Everyone wants to be a Scandi girl these days, and there’s no better place to embrace the lifestyle than in Copenhagen. Denmark’s capital city has long been known for the colorful buildings of its 17th-century waterfront, Nyhavn, the Little Mermaid statue, Danish pastries (a cardamom bun at Juno the Bakery is a must!), and bike culture, but it’s also a rising fashion capital. The semiannual Copenhagen Fashion Week has been growing in popularity for the past two decades, and there are plenty of vintage shops and flea markets around town that are worth a visit.The city is also a Scandinavian design mecca (be sure to check out HAY House) and a culinary destination, boasting 21 Michelin-starred restaurants, including the famous Noma, which reopens this month. Some highlights include La Banchina, a café where you can take a dip in the water; Mikkeller Bar, a spot for casual beers; Rondo for more delicious pastries; Barr for a meal on the waterfront; or Kadeau for an upscale dining experience.It’s easy to get around thanks to a reliable and clean public transportation system (you get service in the metro, even when the train is moving between stations), and if you feel confident in your cycling skills, you can always hop on a bike like the locals. As someone who has fallen in love with the city, and who has a very cool sister-in-law who lives there, here are some of my top recommendations in Copenhagen.What to SeeLouisiana Museum of Modern ArtMathias EisLocated an hour north of the city by train, Louisiana is worth a day trip if you have the time. It houses almost 4,000 works of modern art, dating from 1945 onward. It’s easy to get lost inside, whether you’re immersing yourself in Yayoi Kusama’s “Gleaming Lights of the Souls” or the Alberto Giacometti wing (pictured above). The grounds outside are just as artful, with lush green lawns overlooking the sea and sculptures by Alexander Calder and Richard Serra. Works by Sophie Calle and Lucian Freud are currently on view, and a Tracey Emin exhibition is set to open this fall.Vintage ShoppingCourtesy of WilénCopenhagen is a playground for vintage lovers. Chamoi on Elmegade (keep walking down the street for a whole row of cool stores), O-S-V Secondhand in the city center, Wilén Store in Nørrebro (pictured), and Jerome Vintage in Vesterbro are good places to start. But often, the best finds (and deals) are at the weekend flea markets; it’s basically like shopping from a cool Scandi girl’s closet. Don’t be afraid to haggle a bit.GoBoatCourtesy of GoBoatRather than a picnic in the park, why not have one on a boat? If you’re with a group of friends, grab a bottle of wine and some snacks and head to the water. You can rent a small GoBoat and explore the harbor from the inside. You don’t need a license to steer the ship, but if you’d rather not worry about navigating, opt for the GoBoat Cruise, which comes with your own captain, who’ll drop you off wherever you please.Stine Goya Boatneck Eyelet TopNow 35% OffStine Goya Waist Panel MiniskirtNow 40% OffAcne Studios Multipocket Micro Vintage BagWhere to EatKødbyens FiskebarVojtech TesarekCopenhagen boasts great seafood, thanks to its waterfront location. Ironically, one of the best places for it is in a former meat market in Vesterbro. Kødbyens Fiskebar specializes in fresh, sustainably caught fish, primarily from the Nordic region. You’ll be wowed from the first bite, even if it’s sourdough bread with seaweed butter. The best way to go about it is with shared dishes, beginning with raw starters—and I’m not just talking oysters (though the oysters are delicious)—like razor clams with parsley and anchovy, or rows of delicate shrimp in a light green sea lettuce and buttermilk sauce. Keep the sharing going with a big bowl of blue mussels steamed in apple cider and herbs; you can even keep it casual with a classic order of fish and chips. With a Bib Gourmand ranking from the Michelin Guide, it’s no wonder the restaurant has been going strong since 2009.PouletteCory SmithThis just might be my favorite chicken sandwich. Poulette came with high praise from Lionel Boyce, the actor behind pastry chef Marcus on The Bear, after he visited while filming some episodes in Copenhagen. It was right to trust his taste. Expect a crispy, juicy (and a little spicy) hunk of fried chicken with a tender slice of cheese, pickles, and mayo between two soft buns. It might sound simple, but this mouthwatering combo never misses (I’ve gone every time I’ve been to Copenhagen). There’s no seating inside the small but mighty shop, but customers usually perch on plastic stools outside the entrance. Thirsty? Grab a table at Pompette, the wine bar right next door.Baka D’ BuskCourtesy Baka D'BuskDon’t let the vegetarian fare throw you off; at Baka D’ Busk, you won’t miss the meat. Set in the cool neighborhood of Nørrebro, just blocks away from the park, this spot reflects the eclectic, artsy flair of its locale. Its mismatched plates and furniture offer a playful, not-too-serious vibe that carries on to the food. The plant-focused menu changes often depending on what’s in season, but the roasted carrots with chickpeas I had on my visit were delicious. Expect beautifully, colorfully plated dishes, and don’t