While visiting friends in Malmö, Sweden, an important piece of information struck me: just across the bay sat Copenhagen.
It’s similar to the San Francisco-Oakland situation, except this bridge would take me across the Sound (also known as Öresund or Øresund, depending on which side of the water you’re on) to a different country. A short train ride later, I could be gallivanting through the capital of Denmark! It seemed foolish to pass up this golden opportunity, and a few clicks later, I was well on my way to planning a 24-hour getaway in Copenhagen.
Copenhagen is a booming foodie hub. In other words, I had a hard time narrowing down dining options (and keeping the inner glutton in check). After perusing endless possibilities, I found myself at the Michelin Guide-recommended Høst, for the yummy noms and aesthetically-pleasing interior. Amidst fierce competition, Høst topped the charts in the “local” department, boasting new Nordic cuisine and Danish design. Even before the food came out, my eyes were feasting on plants aplenty, exposed brick walls, and Danish midcentury furniture.
While Høst's atmosphere alone was eye-candy, the food did not disappoint. Set menus, between three and five courses, change every few months depending on what produce is in season.
Though museums and landmarks may sound like more common components of a “trip,” I’d recommend the opposite in Copenhagen. Go for a stroll and get lost in the alleyways. It won’t be long before you spy a spot to linger. Note: Nyhavn (pictured here), one of the most sought-after sights, may be the exception to this rule, and shouldn't be missed.
Sun’s out, Danes out. From Papirøen to Vesterbro, all the Danes emerged to soak up the bright light in the sky. People here love their Vitamin D.
Bicycles are by far the best way to see Copenhagen. The freedom! No waiting for the bus, metro, or Uber. Explore and stop whenever something catches your eye. Then hop on your bike again and pedal away to your heart’s content.
Since there are more bikes in Copenhagen than inhabitants, it would be fundamentally wrong not to see Bike City on wheels. Illegal, practically.
The social culture in Scandinavia is commonly thought to be cold and reserved, but I found quite the opposite to be true. Gathering and catching up over coffee and sweets is embedded into daily life. And when weather permits, everyone flocks outdoors.
For a walk down memory lane, I ventured to Christianhavn for Netherlands-inspired architecture lining the canals.. Though popping with more colors than its Dutch counterpart, this residential neighborhood still brought back some good ol’ memories.
With so many bikes in the city, finding a spot to park your bike often requires a bit of creativity.
I had no idea when I booked it, but the waterside Marriott comes with stunning views. Smack dab in the middle of the city, this chic hotel offers a canal view (complete with free people watching) on one side and the city skyline on the other. For the best views in the hotel, I recommend requesting a room on one of the upper levels.
Literally named as pictured, Old is the kind of place that I could have spent hours inside of, browsing the quirky antiques. Beware: entering this store will tempt you to buy more than you can afford or fit into your home—let alone your suitcase.
Situated in the hipster hood of Nørrebro, Kaktus København is a small boutique full of—you guessed it—cacti and succulents. It’s hard to imagine desert creatures thriving in the intense chills of Scandinavia, but apparently, they can.
