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3 Days in Copenhagen: Curated by Local Bria Jones

When it comes to Copenhagen, it’s the global design set and stylish locals who know it best—which is why we turned to local Bria Jones for her recs. Born in the United States, Bria has been living in Copenhagen for some time, where she works as a marketing specialist at beloved Danish homeware brand Tekla. Here, Bria shares her local intel in a three-day itinerary to the Scandinavian capital of cool. With designer-approved gems and insider favorites, the guide is—in her words—intimate, unfussy, and full of places she frequents.

Portrait of Bria JonesBria Jones
3 Days in Copenhagen: Curated by Local Bria Jones

WHERE TO STAY

Hotel Bella Grande

Hotel Bella Grande · Copenhagen

Hotel Bella Grande

This newcomer to the Copenhagen hospitality scene is the sister hotel to Coco. With an interior inspired by a Venetian palazzo, Hotel Bella Grande is centrally located, and—in my opinion—offers some of the best value you can get in the city.

Villa Copenhagen

Villa Copenhagen · Copenhagen

Villa Copenhagen

Full disclosure: this hotel is on the more popular side. But Villa Copenhagen delivers in terms of service, location, and rooms (which are very comfortable and quiet). As an added bonus, the rooftop pool and sauna are perfect for starting the day or recharging in the evening.

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DAY 1

Lille Bakery

Lille Bakery · Copenhagen

Lille Bakery

This bakery is the perfect place to start your trip in the city. Located just outside the city center, it’s accessed via an easy, 15-minute bike ride or a beautiful walk. Everything on the menu is delicious and the ambiance is magical. Lille can get very busy on the weekends, so aim to visit on a weekday (or, get there on the earlier side if you want to avoid long lines or a crowd).

La Banchina

La Banchina · Copenhagen

La Banchina

This waterfront restaurant and sauna is a Copenhagen classic. Bring a towel and get there early—it can get very busy when the weather is good—for a lovely morning of reading, swimming, and people-watching. In addition to coffee, they serve seasonal small plates and have a good wine selection.

Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek

Your next stop is possibly the most beautiful museum in the city. Glyptoteket features a rich mix of sculptures, antiques, and French art housed in a very romantic space. Carve out extra time to sit in the winter garden, which is perfect for a coffee and reading break after browsing the galleries.

Den Lille Apotekt

For lunch, visit Copenhagen’s oldest restaurant, which dates back to 1720. Den Lille Apotekt is cozy and charming in the best way possible, and dining here feels like stepping back in time. While it’s a great place to experience traditional Danish food (like smorrebrød), my personal favorite dishes are the duck and schnitzel.

Tekla Copenhagen

Tekla Copenhagen · Copenhagen

Tekla

After lunch, explore the stores on and around Vognmagergade (one of the best streets for shopping), starting at Tekla’s flagship. Housed in a stunning space, the boutique is thoughtful and refined. I can guarantee that once you step inside the Tekla universe, you’ll want to bring it all home—it’s almost impossible to leave empty-handed.

LIÉ STUDIO

LIÉ STUDIO · Copenhagen

LIÉ STUDIO

Continue on to this little gem of a store from twins Amalie and Cecilie Moosgaard. You’ll find simple, chic jewelery and leather goods in a small but elegant space.

LOUISE ROE

LOUISE ROE · Copenhagen

Louise Roe Gallery

The beautifully curated Louise Roe Gallery is perfect if you’re in the mood to pick up a few home goods. They also serve what might be the best matcha in town.

Birrot

Birrot · Copenhagen

Birrot

Next pop into this local gem, which has captured people with a collection that bridges Korean design with Scandi minimalism. Birrot has made what feels like the dream uniform or capsule wardrobe and is definitely worth a visit.

Vinhanen

Vinhanen · Copenhagen

Vinhanen

Enjoy a pre-dinner drink in a relaxed, candle-lit setting at Vinhanen. This wine bar feels very classic Copenhagen—it’s both understated and full of hygge—with natural wine on tap and good bites.

Graziano

Graziano · Copenhagen

Graziano

For dinner, Graziano is one of my current favorites for Italian food. It has a classic trattoria feel but with a Copenhagen twist, and perhaps the best pomodoro I’ve ever had. It’s great for a long dinner with good energy, and located just down the street from Pompette where you can have a glass of wine before or after dining.

DAY 2

Kismet

Kismet · Copenhagen

Kismet

Begin your morning at this all-day café that has quickly become a favorite among locals. It’s a very easy space to settle into, and they have one of the best sesame buns in the city (but you can’t go wrong with anything on their breakfast/brunch menu).

SMK

Next, head to one of Copenhagen’s biggest museums, which is located right in the city center. (SMK is a good alternative to the Louisiana Museum, if you want to stay local.) Give yourself time to explore the beautiful curation—the collection is extensive and worth a slow visit.

