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Inspiration & Tips/Scandinavian lifestyle & Recipes/Copenhagen city guide
The Nyhaven or New Haven Harbour in Copenhagen is a popular tourist spot, a must-see for any Copenhagen city guide.

A design lover's guide to Copenhagen: Two days of inspiration

Copenhagen is a haven for design enthusiasts, offering a vibrant mix of contemporary and classic Scandinavian aesthetics. This two-day itinerary will guide you through some of the city’s most iconic design houses, places to eat, and a stylish place to stay, ensuring a rich experience of Danish design culture.
Monday 2nd September 2024
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Stop number 1 on the Copenhagen city guide: HAY house. Here you see the chunky HAY striped candles on a blue shelf.

Day 1: Exploring central Copenhagen

HAY House Start your design journey at HAY House, located in the heart of Copenhagen. HAY is known for its contemporary take on Danish design, blending minimalism with playful colours and innovative materials. The flagship store spans two floors in a historic 18th century building overlooking Amagertorv Square. Explore their wide range of furniture, home accessories and textiles, all showcasing the brand's commitment to functionality and beauty. The store’s open, airy layout allows delve into HAY’s world and visualise how these pieces might transform your own living space.

Normann Copenhagen A short stroll from HAY House will bring you to Normann Copenhagen, a design mecca housed in an impressive four-story building that will transport you into a world of design and innovation. Normann Copenhagen is synonymous with bold designs that challenge traditional forms and materials. The expansive showroom is a testament to this philosophy, featuring everything from striking furniture to quirky, sculptural decor. As you wander through the space, you'll have the opportunity to learn how Normann Copenhagen seamlessly blends the latest trends with modern manufacturing techniques.

Normann Copenhagen is a must visit on any Copenhagen city tour for design lovers. Here you see an image of two Bit stools standing next to a clear cabinet filled with the pieces of recycled plastic that will eventually be used to make the stools.

Normann Copenhagen pushes the boundaries when it comes to design. A must visit for any lover of modern design. 

Normann Copenhagen is a must-see on any city tour of Copenhagen for design lovers. Here you see a collection of Deko vases in yellow in their show room.

Lunch break: Lille Petra Café

After a busy morning of shopping for design and inspiration you are sure to be famished. For lunch, stop by the Lille Petra Café, located a stone’s throw from Normann Copenhagen. Named after one of Viggo Boesen’s most famous chairs, the café can be found inside &Tradition’s flagship show room, and as you may expect it offers both a welcoming atmosphere and a tasty bite to eat. The interior is, of course, furnished impeccably and is home to many of &Traditions most famous designs. In the warmer months you can enjoy the cosy courtyard which is filled with plants and hanging Formakami lamps. Visits to the showroom take place by appointment only, unless you happen to be visiting Copenhagen during Copenhagen's famous 3 Days of Design festival where the cities design houses, big and small open their doors to the public.

The Lille Petra Cafe is the ideal place to stop for lunch on a Copenhagen city tour for design lovers. Here you see the Formakami paper lamps hanging in court yard in the summer months.
Stop at the Lille Petra Cafe on your Copenhagen city tour for design lovers. Here you see staff handing out coffee in the courtyard.

Enjoy a coffee in the courtyard of &Tradition's showroom and the Lille Petra cafe.

A stop at Nyhavn Harbour is a must on any tour of Copenhagen. Here you see the colourful houses on the harbour and some boats.

The colourful buildings in Nyhavn are a must-see on any Copenhagen City tour. 

The harbour at Nyhavn is a must-visit on any Copenhagen city tour. Here you see someone walking past the colourful buildings in the habour.
The area home to ferm LIVING should not be missed on a Copenhagen city guide for design lovers. Here you see the restored 18th Century building with module sofas and parasols outside.
Here you see a window display at the home of Ferm Living, a must-see on any Copenhagen city guide for design lovers.

ferm LIVING After lunch make your way over the water, making sure to take a stroll past the famous Nyhavn on your way to the trendy Christianshavn neighbourhood, home to ferm LIVING. Known for its organic shapes, rich textures, and deep connection to nature, ferm LIVING offers a serene shopping experience. The brand’s flagship store is set in a beautifully restored 18th-century building, where contemporary designs are presented in a homely, inviting environment. Ferm LIVING’s mission has always been to create a space where their customers can feel comfortably themselves and their flagship store is no exception. As you browse the store, you'll discover how ferm LIVING designs and creates their collections. There is even the possibility to design your own space using 3D printed models of ferm LIVING’s designs.

