Happy Monday you guys! Hope you had a good weekend. I spent mine catching up with friends and getting more settled in my new apartment. I did a lot of organizing, built my new coffee table and made a Target run. I also celebrated a friend’s birthday at Pig Beach which is a spot I’ve come to love and finally tried Cecconi’s for dinner.

But today’s post isn’t about Brooklyn…it’s about one of my new favorite European cities: Copenhagen! One day into being in Copenhagen and I was already plotting a return. There are at least two neighborhoods I still need to explore and countless additional museums and attractions I couldn’t make it to during my four day stay. A great excuse to plan another trip if you ask me! Today I’m sharing all my don’t-miss spots. I can’t recommend this city enough!

Copenhagen is a dynamic and colorful city that will have you smiling as you explore its various corners. The people are warm, the food inventive and comforting and there’s no shortage of things to do.

Where to Stay:

71 Nyhavn Hotel: Location. Location. Location. This hotel had everything and is so beautifully situated along the famous Nyhavn canal that was pretty much the reason I booked a trip to Copenhagen in the first place. It offers an incredible breakfast, has beautiful outdoor dining and truly the location cannot be beat. I loved opening my windows every morning and taking in the beautiful light as the city and canal began to come alive. There’s also a cozy bar and lounge area perfect to take an afternoon rest and the staff was so kind. I highly recommend this spot!

Where to Eat & Drink:

Geist: For the months leading up to my trip, this restaurant was what everyone recommended when I would mention heading to Copenhagen. And it was well worth the higher price tag. The menu is very inventive and has a huge open kitchen which I loved watching in action with a seat at the bar. I enjoyed lobster tartare with yuzu and hibiscus, turbot with ravioli made of gruyere and fennel and chicken with parsnip and buckwheat seeds. You must make reservations.

Coffee Collective: This appears to be the place to get coffee while in Copenhagen but as a city that takes its coffee seriously you’ll be hard pressed to have a bad cup. I bought some to make at home as well – it’s great coffee.

Meyers Bageri: I will dream of this cinnamon bun for many years to come. I went two mornings in a row it was that good! There are multiple locations to get your fix.

Ruby: You could easily miss this gem of a cocktail bar as it feels like you’re entering someone’s private home upon arriving. The bar is so beautiful and the cocktails super inventive. The back of the bar is very cozy and feels like an old school speakeasy.

Grod Porridge: I actually didn’t make it to one of the Grod porridge locations but a friend of mine sang its praises. Porridge is big in Denmark and this spot is meant to be delicious.

Torvehallerne: This spot is an amazing food hall with loads of delicious eats. Don’t miss traditional open faced sandwiches at Hallernes Smorrebrod and fluffy + warm pastries at Laura’s Bakery. You can hit up Coffee Collective while here and also grab some chocolates from Summerbird to take home. Pop outside to see all the beautiful flowers as well that the vendors are selling!

Vaekst: This spot is part of a restaurant collective and it’s a beautiful setting with a great and affordable set menu.

Almanek: I only enjoyed cocktails here but this spot would be great for a meal, too as it is situated right on the water and is so sleek and lovely. I had a great gin cocktail and enjoyed reading at the bar watching the delicious looking food come out.

Apollo: Tucked away off the bustling Nyhavn canal in a little courtyard this place is the epitome of casual, cozy dining. With less than 12 tables and a minimal menu that changes often, you’ll feel like you’re dining in a neighborhood spot you’ve been many times before.

What to See & Do:

Ny Carlsberg Glyptoek: The art in this museum is great but the space may be greater. The architecture is striking and they specifically designed it to really bring the space to life and spotlight the art. It lets natural light stream in and the tiled floors will have you constantly wanting to post #ihavethisthingwithfloors photos on InstaStories. Don’t miss their Impressionist collection.

Christiansbourg Palace: I almost skipped this but I am so glad I didn’t. I bought the group ticket that allowed me access to four parts of the palace and it was well worth it. The history of this palace is fascinating (it burned down multiple times and was rebuilt which I truly can’t imagine) and the design of the rooms is breathtaking. The library is particularly striking and has major Beauty & the Beast vibes.

Rundetaarn: This ancient lookout dates back to 1642 and is a rather easy walk up to the top. You’re rewarded with sweeping views above Copenhagen.

Shopping: Don’t miss Hay Market for beautiful homegoods, Ganni which is a beautiful Danish line, Holly Golightly, Bloom & Bloom for natural beauty, Beau Marche which is a department store full of beautiful things. I loved the store Norr which was reminiscent of Anthropologie and had a great candle selection. And don’t miss Illumus Bolighus.

Amazing Space: A friend of mind recommended this spot and I decided a vacation was the perfect opportunity to indulge in a fancy massage and beautiful spa. Their attention to detail is lovely (I was given an aloe and wheatgrass shot before my massage!) and after my treatment I enjoyed an hour reading poolside with the occasional visit to their steam room.

. . .

Have you been to Copenhagen?

p.s. a guide to Stockholm and all my favorite spots in Paris.