Tips for a 72-hour city break in Copenhagen

We arrive in the city around noon and dive straight into Copenhagen. During your city break in Copenhagen, you won't escape it: you will be drinking coffee several times a day. Denmark is among the biggest coffee drinkers in the world. Emmerys is a fine, accessible bakery with several branches spread throughout the city. They are known for their organic bread and good coffee, but of course you come here for the cardamom bread. Soft, slightly sweet and deliciously spicy; just the way you like it. My tip: have one for now and one for later.

I am a ceramist myself and a visit to Studio Arhoj has long been on my list. This really is a dream place for design lovers. Everything is handmade here: from colourful cups to the famous 'ghost' figurines. No item is the same. During your weekend in Copenhagen, this is the place to score an original souvenir you won't find everywhere. The shop feels creative and playful, but at the same time remains minimalist - exactly what typifies Copenhagen. We took home two ghosts and they now sit as souvenirs on our kitchen shelf.

Do you, like me, love beautiful prints and minimalist art? Then don't miss Poster & Frame during your city break in Copenhagen. This shop is spread over two floors and is truly floor-to-ceiling full of poster inspiration. From graphic art and photography to typography and abstract prints - you'll find it all here. What I love is that you can not only pick posters, but also combine them immediately with matching frames. So you put together your perfect artwork and souvenir on the spot.

HAY House is a must-visit during your city break in Copenhagen if you love interiors and design. Housed in a beautiful historic building, this flagship store feels like a playground for lovers of Scandinavian simplicity. From colourful accessories to minimalist furniture, everything exudes that typically Danish combination of functionality and aesthetics. Even if you don't buy anything, it's great to look around and get inspired here. Chances are you will walk out with at least one design item in your bag.

After an afternoon of strolling, we check in at the Mayfair Hotel. A stylish and quiet base for your city break in Copenhagen, with a fine Scandinavian feel. Its central location makes it easy to reach everything on foot or by bike. And do you want to go a bit further afield? A block away, the train station is less than a five-minute walk away. The rooms are comfortable and modern, finished with warm wood and colourful posters.

After a long day of cycling and strolling through the city, Otto Pizza is ideal for a quick but good meal. With several locations across the city, there is always one nearby during your city break in Copenhagen. What makes this pizzeria special is its dedication to genuine Neapolitan pizzas: airy dough with a chewy bite, baked at high temperatures and topped with classic toppings that never bore. Behind that perfect dough is a great story - the recipe was perfected only after dozens of attempts and even testing in Italy to find the ideal oven. My personal favourite? The pizza with mozzarella, green pesto, red onion, green olives, basil, parmesan cheese and garlic oil.

Around the corner from the hotel is Espresso House. Yes, it is a chain, but a conscious and sustainable choice. We grab a simple breakfast and coffee here before heading back into town. The choice here is also incredibly wide. From sweet treats like cinnamon rolls to sourdough breads with butter and cheese.

This 17th-century Renaissance castle was built as a summer residence for King Christian IV. Rosenborg Slot and the King's Garden are a lovely place to walk around. The castle itself is beautiful, but even without going inside, the park is a must. Locals lie here in the grass, read a book or picnic. A nice, peaceful start to the day during your city break in Copenhagen. And did you know that the Danish Crown Jewels can be admired in the castle?

This covered market hall consists of two glass halls and is a Mecca for foodies. You'll find everything from smørrebrød to international dishes. Smørrebrød is perhaps Denmark's most famous dish and definitely something you have to taste during your city break in Copenhagen. It is an open sandwich on dark rye bread (rugbrød), richly topped with, for example, herring, salmon, roast beef, egg or prawns. We get three filled rye sandwiches at Hallernes Smørrebrød. The first is with celery salad, toasted hazelnuts and candied Jerusalem artichoke. This was my favourite. The bread with roast beef, remoulade sauce, fried onions and horseradish is also delicious, as is the local meatball with potato salad and red onion.

