Between Rotate’s press breakfast and the Halcyon Veil afterparty, Copenhagen Fashion Week rarely leaves time for a proper meal or a moment of stillness. But the Danish capital’s signature mix of cool and calm means your in-between hours don’t have to feel like a blur. Whether you’re craving smørrebrød or a relaxing spa day or a quiet glass of wine, this is where to do it right.
Grab a bite at
Kon Hans Kældger
Set in one of Copenhagen’s oldest stone cellars, Kong Hans Kælder has been a benchmark of refined dining since the 1970s. Today, under the stewardship of Chef Mark Lundgaard, the restaurant maintains its French roots while weaving in subtle Scandinavian modernism; think veal sweetbreads with black garlic or turbot delicately framed by pickled beach herbs. The space is moody and intimate, a fitting contrast to the clean-lined minimalism found elsewhere in the city. Address: Vingårdstræde 6, 1070 København, Denmark
Jordnær
A short train ride north of the city centre lands you at Jordnær, a restaurant that lives up to its name, meaning down to earth (despite its two Michelin stars). Chef Eric Kragh Vildgaard builds dishes around the purity of Danish seafood and produce. Service, led by his wife Tina, is quietly attentive. Come for the chawanmushi layered with local mushrooms or the langoustine with sea buckthorn—stay for the sense of calm between CPFW chaos. Address: Gentoftegade 29, 2820 Gentofte, Denmark
Alchemist
To dine at Alchemist is to enter a parallel universe. The experience unfolds across five “acts” and multiple stages, from a planetarium-like dome to an immersive dining room where dishes function as both theatre and critique. Chef Rasmus Munk’s creations are provocatively plated and conceptually charged. Expect everything from lamb’s brain pâté to candy bars shaped like coffins. Address: Refshalevej 173C, 1432 København K, Denmark
Udtryk
A newcomer led by former Jordnær chef Edward Lee, Udtryk offers a tasting menu rooted in Lee’s multicultural upbringing. Dishes flow between Japanese techniques, Chinese aromatics, and Nordic seasonality, like turbot in Shaoxing wine or Norwegian shrimp with green asparagus. The setting is understated, but the food carries weight, grounded in memory and craft. Address: Teglgårdstræde 8A, 1452 København, Denmark
Rugstik
Located in a centuries-old building that once belonged to a royal advisor, RUGSTIK is a tribute to Denmark’s most iconic culinary form: the open-faced sandwich. The menu leans traditional—herring, hand-cut cold cuts, house-made pickles—but the execution is meticulous and modern. Here, smørrebrød isn’t piled high with fussy garnishes; it’s balanced, flavourful, and made to order. Dine in for the atmosphere, or grab it to-go between shows. Address: Studiestræde 16, 1455 København K, Denmark
Catch up over drinks at
Omar
Set in Nørrebro, Omar is a shape-shifting spot where the food is as memorable as the drinks. By day, it’s a relaxed lunch café with solid coffee and low-key energy. By night, it transforms into a lively dinner spot with South European–meets–Middle Eastern dishes (think tahini-topped everything) and strong, brown-spirited cocktails. Address: Refsnæsgade 32, 2200 København, Denmark
Ruby
Hidden behind a townhouse façade, Ruby feels more like a friend’s elegant apartment than one of the world’s top-ranked bars. Bartenders tailor drinks to your mood, the lighting flatters everyone, and the playlist is more jazz vinyl than club beat. Address: Nybrogade 10, 1203 København, Denmark
Balderdash
A cocktail bar and creative lab in a 1730s townhouse, Balderdash is what happens when a visionary bartender gets full creative freedom. Expect inventive drinks that play with texture, temperature, and theatre—like a smoked cocktail served in a faux duck egg. The secret back room and rotating kitchen pop-ups only add to the sense of discovery. Address: 1151 k, Valkendorfsgade 11, 1151 København K, Denmark
Salon 39
A neighbourhood gem near the lakes, Salon 39 strikes a balance between speakeasy moodiness and genuine hospitality. The cocktail list spans classic to experimental, and the kitchen quietly serves one of the best burgers in the city. Expect vintage glassware, bluesy playlists, and bartenders who never rush a pour. Address: Vodroffsvej 39, 1900 Frederiksberg, Denmark
