Copenhagen City Guide: the best places in the city according to locals

All eyes are once again on Copenhagen. The 3 Days of Design festival feels as if it only just wrapped up, or perhaps time is simply passing too quickly, and yet the city is already prepared for new fashion stories that will take over the social scene of the Danish capital this week. You can find our detailed overview of what to expect from Copenhagen Fashion Week here, and the Vogue Adria team has already packed their bags for the trip. In addition to following the fashion schedule, we are looking forward to exploring other locations across the city. We asked Copenhagen locals, the people who live its atmosphere every day, to share some of their favorite places with us. We will keep them in mind this time, but also every time we return to Copenhagen.

Tina Ateljević
Head of Membership and Communications at Soho House Copenhagen

Brunch: Amator

My friend and chef Mati Pichi recently opened this bright and intimate spot in Østerbro. I love it because it has everything you could want from a brunch place. My favorite people gathered around communal tables and sharing plates, vinyl playing in the background, and delicious omelets. Mati is a true master of it.

Address: Nordre Frihavnsgade 7, Østerbro / @amatorcph

Coffee with a view: Soho House Copenhagen

I know I might seem biased when it comes to this place, but honestly this is where I most enjoy ordering an oat cappuccino (made with local Prolog coffee) after a yoga class in our new studio and a rest on our terrace. The entire space is incredibly comfortable, the former customs house building is iconic, and the view of the Copenhagen harbor is stunning, especially when the sun is shining.

Address: Havnegade 44 / @sohohouse

Dinner: La Banchina

It is difficult to choose only one dinner spot because Copenhagen has an exceptional restaurant scene and each place has its own atmosphere. Since you are asking in the summer period, I will say that I regularly visit La Banchina. Set by the water in what used to be an industrial zone and is now a creative hub in the Refshaleøen district, La Banchina comes alive in the summertime. They serve vegetable and seafood dishes with a farm to table approach, and they pour natural wines, which I love. They also have a terrace for all day sunbathing. As a bonus, it is located right next to the Glaecier club, where I often go to the sauna and swim.

Address: Refshalevej 141 / @labanchinacph

Favorite museum: SMK

Louisiana is obviously an incredible museum setting, but I will choose SMK because it is close to where I live, so I feel a more personal connection to it. The building is iconic and the museum has the oldest art collection in Denmark. The parks surrounding SMK are also very beautiful.

Address: Sølvgade 48-50 / @smkmuseum

Places to dance: the cluster of clubs in Refshaleøen

After moving to Copenhagen from Berlin, I tend to feel quite spoiled when it comes to clubs. But Copenhagen has some gems too, especially during festival season. I love electronic music and techno, so I have to go with the cluster of clubs in the Refshaleøen district, which includes Werkstatt, Hangaren and Poolen.

Address: Refshaleøen district

Armin Semovic
Owner of the PR agency 1026studio and partner of the brand Aeris Cocktails

Morning coffee: Sonny Copenhagen

This place has a great atmosphere, and the owners David and Sarah recently opened a second location in the city. I am always happy when I can support a smaller local business.

Address: Rådhusstræde 7 / @sonny.cph

Dinner with a glass of wine: Locale 21

It is actually hard for me to choose because there are so many great spots in the city that I love. Still, I think I am really enjoying Locale 21 at the moment. Excellent service, an affordable set menu, and a wide selection of natural wines.

Address: Ny Østergade 21 / @locale.21

Places to dance: an underground party or the more commercial Søpavillionen

I do not go out dancing that often in Copenhagen, but when I do I am usually taken along by friends, and that can be anything from a pop up underground venue to more commercial spots like Søpavillionen or Never Mind.

Address: Gyldenløvesgade 24/ @soepavillonen

Cocktail: Bird

Without a doubt the best cocktail bar in the city. The aesthetic is inspired by Japan, with a great atmosphere from Thursday to Saturday when DJs play vinyl on site.

Address: Gl. Kongevej 102, 1850 Frederiksberg / @bird.cph

Dia Jovanović
Actress and co owner of the brand Aeris Cocktails, which she started with her husband Niko

Breakfast: Etcetera, Minas and Flere Fugle

The best breakfast in the city is at Etcetera. It is a true WOW experience. Inspired by Korea and owned by a charming Swedish couple, the quality and presentation are outstanding. Minas is the place to go if you want excellent and more affordable coffee and a good sandwich. I consider Flere Fugle the best bakery in the city, and if you are nearby, visit the Aeris office, we are right there.

