World Capital of Architecture: see why Copenhagen's design is worth traveling for in 2023
Feb 15, 2023 鈥 4 min read
To celebrate Copenhagen鈥檚 designation as the World Capital of Architecture, the Danish Architecture Center will be hosting public programs, including walking tours, throughout 2023 漏 courtesy Danish Architecture Center
Looking to start planning your next adventure? Here鈥檚 a new reason to travel to Copenhagen, Denmark in 2023.
A good time to visit Copenhagen is鈥ny time.
Yet those who love architecture and design have a new reason to visit the Danish capital in 2023: Copenhagen has been officially named the , a title it will hold for a three-year period.
The idea behind this designation is to highlight how architecture, city planning and culture can in tandem shape urban identity and sustainable urban development. Over the next year, the city will host under the framework of 鈥.鈥 These exhibitions, talks, tours and other happenings will showcase the value that architecture and design bring to everyday lives in cities.
Famed for its culture of biking, hip design and purposeful buildings, Copenhagen has inspired countless planning professionals. Any travelers here will experience how careful policy choices have improved the lives of its citizens 鈥 with wide bike lanes, public gyms on building rooftops and shipping containers turned into student housing. The World Capital of Architecture title will help to shine a light on all of this.
The (DAC) will host a number of events for anyone interested in architecture. That will include , where you can learn about hidden gens and iconic buildings.
Under the theme, DAC will present an exhibition (May 4鈥揙ctober 22) exploring the meaning of Danish architecture. The show will also highlight the strong Danish tradition of community thinking and citizen involvement in public projects, by polling locals, architects and visitors what they like about Copenhagen, what urban architecture works well 鈥 and what doesn鈥檛. Additionally, DAC will introduce its first permanent exhibition on Danish architecture: 鈥,鈥 opening March 24, explores architectural history from the Viking Age to present day.
From July 2 to 6 at Copenhagen鈥檚 , the will gather to promote an even more sweeping theme: how architecture can be a catalyst for reaching the UN鈥檚 . The conference will present groundbreaking scientific research, with key partners speaking about the journey toward a more sustainably built environment.
Yet even if you skip these events, just a short walk through the streets of Copenhagen is a wonderful way to soak in standout architecture, from the ultra-modern 鈥淏lack Diamond鈥 Royal Danish Library extension to stately Christiansborg Palace. You don鈥檛 need to be a UN delegate to enjoy Copenhagen鈥檚 rich variety of cafes, restaurants and hotels, all of which embody the importance of design, architecture and community.
Where to eat in Copenhagen
Located in the gracious art museum SMK, offers great design, famous fluffy pancakes and vegetable-forward dishes. , in Christiansborg Palace, offers city views alongside delicious, traditional Danish sm酶rrebr酶d.
Copenhagen teems with artisanal bakeries. Try in the former shipyard area of Refshale酶en; for must-try cardamom buns; and for the bun with cheese. In Copenhagen鈥檚 newest district, Carlsberg Byen (formerly home to the Carlsberg brewery), the new location of serves one of the best burgers anywhere.
Where to drink in Copenhagen
Have a coffee at Copenhagen鈥檚 best coffee spot, , in Copenhagen鈥檚 K酶dbyen (or Meatpacking District). This development makes the case for how former industrial areas can be transformed into usable and lively areas for the community. In Nordhavn, another of the city鈥檚 newest and most architecturally striking neighborhoods, serves up delicious cocktails, along with views from its 17th-floor lounge over 脴resund and the city skyline. has a rotating selection of craft beers, all brewed on site in Copenhagen鈥檚 hippest neighborhood, 狈酶谤谤别产谤辞. At in cool Vesterbro, a handpicked selection of natural wines and good vibes will make for a great time.
Where to stay in Copenhagen
If you stay in the compact city center, you鈥檒l have no problem taking in the city鈥檚 architecture on foot. 鈥 with a splendid mix of historic details and super-stylish modern design 鈥 is located in the new seaside district of Nordhavn, where you can see first-hand how creative redevelopment can create livable neighborhoods. In a former university building in the very core of the city, has comfortable lodgings, a lovely salon serving afternoon tea, a Middle Eastern restaurant and several lounges. For a more budget-friendly option, 鈥檚 dorms and private rooms are decorated in a contemporary style.
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