Copenhagen holidays

Think of Copenhagen, and beaches aren’t the first thing that springs to mind. But they’re here. And if you’re visiting in summer, they make the perfect catch-your-breath awayday. They’re good-looking, as well – think white sands, grassy dunes and some of Europe’s cleanest seas.

One of the most popular sunbathing spots around here is Amager Beach. It’s just 15 minutes’ drive from Copenhagen, and this sweep of silvery sands is as long and lovely as they come. Grab your swimming togs, laze on the fluffy sands and chill out Danish style. And when you tire of doing nothing, jet off on water-skis, rent a kayak or grab lunch at a sunny outdoor restaurant.

If you’re staying in Copenhagen and fancy a dip without having to travel far, hightail it to one of the freshwater pools along the harbourfront. Islands Brygge Harbour Bath is one of the best. You might not see any sand here, but the water’s clean and pure, and the first-rate views of the city come as an added bonus.

Copenhagen’s flea market season runs from late May to early October, so you’ve got plenty of opportunity for bargain hunting. Gammel Strand is one of the most popular spots – it’s set by the canal and has a string of coffee shops on its doorstep. And you can nab a great deal on second-hand wares at Frederiksberg, which lines up nearly a hundred stalls.

If it’s high street brands you’re after, look no further than Strøget. It’s one of Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping streets, running right through the middle of Copenhagen. Here, you’ll find loads of familiar faces, like H&M, Zara and LEGO, along with some souvenir stores and Scandinavian brands.

There’s a scattering of designer stores along Strøget, like Prada, Mulberry and Louis Vuitton. If you’re looking for something a little more unique, have a browse around the stores in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter – it’s where a handful of local designers have set up shop, selling everything from clothing to home accessories.

For a relaxed evening out, head to one of the city’s traditional pubs – or bodegas. These authentic venues come with all the stereotypical charms, like vintage jukeboxes and wooden walls. Low ceilings, dim lighting and back-to-basics drinks menus complete the picture.

You’ll find the liveliest night-time spots in Copenhagen’s city centre. From big house and techno clubs to cool cocktail bars, there’s something for everyone here. And if a pub crawl sounds more up your street, the city centre’s a great place to start.

Unsurprisingly, Copenhagen’s bakeries are jam-packed with traditional Danish pastries. They’re usually filled with a combination of almond paste and custard, and then flavoured with traditional fruits like apples, apricots and blueberries.

Craft beer lovers will be spoilt for choice around here. The city’s pubs, clubs and restaurants are all stocked up with the stuff, and you’ve also got a selection of speciality craft beer bars to pick from. The Nørrebro area’s a good place to hunt some down – you’ll find handfuls of venues tucked along its side streets.

Open sandwiches – or Smørrebrød – are a local delicacy and a must-try when in Copenhagen. Almost all bakeries serve some variation of this classic snack, usually consisting of rye bread topped with meat or fish, vegetables and some form of sauce.

Copenhagen’s peppered with hot dog stands, and they make a cheap and tasty stop-off while sightseeing. The most famous sausage on offer is red sausage. It comes in a bun topped with ketchup and mustard, and you can choose to add extra toppings like diced gherkins or onions.

Copenhagen has more Michelin-starred restaurants than any of its Scandinavian counterparts, so if you fancy a taste of fine dining, you won’t need to look far. Lots of them focus on modern Nordic cuisine, which means you can expect beautifully presented meals flavoured with simple core ingredients like seafood, rye bread and root vegetables.