worry about leaving hungry; the servings are plentiful. With a cool vibe and friendly staff, you won’t want to leave.Anine Bing Cole TankCredit: Anine BingNili Lotan Arnaud Carpenter JeanCredit: Nili LotanGanni B-Kat Zebra BagCredit: GanniWhere to DrinkBalderdashEmily WilsonThough it’s located in one of the busiest parts of the city, Balderdash is far from a tourist trap. Here, it’s all about “hygge,” the Danish concept of deep coziness. With its low ceilings, exposed wooden beams, and lounge-like atmosphere, getting a drink feels like hanging out in a friend’s cool basement. While the setting is familiar and warm, the drinks are delightfully unexpected, with concoctions like a horseradish daiquiri and duck carnitas old-fashioned.BirdCourtesy of Bird.Music lovers will enjoy the vibe at Bird, a laid-back cocktail bar where the tunes are played on vinyl. Located in the chic residential neighborhood of Frederiksberg, it has a minimal, sleek design, but the music gives it character. (You’ll spy cube-shaped shelves full of records on the walls the moment you walk in.) The drinks are bottled and batched for quick and consistent servings, and the menu changes monthly. Check the brand’s Instagram for pop-ups or DJ sets—there are plenty throughout the week. If you’re not in this part of town, there’s also Bird Downtown in Indre By.PoolCourtesy of PoolDownstairs, Pool is a casual dive bar serving wine, simple cocktails, and snacks. You can enjoy a glass al fresco in the courtyard on a balmy night. But upstairs, it feels like you’ve stepped into a stylish apartment that’s been converted into a billiard hall. Art hangs on the walls and empty bottles are lined up above doorframes, giving the whole space a homey vibe. Reserve a table before you go so you can secure a spot.& Other Stories Fringed TopCredit: & Other Stories& Other Stories Fringed Pencil SkirtCredit: & Other Stories& Other Stories Cross-Strap Leather Ballet FlatsCredit: & Other StoriesWhere to StayNobis HotelCourtesy of Nobis HotelChecking into Nobis feels like having your own chic flat in the city. Boasting spacious suites and pristine marble bathrooms, it’s elegant without feeling too stuffy or ornate. Service is top-tier. As a Design Hotels property, the aesthetic is key. It has the original 1903 concrete exterior by Martin Borch but is modern and stylish on the inside, thanks to Wingårdhs Architects. Rooms have modern, light brown leather chairs, light wooden furniture, and big windows for natural light. Tivoli, the National Museum, and the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek (a fine art museum) are just a short walk away. Fun perk: This hotel is part of Capital One’s Premier Collection, which means Venture X or Venture X Business cardholders can get benefits like daily breakfast for two, an experience credit worth up to $100, and more.1 Hotel CopenhagenCourtesy of 1 Hotel CopenhagenCopenhagen’s new 1 Hotel is like an oasis in the city center, with its calming light wood architecture and abundant plants sprouting throughout. Like its sister sites around the world, it’s also focused on sustainability, farm-to-table menus, and limiting waste. The nature-centric, serene quality spills into the rooms, which stay true to the light Scandinavian aesthetic. Take the wellness and relaxation a step further with a treatment at the on-site Bamford spa, which opens next year. When you’re not meandering through the Latin Quarter below, take in the view from above on your in-room balcony. If you plan on taking the metro, the Nørreport train station is mere blocks away.25hours Indre ByStephan LemkeWith the catchphrase, “I can’t adult today,” 25hours Hotel captures the feeling of being a kid on vacation. The vibe at this former porcelain factory is playful but still cozy and relaxing. Case in point: There’s a lush garden in the courtyard for quiet moments to yourself, and an outdoor sauna to steam the Nordic way. In your room, you might find framed art on corkboard walls, bright tiles in the bathroom, and pops of color throughout the rooms. (For some, even a private terrace.) You’ll even get a canvas bag that you can bring with you while exploring the nearby city center—don’t miss the DØP hot dog cart and the Round Tower just outside, and the King’s Garden (Kongens Have) a few blocks away.Toteme Monogram Pajama TopCredit: TotemeToteme Monogram Pajama BottomsCredit: TotemeStaud Freja Leather Thong SandalsCredit: StaudBeauty PicksUltra Violette Supreme Screen SPF 50 Mini MateCredit: Ultra VioletteYou’ll never forget to reapply your sunscreen with your “mini mate” in tow—a bite-sized sunscreen suitable for every kind of packer. The hydrating formula combines moisturizing squalane and Pentavitin.Kjaer Weis Cream Blush / Above and BeyondNow 43% OffCredit: Kjaer WeisEvery cool girl knows blush is non-negotiable in a makeup routine. Kjaer Weis’s iteration is buttery and pigmented, so you can easily flush your cheeks (or lips and eyes).Phlur Beach Skin Shimmering Body OilCredit: PhlurThis shimmering oil allows you to bring your own glow wherever you go. Radiance aside, Beach Skin smells exactly like what you’d expect: coconutty, salty, and woody.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below