High on the list of the world’s happiest cities, Copenhagen (or København as it’s known in Danish) ticks all the boxes for a blissful city break with the besties. Abundant with world-class restaurants, gorgeous green spaces and fantastic cultural activities, anyone would be spoiled for choice when it comes to creating their holiday itinerary. But you needn’t spend time sifting through the internet when it comes to planning yours. Because we’ve partnered with NatWest and our Secret København editor to help you discover the very best of what this magical city has to offer.
Our third holiday guide with NatWest brings you everything you need for an unforgettable friend-cation without racking up the air miles. But sustainability isn’t the only thing to bear in mind when making travel plans – don’t forget to think about your travel finances! Using your credit card to book your trip can give you extra protection and with The NatWest Credit Card, you won’t be charged foreign transaction fees on payments and purchases made while you’re abroad*.
Representative 12.9% APR (variable).
*Use worldwide at Mastercard® locations, in-store and online. Not valid for ATM withdrawals. Local fees may apply
Available to UK residents, aged 18+ earning at least £10k per year. Subject to status
Got a group of your best pals on board? Keep reading for some insider tips on Copenhagen’s must-visit spots…
Things to do
1. Fotografisk centre
This art gallery in the meatpacking district showcases some of the city’s most fascinating contemporary camera-based art. Encompassing everything from documentaries to portrait photography, Fotografisk Centre shows roughly five exhibitions a year. Find out what’ll be on during your visit! Staldgade 16, 1699 København
2. Botanical garden
Dating back to 1874, this gorgeous green oasis is home to Denmark’s largest collection of living plants. Across ten hectares of gardens you can admire over 13,000 different species. From butterflies to tropical palms, this is the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely afternoon stroll with your favourite people. And it’s free to enter! Gothersgade 128, 1123 København K
3. Kalvebod Bølge
Choosing a city break doesn’t always mean sacrificing time amongst nature – you won’t be short of wonderful outdoor activities on your trip to Copenhagen. The Kalvebod Bølge harbour bath is a great place to take a refreshing dip. There’s also a range of water activities available including kayaking. Kalvebod Bølge, København
4. Tivoli gardens
Fairytale-esque, manicured gardens and thrilling rides a-plenty, it’s not hard to believe Tivoli Gardens is where Walt Disney found inspiration for his own world famous amusement park. In fact, this one has been open since 1843, making it the second oldest in the world. Visit with your friends and enjoy a day of joyful childhood nostalgia and frivolity. Vesterbrogade 3, 1630 København V
5. The Copenhagen Lakes
For those who like an early start, The Copenhagen Lakes are a stunning place to watch the sunrise. Whether you’re taking a morning cycle or savouring your first coffee of the day, these gorgeous views over the city will take your breath away. During summer you can even rent a rowing boat and get out on the water! Peblinge Dossering 6, 2200 København N
Restaurants
1. Forno a Legna
Whilst we’re aware pizza isn’t a staple in traditional Danish cuisine, we still have a duty to hook you up with the best local eateries. And the people of Copenhagen love Forno a Legna. Pull up a chair at this charming, relaxed neighbourhood restaurant and get stuck into a mouthwatering pizza. Falkoner Alle 42, 2000 Frederiksberg
2. Mad & Kaffe
Sticking to the schedule on holiday with friends is easier said than done. So it’s useful to have a great all day dining option up your sleeve if things go off-piste. Whilst Mad & Kaffe is renowned for their spectacular brunch, in the afternoon and evening they serve everything from small snacks and sharing plates to traditional Danish open sandwiches. Plus, they have three locations in the city. Sønder Blvd. 68, 1720 København V, Tyrolsgade 6, 2300 København S, Godthåbsvej 45, st. th, 2000 Frederiksberg
3. Kronborg
Hearty, homemade cooking – that’s what people go to Kronborg for. But before you’ve even seen your smørrebrød, you’ll be enamoured with the wonderfully cosy atmosphere in this traditional Danish restaurant. Wooden beams and friendly staff a-plenty, there’s nowhere better to hunker down and enjoy the company of your favourite people. Brolæggerstræde 12, 1211 København
4. Jatak
This Michelin-starred restaurant might be out in the suburbs, but the food it serves is far from mundane. The seasonal menu offers innovative dishes, using top quality local ingredients married with bold Asian flavours. If your friends are a foodie bunch, Jatak is the perfect place to accommodate your next culinary adventure. Rantzausgade 39, 2200 København
5. Reffen
Can’t agree on what food you fancy? Fear not. Sprawling outdoor market, Reffen, is home to over 50 food stall startups. And once you’ve got your grub, there’s plenty more to explore. Check out creative workshops, cultural experiences and live entertainment – all with a front row view of Copenhagen Harbour. Refshalevej 167, 1432 København
6. Koan
If we had to guess what head chef, Kristian Baumann, was thinking when designing the Koan menu, it would be ‘we eat with our eyes’. Of course, it goes without saying that the actual execution at this two Michelin-starred restaurant is also impeccable. Every dish on the Korean tasting menu is bold and unique in taste and appearance, making for a multi-sensory dining adventure that everyone should experience. Langeliniekaj 5, 2100 København Ø
7. Iluka
Straight from the salty waters at the city’s edge, the seafood at Iluka is fantastically fresh (and delicious!). Here you can feast on the finest molluscs and crustaceans in Copenhagen. Whether you opt for the tasting menu or freestyle off the a la carte, you won’t be disappointed. Peder Skrams Gade 15, 1054 København
8. Sanchez Cantina
Fun, casual dining with no compromise on quality. That’s what eating out with friends is all about right? And Sanchez Cantina offers just that. This lively taqueria might have been featured in the Michelin guide, but the only thing they take seriously is the flavours in their showstopping Mexican food. Hamborg Pl. 5, 2150 København, Denmark
Rest assured that when you enjoy your delicious meal with The NatWest Credit Card, you won’t be charged any foreign transaction fees on your payment*.
