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Best of Danish design: 2 days itinerary

Day 1

  • Danish Architecture Center
  • The Royal Library 
  • HAY
  • Georg Jensen
  • Normann Copenhagen
  • Paustian
  • Louise roe

Day 2

  • Frama
  • Design Museum
  • The Opera Park
  • Ferm Living
  • Copenhagen Contemporary

DAY 1

Danish Architecture Center

Tucked into the sleek, glassy BLOX building on Copenhagen’s harbor, the Danish Architecture Center (DAC) is where the city’s design heartbeat truly pulses. Inside, you’ll find captivating exhibitions that explore everything from sustainable urban futures to iconic Danish design, all presented with that signature Scandinavian cool. After a stroll through the galleries, I recommend grabbing a coffee at the café upstairs—it's one of my favorite views in the city. The DAC is open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM (until 9 PM on Mondays and Thursdays), and tickets cost 115 DKK, with free entry for anyone under 18.

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The Royal Library

The Royal Library

Tucked into the sleek, glassy BLOX building on Copenhagen’s harbor, the Danish Architecture Center (DAC) is where the city’s design heartbeat truly pulses. Inside, you’ll find captivating exhibitions that explore everything from sustainable urban futures to iconic Danish design, all presented with that signature Scandinavian cool. After a stroll through the galleries, I recommend grabbing a coffee at the café upstairs—it's one of my favorite views in the city.

Contacts:

TIP

Circle Bridge

Just a short stroll or boat ride from the Royal Library, the whimsical Circle Bridge—designed by Olafur Eliasson with its elegant circular platforms and sweeping cables—is both a functional crossing and a sculptural moment suspended over Copenhagen’s harbor; you can walk there in under 10 minutes or hop on a classic canal tour from Nyhavn, which glides right beneath it for the perfect photo op.

Shopping

HAY

​Perched above the bustling Strøget shopping street, HAY House is a two-story haven of Danish design that feels more like a beautifully curated apartment than a store. From sleek furniture to playful home accessories, every corner invites you to linger and imagine your own space transformed with Scandinavian flair.

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Georg Jensen

Stepping into Georg Jensen’s flagship store on Amagertorv 4 feels like entering a sanctuary of Danish design heritage, where over a century of silversmithing artistry meets modern elegance. The ground floor showcases shimmering jewelry and timepieces, while the first floor invites you to explore handcrafted silverware displayed on a bespoke silver-and-wood table—an homage to the brand’s enduring craftsmanship. This luminous boutique is a must-visit for anyone seeking a piece of timeless Scandinavian luxury

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Normann Copenhagen

Tucked away on Niels Hemmingsens Gade, just steps from Copenhagen’s bustling Strøget, Normann Copenhagen’s flagship store is a theatrical design universe set inside a former cinema. The 1,700-square-meter space unfolds like an art installation, with immersive zones like the terrazzo-clad Ballroom and the all-pink Gallery showcasing the brand’s bold furniture, lighting, and fashion collections. It’s a must-visit for design lovers seeking inspiration in the heart of Copenhagen. The store is open Monday to Friday from 10 AM to 6 PM and Saturdays from 10 AM to 4 PM; it’s closed on Sundays.

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Paustian

Paustian’s flagship store in Copenhagen is nestled inside a historic old bank, complete with an impressive vault that adds a touch of intrigue to the space. With its soaring ceilings and grand architectural details, the store offers an elegant backdrop for a curated selection of Danish and international design pieces, from chic furniture to striking accessories. It’s a must-visit for design lovers who want to shop in a setting that blends rich history with contemporary flair, all while experiencing a little piece of Copenhagen’s design legacy.

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Louise Roe

Hidden along the historical streets of Copenhagen’s old city, Louise Roe Gallery is a serene haven where Scandinavian design and culinary delights converge. Beyond its curated collection of minimalist furniture and artful homewares, the space houses The Roe Bar, a café celebrated for its artisanal coffee, including a velvety matcha latte, and indulgent treats like rich cheesecake. Open daily, it's the perfect spot to pause, sip, and immerse yourself in Copenhagen's design culture.

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DAY 2

Frama

Frama's Studio Store in Copenhagen is a must-visit for design enthusiasts, offering a unique blend of Scandinavian minimalism and historical charm. Housed in the former St. Paul's Apotek, established in 1878, the space retains its original oak pharmaceutical cabinets and ornately painted ceilings, providing a stunning backdrop for Frama's modern designs . Near by , you can enjoy a delightful breakfast at Atelier September, known for its beautifully presented dishes like the famous pancakes and matcha lattes .​

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Design Museum

​Designmuseum Danmark, nestled in a neoclassical building that once housed Copenhagen’s Royal Frederik’s Hospital, is a must-visit for design enthusiasts. The museum’s meticulously curated exhibitions showcase the evolution of Danish design, featuring iconic pieces by legends like Arne Jacobsen and Poul Henningsen, alongside contemporary works addressing global challenges. Visitors can also enjoy the serene museum garden, browse the thoughtfully curated shop, or relax at Café FORMAT, which offers a delightful menu and outdoor seating in the summer months.

Contacts:

TIP

The Harbour Bus

​From Designmuseum Danmark, you can take the electric Harbour Bus (Havnebus) Route 992 northbound to the Opera House, with a stop at the Opera Park. The journey offers a scenic view of Copenhagen’s waterfront and takes just a few minutes. Tickets cost approximately DKK 15–20 and can be purchased via the DOT Tickets app or a Rejsekort.

Opera Park

Opera Park in Copenhagen is a peaceful green retreat along the waterfront, designed by Cobe, featuring a variety of themed gardens, including a Danish Oak Forest and a Subtropical Garden inside a central greenhouse. The park is home to over 600 trees and 80,000 perennials, creating a stunning display of natural beauty year-round, and it’s open to the public for free. At the heart of the park, Restaurant Væksthuset offers sustainable cuisine in an organic-shaped greenhouse with floor-to-ceiling windows, serving fresh, locally sourced dishes from breakfast to dinner.

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Ferm Living

​Ferm Living’s flagship store, The Home of Ferm Living, is a serene sanctuary of Danish design nestled in a historic 18th-century building at Kuglegårdsvej 1–5, Copenhagen. Spanning 450 square meters, the boutique showcases the brand’s full collection—from minimalist furniture and lighting to curated vintage finds and lush plants—set against a backdrop of exposed brick walls, arched windows, and raw wooden beams.

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TIP

Hart Bakery

Just a short walk away, ​Hart Café, located at Galionsvej 41 offers a picturesque setting along the waterfront with views of the canal and the iconic Frederik’s Church. Housed in a charming red timber-framed building, the café serves a variety of baked goods, including sourdough bread, rye bread, and pastries, crafted by renowned baker Richard Hart, known for his work at Noma.

Copenhagen Contemporary

​Copenhagen Contemporary is a dynamic art space located in a converted industrial building on Refshaleøen, offering a diverse range of contemporary art exhibitions and installations. While admission to the museum is required to access the exhibitions, the café, Connie Connie, is open to all visitors and does not require museum entry. Connie Connie has garnered attention for its innovative design, featuring seating crafted by 25 different artists using off-cut wood from Dinesen, and has won Wallpaper’s Best Café Seating award in 2022.

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