If there’s one European city having its moment, it’s Copenhagen. The Danish capital is cyclable, swimmable and super efficient – all the things London could be if it wasn’t so committed to chaos (joking, mostly). Long celebrated as a global design destination, Copenhagen recently celebrated 20 years of its pioneering Fashion Week, a Ganni-stamped double decade that’s left a visible mark on the city, with your average Vesterbro Joe now dressed cooler than the Baltic Sea. No wonder the city constantly ranks near the top on the UN happiness index. But just in case you need another reason to put it on your 2026 bucket list, we’ve got one: Henrik’s Hotel – a super-central boutique stay that, since opening in May, has quickly become the go-to haunt for Copenhagen’s fashion crowd. Perhaps inevitably so, given the credentials of co-owner Julie Hildebrandt Hammer, who worked for brands like By Malene Birger before taking over the family hotel collection with her brother Frederik. “That background naturally influenced how we think about Henrik’s as a design-led destination that feels culturally connected,” she explains. “We’ve approached it more like a lifestyle brand, focusing on atmosphere, visual storytelling, craftsmanship and emotion.”
The hotel is the fourth in the Hildebrandt Hammer collection and arguably the most personal. It’s named after Julie’s hotelier grandfather Jørgen Henrik, who, with his wife, Aase, dreamed of “exploring the world and welcoming the world in return”. Nearly six decades later, their grandchildren are paying tribute to that vision with a stay that moves beyond Nordic minimalism towards something warmer and more romantic. Inside, historic details like stained glass windows, inlaid wooden flooring and an ornate 19th-century staircase have been expertly preserved and layered with a smattering of antiques, contemporary furnishings and floral flourishes that lend each space an almost Gallic sense of freshness. “Being a third-generation family business gives us a strong sense of continuity,” Julie says. “Our grandparents built everything around genuine hospitality, but we’re bringing our own perspective.” It’s one that feels uniquely suited to this city – steeped in history but styled for the future.
Do
Take a dip in the harbour at Kalvebod Bølge, then warm up in one of the water-facing saunas at Green Island. Take in the city’s booming contemporary art scene at Kunsthal Charlottenborg; cosy up to modern masters at Louisiana Museum of Modern Art; or rent a bike to explore the waterside architecture of Paper Island, the industrial playground of Refshaleøen, and the old-world charm of Christianshavn.
Eat
Start the day with freshly baked goods from Bageriet Brød, a loved-by-locals spot in Enghave Plads. Aller Tiders serves super-seasonal lunch trays that change each week and look almost as good as they taste. Silberbauers, meanwhile, is a Parisian-style bistro perfect for date night, as is legendary Cafe Sommersko – especially on Fridays, when a live jazz band shakes things up.
Drink
Downstairs at the hotel, Josephine’s Bar slings some seriously good cocktails (the Kentucky Tea Party is our go-to). At the listening bar Bird, you’ll find “highballs with hi-fidelity”. Get your caffeine fix at Prolog, a spot famed for its homemade roasts and ethically sourced coffee beans. Wine lovers should head central, where Bar Vitrine and Ved Stranden 10 make fine people-watching perches.
Shop
Copenhagen is a haven for Scandi homewares, and our top picks are Hay House, Louise Roe and Dora. Department store Magasin is a magnet for mainstay Nordic designers, but you’ll find plenty of independents on local high streets like Gammel Kongevej or Jægersborggade. For vintage, head to Paloma Vintage or Reseller, or explore the markets that take place throughout the city every Sunday.
