The Best of Copenhagen in two Days

Discover the delights of the Danish capital in just two days

With its world-class art scene, pioneering culinary culture and rich heritage, Copenhagen more than compensates for its relatively small size with a smörgåsbord of charm. The Danish capital is a captivating melting-pot of traditions and customs – both new and old. Here’s how to get the most out of Copenhagen in just two days.

Day 1

Explore the creative capital of Scandinavia

Lined by beautifully vibrant Neoclassical townhouses, there is no better place than Nyhavn to start your two days in Copenhagen. This man-made waterfront was once a hangout for artists, poets and writers, and today is home to the Royal Danish Academy of Art and some of the grandest mansions in town.

A leisurely 15 minute walk away is the Designmuseum Danmark, a stunning rococo building filled with decorative art, crafts and industrial design from Danish and international masters. Afterwards, head to Freetown Christiania, a free-spirited community that operates independently from the Danish government.

Night 1

A contemporary culinary paradise

After a day exploring the city’s cultural highlights, it’s time to savour in its culinary highlights. Top of everyone’s list is Noma, the two-Michelin-star restaurant famous for reinventing Nordic cuisine in the early ‘00s, but be prepared: Noma has a months-long waitlist. For the more spontaneous – and budget conscious – Slurp offers the best ramen in town, or head to Hörst for great Nordic cuisine. (We still recommend booking a table in advance).

Day 2

Scandinavian fashion & the finest regional produce

After breakfast at Grød (or, if you’ve booked, Atelier September), it’s time for some retail therapy. Copenhagen is home to the Acne Archive and WoodWood Museum, where you can get past season fashions from the best Scandinavian brands without having to rummage through sample bins, or try to make an XXL fit.

Fuel up with a coffee from Kaffebar Vinbar, then head across the Queen Louise Bridge to the Torvehallerne, Copenhagen’s indoor urban food market with assortment of small restaurants, patisseries, delicatessens, cheese shops and even an ecological butcher, all offering regionally-sourced produce.

An evening of craft beers and gourmet cocktails

Contemporary microbreweries, exclusive wine bars, experimental cocktail lounges and traditional Danish pubs “bodegas”: Copenhagen caters to every thirst. Come evening, fans of craft beer will be spoilt for choice in Copenhagen. Head to one of the Mikkeller breweries (Warpigs, Mikkeller & Friends or the Mikkeller Bar) for some of the best tap lists in town; Mikkeller & Friends has an impressive 40 beers on tap. If the finely-balanced flavours of a cocktail is more your poison, we recommend the ‘gourmet cocktails at the Art Deco-inspired Strøm Bar, or the seasonal, blended creations at Ruby’s on the canal.

What to pack