Copenhagen

The hotel

We stayed at Villa Copenhagen , the hotel occupies the beautiful building of the former Danish Post and Telegraph headquarters, which was entirely renovated, transformed into a hotel and reopened in 2020.

The location is excellent , especially for a first visit to the city. The hotel is right next to the central station , where you can catch trains, buses and metro and Tivoli is almost opposite, with the entrance door about 5 minutes away on foot. Other tourist attractions such as the Ny Carlsberg Gliptotek, the National Museum and Christiansborg Palace are also just a few minutes away on foot. Additionally, the Meatpacking District, with several cool bars and restaurants, is just a 10-minute walk in the opposite direction.

We stayed in the first room category at the hotel, I must warn you that it is quite small (17m2) , it was a bit cramped for two people plus suitcases, there was no space to open two large suitcases, nor enough drawers to unpack them and store the clothes . So if you tend to overpack , keep this in mind. Other than that, the room is great, with neutral tones and minimalist Scandinavian decor and a super comfortable bed. The bathroom is good, but like the bedroom, it is cramped. The amenities are nothing extraordinary, I recommend taking your own if you are picky about shampoo, conditioner and moisturizer.

The breakfast is great and super complete, with several buffet stations and a freshly made egg station. The hotel staff is young , polite and helpful , but don't expect the service you get from some 5-star hotels. As the hotel is very large, there are 390 rooms , their strong point is not service. On the other hand, the hotel has a great structure : a bar/café, a cocktail bar that is temporarily closed, a restaurant and a patisserie/bakery in addition to the wellness area with a heated outdoor pool, gym and sauna.

In general, I really enjoyed it and recommend staying at the hotel, especially for young people and families.

Other hotel recommendations

Next time, I think I would stay in a smaller hotel in another area of ​​the city to see another side of Copenhagen. Below I leave some suggestions:

• Hotel Sanders
• Coco Hotel
• Ascot Hotel
• Kanalhuset
• Nobis Hotel
• Hotel Hornbækhus
• Hotel D'Angleterre
• Hotel Ottilia

To Do

Tourist hotspots

• Tivoli Gardens: One of the oldest and most famous amusement parks in the world, founded in 1843, it is a cultural landmark in the city, loved by locals and tourists alike. With a variety of attractions, live shows, restaurants and beautiful gardens, it's a trip for all ages.
• Nyhavn: A historic canal, known for its 17th century houses, originally a busy port, today it is the city's postcard and a tourist attraction full of bars and restaurants. I recommend going to Apollo Bar when you go to Nyhavn.
• Amalienborg Palace: Official residence of the Danish royal family in Copenhagen, it houses the Palace Museum, where visitors can visit some rooms and learn about the family's history. The Changing of the Guard ceremony is also held daily.
• Christiansborg Palace: Seat of the three powers of the Danish government, known for its imposing architecture and rich history, visitors can tour parts of the palace.
• Frederik's Church: The church is a notable architectural landmark in the city, designed in neoclassical style, it is characterized by its imposing dome.
• Church of Our Savior: This baroque-style church is known for its spiral tower that offers panoramic views of the city.
• Torvehallerne: A gastronomic market in the heart of the city. There are two modern glass buildings that house a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, artisanal cheeses, seafood, meats, sweets, breads, etc. As well as being a great place to buy fresh ingredients, Torvehallerne also offers a variety of options for quick and delicious meals. There are several food stalls serving international dishes, gourmet sandwiches, sushi, tapas, cakes and coffee. It's a good place to eat traditional smørrebrød. I recommend eating at the Omegn & Venner counter.
• Frederiksberg Gardens: A park with lakes, fountains and beautiful gardens, perfect for playing sports or enjoying a sunny day. The park is also known for its 18th-century palace, Frederiksberg Palace.
• Rosenborg Castle & Garden: More than 400 years old, the castle built by King Christian IV houses the nation's crown jewels and royal regalia.
• Christiania: Also known as Free Town Christiania, an autonomous and self-governing community within the territory of Copenhagen, was founded in 1971. It is known for its alternative approach to life and for being a unique cultural enclave, home to a mix of residences, artistic spaces , cafes and cultural events.
• Copenhagen Opera House: The building houses the Royal Danish Opera Company and the Royal Danish Orchestra. Its waterfront location, combined with its contemporary architecture, makes it a cultural landmark in the city.
• Canal Tours: A very touristy tour but a good way to get an overview of the city from another angle. Boat trips along the canals pass by the main tourist attractions such as the Opera House, the statue of the Little Mermaid, the colorful houses of Nyhavn and Amalienborg Palace, while the guides tell stories and interesting facts about the city. For those who don't want to take the tour with a big company and lots of people, it is possible to rent your own boat for an hour or two, there are several companies in the city or you can see it online using this link.
• Islands Brygge Harbor Bath: The area used to be an industrial region along Copenhagen harbor, but has undergone a significant transformation. The region's renovation and revitalization project included the creation of a series of floating seawater pools and bathing areas along the banks of the canal. The site is open to the public during the summer months.
• Cirkelbroen: A pedestrian bridge that stands out for its unique architecture and innovative functionality. Designed by renowned Danish architect Olafur Eliasson, it opened in 2015. The name "Cirkelbroen" means "Circular Bridge" in Danish, it is made up of a series of interconnected circular platforms that stretch over the Christianshavn canal, linking the areas of Christianshavn and Slotsholmen.

