Copenhagen Travel Guide

Where to Eat

Copenhagen has earned the reputation as the gourmet capital of Northern Europe, and looking for a place to dine shouldn’t be a problem to any tourist. Be prepared, though, to dig deeper into your pocket as Copenhagen can be very expensive. Below are great restaurants in the city, with a couple of budget-friendly dines.

1) Noma

This rustic restaurant with water vistas is dubbed as “the best restaurant in the world.” You need to dine here to have a say on that claim. If you are visiting Copenhagen, plan your travel dates and make a reservation for a table here. It serves Scandinavian cuisine made of ingredients from the finest Nordic harvests. Try their seared lobster and wood sorrel with cauliflower and elderberries, it is something that you will taste in your mouth whenever you think about Copenhagen. Expect Chef Rene Redzepi to come to your table to tell a story about your food. Price for an entree starts at USD 65.

Address: Strandgade 93

2) Restaurant Relae

This one is interesting. If Noma is quite expensive for you, try this food joint where ex-Noma chefs have come together to serve you affordable Noma-reminiscent food fare. They offer food options that are exciting and experimental but definitely delightful to the palate. Try their brine-poached mackerel – a smashing combination of flavor and texture. A four-course meals costs USD 60.

Address: Jaegersborggade 41

3) Kodbyen’s Fiskebar

The striking simplicity of this restaurant attracts most customers who come for a quiet dinner near the wood fire. There is a giant fish tank where you can pick your fish for a real fresh treat. The local Limfjorden oysters with raspberries and walnut oil brings in extraordinary flavors in a subtle and simple dish. Price ranges from USD 24 to USD 62.

Address: Flaesketorvet 100, 1711 Kobenhavn V

4) Les Trois Cochon

Find Copenhagen’s best value in French bistro dining at Les Trois Cochon. It serves classic French menu of steak frites, foie gras, ham terrine, and roast poussin in a smart and modern setting. The budget price is a welcome indulgence in a city where gourmet food is known for being pricey. Price starts at under USD 25.

Address: Vaernedamsvej 10, 1619 Kobenhavn V

5) Scarpetta

Italian food is not lost in this Scandinavian city. This restaurant offers excellent Italian cuisine in high-standard service and setting that any traveler shouldn’t miss. Relish your standard Italian pasta, cheesy pizza, fresh herbs in your chicken and lentil soup, and fresh cheeses with toasted nuts. A five-course of absolutely excellent meal will cost around USD 50.

Address: Rantzausgade 7

Where to Stay

Most of the hotels in Copenhagen have no air-conditioned rooms, owing to the near-absence of the need for it. Copenhagen air is fresh and breezy especially in spring and winter. Should there be particular need for it, though, it must be specifically stated when booking.

1) Nimb

You have to book early for Nimb, a small but lavish boutique hotel in the heart of the Tivoli Gardens. When you speak of unbeatable luxury, world class service, gourmet varieties, and the most unforgettable location – go nowhere else but this one-of-a-kind hotel. All of its 14 classy rooms open to the gardens, and room rates start at USD 320.

Address: Bernstorffsgade 5

2) Hotel Kong Arthur

If you favour the northern part of the city, book ahead for a room in this family-run hotel. This elegant hotel is several steps away from the Norrebro station and is near the center of the city. The muted colored rooms are furnished with tea-making equipment and utensils, a flat TV, and a fast internet access. Choose a room facing the courtyard for that old Nordic ambiance. Facilities include a spa and hot bath. Breakfast costs USD 26. Room rate for a night starts at USD 95.

Address: Noerresoegade 11

3) Axel Hotel Guldsmeden

For those who prefer Balinese/French-inspired dwelling in the city, this hotel is their unmistakable choice. Located in the central part of the city, Axel Hotel Guldsmeden has some of the best facilities right in the business hub of Copenhagen. It features a spa, bar, restaurant, swimming pool, lovely interiors, high-speed internet, and stylish rooms. Room rates start at USD 128.

Address: Helgolandsgade 7 to 11

4) First Hotel Skt Petri

This 5-star hotel was converted from a department store to its present lavish accommodations including elegant rooms, enormous beds, spacious lobbies, a gym, and unbeatable location. Pick a room with a mini-bar and a balcony facing the red-brick church. Take your breakfast at the Café Petri and update with the recent news and email. Room rate for one night starts at USD 120.

Address: Krystalgade 22

5) Admiral Hotel

If a historic place is more up your alley, this former grain warehouse should be among your serious options. The Admiral Hotel exudes a dramatic effect with its waterfront, expansive wooden beams, cannons and wooden vaults. Its rather quirky rooms add to its character. The waterside cafes and bars of Nyhavn are nearby, excellent for early strolls. Choose a room that has a balcony looking over the harbor and the Opera House. The homely and old-fashioned rooms with the coveted harbor view cost at least USD 140.

Address: Toldbodgade 24-28

Wherever you are in the world, Copenhagen’s grandeur will gravitate you to it. There’s something about the city’s quiet but proud countenance that a traveler can’t resist. Copenhagen is a destination one has to take, simply because it is so beautiful in an ancient and regal way.