SOUVENIRS FROM: Copenhagen

It's no secret that Copenhagen is one of the most vibrant, forward-looking and at the same time cozy cities in Europe. I visited the city for the first time on the occasion of the LINA Conference 2023 in October. Here are some highlights:

Food & Beverage:

Italo Disco

Italo Disco is an absolute highlight. The small restaurant is located in a sleepy side street in Copenhagen's Vesterbro district. As the name suggests, the ambience (as well as the music) is reminiscent of the 80s in Italy mixed with Scandinavian influences. You get the feeling of being at a friend's home. Menus are served every day that are seasonal, regional and incredibly tasty. This means you are surprised anew every time. Saturday is Pasta Night and a special pasta dish is served with a glass of wine. Sundays are for leftovers with a menu made from the week's leftover delicacies. An absolute must!

Apollo Bar

The Apollo Bar, which is located next to the popular Nyhavn and is situated in the building of the Kunsthal Charlottenborg, is iconic. The whole vibe of the restaurant is authentic and skillful. Old elements from the previous use have been preserved and enhanced with new, fun details. It is well worth sitting there with a coffee while absorbing this fantastic space.

Broens Gadekøkken

If you want to eat something tasty in a relaxed atmosphere by the water, alongside students, locals and tourists, accompanied by a local beer or wine, you should check out Broens Gadekøkken. Various permanently installed food and drink stalls are grouped around a large square with a view across the water. A wide variety of international dishes are offered here at moderate prices by Copenhagen standards. Great for a quick lunch!

Photo 1-2: Apollo Bar, Photo 3-5: Italo Disco, Photo 6: Broens Gadekøkken

Art & Architecture & Culture

Kunsthal Charlottenborg

The Kunsthal Charlottenborg offers a range of changing contemporary exhibitions and is home to the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts. A big plus is also the great bookshop located in the foyer, as well as the adjoining Apollo Bar. The Kunsthal has a good size to be integrated into a city trip. My personal highlight was the exhibition "Full of Days" on the occasion its 140th anniversary, which provided a good overview.

Overgaden

This place was recommended to me by the Spacegirls, whom I met at the LINA Conference. Overgaden is: “(…) one of Denmark's leading non-profit art institutions focusing on emerging practices.” They mainly show young, emerging artists with an interesting approach. Located right on the waterfront, it is a great place to visit as it is very carefully curated. Another plus is that Overgaden is one of the few art institutions in Copenhagen that does not charge admission.

Hay House

Hay is one of Denmark's most popular furniture brands and all design lovers should pay a visit to the Hay House in the center of Copenhagen. The beautiful old building is accessed via a somewhat hidden side entrance. Hay House is located on the upper floors and displays all their design highlights in one place.

Photo 1-2: Overgaden, Photo 3-4: Kunsthal Charlottenborg, Photo 5-6: Hay House

Stroll & Explore

Torvehallerne

If you want to blend in with the locals and get a feel for the Copenhagen lifestyle, you should definitely visit Torvehallerne. This place is where many Copenhageners do part of their weekly shopping, buy flowers or specialties and meet for a coffee or wine. A highlight is the duck sandwich at Ma Poule.

Kødbyen

The former Meatpacking district of Copenhagen, next to the popular Vesterbro district, is well worth a visit. Since the 2000s, restaurants, galleries and studios have settled on the former meatpacking site, promising a vibrant nightlife and making the district a popular place for locals and tourists alike.

Nørrebro / Superkillen

On a bike tour (highly recommended) we rode across the great Superkillen square, which is simply fun and explored the Nørrebro district, which is very hip and especially popular among students and creative people. Great cafés and restaurants underline the casual vibe.