Happy travels!

* All images courtesy of Airbnb
** All prices in $CAD

FRANCE – Eiffel Tower Airbnb

• Airbnb in Paris, France
• $150 per night

Imagine waking up to this view every morning! Of course, such a privilege comes at a premium; with rates going as high as $650 per night, not just anyone can afford to marvel at the Paris skyline while sipping on their morning café au lait. But it sure is an unforgettable experience!

Iceland – Luxury villa

• Luxury villa in Iceland
• $650 per night

Experience this ultra-modern, bold villas in the tranquil village of Akureyri in Northern Iceland, with nature at your doorstep. This is an excellent option year round, as you can both enjoy the midnight sun in the summertime as well as the aurora borealis in the wintertime – as you know, Iceland is always a good idea.

Ireland – Restored church in Galway

• Church in Ireland
• $150 per night

Experience life in a 200-year old restored church just a few minutes from lively Galway, on the scenic western coast of Ireland. Although the church is equipped with every modern amenity, it’s also kept many of its original features – definitely an unforgettable, unique adventure!

Cinque Terre, Italy

• Airbnb in Cinque Terre
• $128 per night

Quite possibly the best balcony in Italy! The apartment is small but frankly this is not the main selling point here, as the romantic terrace overlooks the village of Corniglia in Italy’s legendary Cinque Terre.

Norway – Sognefjord Airbnb

• Cabin in the Norway fjords
• $350 per night

This old thing? Just a fabulous cabin by one of Norway’s most famous fjords. Perfect for hikers and boat enthusiasts – as for me, I will just enjoy a chilled glass of white wine on that lovely waterfront terrace, thank you very much.

Scotland

• Waterside cabin on the Isle of Skye
• $118 per night

A luxury self-catering studio for two on the edge of a bird sanctuary with stunning views of Beinn na Caillich mountain, this bijou Airbnb is close to many Skye attractions as well as a number of shops. The power shower, the cosy fireplace as well as the downright idyllic setting make it a top accommodation of the Isle of Skye. I stayed there myself and had a wonderful time; Fiona is a lovely host.

Scotland – Wigtown Bookstore Airbnb

• The best Airbnb in Scotland
• $55 per night

Bookworms of the world, rejoice: this amazing Airbnb features not only a flat but most importantly the first ever bookshop holiday/residency experience at The Open Book, a charming bookshop in the heart of Scotland’s National Book Town, Wigtown. Meet fellow book lovers and learn everything there is to know about Scottish literature with the help of friendly locals.

Switzerland – Après-ski cabin

• Luxury chalet in the Alps
• $191 per night

Whether you’re in it for the ski or the après-ski, this beautiful luxury chalet in the French Alps (just a few kilometres from a ski resort) features an unusually high cathedral ceiling as well as a wood-burning fireplace – the perfect backdrop for a well-deserved cheese fondue. When in Rome, right?

• https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/49372736
• https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/283638
• https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/49374597
• https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/34444025
• https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/18132082
• https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/36105750

The post The Best Airbnbs in Every Country in Europe appeared first on To Europe And Beyond.

Indeed, the question begs to be asked: how does a country with virtually zero vineyards become such a hotspot for wine? The most plausible answer is, in fact, fairly simple. An increasingly gourmet culture coupled with consistent substainability efforts make for a rather fertile terrain for natural wine.

So whenever you find yourself in Copenhagen for a special occasion or if you just really love wine, check out the list below and enjoy!

Pompette

Møllegade 3, Nørrebro

In the shadow of the towering trees in Assistens Kirkegård, Pompette is said to have the largest selection of natural wine in Copenhagen. This is a super cool bare-bones hangout, where Nordic meets Parisian in the most fun way. This is a wine bar first and foremost, with a few charcuterie or cheese plates to choose from for sustenance. Co-owners Martin and Jesper have made their mission to offer great products at an affordable price point:

Ancestrale

Oehlenschlægersgade 12, Vesterbro

If your preferred pasttime is to drink wine and watch passerbys on a gorgeous street, Ancestrale is where you need to be. The name refers to the méthode ancestrale of making naturally sparkling wine. In other words, yes, the wine list is the main draw here. Sommelier Johann Duedahl Jacobsen admittedly caters to “wine nerds” (his words not mine. But the simple yet elevated cuisine is likewise an excellent complement.

