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Denmark

From the effortlessly cool capital of Copenhagen—known for its forward-thinking design and yes, ample supply of cardamom buns—to more relaxed and bucolic getaways outside this Nordic country’s city centers, Denmark is a destination sure to delight travelers of all walks of life.

Denmark ranked second in the 2023 World Happiness report.

Adrian Cuj/Unsplash

Overview

Practical Information

Denmark is a Nordic country bordering Germany and Sweden. Although Danish is the national language, English is spoken widely. Copenhagen is the capital and one of the most popular places to visit in Denmark, though it’s worth getting outside of the city and visiting other areas of the country—such as West Denmark—as well.

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Resources to help plan your trip
If You Only Have Three Days in Copenhagen
With only three days in Copenhagen you have to make every moment count, but you’ll still want to leave time to combine well-known and more obscure sights, sounds, and experiences. Ride Copenhagen’s harbor bus, stroll through Christiania, enjoy a meal in the Royal Library, and don’t miss the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art. Seventy-two hours in Copenhagen is just enough time to get a taste for local life in the Danish capital.
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
 · 
Alex Berger
Where to Shop for Danish Design in Copenhagen
Denmark is famous for its design, and shopping in Copenhagen is the best way to explore the cool, clean aesthetic that informs everything from chairs and lamps to jewelry and cutlery. Check out fashion houses as well as traditional Danish interior design stores, and make sure to visit a mixture of larger shops, shopping malls, and tiny boutiques to get a real feel for the best design in Copenhagen.
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
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Where to Eat New Nordic Cuisine in Copenhagen
Over the last decade Copenhagen has charged onto the international culinary scene, with New Nordic cuisine becoming famous around the world. Emphasizing simplicity, freshness, and innovation, New Nordic is almost synonymous with Copenhagen’s Noma restaurant, but there are many restaurants around the Danish capital offering their own twists on the New Nordic genre.
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
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A Solo Guide to Copenhagen
Copenhagen is easy to navigate, incredibly safe, and boasts a multilingual population. Plus, there’s the Danish commitment to hygge (roughly translation: cozy), which means that the city feels warm and companionable—ideal for a solo traveler.
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Where to Eat Danish Smørrebrød
Few meals are more traditionally Danish than smørrebrød. These open-faced sandwiches are made with fresh ingredients, often by masters skilled in the art of preparation, pairing, and presentation. Just as the types and toppings vary widely, so too do the ways in which you can consume it.
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Danish Fashion on Strøget
With a focus on visual simplicity, clean lines, and quirky blends, Danish design is shaping the global fashion industry. Here, the best and most famous places to explore Danish fashion along the famous cobblestone “walking street” district of downtown Copenhagen.
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Traditional to Modern: Nordic Cuisine in Copenhagen
Nordic cuisine is making a modern day comeback and there is no city where this is more apparent than the charming Danish capital. The city delivers on its past to present promise where traditional Danish fare mixes with some of the world’s most modern, innovative and successful chefs.
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The Best Restaurants in Copenhagen
From food markets selling street food to Michelin-starred restaurants serving innovative Nordic-inspired cuisine, Copenhagen has secured its spot as a global culinary capital.
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The Best Things to Do in Copenhagen
Visit the city of Hans Christin Andersen’s Little Mermaid, where the historic and cutting edge live fabulously together. Tour an old castle or new museum celebrating contemporaty design, explore Tivoli (the world’s second-oldest amusement park), and – if you’re looking for something a little edgier – wander through a nearly-autonomous, half-century-old hippie commune.
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
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The Best Shopping in Copenhagen
No city does design quite like the Copenhagen, be it clothing, furniture, housewares, or toys. Spend a day on Strøget, Copenhagen’s main shopping street (and the longest pedestrian street in the world!) to find large brands and department stores, or scour nearby Læderstræde for clothing and housewares. Explore the Latin Quarter, where many up-and-coming Danish designers are located.
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
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