A Three-Day Foodie and Cultural Journey Through Copenhagen

The day started with a visit to Lille Bakery, a hidden gem tucked away in an industrial area. Founded by Jessica Kjær and Mia Boland, Lille Bakery was established to bring high-quality, accessible bread to Copenhagen’s Amager neighborhood. Jessica and Mia met while working together in kitchens across Copenhagen, quickly bonding over their shared passion for baking and sustainable practices. Before founding Lille Bakery, Jessica honed her skills at the renowned Tartine Bakery in San Francisco, while Mia worked at acclaimed Danish restaurants such as Relae and Amass, where she developed her expertise in innovative Nordic cuisine. Their complementary backgrounds and shared vision have made Lille Bakery not just a bakery but a community hub. Since its opening, it has become a cornerstone of the local community, offering a warm, communal atmosphere that feels more like a gathering space than just a bakery. Known for their commitment to sustainability and using locally sourced ingredients, Lille has also played a significant role in shaping Copenhagen’s modern baking scene. This bakery is an absolute must-visit stop for anyone exploring the city.

During my visit, I enjoyed a sausage roll that was perfectly flaky and satisfying, paired with an incredible cup of coffee brewed to perfection. For dessert, I couldn’t resist trying a Berliner—a soft, pillowy pastry filled with sweet jam, showcasing Lille’s mastery of classic baked goods. The standout, however, was the iced tea—so refreshing and perfectly balanced that I couldn’t help but order a second glass. It was easily the best iced tea I’ve ever tasted, making the experience truly unforgettable.

Beyond their famous bread and pastries, Lille Bakery also offers a small but thoughtful lunch menu. Seasonal soups, hearty salads, and open-faced sandwiches made with their signature sourdough are some of the highlights. These lunches feel like a family gathering, where neighbors and visitors alike come together to share a meal. The long communal tables and welcoming atmosphere make it easy to strike up a conversation or simply enjoy the sense of connection that permeates the space. These dishes showcase the same focus on quality and freshness that defines the bakery, making it a popular spot for a midday meal. During my visit, I truly felt at home.

Next, I immersed myself in contemporary art at Copenhagen Contemporary, where I spent hours exploring its impressive collection. One standout experience was the James Turrell exhibit, a mesmerizing showcase of his mastery over light and space. Turrell, an American artist, has dedicated his career to crafting immersive environments that challenge perception, creating spaces where light itself feels tangible. His work is deeply influenced by his studies in perceptual psychology and his Quaker upbringing, which emphasizes silence and introspection.

The exhibit featured James Turrell's "Aftershock". This installation immersed viewers in environments where light felt almost physical, creating an experience that was as much about perception as it was about art. The exhibit’s centerpiece was a room bathed in gradients of color that shifted subtly over time, evoking a sense of otherworldly calm and introspection. Another standout was a smaller, enclosed installation that played with contrasts of light and darkness, making visitors question their depth perception and sense of spatial boundaries. The exhibit left me with a profound appreciation for Turrell’s exploration of how light can shape human experience.

Copenhagen Contemporary’s commitment to hosting artists of this caliber has solidified its place as a cultural beacon in the city. In addition to James Turrell’s "Aftershock," I explored two other standout exhibits: "The Length of the Horizon" and "Let Everything Happen to You."

"The Length of the Horizon" showcased a breathtaking interplay of light and expansive space, pushing the boundaries of how we perceive distance and scale. This exhibit by Kapwani Kiwanga featured large hanging curtains that transformed the gallery space into a shifting landscape. These curtains, made of layered, semi-translucent textiles, created a sense of depth and movement, inviting viewers to reconsider the concept of a horizon as both a physical boundary and a metaphor for possibility. Kiwanga, known for her interdisciplinary approach combining art, anthropology, and history, used these installations to explore themes of observation, perspective, and the cultural significance of horizons. The blend of physical and emotional resonance in Kiwanga's work left a profound impression on me, further showcasing her talent for integrating art with meaningful cultural commentary.

"Let Everything Happen to You" was deeply emotional and stunningly beautiful. This exhibit, created by Catherine Raven Davidson, reflects her remarkable ability to explore themes of human connection and vulnerability. Davidson, known for her multidisciplinary approach, often weaves light, textiles, and immersive environments into her work. A graduate of Yale's School of Art, she has exhibited globally, earning acclaim for her thought-provoking installations. Reviews of "Let Everything Happen to You" describe it as transformative, and I wholeheartedly agree. The exhibit invited vulnerability and openness, encouraging me to embrace the

 breadth of human emotion. I left the space feeling moved and contemplative, a testament to Davidson's ability to craft art that touches both the mind and heart.

The museum’s blend of rotating exhibits and large-scale installations ensures there is always something thought-provoking to experience. Turrell's work, in particular, underscores the power of art to transform how we see the world.

By lunchtime, I made my way to Warpigs, a lively brewpub in the Meatpacking District. I opted for one of their excellent craft beers, soaking in the casual, buzzing atmosphere. Warpigs is renowned for its Texas-style BBQ, an unexpected yet delightful find in a city like Copenhagen. Their menu features mouthwatering brisket, ribs, and pulled pork, all smoked to perfection and served with classic sides like mac and cheese and pickles. While I didn’t have a meal here, the smell alone was enough to tempt me into planning a return visit. It’s a must-visit spot for beer and BBQ lovers alike.

In the afternoon, I took a break at Pompette, a charming wine bar that felt like a slice of Paris in Copenhagen, where I also had my lunch. I indulged in a number of small plates, including cheeses and cured meats, as well as marinated olives, a tangy artichoke dip, crusty bread, and a smoked salmon tartine. Pairing these dishes with a crisp glass of wine, I felt perfectly refreshed and ready for the rest of the day.

For dinner, I chose Paesano, which transported me to Italy with its authentic pasta dishes and wood-fired pizzas. The pastas were a highlight of the day—expertly cooked with rich, perfectly balanced sauces that showcased the chefs' skills. I sat at the counter here and struck up a conversation with Mikkel, a local from the neighborhood. Mikkel shared fascinating insights about Copenhagen, his travels around the world, and his time living in New York. To add to the experience, this reservation was thoughtfully made for me by the mixologists from the bar Bird, making the meal feel even more special. The warm, welcoming ambiance and engaging conversation made the experience even more memorable, providing exactly the kind of connection and relaxation I needed to unwind.

Later, I wrapped up the day at Jolene, a cornerstone of Copenhagen’s vibrant nightlife scene. Here, I met some new friends and enjoyed a laid-back, lounge-like atmosphere that set the perfect tone for the evening. I ordered a grilled cheese—known locally as a "toastie"—which was the perfect comfort food to accompany the lively ambiance. The bar, renowned for its influence on Copenhagen’s nightlife, featured house music that had everyone on their feet. I danced late into the evening, fully immersed in the energy of this iconic venue. Jolene is a must-visit for its combination of good food, great music, and an authentic slice of the city’s culture.