Bibendum
With over 50 wines by the glass and a menu rooted in Danish produce, Bibendum is as much a casual date spot as it is a solo refuge after a long day of shows. Named after the Latin phrase nunc est bibendum (now is the time to drink), the vibe is unhurried and welcoming—exactly what you’ll need mid-fashion week. Address: Nansensgade 45, 1366 København, Denmark
Shop everything vintage at
Veras Vintage
Veras blends resale, sustainability, and street-level fashion insight into a functioning circular economy. Swap pieces from your suitcase for local gems or shop curated vintage that reflects Copenhagen’s best-dressed women. It’s thoughtful consumption without the guilt or the usual resale fuss. Address: Studiestræde 27, kld. tv, 1455 København K, Denmark; Instagram
BauBau
This compact menswear shop is a treasure trove of secondhand high fashion. Whether you’re looking for Raf Simons, Margiela, or Jil Sander, everything is impeccably curated and sold on consignment. Come with patience and curiosity; leave with something rare. Address: Birkegade 3, 2200 København, Denmark; Instagram
Reseller
Founded by Thea Ringby Smed, Reseller makes luxury consignment refreshingly simple. Drop your designer castoffs, set a price, and let them do the rest. With an Instagram-savvy following and a physical shop in Nørrebro, it’s where Copenhagen insiders go to resell or restock. Address: Klareboderne 4, Copenhagen 1115; Instagram
Carmen
One of the city’s longest-running vintage shops, Carmen is a go-to for ‘70s and ‘80s finds with character—leather jackets, silk scarves, oversized blazers. The location, on one of Copenhagen’s most charming shopping streets, makes it a must-visit between appointments. Address: Larsbjørnsstræde 5, 1454 København, Denmark. Instagram
Tú a Tú
Meaning “from you to you,” this minimalist consignment boutique focuses on Scandinavian brands like Acne, Ganni and Arket, with a few international gems mixed in. It’s beautifully edited and perfect for adding something wearable to your suitcase rotation. Address: Jægersborggade 30, 2200 København, Denmark; Instagram
Self-care stops in the city
Kurhotel Skodsborg
A short drive north of the city, this seaside spa hotel offers sleek Scandinavian wellness without the hype. The Fire & Ice Facial is a favourite among red-carpet regulars—a balancing act of heat, chill, and hydration that leaves skin camera-ready. Address: Skodsborg Strandvej 139, 2942 Skodsborg, Denmark
Elina Lei
Known for her results-driven, microbiome-friendly facials, Elina Lei builds each session from scratch, using skin diagnostics and deep product knowledge. It’s a calm, clinical reset in the heart of the city. Booking: elinalei.dk; Contact: 26577306
Vikesaa Studio
The BB Glow treatment at Vikesaa uses a dermapen to infuse vitamins deep into the dermis, improving texture, tone, and post-party puffiness. Lasts up to a month, ideal if your schedule doesn’t allow downtime. Address: Sølvgade 14, b, 1307 København K, Denmark
Hotel d’Angleterre Spa
In the city’s grandest hotel, this spa offers the Collagen Power Facial, a luminous combination of LED light, sculpting massage, and targeted actives. It’s the most luxurious way to fake eight hours of sleep. Address: Kongens Nytorv 34, 1050 København, Denmark
The Amazing Crane Spa
Housed in a converted coal crane, this design-forward spa looks out over the water and delivers holistic, ingredient-forward treatments like the Deep Charcoal Treat Facial, which are equal parts detox and indulgence. Address: Kalkbrænderiløbskaj 10, 2150 København, Denmark
AIRE Ancient Baths
AIRE transports you from fashion week to ancient Rome via candlelit stone pools and thermal circuits. Book a quiet afternoon slot and prepare to disappear for a few hours. Address: Ny Carlsberg Vej 101, 1799 København, Denmark
CopenHot
For something offbeat, head to CopenHot: a cluster of harborside wilderness baths and wood-fired saunas. It’s communal, scenic, and deeply relaxing, particularly at sunset with the skyline reflecting off the water. Address: Refshalevej 195, 1432 København, Denmark
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