Den Vendrette

Havnegade 53A, Nyhavn

Tasteful and interesting options in Nyhavn are few and far between because of the many tourist traps. So whenever a brilliant sommelier like Søren Grunnet Løvenlund comes into play in this otherwise tourist-trap-ridden area… well, people notice.

At Den Vendrette you’ll find small, shareable plates to go with wines that range from pet nat to skin contact and fruity Beaujolais. All natural, of course! On a sunny day, make sure to enjoy the outdoor patio on the waterfront looking over towards Christianshavn. Moreover: it’s a local hangout for Noma staff including René Redzepi.

Lille Blå Vinbar

Esplanaden 3, Centre

Fun fact: the crisp, bold shade of royal blue was chosen to honor the building’s previous occupation as a paint shop. It’s now one of the coziest little wine bars in Copenhagen whose best seats at directly at the window where peoplewatching is unparalleled. It serves almost exclusively organic Austrian wines.

Why not stop for a little wino pick-me-up at Lille Bla after walking around gorgeous Kastellet? Keep in mind that there are only small bread and cheese plates available for nibbing.

Ved Stranden

Ved Stranden 10, centre

With a name that literally means “by the shore” in Danish, it’s no surprise that one of the main draws at this wine bar is the view. You can even bring your glass of wine down to the pier! Everything about this place SCREAMS Scandinavia! First, there’s the historic red-brick corner building, second, there’s the moody natural lighting, third, there’s the teak-wood furniture. All of which is adjacent to a gorgeous canal.

Equally important to know, if you’re visiting on a Monday, ask for the Monday meal. I’s a hearty, rustic dish cooked for the staff and patrons.

Rødder & Vin:Bar

Ravnsborggade 10, Nørrebro

Mid-century-clad wine shop on one side, hygge candlelit speakeasy on the other. Solfinn Danielsen is one of the natural wine leaders in the Danish capital (he’s even written a book about it) and his Nørrebro turf really shows his passion. To summarize, if you only have time or money for just one of the many wine bars in Copenhagen: make it this one.

Bibendum

Nansensgade 45, Centre

Cozy, cozy, cozy. Although not one of the originals, but still an excellent option nonetheless, this wine bar is perhaps more suited to new wine drinkers. Bibendum regularly offers wine tasting events, which is a great option for solo travellers looking to meet like-minded wine enthusiasts.

Additional suggestions for wine bars in Copenhagen

The post Sköl! 7 natural wine bars in Copenhagen appeared first on To Europe And Beyond.

This is precisely what makes Copenhagen so riveting and captivating. Out of all the must-see landmarks and pop-up restaurants and edgy boutiques, not one is like the others.

First-timer to Copenhagen? Here are the 26 places you’ve got to see and things you’ve got to eat. Velkommen til Danmark!

Nyhavn

The ultimate Copenhagen postcard! Dating back from the 17th century, Nyhavn was constructed on orders of King Christian V from in 1673 by Swedish prisoners from the Dano-Swedish War of 1658–1660. Much like Amsterdam and other trade ports in the Early modern period, Nyhavn definitely wasn’t the chicest place to be; in fact, it was considered to be Copenhagen’d Red Light District, where drunk fishermen happily “mingled” with prostitutes. I swear it’s nothing like that today! ;-)

Amalienborg Palace

Dating back from the 1700s, this Rococo gem is the winter residence of the Danish royal family and is actually made up of four identical palaces forming a square upon which the statue of King Frederik V keeps a watchful eye. Amalienborg is where the daily changing of the guard ceremony occurs between 11:30 and 12:00.

The CopenhagenCard grants visitors access to Amalienborg and about 30 other landmarks in and around the city.

Church of Our Saviour

This otherwise unexciting church is noticeable from all over Copenhagen thanks to its 90-metres high golden helix spire. If heights weren’t one of the things I’m most scared of, I wouldn’t have hesitated to climb the 400-step outdoor staircase to enjoy yet another beautiful viewpoint of Copenhagen.

