Frequently deemed the world’s most liveable city, Copenhagen also makes an exceptional place to visit. From the grandiosity of Christiansborg Palace to the counterculture of Christiania, it’s a city where contrasts live in harmony, while an imperturbable (and quintessentially Danish) cool pervades.
Christiansborg Palace
This neo-Baroque beauty is unique, the only building in the world housing all three branches of government. Be sure to visit the Parliament, and maybe even have lunch with the Prime Minister at the Tower while taking in views of the city. No, seriously—it wouldn’t be the first time we bump into the Danish Prime Minister having a sandwich!
University of Copenhagen Botanical Gardens
With Denmark’s largest plant collection, this research garden’s 27 glasshouses date all the way back to 1873. Part of the Danish Natural History Museum, they have an air-conditioned greenhouse for arctic plants and a delightful summertime butterfly house. The gardens are free and open to the public, reflecting the Danes’ passion for all things botanical.
Amalienborg
The official residence of the Danish Royal family, famous for its royal guards and for four identical classical palace façades with rococo interiors surrounding the octagonal inner courtyard. But don’t let these grand trappings fool you: these aren’t your typical royals! I can tell you from firsthand experience that it’s not uncommon to spot them cycling their kids to school (so keep an eye out!).
Black Diamond Library
Serving as both the National Library of Denmark and the Library of Copenhagen University, the Black Diamond houses the National Museum of Photography, and–an example of the medium being the message–is itself a journey that connects an old library with a more modern building.
Refshaleøen
This once-industrial island is the epicentre of some of Copenhagen’s most exciting urban innovations: the unique ski resort, hiking hill and climbing wall Copenhill, a contemporary arts centre, the outdoor hot tub spa by the water Copenhot, and the ultra-creative restaurant Alchemist to name a few. And you’ll just happen to pass one of the best restaurants in the world, Noma, en route to it.
The Cisterns
Located in Søndermarken near Frederiksberg Castle, this immersive art exhibition takes place in a former water reservoir-turned art gallery and is experienced by riding on a small boat through the dark colonnades of the Cisterns. During the exhibition period, the water that continuously seeps through the concrete construction of the Cisterns will form an underground, night-black sea.