The recent opening of the MYKITA Shop Copenhagen provided a not-to-be-missed opportunity to explore the irresistibly chic new city surroundings. MYKITA JOURNAL caught up with Ciara Broadbery, a Copenhagen local and fashion editor at Euroman magazine. Read on for the best of art, architecture, shopping, food, food, food and nightlife as Ciara shares her local knowledge on the buzzing and ever-tasteful Danish capital.

Ciara Broadbery, a Copenhagen local and fashion editor at Euroman magazine.

EXPLORING ON FOOT

I live quite centrally in Vesterbro. What used to be a rough neighbourhood, known mostly for its prostitutes and drug addicts, has gone through a process of gentrification and become a vibrant and youthful area full of cafés, galleries, bars, nightclubs and outdoors activities, yet maintains some of its original working-class identity. I love walking through the nearby Frederiksberg Gardens, because the beautiful English-style romantic garden and the impressive Frederiksberg Palace make the perfect backdrop to a sunny morning in Copenhagen. 


Frederiksberg Gardens
Smallegade 31
2000 Frederiksberg

Frederiksberg Palace and Frederiksberg Gardens. Photo courtesy of Frederiksberg Kommune.

When I’m in the mood for a long stroll to take in the city’s atmosphere, I usually walk from Vesterbro to Christianshavn. My route takes me past Brygge and the Copenhagen harbour, which are great hangout-spots with crowds of swimmers and people barbecuing when the sun is out, but also takes me past Copenhagen’s lesser-known architectural highlights such as the Bicycle Snake, Havneholmen and the Gemini Residence.

The bycicle snake. Photo by Dissing+Weitling courtesy of Danish Architecture Centre. 

Havneholmen. Photo by Adam Mørk courtesy of Danish Architecture Centre. 

Christianshavn is characterised by its canal and narrow, cobbled side streets home to some of the most acclaimed cafés and restaurants Copenhagen has to offer, such as Parterre and Noma to name a few. In other words, the ideal setting to enjoy the scenery of the city while indulging in a glass of wine or some delicious Danish cuisine.

In stark contrast to the polished appearance of the borough is Christiania, a self-proclaimed autonomous neighbourhood, which – besides music venues, galleries, and cheap but delightful eateries – offers respite from the city and a glimpse into an alternative side of Copenhagen.

Havneholmen. Photo by Adam Mørk courtesy of Danish Architecture Centre. 

Gemini Residence. Photo by Bob Collowan/Commons/CC-BY-SA-4.0.

BRUNCH IN 1930s AMBIENCE

If I feel like treating myself for breakfast, I’ll swing by Granola, a café located on a small, cosy street, affectionately referred to as ‘Paris in Copenhagen’, lined with boutiques, cafés and restaurants, sandwiched between the boroughs of Vesterbro and Frederiksberg. Granola is worth a visit for its décor alone, inspired by the 1930s complete with terrazzo flooring, green wooden panels and metal lamps, but its main draw is the brunch, which, for me, consists of egg muffins, porridge, cheese sandwiches, juice and coffee.

Granola
Værnedamsvej 5
1819 Frederiksberg C

Granola. Photo courtesy of Nordiksociety.

SERIOUS COFFEE CRAFT

In Copenhagen, coffee is no joke and for this reason the nearest cup of black bliss is never far away. The honour of ‘best cup in town’, however, has to go to The Coffee Collective. As the name suggests these guys are extremely dedicated to their craft and offer an impressive selection of coffee from across the globe. My personal favourite is Jamie Casallas: a sweet arabica with notes of elderflower and orange.

The Coffee Collective
Godthåbsvej 34B
2000 Frederiksberg

...if you have the time, and a craving for artistic inspiration, do yourself a favour and visit the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art.

Louisiana Museum of Modern Art. Photo by Kim Hansen.

FINE ART MECCA

The creative arts feature prominently in Danish culture, and this is evident in the number of internationally acclaimed museums that call the city home. However, if you have the time, and a craving for artistic inspiration, do yourself a favour and visit the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art. Although the museum is located in Humlebæk, 40km north of Copenhagen, it’s well worth the journey with its carefully curated collection of acclaimed modern and contemporary art in addition to exciting special exhibitions. And that’s not all Louisiana has to offer, as the museum building itself is regarded an architectural highlight, while my favourite feature, the sculpture garden containing work by artists such as Joan Miró and Henry Moore, as well as its stunning view over the Sound is likely to leave you breathless with amazement.

Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
Gl. Strandvej 13
3050 Humlebæk

Louisiana Museum of Modern Art. Photo by Paul Buchard / Brondum & Co.

