Copenhagen
- The Wild Voyage
- Jul 14
- 11 min read
An easy guide to know where to stay in Copenhagen, including food scenery and shops. This city has an ample inclination for the arts and a very rich culture.
The most popular attribute of Copenhagen is the coffee culture holding hands with the famous expression: Hygge. This Danish term means basically the art of creating atmospheres, making the most of every day, the happiness of small pleasures, the coziness of the soul. In Copenhagen there are coffee shops almost every single block, and they are all designed to make you feel at home.
The level of gratitude and gratification that I take with me from this trip is impossible to explain. I absorbed and learned so much, and I allowed all those silly things within myself like my infinite curiosity, my absurd (REALLY ABSURD) thoughts and imagination just be themselves. I had little romantic solo moments: seating on a bench and seeing people walk, enjoying the sun on my face. Some of the moments were so mundane but so extraordinary at the same time.
Here I want to share everything I discovered. I will try my best to be brief and go to the point. I will summarize a nice itinerary in different categories. Food (restaurants/bars/coffee shops/bakeries), museums and galleries, and stores where to get gifts, pottery, clothing, antiques, and more.
Where to Stay in Copenhagen?
What we look for stays when visiting a new place usually is based on a few factors: Safety, centered location to have quick access to city's attractions, and price.
Gammelholm Og Nyhavn is the best neighborhood to stay, in my opinion. This is in between two major parts of the city, and you will have access to everything. Walking distance to go everywhere. It is quiet at night since is not right in the middle of the bustle. Very safe!
I recommend The Huxley Copenhagen: Prices vary depending on when you book and time of the year. the average is $200 per night. I paid about $120 at the time, and the even upgraded me. It is very clean and the location is perfect. Very safe for solo travelers.
After having several issues with Airbnb, I do not recommend it anymore, especially if you travel solo. However, if Airbnb is your preference, you will find good prices and cute stays. The issue with Airbnb is that the owner of the property can cancel any minute. Airbnb will tray to find a property at last minute for the same price, but at last minute everything is more expensive, hence they will offer you a property with same price but terrible amenities. I lived this situation twice in less than two months, and that was it for me.
Food:
Restaurants:
Palazzo Diner: Not expensive at all and the dishes are not only aesthetically pleasant but also delicious. You need reservations to get in. If you want to avoid crowds I would suggest to go there early, around 6.30 if winter, and 7.30 if summer.
Les Voyageurs: Perfect dim lights ambiance, not reservations required to secure a spot. Good food and service, ideal for a day of the week or if you are traveling solo and don't want to feel overwhelmed by so many people. They have a high top seating area facing the window, which is perfect to enjoy your meal while looking out and it feels zero awkward to be alone. You won't be facing other people or staring at your own phone, the wall, or plate the entire time.
Vespa: Affordable Italian restaurant. I tried it because it was close to my stay and saved my night of hunger. It's is very decent. My server spoke just a bit of English, which I really like since it feels very authentic. Unfortunately my Danish is really bad.
Fabro: Another Italian spot that is very economic and good. Good looking pasta plates. Close to Vespa.
Judie: My favorite! Judie is a restaurant that functions inside a boat, right on the water. The view of the Nyhavn Canal as you eat is priceless and it is not expensive. They are very flexible, but I would have reservations depending on the time of the year just in case.
Pico Pizza: This is a bit farther out from the core of the city, but if worth to check if you are exploring that area of town or happen to visit Hans Christian Andersen graveyard, it is just a few blocks away.
Atelier September: They have all sort of simple food, but don't let the word simple make you think the taste is not incredible. They serve breakfast and lunch and is first come first serve, no reservations accepted. I recommend going 30 minutes before you plan to eat because It could take a while. I was there at 9 a.m and got the last table outdoors. Indoors was very crowded, mind you, it was winter.
Skindbuksen: Authentic Danish food, ask the server for their most famous dishes. It is located in the heart of the city in a very touristy area but it is not crowded at all and you don't need reservations. this is more like a pub vibe, with last century decor.
Wine Bars:
Pompette: Simple bites and a concise wine menu, definitely not an overwhelming feeling to look at the menu and choose. Food is gorgeous and tastes good. High tops, simple concept.
Lille Blah Vinbar: I need to highlight I think this wine bar is expensive. It felts nice to sip my glass of wine on the sidewalk, sitting on a bench and watching people walk by. It's peaceful and no one bothers you really. If you are traveling solo, this is ideal.
