Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a stylish and characterful city that places an emphasis on chic design, and this is reflected in the quirky boltholes and boutique retreats that the Danish capital’s hotel scene serves up. Vesterbro’s Andersen Boutique Hotel (Helgolandsgade 12) is a prime example of this, while the hostel Wakeup Copenhagen (Carsten Niebuhrs Gade 11) may be cheap but maintains an air of style. The Copenhagen Admiral Hotel (Toldbodgade 24–28) is a charming establishment found in a converted 18th-century warehouse by the harbour, and offers a close proximity to the tourist hotspot of Nyhavn. Meanwhile the Nimb Hotel (Bernstorffsgade 5) is a highly recommended choice at the popular Tivoli Gardens.

Those keenly into their retail therapy are sure to love Copenhagen with its contemporary fashion outlets, designer boutiques and vibrant markets. Head to King’s Square and investigate the adjoining streets where you’ll find modern outlets such as Nag People (Pilestræde 47). Explore the trendy Nørrebro district for a blend of up-and-coming labels and established names like Acne Archive (Elmegade 21). Seek out Larsbjørnsstræde for an array of vintage shops, with Carmen and Fantasio (Larsbjørnsstræde 11) a particular highlight, or for Danish designs try Illums Bolighus (Amagertorv 10). Flea markets can be found in numerous places, but one of the oldest and best is at Halmtorvet in Vesterbro.

Copenhagen has a rich and varied dining scene, but perhaps the pinnacle is Noma (Strandgade 93), which was voted as the world’s best restaurant from 2010 to 2012, and boasts two Michelin stars. Christianshavn is something of a hippy hotspot, but offers its own Michelin-starred option thanks to Kadeau (Wildersgade 10A), which draws on the traditional dishes of the island of Bornholm in the Baltic Sea as its inspiration. At the other end of the price scale, Dyrehaven (Sønder Boulevard 72) offers excellent value for money, while mid-range options include Les Trois Cochons (Vaernedamsvej 10), and Kødbyens Fiskebar (Flæsketorvet 100), which unsurprisingly specialises in fish.

Tivoli Festival

May – August

More than 80 concerts are staged over a four-month period at Scandinavia’s biggest classical music festival. The Tivoli Gardens setting is apt for the soothing sounds produced by both renowned international musicians and up-and-coming artists.

Copenhagen Carnival

May

Copenhagen Carnival is a vibrant celebration that sees dancers permeate the pedestrianised Strøget to the sound of reggae rhythms, Latino styles and African beats over Whitsun weekend. Amager Island is then the setting for the party as Ørestad hosts the events and stalls.

Copenhagen Jazz Festival

July

This jazz festival boasts a heritage spanning more than 30 years, and is one of Europe’s largest celebrations of the genre. A number of venues ranging from open-air to funky bars and cafes host shows where everything from traditional to contemporary jazz is covered.

Copenhagen Pride

August

The climactic parade of this five-day LGBT celebration features in excess of 10,000 participants, and makes its vibrantly colourful way from Vesterbro to City Hall Square.

CPH:DOX

November

This film festival features everything from short documentaries to full-length films, and places an emphasis on independent newcomers that display keen innovation. Expect screenings, awards, talks and concerts.