Neighborhoods and streets

• Jægersborggade: A super charming street, full of independent shops, cool cafes and restaurants.
• Værnedamsvej: Known as the city's "La Petite Paris", full of cozy shops and cafes, it is loved by locals and tourists alike.
• Østergade: A historic, central and super busy street, starting point for many tourist attractions, it has a huge variety of shops of all types.
• Nørrebro: A diverse and creative neighborhood celebrated for its multicultural atmosphere and youthful energy, with lots of independent shops, cool bars and restaurants, and art galleries.
• Carlsberg Byen: A modern neighborhood, which emerged where the old Carlsberg brewery was located. Combining the area's industrial legacy with contemporary design, it is a residential, cultural and commercial neighborhood. The district has its own website where you can find more information.
• Vesterbro: Copenhagen's former red-light district is now a cool neighborhood, with nightlife, great bars and restaurants, as well as being a residential neighborhood loved by locals.
• Magstræde: A charming historic street with colorful houses and traditional Danish architecture. It houses several shops, cafes, restaurants and art galleries.
• Strøget: A famous shopping street known for being one of the longest pedestrian areas in Europe. Full of international and local brand stores, restaurants and cafes.

Museums & Galleries

• Louisiana Museum of Modern Art: Museum of modern and contemporary art located about 35 kilometers north of Copenhagen. Founded in 1958, the museum is one of the country's leading cultural institutions, its architecture incorporates modern elements and was designed to blend harmoniously with the surrounding natural landscape. It has a series of buildings connected by glass corridors, with stunning views of the Baltic Sea and gardens that are a museum in their own right, with sculptures and outdoor art installations.
• Ordrupgaard Museum: Located on the outskirts of Copenhagen, the museum founded in 1918 is known for having one of the most important collections of Danish and French art from the 19th and early 20th centuries in northern Europe. In 2005 the museum underwent a significant architectural expansion designed by Zaha Hadid.
• Arken Museum for Moderne Kunst: Located on the edge of the North Sea a few kilometers from Copenhagen, the museum houses a wide collection of Danish and international contemporary art.
• Museum of Copenhagen: This museum's mission is to tell the history of the city and its evolution over time, ranging from its beginnings to the present day.
• The National Museum: One of Denmark's most important cultural institutions, it offers a comprehensive overview of Danish history, culture and heritage. The collection of prehistoric and Viking artifacts is super interesting and was my favorite part of the museum.
• Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek: Glyptotek is known for its collection of ancient and classical art, which includes sculptures, paintings and artifacts from ancient civilizations such as Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. The museum also houses the largest collection of Rodin's works outside of France and a notable collection of impressionist and post-impressionist paintings, with works by artists such as Monet, Manet, Degas, Renoir, and Cézanne. In addition to the building itself, which is worth a visit for all its beauty.
