Copenhagen

I have a really good friend in Copenhagen so it was a good excuse to visit this capital city. My friend's apartment is in Østerbro, a relaxed and refined area in Copenhagen. We woke up to a beautiful sunny day and decided to walk around the area. This area is known for its upscale boutiques, restaurants and bakeries.

My friend took me to Juno Bakery, renowned for its cardamom buns, which are hand-rolled and baked to perfection every day.These buns feature a sweet aromatic cardamom filling with pearl sugar on top, giving them an extra crunch that is simply irresistible.

You can see why there is almost always a line, so make sure to arrive early to get your cardamon fill! After a quick stop at Juno, we continued on our walk and passed through the Kastellet. Kastellet, the citadel in Copenhagen, is a well-preserved, star-shaped fortress that was built in the 17th century. The citadel is surrounded by a beautiful park which is a popular spot for picnics, strolls, and outdoor activities.

A star-shaped path surrounds the citadel, allowing you to take walk through the fortress and see the sites from above.

We walked on the ramparts of this star shaped fortress until we reached St. Alban's Church and the Gefion Fountain.

We continued along towards Indre By, Copenhagens bustling city center. Here you'll find many shops, cafes and restaurants. First stop was the Hay House, the Danish interior design shop known for its colourful and practical designs. You may recognize it for its iconic multicolored thermoses or mushroom shaped table lamps, often found in museum design shops like the MOMA store in New York City. The space is a multi-level store that feels like someone's sophisticately designed apartment.

We had dinner at Delphine, a chic Mediterranean restaurant in Vesterbro. The restaurant serves fantastic cocktails and small sharing plates.

Next morning was brunch. Atelier September has long been the go-to spot for chic locals. The stripped-back, Scandi-style interior is reflected in its simple menu offerings. It is effortlessly cool, but, it also exudes warmth and wholesomeness with a serene atmosphere. If you can get a table at this chic eatery, you'll first notice the mound of Danish butter on the countertop, whipped to perfection. The menu consists of 24-month-aged Comté cheese and bread sourced from a local bakery ans well as other sweet treats. We opted for the most delicious avocado toast, as well as a green omelette with spinach and herbs.

If you don't manage to get a table, there are other spots nearby, including Barlie down the street or Apotek 57 around the corner. Next stop was the Designmuseum Danemark.

The current exhibit was called The Magic of Form. During the 20th century, ‘Danish Design’ became a world-famous style and brand. It has largely claimed to stand outside international modernism, which emerged in the early 20th century, especially in central Europe, and reshaped art, architecture and design throughout most of the world. The exhibit featured many iconic chairs by Danish designer Hans J. Wegner, as well as works by architect PV Jensen-Kint.

Copenhagen is a very biker-frienly city, as is best explored on two-wheels. We hopped on bikes and made our way to the harbour front of Refshalevej. This is a beautiful part of the city, and also home to the notable Michellin-starred restaurant Noma.

Tip: Make sure to check out the Reffen for the best Copenhagen street food. Stop by during the day for lunch or in the evening for beer and live music.

The area also has other restaurants, including La Banchina, a 14-seat walk-in restaurant and wine bar with an on-site sauna. Although we didn’t have a meal here, This is definitely on the list of places to try next time.

We passed by the Frederisholm Kanal. Walk along this pretty area and see the chic houseboats.

Just steps from this modern Scandinavian waterfront apartments and some of Copenhagen’s most important historic and cultural landmarks lies the enigmatic neighborhood of Christianshavn. Unique in Denmark, this partly autonomous area, with its distinctly relaxed ambiance, offers a contrast to its sophisticated surroundings. It feels worlds apart from the city’s hustle and bustle.

My last day I was on my own. I started my day at Prolog Coffee, where I took a cappuccino and a delicious cardamon bun. I then headed toward the center and walked through King's Garden.

After a morning of sightseeing, I crossed the Nyhavn River and headed towards Jægersborggade street in Nørrebro. This small residential street is home to around art galleries, organic produce shops, vintage clothes, ceramics and jewellery designers, as well as wine bars, coffee shops and restaurants. Theres also the popular Meyers Bageri where you can try kanelsnurrer, a twisted cinnamon bun.

Next stop: Lunch at Aamanns 1921 for a smørrebrød. This chic eater serves delicious open-faces sandwiches with seasonal ingredients. I opted for the cold smoked salmon with pickled fennel, dill and horseradish and one with peeled shrimps and chives, served on Danish rye. This hit the spot. Tip: As a Michelin recommended restaurant, take a seat at the bar of a more casual dining experience.

This area is also home to some great interior design galleries such as Fritz Hansen, Finn Juhl, and Klassik, specializing in vintage nordic funiture.

Check out the Paustian Gallery. Placed in a former bank from the 19th century, the space will impress you with not only its well curated offer of mid-century, modern and contemporary furniture, but its vaulted ceilings, mahogany wall panels and art deco finishings.

I ended off my trip with a beautiful walk back before packing up and heading to the airport. I made sure to pass through Krusemyntegade street, the prettiest little street in Copenhagen.

Other restaurants:

• Restaurant Amalie

• Blaabjerg & Madsen

• The Union Kitchen

• Zeleste

• Beau Marché Café à Vins