First Impressions
Good googly moogly — Copenhagen has immaculate vibes.
Denmark (along with the other Nordic countries) is always ranked among the happiest places in the world. It’s painfully obvious the moment you arrive.
The city is full of pregnant people and tiny babies, which makes complete sense once you remember Denmark has one of the most generous maternity leave policies in the world. Babies are everywhere, but not in an annoying way. More like chic mom, neutral tones, luxury bassinet, coffee in hand way.
I also wrote about 1 perfect summer day in Copenhagen as well if you’re short on time.
Homogeneity, and Language
Everyone speaks English. There’s virtually no language barrier.
Yes, Denmark is largely white and relatively homogeneous. People are extremely tall and very blonde. But Copenhagen, especially neighborhoods like Nørrebro and Vesterbro, is also home to immigrants and mixed-race people.
Folks kept assuming I was Danish. I’d usually start speaking English immediately to make it clear — no, not local.
Overall, the city feels open, liberal, relaxed, and happy.
Copenhagen Is Expensive (Painfully So)
Copenhagen is so expensive.
I knew I was in trouble when I ordered egg toast at a café and it was an extra $4 to add chili sauce — otherwise it was just eggs with no flavor. The city is expensive enough that I literally left for a day, took a train to Malmö, Sweden, which felt slightly more forgiving.
Would I live here? No.
Did I love being here? Absolutely.
Where to Stay and Best Neighborhoods in Copenhagen
We were lucky enough to secure a friend-of-a-friend sublet for about $75 a night. Airbnbs in that range don’t exist anymore. We stayed in Nørrebro.
- Indre By: Historic city center with Nyhavn, Rosenborg Castle, major museums, and walkable sightseeing.
- Vesterbro: Trendy, food-focused neighborhood home to the Meatpacking District, cafés, bakeries, and nightlife.
- Nørrebro: Creative and multicultural area known for great food, vintage shops, and local parks.
- Christianshavn: Canal-lined neighborhood with scenic walks, Christiania, and a relaxed, alternative vibe.
- Østerbro: Quiet, residential area with green spaces and easy access to Bellevue Beach.
Cafe Recommendations
Cinemateket – Rooftop Views & Films
Attached to the Danish Film Institute, Cinemateket is on the rooftop of this museum where you watch cinema on the roof as well. The view is spectacular: directly across, Rosenborg Slot castle. It’s one of the more memorable cafes I’ve been to.
- Bastard Café -Multiple locations. Outdoor seating, board games, and slightly rave energy because while I’m drinking my chai latte at 10 AM, others were drinking beer.
- Dzidra Café – Famous for its scone. Go early, because they sell out fast.
- Meyer’s Bageri – A takeaway bakery on a notable shopping street. Grab something and continue walking – then go to UGood on the same street.
- Sidecar – Cute buffet-style brunch and great vibes. Think sunny mornings, casual chatter, and a sense that everything here is just… pleasantly possible.
- Hart Bakery – As seen in Season 2 of The Bear, when Marcus trains in Copenhagen. The bakery is a prominent chain. I went to 4 locations. my favorite was in the Meatpacking District — which I love in general.
- Lille Bakery: Popular for sandwiches. This café made it into my “One Perfect Day in Copenhagen” post. Casual, & very local-feeling.
- Rug Bakery – A small café with a delicious cardamom bun and refreshing elderflower juice. Calm atmosphere & beautiful light.
Restaurant Recommendations
The most famous fine dining and top hitters in Copenhagen, are Noma, Høst, Geranium, Alchemist, etc. Let me tell you about the “regular” good places.
Ugood Eatery
I always seek out Black-owned restaurants when I travel. Always.
Ugood Eatery is a Ugandan-owned spot serving East African comfort food in casual wraps – that were really freaking good. The fries and dipping sauce were *chef’s kiss.* I think they’ve let go of their brick and mortar and now have pop ups. Follow them on instagram for more info.
Hungry Dane Burger
Hungry Dane has won Best Burger in Denmark three years in a row — 2022, 2023, and 2024 and is located inside of a train station. OMG. Wow. The sauce, the coleslaw, the thick pickle. the perfectly made burger.
