Copenhagen: 72 Hours of Culture, Art and Cuisine

Welcome to Copenhagen, a city where Scandinavian precision meets effortless charm. Known for its high design aesthetic and vibrant energy, Denmark's capital offers a seamless blend of historical intrigue and modern innovation. As one of the greenest cities in the world, Copenhagen champions sustainability in every aspect—from its extensive cycling culture to its pristine drinking water, hailed as some of the best in the world, straight from the tap. Add to that its exceptional culinary scene and a wealth of cultural activities, and you have the perfect destination for an inspiring 72-hour escape.

Art and History at Your Doorstep

Architecture Museum

Copenhagen’s national gallery of architecture is quite a site; there is room to dream and play right at the entrance with outdoor slides that invite visitors to not only observe and appreciate but to interact with Danish design, too. The current exhibition “So Danish!” unfolds the history of Danish architecture from the Viking Age to present day and gives you the opportunity to travel into the history of Danish architecture and understand how their approach to design impacts society overall. The exhibition contains architecture at all levels of scale, from buildings and urban spaces to furniture and landscape architecture. Kids can interact with items on display with an excellent recreation space that invites them to explore and create designs of their own.

Design Museum

Designmuseum Danmark is located in an 18th century historic building that originally served as the Royal Frederik’s Hospital, Denmark’s first public hospital. The site later became the workspace of renowned designer Kaare Klint, a pioneer of modern Danish design, who also founded a furniture school there. Today, the museum is celebrated for promoting Danish creativity and quality in design both nationally and around the world. The new exhibition “Danish Modern” unfolds the story of Danish design from the 1920s to the 1970s, focusing on the creation of some of the most iconic Danish design objects. Don’t miss “The Cup and the Ceramicist” on exhibit thru May 2025.

Tip: Pre-purchase the tickets to enjoy swift access; and feel free to leave your coats/umbrellas in the storage room.

Botanical Garden

In a city like Copenhagen, green spaces are not just a means of maximising quality of life for locals, but also a living standard that teaches us about the important of civilian wellbeing and our connection to nature. This living museum houses majestic gardens with abundant greenhouses and walking paths where you can pass an entire afternoon, and there are activity labs available all year round. The onsite cafe and bar are added reason to immerse in the magic. Don’t miss The Palm House with its panoramic terrace that offers views over the garden and glimpses of the city’s spires and towers.

Traveling with Kids? Copenhagen has it all, including these recommended locations:

Planetarium

Tivoli Gardens & Amusement Park

Museum of Illusions

IKONO Museum

*Design Museum (Danish Modern), Copenhagen*

A Keen Eye for Cuisine

No.2

This kitchen prides itself on an uncompromising approach to raw materials, served in a contemporary and stylish setting on the quayside with a nice view to the Black Diamond and the Copenhagen towers. Menus are not obligatory so you can combine a la carte options with ‘short route’ tastings that let you experience the talented hand and vision of resident chef Nikolaj Køster. To start, bread and whipped butter are stellar. Environment is laid-back and convivial with big windows that open up to canal views. What’s behind the name? It’s the sister restaurant of Michelin starred restaurant a|o|c.

Brasserie Kontrast

This cosmopolitan brasserie is located on the premises of Villa Copenhagen, with a focus on delivering contrasting flavours based on locally grown ingredients: sustainably produced meat and fish as well as seasonal and organic ingredients are provided by local farmers. Food is fresh, delicious and creativity, reminiscent of the vibrant food scene in Tel Aviv. Dishes like the Danish Veal Rib Eye and Nordic Tempeh were well appreciated. Sustainability leads the menu change at all times with special attention to how ingredients are produced and eliminated; in fact they have a composting mill, BioMaster, where food waste is converted into biogas - a CO2-friendly energy source - and residuals are used as organic fertiliser.

Alouette*

At Alouette, Chef-Owner Nick Curtin brings his expertise to life by collaborating with local farmers to source top-tier ingredients at their prime. His dishes are thoughtfully minimalist, perfectly balanced, and packed with exceptional flavor. The sauces stand out as a true testament to his craft, offering rich, layered flavors that seamlessly complement each dish's main elements. With a skillful use of an open fire and an attentive service team dedicated to creating a memorable experience, every visit to Alouette becomes an extraordinary culinary journey.

Additional recommended addresses:

Noma - a 3* Michelin starred restaurant boasting one of the world’s most cutting-edge test kitchens, with refined interiors and waterfront views, and a one-of-a-kind dining experience.

Jordnaer*** - this 3* Michelin restaurant is open Tuesday to Friday, well worth the experience.

Cafe Orsa - highly recommended coffee spot to recharge and snack on-the-move.

Juju - great spot for lunch with Korean recipes that have just the right amount of spice and flair.

Where to Stay

Villa Copenhagen
What we loved about this property is its excellent location, in-room comforts, and all-day services. Opt for a spacious room and enjoy double showers and extra sunlight; each room and suite is smartly designed to ensure guests are comfortable with most everything you need just one step away. In-room amenities include special flip-flops, high-quality toiletries, well-stocked minibar, steamers, and smart phone chargers. The food experience is a guarantee; breakfast is a banquet with many options for vegans and vegetarians too, while the Courtyard Bar serves all-day drinks and snack menu that will satisfy your appetite. Housed in the city’s former central post office, the property is big however there is always a staff member in sight for help or inquiries, including the friendly concierge desk.

While they do not have a spa per se, the sauna and outdoor heated pool are an excellent escape route after a long day out, plus a gym to soothe all those guilty pleasures you’ll collect along the way. With that in mind, the city is blessed with wonderful day spas where you can enjoy authentic Thai massage and beauty treatments. You can book bicycles at the hotel but there are plenty of city apps if preferred.