Destinations

Reasons to visit Copenhagen in 2017

From places to stay to places to dine, we give you the run-down on why Copenhagen is a must-have on your European itinerary.

By Jeni Porter
The dining room at 108
Breakfast: Admiralgade 26
This is a morning haven of good service and great food in gorgeous surroundings, in a city where breakfast out is rare, especially on weekdays. Besides superior versions of the Danish staple of boiled eggs and rye bread, there's a Japanese feast and the lusciously satisfying oatmeal brûlée, which co-owner Christian Nedergaard says "combines my two favourite things - crème brûlée and grød [porridge]". If you have room left, you can't go past their pastry of the day.
Admiralgade 26, 1066, Copenhagen K.
Sommelier Erika Lindström and co-owner Sebastian Rind Nellemann of Admiralgade 26
Frederik Bille Brahe's Apollo Bar and Apollo Kantine in Kunsthal Charlottenborg, the Baroque palace-turned-contemporary artspace, have lunch covered on all counts. Seasonal plates are enjoyed on the banquettes or in the courtyard at Apollo Bar. Or try a genuine Danish working lunch in the light-filled high-ceilinged Kantine, where the ethos is delicious food at democratic prices. Join arts students from the academy next door for a daily vegetarian dish around communal tables.
Charlottenborg, Nyhavn 2, 1051, Copenhagen K.
Dinner: 108
Chef Kristian Baumann rewrote the rules with 108, the restaurant he opened in partnership with René Redzepi and Noma, producing food that's as creative as Nordic fine-diners but feeding upwards of 150 people daily, seven days a week. Choose from small plates such as brown beech mushrooms with smoked egg yolks and then share family-style servings of grilled monkfish with seaweed and cucumber or glazed pork belly with salted apples. If you're feeling homesick, there's a vast array of Aussie wines on offer.
Strandgade 108, 1401, Copenhagen K.
108's sourdough cone with wild blueberry ice-cream, mint and cornflowers
Drinks: Ancestrale
Ancestrale, in edgy Vesterbro, oozes hygge; not surprising given it's run by three alumni of Ved Stranden 10, everyone's favourite Copenhagen wine bar. Serving what they call "common sense" wines, Patrick Hult, Johann Duedahl Jacobsen and Andreas Waechter are so accommodating they'll set you up in their wine storage room if the living room-like bar is full. There are wine tastings daily from 3pm to 6pm with three related wines - chosen on the day depending on "the mood or political attitudes of the day's host" - for a reasonable 100 kroner.
Oehlenschlægersgade 12, 1663, Copenhagen V.
The oldest of the family-owned Brøchner Hotels' properties, Hotel Danmark became the hottest, newest one after a makeover inspired by the interiors of the nearby Thorvaldsens Museum. It features mosaic tile-patterned carpets and ochre-stained plaster walls, 89 chic, cleverly designed guestrooms, a rooftop bar, courtyard garden, and a brilliant location in the heart of town. Those with a hostel budget but hotel aspirations can book a designer bunk, sharing facilities with five other bunkees but otherwise having the run of the hotel.
Vester Voldgade 89, 1552, Copenhagen K.
A suite at Hotel Danmark
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  • undefined: Jeni Porter