Relaxing in the bathtub at Audo House with a glass of wine and a book is a must for any lover of design.

Relax in a deep bath tub with a glass of wine and a good book after a busy day exploring Copenhagen. 

Where to stay: Audo House

After a full day of exploring there’s no better place to unwind, for any design lover, than The Audo. This boutique hotel is more than just a place to stay; it’s an immersive design experience. Each of the carefully curated rooms features furniture and decor from Audo Copenhagen themselves, creating a living showroom that embodies the spirit of contemporary Scandinavian design. The Audo also serves as a cultural hub, hosting exhibitions, events, and workshops, making it the perfect place to conclude your first day of site seeing for design lovers in Copenhagen.

The Design Museum Copenhagen is a great place to check out classic Danish design. Here you see a clashing  red and blue room with lamps and chairs.

Photo: Luka Hesselberg

Day 2: It’s all about the classics

Designmuseum Denmark After a leisurely breakfast at Audo House why not start your day at the Design Museum of Denmark. Discover all you ever wanted to know about the great designers of the 20th century, it’s highly likely you’ll stumble across some familiar faces while you’re there!

GUBI Once you have taken in all you can at the Design Museum jump on a bike (another Copenhagen must try) and head on over to GUBI. Renowned for its eclectic mix of classic and contemporary design, GUBI is known for reviving forgotten icons and creating new ones. The store is a visual feast, showcasing everything from mid-century masterpieces to cutting-edge modern designs. GUBI's collection includes furniture, lighting, and objects that are as aesthetically pleasing as they are functional, making this a must-visit for any design aficionado.

The restaurant at Audo House during 3 Days of Design, filled with design from Audo Copenhagen. It is the perfect place for lunch for any design lover on a Copenhagen city tour.

A bite to eat: The Restaurant at Audo House

For lunch, head to back to Audo House. Audo Restaurant offers a carefully curated menu that reflects the same attention to detail found in the design of the space. Enjoy a meal that combines fresh, local ingredients with a touch of Nordic culinary innovation, all while surrounded by exquisite interiors that continue to highlight the best of Scandinavian design.

A table set with food and drinks at the Audo Restaurant in Copenhagen. It is the ideal place for a bite to eat at lunchtime for any design lover on a tour of Copenhagen.

Audo Restaurant

Here you see the crisp white, elegant showroom at House of Finn Juhl with its twisting staircase. House of Finn Juhl is a must visit for any design lover on a tour of Copenhagen.

Elegance and design history at House of Finn Juhl. 

House of Finn Juhl Rounding your design tour off with one last but far from least, iconic Danish design house. Head towards the Frederiksberg neighbourhood to visit the House of Finn Juhl. Finn Juhl, one of the pioneers of Danish design, is celebrated for his organic, sculptural furniture that often blurs the line between art and functionality. The House of Finn Juhl is a tribute to his legacy, featuring his iconic designs that have influenced generations of designers worldwide. The intimate setting allows you to appreciate the craftsmanship and innovative design philosophy that defined Juhl’s work. This is one design house not to be missed.

A street view of the House of Finn Juhl showroom. Add this to any Copenhagen city guide for design lovers because it is one not to be missed.

Whether you're a seasoned design professional or simply someone who appreciates beautiful interiors, this guide offers the perfect blend of inspiration and relaxation. You can visit Copenhagen at any time of the year but there could be no better time to visit than the cities own design festival 3 Days of Design. For three days each year the cities design houses open their doors and their show rooms and welcome professionals and public alike to discover inspiration, learn more about the brands and dig into the designs themselves. No matter when you decide to visit we are certain that you will enjoy your time in Copenhagen, surrounded by the best that Scandinavian design has to offer.

 

Photo: Angeliqa Daldorph, Designmuseum Danmark: Luka Hesselberg, Audo Copenhagen, House of Finn Juhl

Rebecca Sparling
Author

Danish Design

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