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Finding hygge – a guide to Copenhagen according to Monika Ruggerino

Copenhagen city guide

Denmark's capital city is heralded as one of the enchantingly chic cities in the world. The epicentre of Scandinavian fashion, it is a melting pot of forward-thinking design, slowdown culture and good food.

The charm of this city is like a slow hum that sings through the air. You can almost tangibly feel it. The historic architecture frames the waterfront streets. Covert alleys house the chicest boutiques and steamy coffee shops. It's effortlessly well-dressed citizens stroll unhurriedly down the footpaths or zip passed on their bikes.

Jewellery designer Monika Ruggerino has long been a patron of Copenhagen – and has picked up a few travel tricks along the way. Her favourite area for shopping? Hellerup. Her go-to outfit? Anything bike-friendly. Her top spot for a drink? The roof top of Illum. If you're planning a trip to Copenhagen, and looking for the coolest things the city has to offer, below find Monika Ruggerino's list.

 

Where to eat

My ultimate go-to if Café Victor. It's the oldest restaurant and bar in Copenhagen, with walls lined with Vintage posters (my favourite). I would describe the dishes as Euro-fusion with all the Danish greats. Best of all, it is ’the’ spot to go and people watch during fashion week.

But some of my other favourites are Hotel Sanders, Pastis and Geranium.

 

Where to drink?

After a day of shopping in the city centre, nothing is better than sunset drinks on the roof top of Illum. If there in the cooler months try the traditional ‘Glogg’, the Danes' answer to mulled wine. If visiting in summer, there are a great selection of open-air bars along the river towards Inderhavnsbroen Bridge in Nyhavn.

 

 

Where to shop?

When in the city centre, try Illum for an array of hard-to-find European designers.

But my top suggestion is to venture North to the local area of Hellerup. You’ll find a great mix of local boutiques and vintage stores. Trois Pomme, and Trois Pomme Vintage are my go-tos. Also, keep your eyes peeled for flea markets in and around the city, often held in Kongens Nytorv. This is a great place to snap up designers pieces – I have found amazing vintage Valentino and Helmut Lang for less then $50 AU.

 

Where to stay?

My home away from home when visiting is Hotel Skt. Annae. It's nestled between Nyhavn and The Palace, you are just out of the bustle of town but sill within walking distance. Its building is over a hundred years old and has a great bar and restaurant downstairs.

 

 

Favourite things to do?

In summer time, cycling through Kastellet park for a picnic and a visit to the little mermaid, and for those who enjoy a longer cycle, a visit to Charlotte Lund Park for a true local feeling.

And in winter, a visit to Freetown Christiania, an incredible historic autonomous anarchist district, also home to the Christmas markets.

 

 

Must-see spots when visiting?

Louisiana Museum of Modern Art and of course, the Saturday morning changing of the guard at the Palace.

 

Must-have travel accessory?

Cool sneakers and chic but cycle-friendly attire. The Danes love to cycle straight for lunch or shopping to evening drinks, so make your outfit versatile.

 

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