Copenhagen was recently named the world’s most liveable city by the Economist Intelligence Unit, unseating Vienna for the first time in three years. It’s a capital that offers a rare and refined combination of world-class design, culinary innovation, cultural depth and a kind of effortless calm that’s hard to replicate.

 

The city is known for being clean, compact and impeccably stylish - yet it is also a great destination to enjoy something a little unique and spontaneous. Here, we present Victor’s insider guide to experiencing Copenhagen at its best, with recommendations on where to stay, dine, and explore.

 

Where to Stay

 

Set within the enchanting grounds of Tivoli Gardens, Nimb Hotel is Copenhagen’s answer to fairy-tale grandeur, albeit filtered through a lens of Danish minimalism and taste. With just 38 rooms and suites, each individually styled with antiques, designer furnishings and curated artwork, the property feels both personal and indulgent.

 

Guests enjoy after-hours access to Tivoli Gardens, while a rooftop pool, subterranean spa and champagne-laced afternoon tea round out the experience.

 

By contrast, but no less luxurious, THEKRANE offers a radically different vision of high design. Once an industrial coal crane in Nordhavn harbour, it’s now reimagined as a one-suite sanctuary suspended above the waterfront. Jet-black interiors, panoramic windows, and a restrained monochrome aesthetic create an atmosphere that is both intimate and cinematic.

 

With two private terraces for sunrise and sunset, and an elevated lounge in the crane’s original operator cabin, THEKRANE is a design statement and one of the city’s most original overnight experiences.

 

Where to Eat & Drink

 

Copenhagen’s status as a culinary capital is well-earned and extends far beyond the fame of Noma. Across the city, restaurants strike a balance between technical brilliance and inviting warmth, often showcasing seasonal Nordic ingredients in subtly theatrical, low-lit settings. Even the street food is remarkable, however, a few standout spots make a strong case for a more curated experience.

 

Marv & Ben, a Michelin-starred gem in the Old Town, offers modern Danish cuisine delivered with unpretentious confidence. Dishes highlight langoustine, Jerusalem artichoke and wild herbs, composed with finesse but grounded in flavour. At Barr, located in a converted waterfront warehouse, the concept revolves around elevated comfort food inspired by the North Sea region. Designed by Snøhetta, the interiors are as tactile and thoughtful as the menu — warm woods, soft lighting, and a nod to its maritime past.

 

And for a nightcap, The Library Bar in Hotel Plaza offers a sanctuary of hushed wood panelling and club-like charm. Settle in with a whisky and let the pace slow down

 

How to spend your time

 

This slower rhythm defines Copenhagen. It’s a city best enjoyed by drifting through it - by bike, on foot, or with no set destination. Joining the gentle tide of cyclists across the city’s bridges and boulevards is not only practical but strangely joyful; even first-time visitors will find the infrastructure flawless and the experience liberating.

 

Art lovers will want to carve out time for the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, a short train ride north, where sculpture gardens provide sweeping views of the Øresund. Back in the city, the Danish Architecture Centre and Designmuseum Danmark provide a dose of visual and cultural nourishment.

 

There is also hygge, the Danish art of atmosphere, which isn’t just a concept here, but a way of life. You’ll feel it in the early-morning cardamom buns at Hart Bageri, or over a sunlit lunch at Atelier September. Whether you opt for a castle-like suite above Tivoli or a suspended design capsule above the harbour, Copenhagen offers a kind of luxury that feels as natural as it is elevated.

 

Copenhagen Kastrup Airport sits just four miles from the city centre, and transfers typically take under 15 minutes by car. For those connecting further afield, private helicopter charter is available - including quick cross-border transfers to Malmö, Sweden. For more information contact info@flyvictor.com