From destination restaurants and local wine bars to waterfront swimming spots, parks and striking architecture, Copenhagen offers plenty to discover beyond its most familiar landmarks. We asked interior designer and Copenhagen local Nathalie Schwer to share her favourite places to eat, drink and spend time – a personal guide to some of the city's best restaurants, architectural highlights, cultural destinations and spots worth seeking out while exploring the city.

The interior designer’s guide to Copenhagen – 38 spots worth a visit

From inspiring galleries and museums to favourite restaurants, parks, and swimming spots, discover Nathalie’s 38 handpicked places across Copenhagen that are well worth a visit.

1. Food & restaurants

Copenhagen is, as everyone knows, a bustling food city. My guide will lead you to a variety of great restaurants. Here are some of my local favourites:

Baka d'Busk – vegan party in Nørrebro.
Ravelinen – classic Danish food by the lakes in Christianshavn.
Sokkelund – classic French bistro for decades in Frederiksberg.
Fischer's – classic neighbourhood restaurant.
Sans Souci – French fine dining in Frederiksberg.
Mangia – one of the first Italian restaurants to open during Copenhagen's Italian wave. Classic, no bullshit, really good, great atmosphere. Vesterbro.
JATAK – Michelin-starred restaurant in Nørrebro.
Den Vandrette – food and wine in Havnegade by Nyhavn.
Kanalen – classic Danish food in beautiful surroundings on the canal in Christianshavn.
Bar Vitrine – new wine bar and food spot in the city centre.
Oysters & Wine – little local oyster spot on Gammel Kongevej.
Lille – bakery and food in Refshaleøen.
Locale 21 – Italian in the city centre. Very local and great atmosphere, service and food.
Pastis – classic city-centre restaurant where you can't avoid the moules frites.

2. Wine & drinks

This is also a category with an abundance of choices. Copenhageners follow the sun, so outdoor seating is always a hit during summer. Here are some of the local classics that are still among my favourites:

Ved Stranden 10 – wine bar in the city centre with outdoor seating and evening sun. Classic, fun and great wine.
Rosforth & Rosforth – wine bar underneath Knippelsbro in Christianshavn.
Sanders Hotel – fun going-out atmosphere in elegant surroundings. A local spot.
Palæ Bar – a traditional Danish bar, always a party. Traditionally frequented by journalists, writers and other cultural personalities in Copenhagen. Always a good night out. Very low key.
Bobi Bar – one more of the classic Copenhagen bars. Amazing interiors, tiny and very traditional. Be warned: it's one of the few places where you can still smoke inside.
Café Intime – traditional LGBT+ bar in Frederiksberg. There's a large piano and often live playing and singing. Fun night out.

3. Art shows, galleries & museums

Copenhagen's art scene spans everything from major contemporary exhibitions to smaller museums and hidden collections. Whether you're interested in architecture, design or visual art, these are a few places I return to for inspiration.

Copenhagen Contemporary – an amazing contemporary art hall in Refshaleøen. Right now, among others, there is a beautiful exhibition by Kengo Kuma.
The Cisterns, Søndermarken – currently showing Marina Abramović's video installation Seven Deaths. The venue is amazing in itself and the work is essential. It's also underground, which can provide some cool relief if we're blessed with summer heat this year.
The David Collection – located by King's Garden. An amazing collection of objects that is often overlooked. An inspiring break.
Designmusuem Denmark – one of Scandinavia’s leading exhibition venues for Danish and international industrial design, applied arts, and craft.

Related: Nordiska Kök Kitchen Atelier in Copenhagen

4. Parks and gardens

Copenhagen offers plenty of green spaces to explore, from historic gardens and city parks to quiet courtyards tucked away behind some of the city's landmarks. Whether you're looking for a place to slow down, go for a walk or simply spend time outdoors, these are some of my favourite spots to visit:

The Opera Garden – beautiful views, landscaping, a café and even the option for a swim.
King's Garden – amazing, with the most adorable café for a good ice cream or something.
Østre Anlæg – located behind SMK (The National Gallery of Denmark). In the park you'll also find The Hirschsprung Collection, a small museum. The park is beautiful and both museums are worth a visit.
The Royal Library Garden – a small green hidden gem behind the parliament.

5. Architecture

Copenhagen is rich in architectural experiences, from historic landmarks and cultural institutions to contemporary waterfront buildings. Here are a few places worth a visit:

Grundtvig's Church – always a good idea if you need some perspective and a humbling architectural experience.
Rundetårn (The Round Tower) – a classic Copenhagen piece of architecture.
The old University Library in Fiolstræde – a great little experience.
The Art Library at Charlottenborg – a beautiful place, as is Charlottenborg itself.
Glyptoteket – always beautiful, both in terms of architecture and art. There is also a tiny garden behind it with lots of flowers.
DAC (Danish Architecture Center) – has stunning views over the water and is an example of modern architecture in the midst of the old city centre.

Tip: Architect Marie Louise Høstbo has spent a lot of time documenting the more or less famous architectural pieces in and around Copenhagen. Check her out if you want to stroll around the city looking at architectural details.

6. Swimming spots

Copenhagen is a water-based city and from so many areas you have access to jump into the harbour. There are now around 60 official swimming spots around the city. Here are my favourites:

La Banchina – if you want to swim while getting food or a glass of wine. Great atmosphere and afternoon/evening sun.
Bølgen, Kalvebod Brygge – for morning sun.
Kastrup Søbad – for a beautiful architectural experience.
Nordhavn and Islands Brygge – for the neighbourhood swim feel.

About Nathalie Schwer

Nathalie Schwer is a Copenhagen-based interior designer and founder of Studio Nathalie Schwer. She works with conceptual interiors and design, with a focus on materials, cohesion, and atmosphere. She is also the creative force behind the interior concept for Nordiska Kök’s Kitchen Atelier at Brdr. Krüger’s Flagship Store in Copenhagen.

Learn more about Nathalie and her work at nathalieschwer.com and on Instagram at @studio.nathalie.schwer

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