copenhagen revisited

I've visited Copenhagen twice before, in 2015 and 2018, but this trip was entirely different. It wasn't about checking off the city's major sights nor hunting down the latest restaurants. It was about spending a long weekend with eight of my closest friends from high school - a group that somehow has managed to stay close despite living in different places, pursuing different careers and navigating life's many chapters.

Coordinating a trip for nine people was no small feat, especially in a city where restaurants and hotels tend to cater to smaller groups. There were countless messages, spreadsheets and polls before we finally settled on a plan, but every bit of effort was worth it. Copenhagen provided the perfect backdrop for a weekend filled with incredible food, long conversations, plenty of laughter and the kind of memories that remind you why lifelong friendships are so special.

ACCOMMODATION:

For a girls' getaway, I couldn't recommend Manon Les Suites more highly.

For the nine of us, we booked two two-bedroom, two-bathroom suites, which struck the perfect balance between having our own space and spending time together. The apartment-style layout made getting ready surprisingly stress-free (well, as stress-free as it can be with nine women).

The hotel itself was very impressive. Its famous Junglefish Pool felt like it was transported straight from Bali, complete with lush tropical plants and soaring palm trees beneath a glass ceiling. Add in an excellent restaurant, stylish cocktail bar and spa and it quickly became somewhere we looked forward to returning to after a day exploring the city.

DO:

• Woodies on Green Island - One of the highlights of the weekend was renting a Woodies boat and cruising through Copenhagen's canals. It was a relaxed and fun way to see the city from the water, with plenty of drinks, music and dancing.

  

  

• La Banchina - If the weather is on your side, don't miss La Banchina, one of Copenhagen's most beloved waterfront spots. Go for a swim in the harbor, spend a few hours sunbathing on the dock and settle in for lunch overlooking the water. Reservations aren't accepted though, so arriving early is your best chance of getting a sunny spot and/or a table.

EAT & DRINK:

• Reffen - If you aren't lucky enough to get a spot at La Banchina, or the weather isn't cooperating, take the 10-minute walk to Copenhagen's vibrant waterfront street food market. From fresh seafood to tacos and Asian fusion, there's something to satisfy every craving.

  

• BARR - With beautifully executed Nordic cuisine in a warm, relaxed setting, BARR was the perfect place to sample classic Scandinavian flavors with a contemporary twist.

• 20 Grams - Brunch here was exactly what we needed, with excellent breakfast beverages, delicious food and a laid-back atmosphere that encouraged us to linger longer than we'd planned.

  

• Vækst - The greenhouse-inspired dining room was almost as memorable as the food itself. Beautifully designed and full of natural light, it was another standout meal from the weekend.

  

• Uformel - Our final dinner was in a private dining room, where we enjoyed a superb five-course tasting menu. Modern Scandinavian cooking at its best and a fitting finale to an already memorable culinary lineup.

  

• Alexandra Hus - When dinner was over, we headed to Alexandra Hus for cocktails and dancing. It was the perfect end to a weekend that none of us wanted to end.

Copenhagen may be known for its design, cycling culture and world-class restaurants, but this trip reminded me that the best destination is often simply the one you experience with the right people. Between canal cruises, exceptional meals, endless laughter and the joy of spending uninterrupted time together, it was the kind of weekend we'll still be talking about until we start planning the next one.