^{Danish rye bread (rugbrød) has been eaten in Denmark for over 1,000 years, while the first written recipe dates from 1703. What I like about this is that something so commonplace in Denmark is at the same time so old - and still forms the classic basis for smørrebrød. Source: Denmark.dk}

Botanisk Have is one of the most relaxing places during your city break in Copenhagen. Part of the University of Copenhagen, this botanical garden has been around since 1600, although it was in a different location then. The current garden is known for its iconic Palm House from 1874, an impressive cast-iron greenhouse inspired by London's Crystal Palace. Inside, you walk among tropical plants and tall palms, and in the right season, butterflies flutter around in the butterfly garden. Outside, you'll find more than 13,000 plant species. My tip: take the spiral staircase up into the greenhouse for stunning views.

Tivoli is one of the oldest amusement parks in the world, having opened its doors as early as 1843. Located in the middle of the city, the park combines attractions with gardens, restaurants and historical buildings. Did you know that Walt Disney drew inspiration for Disneyland here? We only bought a park ticket (i.e. without attractions) and it was already beautiful. Especially at night with all the lights, it is super atmospheric. Thousands of lights illuminate the paths and buildings, which feels almost fairytale-like. My tip: go in around sunset, so you can experience Tivoli in both daylight and dark during your city break in Copenhagen.

This cosy tapas bar has a warm, casual atmosphere and is perfect for an evening of extensive dining during your weekend in Copenhagen. The menu is full of tasty small dishes to share. My absolute favourites? The bruschetta with fresh tomatoes and the feta in filo dough! The menu changes with the seasons, so you get new dishes every time.

Hart Bakery is a must during your city break in Copenhagen if you like good bread and specialty coffee. The bakery was founded by American baker Richard Hart, in collaboration with René Redzepi of the world-famous restaurant Noma. That actually says enough about the quality. Everything here is about slow-fermented dough, perfect croissants and seasonal creations. Danes take their baking culture seriously; bread is not an afterthought here but a craft. I started my day off right with an iced matcha and a cinnamon roll.

Free City Christiania is perhaps Copenhagen's most special neighbourhood. This former military site was squatted in 1971 by a group of idealists who wanted to build an alternative, self-sufficient community there. To this day, Christiania has a semi-autonomous status with its own rules and a strong focus on creativity and sustainability. You will walk past colourful murals, unusual self-built houses and small studios here. My tip: respect the house rules (such as not taking photos in certain places) and take your time to look around quietly.

Lille Bakery is located on the industrial peninsula Refshaleøen, an area formerly known for its shipyards and now a creative hotspot. The location alone makes it special during your weekend in Copenhagen. Inside, it is all about craft: sourdough bread, seasonal dishes and pure ingredients. The Danes value quality and simplicity, and you can taste that in every bite here. My favourite? Ricotta with tomato, simple but perfectly balanced.

Nyhavn is without a doubt one of the city's most famous spots and should not be missed during your city break Copenhagen. The colourful seventeenth- and eighteenth-century facades along the waterfront are the city's postcard image. Originally a busy trading and seafaring port, Nyhavn is now a lively place full of terraces and historic wooden ships. Did you know that Hans Christian Andersen lived here for several years and wrote some of his fairy tales?

End your cultural list at Design Museum Danmark, a place where you really understand why Danish design has such a strong reputation worldwide. Housed in a beautiful 18th-century Rococo building, the museum takes you through the history of Danish design: from iconic chairs by Arne Jacobsen and Hans J. Wegner to contemporary, sustainable designs. What I find so inspiring about it is that you see how functionality, simplicity and craftsmanship are always central. And then the museum shop... it's dangerously fun. From minimalist posters to stylish design objects and books, it feels more like a carefully curated concept store than a souvenir shop. Perfect for taking home a tangible souvenir.

We conclude our weekend in Copenhagen at Reffen, a creative foodmarket on the rugged peninsula Refshaleøen. This former industrial estate has become one of the city's most vibrant spots in recent years. Known as one of Northern Europe's largest street food markets, Reffen brings together cuisines from all over the world. From Asian dumplings to Scandinavian specialities, you can taste it all here. My tip is to order small dishes so you can try out several stands.