• Design Museum: Founded in 1890, it is one of the oldest design museums in the world and houses a rich collection tracing the history of Danish and international design. It houses a vast collection of furniture, household items, textiles, ceramics and design objects that document the evolution of Danish design over the centuries. The museum's collection includes a number of iconic Danish furniture designed by the likes of Hans J. Wegner, Arne Jacobsen, Poul Henningsen and others. The museum building itself is an outstanding example of Danish architectural design. Designed by Vilhelm Dahlerup, it is a mix of styles that includes elements of the Italian Renaissance and Nordic historicism.
• Copenhagen Contemporary: Founded in 2015, it is a space dedicated to the exhibition of avant-garde contemporary art, with a focus on installations, experimental art and new media.
• Danish Architecture: The Museum of Danish Architecture, known in Danish as the "Dansk Arkitektur Center" (DAC), is a museum dedicated to architecture and design. Founded in 1985, the museum aims to celebrate and explore Danish and international architecture, as well as its impact on society.
• SMK - The National Gallery: SMK, also known as the Statens Museum for Kunst or The National Gallery, is the National Art Museum of Denmark. Founded in 1825, it is one of Denmark's largest and most important art museums and houses a vast and diverse collection of Danish and international works of art. Its collection features works by renowned Danish artists such as Christoffer Wilhelm Eckersberg, Vilhelm Hammershøi and CW Eckersberg, who played a fundamental role in the history of Danish art.
• Etage Projects: A contemporary art gallery founded in 2012 by Marie Kirkegaard. The gallery is known for its commitment to supporting and promoting contemporary artists and emerging designers.
• Cisternerne: Originally built in 1856 as a water reservoir for the city of Copenhagen, it was emptied and transformed into a space for contemporary art exhibitions in 1996. It houses regularly changing temporary exhibitions. Contemporary artists and curators often use the Cistern's unique space to create installations that uniquely interact with the subterranean environment; its dark, damp atmosphere, with water on the floor reflecting the art, creates a unique sensory experience. The site has a limited visitor capacity and requires prior booking.
• Von Bartha: Founded in 1970, von Bartha is an intergenerational Swiss gallery that creates a meeting point between modern and contemporary art. von Bartha's first international branch opened in Copenhagen in December 2021. Located in the center of Carlsberg Byen, a rapidly developing area of ​​the city created in the 19th century by brewer and entrepreneur Carl Jacobsen, the gallery occupies a former lighthouse, as well as an outdoor courtyard to display sculptures.

To Eat

Restaurants:

• Geranium
• Marchal
• Barr
• Esmée
• Apollo Bar
• Mangia
• Barabba
• Canteen
• Popl Burger
• Gasoline Grill
• Aamanns 1921
• Selma
• Marv & Ben
• Omegn & Venner
• La Banchina
• Reffen
• Studio X
• Delphine
• Baka d'Busk
• Bottega Barlie
• Dzidra
• Kødbyens Fiskebar
• Rabarbergaarden
• Beau Marché Café à Vins
• The sea
• Kadeau
• Fabro
• mother
• Jatak
• Juju
• Koan
• KŌNĀ
• Goldfinch
• Donda
• Donda Deli