Autopoul Pop-Up
Autopoul is popular for after-work drinks, with relaxed, social energy that keeps you longer than planned. Only open during warm months, this is a natural wine pop-up in a parking lot with plastic chairs, and somehow still extremely cool.
Ramen to Biiru
Often rated as the best ramen in Copenhagen. I thought it was good. But, I didn’t order their signature pork broth. Solid experience.
Pastaria
A very simple pasta shop with outdoor seating that rotates the pastas they offer. it was pretty good. Expect a small portion for $25, but good vibes around.
Pico Pizza Nordvest
Right next door to Autopoul is Pico Pizza Nordvest, a popular pizza spot known for creative toppings. You can order three small personal pizzas for 380 DKK (about $40 USD). I didn’t go because I was done spending money for the day. But it was packed. Worth knowing about if you’re in the area.
Tourist Attractions in Copenhagen:
Much of my tourism involved doing exactly what the locals do best: lying down in public spaces with purpose.
Nyhavn: Where Postcards Come From
Nyhavn is Copenhagen’s most famous attraction. Built in the 1600s, this canal was the commercial harbor. Today, it smells like annoying tourists and Aperol spritz.
It’s the iconic rainbow-colored buildings lining the canal.
In summer, its too crowded, too many people posing, waiting in line to get on the next boat. We took our own tourist picture and gtfo. It is fairytale-esque if you ignore the tourists.
Fun Fact: Hans Christian Andersen (the author of the little mermaid) lived here, which feels appropriate.
Rosenborg Castle: Royalty, but Make It Casual
Built in the early 17th century by King Christian IV. Inside: crown jewels. Outside: King’s Garden, now a democratic paradise of sunbathing, picnics, and committed relaxation.
Assistens Cemetery: Death, But Make It Beautiful
A cemetery that doubles as a public park — very Scandinavian. Final resting place of Søren Kierkegaard (famous philosopher) and Hans Christian Andersen (author of the Little Mermaid). It’s peaceful, reflective, and full of excellent trees.
Christiania: Anarchist, Self-Governing Community
Founded in 1971 as a self-governing, anti-capitalist community after squatters occupied an abandoned military base. When I first visited in 2018, it felt punk and autonomous. By 2025, it’s more of a curated bohemian art garden, with increased government control and heavy tourism.
Bellevue Beach: Soft Sand, Strong Local Energy
Designed in the 1930s by architect Arne Jacobsen, this beach is where locals go when the sun makes a rare and sacred appearance. People swim, sunbathe, bike over in casual clusters, and exist joyfully without spectacle. and it’s near the famous Hungry Dane Great Burger.
Ordrupgaard: Art, Architecture, and Drama Collide
An art museum that pairs French Impressionists with Danish masters — plus a dramatic modern extension by Zaha Hadid.
Zaha Hadid: architectural icon, queen of curves, and no, not actually Bella Hadid’s dad (this is a joke, please don’t email me).
The Royal Danish Library: The Library That Stole My Heart
I love to spend the day at the public library and this one is gorgeous.
The Royal Danish Library — often called the Black Diamond — merges historic collections with a sleek modern waterfront structure. Inside, there’s light, silence, intention. The kind of quiet that doesn’t feel restrictive, but generous.
This place felt like Denmark distilled into architecture: thoughtful, calm, generous, and deeply committed to the public good.
Summer in Copenhagen: Everyone Swims
Summer is the only time I’d recommend visiting Copenhagen.
People swim everywhere. If there’s water, someone is in it. I jumped in at La Banchina, dried off on the dock, and laid in the sun — which pretty much defines my ideal Copenhagen day. This is the star of my idea of an ideal day in Copenhagen which I map out the perfect 1 day itinerary.
Final Thoughts on Copenhagen
Copenhagen is clean, calm, stylish, and deeply functional. It feels like a city designed to support life — especially families. It’s a very well-designed city that cares about presentation and blends modern spaces with ancient ones — like Rosenborg Castle.