Revered for its style and loved for its bike friendly culture, brightly hued houses, delectable pastries, grand palaces and of course, the lovely little mermaid statue, Copenhagen is sure to be a sophisticated addition to your honeymoon itinerary. Sitting pretty on the islands of Zealand and Amager, this coastal capital has a rich history and exudes pure Scandi cool.

Ideal for intrepid honeymooners not opposed to a long haul flight or two, Copenhagen is an absolute must-see destination if you’re contemplating a trip to the Nordics. So, pack your capsule collection (plain white tees and skinny jeans are basically obligatory) and get ready to discover more about this incredible city.

From selecting the perfect pastry to deciding where to stay the night, here are our top tips for ensuring your Copenhagen trip is absolutely unforgettable.

Experience Danish design

From stylish lampshades to large-scale architectural achievements, and quirky graphics to the many iconic incarnations of the chair, Denmark is synonymous with design. So, for a true taste of Danish living, check into the mid-century modern themed Hotel Alexandra and spend your honeymoon Scandi style. A chic retro homage, this boutique hotel situated on the edge of the old town is brimming with original furniture pieces, and each room pays tribute to a different design influencer or era in Danish design.

From the old-school room keys to the Mad Men inspired staff uniforms, and the foyer honesty bar to the cute rental bikes out the front, no detail has been overlooked at this delightful Danish establishment.

For an in-depth overview, head to the Design Museum and delve back in time to discover the events and influences which helped define the Danish aesthetic. From fashion to homewares and technology to textiles it offers an incredible and inspiring insight into Danish culture.

Set off and explore

Super scenic and easily walkable, Copenhagen is a truly dreamy destination that’s just perfect for getting lost in. For an enjoyable introduction, start by strolling the narrow cobbled streets of the old town, before heading towards the quirky and colourful houses of Nyhavn, and then onwards to see the beloved little mermaid statue sitting sweetly in the harbour.

Royalists will love wandering along the forecourt at Amalienborg Palace where you may catch a glimpse of the Danish royal family, while thrill seekers will enjoy an adventurous day at Tivoli Gardens and nature enthusiasts will enjoy a romantic stroll in the botanic garden or Fredericksberg Gardens.

Just a short train ride away, Frederiksborg Castle is bound to captivate art lovers, history buffs and architecture aficionados alike. Encircled by a moat and surrounded by stunning landscaped gardens, this royal renaissance palace is home to the Museum of National History and showcases a vast selection of paintings, artefacts, furniture pieces and more. After browsing the lavishly decorated rooms, take a walk through the manicured grounds and enjoy marvelling at Scandinavia’s largest renaissance castle.

Embrace the spirit of hygge

Hygge has certainly been a buzz word of late, but the Danes have been living hygge long before the rest of the world picked up on it. Conjuring up associations of cosiness, contentment and general wellbeing, the practice of hygge is particularly pertinent during Denmark’s long, cold and dark winter months. So, for an authentic Danish experience, a little element of hygge is definitely an essential honeymoon ingredient.

Enter Copenhot: a super hyggelig and inviting combo of outdoor hot tubs and a spacious sauna, perfectly positioned on the edge of the harbour. Book a ‘hot days’ session and enjoy two blissful hours soaking in the wood fired tubs and lounging in the sauna, which boasts incredible harbour views from its panoramic window.

During the warmer months, you can also take a jaunt around the harbour in one of Copenhot’s skippered ‘spa sailing boats’ – a hot-tub-boat combo which definitely beats any regular tourist vessel.

Sample authentic Danish cuisine

Gourmand globetrotting couples are bound to fall in love with Copenhagen’s food scene, which comprises a delicious compilation of international influences backed up by great coffee and stellar beers.

Start your day at Mad & Kaffe, a cute café that attracts its fair share of hungry Instagrammers keen to sample their ‘morning plate’: fresh and flavoursome brunch options which you can mix and match to create your own bespoke breakfast tray. Delicious!

If you find yourselves strolling hand-in-hand in Nyhavn come lunchtime, take a seat at Havfruen, a delightful seafood restaurant serving up local fare including garlic mussels, grilled fish, crab claws and oysters. And, if you’re yet to try the famous Danish smørrebrød – an open-faced sandwich often featuring herring – then this is definitely a picturesque place to try it!

For a fun foodie afternoon, take a stroll through Torvehallerne, a trendy food market which offers everything from fresh produce and flowers to sandwiches, cheese, sweet treats and wine. Don’t miss Laura’s Bakery for an enticing selection of Danish pastries, and Omegn for locally brewed beers, incredible cured meats and tasty toasties.

All images by Anika Reynolds.

Ms Zigzag says: Reading this post by Anika was like taking a trip down memory lane for me. My husband and I spent a week exploring Copenhagen a few years ago. Anika always knows the best places to go! 

About the author Anika Reynolds: I’m a freelance writer with a love of weddings and creatively styled events. I have a penchant for pretty stationery and perfectly put together cheese plates, and a never-ending sense of wanderlust!