Our in-the-know tips on the very best places to drink, dine, caffeinate, pamper and more during Copenhagen Fashion Week
The calendars of fashion folk will be chock-a-block throughout next week, as Copenhagen Fashion Week once again delivers a program brimming with unmissable talents and shows. But for the industry's front-row fixtures, those precious spare moments between the autumn/winter '24 runways and showroom visits present an opportunity to explore the best the Danish capital has to offer.
From the buzziest new lifestyle hotel in Vesterbro to a beloved wine bar in Nørrebro, here are some of Vogue Scandinavia's in-the-know tips.
To eat
Tucked away to the north, Omar is a safe bet for those seeking an eatery that delivers a classic menu of Danish fare with an inviting, intimate atmosphere. To take the stress out of choosing from the overwhelming good array of dishes, you can elect for the kitchen to serve up a selection of eight. While it's alfresco dining set up is perfect for the August schedule, next week's temperatures call for enjoying the cosy interiors.
Photo: @restaurant_omar
Photo: @osteria16
Dotted across Copenhagen, any of Osteria 16's trio of locales offer tasty options and are bound to be in close proximity to the busy Copenhagen Fashion Week schedule. Opened by childhood friends Morten Kaltoft and Emil Alsbo almost 10 years ago, Osteria 16 prides itself on simple Italian dishes made from ingredients imported directly from Italy. Be sure to pick up a copy of the Osteria 16 cookbook when you visit.
To drink
Pompette, which (fittingly) translates to 'tipsy' in French, is the spot to make a beeline for directly after the last runway show wraps. This bar has been a local watering hole in Nørrebro since it opened its doors in the summer of 2018, bringing a selection of natural wines to patrons with the most democratic prices in town.
Photo: @pompettecph
Photo: @pompettecph
The modest pricing philosophy of the owners – who both come from sommelier and wine-making backgrounds –allows you to enjoy a glass of red, white, rosé, or orange at 60DKK. If you're keen to settle in for a few hours, the team can serve up a bottle from the cellar complemented with cheeses and charcuterie.
To stay
A newcomer to Copenhagen's first-rate hotel scene, Grand Joanne just opened this spring. It's for travellers and locals alike with ambitions to be "the home of a well-travelled and warm-hearted soul," as the team describes it. While the hotel and its 162 uniquely-designed rooms, suites, and penthouses are newly spruced up, it has been fitted out to preserve the precious heritage of the history-ridden 130-year-old building in Vesterbro that houses it.
The newly-opened Grand Joanne is housed in a 130-year-old heritage building in Vesterbro.
One of the site's 162 uniquely-designed suites .
Make the most of your stay by booking a session in Grand Joanne's yoga studio or gym. The three bars and restaurants perfectly lend themselves to rendezvous during Copenhagen Fashion Week – be it for business or pleasure. But most likely, you'll find us up on the rooftop on the sixth floor, taking in the views of the Danish capital.
To explore
Copenhagen is brimming with galleries and museums, but none quite like Glyptoteket – especially if it's just a short amount of time you have to spare. The independent institution contains 10,000 works of art and archaeological objects spanning 6,000 years. In summer, the rooftop access for twilight drinks every Thursday beckons, while winter tempts with regular concerts held in the Central Hall – surrounded by classical antiquities and top-notch acoustics.
Dahlerup's Winter Garden at Glyptoteket . Photo: @glyptoteket
Glyptoteket's Central Hall, which has previously hosted Copenhagen Fashion Week's official opening ceremony, is the perfect sanctuary to spend a few hours soaking up the atmosphere with its marble colonnades and striking statues. Or, venture into Dahlerup's Winter Garden at the entrance to the museum to spend time with a book under the iconic dome and towering palm trees.
To play
"Super cool drinks and a super cool vibe" is the resounding endorsement from Vogue Scandinavia's staffers who have frequented the nocturnal hub that is Chateau Motel. This is where Copenhagen's many different crowds intersect to have a good time, free of any boundaries in terms of its atmosphere, music genres, and patrons. Light installations and artworks often bring the venue's central courtyard to life. At the same time, two floors of the space have a decadent 19th-century Parisian theme – all soundtracked by a roster of Copenhagen's best DJs.
Chateau Motel will be the after-hours destination for fashion folk .
While it's the perfect destination to spontaneously extend a fun-fuelled late evening – especially if you're in the mood to serenade your friends in the Tokyo-themed karaoke rooms – it can be wise to book a table in advance to avoid queues.
To caffeinate
Fuelling the style set's packed schedule is a steady flow of caffeine to the bloodstream. Our favourite spot for a quick coffee stop? Atelier September, founded by chef Frederik Bille Brahe. Situated in the heart of the city, this is a spot for mouth-watering vegetarian breakfast fare, brunch, or a sweet treat on-the-go.
Photo: @atelierseptember
Photo: @sonny.cph
Alternatively, particularly discerning coffee connoisseurs should set their sights on Sonny. Reopening from its summer closure in time for the fashion week crowd, Sonny offers coffee supplied by Danish roastery La Cabra for a unique Brazilian natural-washed blend.
To pamper
The best close to your fashion week? Some well-earned, holistic self-care. Whether an express facial or extensive deep-tissue massage, be sure to book a restorative session – eye bags and swollen feet be gone! For an especially indulgent treat, our pick is Ara'kai, with its conveniently central location.
The zen treatment space of Ara'kai in Copenhagen .