hero media

A dreamy design-fuelled itinerary for a weekend in Copenhagen

From its design museums and galleries to its culinary gems, there is no shortage of inspiration to be found in this Scandi capital of cool.

Denmark’s ultra-stylish capital is a wondrous blend of historic charm, sustainability, design innovation and gastronomic ingenuity. Here, good design is a way of life.

Copenhagen is an understated city that doesn’t rely on impressing with flashy monuments or large-scale events. Its appeal lies in its relaxed and approachable urban experience, which draws in discerning travellers, particularly during the summer months.

Long summer days in Copenhagen call for exploring one of the most liveable cities in the world by bike, stopping to see iconic Danish design pieces, scoring vintage finds, savouring fresh produce and relaxing harbourside or enjoying its abundance of green spaces.

Historic buildings harmoniously coexist with modern designs while impressive museums and galleries celebrate both Danish heritage and contemporary innovation. This approach to practical design, paired with a warm, welcoming community, makes Copenhagen an easy and enjoyable city for visitors to navigate.

Day 1: navigating Nyhavn to shopping in Strøget

Hotel Bella Grande, Copenhagen
Hotel Bella Grande is all understated Italian glamour.

8am

Slow mornings are encouraged in Denmark, made even more indulgent at the Wes Anderson-style Hotel Bella Grande – boutique accommodation nestled on a quiet street in Copenhagen’s Old Town that operates on 100 per cent renewable electricity.

Walk a couple of minutes to Ø12 coffee and eatery to enjoy a hearty Danish-style breakfast featuring a selection of sourdough buns, cheese, jam, whipped butter, yoghurt, soft-boiled eggs and a well-brewed, robust coffee.

10am

Fuelled and ready to go, hire a bike (the quintessential and most enjoyable way to get around) from the front desk and pedal your way to the iconic Designmuseum Danmark.

Built in 1751 as the country’s first public hospital, the city’s leading museum is now dedicated to Danish and international design and crafts. It offers a fantastic overview of Denmark’s design history and its enduring appeal, showcasing mid-century furniture and striking modern pieces.

11:30am

Nyhavn, Copenhagen
Nyhavn is the city’s 17th-century waterfront. (Image: Rachael Thompson)

Make your way to nearby Nyhavn for a leisurely stroll along the canal, lined with its iconic colourful townhouses from the 17th and 18th centuries and old wooden ships. Here, you can visit the addresses where Hans Christian Andersen once lived, specifically Nyhavn 20, 67 and 18.

12:30pm

North Sea cuisine, Barr Copenhagen
Barr celebrates North Sea cuisine. (Image: Daniel Rasmussen)

For lunch, reserve a table at the cosy Barr restaurant, which sits along the Nyhavn canal. Helmed by German-born Danish chef Thorsten Schmidt in partnership with René Redzepi, of famed Noma, this quayside eatery celebrates North Sea cuisine.

Seasonal plates such as pickled mackerel with cucumber, unripe stone fruit and fig leaf oil, and a range of smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches) are to be paired with an impressive selection of cask and bottled beers (the Old Norse word barr does, after all, translate to ‘barley’).

2pm

Strøget, the city’s primary shopping district, is a 10-minute cycle away and at 1.1 kilometres, is one of Europe’s longest pedestrian streets. Must-visit shops include Hay House – a Danish contemporary design brand offering furniture, homewares, lighting and accessories – as well as vintage stores Time’s Up Vintage and Jerome Vintage, which are treasure troves of designer clothing and accessories.

5pm

friends enjoying drinks at Bird, Copenhagen
Break into song at Bird. (Image: Daniel Rasmussen)

A day on the go calls for an elevated tipple at neighbourhood listening bar Bird in Frederiksberg. The monthly changing menu of bottled cocktails features classics made with a modern twist like the Umeshu Martini or Melon Cream Soda, with the vibes set by the DJ who spins vinyl as you sip.

negronis at at Bird, Copenhagen
The uptown bar is known for its Negronis. (Image: Daniel Rasmussen)

6pm

Restaurant Cofoco, Copenhagen
Restaurant Cofoco epitomises Copenhagen cool. (Image: Rachael Thompson)

A 15-minute walk takes you to the hotel’s sister venue, Restaurant Cofoco, where fresh plates shine in a rustic yet chic space. The Danish-meets-Mediterranean menu features dishes such as hiramasa kingfish with cucumber, radishes, citrus vinaigrette and nettle oil, and passionfruit sorbet with reduced cream, burnt white chocolate and meringue. The wine list leans towards French and Italian drops.

