24 Hours in Copenhagen: A Fashion Lover’s Guide

Copenhagen—the Nordic nexus of minimalist design, cutting-edge sustainability, and effortless hygge chic—is a playground for the fashion-obsessed. From its cobblestone streets lined with avant-garde boutiques to its canal-side cafés filled with impossibly stylish locals, Denmark’s capital is a masterclass in understated glamour. Here’s how to spend 24 hours living (and dressing) like a true Copenhagener. 

8:00 AM | Breakfast at Atelier September 

Start your day at this industrial-chic café in the heart of Indre By, where the city’s creative crowd sips oat lattes beneath exposed concrete ceilings. Order the iconic avocado rye toast—a Danish staple—and pair it with a turmeric shot. Fashion tip: Throw on a tailored blazer (try Ganni’s oversized wool-cashmere blend) over a slip dress and chunky sneakers for that “I woke up like this” polish. 

10:00 AM | Retail Therapy on Strøget 

Hit Europe’s longest pedestrian street, Strøget, where high fashion meets Scandi sensibility. Pop into: 

Hay House: A temple of Nordic homeware and tonal knitwear. 

Holmegaard Glasværk: For artisanal glassware that doubles as jewelry-display art. 

Stine Goya: Copenhagen’s queen of bold prints and puff sleeves. Grab her signature floral midi dress for evening plans. 

Insider move: Skip the chain stores and head to Pilestræde for indie boutiques like Wood Wood and Day Birger et Mikkelsen. 

1:00 PM | Lunch at Reffen Street Food 

Fuel up at this eco-conscious waterfront food market, where sustainability is as stylish as the harbor views. Try smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches) on rye, or vegan tacos from Hija de Sanchez. Fashion note: A trench coat (Acne Studios’ iconic shearling-lined version) tossed over a turtleneck and wide-leg trousers balances practicality and panache. 

3:00 PM | Canal Chic in Nyhavn 

Stroll the postcard-perfect Nyhavn waterfront, but avoid the tourist traps. Instead, book a private vintage sailboat tour with GoBoat—pack a bottle of natural wine and channel nautical vibes in a striped Breton top (Samsøe Samsøe) and high-waisted linen trousers. Snap a windblown selfie against the candy-colored townhouses. 

5:00 PM | Design Pilgrimage to Designmuseum Danmark 

Marvel at mid-century furniture and avant-garde textiles at this temple of Danish design. The gift shop is a goldmine for minimalist jewelry (Sophie Bille Brahe’s celestial-inspired pieces). Pro tip: Swap your daytime sneakers for block-heeled ankle boots (By Malene Birger) as the sun dips. 

7:30 PM | Dinner at Apollo Bar & Kantine 

Dine beneath vaulted ceilings at this Michelin-approved hotspot in the Kunsthal Charlottenborg art space. Opt for the Nordic tasting menu (think fermented mushrooms and smoked quail). Dress code: A sleek leather midi skirt (Cecilie Bahnsen) paired with a slouchy mohair sweater—monochrome, of course. 

10:00 PM | Cocktails at Ruby 

End the night at this speakeasy-style bar, ranked among the world’s best. Sip a Smoky Marble (mezcal, elderflower, lime) under dim amber lighting. Final outfit flex: Layer a sequined camisole (Rotate Birger Christensen) under your blazer and add gold hoops. 

Midnight | Midnight Sun Stroll 

In summer, linger by the lakes of Peblinge Sø. In winter, retreat to your boutique hotel (Hotel Sanders or Nobis Hotel) and sink into a sheepskin throw. 

Copenhagen’s Golden Rule: Less is more—but make it unforgettable. Pack neutral tones, invest in sculptural outerwear, and let the city’s quiet confidence inspire your next wardrobe edit. —Modish Muse 

Style Notes: 

- Must-pack: A recycled wool coat (Copenhagen label Baum und Pferdgarten). 

- Local secret: Rent a bike—*the ultimate accessory*—from Baisikeli and cycle like a true Dane. 

- Souvenir: A hand-blown perfume bottle from Frama Studio Apothecary. 

For more Nordic fashion escapades, subscribe to Modish Muse—where culture meets couture.