Copenhagen is synonymous with great design, so much so that it was named 2023’s World Capital of Architecture by UNESCO. When I had the opportunity to visit the city earlier of this year I immediately fell in love with it. The people are lovely, the architecture is picturesque and there is an abundance of incredible design stores and restaurants to visit.
An absolute must see is the Glyptoteket, which can only be described as breathtaking. It’s a museum with art, sculptural works and archaeological objects, and at the centre is an indoor tropical garden. The dome glass ceiling is mesmerising, everything about this museum will capture your heart.
I’ve always been a fan of Danish design, the focus on functionality meeting beauty and the plethora of incredible designers, from Hans J. Wegner and his Wishbone chair to the Pantone chair in all its iterations and Børge Mogensen, whose Spanish chair I am obsessed with and am determined that one day I will have it in my own home.
Here is my Copenhagen hit list -
Shopping
New Mags
Ny Østergade 28, 1101 Copenhagen
New Mags is a curated book store for design lovers, inside its super sleek concrete flooring and timber joinery highlights some of the best principles of Danish design where functionality meets clean lines and natural materials. They stock magazines, books and beautiful objects, it’s hard to leave here empty handed!
Frama Fredericiagade
57, 1310 Copenhagen
Frama is a beautiful, raw and refined homewares store and café set inside what was originally a nineteenth century pharmacy. Many of the joinery details remain striped back with a minimalist aesthetic. Don’t miss sampling their selection of fragrances.
Le Klint
Store Kirkestræde 1, DK-1073, Copenhagen
This is such a beautiful lighting store, even just to walk past. Established in 1943, the brand is an ambassador for Danish design showcases the best of enduring Danish craftsmanship.
Studio Oliver Gustav
Kastelsvej 18, 2100 Copenhagen
Housed within a former art museum, Studio Oliver Gustav is a celebration of sustainability and craftsmanship. The space displays the work of designer and curator Oliver Gustav and features a range of lighting, furniture, objects and art.
Rue verte
Ny Østergade 11, 1101 Copenhagen
Rue Verte a design store and art gallery in the heart of Copenhagen. They feature a range of unique brutalist works and iconic design pieces. They’re also an interior design studio, which explains why the store itself is so stunning.
Stay
Villa Copenhagen
Tietgensgade 35-39, 1704 Copenhagen
I stayed here and I highly recommend it. The rooms are beautiful and the downstairs lobby is vibey. The hotel is the perfect blend of picturesque, charming Europe and contemporary, youthful energy.
The Audo Residence
Aarhusgade 130 1ST, 2150 Nordhavn, Copenhagen
A hybrid hotel that also functions as a furniture showroom downstairs as well as a co-working space and café, is the perfect distillation of Scandinavian cool and exemplifies what Danish design does best, functional but simple.
Hotel Sanders
Tordenskjoldsgade 15, DK – 1055 København
Hotel Sanders is located in Copenhagen’s centre, just a stone’s throw away from some of the city’s most beautiful historic architecture. This is a beautiful, luxury experience perfect for short stays. What’s even better is the hotel will loan you a bicycle to get around, a lovely way to spend the afternoon in Copenhagen!
Nobis
Niels Brocks Gade 1, 1574 København V
Another seriously chic option, Nobis is atmospheric with friendly staff and a beautiful restaurant and bar. A short walk to Tivoli Gardens and the Glyptotek museum, this is the perfect spot for first time visitors to the city!
Eat
Yaffa
Gråbrødretorv 16 kld. 1154, København
A lovely middle eastern meets mediterranean restaurant with fresh, light food - I highly recommend!
Delphine
Vesterbrogade 40, 1620 København
A beautiful spot for interior design lovers, the walls of this restaurant are adorned with murals while the food is inspired by Greek island and Southern Italy.
