10 PLACES TO VISIT IN COPENHAGEN
We’ve just returned from Denmark and wanted to give you our top 10 places to visit in Copenhagen and where to go when you’re in this cool Nordic city. The flight from London was surprisingly quick, just an hour and a half in the air from Heathrow.
Copenhagen is a city full of the friendliest people, beautiful houses and some amazing food. It’s completely walkable, and you can explore the whole city easily by foot, bus or metro. All public transport is really reliable and easy to use. Perfect for your adventure!
1. The Round Tower (Rundetaarn) Købmagergade 52A, 1150 København
Built in the 17th Century, this stone tower combined a church, library and observatory into a single building. The walkway is a spiral slope, which wraps itself around the centre of the tower. With lots of window on the way up, you catch glimpses of the city for the entire journey. Once you reach the top of the tower, you are treated to 360° view of Copenhagen — well worth the climb.
2. Nyhavn Nyhavn 1-71, 1051 København K
Once a busy commercial port, Nyhavn is a must see in Copenhagen. The 17th Century houses are not only beautiful in architecture, but in colour too. This waterfront is steeped in Danish history, Hans Christian Andersen lived at no. 20 and wrote The Princess and the Pea there. It can get quite busy with crowds, but picking which coloured house you would want to live in can’t be missed!
3. Palm House Øster Farimagsgade 2 B, 1353 København K
Palm houses are often spectacular and this one, located in the Botanical Gardens, doesn’t disappoint. Part of the National History Museum of Denmark, the gardens hold the largest Danish collection of living plants. The Palm House was a welcome blast of heat and humidity from the cold outside, and the canopy of green that greets you inside is a real treat. With multiple sections to discover, personal highlights were the poker straight bamboos and giant lily pads, so big they almost looked fake! The gardens surrounding the Palm House are equally beautiful for strolling.
4. Studio Arhoj Kigkurren 8M, st., 2300 København S
Originally founded in Tokyo in 2006, Studio Arhoj is now run by Anders Arhoj in Copenhagen. With a focus on shape and glazes, their products are fun and colourful. You can explore the full product range in their design shop, which is attached to their studio, so you can see ceramics being created in front of you.
5. Copenhagen Street Food Hal 7 & 8 Papirøen, Trangravsvej 14, 7/8, 1436 København
Located on Paper Island, this street food market is housed in an industrial hall formally used by the Danish Press used to store paper (hence its name). A quick walk across the water from Nyhavn, this bustling island is home to many creative ventures including a plethora of food vendors. Directly on the waterfront, you can get your hands on a huge range of cuisines in this street food hub.
6. Torvehallerne Frederiksborggade 21, 1360 København K
Right near Nørreport Station, this food market is a great place to discover fresh local ingredients alongside ready to eat treats. A particular highlight was the Cremesnegl from Laura’s Bakery: a mass of pastry, creme patissiere, chocolate and icing (need I say more?). Coffee Collective, a popular caffeine spot, also has an outlet here. Perfect if you’re looking to explore the coffee culture in the city.
7. Illums Bolighus Amagertorv 10, 1160 København K
An interiors dream, Illums Bolighus is a design institution. Packed to the rafters with Danish and International design, there is a huge range of homewares, furniture and lighting to discover.
8. Playtype Værnedamsvej 6, 1620 København V
This shop from type foundry Playtype is the perfect destination for typography lovers — with prints, posters and stationery collections to explore.
9. Bageriet Brød/Kihoskh Enghave Pl. 7, 1670 København V/Sønder Blvd. 53, 1720 København V
Kihoskh is like a cool corner shop — with delicious bread, coffee, groceries and an entire cellar full of beer from around the world. Just down the road is where all the bread comes from, their other venture Brød. Filled with delicious looking croissants and pastries, which have the most layers I have ever seen, their pain au chocolat was a trip highlight.
10. Louisiana Museum of Modern Art Gl. Strandvej 13, 3050 Humlebæk
Not technically in Copenhagen, but it’s going on the list anyway! I would absolutely recommend taking the 30 minute train from central Copenhagen towards the north to discover this perfectly situated art gallery and sculpture park. The interior is beautiful, with sweeping marble staircases and floor to ceiling windows. With views across the water to Sweden and sculptures (including Moore and Calder) scattered throughout the grounds, this really is something special.
This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what to see in this wonderful city. Other highlights were Christiansborg Palace and Rosenborg Castle. Fast food in a minimal setting from Jagger, who had a delicious veggie burger, and of course Hay House could also make the list.
In case you hadn’t noticed, we absolutely love Danish design here at Hopscotch and you can find lots of it dotted around the store, including our full range of Danish ceramics from Copenhagen based designers.