Coffee Shops:
Buka: If you haven't heard of it, you are hearing now. This is a very small bakery and coffee shop. It s really good. I visited twice. I suggest you to go early in the morning: 8 a.m. to get in, find a seat, enjoy you breakfast and leave. Later, the line is insane and there are no seats available.
Baden: My favorite. Baden is a bit out of the way depending on where you are located. As I mentioned, the coffee culture in Copenhagen is huge, and Baden is great reference. This consist in an old train car remodeled and turned into a coffee shop. It is usually open til 3 p.m and some days is closed. Please check before you go. People sit there for hours, some of them to have long conversations with friends, others to look over the water and slowly sip a cup of coffee, some otehr people like to work there, and even journal.
Maison d’Angleterre: The most instagramable place to go. So cute, pink and fun. They specialize in pastries and coffee, of course. In the heart of the city. it is a bit pricey.
Glyptoteket: The Glypoteket Coffee Shop is inside the Glypoteket museum. Both great and sensational. The museum is worth the visit, although gets really crowded after noon. A lot of school tours that visit during the week. The coffee shop faces a delightful courtyard full of plants and sculptures.
Nordhavn Coffee Room: Pain au chocolate and croissants, above and beyond cappuccino. Right in front of the SMK museum. I got to the museum earlier and sat down at this coffee shop while waiting for the museum to open.
Farumhus: For great kanelsnegls (Cinamon rolls) with a twist of chocolate and custard. I like it because is quiet and not crowded, and served me as a spot to journal for a bit.
Cascabel Madhus: Right across from Hart. They have pastries but also cakes, and good wifi in case you need to stop to check for directions, or to plan out your day while drinking tasty coffee and savoring exquisite baking goods.
Hart: This is like the club of the coffee shops. At times during the day there is so many people even seating on the street right by the entrance as it this was the hot bar in town, but is a coffee shop!
Treats:
Somods Bolcher: Candy shop. It is also a factory, you can schedule a tour to see how candy is made. This is hard candy, not gummies. It is very tasty and if you have a sweet tooth this will be right up your alley. It is also good to take back as a gift.
Rajissimo: Waffle cones with different toppings. Located in the most touristy area right by the canal.
Cakery: Coffee shop and pastry place. They specialize on eclairs, with an incredible assortment of different flavors. Really melts in your mouth.
Galleries:
For galleries please check each one to see days and hours of operation since it constantly changes, same with the artists that are in display.
Contemporary Gallery
Freitag Gallery
Gallery Tom Christoffersen
Martin Asbæk Gallery
Nikolaj Art Gallery Nikolaj Kunsthal: More of an art instalation that rotates every couple of weeks. Mondays closed. Free admission on Wednesdays (no need of tickets) it takes less than one hour.
Places to visit and things to do:
Danish Architecture Center: Scandinavian, simple and modern designs. The architecture is based on functionality and here you can learn how it developed throughout the years. There is a fun cool slide, and a beautiful cafe on the very top floor.
Round Tower: Looking for a panoramic view of the city? Go to Round Tower, line up, get a ticket, and walk up to the very top. A combination of a very steep spiral and some steps. Not hard to walk up.
The Old Library: Sundays and Mondays is closed. A ticket must be purchased at the entrance. I enjoyed my time here since I was completely alone, and walked up and down the narrow steps, and admired the bookshelves and hallways.
Van Gogh Immersive Experience: Be aware this will be all mostly in Danish. My favorite part was the projection room where a 360 projection all over the walls and floor depicts Van Gogh Life and it feels as if the paintings came alive.
Ballet: I had the luck to experience the Sleeping Beauty Ballet. It is stunning. The good thing about this, the opera house keeps tickets very affordable to make it accessible to the community, it is not a problem to get a good view without breaking your piggy bank.
Torvehallerne Market: All kinds of different foods fro each stall. bakery, bruschetas, meat, chocolate, fish, flowers.
The Rosenberg Castle: They accept packed lunch and water in clear plastic bottles. Denmark has royalty, which I completely ignore before my visit. You can visit grounds and different rooms in the castle.
The David Collection: old artifacts, ceramic, necklaces, that belong to the collection. There are exhibitions throughout the year, I recommend to check the exhibition at the time of your visit to Copenhagen.
Hans Christian Andersen Gravesite: Great to go in the morning after breakfast. This is a serene, lovely place and a lot of people use it to drink a cup of coffee, exercise, even go for a walk. Far from looking like a gravesite.
Opera House Tour: For a need of expansion due to so many shows, please note that there are multiple opera houses. The old, main house with the huge chandelier is in the heart of the city. Some spectacles happen in other houses and each show will specify it on its description.