Day 2: discovering the city’s best food and art

8am

Start the morning fresh with a short stroll to Sankt Peders Bageri, Copenhagen’s oldest bakery, founded in 1652 during the reign of Frederick III. Savour traditional Danish baked goods like the must-try cinnamon rolls known as onsdagssnegl (Wednesday snails).

If they’re not on offer that day, the kardemommesnurrer (cardamom buns) will not disappoint. Then, wander back to the hotel to enjoy a slow start before more exploring.

10am

Jump on a bike and cycle to the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, which houses the private art collection of Carl Jacobsen, the son of the founder of Carlsberg Breweries. Inside, admire the extensive collection of sculptures from Egypt, Greece, Rome and the Near East, as well as post-impressionist paintings by artists such as Monet, Renoir, Degas, Cézanne, Van Gogh and Danish Golden Age paintings from Martinus Rørbye, Christen Købke and Jens Juel. The central Winter Garden is a breathtaking subtropical indoor garden with palms, a large fountain and soaring glass ceilings.

Weekly travel news, experiences
insider tips, offers, and more.

Noon

Hart Bageri, Copenhagen
Hart Bageri has cult status in Copenhagen. (Image: Vaabengaard)

Head for the world-class Hart Bageri, another Noma-adjacent spot. Pick up a beetroot and feta sandwich (made with its popular sourdough) and a spandauer (circular pastry filled with marzipan) before pedalling your way to relax in the lush King’s Garden, the country’s oldest royal garden, right beside Rosenborg Castle.

King’s Garden, Copenhagen
The historic King’s Garden. (Image: Martin Auchenberg)

After lunch, head into the Renaissance-era castle, which was built between 1606 and 1634 by King Christian IV, and is home to divine collections including Venetian glass and Flora Danica.

2:30pm

Ordrupgaard gift shop, Copenhagen
Exit through the gift shop at Ordrupgaard. (Image: Jacob Lisbygd)

Drop your bike back at the hotel and take a 20-minute Uber north of Copenhagen to discover Ordrupgaard. This state-owned art museum is famed for housing an impressive collection of Danish and French art from the 19th and early 20th centuries from artists such as Monet, Manet, Degas, Gauguin, Renoir and Vilhelm Hammershøi.

view to Snøhettas wing, Copenhagen
Snøhetta designed new subterranean spaces for the art museum. (Image: Laura Stamer)

The ultra-modern Zaha Hadid and Snøhetta studio-designed extension is, in itself, worthy of the journey. On weekends, you can also visit architect Finn Juhl’s house next door.

5pm

drinks at Donna, Copenhagen
Drink and dine at Donna. (Image: Peter Dalsgaard)

You’ve earned yourself some time to relax at Hotel Bella Grande’s restaurant and bar, Donna. Park yourself under the yellow umbrellas outside and unwind over summer spritzes while people-watching.

7pm

Bar Moro, Copenhagen
Lively Bar Moro. (Image: Rachael Thompson)

Jump on the metro and make a beeline for hidden gem Bar Moro in the Nørrebro district. A cafe, bar and restaurant in one, expect unfussy yet refined Mediterranean bites with international influences (think langoustine [lobster], piquillo piperade, crouton, bisque and almond oil) served in a modern French-brasserie-style space.

Want to see more stories from International Traveller in your Google search results?

  1. Click here to set International Traveller as a preferred source.
  2. Tick the box next to "International Traveller". That's it.

View profile and articles
the front exterior of Hotel Bella Grande
Denmark

Is this Wes Anderson-style hotel Copenhagen’s coolest stay?

The sustainably-minded Hotel Bella Grande is officially Copenhagen’s “it” hotel.

Read more
Bour Village
Denmark

Faroe Islands uncovered: Classic vs unique things to do

A guide to pairing the Faroe Islands' classic experiences with unique, off path alternatives. 

Read more
Faroe Islands Landscape
Denmark

What it’s like to visit the Faroe Islands

From its raw natural beauty to its reputation as a food frontier, the Faroe Islands in the north atlantic ocean is wild in every sense of the word.

