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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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    May 23, 2018 03:07 PM
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As Copenhagen Expands Rapidly, Its Future Is in Its Outskirts
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Hotels
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Copenhagen’s Former Canadian Embassy Is Now a Luxurious Villa Rental
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Resources to help plan your trip
The Perfect Day in Copenhagen
The perfect day in Copenhagen is easier to arrange than you may think. As a city famed for its work-life balance, an ideal day in Copenhagen mixes contemporary Danish lifestyle and historical city charm. Start by soaking in the sunshine of picture-perfect Nyhavn, visit Tivoli Gardens, hit the stylish boutiques to check out the famed Danish aesthetic, sip some famed Danish beer, then sample some unforgettable Copenhagen cuisine.
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
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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
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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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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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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.
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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.
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
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Alex Berger
What To Do: Day Two In Copenhagen
Now it’s time to dig into the rest of Copenhagen: Christiania, the Black Diamond, and the Opera House.
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The Best of Summer in Copenhagen
Like a bear emerging from hibernation after a long winter, Copenhageners throw open their doors with a hunger for sunlight, food, and community. Summer is an amazing time to be in the city as it comes alive with events, festivals, and folks just soaking it all up.
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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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The Best Hotels in Copenhagen
Any visit to Copenhagen will keep you busy and full—the Danish capital boasts 22 Michelin stars in 17 restaurants. Supplement feasting on Nordic cuisine with exploring the city’s modern architecture, like the Black Diamond, which has stunning views of the river. It’s an extension of the Royal Library and named for the black granite cladding and irregular angles. The Copenhagen Opera House is another landmark worth checking it: It’s one of the most modern (and expensive) opera houses in the world. The limestone structure is surrounded by canals, giving the impression that the building is situated on an island.
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
 · 
AFAR Editors
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
 · 
Tommy Alexander
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.
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 · 
Tommy Alexander
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