Bars

• Ruby: In a charming old house, this bar that appears on the 50 Best list has a menu of original and classic drinks in an environment with a dual personality: right at the entrance, a more modern room in the Scandinavian style where the counter where the drinks are served are prepared and in the back there is a darker lounge with different environments.
• Rudo: Vermouth and cocktail bar plus an extensive wine list in Nørrebro. With good music, it goes well from the aperitif to after dinner.
• Pompette: Natural wine bar in Nørrebro, with lots of young and beautiful people.
• Lille Blå Vin Bar: A natural wine bar in super vibrant royal blue. The atmosphere is quintessentially Scandinavian, almost a mix of an art gallery and a wine bar.
• Bar Vivant: Another natural wine bar with beautiful and cool people.
• Jojo: Super colorful bar with great drinks in Vesterbro.
• Bird: At Bird in Frederiksberg, the music is as important as the drinks. Vinyl and Jazz are the core of the place, with weekly events featuring local and international DJs playing a variety of music genres.
• Paloma: A cozy and relaxed bar in Nørrebro specializing in Vermouth.
• Nr. 30: Restaurant and Wine Bar, won awards in 2020 and 2021 for its wines.
• Jolene: To start the night with drinks and end it dancing. This bar in the Meatpacking District, with a lot of character in the crowd and atmosphere, has a more underground vibe and a lineup with Danish DJs updated weekly.

Bakeries & Pastries

• Andersen & Maillard
• Juno The Bakery
• Lille Bakery
• Atelier September
• Conditori La Glace
• Sonny
• Prolog Coffee

Ice cream shop

• Ismageriet: In the hip Meatpacking District, this ice cream shop is considered one of the best in CPH. The Italian gelato ice cream is delicious, with topping options such as marshmallows and assorted sprinkles. Expect queues and lots of beautiful people in the summer.

To Buy

Vintage

• Veras Market
• Prag
• Episode
• Time's Up Vintage
• Jerome Vintage
• Vintage Paloma
• Magnolia's Luksus 2ndhand
• Vintage Carmen

Fashion

• Ganni
• Lot 29
• Stand Studio
• Stine Goya
• Storm Copenhagen
• Gesture
• Holly Golightly
• Illum
• Naked
• Norse Projects

Beauty

• Matas: network of pharmacies spread across the city
• Beauty floor at Magasin du Nord: department store, I didn't like the other floors, but if you're nearby, it's worth looking at this floor on the ground floor.
• Beauty floor by Illum: department store, it is the best in the city within the category. It's worth taking a look at everything and like other department stores, there is a beauty floor.
• Storm: concept store with a curation of the most niche beauty brands.

Home & Decor

• Hay House
• Studio Arhoj
• Helle Mardahl
• Beau Marché
• Tableau
• Illums Bolighus
• Dansk Møbelkunst Gallery
• Royal Copenhagen
• Dansk
• House of Finn Juhl
• George Jensen
• Keramiker Inge Vincents
• Luise Rose Gallery

Extra tips

•  One of the best tips I can give is to buy the CPH Card, we only found out about its existence when we got there, when Maria Fernanda saw a banner about it at the airport. The card is 100% online, you download it from the App Store and choose how many hours you would like it to work - from 24 to 120 hours - we purchased the 120 hour option which was just right for the number of days we would be there. The card isn't cheap, but Copenhagen is a VERY expensive city and it gives you access to more than 80 attractions and unlimited public transport, including to and from the airport, we did the math and we think it was worth it. It is important to say that once paid, the card will only start to be valid after you activate it, so only activate it when you arrive in the city and start using it, as from that moment on, the hours purchased start to expire. be counted.
• Another important thing is to check the opening hours of all the places and the restaurant kitchens too, we missed some long distance trips going to places and discovering at the time that they were closed or that the kitchen was already closed and they would only serve light appetizers and drinks.

• Forget a car in Copenhagen, Uber doesn't exist there and taxis are very expensive, the city is a thousand times better enjoyed on foot or by bike. It is the best capital in the world for cycling, with a wonderful infrastructure that makes transport safe and part of the local culture. If your hotel does not provide bicycles, you can rent them through this website.