Why Copenhagen is the Most Chic Winter City
Photo by Jacob Buchhave on Unsplash
08 December 2023
Fashion and culture lovers are heading to this Scandi city all winter
Nestled on the Danish coast, Copenhagen beckons with an irresistible blend of old-world charm and contemporary flair. This European gem is the chicest city in Europe. I know that’s high praise, but it’s earned. While the fashion set and artists used to flock to Paris, I wouldn’t be surprised if Netflix comes out with a show called Megan in Cophenhagen next.
This Danish city is where everything is happening. It inspired a whole episode of The Bear- guest starring Will Poulter as a pastry chef no less - for its beauty, its boats, and its baked goods. It’s also home to one of the most exciting fashion weeks of the style calendar for its refreshing and exciting style — where, unlike New York’s Dimes Square, people dress individually and not like an army of clones in Onitsuka Tigers. It's the home of brands Ganni and Saks Potts. They even invented hygge! Suffice it to say, Copenhagen is one of the most fashionable and cultural cities in the world. And it comes alive in the winter.
What makes Copenhagen so unique is what Americans like to call “charm,” which is the catchall we use to marvel at the fact that most Europeans have historical architecture and cultural landmarks that aren’t Confederate statues. Its rich tapestry of historic landmarks is the background to the city’s runway-ready fashions and critically acclaimed dining scene. Imagine doing a TikTok outfit check with houseboats as your background. Yeah, there’s a reason the fashion girlies are flocking to Copenhagen.
The picturesque landscape is juxtaposed with vibrant, exciting city life. Copenhagen is the home of some of the world’s finest restaurants, a wealth of cultural escapades for your visiting pleasure, and some shopping that will send you home with an overweight bag full of incredibly unique pieces.
Copenhageners are just as cool as their city, even in the winter when the weather is ice cold. Somehow they make giant scarves and big coats feel fashionable — and they do it all on their ubiquitous bicycles.
As you explore Copenhagen's cobblestone alleys and vibrant districts, you'll discover that chic isn't just a style here; it's a way of life. This city stands as a vibrant nexus for art, culture, and fashion, drawing enthusiasts from around the globe. Its unique blend of progressive cuisine, groundbreaking design, and a burgeoning style scene continues to captivate travelers and locals alike.
Here are some recommendations that unveil the city's irresistible charm across food, museums, cultural hotspots, and monuments:
Where to eat in Copenhagen:
Omar: Natural wine bars with seasonal menus are the trendiest spots in any city. This adventurous cuisine uses fresh produce in exciting new ways paired with an enviable wine selection.
Admiralgade 26: Fine dining is a dime a dozen in Copenhagen and you can’t go wrong anywhere. But make sure to carve out a night for dinner here
Atelier September: Breakfast here might be the most indulgent you have in your life. From cloudlike butter towers to fresh baked goods, I’d eat here for breakfast every day if there weren’t a hundred other places also competing for the top spot on my list.
Lille: Craving baked goods? Here’s the best spot for all things buttery and flaky
Jatak: Chef Jonathan Tam combines Asian cuisine with his signature Nordic twist, whipping up dishes like crispy sea buckthorn tempura.
Juju: KFC here stands for Korean fried chicken. Dive into modern Korean gastronomy curated by Noma alum Kristian Baumann.
Donda Deli: Indulge in Latin American flavors amidst a cozy ambiance, savoring a fusion of tastes complemented by a selection of natural wines.
Kōnā: Experience the Japanese izakaya culture with chicken karaage and a curated ramen menu.
Copenhagen Shopping:
Saks Potts Store: Everyone has been spotted in Saks Potts, from Hailey Bieber to Matilda Djerf. Go visit this fashion mecca and leave room in your suitcase for your finds.
Frama Studio Store: Want the most stylish house in your city? Here’s where to shop for home goods, tabletop pieces, and accessories. All the pieces boast timeless designs and products crafted with honest materials.
Le petit Voyeur: Aside from having a fantastic name, this curated spot has a covetable collection of art and design books
Boutique Mark Kenly Domino Tan: This boutique store is a great spot for discovering the next big brand. Shop its curated collection and watch as all the high-quality pieces become cult brands. You can say you discovered them first at a “little place in Copenhagen.”
Frederiksberg Town Hall: I judge the fashion of a city based on its vintage stores and Copenhagen doesn’t disappoint. This weekly flea market is full of hidden gems to treasure.
Tekla: This fabrics brand is a cult Scandi staple. They expanded from sheets and Pjs into high-quality fashion basics that will make you instantly cooler in the eyes of any Scandi cool girl.
Copenhagen Cultural Gems:
Sunday S Contemporary Gallery: What’s more modern, chic, and exclusive than galleried you have to book appointments on Instagram to visit. This chic gallery space and private residence are like Copenhagen’s answer to CDMX’s Barragan houses. All cool girls have a photo here on their Instagrams.
Louisiana Museum of Modern Art: Beautiful panoramic views make this museum a must-visit in the winter. Come just before dusk to take in the daytime and the nighttime views in one visit.
Designmuseum Danmark: Immerse yourself in the city's design legacy, exploring Danish neoclassical sculptures and iconic ultramarine ceilings.
Cirkelbroen: Witness the architectural marvel designed by Olafur Eliasson, symbolizing the convergence of art, architecture, and design.
Etage Projects: Engage with captivating art and design, featuring unique creations by Danish artists and designers.
Kirkegaards Antikvariat: Book lovers must go! Rare book finds live here.
Copenhagen Monuments and Parks:
Tivoli Gardens: Celebrate the park's 180th birthday, indulging in charming rides and discovering a new sustainability-focused restaurant and Danish wine market.
Frederiksborg Castle: Marvel at this Renaissance masterpiece, a testament to historical grandeur for all your Bridgerton fantasies.
Grundtvig’s Church: These stunning Gothic interiors are some of the most awe-inspiring in Europe. Unlike many tourist spots, this is worth the trip.
Kronborg Castle: The place that's the setting of Shakespeare's Hamlet. Memorize your "To Be Or Not to Be" and stroll through these regal halls like an angsty boy king.
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