COPENHAGEN

Nordic cool plays strong in the Danish capital, writes David Matthews, who’s put together an itinerary of highlights to show off its top attractions.

8AM MARKET VALUE

Jump-start the day at Torvehallerne (Frederiksborggade 21) market where Coffee Collective does familiar brews and stupidly smooth coffee-spiked soft serve. Then stroll to Grod for porridge with skyr (Danish yoghurt), apple compote and caramel.

10AM ROUND AND ROUND

Get your bearings and take in 360° views of the city’s canals and architecture at the Round Tower (Købmagergade 52A) in the city centre. Hans Christian Andersen was a frequent visitor to the tower’s library.

11AM VOTE YES

All that climbing should make room for pastry, and Democratic Coffee (Krystalgade 15) is known for its almond croissants. Grab one and sit at the window with a book and a filter coffee, then explore the nearby streets for big-brand shopping.

12:30PM OLD OVER NEW

Eschew New Nordic for now and step back for smorrebrod (rye bread sandwiches) with a side of caraway-infused aquavit at Restaurant Palægade (Palægade 8), where prawns and mayonnaise tower high on toast.

2PM GO NATURAL

Ved Stranden 10 (Ved Stranden 10) encapsulates Copenhagen’s food scene: understated, laid-back, but judicious and celebratory. Owner Christian Nedergaard leans towards natural and organic wines. Duck in for an unfiltered Austrian riesling and, if the sun’s out, drink it canal-side.

3:30PM ISLAND HOPPER

Hop on a boat (visit: stromma.dk) and take in the Little Mermaid and Christiansborg Palace before jumping off at Christianshavn to tread the cobbled streets to 108 (Strandgade 108) – Noma’s more casual sister restaurant.

5:30PM NORDIC REVIVAL

It’s up to Jægersborggade in Nørrebro, a street revived by restaurants and stores specialising in Danish-designed wares. Next, pull up at Manfreds (Jægersborggade 40) for their signature tartare, rich with cream and crunch. Cross the street to sister restaurant Relæ (Jægersborggade 41) for dinner, where Christian Puglisi’s tasting menu is defined by local plants, organics and Danish aesthetics.

10PM FUR AND FIRE

Visit Lidkoeb (Vesterbrogade 72B) for a nightcap. The fire-warmed space is intimately lit and the leather booths are backed with heavy pelts. Sip on cocktails mixed with seasonal cordials and infusions or head upstairs on weekends for whisky.