Imagine waking up in a city where the air is crisp and clean, and the first sounds you hear are not honking horns or bustling crowds but the gentle chirping of birds. This is the serene morning experience that awaits you in Copenhagen. While many overlook this Danish capital in favor of more obvious European destinations, my best friend and I chose it for our annual girls’ trip.
Copenhagen offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the concept of hygge—a Danish philosophy that emphasizes coziness, contentment and well-being. Here, you can escape the frenetic pace of daily life and embrace a more balanced, mindful way of living. The city’s commitment to sustainability, abundant green spaces and focus on work-life balance create an atmosphere that feels a world away from the usual urban stress. Here’s everything we did on our long weekend getaway.
Day 1:
The Danish culture prioritizes moderation and savoring life’s indulgences; thankfully, that means most of our morning started with a stroll through the charming streets, stopping at a local bakery for authentic pastries such as a kanelsnegle (cinnamon roll) and a flødebolle (chocolate-covered marshmallow treat). Some signature bakeries to check out are Juno The Bakery, Hart Bageri and Københavns Bageri. Immerse yourself in the deliciousness of flaky pastries straight out of the oven washed down with a cup of decadent coffee or a latte.
We ate a lot on our trip, and the next stop was to Torvehallerne, Copenhagen’s famous food halls. Sample local delicacies and pick up picnic supplies, including fresh produce, wine and tapas for later. Don’t miss the smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches)—a Danish classic. If you and your friends prefer different types of cuisine, a food hall is an ideal way for everyone to get their pick while still enjoying a meal together.
Once you are well nourished, you must visit the museums, especially the National Museum of Denmark, which feels like you are stepping into a time machine that spans millennia of Danish history. As you wander through its halls, you’ll be transported from the age of Vikings to the cutting-edge world of modern Danish design. Marvel at intricately carved Viking runes and fearsome weapons that once sailed the seas with Norse warriors. Gaze upon golden artifacts from the Bronze Age, each piece telling a story of ancient craftsmanship and societal structures.
To finish off a day of exploring, enjoy a relaxing dinner at one of the many Asian restaurants that are part of the city’s new Asian wave, showcasing how the city’s culinary scene continues to grow and expand to a varied number of cuisines.
Day 2:
A good piece of travel advice is to opt to purchase a Copenhagen Card. For only $70, the card offers access to public transport throughout the city, as well as more than 80 attractions, museums and castles. Some signature must-see attractions include the Tivoli Gardens, which is the world’s second-oldest amusement park, a boat ride in the canals, the Design Museum Denmark and, for a less beaten track, trips to Glyptoteket for a view of its stunning Winter Garden.
Pro tip: The card only lasts for 72 hours, so remember to activate it once you reach the ground as it starts counting down. It’s also easy to use public transport to go to the airport (and much friendlier on your wallet).
With our Copenhagen Card in hand, we took advantage of some of the attractions at our disposal. After a late pizza lunch at Surt, we rented bikes and cycled through the city’s beautiful parks. We stopped at the waterfront area of Nyhavn with its colorful houses to snap a few Instagrammable photos and took a boat tour through the canals to really see the city from a renewed perspective.
Exhausted from our active day, we ended the evening with cocktails at Duck and Cover before calling it a night. Should you want to continue your evening out with your girls, grab drinks at a waterfront bar such as the Standard, which also has a jazz club for some added enthusiasm.
Day 3:
For our final day in Copenhagen, we decided to fully embrace the Danish approach to self-care, immersing ourselves in the luxurious comfort of Hotel Kong Arthur. This charming boutique hotel, with its cozy rooms and inviting lounges, provided the perfect setting for our last day of hygge-inspired relaxation.
The rooms at Hotel Kong Arthur exude a sense of warmth and tranquility, with soft lighting, plush bedding and tasteful Danish design elements that invite you to unwind. We started our day slowly, savoring the quiet morning moments and enjoying a leisurely breakfast in our rooms.
In the afternoon, we gathered in one of the hotel’s cozy lounges for its complimentary “Cozy Hour,” a delightful twist on traditional happy hour. Here, we sipped on warming beverages and snacked on light bites, all while chatting and laughing together in the comfortable, intimate setting. This simple pleasure of unhurried conversation in a welcoming space perfectly encapsulated the hygge spirit we’d come to appreciate.
The highlight of our day was undoubtedly our visit to Ni’mat Spa, conveniently located within the hotel. We indulged in traditional Nordic treatments, feeling the stress and tension melt away under skilled hands. As I lay on the massage table, breathing in the calming scents of essential oils, I reflected on the true purpose of our trip: slowing down and savoring moments. The unhurried pace of the massage allowed me to be fully present and appreciate each sensation. But most importantly, I enjoyed quality time with my bestie. Even in silence, sharing this experience with my closest friend felt deeply meaningful. I am sure this experience will be just as meaningful with your girls. Need more inspiration? Follow these 10 Black female travel bloggers.