Moments in Copenhagen: Steve's guide to design, dining & the Art of Danish Living with Georg Jensen
There are certain cities around the world where design isn’t simply something you see — it’s something you feel. Copenhagen is one of those rare places where beauty exists quietly in the everyday; in the curve of a chair, the ritual of setting a table, the warmth of a candlelit restaurant, or the effortless balance between old and new.
In partnership with Georg Jensen, I wanted to share my personal guide to one of the world’s most inspiring design capitals — a city that celebrates craftsmanship, creativity and the art of living well. Founded in Copenhagen over a century ago, Georg Jensen has long represented the essence of Danish design: timeless forms, honest materials and pieces created not only to be admired, but to become part of our daily rituals.
What I love most about Copenhagen is its sense of considered simplicity. Nothing feels overly decorated, yet everything feels intentional. From historic architecture and contemporary galleries to beautifully curated stores, intimate restaurants and hotels that feel like a home away from home, the city has an incredible ability to create moments that linger.
This guide is a collection of the places that inspired me most — the design destinations, hidden corners, restaurants, hotels and experiences that capture the spirit of Copenhagen. A celebration of Scandinavian style, thoughtful craftsmanship and those little moments of beauty that turn travel into lasting memories.
STAY
Hotel Sanders
A true Copenhagen jewel box. Created by former ballet dancer Alexander Kølpin, this intimate hotel captures everything I love about Danish interiors — layered textures, beautiful lighting, collected objects and that feeling of staying in a stylish friend’s home rather than a hotel.
d’Angleterre
The grand dame of Copenhagen. Overlooking Kongens Nytorv, this historic hotel celebrates timeless European elegance with a distinctly Danish sense of restraint. Perfect for a classic Copenhagen moment.
Villa Copenhagen
A beautiful example of adaptive reuse — the former 1912 Central Post & Telegraph headquarters reimagined into a contemporary hotel. Historic architecture meets warm Nordic minimalism.
Nobis Hotel Copenhagen
For lovers of architecture and quiet luxury. Set within a historic building with interiors balancing original details, stone, timber and beautifully restrained Scandinavian design.
Villa Copenhagen
A beautiful example of adaptive reuse — the former 1912 Central Post & Telegraph headquarters reimagined into a contemporary hotel. Historic architecture meets warm Nordic minimalism, with a focus on sustainability, community and contemporary Danish living.
Hotel Ottilia
A celebration of Copenhagen’s industrial heritage and modern design sensibility. Set within the former Carlsberg brewery buildings, Hotel Ottilia honours its historic architecture with raw textures, dramatic spaces and a contemporary Scandinavian approach to comfort — perfectly capturing the city’s ability to reinvent the past.
Hotel SP34
A boutique design hotel in the heart of Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, SP34 embodies the effortless cool of the city — relaxed, creative and beautifully considered. Think warm minimalism, Danish furniture, thoughtful details and the feeling of being immersed in local Copenhagen life.
The Apartment Copenhagen
More than a place to stay, The Apartment is an immersion into the world of Danish design and the art of collecting. Set within an 18th-century residence in Christianshavn, this beautifully curated space feels like stepping inside the home of a true tastemaker — layered with contemporary art, vintage treasures, collectible furniture and unexpected moments of colour.
SAVOUR
Restaurants, Rituals & the Art of the Table
Food culture in Copenhagen is about so much more than what is on the plate — it is about seasonality, craftsmanship and creating moments of connection. From morning coffee rituals and neighbourhood bakeries to candlelit restaurants and unforgettable dining experiences, Copenhagen celebrates the beauty of slowing down and gathering around the table.
MORNING RITUALS
Coffee, Bakeries & Everyday Moments
Atelier September
A morning ritual. Effortless Copenhagen style — beautiful coffee, simple seasonal food and the kind of interiors you immediately want to recreate at home.
