Scandi Chic: A Love Letter to Copenhagen

Mid-century modern room with a green armchair, wooden table, brown chairs, potted plants, and large windows. Warm, serene ambiance.

There are some cities that just have that effortless cool factor, and Copenhagen is one of them. It’s that friend who always looks stylish without even trying, the one who throws on a sweater and suddenly starts a fashion trend. This city has it all: sleek design, historic charm, more bikes than cars, and a coffee culture that rivals anywhere else in the world. Every time I visit, I fall in love all over again.

Coming from a design and branding background, Copenhagen has always been my dream city break. And lucky for me, Denmark is just a quick flight from the UK, which means weekend escapes to this Nordic wonderland are a regular thing. Whether it’s the clean, modern aesthetics, the easy-going locals, or the fact that every street corner looks like a curated Instagram post, I just can’t get enough of this place. If you haven’t been yet, let me tell you why you absolutely need to go.

Scandinavian Design at Its Best

Forget IKEA (though, of course, it’s great). Scandinavian design is so much more than flat-pack furniture. It’s about functional elegance, a commitment to quality, and an aesthetic that seamlessly blends form with function. Whether it’s the effortlessly chic interiors of boutique hotels, the cutting-edge fashion boutiques of Strøget, or the sleek furniture stores of Vesterbro, Copenhagen is a designer’s paradise. The city’s ability to fuse old-world charm with modern minimalism is unmatched, and for anyone who appreciates design, it’s a constant source of inspiration.

The Land of Beautiful Vikings

It’s not just the TV show (which I may or may not have watched twice purely for Ragnar Lothbrok)—but let’s be honest, the Scandinavians are undeniably beautiful. Tall, blonde, and effortlessly stylish, they could walk straight off a runway and onto the cobbled streets of Copenhagen. But beyond their striking looks, what makes them truly attractive is their laid-back, approachable nature and the fact that nearly everyone speaks flawless English. For travelers, this makes navigating the city an absolute breeze.

Travel Tips for Copenhagen

Forget Cash – If you’re visiting, don’t bother exchanging your money for Danish Kroner. Nearly 90% of transactions are done via card, and many places don’t accept cash at all. A contactless card or mobile payment is all you need.
Fika Like a Local – The Danes are masters of the art of ‘fika’—taking a break over coffee and baked goods. There’s nothing quite like enjoying a Danish pastry in Denmark, so be sure to visit one of the city’s many cozy coffee spots. Andersen & Maillard and The Coffee Collective are excellent choices.
Skip the Little Mermaid – It may be the city’s most famous landmark, but unless you’re a die-hard Andersen fan, the Little Mermaid statue can be underwhelming. If you’re short on time, swap it for something more immersive, like the Hamlet and Sweden Tour. With Sweden just a short hop across the Øresund Bridge, you can visit two countries in one trip.
Eat Like a Dane – Copenhagen’s food scene is exceptional, from high-end Michelin-starred restaurants to cozy bistros serving traditional smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches). For an area buzzing with food, drink, galleries, and nightlife, head to Vesterbro. Once the city’s red-light district, it has transformed into one of Copenhagen’s most vibrant neighbourhoods.

Where to Stay: The Best Boutique Hotels

Rooftop pool with clear water, modern metal ladder, surrounded by historic red brick buildings under a blue sky with scattered clouds.

Copenhagen’s hotel scene is as stylish as the city itself. If you appreciate good design, these boutique hotels will make your stay even more memorable:

Villa Copenhagen – A luxury hotel blending historic architecture with modern sustainability.
Brøchner Hotels – A collection of sleek boutique hotels, including Hotel SP34, which features a daily complimentary wine hour.
Manon Les Suites – A stunning urban jungle escape, complete with a tropical indoor pool.
Nimb Hotel – A five-star boutique hotel inside Tivoli Gardens, offering Moorish-inspired elegance.
Sanders – A cozy yet stylish luxury boutique hotel, founded by a former ballet dancer.
Hotel Ottilia – Located in the former Carlsberg brewery, this hotel combines industrial charm with contemporary Danish design.

Two people cycling down a sunlit city street, surrounded by trees and buildings. Warm light and shadows create a peaceful, relaxed mood.

Copenhagen: Cooler Than You (But in a Nice Way)

Copenhagen is a city that doesn’t try too hard—it doesn’t need to. It’s effortlessly cool, impossibly chic, and endlessly inviting. Whether you come for the design, the culture, the food, or, let’s be honest, the beautiful people, you’ll find yourself drawn back time and time again. I know I always do.

So, if you haven’t yet experienced the magic of Copenhagen, what are you waiting for? It’s time to embrace the Scandi chic lifestyle and fall in love with one of Europe’s most stylish cities.