Eating Out
The guarantors of Michelin dining have bestowed 15 restaurants in Copenhagen with their prestigious mark of excellence. While obviously many popular restaurants in Copenhagen are not included, the honours are indicative of how far dining has progressed in the city.
Traditionally, Denmark has not been known for its food; Frikadeller meatballs and cabbage are among the most popular dishes. While there are some great Danish foods such as their hotdogs and open-faced sandwiches, much of the truly great culinary experiences in Copenhagen deals in international cuisine, particularly French and Asian.
Dining in Copenhagen is usually a leisurely affair and patrons are encouraged to take their time and make a night of it. For quicker eats, cafes and hot dog stands are very popular and a fun way to meet people, or travellers can grab a fresh sandwich at one of the city's many bakeries. Stoget, Central Station and Grey Friars Square are all hotspots for restaurants. Tivoli also has a great selection of casual eateries in fun settings.
Shopping
A day of shopping in Copenhagen is brilliant but can be a spectator sport for those without large amounts of money to spend. Rådhuspladsen Square (City Hall Square) marks the start of Strøget, the longest pedestrian mall in the world. It comprises five streets and two miles (3.2km) of retail heaven, and it's where Copenhagen's main stores can be found, as well as cafes for weary shoppers to stop and refuel. Many sports or music celebrations take place here. At the top end of Strøget, shoppers with a penchant for designer labels can splurge at Prada, Chanel and Versace, while Magasin du Nord, Scandinavia's largest department store, is also found in this area.
Lego can be scooped up cheaply, while Scandinavian Crystal and Royal Copenhagen porcelain are not to be forgotten. Shops in Copenhagen are mostly open from 9.30am to 5pm from Monday to Friday, and from 9am to 4pm on Saturdays.
Nightlife
Nightlife in Copenhagen has a couple of gears and the real party doesn't start until late at night. Most jumpstart the evening in a variety of cafes and bars, ranging from renovated historic buildings with new edgy decor to newly built and fashionable eateries.
Themed bars are a perfect way to begin the night, as they let patrons enjoy easy listening music and nice meals before late-night DJs take over with more energetic tracks. Certain areas of the city, such as Nyhavn and Boltens Gård, are long-time Copenhagen nightlife districts that always promise great venues, often staying open until about 5am.
The 150-year-old Pantomime Theatre stages commedia dell'arte productions with free admission, while the modern Tivolis Koncertsal offers classical entertainment from opera to symphonies. Last-minute discounted tickets are often available at the ticket kiosk across from the Nørreport train station at the corner of Fiolstræde and Nørre Voldgade.