The birthplace of the Little Mermaid and many of mid-century modern design’s biggest names (here’s looking at you, Hans J. Wegner, Poul Henningsen, and Arne Jacobsen), Copenhagen is a city with a serious aesthetic pedigree, balanced by a healthy dose of whimsy. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more level-headed vacation destination. The Danes are, in a word, relaxed.
And for good reason. Founded as a Viking fishing village in the 10th century, the city became Denmark’s capital in 1443. It stands out among its Scandinavian neighbors for its food, architecture, and buzzy young fashion labels. With the annual 3 Days of Design festival kicking off next week, we’re here to tell you where to stay, where to shop, where to eat, and what to see.
The Cosy, a new residence by The Darling.
Where To Stay
The Arne Jacobsen-designed SAS Royal Hotel (now the Radisson Collection Royal Hotel) was the city’s first skyscraper. While the interiors have been remodeled since the property’s opening in 1960, room 606 has been faithfully restored to Jacobsen’s original design.
Plating at Nimb.
Stylist Colin King is a fan of Hotel Sanders for its «eclectic design,» while families and foodies will enjoy Nimb, a 5-star boutique hotel adjacent to the Tivoli Gardens, where the property will host a series of Michelin-starred guest chefs over the course of the summer.
Guest houses like the single-room Pencil Case, the newest hospitality property by Vipp—located, as you might have guessed, in a former pencil factory that dates back to the 1930s—and The Darling, which just opened a «cozy» residence where all of the art and furniture is for sale, are increasingly popular.
Where To Eat
Copenhagen’s food scene has so much more to offer than smørrebrød—though it couldn’t hurt to start your day with a pastry (or two) from Bageriet Brod or Hart Bageri. If you’re looking for a memorable brunch with a side of Nordic-light selfies, pop into chef Frederik Bille Brahe’s Atelier September for yogurt and granola with zucchini jam.
For a light lunch, bike over to Hija de Sanchez, the restaurant from former Noma head pastry chef Rosio Sanchez, for tacos. Come dinnertime, tuck in for smoked scallops and a wine pairing at Høst, or Osteria 16 for some of the best pasta in the city.
The Thorvaldsens Museum.
Where To Visit
The Thorvaldsens Museum is a color-blocked showcase of the Neoclassical work of sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen. A short jaunt out of the city sits the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, an architectural gem dating back to 1958 that offers breathtaking coastal views to complement its impressive collection.
Perhaps the fact that he is best known for his work as a furniture designer makes a visit to Finn Juhl’s house, Ordrupgaard, all the more vital. Completed in 1942, the single-family home is one of the few architectural works by Juhl that remain intact today.
Finn Juhl’s House, Ordrupgaard.
Where To Shop
The FRAMA Studio Store is housed in a wood-lined apothecary building that dates back to 1878. Louise Roe Gallery is a multi-disciplinary space from the local interior design brand where visitors can shop lighting, furniture, and vessels alongside a café, The Roe Bar.
The FRAMA Studio Store.
The Apartment is a design gallery housed, as one might expect, in an 18th-century apartment. Founder Tina Seidenfaden Busck spent over ten years at Sotheby’s, so you can trust her eye for mixing vintage and contemporary pieces.
Sean Santiago is ELLE Decor’s Deputy Editor, covering news, trends and talents in interior design, hospitality and travel, culture, and luxury shopping. Since starting his career at an interior design firm in 2011, he has gone on to cover the industry for Vogue, Architectural Digest, Sight Unseen, PIN-UP and Domino. He is the author of The Lonny Home (Weldon Owens, 2018), has produced scripted social content for brands including West Elm and Streeteasy, and is sometimes recognized on the street for his Instagram Reels series, #DanceToDecor
