mole negro to huevos rancheros. Just don’t be surprised if you discover an international guest chef working alongside Sanchez as they riff on the Mexican theme. €

Frederiksborggade 21, 1360 Copenhagen
torvehallernekbh.dk

Best Food Market ...

TORVEHALLERNE

Frederiksborggade 21, 1360 Copenhagen
torvehallernekbh.dk

Whether you're looking for the perfect cocktail, the city's best wine bar, or a late-night club, here is our pick of the best places to drink and party in Copenhagen right now.

A hidden treasure, Ruby is a sophisticated cocktail bar with a clandestine location ...

Ruby is set with an 18th-century building with no outward sign of its existence –– press the doorbell then hope that you’ll be granted access. Inside, you’ll find Copenhagen’s stylish crowd sipping cocktails in the main bar furnished with oriental rugs and sparkling chandeliers, or hanging outside in Ruby’s intimate heated courtyard. Simply tell the expert team of cocktail mixologists which flavours and spirits you like and they’ll craft a cocktail completely tailored to your tastes. Top-shelf spirits paired with seasonal fresh fruits are the specialty of the house, such as the autumnal “Maple & Apple Sour” - a mix of Maker’s Mark bourbon, reduced red apple juice, fresh lemon juice and maple syrup. €€

Nybrogade 10, 1203 Copenhagen
rby.dk  |  +45 33 93 12 03

A trendy modern wine bar with an enviable international wine list ...

Set within an 18th century building, Ved Stranden 10’s ultra-chic interiors feature modern furnishings and design elements by acclaimed designers Jean Prouvé, Hans Wegner and Hella Jongerius. Sit outside by the water and snack upon rillettes and chorizo while sampling Ved Stranden 10’s excellent selection of biodynamic wines. The wine menu features classic vintages from Burgundy, Champagne, Mosel, and Wachau, as well as more obscure boutique selections. Settle in with Copenhagen’s wine lovers and slowly work your way through their top notch wine list by the glass, or stop by on Wednesdays for the weekly wine tastings to learn more about international wines. €€

Ved Stranden 10, 1061 Copenhagen
vedstranden10.dk  |  +45 35 42 40 40

Hidden off the hustle and bustle of Vesterbrogade is one of Copenhagen's coolest cocktail bars ...

From the team behind local cocktail institution, Ruby, comes Lidkoeb, its slightly rebellious younger sister. Lidkoeb’s three floors buzz with music and conversation as cocktail lovers occupy sociable leather booths strewn with sheepskin rugs and a fire roars in the red brick hearth. Savour Lidkoeb’s expertly-crafted cocktail menu, an inventive selection that changes three times a year. Whisky lovers should head for the third floor, where ancient beams and an attic setting are made irresistible by low lighting and cupboards of back-lit bottles. With over 200 whiskeys to choose from, settle into the sultry surroundings and unleash your inner connoisseur. €€

Vesterbrogade 72B, 1620 Copenhagen
lidkoeb.dk  |  +45 33 11 20 10

A bar which has single-handedly changed the craft beer scene in Copenhagen ...

Mikkeller is the creation of two old friends and home-taught brewers, a dynamic duo who created two special brews for world-famous restaurant Noma. With a portfolio of international venues - two of which can be found in the heart of Copenhagen -, you needn’t struggle for that elusive Noma reservation to sample Mikkeller’s inspired brewing. Serving a loyal crowd of revellers with a constant supply of 20 beers on tap and a mind-boggling 200 options on the menu, you’ll find some of the best craft beers at Mikkeller, carefully sourced from all over the world and served in a setting of mis-matched chairs and sociable shared benches. Nearby, Mikkeller & Friends offers no fewer than 40 draft beers and champions partnerships with other microbreweries across the world. €€

Viktoriagade No. 8 B-C,1655 Copenhagen
mikkeller.dk  |  +45 3331 0415

Discover this speakeasy-style hideaway ...

Award-winning owner and bartender Humberto Marques first wooed the city with his inspired cocktail creations at the popular 1105, but it’s at Curfew that his passion finds full expression. Dapper barmen in crisp white shirts are quick to let you in on the secret - this is where the gangsters hung out during the Second World War. Today, Marques’ personal collection of vintage cocktail paraphernalia speaks of his fascination for his craft, and the modern-classic decor is all his own design. The long wooden bar is polished to a deep shine, Anglepoise lamps add a chic 1920’s touch, and terracotta tiles inspire daydreams of Marques’ native Portugal. Try the Unfaithful, a mix of Hendricks gin, cucumber, lemon juice, Cointreau, raw licorice and honey, and you'll understand why Marques is an award-winning mixologist. €€

Stenosgade 1, 1616 Copenhagen
curfew.dk  |  +45 29 29 92 76

A star-studded after-hours playground ...