Apotek 57
A true Copenhagen design moment. Set within the historic home of Frama, Apotek 57 brings together food, interiors and craftsmanship in the most considered way. Seasonal dishes, beautiful objects and an atmosphere that celebrates the ritual of slowing down.
Juno the Bakery
A Copenhagen icon. Famous for its cardamom buns and beautiful approach to baking, Juno represents everything I love about Scandinavian food culture — craft, patience and finding joy in small daily rituals.
Andersen & Maillard
A celebration of craft in its simplest form. Known for exceptional coffee and pastries, Andersen & Maillard captures the Danish appreciation for turning everyday moments into something memorable.
Buka
A beautiful bakery experience celebrating Copenhagen’s love of craftsmanship and daily rituals. From morning pastries to coffee moments, Buka reflects the Danish ability to make simple pleasures feel special.
Prolog Coffee Bar
For true coffee lovers. Located in Copenhagen’s creative Meatpacking District, Prolog is a destination for carefully crafted coffee and a perfect example of the city’s obsession with quality and detail.
Lille Bakery
Located in Refshaleøen, this is Copenhagen’s slower side — handmade pastries, thoughtful food and a community-driven approach to dining.
AROUND THE TABLE
Restaurants Made for Gathering
Esmée
A sophisticated Copenhagen favourite where European elegance meets relaxed Nordic sensibility. Beautiful interiors, refined classics and that effortless atmosphere that makes you want to linger long after the last course.
Admiralgade 26
A must-visit for design lovers. Set within a beautiful historic building, the interiors are as considered as the food — a perfect expression of Copenhagen’s ability to balance heritage and modernity.
Anton
A charming neighbourhood address celebrating the simple pleasure of great food, great wine and good company. Warm, intimate and exactly the kind of place that captures Copenhagen’s understated approach to hospitality.
Bottega Barlie
An intimate Copenhagen favourite celebrating the simple beauty of gathering around the table. Seasonal cooking, considered wines and a warm neighbourhood atmosphere capture the essence of Danish hospitality.
Cantina
A lively Copenhagen favourite inspired by the generosity of Italian dining. Seasonal ingredients, handmade simplicity and a warm atmosphere create the perfect setting for long lunches and shared plates.
Bar Moro
An intimate neighbourhood restaurant bringing together thoughtful cooking, beautiful wines and Copenhagen’s effortless sense of style. Relaxed yet refined.
Kismet
A contemporary Copenhagen dining experience with a creative spirit. Relaxed, atmospheric and full of energy — the kind of place where food, interiors and conversation naturally come together.
Osteria 16
A slice of Italy through a Copenhagen lens. Relaxed, generous and convivial — where simple ingredients, shared plates and conversation become the focus.
BÆST
A celebration of craft, produce and simplicity. Known for handmade Italian-inspired cooking using incredible local ingredients — casual, considered and full of soul.
Poulette
A cult Copenhagen stop proving that great food moments don’t always need to be formal. Small, focused and full of personality — simplicity done beautifully.
EVENING & WINE
Candlelight, Conversation & Copenhagen Nights
Ved Stranden 10
One of Copenhagen’s most loved wine bars. Set along the canal, it captures the Danish art of slowing down — a glass of wine, thoughtful design and watching the rhythm of the city.
Bar Vitrine
A creative favourite with a distinctly Copenhagen spirit — intimate, effortlessly stylish and the perfect place to discover the city’s evolving food and wine scene.
Apollo Bar
Set within Kunsthal Charlottenborg, this is where art, design and dining meet. Understated, creative and always inspiring.
La Banchina
A quintessential Copenhagen moment. Simple seasonal food, natural wine, a swim in the harbour and sitting by the water watching the city move around you.
Riviera
The perfect all-day Copenhagen moment — from morning coffee to an evening drink. Stylish yet relaxed, with an atmosphere that feels like a European escape in the heart of the city.
