Explore this year’s Unesco World Capital of Architecture with Yolanda Zappaterra’s tips
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1. Admire the light installation at The Cisterns
Copenhagen’s underground art scene literally lies underground in Cisternerne, a cavernous space that once housed the city’s 19th-century reservoirs. Artists in the past have used boat trips, hanging lanterns, fire and mirrors to create a fully immersive experience here. For the year of architecture, South Korean artist Kimsooja has filled it with the unforgettable light installation Weaving the Light.
frederiksbergmuseerne.dk/da/cisternerne
2. Hop on a ride at Tivoli Gardens
Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens, one of the world’s oldest amusement parks, is a delight. A fairy lights-illuminated lake, Saturday night fireworks, old-school rides, majestic architectural features and nightly live music all add up to create a magical experience – so magical that it supposedly gave Walt Disney the inspiration for Disney World.
tivoli.dk/en
3. Take the Danish Architecture Center walking tour
As well as organising special exhibitions, events, Open House tours and talks, the Danish Architecture Center offers two great guided tours of the city’s best buildings and public spaces.
The three-mile Copenhagen: The World Capital of Architecture walk takes in Christiansborg Palace (home of the Danish parliament), Arne Jacobsen’s iconic Danmarks Nationalbank and the new Krøyers Plads residential complex.
dac.dk/en/about
4. Take in art and spectacular scenery at Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
A picturesque half-hour train ride away from Copenhagen to Humlebaek, this harmonious coastal space houses more than 4,000 20th-century artworks, from Picasso to Yayoi Kusama, as well as temporary exhibitions.
The elegant building, gorgeous gardens, sculpture park, terrace cafe and views across the sound to Sweden make for a fantastic excursion, and both museum and train ride are free with the Copenhagen Card.
louisiana.dk
5. Stay at Villa Copenhagen
For classic grand Danish design, nothing beats the art nouveau style of Copenhagen’s enormous, beautifully restored former Danish Post and Telegraph office.
Opened in 2020, Villa Copenhagen offers 390 rooms, a spacious courtyard, the T37 wine and cocktail bar, restaurant, fitness room and a 25m rooftop pool sustainably heated by the excess heat from the hotel’s cooling systems. Room‑only doubles start at £142 a night.
villacopenhagen.com
Book it…
Baltic Travel Company offers a three-night Copenhagen City Break from £1,185. The price includes direct Norwegian flights from London, checked luggage, B&B accommodation in a Deluxe King Room at Villa Copenhagen and a 72‑hour Copenhagen Card.
baltictravelcompany.com
PICTURES: openhagen Media Centre/Martin Auchenberg, Anders Bøgild; StineChristiansen; Torben Eskerod; Shutterstock/fotopanorama360
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