Copenhagen

Copenhagen is one of the world’s most liveable cities. It’s also one shaped by good design, from clever public spaces to its renowned furniture industry.

There’s a certain lyricism to life in Copenhagen. It’s not uncommon for a day to begin with a morning bike ride to the waterfront for a quick dip (paired with a sauna stop in the frostier months), followed by a stroll along streets lined with small-scale bakeries and retailers that champion local labels. Then, if you’re off duty, you might make a beeline for one of the city’s envelope-pushing galleries before stopping in one of its many candle-lit restaurants or wine bars.

The Danish capital thrives on being both compact and full of everyday pleasures, and there are several well-established factors that help consistently place it at the top of quality-of-life rankings: an enviable work-life balance, high levels of public safety, trust in institutions, an extensive cycling network and efficient transport links (the airport is a 15-minute metro ride from the city centre). In short, everything appears to be reliable and orderly.

But the city’s virtues are also evident in the efforts of its many independent businesses and young entrepreneurs who are breathing life into its streets. Their verve and creativity is shaping Copenhagen’s design industry, fashion labels, climate-conscious architecture and innovative dining scene – all to the benefit of residents who buy into the system and visitors wanting to experience the high notes of this model society.

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This guide was updated on 17 August 2026