TorvehallerneKBH

TorvehallerneKBH · Copenhagen

Torvehallerne

This lively market is worth stopping by for a snack. They have an amazing bakery (Albatross & Venner, and my go-to for ice cream (Maggis—the snickers ice cream is beyond). Torvehallerne is a great place to simply stroll through, too, especially for those who feel inspired by food.

Prolog Coffee

Head over to the Meatpacking District for a quick espresso at the counter of Prolog Coffee, which serves some of the best coffee you’ll find in town. It’s small, cozy, and serious about coffee.

Comé RICE Kitchen

Comé RICE Kitchen · Copenhagen

Comé Rice Kitchen

For lunch, grab takeaway from this favorite spot in the Meatpacking District. Focused on Japanese comfort food, they specialise in onigiri (don’t sleep on the shiitake onigiri) but everything on the menu is good. There is always a line, but it moves quickly and is absolutely worth the wait. I recommend taking your picnic to a sunny spot nearby, or to Riga to enjoy with drinks.

Rīga

Rīga · Copenhagen

Riga

For wine in the sun, Riga is the place. It’s an excellent spot for people-watching and a dose of that classic Scandinavian summer energy. The lines can get long, so grab a bottle to skip the wait.

Sofiebadet

Sofiebadet · Copenhagen

Sofiebadet

For a mid-trip recharge, hit Sofiebadet. The historic bathhouse dates back to 1909, and has all of its original interior and charm still intact. Book the two-hour package to rotate between steam, sauna, and cold plunge—they also have a small menu for after-sauna lingering.

Bar MORO

Bar MORO · Copenhagen

Bar Moro

Enjoy dinner at this hot spot from one of the chefs behind Frank. The bread alone is worth the visit—it’s truly the best I’ve ever had in my life—but the rest of the menu rotates and always hits. Bar Moro also has warm service, a great interior, and a perfect ambiance for a long dinner.

Fiasco

Fiasco · Copenhagen

Fiasco

For a nightcap, this “Italian pub” is a great place to experience Danish bodega vibes without the smoke. Fiasco is from the crew behind Fabro, and it has the same laid-back vibe as the pasta spot and easy prices. With a very local energy and a basement pool table, Fiasco also serves focaccia sandwiches reminiscent of Florence’s All'Antico Vinaio.

DAY 3

Amator

Amator · Copenhagen

Amator

Have breakfast at this cafe from the former chef at Atelier September. Amator is famous for its French omelette and is located in the quieter neighborhood of Østerbro, making it a great way to experience a different part of the city.

studio x kitchen

studio x kitchen · Copenhagen

Studio x Kitchen

Another option for breakfast is Studio x Kitchen, which serves amazing Japanese omelets. It’s become very popular since it opened, and for good reason.

Museum Ordrupgaard

Museum Ordrupgaard · Copenhagen

Ordrupgaard & Finn Juhl’s House

Take an easy train ride out of the city to experience Ordrupgaard’s beautifully curated exhibitions of 19th-20th century Danish and modern art. It’s well worth the trip. A ticket also includes a visit to the home of designer Finn Juhl’s home (pictured here), which remains fairly intact—it’s the cherry on top of the whole experience.

Louisiana Museum of Modern Art

If you’re feeling ambitious—and craving more culture—pair your Ordrupgaard trip with a visit to the iconic Louisiana Museum.

Diamond Slice

Diamond Slice · Copenhagen

Diamond Slice

Grab an afternoon slice of perhaps the best pizza in the city. It’s served New York-style (by the slice), and my go-to is the pepperoni with hot honey and a radicchio salad on the side. Diamond Slice is great for a quick bite or to sit outside and people watch. It can get pretty busy, but it’s worth it.

Riviera

Riviera · Copenhagen

Riviera

Stop for a quick coffee and bun to-go at Riviera. They do great coffee and delicious pastries, and it has a chic aesthetic that’s very on-brand for Copenhagen.

Ørstedsparken

Ørstedsparken · Copenhagen

Ørstedsparken

Take a stroll (or simply relax) in Ørstedsparken, which may be the park I frequent most in the city. It’s a little haven in the center of town, with a small lake.

Grimal

Grimal · Copenhagen

Grimal

For dinner, Grimal is one of my go-tos in Copenhagen and a place I always bring visitors. The space is intimate, with just the right amount of polish. Fish is a standout here, and I recommend opting for the set menu and adding snacks—the scotch egg and oysters never miss.

Pineau

Pineau · Copenhagen

Pineau

Finish your evening at this wine bar with reasonable prices. It’s great for a post-dinner drink or your final stop of the day before heading back to your hotel.

BONUS RECS

Auren's Deli

Auren's Deli · Copenhagen

Auren's Deli

The best little deli outside the bustle of the city offers a very seasonal menu and everything they do is excellent. It’s also a great place to pick up some local, organic goods to bring home.

Pho Hanoi

Pho Hanoi · Copenhagen

Pho Hanoi

Adored by locals, Pho Hanoi serves perhaps the best Vietnamese you’ll find in town. It’s a great place for a quick dinner in the city.

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