Lido
An intimate spot that embodies the new generation of Copenhagen dining — relaxed, creative and focused on atmosphere as much as the menu.
DESTINATION DINING
Icons & Culinary Storytelling
Noma
The restaurant that changed the way the world viewed Nordic cuisine. An icon of innovation, seasonality and storytelling through ingredients.
Geranium
A true celebration of Nordic gastronomy. Refined, poetic and deeply connected to nature — a dining experience where every detail feels considered.
Alchemist
Less a restaurant, more an immersive journey through food, art and storytelling. One of Copenhagen’s most ambitious dining experiences, where creativity pushes every boundary.
Kong Hans Kælder
Old-world Copenhagen romance. Candlelight, vaulted ceilings and incredible craftsmanship on the plate.
COLLECT
Design, Craft & Objects with a Story
Copenhagen is a city where design is woven into daily life. From heritage houses that have shaped the way we live, to contemporary studios redefining Scandinavian style and hidden destinations filled with collected treasures — these are the places that celebrate craftsmanship, creativity and the beauty of objects with meaning.
THE ICONS
Heritage, Craft & Danish Design History
Georg Jensen Flagship Store
A Copenhagen icon and a celebration of Danish craftsmanship. From sculptural silver pieces to objects for the home, Georg Jensen represents the beauty of creating pieces that become part of life’s everyday rituals.
Royal Copenhagen
A Danish institution. For centuries Royal Copenhagen has celebrated craftsmanship and the rituals of the table through hand-painted porcelain, timeless patterns and pieces designed to be passed down.
House of Finn Juhl
A must for anyone who loves Danish furniture. Celebrating one of Denmark’s most influential designers, Finn Juhl’s work remains the perfect balance of sculptural beauty and function.
Carl Hansen & Søn Flagship Store
For anyone who loves Danish furniture history — home to some of the world’s most recognisable design icons. A celebration of craftsmanship, natural materials and enduring forms.
Klassik Copenhagen
A destination for lovers of Danish design history. Specialising in vintage originals and iconic pieces from Denmark’s greatest designers, Klassik celebrates craftsmanship, provenance and timeless design.
Paustian
A landmark of Danish design. Home to iconic furniture, lighting and contemporary pieces, Paustian is a destination for anyone wanting to understand Copenhagen’s design legacy.
Vipp
An icon of Danish design where industrial precision meets modern living. From its original pedal bin to furniture, kitchens and architecture, Vipp represents enduring design created to last generations.
Dinesen
Masters of extraordinary timber and craftsmanship. Dinesen’s world celebrates natural materials, architecture and the quiet beauty of details that improve with time.
J.L. Møller
A true expression of Danish furniture craftsmanship. Founded on an uncompromising dedication to quality, Møller’s pieces celebrate the beauty of timber, proportion and the handmade — creating furniture that feels just as relevant today as when it was first designed.
Nanna Ditzel
One of Denmark’s most influential creative voices. Known for her sculptural approach and ability to push the boundaries of furniture and form, Ditzel’s work captures the playfulness, innovation and enduring beauty of Danish design.
&Tradition
From sculptural lighting and furniture to objects that elevate everyday rituals, &Tradition perfectly captures Copenhagen’s ability to honour its design heritage while continuing to evolve.
Fritz Hansen
One of Denmark’s most celebrated design houses. For over 150 years, Fritz Hansen has helped define the language of Danish design through craftsmanship, innovation and timeless silhouettes. From Arne Jacobsen’s iconic forms to contemporary collaborations, each piece reflects the beauty of furniture designed to become part of everyday life.
Mater
A new generation of Danish design with a focus on responsibility, innovation and material exploration. Mater brings together timeless Scandinavian aesthetics with a thoughtful approach to how design can shape a more considered future.
THE NEW DANISH LANGUAGE
Contemporary Design & Modern Living
Audo Copenhagen
A true design destination combining showroom, hospitality and creative space. Audo represents the modern Danish approach to living — where furniture, architecture and experience all connect.
