15 unmissable experiences in Copenhagen for food and design enthusiasts

It's not far-fetched to call Copenhagen the Goldilocks of European capitals. Everything here feels just right—from a pitch-perfect mix of street food markets and white tablecloth Michelin spots to the city's copious and easy-to-navigate bike paths and reliable public transport.

Whether your passions lie in history, architecture, design, food, or discovering the next big thing before everyone else zeroes in on it, you can find all of it here in Denmark's most famous city. It's also one of our favourite spots in Europe to take in dazzling holiday décor and explore open-air Christmas markets. No matter when you visit, it's hard not to be enthralled by the city's overall commitment to sustainability and high quality of life—in a word: hygge.

Our tightly curated list tells you where to stay, what to see, and which tables to book—including one with a 50-course tasting menu. Read on for 15 of the absolute best things to do in Copenhagen.

Take a walk along Nyhavn

It may be touristy, but there's a reason everyone flocks to this former commercial port. The colorful and historic houses make up one of the most iconic images of the city, and the plentiful outdoor cafés are perfect for people-watching. Fun fact: Hans Christian Andersen, of the famed fairytales, lived here for decades.

Explore the city like a Dane

Biking and Copenhagen are nearly synonymous. In fact, there are actually more bikes than people in the city—so if you really want to explore the city like a local, that means renting your own set of wheels. With over 200 miles of bike paths and traffic lights co-ordinated for cyclists, even beginner bikers will have a blast navigating the city behind the handlebars.

Enjoy a picnic at Frederiksberg Gardens

In warmer months, there are few places more beautiful than Frederiksberg Gardens. Take a boat tour, visit the zoo at the northernmost corner or do like the Danes do and enjoy a picnic lunch on a grassy knoll.

Spend a day in Superkilen Park

This public space in Nørrebro has something for every type of visitor. Divided into three sections—The Red Square, The Black Market, and The Green Park—Superkilen has everything from cafés and picnicking spots to ample space for skateboarders. There are also design pieces from all over the world, including Moroccan fountains, Iraqi swings, and Brazilian benches.

Step back in time at the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek museum

Built by Carl Jacobsen in the late 1800s, this ancient and modern art museum is one of the most beautiful in Denmark's capital. The winter garden—the museum's most famous room, with placid fountain and lush palm trees—is a lovely spot to enjoy a coffee, especially in the colder months.

Visit Hamlet's castle

Just 40 minutes outside of the city lies Elsinore, an 800-year-old market town. While the ancient city is fun to explore in its own right, literary buffs will want to pay a visit to Kronborg Castle. Better known as Hamlet's Castle, the sprawling palace is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Pro tip: The castle has one of the country's best Christmas markets during the holiday season.

Book a stay at Villa Copenhagen

One of the city's coolest boltholes, this 390-room hotel is housed inside the former post central from 1912. Its outdoor, heated pool may be one of the buzziest spots to take a swim in the city, but we're also big fans of the elegant rooms, which were inspired by the grand mansions of the turn of the century.

Watch the changing of the guard at Amalienborg Palace

In the heart of the city, this is the official seat of one of the oldest monarchies in the world. If you're one for pomp and circumstance, don't miss the changing of The Royal Life Guard. At noon every day, the troop marches through the city streets from their barracks near Rosenborg Castle to Amalienborg.

Stroll King's Garden

Also known as Rosenborg Garden, this is Denmark's oldest royal lawn. Located next to the beautiful Rosenborg Palace (which is also worth a visit), it's one of the most popular spots in the city for a spring or summertime picnic, when fragrant flowers turn the manicured stretches into a technicolour wonder.

Take a swim in Manon Les Suites' Bali-inspired pool

Perhaps the most Instagrammable hotel in the city is the dreamy Manon Les Suites, located a short walk from the Copenhagen Lakes. Its centerpiece is the Bali-inspired Junglefish Pool, an indoor oasis surrounded by lush tropical plants. While hotel guests receive free access, other travellers can reserve a day pass to take advantage of the pool, steam room, and sauna.

Explore the restaurant scene on Refshaleøen

A former industrial district that has turned into one of Copenhagen's hottest neighbourhoods, the island of Refshaleøen is a must-visit for anyone looking to immerse themselves in contemporary art, explore the city's beer scene, and, most of all, sample the city's buzziest restaurants. Snag a table (if you can) at Alchemist for a 50-course tasting menu, or keep it low-key with natural wine at the waterfront La Banchina.

Bask in the city's beauty by canal boat

It comes as little surprise that one of the best ways to explore this maritime city is via boat—and with its extensive system of canals, you can navigate through much of it without ever stepping foot on land. Look into Canal Tours of Copenhagen for a guided expedition, or be the captain of your own ship by renting from Kayak Republic.

Satisfy your sweet tooth with traditional pastries

You bet we saved the best for last. Sure, we have Danishes here in the U.S., but the full breadth of Danish pastry is a lot tastier than that. The city has been experiencing a baked goods renaissance as of late, which means it's imperative you sample a sweet treat at least once a day while you're there. Some of our favorites include Hart Bakery (or Bageri)—run by the former baker at Noma—and Andersen Bakery's fresh breads.

Day trip to Louisiana Museum of Modern Art

Anyone with even a passing interest in art or architecture should plan to see one of the best modern art museums in the world. Located in Humlebæk, it's a beautiful and easy day trip from the city center, and visitors will be rewarded with a collection that includes Yayoi Kusama’s glittering installation "Gleaming Lights of the Souls." A wander through the expansive sculpture garden is also a can't-miss at any time of year.

Warm up in the city's hippest hot tubs

With winter nights that can get more than a little chilly, is it any wonder that the city boasts some of the region's best sauna and hot tub-focused experiences? One of our favorites is CopenHot, a company whose fleet includes sailing hot tubs, stationary hot tubs, and even a regular tour boat.

This article first appeared in Harper's Bazaar US.

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