Cool Things To Do in Copenhagen

Over the last decade, Copenhagen has gone from quaint to cool. This Scandinavian metropolis is bursting with hip attractions, from up-and-coming neighborhoods and waterfront building projects to browsing the cool design in the city's smartest boutiques, galleries and bars.

Top of the list is Louisiana, a major contemporary art gallery located north of Copenhagen with a strong international profile. The permanent collection here is framed in superb architecture, while the changing exhibitions include some of the hippest names in today's art world.

Smaller gallery owners are flocking to Kødbyen, the latest neighborhood to experience gentrification. The former meat-packing district in Vesterbro is now buzzing with creativity as artists and party promoters exploit the raw vitality of the area.

In Copenhagen, even the parks are cool, and in the summer, Kongens Have (the King's Gardens) are filled with sun-worshipping young people taking a break from their studies or jobs to enjoy an hour or two in the sun, playing ball games, enjoying a picnic or just hanging out with friends.

The waterfront area has developed into one of the city's coolest quarters, and it fills with outdoor activities in summertime. A visionary municipal initiative now means that the harbor is clean enough to swim in, and the safe, supervised bathing area—Københavns Havnebad—is a favorite meeting place for young people during its summer season.

Another changing area is Ørestad: What was once heath ground between the city and the airport has now grown into a smart new neighborhood where some of Denmark's most exciting building projects are taking place. Not for everyone, it didn't quite make our list, but for anyone interested in architecture, a visit to national broadcaster DR's new Koncerthuset is a must.

Louisiana Museum

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Gammel Strandvej 13

Modern art and architecture in spectacular setting...
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Kødbyen

Slagterboderne

New gallery district...
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Kongens Have

Øster Voldgade 4

The King's Gardens of Rosenborg Palace...
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Københavns Havnebad

Islands Brygge 0

Take a swim - in the city's harbor...
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Amager Strandpark

Amager Strandvej

Extensive beach park close to city center...
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Carlsberg Byen

Ny Carlsbergvej

New cultural quarter on site of old brewery...
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Christiania

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Christiania

Alternative Copenhagen...
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Hay Cph

Pilestræde 29-31

Danish Furniture...
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Henrik Vibskov

Krystalgade 6

Flagship store for outrageous Danish clothing designer...
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Danish Architecture Center (DAC)

Strandgade 27B

Museum and exhibition centre for Danish architecture...
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