There’s something very special about Copenhagen in summer. From the colourful strip of Nyhavn where you can enjoy an Aperol Spritz as fishing boats float by, to the steel structures looming above Tivoli Gardens theme park, Denmark’s eco-conscious capital is practically built for sunny weather. Think urban swimming, rooftop eateries and lots and lots of excellent bike routes. Sure, you may be spending a few Danish krone here and there over the course of your adventures, but it won’t take long for Copenhagen to well and truly win you over.

Brought to you with Aperol. Please enjoy responsibly.

Travel

Nyhavn  When you picture Copenhagen, what probably springs to mind is a row of colourful, 17th-century townhouses overlooking the harbour. Historically a place for sailors to visit pubs and alehouses, nowadays these iconic buildings house some of the city’s best restaurants (and some fabulous waterfront terraces to go with them). So, grab a seat and soak up some streetside jazz while the sun goes down over the swaying wooden sails.

Designmuseum Danmark  Copenhagen is a hotspot for some of the world’s best galleries and museums and Designmuseum Danmark is just one of its crown jewels. From decorative art to industrial designs, this is a great spot to rub shoulders with the works of modern innovators like Kaare Klint, Poul Henningsen and Arne Jacobsen. Just watch out. You may have the uncontrollable urge to redecorate your whole home after you visit.

Music

The Danmark Sky Lounge  The Danmark Sky Lounge, perched atop the recently renovated Hotel Danmark, is a truly essential summer spot. Head up to the seventh floor for some serious Scandinavian sophistication, surrounded by light wooden accents and minimalist design. With sweeping vistas of the city’s skyline, this urban oasis offers up a panoramic backdrop for your Aperol Spritz sipping. And as for music? On summer Fridays, the lounge hosts live DJ sessions to create that special weekend feeling.

Jolene  Step into the heart of Copenhagen’s vibrant Meatpacking District (“Kødbyen”) and discover Jolene, a timeless gem that has been igniting dance floors for over a decade. With its unpretentious vibe and welcoming atmosphere, Jolene beckons with great music, an exceptional cocktail menu and a diverse, LGBTQI+-friendly crowd. Whether you’re a seasoned club-goer or a newcomer to the scene, you’ll find yourself grooving to a curated mix of electronic beats, spanning house to dub to techno.

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Food

Christianshavns Færgecafé  If you’re a stranger to seasickness, try grabbing a smørrebrød aboard the 150-year-old ferry café of Christianshavn. This cosy, neighbourhood restaurant has a distinct maritime feel with its creaky floorboards and timber frames. And it sure is delicious. Sit back on its gently-rocking terrace with an Aperol Spritz and a selection of shellfish to get a real sense of life as a sailor. Aye aye, cap’n.

Reffen  Good, sustainable, organic street food is gaining ground in Copenhagen. Reffen street food market is just one of these sweet spots. Here, amid the industrial chic of Refshaleøen, more than 50 pioneering start-ups converge to tantalise your taste buds with a global array of flavours, all while adhering to the sacred guideline of “reduce and reuse”.  With its prime real estate position on the waterfront, it’s the perfect place to spread out in the sun with your street food conquests, an Aperol Spritz and front-row views of Copenhagen’s harbour.

Leisure

Aperol Spritz & Sail  What could be better than setting sail through the canals of Copenhagen over 90 minutes with an Aperol Spritz? Not much! The Aperol Spritz & Sail experience lets you charter a boat with a private captain, so you can focus on the important stuff (relaxing and sightseeing). They’ll even throw in a Bluetooth speaker so you can make it a real party. For up to 12 passengers, it’s a guaranteed way to kick back in style and make some great memories.

Copenhagen’s bike routes  Copenhagen is a city best experienced by bike. But where should you ride once you’ve strapped on your helmet? Lucky for us cyclists, the city is prepared with a whole range of cycle routes, from nifty detours to whole-day adventures. Architecture-lovers can get stuck into the 22-kilometre architectural BIG bike tour. Explore some of Copenhagen’s finest architecture by biking in the footsteps of world-famous architect Bjarke Ingels.

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