One of the most exclusive nightlife spots in Copenhagen, Arch is a private members club with a secret-society attitude - you may need to call in a few favours to gain access to this clandestine world of fine art, marble and cutting-edge lighting design. Once inside, you’ll be joining a guest list that has included Rihanna, Carmen Electra, Marc Jacobs and more. €€€

Nørregade 41, 1165 Copenhagen
archcph.com  |  +45 28 94 56 93

There’s more to this vintage cocktail den than meets the eye ...

Both a Mad Men-style drinking den and an intimate late-night club, The Jane reveals a clandestine world of hidden doors, well-stocked bookcases, plush armchairs and killer cocktails. Irresistibly suave with its wood-panelling and retro vibe, The Jane invites Copenhagen’s fashionable locals and cocktail lovers to spend a cosy evening amidst gilded picture frames and candlelight. As midnight approaches and the party heats up, hidden panels slide open to reveal a nightclub, where DJs fill the dance floor until the early hours. €€€

Gråbrødretorv 8, 1154 København K
thejane.dk  |  +45 61 69 21 64

A multi-faceted destination for music lovers ...

One of Denmark’s leading live music venues, VEGA is both an eclectic music destination and an architectural gem. Built in 1956 by architect Vilhelm Lauritzen, VEGA flaunts original mahogany floors, chandeliers and decorative friezes, creating an intimate ambiance for its eclectic concert line-up. At weekends, VEGA’s street-level Ideal Bar is an attraction in its own right – expect regular live concerts to fill the dance floor. Elsewhere, VEGA’s three independent performance spaces offer the chance to discover the latest up-and-coming artists. €€

Enghavevej 40, 1674 Copenhagen V
vega.dk  |  +45 33 25 70 11

Iconic Landmarks ...

In Copenhagen, dramatic modern architecture blends artfully with ancient buildings throughout the city. The Black Diamond (Den Sorte Diamant) is one of the most eye-catching modern buildings on Copenhagen’s waterfront. Completed in 1999 by Danish architects Bjarne Hammer, Kim Holst Jensen, Morten Holm and Morten Schmidt as an extension of the Royal Library, the building contains an impressive collection of over 4.5 million books. Another iconic local landmark is The Opera House (Operaen) which seats over 1,400 people and plays host to the city’s best opera, musical and cultural performances. The Opera House was designed by Danish Architect, Henning Larsen, and is one of Copenhagen’s most beautiful modern structures, where the sculptures within the foyer change colour according to the weather. The royal winter residence of Queen Margrethe and the Danish royal family since 1794, Amalienborg Palace is one of Copenhagen’s most important tourist attractions. Four identical palaces encircle a grand octagonal courtyard (originally the palaces were built for four noble families) - today two of these can be visited by the public. The palaces’ stunning rococo interiors are a Copenhagen highlight - and don’t miss the statue of King Frederik V in the courtyard, considered one of the world’s finest equestrian statues. An internationally-recognised landmark, the Little Mermaid statue (Den Lille Havfrue) was commissioned in 1913 by Carlsberg brewing magnate, Carl Jacobsen. The Little Mermaid can be found perched on a rock on Copenhagen’s waterfront wistfully looking out to sea and has become an icon of the city. Prima Ballerina Ellen Price was the artistic inspiration for the mermaid’s face, while the body was modelled after the sculptor’s wife after Price refused to model nude.

Shopping in Copenhagen ...

Copenhagen is a shopping mecca for cutting-edge designer homewares, furniture and fashion. If you have a limited amount of time and want a one-stop shopping experience, head to Illum, Copenhagen’s upscale department store located in Copenhagen’s main pedestrian shopping street in the city centre. This is where you’ll find the best in Danish and international fashion, beauty and homewares, and the luxury supermarket in the basement level sells local Danish gourmet products--caramels, honey, cookies and more. Sister-store Illums Bolighus is a legendary design store nearby which is a “shrine to Scandinavian design”. Normann is another popular design boutique located in a former cinema in the district of Osterbro, filled with Danish and Scandinavian furniture, fashion and homewares.