Top tips for a design-focused break in Copenhagen
Already known for its eco-focused outlook, Copenhagen’s incredible architecture will be put front and centre this year. Combine that with lively neighbourhoods, great museums and a designer dining scene, and it makes for a perfect spring break
Copenhagen is Unesco’s World Capital of Architecture 2023 and it has a lot to show off. There’s a raft of exciting events happening across the year and key partner Danish Architecture Center will be arranging Open House events, exhibitions and talks. It’s part of Copenhagen’s Cultural Quarter and also a good place to start for those who want to understand architecture.
To glimpse the future of the city’s built landscape, visit Paper Island, which is being transformed from industrial waste ground to a completely new neighbourhood. Ongoing projects include cooperative social housing, a hotel and retail space, as well as innovative public areas created alongside Copenhagen’s canals, which is expected to be completed in 2024.
Even further ahead, the transformational work at the Natural History Museum of Denmark and its extension into the Botanical Garden is the largest museum project in Denmark in recent times and will really be something to see when completed in 2025.
Neighbourhood watch
For style-conscious, eco-friendly shopping and cafe life, suggest heading to Jaegersborggade, a pretty street in the Norrebro neighbourhood. At vintage shop Tu A Tu, pick up second-hand clothes with an edge; browse My Favourite Things for cool, classy clothes and beauty; or head to Craft Sisters for beautiful jewellery, throws and cushions, responsibly sourced with much of it made by women’s collectives in India, Nepal and Morocco.
After a browsing session, stop off at The Sixteen Twelve for brunch and pastries, bagging one of the window seats for people-watching, or for something more substantial, try popular French-inspired spot, Silberbauers Bistro.
Tucking in
Food is always a good reason to travel, and Copenhagen is known for its many excellent and innovative restaurants, such as Apotek 57, a casual eatery inside the Frama Studio Store, curated by chef Chiara Barla, and a perfect place for design enthusiasts to dine.
New options include Mirabelle Spiseria, a famed former bakery location that has reopened under Christian Puglisi as all-day Sicilian eatery and wine bar. Meanwhile, the renowned two-Michelin-star restaurant AOC has just reopened with new interiors by Spacon & X in the original basement of Moltkes Palae in the historic Frederiksstaden area. Modern gastronomy and wine based on carefully selected local ingredients is served under high cellar vaults from the 17th century.
Grand designs
Also set in the neighbourhood of Frederiksstaden and housed in the former King Frederik’s Hospital, one of Copenhagen’s finest rococo buildings, Designmuseum Danmark is the country’s largest museum dedicated to Danish and international design: an inspiring and hugely informative place, it highlights the role of design in life.
It reopened last summer after a two-year renovation, with spaces now showcasing the impressive breadth and depth of its collections, along with a new shop and cafe, and new facilities in the garden.
Need to know
Continue the design theme and suggest a stay in the heart of Copenhagen at 25Hours Indre By, from £182 per night. There are numerous flight options from the UK to Copenhagen, including from Heathrow with British Airways or SAS; Gatwick with Norwegian; or easyJet flights from Gatwick, Bristol, Edinburgh or Manchester.
TTG Luxury visited Denmark in collaboration with VisitCopenhagen and VisitDenmark
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