GUBI Store
A must-visit for contemporary Danish design lovers. Beautifully balances archival design icons with new classics.
Frama Studio Store
Housed in an old pharmacy, Frama captures raw materials, architectural simplicity and the beauty of imperfection.
Muuto
The new generation of Scandinavian design. Fresh, contemporary and playful while remaining deeply connected to craftsmanship and simplicity.
Louise Roe Gallery
A beautifully curated universe of sculptural objects, furniture and interiors. Louise Roe’s world captures contemporary Danish design at its best — refined, tactile and quietly expressive.
Tekla
A study in elevated simplicity. Known for considered textiles and beautiful everyday essentials, Tekla embodies the Scandinavian philosophy that the objects we use daily should be as thoughtful as they are functional.
Reform
Where architecture meets the kitchen. Reform collaborates with leading designers to transform functional spaces into considered design statements.
HAY House
Playful, modern Danish design with one of the best views overlooking Copenhagen. A colourful expression of the new Scandinavian design movement.
Illums Bolighus
The ultimate Danish design destination. A beautifully curated world of furniture, lighting, objects and homewares from Scandinavia’s most celebrated makers.
THE COLLECTORS’ BLACK BOOK
Antiques, Art & Unexpected Finds
Studio Oliver Gustav
One of Copenhagen’s most atmospheric design destinations. A poetic world of collectible furniture, art and objects where raw textures, antiques and contemporary pieces create a beautifully layered experience.
The Apartment Copenhagen
One of Copenhagen’s most inspiring interiors destinations — part gallery, part home. A lesson in colour, layering and collecting.
Tage Andersen
One of Copenhagen’s most magical creative worlds. Part florist, part gallery, part theatre — a sensory experience filled with flowers, objects and extraordinary imagination.
Rue Verte
A sophisticated interiors destination bringing together furniture, objects, fragrance and lifestyle pieces. Elegant, layered and beautifully international.
Beau Marché
A charming destination filled with French antiques, homewares and everyday treasures. Perfect for finding pieces that feel collected over time.
Fransk Brocante
A little piece of France in Copenhagen. Beautiful antiques, decorative objects and collected pieces that celebrate patina, history and imperfection.
Nuvole Design
A treasure trove for unique finds and design pieces. The kind of destination that celebrates the thrill of discovering something unexpected.
Trash & Treasure
For those who love the hunt. A place to discover vintage finds, character pieces and objects that bring personality, history and soul into a home.
Federica
A considered interiors destination celebrating beautiful objects, furniture and craftsmanship with a distinctly European sensibility.
Dansk
A celebration of Danish lifestyle and design — bringing together pieces that capture Copenhagen’s effortless approach to living beautifully.
DISCOVER — Design, Art & Architecture
Designmuseum Danmark
An essential stop. Explore the evolution of Danish design and the ideas that shaped how we live today.
Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
A little outside the city, but one of the most beautiful museum experiences in the world. Art, architecture and landscape working together.
Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
One of Copenhagen’s most magical spaces — sculpture, architecture, gardens and incredible natural light.
Thorvaldsens Museum
Colour, pattern and classical inspiration. A dream for anyone who loves interiors and decorative arts.
The Royal Library — The Black Diamond
A striking example of Copenhagen’s ability to merge historic and contemporary architecture.
The Round Tower (Rundetaarn)
One of Copenhagen’s most iconic architectural landmarks. Built in the 17th century as an astronomical observatory, the Round Tower is a beautiful example of the city’s ability to blend history, craftsmanship and discovery.
Its unique spiral walkway slowly reveals the architecture as you ascend, leading to one of the most beautiful views across Copenhagen’s rooftops — a reminder that great design is not only about objects and spaces, but about perspective and the way we experience a city.
Copenhagen is a city that reminds you great design doesn’t need to shout. It’s found in the small details.
