If you like beautiful architecture and want to escape the city for a few hours, head north of the city along the coast. Bellevue beach is one of the most popular beaches in the Copenhagen area, on the northern outskirts of the city. The Beach is a sandy beach, approx. 700m long, and feature characteristic blue-striped lifeguard towers and a geometric kiosk, all designed by the Danish architect and furniture designer Arne Jacobsen in the 1930s. The beach is used by everybody – from young families to nudists, they all share the same space (this is Denmark after all).  If you take the coastal road up to the beach you will pass the Skovshoved Petrol Station designed by the same man. The functionalist style Petrol Station built in the early 1930s is still in operation. Whilst the pumps still functions as a petrol station, the building now functions as a cafe. The roof of the station is oval-shaped, hence the nickname ‘The Mushroom’, and is illuminated at night to highlight the beautiful designed building.

As the name implies, the Paper Island was home to a large paper warehouse for the newspaper production. Today, the island has been transformed into modern buildings, designed by the Danish architectural firm Cobe and the spectacular water culture house and harbor bath are designed by the Japanese architect Kengo Kuma  Photo: © Ture Andersen

The old cranes of the docks has survived modernisation. In the background the buildings of The Royal Danish Academy of Design and Architecture.

Trekroner fort is is a wonderful place, 15 minutes by boat from the city centre. The old fort is open to the public during the day, but only accessible from the water side. The current area was founded in 1786, but was not finished at the Battle of the Nest (April 2, 1801) or at the British bombardment in 1807. It was not until 1828 that construction was completed after a period of economic decline. Photo: © Ture Andersen

Stop by for breakfast or lunch. Great atmosphere and surroundings. Best coffee in town!