The Cruise Guide to Copenhagen.

From the midpoint of a beautifully-designed Inner Harbour Bridge in Copenhagen, you can see what was for years the world’s top restaurant, the award-winning architecture of the Royal Danish Playhouse, the oft-instagrammed 17th century canal of Nyhavn and a waterfront public market full of every food type you could desire. The view perfectly encapsulates what drew us here, the history, the world-leading design, and a type of spirited rebellion that only the nearby Christiania can truly capture. 

Weaving through the city are two features that came to define our trip. The first, a system of bike routes. At times they take you up and above the streets below, out to the waters edge, and through any neighborhood you want to explore. We rode city bikes everywhere we went, and they’re all electric-assist with GPS screens so you’re covering ground with ease. (in fact, I think the best way to see any new city is on a bicycle) The second is the waterfront. The view from each bridge gives each rooftop a run for its money, with sweeping views of Neo-futurist high rises and ancient towers and spires co-existing above the swim platforms and public spaces dotting the water's edge. 

Those public spaces don’t stop at the water though, and Bjarke Ingel’s Superkilen was an early stop for us. Take your skateboard and experience the architect’s gift to they city and you’ll quickly understand the unique outlook he has employed to take BIG to the world’s stage. The interactivity of the park is at once explicit and suggested, all encouraging play. As we skated the striped knolls we would be joined by random passersby, whether on foot, bike or rollerblades for no reason other than to provision themselves a fresh perspective. 

Superkilen Park

It's not all swimming and biking though, the food and drinks in Copenhagen rival any major metro on the globe. For dinners, venture into the Vesterbro district and make stops at several lively spots for small bites. The definitive favorite was Kødbyens Fiskebar— where I had perhaps the best collection of sea-inspired dishes to date— closely followed by the cocktails nearby at Ruby, which frequently lands on lists of the world's best cocktail bars. 

Lastly, the Danish design chops don't stop at the architecture. Each neighborhood is stacked with shops so you everyone should be able to find some gear to bring home, whether its a rare book, apparel or artpiece. I 'd personally co-sign for Cinnober, Weekend CPH and Hay for each, respectively.