The Danish capital city of Copenhagen faces the waters of Øresund — the Sound — on the country’s eastern edge and is linked to neighboring Sweden by the snaking Øresund bridge. Bold, ultra-modern architecture sits comfortably alongside Roman, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque-style buildings. Recent years have cemented Copenhagen as a culinary powerhouse, with a plethora of award-winning restaurants calling the city home. You’ll still find low-key eateries all over town, from kitted-out shipping containers to traditional hot dog kiosks.

Pass by bookshops and bike racks in bohemian neighborhoods on your way to the world-renowned Kunsthal Charlottenborg, one of the leading contemporary art galleries in Europe. The rides and manicured lawns at historic Tivoli Gardens provide an adrenaline rush in magical surroundings, from bright blooms in summer to twinkling lights in the snow. One of the most sustainable metropolitan centers on the planet, Copenhagen boasts open-air bathing pools in the harbor, foraged feasts, and an unwavering sense of style.

Its location in northern Europe means that Copenhagen experiences cold and dark winter months. But after the ice melts between about May through to September, the city explodes with vibrancy and activity. Pleasant temperatures and long, sun-filled days see bustling sidewalk cafes, live music that floats through the streets, and nightlife that never seems to end. This is also when many of the area’s music and art events occur, including one of Europe’s most well-known annual music festivals south of Roskilde. Despite the generally temperate conditions that come with summer, however, chilly winds can still blow in from the Baltic Sea, so it is a good idea to bring at least a light jacket to your Copenhagen vacation rental, along with an umbrella, as July and August supply most of the year’s rain.

Copenhagen Botanical Garden

The Copenhagen Botanical Garden is a sanctuary in the heart of the city. Take a break from exploring the cobbled streets and immerse yourself in the impressive collection of more than 13,000 plant species throughout the many greenhouses that date back to the 1800s. The site is home to a vibrant rhododendron garden, a butterfly house, and a Danish beer garden for a tipple in scenic surroundings.

Saunas and spas

An invigorating sauna session is one of the best-known Scandinavian traditions. Copenhagen offers a plethora of public and private spas, and you can soak in a warm bath, sweat in a wooden sauna, or even rent a floating saltwater hot tub while you sail up the river. A trip to the local sauna is a particularly popular pastime on crisp winter days.

Torvehallerne KBH

The Torvehallerne KBH artisanal market is a food lover’s dream come true. This expansive space combines fresh vegetables, fish, spices, and local delicacies. In addition to the permanent shops, more than 80 stalls provide a unique selection of items not typically found in traditional grocery stores or markets. Several vendors also serve meals and desserts to enjoy on-site.