Why Copenhagen
-
Copenhagen is recognized as the second most livable city in the world behind Vienna.
-
Copenhagen has a thriving dining scene, boasting an impressive 16 Michelin starred restaurants.
-
The city center is less than 15 minutes via metro from Copenhagen Airport.
What’s New in Copenhagen
-
The new CopenPay initiative rewards residents and visitors who choose climate-friendly actions like biking or using public transit instead of driving.
-
Copenhagen Airport is undergoing an 861,000+ square foot expansion of its Terminal 3.
Copenhagen is described as hygge, a Danish word that describes a cozy, contented mood evoked by comfort and conviviality, and a state of happiness. With that, there are plenty of options when it comes to things to see and do in Copenhagen, as well as places to grab a bite to eat, or host a power lunch or dinner. Here, we look at a few spots to pique your interest and help ensure your clients make the most of their time in Denmark.
SEE
Cliffs of Møn
Not to be confused with Ireland’s Cliffs of Moher, the Cliffs of Møn is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve south of Copenhagen. The 70-million-year-old limestone and chalk cliffs hug the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea for nearly four miles on the island of Møn. There are plenty of ways to see the cliffs, both from the land and by sea, like hiking, kayaking, sailing and at night — the cliffs are Scandinavia’s first Dark Sy Park.
Amalienborg Palace
Feel like a princess or prince for the day with a visit to the home of the Danish royal family, Amalienborg Palace. Comprised of four buildings built 300 years ago, the royal complex includes Frederick VIII’s Palace, Christian VII’s Palace, Christian VIII’s palace and Christian IX’s palace. For a real treat, plan to be at Amalienborg at noon for the ceremonial changing of the guard.
Tivoli Gardens
For more than 180 years Tivoli Gardens has been welcoming the residents of Copenhagen and all of Denmark, along with visitors to the delightful city. One of the oldest theme parks in the world, Tivoli Gardens is filled not only with stunning scenery, exquisite architecture and lush gardens, but rides ranging from nostalgic to thrilling, like the gardens’ oldest wooden rollercoaster that dates to 1914. Tivoli is available for private events.
For more activities and ideas, ask your ALHI GSO about working with Hosts Global Destination Services
DO
Take a Boat Tour
One of the best ways to see Copenhagen is from the water. Treat your guests to a private boat tour that meanders the city’s canals, adding to the experience with a traditional lunch or dinner served onboard. Plan your cruise around sunset and include stops at the Copenhagen Opera House, The Royal Danish Playhouse and hidden spots only accessible by water for a truly memorable experience.
Learn to Make Smørrebrød
Create a teambuilding experience when you and your group take a cooking class and learn to make smørrebrød. An open-face sandwich that fills Instagrammers’ grids, smørrebrød first came onto the Danish culinary scene in the 1800s and have gained popularity over the past decade. A traditional smørrebrød features marinerede sild, or pickled herring, that is placed on rye bread and topped with onions, capers and fresh herbs.
Shop the Royal Copenhagen Porcelain Factory Flagship Store
The Royal Danish Porcelain Factory was founded in 1775 by Queen Juliane Marie, the widow of King Frederik V. Since the beginning, each piece of Royal Danish Porcelain has borne its special stamp: three waves that symbolize Denmark’s waterways, and a crown stamp denoting the monarchy. Plan a visit to Royal Copenhagen’s flagship store, housed in a three-story, 15th century house, one of the city’s oldest. In addition to finding the perfect piece to take home, you can see the entire collection of service pieces, figurines and gifts.
For more activities and ideas, ask your ALHI GSO about working with Hosts Global Destination Services
EAT
Boathouse Copenhagen
Cross the Inderhavnsbro, or “Kissing Bridge,” into the heart of the Copenhagen harbor for a memorable waterfront dinner at Boathouse Copenhagen. The restaurant’s casual yet elegant atmosphere allows the spotlight to shine on the dishes coming out of the kitchen, many of which highlight fresh seasonal ingredients. Seafood, burgers, pizza and tempting dishes from the grill are enticing; vegans and vegetarians will be happy with their options, too. Brunch is served Saturdays and Sundays, and private event spaces can be reserved for your group.
Almanak i Operaen
For a truly unique dining experience, make reservations at Almanac i Operaen, located on the top balcony of The Royal Opera, affording incredible views to its diners. Open for dinner Tuesdays through Saturdays, and lunch Thursdays through Saturdays, the restaurant serves dishes that highlight the season’s best Danish ingredients and the freshest fish, occasionally borrowing top ingredients from neighboring countries. Almanak i Operaen is available for private events.
Restaurant Aure
Earlier this year Restaurant Aure was named Denmark’s new one-stary Michelin restaurant. Housed in an 18th century gunpowder store, the unassuming-from-the-outside Restaurant Aure highlights exceptional produce in myriad dishes. Chef Nicky Arensten and partner Emma Nørbygaard lead the culinary team to create pared-down bites that truly let the exceptional produce shine. The restaurant’s private dining room seats 12, and the function space can accommodate up to 110. Otherwise, Restaurant Aure seats just 35 in the main restaurant.
For more activities and ideas, ask your ALHI GSO about working with Hosts Global Destination Services
STAY/MEET
Just as Copenhagen has something for every meeting planner and attendee, so does ALHI’s Members: Copenhagen Island and Tivoli Hotel & Congress Center.
Copenhagen Island
Upon arrival at Copenhagen Island, your guests will surely be awed by its architecture. Designed by Danish architect Kim Utzon, the exterior mirrors the water in the Copenhagen Harbor, and inside, well, it’s Scandinavian design at its best. Most of the 326 guest rooms and suites have floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing natural light to wash in. The intimate meeting space of just over 2,800 total square feet allows attendees to truly connect with each other, and the onsite, experienced team can help arrange offsite teambuilding activities.
Tivoli Hotel & Congress Center
With a whopping 94,800 square feet of meeting space including 53 meetings rooms, Tivoli Hotel & Congress Center is the right pick if you’re planning a meeting or event for large groups. All the hotel’s 679 comfortable guestrooms and suites feature a Nordic design with natural materials, with Tivoli-inspired accents. This year, the original 402 rooms from the property were renovated.
"We needed to streamline the hotel experience more, and after almost 14 years on the market, we saw a need to change the themed Tivoli experience to a more luxurious version that also caters to our many conference and business travelers,” said General Manager Jakob Ellermann. “It is, of course, still in a Tivoli-inspired universe where, among other things, the wallpapers and lamps are uniquely designed for the hotel by Tivoli's design team.