Christiansborg Palace

Copenhagen’s second most visited palace – which technically houses the Danish parliament, the prime minister’s office, and the Danish Supreme Court – does not disappoint. The palace itself is, naturally, absolutely splendid, but what really keeps drawing the crowds is the free-of-charge view from atop the 106-metres high central tower and the Queen’s exceptional collection of 11 French tapestries.

Guided tours

• Full-day Copenhagen highlights tour
• Copenhagen food tour
• Danish pastry cooking class
• Vesterbro tour with beer tasting
• Danish hygge & happiness tour of Copenhagen
• Copenhagen bike tour

Canal cruise

Although its canals are nowhere near as famous as that of Venice or Amsterdam, Copenhagen does have plenty of scenic waterfronts to be explored. Boat tours are a nice excuse to simply sit back and let yourself be entertained by the guide’s often witty commentaries with the beautiful city of Copenhagen as a backdrop.

Christiania

Call it a commune, call it a hippie paradise, call it whatever you like; the truth is that Christiania is unlike anything you’ve seen before. Characterised by its counter-culture that advocates for looser drug regulations and a freer, more democratic market, this neighbourhood is also home to inexpensive eateries, alternative art galleries, and collaborative workshops.

This guided tour focuses on alternative Copenhagen and includes time in Christiana, should you wish to visit with the commentary of a knowledgeable guide.

Whatever you do, though, do NOT take your camera out; locals do not take kindly to being photographed (hence the lack of picture for this entry).

Rundetaarn

Built as a scientific observatory back in the 1700s, the Round Tower is, to this day, the oldest functioning observatory in Europe. After a mind-boggling hike up the step-free spiral walk, visitors are rewarded with splendid 360° views of Copenhagen’s old town.

Botanical Gardens

Housing over 13,000 species and 27 historic glasshouses over an area of 10 hectares, the Copenhagen Botanical Gardens are a must, especially considering they are free of charge. Tip: the wrought-iron staircase and mezzanine of the main building are a favourite spot among local Instagrammers.

Louisiana Museum of Modern Art

Although not in Copenhagen per se, this wonderfully contemporary museum is well worth the short train ride up north. It is often referred to as the epicentre of modern art, after all! It consistently welcomes bold yet captivating exhibits visited by art lovers from around the world.

Carlsberg Brewery

Located just a few subway stops west of Copenhagen’s centre, the 250-year-old Carlsberg Brewery hosts the world’s largest collection of beer bottles. It’s also an interactive and modern exhibit on the global history of beer, and that of Carlsberg’s more specifically. Like any brewery tour worthy of its name, the visit concludes with a generously-sized sampling.

Tivoli Gardens

The amusement park features a mix of modern and vintage rides that are very dear to local residents. Most notably, it includes one of the few remaining wooden roller coasters that still require a brakeman on board every train.

Kastellet

A great attraction to visit if you’re planning to see the Little Siren as they are both in the same part of the city. The Copenhagen Citadel is equal parts bucolic and historic; despite the abundance of joggers and young families on play dates, Kastellet is one of the finest examples of star-shaped fortresses in Northern Europe.

Rosenberg Castle & Gardens

It’s not as lavish as Amalienborg and not as popular as Christiansborg. However, Rosenborg Castle deserves a visit if only for a glimpse of the Danish crown jewels. Its collection of thrones, portraits, tapestries, and other memorabilia commemorates battles between Denmark and Sweden at the time of the famed King Christian IV.

Magstræde

It’s not featured in guidebooks. It’s not much of an attraction at all, actually. But this street has gained worldwide popularity thanks to its photogenic curb appeal and the colourful houses on either side of it. To be fair, though, it is one of the two oldest streets in the Old Town of Copenhagen; as such, it still features its original cobbling.

Little Siren

You can probably already tell by the lack of photographic evidence for this entry; I’m not the biggest fan of the Little Siren statue. I am just not sentimental in that way! And, anyway, my allegiance lies with the Lion King as far as children’s movies are concerned. But it nonetheless represents an important aspect of Copenhagen’s history. Indeed, the statue was commissioned by Carl Jacobsen of Carlsberg himself as a gift to the city in 1913.

