Here is our take on where to stay and what to do after hours in Copenhagen
Nørrebro Bryghus
Ryesgade 3, Nørrebro
Copenhagen 2200
Beer is the local specialty, but there’s much more to it than Carlsberg or Tuborg. Head to Nørrebro Bryghus, one of Copenhagen’s most popular brewpubs. It boasts Denmark’s first carbon-neutral beer, which you can of course sample while also touring the brewery to see how it’s made.
Hamlet Country
Kronborg Castle
Take in Hamlet country (he was Prince of Denmark, remember). First get the train (45 minutes) to Helsingor (Shakespeare’s Elsinore), then cross to Helsinborg (Sweden) by ferry (20 minutes) for fantastic views of Kronborg Castle—Hamlet’s home—across the sea. Denmark’s most imposing castle, Kronborg is a 10-minute walk from Helsinger.
Royal Library
Søren Kierkgaards Plads 1
Copenhagen 1016
+45 33 474 747, kb.dk
Visit not for books, but for the superb modern architecture, secluded gardens and great restaurant (Søren K; See Where to Eat). You’ll see at once why this waterfront landmark is known as the Black Diamond—its façade is entirely covered in Zimbabwean granite. Take bus 1, 6 or 10.
Where to Eat
Noma
Strandgade 93
Copenhagen 1401
If you can get a table, try Noma—voted the world’s best restaurant for two years running now. The food is new Nordic, featuring fine local ingredients and fresh, clean flavors. The location in Copenhagen harbor is superb, too.
Sankt Gertruds Kloster
Hauser Plads 32
Copenhagen 1127
Once a medieval monastery, now a French restaurant that’s popular with a professional crowd. Good for a business lunch or dinner.
Søren K
Søren Kierkegaards Plads 1
Royal Danish Library
Copenhagen 1221
Modern and minimalist, with great harbor views and a contemporary Scandinavian menu, this eatery is a great reason to visit the Royal Library.
Stay
Copenhagen Marriott Hotel
Kalvebod Brygge 5, Centrum
Copenhagen 1560
Efficient but stylish business hotel near Copenhagen Central Station, with great canal and harbor views. Good conference and business facilities, wireless throughout.
Radisson Blu SAS Royal
Hammerichsgade 1
Copenhagen 1611
Designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1960, the SAS has been gracefully restored as a showcase of the great designer’s work. Close to the Tivoli Gardens. Good business facilities, close to metro, free broadband.
Phoenix Hotel
Bredgade 37
Copenhagen 1260
Located in the financial district, this elegant 17th-century hotel is a beautiful location for a conference or business meeting—or just to stay in. While the D’Angleterre is closed for renovations (until 2012), this is possibly the city’s most gracious hotel. Wireless throughout, five minutes from the metro.
Airport
Kastrup, Copenhagen’s airport, offers that rare thing—an enjoyable airport experience. Shops and facilities are excellent, and everything in the three-terminal complex benefits from the Danish design touch. There are plenty of quiet places to work, too (free wireless). The easiest way to get into town is with the metro (15 minutes). Ticket machines are everywhere but take only chip cards (not U.S. credit cards), or you can buy a ticket at the DSB sales counter in terminal 3.
Useful links
General
American Chamber of Commerce
Global Denmark
Cultural consultancy Copenhagen Capacity