Bucket list experience:
Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark
Locally caught fish and seafood is one of Danish cuisine’s strongest suits: herring, in particular, is a local favourite and has been caught, salted, dried and smoked here for centuries.
Along the famous Danish pastries, try hot dogs and open rye bread sandwiches called smorrebrod, which often features herring.
For drinks, beer is king but look beyond Carlsberg: craft breweries like Mikkeller and Friends and Norrebro Bryghus are picking up deserved accolades. Or wash things down with a shot of ice-cold caraway snaps, or in the colder months try glog, Scandinavian mulled wine.
Copenhagen has gone all gourmet now and boasts 14 Michelin-starred restaurants (23 stars between them), a movement initially inspired by the world-famous restaurant Noma.
Hygge cafes and restaurants are known for their candlelit interiors, cosy atmosphere and traditional Danish dishes.
Food tours are well worth it here for finding the foodie hotspots. A baking class – offered by several operators – is a good way to learn about the city’s iconic Danish pastries.
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Destination Guide >Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark
Started in 2007 by two friends, this pioneering craft beer success story has since spread to multiple cities, including Stockholm and San Francisco. A Copenhagen institution now recognised worldwide, it’s the place to go for consistently great tasting beer and some enticingly experimental brews.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark
Grod translates as porridge in Danish, but this porridge specialist takes the humble oat staple to new levels of sophistication. Branches around the city serve up steaming bowlfuls infused with gourmet flavours and trimmings, including spelt porridge with caramelised apples and toasted almonds, or chestnut puree and apple. Wo knew porridge could taste this good?
Best for ages: 4+ | Free
Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark
Copenhagen’s answer to Selfridge’s is this upscale, 5-storey department store and a good find for foodies. The basement has an excellent food market, and the rooftop restaurants are a pleasant, centrally-located spot to stop in for refreshments in between shopping and sightseeing. There’s also a Japanese teahouse on the 4th floor. Open daily.
Best for ages: 8+ | Free
Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark
Considered by many as the best restaurant in the world, three Michelin-starred Noma has re-set the bar for molecular gastronomy, with a focus on locally-sourced Scandinavian produce.
Best for ages: 18+ | £80
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark
A stylish hotel in a grand 19th-century warehouse conversion, overlooking Copenhagen’s handsome harbour.
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Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark
Balinese-inspired eco-hotel that stands out as one of the Danish capital’s top boutique choices. Located in hip Vesterbro, five minutes from Tivoli World.
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Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark
Cosy but classy townhouse hotel tucked discreetly into a quiet street behind Nyhavn canal, mixing city centre convenience with neighbourhood appeal.
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Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark
Unrivalled, one-off boutique hotel overlooking Tivoli Gardens, with opulent suites and one of the city’s best rooftop pools.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark
Compact, sexy, culture-rich and charismatic, this most stylish, progressive and tastiest of all the Nordic capitals never disappoints.
