Eat, Stay, Explore: Discover Copenhagen Through The Lens Of Design

Historic charm and bold innovation define Copenhagen— Denmark’s dynamic capital, where the past and present collide in the most exhilarating ways. This city invites you to explore its stunning architecture and lively culture at every turn, where a forward-thinking ethos pulses through its cobbled streets, seamlessly blending Michelin-starred kitchens and minimalist cafés with sustainable fashion ateliers and avant-garde art spaces.

The Danes, with their innate sense of style and deep cultural pride, continue to set global trends while honouring timeless traditions. With its innovative culinary scene, design-focused spirit, and a lifestyle that feels both aspirational and accessible, Copenhagen remains the crown jewel of Scandinavian sophistication. Whether you’re in town for ‘3 Days of Design’ or simply seeking an immersive, design-forward escape, this DP-curated guide is both a considered edit of Copenhagen’s most compelling places to eat, stay, and explore and a look into exploring Copenhagen like a local.

Eat at Koan – A Korean-Nordic Culinary Journey Like Never Before

If you want to explore Copenhagen like a local, set along the city’s atmospheric waterfront, Langelinieskuret—a former shipping warehouse now houses one of Copenhagen’s most compelling fine-dining destinations, Koan. At the helm is Chef Kristian Baumann, an alum of Noma, who brings his deeply personal culinary narrative to life in this intimate, light-filled space. Koan’s interiors are warm and minimalist, defined by light ash wood, ambient lighting, and custom furniture by Danish designers Hans Bølling and Nanna Ditzel. To create a truly immersive dining experience, Koan serves its menu on bespoke ceramic art pieces crafted by a Korean artist who has fused porcelain fragments from China’s Qing Dynasty with contemporary forms—each piece a tactile dialogue between past and present.

Koan is more than a restaurant; it’s a philosophy. Rooted in the idea of breaking boundaries and expanding perspectives, Baumann fuses the purity and seasonality of Nordic cuisine with the nuanced techniques and layered heritage of Korean gastronomy. His menus are inspired by a journey of rediscovery through South Korea, from humble street kitchens and serene temples to royal court cuisine and fire-lit barbecues. Each dish is a culmination of years of thoughtful research, memory, and identity crafted with intention and steeped in story. In addition to its standard and ‘Prestige’ wine pairings—the latter featuring rare and exceptional labels—Koan offers a distinctive pairing of Korean ‘soju’, a traditional fermented rice wine, thoughtfully brewed in Copenhagen by the innovative startup ‘Yunguna Brewery’. Koan was awarded two Michelin stars just ten weeks after opening its permanent location on April 4, 2023, firmly establishing itself as one of Copenhagen’s most exceptional dining destinations.

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DP loves: Inspired by an heirloom porcelain tableware that finds its place in Koan, Chef Baumann’s white kimchi—a seasonal standout pays homage to heritage through a modern Nordic lens.

Stay At Hotel Hans – A Front-Row Seat to Edgy Scandi Design

Designed by Norrøna Architects, Hotel Hans is a thoughtful reimagining of the historic Avenue Hotel, nestled in the heart of Copenhagen. Its red-brick façade and spire-capped turrets nod to classic Danish architecture, while the interiors surprise with a strikingly contemporary sensibility, where modern comforts and minimalist design meet historic charm. Positioned between the vibrant neighbourhoods of Nørrebro and Frederiksberg, this new offering from Brøchner Hotels seeks to redefine the art of hospitality through a distinctly Scandinavian lens. Step into the Nørrebro-inspired lobby bar, where textured concrete walls, industrial lighting, and bold art installations channel the district’s creative pulse. Just beyond, the mood shifts—Frederiksberg’s lush sophistication comes to life through elegant green marble flooring, bespoke drapery, and a sweeping, sculptural staircase. Together, these contrasting design cues form a striking, avant-garde space that captures the dual spirit of Copenhagen’s urban charm.

The hotel features 91 thoughtfully designed luxury rooms and suites. Throughout, the interiors echo a play of contrasts: soft hues of light and deep green, white curtains framing the space, plush carpets meeting raw tile, and industrial-style bathrooms complete with rain showers. At Hotel Hans, the atmosphere is everything. The lobby bar—serving speciality coffee by day and transforming into a chic cocktail destination by night flows seamlessly into a series of stylish social spaces. A spacious lounge features intimate nooks for quiet moments, while a salon with plush sofas and a tucked-away chambre offers a more secluded retreat. Outside, an urban terrace unfolds against the historic backdrop of Frederiksberg, creating a hidden oasis in the city. With sleek green marble flooring, ambient lighting, and laid-back lounge seating, it’s the kind of space that invites you to linger.

Guests are treated to daily rituals like ‘Wine Hour’ and ‘Nightcap Hour’—complimentary pours of wine (including non-alcoholic ones) in the afternoon and curated late-night tipples to wind down the day. The organic breakfast is a highlight in itself, with generous selections of beverages and thoughtful veggie, vegan, and gluten-free options. The hotel also curates ‘Explore the Hood’- walking tours, offering an insider guide to explore Copenhagen like a local. For business travellers, meetings and conferences can be hosted at any of Brøchner Hotels’ luxury properties, with experiences and amenities seamlessly included in your stay. If Copenhagen is on your radar for 2025, the newly reimagined Hotel Hans should top your list of where to stay in Copenhagen 2025.

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DP loves its design language, defined by a striking interplay of contrasts—raw textured concrete softened by subtle green accents, industrial installations juxtaposed with sleek marble and refined wooden surfaces, creating a space that feels both bold and beautifully balanced.

Explore the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art: Where Design & Coastal Charm Collide

Just an hour’s commute from Copenhagen in the coastal town of Humlebæk, the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art is a cultural icon in its own right. Renowned for its outstanding collection of modern and contemporary art, which includes works by Andy Warhol, Louise Bourgeois, and Yayoi Kusama, the museum beautifully integrates art, architecture, and nature. Its minimalist pavilions stretch along the shoreline, offering sweeping views of the Øresund Strait, making it as much a destination for design and landscape lovers as for art enthusiasts. A day trip to Louisiana offers both enrichment and restoration. Renowned for its Danish modernist architecture, the museum embodies the understated elegance of late 1950s modernism. Its low-slung, horizontal design unfolds gracefully across the landscape, blending seamlessly with the coastal surroundings. This sense of architectural understatement is precisely what leaves a lasting impression on first-time visitors.

When founder Knud W. Jensen commissioned architects Jørgen Bo and Wilhelm Wohlert to reimagine the original villa into a museum, their vision was clear: to create a space where architecture and nature existed in quiet harmony. The result is a timeless museum complex that feels both intimate and expansive. The museum’s subsequent expansions, starting with the East Wing, were designed in collaboration with architect Claus Wohlert. Beyond its galleries, Louisiana features a serene sculpture park dotted with works by international artists, a design-forward museum shop, a scenic café with sea views, and a dedicated children’s wing, making it a rich, multi-sensory experience that resonates with visitors of all ages but around everything design.  

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If you’re planning a visit, don’t miss the museum’s current highlights: a powerful new exhibition by Kaari Upson, the arresting large-scale charcoal drawings of Robert Longo, and Hans-Peter Feldmann’s iconic photographic series’ ‘100 Years.’ Families can enjoy hands-on creativity in the ‘Children’s Wing’, while summer invites strolls through the sculpture park, capped off with seasonal fare and sweeping sea views at the café. The combination of art, culinary delights, and the serene coastal scenery creates a perfect summer escape. The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art is a destination in itself and undoubtedly ​​one of the best places to visit in Copenhagen.