“Copenhagen: A Cocktail of Cool, Culture, and Hidden Corners…”

Getting There

From London, it’s a breezy hop—just under two hours by plane. I flew out of Heathrow and landed in Copenhagen with enough time to grab a pistachio bun before check-in. The airport is slick, the metro is cleaner than my kitchen, and within 30 minutes you’re downtown, ready to dive into Danish delights.

 

Where I Stayed: Guldsmeden Eco Hotel

Think Bali meets Scandi chic. Guldsmeden is a dreamy eco-hotel with reclaimed wood, organic breakfast, and the kind of lighting that makes everyone look like they’ve had eight hours of sleep. The real gem? Honestly, I can’t decide between the atrium’s oasis pool that dominated Instagram so much that my trip was predominantly curated to have an excuse to see it for myself or the upstairs outdoor spa area. Picture this: you're soaking in a hot tub under the stars, steam rising, sipping herbal tea (or something stronger), while the Copenhagen breeze whispers through the bamboo screens. Bliss.

 

 

The Weather

Copenhagen in early autumn is a moody masterpiece. Think crisp air, golden leaves, and skies that flirt between dramatic grey and sudden sunshine. Pack layers, a good coat, and sunglasses—because the weather changes its mind more often than I do at a cocktail bar.

 

Cocktails (and Secret Bars)

Copenhagen loves a good hideaway. Ask locals, follow your nose, and never trust a door that looks too obvious. The best places are behind curtains, down staircases, or disguised as hat shops!

Ruby – Hidden behind an unmarked door near the canal, this speakeasy-style bar serves up some of the best cocktails I’ve ever had. The bartender made me a smoky mezcal number that tasted like a campfire in a glass.

Gaia - A completely accidental find where we popped inf or a 'quick one' before heading back to the hotel for a swim. Which then got delayed by numerous hours after realising what a gem we had stumbled across with the most inventive, fun and addictive cocktails served by an equally fantastic bar-keep. It would have been wrong not to experience as many cocktails as we could.

Duck and Cover - If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to walk into a bar and instantly become 37% cooler just by existing in the same room, Duck and Cover is your place. It’s the kind of spot where the lighting is so perfectly moody you start questioning whether you’re in a bar or the opening scene of a Nordic noir. It is a tad low on lights so bring your glasses if you are of that vintage!

 

Meatpacking District & the “Other” Districts

The Meatpacking District is Copenhagen’s answer to Shoreditch—gritty, cool, and full of surprises. And yes, I did stroll through the infamous Sex District. It’s more neon nostalgia than seedy scandal these days, but still worth a peek if you’re curious. Just don’t bring your mum. Definitely give Noho a go, clearly a favourite with locals for good reason and if you come across a Stetson hat shop with music pumping out, do yourself a favour and go in.

 

Off the Beaten Track Bistro

Never go 'main street'. That’s rule number one. I found a tiny bistro down a cobbled lane in Nørrebro with no sign, three tables, and a chef who looked like he’d just come back from foraging mushrooms. The cheese board he curated hit all the spots and the wine was poured like they were trying to get rid of it. Perfection.

 

Cost

If you’re from London, you’ll be used to it. Coffee costs the same as a small car, and cocktails are priced like designer handbags. But the quality? Impeccable. Copenhagen doesn’t do cheap thrills—it does worth it.

 

Final Thoughts

Copenhagen is a city that rewards curiosity. Wander, peek behind doors, follow candlelight, and always say yes to the spa. Whether you're chasing cocktails or quiet corners, this city will charm your socks off—and maybe your coat too. One that I was annoyed to miss was Curfew book in advance!