Copenhagen is consistently rated as one of the happiest cities in the world – yes it’s significantly smaller and less hectic than London – but just how do they do it? Hygge that’s how. Hygge is that cosy, relaxed, comforting feeling and it’s about appreciating the little things in life. Long winters mean an excuse to break out the candles, blankies and mulled wine. Having a place to be means you’ve got a chance to jump on a bike and enjoy the fresh air. The Danes are experts in finding joy rather than feeling stressed, something we’re not so great at in London, but a trip to Copenhagen can start to put that right.
You won’t struggle for things to do in Copenhagen but if you wanna jump on the hygge hype and make it the most chill city break ever, then these things should be on your hitlist.
FLY
You have don’t wait until you touch down in Copenhagen to start enjoying your city break, kick off the holiday (and the hygge) on the plane over when you fly with SAS. They fly direct to Copenhagen from Heathrow, the flights are very wallet friendly and they believe that hygge starts in the sky, so you’re in good hands.
STAY
The AC Hotel Bella Sky Copenhagen hits that sweet spot between proximity to the airport (so you don’t have to schlep your luggage all over town) and to downtown Copenhagen (so you’re not in the middle of nowhere), and it’s even close to a nature reserve so you can soak up some of that fresh Danish air on a walk or a bike ride. The hotel is also bursting with all things hygge; the Bella Sky Spa offers relaxing massages and scrubs and the in-house restaurant Basalt is all about celebrating local ingredients and cooking over open fire. And it doesn’t get cosier than an open fire.
EAT & DRINK
If you only go to one street in Copenhagen, make it Jægersborggade in the Nørrebro neighbourhood – it’s got galleries, homeware shops, wine bars, cafes and some of the best restaurants in the city. Get the hygge in early doors with porridge at Grød, where toppings include dulce de leche, cocoa nibs and rhubarb compote. It’s definitely not the crap packet stuff you try and eat before dashing to the bus. Obvs you’ll also need a coffee, so pop over to Coffee Collective for a brew. Nothing is more hygge than indulging in a sweet treat, so stock up on some fresh fudge at Karamelleriet or a chocolate cinnamon roll from Meyes Bageri. You can’t go to Denmark and not have a Danish pastry now can ya? Relax over a glass of natural wine and a plate of beef tartare at Manfreds and treat yourself to dinner at Michelin-starred, World’s 50 Best Relae. With sustainable and organic produce and veg-focused tasting menus, it’s the epitome of laid-back fine dining.
DO
The Tivoli Gardens may be a major tourist destination but don’t let that turn you off. Going strong since 1843, it’s one of the oldest amusement parks in the world but even if you don’t fancy riding the rails of the wooden rollercoaster, take a walk through the gardens and by the lake. It’s good ol’ fashioned fun, like Dreamland or Brighton Pier, plus it gets all lit up at night for extra cosy vibes. Double down on the hygge by going in winter as Tivoli gets proper festive with even more lights, snow-topped trees and a Christmas market.