Day trips from Copenhagen

• Kronborg Castle, Frederiksborg Castle and Roskilde Cathedral
• Tour the seaside villages of Hornbæk, Gilleleje and Tisvilde on the Danish Riviera
• Kronborg Castle + Helsingør, Lund and Malmö in Sweden
• Vesterhavegaarden vineyard visit
• Hans Christian Anderson’s birthplace in Odense
• The cliffs of Møns Klint, Denmark’s tallest
• Dragsholm Castle and its Michelin-starred restaurant

Where to eat in Copenhagen

• Grød
• The Coffee Collective
• Gorm’s
• Sømods Bolcher
• Nørrebro Bryghus
• Aamanns smørrebrødsdeli
• Café Auto
• Street food at Pølsevogn Papirøen
• Mirabelle

The best hotels in Copenhagen

The post Your Copenhagen bucket list: 26 places you can’t miss appeared first on To Europe And Beyond.

At the turn of the century, Nordic cuisine quickly became the new obsession of chefs and food critics worldwide. It’s not hard to understand why: with the rapid deforestation of the Amazon due to livestock and the increasing popularity of processed foods, along with dramatically changing climatic conditions, suddenly the idea of sourcing and finding inspiration in one’s own backyard is not only evident but, as it turns out, delicious. And that’s exactly what the Danes did.

In 2004, local celebrity chef Claus Meyer (who at the time had just opened Noma, incidentally) along with a dozen or so other influent chefs published a manifest on Nordic cuisine that summarised in ten points the use of seasonal, ethical and substainable products that were of the highest quality.

If you have a restaurant in your area that focuses on small plates, market cuisine, locally-sourced native ingredients… you have this movement to thank.

By the way, velbekomme means “Bon appétit” in Danish. You’ll be hearing it a lot!

The most popular restaurants in Copenhagen for Nordic cuisine

Grød

It’s all about oatmeal at this small take-away counter inside Torvehallerne… and not the boring kind. My top pick was the savoury Asian-inspired Congee (chicken, ginger, coriander & soy).

Reffen

The largest street food venue in the Nordics is located inside an old warehouse on a small island across the Royal Danish Playhouse. It houses 40 stalls and offers some of the most budget-friendly, genuine options in the city with a glorious waterfront terrace to boot.

Mirabelle

This organic bakery/café in Nørrebro was opened by the restaurant next door and offer a unique Italian twist on the famous Danish smørrebrød, with focaccia bread and scrumptious cured meats.

La Banchina

La Banchina is a tiny, 14-seat outdoor eatery in an old boathouse with a wooden pier along the harbor at Refshaleøen, with a seafood-heavy offering complemented by natural wines and organic vegetable plates.

BÆST

Another great choice for significantly affordable restaurants in Copehagen, this time in Nørrebro! This Italian-owned pizzeria operates its very own dairy where they make burrata and ricotta and they even have a salumeria where they cure charcuterie.

Cofoco

With an acronym that stands for Copenhagen Food Collective, it’s no wonder Cofoco has made Danish cuisine the heart of its operations. Located in trendy Vesterbro, it features rustic yet elegantly-presented fare either à la carte or prix-fixe. They also have a dedicated vegeterian menu!

Vækst

Nearby on Sankt Peders Stræde, Cofoco’s sister restaurant focuses on fresh Nordic vegetables — with a perfectly seasoned side of meat or fish. The decor is centred around a beautiful greenhouse, stretching up through the restaurant’s two floors. 

Admiralgade 26

Now, this is a very special place. The corner building located right by the canals dates back to the late 1700s and is dotted with iconic Nordic-made chairs and tables. The decor is chic, yet bold with a mossy green wall and massive windows including one that opens onto the kitchen so you can spy the cooks hard at work. Head chef Jonas Hillgaard and his accolyte Genzo Miyata have created a Japanese-Danish fusion menu that is even more appetizing in person than on the Web; therefore, do not miss their Japanese-inspired breakfast!

