Copenhagen Hotel Guide - Where to stay, eat and shop in Copenhagen
Planning a Copenhagen Stay ? Here's our Guide on which hotels to book & where to eat and shop
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![Grand Joanne Hotel, Copenhagen](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0762/3417/files/untitled-design-1_42860492-5d74-4177-a5b5-e2f3eb9728a3.png?v=1722943282)
We are back again with another City Guide - and this time we are in Copenhagen! A compact city of spires and canals, Copenhagen has it all - from boutique shopping and fine dining to great nightlife and effortlessly cool street-style. I'm back again - albeit for 48 hours as the buying season continues - and can't wait to see what is new and fresh for the seasons ahead. This time around I am in a Guldsmeden Hotel (more on that later), however as someone that has made several trips to the city, I now have a pretty comprehensive list of recommendations!
Read on for our Copenhagen Hotel Top Picks:
Sanders Hotel, Copenhagen
Situated in the historic centre of Copenhagen and a stroll away from the royal residences of Amalienborg Palace and the Royal Danish Opera, Sanders hotel is a cosy choice with 54 luxurious rooms and was my choice last time I was in the city! Copenhagen has plenty of great food spots which we will discuss later, but if time is of the essence, this is a hotel that has it all. Sanders Courtyard, located within the hotel, is a great option for breakfast, lunch or dinner - an outdoor oasis that is both covered and heated, promising authentic Danish Pastries and international cuisine. Looking for a great bar? Then the hotel's TATA bar - named after the red velvet curtain at the neighbouring Royal Theatre - is an intimate and playful option that also offers non-alcoholic cocktails such as the Theatre Spritz (with granny smith apple juice and copenhagen sparkling tea) and the Cafe Shakerato (a homemade coffee cordial).
Grand Joanne Hotel, Copenhagen
The perfect hotel for those looking for something central - the Grand Joanne straddles the bustling Indre By and hipster Vesterbro neighbourhoods of Copenhagen. With the airport a 20 minute drive away and Copenhagen's Grand Central Station just 200metres from the hotel, this is a great option, particularly if you are only staying for a couple of days as I am!
Mixing old-fashioned hospitality with Danish design, the Grand Joanne has a feminine flair, with wood accents and statement carpets. Complete with a leafy roof terrace which is perfect for city-gazing, don't forget to sample a few plates in the hotel's namesake bar and restaurant! And if you have a little more time, Grand Joanne is a partner of Aire Ancient Baths in nearby Carlsberg City - complete with vaulted thermal pools and soothing treatment rooms, this more than makes up for the lack of spa on site!
At a glance:
Eco Conscious - limited food waste, recycling and use of local suppliers
Centrally located with fantastic transport links
Wonderful bar and dining restaurant serving freshly baked pastries in the morning, Italian inspired lunches and international plates in the evening
Nobis Hotel, Copenhagen
An elegant and historic city hotel choice, the Nobis Hotel, Copenhagen is almost as beautiful outside as it is inside. Situated directly opposite the Tivoli Gardens, this hotel offers first-class service, contemporary rooms and great pre-dinner cocktails from the hotel's Marble Bar.
Stylish restaurant Noi is also worth a visit - based in the 1960s annexe, this wide open space was designed by Swedish architect Gert Wingardh and serves both large and small plates beneath suspended pendant lighting. A romantic and warm setting serving a seasonal menu, it is open Tuesday-Saturday.
At a glance:
Great on site facilities - from Marble Bar to Restaurant and Spa
Centrally located - opposite the Tivoli Gardens and 20 minutes by car to airport
Stunning neo-classical facade which was formerly the Royal Danish Academy of Music
High Ceilings and Vast Windows offering views over the city rooftops
Nimb Hotel, Copenhagen
A quirky bolthole situated in central Copenhagen. With just a pinch of Scandi minimalism and a whole lot of opulence (think dark fairy-tale) the Nimb Hotel, Copenhagen is just inside Tivoli Gardens, opposite Copenhagen Central Station! It's dome topped exterior is as unique as it's interior which features bird motifs, chandeliers and deep jewel-toned bedding and dark furniture.
