Ask A Stylist: Copenhagen And Beyond

Where to stay, eat, shop, visit and buy in and outside of the city.

I’ve recently come across a lot of dubious Copenhagen travel guides on Substack so I feel compelled to share insider travel trips with my stylish subscribers. We’re hard-working women living fast-paced lives and this is the guide I wish had had access to in the early days.

Below I’ll provide local tips on:

• where to find the most stylish pieces from fashion to home - including a little glassblower workshop overlooking the sea that produces the glassware for NOMA

• the best place to get a tailored haircut and holistic body treatment (you really should!)

• the top bakeries for buns (bakery openings are still the 2025 equivalent of a club opening)

• locations outside of the city and across Denmark that you should consider visiting

Copenhagen is just one of many dazzling locales within a beautiful country proud of its nature and hospitality. If you can afford to take some extra days in the warmer months I’ll show you exactly which spots are worth visiting!

Copenhagen may be small but it’s perfectly formed and all it takes a little inside knowledge to make the most of this magnificent island. Do go in early December for the ultimate Christmas vibes and avoid the long, dreary cold of Jan - March. June and July are extremely popular but remember that the Danes begin back at school/work from August 1st so May/June is actually a wonderful time to go especially as the weather warms up.

Before we start, some necessary information….

1. Copenhagen is situated on the islands of Zealand and Amager. You will swing through Amager or ‘shit island’ as it was once known as you ride the train from the airport. Amager is now exceedingly hip, naturally.

2. Denmark consists of the peninsula of Jutland and 1,419 islands. People can be snooty about Jutland which is interesting given every Viking Dane is mostly descended from a farm…...on Jutland.

3. It’s pronounced ‘KO-pen-HAH-gen’ not ‘KO-pen-HAY-gen’.

4. Cash isn’t a thing like other European cities. Do make sure you have a good card with the best exchange rates etc

5. Yes, everyone truly is that good-looking.

Where To Stay

I remember the days (pre Airbnb) when Copenhagen hotels were extortionate. Airbnb can also be pricey so it’s worth doing some research depending on length of stay. Until very recently it was very hard to find good central hotel accommodation at a reasonable rate. You have your luxurious level hotels (Nimb, often a wedding location within Tivoli itself ) or D’Angleterre (famous for movie stars) followed by the likes of Nobis, Park Lane Copenhagen, Hotel Skt. Annæ or Hotel Sanders (designed by my talented friend Pernille) and let’s not forget the infamous Central Hotel (a one-bedded hotel with charm on a trendy street!) Coco Hotel is a great choice as is Hotel Bella Grande both owned by Copenhagen Food Collective with sustainability at the heart of their works.

Villa Copenhagen photo via instagram

My pick? Villa Copenhagen. Another sustainable hotel with rates that are incredibly reasonable when booked in advance for this converted Post Office building. The junior suites are lovely and they have a rooftop pool (possibly still the only one in the city) and of course, a sauna. Staff are incredibly friendly and accommodating although while I would say it’s incredibly child friendly, the pool is more mild Soho house vibes. It’s two minutes walk from the train station (literally off the platform away from Central station, up the stairs so perfect if you’re off a long haul flight) and it has fabulous views of Tivoli too. There’s even a cute - cardamom bun approved - hotel owned bakery ‘Rug’ meaning ‘Rye’ next door.

Let’s Get To The Buns (All ex Noma Alumni!)