By Chris Taylor
NEW YORK (Reuters) – As an executive for an information management and digital services company who has been posted everywhere from Great Britain to Japan to the U.S., Carsten Bruhn enjoys globe-trotter status.
But his favorite spot for business travel: Copenhagen in Denmark, the nation from where the president and chief executive officer of Ricoh North America originally hails.
For Reuters’ “48 Hours” series, Bruhn gives us the insider’s view of where to stay, work, eat and play on your next Danish jaunt.
The following interview is edited and condensed.
WHAT I LOVE MOST
Copenhagen’s history goes back to year 700. Many people appreciate its beautiful architecture, vibrant cultural scene and the overall high quality of life. The city also is known for its bike-friendly atmosphere, picturesque canals and friendly locals.
Danes are very creative people, always thinking outside the box. They are simply so open and forthcoming.
WHERE TO GO FIRST
I head home to my relatives and friends – or straight out to one of the beaches or harbors to enjoy a restaurant with a scenic ocean view.
Explore the City Center to see popular attractions such as Tivoli Gardens (Vesterbro district), Nyhavn (waterfront district) and the Little Mermaid statue (Langelinie promenade).
WHERE TO STAY
Indre By (inner city) for proximity to major attractions, or Vesterbro for a trendy and lively atmosphere.
POWER BREAKFAST SPOT
Atelier September (Kronprinsessegade St.) or Mad & Kaffe (Sonder Blvd.) are popular for delicious and energizing breakfast options.
Other places like o12 (Oster Farimagsgade St.), Sidecar (Skyttegade St.) or Wulff & Konstali (various locations including Isafjordsgade St.) offer some of the best brunches in Copenhagen.
FUN LOCALE FOR TEAM OUTINGS
Try a canal tour to explore the city from a different perspective. Consider Christiansborg Palace (Slotsholmen Island) where the recent crowning of King Christian took place.
Close by is Borsen (The Old Stock Exchange) and Stroget (shopping street), all in the center of Copenhagen with its ambient atmosphere. End with lunch at Café Victor (Ny Ostergade St.)
TOURIST TRAP THAT’S ACTUALLY WORTH IT
Tivoli Gardens is a historic amusement park with a unique charm. The same goes for Rundetaarn (‘Round Tower’, Kobmagergade St.)
BEST WAY TO GET AROUND
Copenhagen is bike-friendly, but public transportation is also efficient. The Metro is completely new and the easiest way to get around in Copenhagen.
IDEAL COFFEE SPOT
The Coffee Collective (various locations) and Democratic Coffee (Krystalgade St.) have excellent coffee and cozy atmospheres. Any coffee shop near Kongens Nytorv (a public square at the end of Stroget St.) is great.
I also recommend Cafe Europa (Amagertorv public square)– just sit and enjoy the people-watching.
FAVORITE AREA TO SHOP
Stroget is one of the longest pedestrian shopping streets in Europe, offering a mix of high-end and local shops.
SOMETHING ONLY INSIDERS KNOW
Visit the Meatpacking District for bars, restaurants and a bustling nightlife scene.
You can also eat at the top of the Danish Parliament (Christiansborg Palace) with an awesome view of Copenhagen, or one of the great but lesser-known restaurants such as Silo (Helsinkigade St.).
Visit the recently renovated Carlsberg City (Gamle Carlsberg Vej St.) with an incredible choice of cafes and restaurants with history.
CANNOT-MISS TREATS
A Danish pastry (wienerbrod) or traditional smorrebrod (open-faced sandwich).
BEST DINNER SPLURGE
Copenhagen is renowned for its excellent dining, including the world’s best restaurants such as Noma (Refshalevej St.), which is changing its offerings at the end of 2024.
Other great choices are Geranium (Per Henrik Lings Allé St.), Alchemist (Refshalevej St.), Marchal (Hotel d’Angleterre, Kongens Nytorv square) or formel B (Vesterbrogade St.).
FAVORITE SOUVENIR
Danish design items, such as ceramics or furniture, make for stylish and unique souvenirs.
BEST MEMORY
Exploring the canals at sunset.
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(Editing by Lauren Young, William Maclean)
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