Read more
SP34 denmark hotel stays budget Copenhagen
Denmark

Review: Hotel SP34, Copenhagen

Read more
hero media

What the European heatwave means for your summer travel plans

    Rachael Thompson Rachael Thompson
    Continue
    Temperatures are soaring this summer, breaking records across Europe and the UK. 

    Euro summer is a feeling like no other. But when a heatwave hits? The dream trip quickly turns into a sweaty mess. Extreme heat is sweeping Europe and the UK this week, with record-high temperatures impacting travel plans across the continent.

    And while Australian summers are typically hotter in absolute temperature, many European cities aren’t equipped for high temperatures, resulting in unbearable weather.

    Why is it so hot in Europe?

    Signs of a hot summer loomed in May, when the mercury hit unprecedented spring highs. Now, extreme high temperature warning alerts have been issued in countries such as Spain, Italy, France, England, the Netherlands and Germany.

    France saw its hottest day on record on Wednesday, with an average temperature of 30°C across the day and night. This surpasses the average temperature for June, which is 15°C to 25°C. Dozens of people have died, including 40 from drowning.

    In Spain, 212 deaths have been linked to the heatwave.

    The UK recorded its hottest June day ever on Wednesday with temperatures soaring to 36.1°C. In an article published by the Met Office – the UK’s national meteorological service – Professor Stephen Belcher CBE, Met Office Chief Scientist, shared his concerns about June’s heat. “To see temperatures like this in the UK in June is sobering. Events like this bring home the implications of climate change, with very high temperatures and humidity bringing significant health implications from heat stress, as well as impacts to a range of sectors such as transport, energy and water supply,” he said.

    Heatwaves are becoming increasingly common in Europe and the UK, neither of which is prepared for such extremes. The World Meteorological Organization reported that in 2025, at least 95% of Europe experienced above-average annual temperatures and that the continent was heating up twice as fast as the global average.

    How travel is impacted

    A pharmacy sign displaying 40 degrees Celcius
    A pharmacy broadcasting local weather data. (Credit: Getty/Dragoncello)

    During a heatwave, power grids, water systems and transport networks can be affected, resulting in disrupted itineraries for travellers. In France, power outages have left thousands without electricity and early closures have been implemented for two of Paris’s biggest attractions, the Eiffel Tower (early afternoon rather than late at night) and the Louvre (two hours early). Eurostar cancelled its London to Paris and Paris to London services from the 22nd to the 25th, and major UK rail companies have been advising travellers to avoid using trains where possible, or to travel during early hours.

    If a heatwave is predicted, being flexible with your itinerary and having fully refundable/changeable tickets is key, as extreme heat can force the cancellation of outdoor activities, impact rail and flight services and change the opening hours of sites and eateries.

    Why does summer in Europe often feel hotter than summer in Australia?

    people swimming in the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris
    People swimming in the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris to cool off. (Credit: Rachael Thompson)

    With some of the highest UV levels in the world, Australians are no strangers to the heat, adapting well to intense weather. But our infrastructure is largely equipped to withstand soaring temperatures with climate-responsive passive design, refrigerated air conditioning or evaporative coolers, as well as swimming spots aplenty.

    Buildings in Northern and Western Europe and the UK, however, are constructed to retain heat and handle frosty winters. The lack of universal air conditioning means it generally feels hotter even though the temperature on your app might not look it. During a heatwave, it can feel like you’re in a sauna as cities act like heat traps.

    How to stay cool and prepare for another heatwave

    Relief is expected across Europe and the UK later this week, but more heatwaves are still possible in the coming months. Summer heat typically peaks in July and August.

    Public transport often doesn’t have air conditioning, and buses in particular can be swelteringly hot. If you’re heading outside or your accommodation has no air conditioning, it’s worth buying a spray bottle and a handheld fan from a pharmacy or tourist stand. Check ahead of time if restaurants and cafes have air conditioning and make a booking in advance. The highest temperatures typically hit between 3pm and 6pm, so aim to head outdoors outside of these hours.

    Rising temperatures invite travellers to enter a more intentional era of seeing the world. Now more than ever is the time to embrace lower-impact “coolcations” and off-season getaways.