The City of Spires — Copenhagen, a Rainbow of Contradictions
Topping the polls of the world’s happiest country — Denmark is a design haven. What’s more? Copenhagen, the capital, is deemed the most liveable city in the world. Putting a smile on the faces of all those that visit, Copenhagen makes up for the lack of size in its gigantic character — with a maze of cobbled streets easily navigable by foot or bicycles (the true Dane mode of transport). A city of contrasts spread over two islands — Copenhagen gives you a fair share of castles and palaces with spires that define the skyline, among other modern masterpieces that include a space age aquarium and a geometric opera house.
Best navigated through its waterways, Copenhagen offers picture perfect sights at Nyhavn, its harbour, flanked by colourful 18th century houses that overlook the waterscape. Do not miss out on Tivoli Gardens — one of the world’s oldest amusement parks filled with charming wooden roller coasters, dragon boats and merry go rounds — the heart of the city, housing the “heart” of the city.
For a small space, this city packs in experiences of a lifetime — food, culture and landscape — an all-in-one package! Trendy design stores and architecture to envy, Copenhagen is a heart-stealer with top-notch architectural wonders and the most savoured Nordic Cuisine. While you stay, make sure to enjoy the following:
- A bike tour of the city (Live like a local for a day!)
- Visit the Little Mermaid, a homage to Hans Christian Anderson
- A postcard photograph of Nyhavn Harbour
- A full-day boat tour to explore Copenhagen from its lovely waters
- Spend a day at Christiania — a free state within the border limits
- Channel your inner child at the invigorating Tivoli Gardens
- Cross off the Amalienborg Royal Palace from your sightseeing list — a visit is magical!
While you take in all that this wonderful Nordic city has to offer, make sure to stay at The Audo — an architectural wonder created by the Norm Architects — a 10 room hybrid hotel where all that you can see is up for purchase. Pssst! It’s actually a furniture showroom-cum-hotel by the founder of Menu, as a flagship showroom. The trick to this is, you can experience each piece of furniture and lighting while you stay, and consider a purchase, as per your choice!
A building as old as 1918 — a boathouse & neo-baroque building — has been given an outstanding minimalist makeover with concrete flooring and walls, decorated using brass accents to lift the industrial architecture. An intimate loft-style retreat, The Audo has rooms that are uniquely configured — for example, room number 6 is adorned with ceramics by Sofia Tufvasson, while the beds are by Dux. The room designs continue to evolve — making this more than a one-time visit!
The Audo is not your typical hotel with all services at your fingertips (although, customer satisfaction is their top priority — just not in ways that we all are used to!) — there are no spas, no TV’s in the room, no room service — you get the idea! Just live, live, live in Danish style — without distractions, a raw experience.
Sip on a Nordic cocktail at the marble bar (also, a concierge) or climb a few stairs to explore Menu’s material library — all this, while you are not out biking away at Copenhagen’s delightful cafes and museums!
On a closing note, we reminisce the perfect words of Connie Nielsen, a superb Danish actress, ‘If Copenhagen were a person, that person would be generous, beautiful, elderly, but with a flair. A human being that has certain propensities for quarrelling, filled with imagination and with appetite for the new and with respect for the old — somebody who takes good care of things and of people’.
Written by Anisha Masand