Representative 12.9% APR (variable).
*Use worldwide at Mastercard® locations, in-store and online. Not valid for ATM withdrawals. Local fees may apply.
Available to UK residents, aged 18+ earning at least £10k per year. Subject to status
Bakeries
1. Sankt Peders Bageri
They’re known for their onsdagssnegle (sticky cinnamon rolls to you and I), which are sold fresh and by the thousand every Wednesday. But don’t worry if you miss that boat – you’ll find pastries of all shapes and sizes in Copenhagen’s oldest bakery. Located in the Latin Quarter, this protected building offers patrons a little slice of history with their sweet treat. Sankt Peders Stræde 29, 1453 København
2. Juno the Bakery
Tasteful interiors, drool-inducing pastries – Juno the Bakery might be to Copenhagen what Jolene is to North-East London. You really can’t go wrong with any order here, but the cardamom roll is an undisputed crowd-pleaser. Århusgade 48, 2100 København
3. Le Glace
We gave you Copenhagen’s oldest bakery, and now we give you Denmark’s oldest patisserie. At this quaint 1870 establishment, indulgence really is king. As exquisite in appearance as they are in taste, the baked goods at La Glace demonstrate cake artistry at its finest. Skoubogade 3, 1158 København
Bars
1. Vaest
If you’re looking for somewhere to start your segway into the evening, Vaest is your spot. Shabby chic interiors, superb cocktails and immaculate vibes all around – it’s the perfect place to get things warmed up. They even serve a selection of irresistible small sharing plates to graze on if you’re peckish. Vesterbrogade 124, 1620 København
2. Bird
From the minimalist wooden interiors to the vinyl jazz collection, this understated bar is effortlessly cool and Scandi to its core. Yet somehow still manages to evoke the feeling of chilling in a friend’s front room… whilst being served delicious cocktails. Gl. Kongevej 102, 1850 Frederiksberg
3. Pompette
This unpretentious natural wine bar in the buzzing Nørrebro neighbourhood is a favourite among the locals. Serving great wine at reasonable prices, what’s not to love? Browse through their menu of red, white rosé and orange wines and raise a glass to your friend-cation. Møllegade 3, 2200 København
4. La Fontaine
Intimate, low-lit and always open late, this spot ticks all the boxes for the perfect jazz bar (including a consistently excellent roster of jazz musicians!). In fact, La Fontaine is the oldest jazz venue in the city, and is renowned for hosting impromptu jam sessions. Grab a drink here and catch Copenhagen’s established performers and rising talents. Kompagnistræde 11, 1208 København
5. Rust
A great way to experience the culture in a new city is to go to a gig. And you can see everything from indie rock to hip-hop and electronica at Rust, one of Copenhagen’s long standing live music venues. It even turns into a nightclub on Fridays and Saturdays – should you be in the market for a night out on the town! Guldbergsgade 8, 2200 Nørrebro
Shopping
1. Vesterbro/Nørrebro
Yes, these are entire areas as opposed to specific shops. But why would we limit you to one when these neighbourhoods are brimming with incredible vintage shops and boutiques? With so many treasures to find, you and all of your friends are guaranteed to come away with a steal.
2. Skall Studio
Just stepping foot inside this sister-owned, sustainable fashion store will leave you feeling soothed. Spacious layout with cool neutral tones, it’s the ultimate relaxing shopping experience. Here you’ll find an investment piece to forever remind you of your trip to Copenhagen. Store Strandstræde 21, 1255 København K
3. Torvehallerne
If your idea of a successful shopping trip is seeking out the local delicacies rather than rummaging through the vintage rails, Torvehallerne is a must-visit on your Copenhagen itinerary. Whether you’re looking for a souvenir for your pantry, or some fresh produce to whip up a yummy meal at your airbnb, you’ll find it at this sprawling food market. Frederiksborggade 21, 1362 København
When shopping around Copenhagen, use your NatWest Credit Card, to avoid being charged foreign transaction fees on payments and purchases made while you’re abroad*.
Representative 12.9% APR (variable).
*Use worldwide at Mastercard® locations, in-store and online. Not valid for ATM withdrawals. Local fees may apply.
Available to UK residents, aged 18+ earning at least £10k per year. Subject to status
Landmarks
1. Kings Garden
Rosenborg Garden (also known as the King’s Garden) is the oldest royal garden in Denmark. Laid out in the 1600s, the lawns are made beautiful with blooming flower beds, rose gardens and herbaceous borders. There is simply nowhere more perfect to enjoy a summertime picnic. Øster Voldgade 4A, 1350 København
2. The Little Mermaid
Inject a little more fairytale magic into your friend-cation with a visit to Carl Jacobsen’s Little Mermaid. Unveiled in 1913, the sculpture sits at Langelinie pier and was inspired by Christian Anderson’s famous story. Langelinie, 2100 København Ø
3. The Round Tower
This 17th century tower was originally built as an astrological observatory. And whilst it is still used by amateur astronomers, it is most frequently used as a vantage point. Once you’ve scaled the spiral staircase, you’ll be afforded magnificent views over the oldest parts of Copenhagen. Købmagergade 52A, 1150 København
4. Amalienborg
You’ve seen the King’s Garden, and here you have the Queen’s Palace. Amalienborg is the residence of one of the world’s oldest monarchies, and parts of it are available for the public to visit. Time your visit for the changing of the guards at noon or simply wander into the museum and admire the intricate Rococo architecture. Christian VIII’s, Amalienborg Slotsplads 5, 1257 Palæ
Article written by Caitlin Odell, Secret Media Network, all recommendations provided by Secret København staff.