Louisiana Museum of Modern Art. Photo by Paul Buchard / Brondum & Co. 

LUNCHTIME STREET FOOD

For a truly unique lunchtime dining experience, give Copenhagen Street Food a try. In a former warehouse located on Papirøen, a man-made island not far from the centre of the city, you’ll find roughly 25 food stands offering a wide variety of gastronomic experiences, ranging from sushi and hotdogs to Italian charcuterie and Danish open-face sandwiches, that’ll make your head explode in anticipation. Papirøen is especially enjoyable on sunny days when you can enjoy your meal and the laid-back vibe while sitting by the water.

Copenhagen Street Food
Trangravsvej 14 7/8
1436 København K

Copenhagen Street Food. 

Copenhagen Street Food. 

Copenhagen Street Food. 

Copenhagen Street Food. 

THE HOLY GRAIL OF SHOPPING

When it comes to shopping experiences in Copenhagen, there’s nothing quite like Storm. Once inside, expect to find yourself gushing over a blend of wares from designers such as my personal favourites Thom Browne and Céline to rare products from more traditional brands such as Nike and Adidas, in one of the most interesting and carefully curated fashion collections in Europe. The mix between high fashion and high-end street wear perfectly encapsulates the sharp but laid-back contemporary sense of style in Copenhagen, making Storm a must-see location if you enjoy indulging yourself in garments. And, oh yeah, don’t forgot about those MYKITA sunglasses while you’re there.

Storm
Store Regnegade 1
1110 København

Storm Copenhagen.

If you like a bit of history with your designer clothing, head over to Time's Up Vintage for the best selection of vintage garments and accessories in Copenhagen. Browse through the racks and enjoy the timeless selection, but be warned – the craving for these unique pieces is not for the weak-willed; many will end up going home with you.

Time's Up Vintage
Krystalgade 4
1172 København K

Time's Up Vintage.

BEST WINE & SEAFOOD IN TOWN

At night, Copenhagen’s historical meat packing district transforms into a trendy night life-area, so where better to gear up for the evening? Between nightclubs, galleries and eateries you’ll find Fiskebaren, home of the best seafood and wine pairings in town. The entire menu is a bonanza if you enjoy seafood as much as me, but I’d recommend my favourite dishes, oysters and fish ‘n’ chips, as they are simply divine. And once you’re ready to head into the night, the fun is only a few steps away.

Fiskebaren
Flæsketorvet 100
1711 København V

Jagger – a fastfood restaurant like no other you’ve experienced. Chips cut, fried and salted to perfection, beef as tender as loin and shakes that dance on your tongue...

MICHELIN STAR FASTFOOD

Former two-star-Michelin-chef Rasmus Oubæk is the brainchild behind Jagger – a fastfood restaurant like no other you’ve experienced. Chips cut, fried and salted to perfection, beef as tender as loin and shakes that dance on your tongue are among the culinary highlights. The minimalistic décor and large windows are beautiful touches that’ll draw your attention, as well as a perfect setting for people-watching on the busy Istedgade, but it’s the food that leaves the biggest impression.

Jagger
Istedgade 62
1650 København V

LATIN FLAVOURED NORDIC HEDONISM

South and Latin American cuisine and drinks generally fly a bit under the radar, but at Llama you’ll be treated to the full nine yards albeit with a Scandinavian twist. The interior design, characterised by walls and floors lined with colourful, handcrafted Mexican tiles, black furniture and brass light fixtures, is a stunning meld of design influences that merits a visit itself, but the music and the untraditional drinks will be the highlight of the evening. Enjoy an Amores perros (Liquorice infused tequila / Passion fruit /Lime) or ’El Niño Verde’ (Tequila / Green Chartreuse / Jalapeño / Pineapple) while appreciating the groovy tunes and the buzzing atmosphere before you hit the dance floor. 

Llama
Lille Kongensgade 14
1074 København K

Llama Restaurant. Photo by Kilo Design. 

Llama Restaurant. Photo by Kilo Design. 

Llama Restaurant. Photo by Kilo Design. 

Condesa might just be the definition of a ‘cool spot’ in Copenhagen. Things are generally slow before 11 pm, but arrive a bit later and you’ll be met by a queue of cool cats eagerly awaiting the flow of drinks to start, their legs already twitching rhythmically to the escaping beats. Once you step foot inside, you’re usually up for a great party. It’s a place to see and to be seen, but who cares, you’re only here for one night, right?

Condesa
Ved Stranden 18
1061 København K

Condesa.

Condesa.

Find the MYKITA Shop Copenhagen at Grønnegade 43, 1107 København K.