Nyhavn Canal: The best time to see it is very early in the morning, between 8 and 9 a.m when people is going to work and is almost empty. Under the beautiful dawn sunlight, the water sparkles creating a charming effect. Th
Museums:
Ideally you would plan museum visits according to distance, preference and time. If there are two museums that are next to each other, or at a reasonable distance from each other, and you have an entire day, why wouldn't you take advantage of that? Well, even if museums are next to each other they have closure days and that will make you go to the same spot twice.
The Happiness Museum: Closed on Tuesdays. This takes one hour at most and it has been designed to explain what is happiness, the factors that contribute to a happy person and a happy community, and what makes the Denmark nation the happiest place on earth with the most happy people in the world. Many stories are shared through object displays and you leave feeling really blessed and
SMK Staten Museum for Kunst: closed on Mondays. If you can be there as soon as it opens, this would be great and you will avoid the crowds. This is a magnificent place and at the time of my visit they had original Michelangelo's sculptures brought for a special exhibit all over.
Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek: it is closed on Mondays. Truly enjoyed this place. The coffee shop facing the courtyard is perfect to rest for a bit. It is doable in two hours. The gift shop is carefully curated.
Copenhagen Amber Museum: This is a very small museum, and its location makes it accessible, but wouldn't make it a priority unless you have time to kill.
Vintage clothes and antiques:
Hello Good Buy: Good selection, full of fun patterns, fabrics and colorful pieces.
Kram De Lux: thrift shop and antique, hard to find hours of operation. It seems that the owner opens when they want. Would be worth to walk by if you are in the area. Most of antiue shops in Copanhagen work this way, and they only acept cash.
Strandgade 34, Copenhagen: that's the address for the best antique shop. You won't find it on google though. The owner is this woman that is so easy to have a conversation with and will tell you the most wholesome stories. Only cash. very affordable. English blue Plates, bowls, frames, mirrorrs, paintings, lamps.
Times Up, very expensive vintage.
By Thiim: The ground floor is vintage, the first floor is new clothes and accessories: great earrings if you are looking for that. I got two sets. They also have the characteristic Scandinavian quilted jackets.
Magnolias: Lots of Chanel and other designer brands. It is expensive.
Lula second hand luxury, really beautiful, if you have a chance and soem budget, the coats, blouses and even pajama sets are extremely good-looking.
La Fenetre, I really liked this one, great variety, honestly it is not cheap, but affordable considering they sell designers.
Strand 32: The selection is huge, they have a lot of shoes, suede coats, and is fun to navigate the store. A bit cluttered and tight.
Vestium DK: The lady who works at this store is awesome. Pieces are really timeless, the OG Gucci, very well preserved Chanel.
Collectors cage, famous for selling second hand handbags. Dior, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and more.
Clothing stores
Magasine Du Nord: this is a mall. On the ground floor they have accessories and clothing, sub floor they have all sorts of food from all over Europe, including tea, chocolates and other treats.
Boii: very similar vibe to Ganni, but way more affordable.
Norr: Not only an excellent clothing store with great selection, but also has pottery, coffee table books, cooking books, accessories, great shoes, and jewelry. This is. must if you want a good mix of everything.
Arket, this is pure basics and what I like from Arket is actually the suede bags.
Ganni Postmodern: This is a Ganni Outlet. It is good although variety is not very ample and they don't seem to have a selections of sizes for each piece.
Things and accesories:
Kraess: Beautiful gift shop with earrings, lamps, art, magnets, pottery, posters, and more.
Studio Arjoj: Pottery. Bowls, flower vases, plates, and more. It is pricey, but every piece is unique. every day they make new pottery based on creativity making every piece to be one of a kind, there will never be the exact same one that someone else with have.
Sui Ava: The famous Scandinavian girly hair clips. The designs are endless, many colors, patterns and shapes.
Hay House: Designer shop that has furniture, candles, linens, and a great view of the heart of the sopping area in Copenhagen.
Sostrene grene: Everything from stationary to hair clips, shoes, candles, lamps, silverware, pottery, candy and more.
LOU: Coffee table books, silverware (Paris de Sabre), little trinkets, and more. It is located inside this passage called Jorcks.
Gammel Strand is a busy street full of shops, as well as Stroget.
There is so much more than this to Copenhagen, this is what worked out for me and it is really a lot with plenty of options, Copenhagen is very safe for solo female travelers, and any travelers. No scams, very clean, people is nice, nobody judges you. Honestly a 10/10. I hope this help you design your itinerary, and that your time in happy land is the greatest.
For details, visuals and highlights visit my instagram @thewildvoyage
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