From Michelin-starred meals to refreshing harbour swims: Copenhagen beckons with its Nordic charm

In a city where design is religion and food is art, Copenhagen is a masterclass in effortless cool that will completely rewire your travel expectations.

This is a city that shape-shifts with theatrical precision. In spring (March to May), dormant gardens burst into colour, transforming urban landscapes into living canvasses. Summer (June to August) arrives like a perpetual street party, with 20-hour daylight that makes time feel elastic.

Autumn (September to November) heralds a season of hygge – that quintessentially Danish concept of cosy intimacy that turns simple moments into profound experiences. As for winter (December to February), it’s an invitation to discover warmth in unexpected places. Whichever season you choose to visit in, the city will delight you in myriad ways.

For couples in search of next-level romantic experiences, Copenhagen offers a plethora of possibilities beyond predictable date nights. Here, intimacy is about shared discoveries, like taking a design workshop together, learning to cook Nordic cuisine, or exploring hidden wine bars that feel like members-only establishments.

Most travel guides recommend spending four to five days in Copenhagen, but you will want more. To make the most of your time in the city, fly direct with Singapore Airlines. Each daily flight arrives early in the morning, allowing you to start exploring the city once you disembark. With multiple cabin class options, including Economy Class, Premium Economy Class and Business Class, passengers can fly in comfort on the long-haul trip.

Start your journey with over 1,900 in-flight entertainment options and the Book the Cook meal service, available in Premium Economy Class and above, with a selection from a variety of dishes. Need to send a last-minute note to your hotel? There is complimentary Wi-Fi available so you can stay connected. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available to Business Class, PPS Club and supplementary cardholders, and KrisFlyer members in Premium Economy Class and Economy Class.

Getting around

Upon arrival, the city’s compact nature and exceptional public transport mean you can experience multiple worlds within hours. If you purchase a Copenhagen Card, it offers unlimited rides on public transport and entry to numerous attractions.

Or why not get around as the locals do – on two wheels. With more bicycles than residents, this city of 1.4 million doesn’t just accommodate cyclists; it practically worships them. Rent a bike, join a guided tour, or just go where the wind takes you.

Explore Cykelslangen, or “The Bicycle Snake”, a striking 220m elevated cycle bridge that offers cyclists a unique urban journey. Opened in 2014, this orange-hued structure winds 7m above the waterway, connecting the hip Vesterbro district with Islands Brygge, a former industrial harbour-turned-buzzy waterfront hangout. 

Design for life

For architecture and design enthusiasts, Copenhagen is a veritable mecca, with a captivating blend of iconic modern structures and design-focused neighbourhoods.

The city has some surprises up its sleeves too. If you missed ski season in winter, you can still get your adrenaline fix at CopenHill, a waste-to-energy plant with a ski slope available all year round. Yes, you read right. Completed in 2019, the building’s dramatic sloping roof doubles as an artificial ski slope and hiking trail, while its facade features a striking pattern of aluminum bricks. The dual purpose project provides clean energy for 150,000 homes and serves as a recreational hub.

Not a skier? CopenHill also offers trail systems and stairs on both sides of the ski slope, where you can walk up the verdant green landscape in warmer months, enjoy a picnic on the grass or even take a mountain hike at sunset. Of course, if you prefer less vigorous activities, you can also take the elevator up to enjoy a panoramic view of the city.

Along a nearby waterfront is The Royal Library, known as the Black Diamond for its glossy black exterior that dramatically reflects the harbour’s waters. Even if you are not there for the books, head there for the exhibitions, cultural activities and amazing view of the harbour. The Black Diamond is open daily and entry is free.

If you want to immerse yourself in a design-centric neighbourhood, Nordhavn is a good bet. Once an industrial port, the area is now home to cutting-edge examples of Scandi-modern architecture, including The Silo, a former grain silo converted into apartments. There is also a restaurant on the 17th storey where you can enjoy 360-degree views of the area.

Nearby, the UN City Campus 1 is a great example of Danish architecture and one of the most sustainable buildings of its kind in Scandinavia. Shaped like an eight-fingered star, the building has 1,400 panels on its roof, while its cooling system and solar shades can be opened and closed to trap or reflect heat from the sun.

Food, glorious food

With design so integral to Danish culture, it is no wonder that it has also rubbed off on the city’s gastronomic scene. A host of culinary hotspots invite guests to dine in beautifully curated surrounds with chic design accents.

Aperitivo Bar, a lovely spot at the rooftop of the five-star Hotel Sanders, features side tables and Charlottenborg rattan chairs were designed by the famous Danish architect Arne Jacobsen in 1936. Enjoy a relaxing breakfast there in the warmth of the sun before you head out to explore the city later.

On the corner of Norre Farimagsgade and Ahlefeldtsgade sits Host, winner of Travel + Leisure magazine’s World’s Best Designed Restaurant. Serving up Nordic ingredients paired with seasonal greens, its course menus feature dishes such as scallops with apple and currants, and baked celeriac with truffle and gooseberries.

While you may know Copenhagen for its impressive Michelin credentials – 26 stars spread across 15 restaurants, including three coveted three-star establishments: Noma, Geranium, and Jordnær – there are also more casual options.

If you want a Michelin connection at a fraction of the price, head to the picturesque Christianshavn neighbourhood where you’ll find POPL. Run by veterans of Noma, POPL was originally a pop-up burger restaurant and bar, but later became a permanent fixture. Expect organic Danish beef with vegan options handmade in the Noma fermentation lab. Takeaway options are also available.

For a casual meal by the waterfront, Michelin-recommended Barr serves up rustic dishes with classic Nordic roots. Choose from a selection of Danish beers to round off the meal as you take in the sights of the harbour.

The city that rewards curiosity

Copenhagen’s charm extends far beyond its well-trodden tourist paths. Dive into neighbourhoods like Vesterbro, a vibrant area that pulses with creative energy. The former working-class district is now a hub of cool galleries, destination restaurants, and trendy nightclubs, particularly in the revitalised Meatpacking District.

For a truly unique perspective of the city, head to Islands Brygge where GoBoat offers an unforgettable canal experience. Here, you become the captain of your own electric vessel, navigating picturesque waterways at your leisure. Explore lesser-known corners of the city, and maybe even enjoy a romantic picnic on board.

If you prefer, jump into the Harbour Bath for a dip in summer, where you can swim with the city’s skyline right in front of you. In the evenings, spot the locals as they come by for a soak after work.

For a captivating day trip, take a 45-minute train ride to Elsinore. This coastal town is home to the Unesco World Heritage site Kronborg Castle, famously known as Hamlet’s castle.

Beyond the castle, explore charming medieval streets, visit the Gothic St. Olaf’s Church, and discover the town’s rich maritime history at the M/S Maritime Museum of Denmark. With its blend of history, culture, and seaside charm, Helsingør offers a refreshing contrast to city life.

Copenhagen is one of those destinations that showcases the new, the novel and the next-level, ultimately fundamentally shifting your worldview on urban life. It’s unlike anywhere else on earth, so pack your sense of wonder and leave your expectations at home.

Plan your next holiday to Copenhagen here and book your direct flight on Singapore Airlines.