Benefits include private access to Tivoli Gardens as well as the hotel gym and spa. Sip coffee or a negroni in Nimb Bar - housed in a former ballroom - by day, and opt for the Brasserie terrace at night for a front-row view of Tivoli's lights.
At a glance:
Opulent European Experience
Views over Tivoli Gardens
Five Restaurants, Two Bars and a Pastry Bar within
The Darling Resdiences, Copenhagen
A little bit of a different one - but definitely one to keep in mind for a romantic break or a special trip away. The Darling is a boutique stay in Copenhagen's Old City set along the shopping haven of Strøget Street. Comprising of two self-contained pieds-à-terre, the Grand and the Classic, these are the apartments that design dreams are made of! If you are a fan of interiors, you can't miss pieces by Hans Wenger and Arne Jacobsen alongside Finn Juhl and Børge Mogensen.
Given the arrangement, there are of course no restaurants on site, however each residence has its own custom made kitchen, so why not try your hand at some local cuisine - the concierge can arrange your food to be delivered before your arrival - or for a special occasion, why not have a chef do it for you!
At a glance:
Stunningly designed interiors in each residence
Privacy ensured - perfect for romantic trips or family renunions!
Self-Catering - give in to those midnight snack cravings!
Babette Guldsmeden, Copenhagen
Enjoying a prime location in the heart of Copenhagen, the Babette Guldsmeden is my choice of stay this time around. Just steps away from some of the City's most iconic landmarks - including the Royal Palace and The Little Mermaid Statue - and more importantly for me, conveniently located near Copenhagen's primary shopping district!
With a Green Key and Green Globe certification, the hotel has 98 rooms and a quaint courtyard fusing Scandinavian and Indonesian design. Decor is a blend of oriental rugs, stone sinks and wooden floors. An oasis of tranquilirty within the heart of the city!
At a glance:
Four-Poster beds in all rooms (other than those with slanted ceilings)
Outdoor Rooftop Spa and Lounge
Skagen Fiskerestaurant on-site
Places to eat/drink in Copenhagen
We all need to refuel, and discovering great places to wine and dine is a joy to me - particularly when somewhere new! Luckily, Copenhagen is often rated as one of the top foodie destinations in Europe with it's culinary delights blending seamlessly with it's rich history and culture. There are so many great places to try from coffee havens - coffee aficionados love Coffee Collective and household name Copenhagen Coffee Lab - to Michelin rated spots such as Selma (for the best Smørrebrød experience) and Kanalen (situated in what was once the Harbour Police Office).
For unforgettable breakfast pastries, you have to try Apotek 57 for their cardamom buns and lively atmosphere - think young Copenhagers, music and Ganni Girls!
Cult eatery Gasoline Grill (pictured below) is perfect for a quick bite and an instagram shot - make sure to pick up the fries with truffle salt - whilst Scandi staple Kafeteria SMK (situated at SMK, the National Gallery of Denmark) has an inviting atmosphere with lots of natural light and warming soups, breads and pastries.
Where to shop in Copenhagen
The mix of independent boutiques (love!!), cobbled streets and design powerhouses has made Copenhagen one of the most inviting cities for shopping! Danish fashion has for years, been making waves on the international circuit - and so, trips to big-name brands Stine Goya and Ganni should not be missed. Based in the heart of the inner city, edgy interiors spot HAY House is also a must-visit, and whilst in the neighbourhood, take a browse around hip brand Wood Wood (a local favourite)! Fans of Ganni should also take a look around Ganni Postmodern - an archive shop!
More of my favourites include Lot #29, Skall Studio, Frama and La Bagatelle. See below
Pack for 48 hours in Copenhagen
Two keys words when packing for Copenhagen - colour and comfort! With hand luggage in tow, I have to be smart and my trusty maxi dress from Dea Kudibal is such a versatile piece - perfect layered beneath this Mos Mosh denim jacket. I have loved this Bellerose Cosie Bum Bag too, worn cross body, it holds all my essentials and its woven structure is perfect for Summer!