The Danes know all about design, food and coffee, so travelling through Denmark is both eye-catching and bodes well for the appetite. There is no tipping (servers are paid competitive wages) and life here is pretty good – which is relative, of course, but I think so!

The Latin Quarter in Aarhus, Denmark.

Where to Stay
Family-friendly Tivoli Hotel in Copenhagen charms with its homage to Tivoli Gardens, a shuttle ride away. In the nearby city of Odense, step into the First Hotel Grand for newly renovated rooms and striking common areas. The over-the-top but charming Hotel Royal in Aarhus has an old elevator lift and extra large rooms.

Where to Eat
I’ve already mentioned the food, so here are a few gems to check out. In Copenhagen, Fiskebaren is a must for fresh seafood. Step back to the 17th century at Den gamle Kro in Odense’s most picturesque restaurant. In the happenin’ city of Aarhus, spend the evening at Café Mefisto for a leisurely evening.

The interior of Fiskebaren in the Meatpacking District of Copenhagen, Denmark.

What to Do
As soon as you arrive in Copenhagen, proceed directly to the Meatpacking District. This working quarter begun gentrifying in the last few years, so the scene is still hip without being overly trendy. Spend the next day at the family-friendly Tivoli Gardens, an amusement park since 1843, and then head to the warm indoors of the Danish Design Centre.

Odense is the fairytale home of Hans Christian Andersen and the Hans Christian Andersen Museum is worth a visit. In the student-filled city of Aarhus, make sure to pay your respects to the bog man at the Moesgård Museum – he’s the best preserved in the world! – who has been kept intact since the Iron Age in Europe. Finish off at The Old Town to browse through 75 historical houses, and more on the way. 

Travel Tip
Prices in Denmark tend to be expensive, so save money by picking up a Eurail Pass to travel between the cities mentioned above. Trains connect right into city centres and run daily. Passes start at $130 CDN in second class seating for three travel days.