Addresses: Etcetera; Haraldsgade 3/@etcetera.cph,  Minas; Nørrebrogade 72/@minaskaffebar, Flere Fugle; Rentemestervej 57 /@flerefugle

Lunch: Italo caffe, Fabro and Møntergade

You will find perfect Italian panini at Italo caffe. Fabro has great pasta and a wonderful atmosphere, and I definitely recommend going for lunch because the wait for a dinner table can be at least an hour and a half. If you want to try a classic Danish smørrebrød, the restaurant Møntergade is the place you should not miss.

Addresses: Italo caffe; Værnedamsvej 10 / @italocaffe_, Fabro; Borgergade 134 / @fabropasta, Møntergade; Møntergade 19 / @montergade

Afternoon coffee: La Cabra at Another Aspect, Louise Roe and Lido

Inside the Another Aspect store there is a small café. It is simple and great for coffee. My favorite spot in the city center is Louise Roe, where the staff is lovely and the place is laptop friendly. The newly opened Lido is also an excellent choice for afternoon coffee, and the owner is the same as Apotek57, another spot I really like.

Addresses: Another Aspect cafe; Møntergade 3A / @another_aspect, Louise Roe; Vognmagergade 9 / @louiseroecph, Lido; Vester Voldgade 104 / @lido_cph

Dinner: Poulette and Pompette

Poulette serves the best chicken burger in the city. Keep in mind that it is what I like to call a hole in the wall, so there is no seating. But you can bring your burger to the terrace of the wine bar Pompette right next door. The owner is the same for both spots and very popular among Danes.

Addresses: Poulette; Møllegade 1 / @poulettecph, Pompette; Møllegade 3 / @pompette

Cocktail: Riga and TATA bar

When the weather is nice, Riga is a fantastic little and very relaxed place that locals love, perfect for a sunny cocktail. You will experience a serious Dirty Martini at TATA, a slightly pricier cocktail bar, but it is worth it.

Addresses: Riga; Dannebrogsgade 53 / @rigaboden, TATA; Tordenskjoldsgade 15 / @tatacocktailbar

Andrea Karan
IT industry expert and founder of the app næctar.app

Best way to experience the city: La Banchina

This is the place to swim, to enjoy the sauna, and with its walk in restaurant it is also a great option for lunch. It is an excellent location to experience authentic Danish city life.

Address: Refshalevej 141 / @labanchinacph

Favorite museums: Glyptoteket and Louisiana

The superb collection at Glyptoteket includes more than ten thousand artworks and archaeological pieces, while Louisiana offers modern art and encourages you to take a trip outside the city. You can even swim near the Louisiana museum if the weather allows and spend the entire day there. The museum restaurant is also excellent.

Addresses: Gliptoteka; Dantes Plads 7 / @glyptoteket, Louisiana; Gl Strandvej 13 / @louisianamuseum

Vintage shopping: Vera’s Vintage Market i Gentofte flea market

I find the best selection of second hand and vintage clothing at Vera’s market, where the atmosphere is always great for socializing and for spending a pleasant day exploring vintage pieces. Another nice excursion is to Gentofte, about ten kilometers from Copenhagen, where one of the biggest flea markets in the country takes place every Sunday. You can buy furniture, homeware, clothing, almost anything you can think of.

Addresses: Vera’s Market; Bispeengen 20 / Gentofte flea market; Bregnegårdsvej 2, 2920 Charlottenlund,

Place to relax: Søndermarken park

This is one of the many city parks in Copenhagen, offering a lush green environment for relaxation. Locals use it for running, walking their dogs, or strolling through the hilly forest landscape.

Address: Pile Alle 53

Mati Pichci

Chef, storyteller and founder of the restaurant Amator

Morning coffee: La Cabra inside the Another Aspect store

This place has great coffee, a beautiful interior, great clothes and an always lively atmosphere thanks to the wonderful people on both sides of the counter.

Address: La Cabra coffee; Møntergade 3A / @lacabracoffee

Brunch: Admiralgade 26

This spot serves the best Japanese brunch called choushoku. It is available only on Saturdays and it is a true feast for all the senses.

Address: Admiralgade 26 / @admiralgade26

Dinner with a glass of wine: Fiskebar

You should not miss dinner at Fiskebar. Perfectly prepared seafood with cool and professional service. I go there regularly and it is always a great experience.

Address: Flæsketorvet 100 / @fiskebaren

Something sweet: Seks Bakery and Eatery

Seks has the best cheesecake in Copenhagen, maybe even in the entire world. Monika bakes many other things as well, always using top quality ingredients.

Address: Krystalgade 6 / @transeating

Cocktail: Bird

The best cocktail bar in Copenhagen with a very unique approach to mixology and an incredible Arda Audio sound system. Vinyl only.

Address: Gl. Kongevej 102, 1850 Frederiksberg / @bird.cph