Lille Bakery

Located in the post-industrial Refshaleøen area of Copenhagen, this cute and light-filled bakery/restaurant works exclusively with organic ingredients. Their classic sourdough sandwich is, indeed, a classic. If you have room in your luggage, make sure to get a jar of their iconic and oh-so-Nordic gooseberry chutney.

Vandvid

Welcome to Copenhagen’s floating restaurant! Located on a cosy houseboat in Sydhavnen, it features above all the most beautiful view of the canals and focuses on substainability. Food is prepared on the ship’s large wood stove; herbs are grown on the floating green garden.

Palægade

This is where you’ll get your fix of open-faced sandwiches, as they do serve the best smørrebrød in Copenhagen. And in true Danish form, the perfectly-designed space is dotted with classic Scandi furniture, bold checkered flooring and an impossibly cool vibe.

Apollo

This seasonal bistro is obviously a good choice for its farm-to-table Danish cuisine and its “joyful wines”, but really it’s the leafy courtyard that does the trick. Interior-wise is equally important, in this typical Danish-tall-ceiling, red-brick building that radiates with light despite its austere appearance. The bistro is adjacent to Charlottenburg Palace and is filled with thoughtful furniture and art pieces.

Nørrebro Bryghus

Even if you’re not a beer aficionado, this Copenhagen microbrewery is beyond a must. If only for the interior design! If you’re here for dinner, make sure to ask for the sampling menu, where each dish is expertly paired with one of their 10 homemade brews.

The post Velbekomme! My favourite restaurants in Copenhagen appeared first on To Europe And Beyond.

Unless you’ve been living under a rather large rock for the past few years, surely you’ve noticed that Nordic cuisine is HUGE. The rapidly burgeoning food scene in Copenhagen is one of the main reasons I wanted to visit the city, actually.

Alas, I am not yet a millionaire. I’m merely a hungry Canadian, whose currency is currently worth sweet f*ck all in most European countries. But if you know me, you’re well aware that I will not let anything stand between my and an Instagram-friendly meal. Hence why I went on this Copenhagen food tour, where I was able to sample a variety of restaurants at a fraction of the cost.

Our guide Maria took us to six different places (and pointed out several noteworthy Copenhagen attractions along the way) , but since I don’t want to give away all of her secrets, here’s a small preview of the amazing restaurants we experienced.

Copenhagen Food Tour: My Experience

AAMANNS SMØRREBRØDSDELI

You can’t go to Copenhagen and not have a smørrebrød – there’s probably a law against that somewhere! The cult of the open-faced sandwich started right here in the Danish capital and can be found almost everywhere in the city; our guide, however, took us to Aamanns Deli. It’s the more casual sister restaurant of chic Aamanns Etablissement next door yet still reflect a sophisticated Danish culinary craftsmanship at a lower price point. The grilled rump steak smørrebrød was my favourite!

NØRREBRO BRYGHUS

I took my husband here back in 2012 because he’s something of a beer aficionado and I figured he would enjoy a Danish microbrewery; he did, and so did I! I was so happy to come back to Nørrebro Bryghus and get a proper introduction this time as the beer master explained what his brews are about, from the pale ales to the stouts, and how each one is connected to the Bryghus’ philosophy. Kudos to the incredible decor as well.

Torvehallerne

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This is where we both started and ended the tour. The modern covered market hall is modest in size but not in flavour; the 60 stands it contains offer the best of Danish cuisine and beyond, from gourmet porridge (yep, that’s a thing, and it’s awesome), freshly brewed coffee, as well as a variety of artisan cheeses, open-faced sandwiches, fine small-batch liquors, and more. A great place to peoplewatch locals grab drinks or shop for dinner. A wonderful place you must visit, whether as part of the tour or on your own – I did both.

Where to Eat in Copenhagen: Other Suggestions

• Mirabelle
• Grød
• Gorm’s
• Sømods Bolcher
• Café Auto
• Pølsevogn Papirøen

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The post Danish Bites & Noms: A Copenhagen Food Tour appeared first on To Europe And Beyond.