Copenhagen for thirty-something singles

Our Local Expert Says:

Well-located and very smart.

Description:

One of the city's new design hotels, Hotel 27 has one of the most central locations possible, and offers surprisingly reasonable rates considering the smart look of the place. The Honey Ryder Cocktail Longe and Icebar Cph cement it as the hotel for the smart young things.

Our Local Expert Says:

Quite magical.

Description:

The world-famous Tivoli Pleasure Gardens first opened its doors on August 15, 1843. It's said that the park's founder, Georg Carstensen, said that Tivoli would never be completely finished and, staying true to that statement, a new ride is added each year. Another story is that Walt Disney was moved enough after visiting to attempt to purchase the gardens and after being refused, went on to design his own Disneyland in California.

But Tivoli is more than just rides: In addition to the daily Pierrot pantomime shows, there are also regular classical concerts in the concert hall and free Friday night rock concerts with big international and local names performing on the Garden's open air stage. Tivoli is also famous for its extravagant firework displays, which take place a handful of times a year. In addition to its summer season, Tivoli's Christmas opening recreates a magical winter wonderland experience, while the most recent addition is the week-long Halloween season (which actually coincides more with the school autumn holiday than October 31).

Description:

The popular chain of noodle bars, Wagamama, opened its only restaurant in Denmark in Tivoli Gardens in 2006. The simple formula of noodle and wok dishes in an informal, fast food setting has been a hit from the beginning, especially with families who can enjoy the food with the minimum of fuss and waiting time. The prices are reasonable and the food freshly prepared. Note: There is also an entrance to Wagamama from outside Tivoli on Tietgensgade, so you don't need to be a guest of the pleasure gardens to eat here - the restaurant is also open outside of Tivoli season.

Description:

Nord Nightclub can be found next door to the Palads Cinema, in the multi-coloured building next to Vesterport S-Train Station. The club caters exclusively for the over-30s crowd, and is an ideal spot for those who enjoy dancing and late-night partying but would prefer more mature company than the teenagers who fill so many of the city's weekend clubs. On Fridays during the spring and summer a 'Friday Rock Afterparty' offers free entry to Tivoli guests who want to continue dancing after the Gardens' popular free Friday night concerts.

Description:

Buses, trams, cars and bicycles were banned in 1964 to allow for the thousands of shoppers, that walk down this open air market. The 'cheap' end is at Rådhuspladsen, with simple bars and burger joints, but things get more expensive further down with stores like Gucci and Birger Christensen. Some come here to shop, others just to see and be seen. Walking down Strøget is always an experience; Denmark's national poet, Klaus Rifbjerg, summed it up in a song titled Imagine Walking Down Strøget Dressed In Your Light Blue Pyjamas.

Description:

Set on a street that's packed with worthy competitors, this cafe and bar is loaded with people who seem fun, charming, and engaged with life and the well-being of their companions. Its name translates as "syrup." The venue is youthful and hip. Salads, sandwiches, and platters cost from DKK79 to DKK139 ($13-$24/£7.90-£14). Open Monday to Thursday 10am to midnight, Friday and Saturday 10am to 2am.

Description:

You don't have to be staying at DGI-Byen's hotel to enjoy its extensive sports and fitness facilities, which include a swimming pool, gymn, bowling alley, badminton court, shooting range and climbing wall. There are also more leisurely wellness pursuits like an hour in the spa, beauty treatments, yoga and pilates. The swim centre is known for its huge ellipse-shaped pool, as well as its 'mountain pool' that comes with a 5m climbing wall and trampoline - while the smaller heated pool is ideal for those with disabilities or babies. The center can also boast of a well-stocked cafe and more expensive restaurant, 'Vestauranten' - meaning that you can even stay for dinner.

Description:

This lively Italian is located on the far end of Axeltorv Square, and though it has become known as a place to enjoy a good pizza before or after a movie from the Palads theater opposite, the food here is really too good to just wolf down on movie night, and includes a wealth of pasta, meat and fish dishes in addition to those pizzas. The atmosphere is lively, with the kitchens set wide open in front of the dinner guests and the Italian waiting staff happy to answer any questions you might have. Specially commissioned artists have created a fire theme in the decor, and the flames which can be seen flickering on the wall are entirely video generated. Families of teenagers will enjoy the flamboyant style, lively atmosphere and varied menu. Ideal for large groups, though those looking for a romantic setting might find the place a little noisy.

Our Local Expert Says:

Cocktail-shaking prizewinner.

Description:

A popular bar thanks in part to its prize-winning bartender Gromit, who will often be found behind the counter mixing the drinks. You're in expert hands: He has won numerous competitions for his cocktails. The style is cool and elegant without being cold, and is modelled on the cocktail bars of London's top hotels.

Description:

Tight is one of the newest additions to Copenhagen's vibrant cafe scene - a relaxed city cafe by day, and lively bar and lounge come evening time. Owned by two ex-pats from Sydney and Vancouver respectively, images of the two cities can be found on the walls of the premises, and you'll probably find one of the owners taking your order behind the counter. The international atmosphere extends onto the menu, which mixes cafe classics like burgers and lemon chicken with foie gras and cote de beouf - there's even a 'tri-nations dessert'. Foreign beers are available as well as a great range of wine and non-alcoholic drinks.

Description:

Copenhagen may not be on the Med, but this place is working hard on making you forget that: the city's newest beach club opened in 2008 north-east of the city close to the Nordhavn S-train stop and combines a daytime cafe (serving a decadent brunch, including one glass of cava, on weekends) with evening restaurant and cocktail bar, and a nightclub Thursdays through Saturdays. The restaurant menu is international and cosmopolitan, and you can eat outside on the terrace or inside next to the large windows, looking out across the Øresund Channel.

Our Local Expert Says:

See Copenhagen from the water and get a whole new perspective of the city.

Description:

For once, it's the tourists who get it right - locals almost never experience Copenhagen in this way, and they're missing out on a treat, experiencing the old city centre from a different perspective and seeing almost all the downtown attractions from the water. DFDS Canal Tours offer five different tours of the city, ranging from 60-75 minutes in duration, both with or without a guide. They leave from Gammel Strand and Nyhavn, with longer ones taking you as far as the Little Mermaid and out into the Øresund Channel to the tiny fortress island of Trekroner. On Sunday and Thursday evenings during summer months there's even a 90-minute jazz cruise, with live music aboard the boat.

Description:

For some odd reason, with seemingly no connection, this affordable eatery is named for Bertel Thorvaldsen, Denmark's greatest sculptor, who was born in Copenhagen on November 19, 1768. This restaurant is hardly a citadel of grand cuisine, but it offers some of the best tasting and least expensive smørrebrød in town, along with a changing daily array of old-fashioned Danish cookery. Against a backdrop of walls covered with old tapestries, you can partake of this hearty and very filling cuisine. Locals begin with various versions of herring or smoked salmon. You can go on to the typical dishes of the day, which almost invariably include fried plaice. An occasional special appears with flair and flavor, including, for example, free-range Danish roasted chicken with a saffron sauce, accompanied by a helping of risotto. For dessert, opt for the fresh fruit with vanilla ice cream. Tables are placed outside in a courtyard if the weather allows.