The Stylish Person's Guide to Copenhagen, According to the Designers of Rotate

The fashion and beauty industries are filled with interesting people from all over the world who have great taste — the types you can rely on for excellent travel recommendations. So, we're asking them about their favorite food, shopping and wellness spots in their cities. Consider this series your fashion and beauty person's guide to travel.

Copenhagen is a leader in all fields of design, including — and increasingly — fashion. Among the city's trend-shapers has been Rotate, the brand co-founded by Jeanette Madsen and Thora Valdimars known for its bold and glitzy designs that encourage daytime glamour. (The vibe: T-shirts with sequined skirts, fuzzy underwear-as-pants with long leather trenches, oversized turtlenecks with sheer slips.)

Madsen has been a Copenhagen resident since she was 17. Valdimars, meanwhile, is originally from Iceland, but moved to the city when she was a child. They started Rotate with the Birger Christensen Collective in 2018 in the Danish capital, where it's still based — so, you could say they know it quite well.

Rotate is deepening its relationship with the city by opening its first flagship, right at Birger Christensen Collective HQ (Kristen Bernikows Gade 6), during Copenhagen Fashion Week. The designers describe the store, which was designed by Thibaut Allgayer, as "a combination of contrasts: raw and futuristic, next to soft and feminine (and always glamorous!), that work together to create something harmonious." It's meant to not just house Rotate's clothes, but also reflect them — via floor-to-ceiling draped curtains, a rotating circular counter, a lacquered hallway, a plush sitting area, a granite staircase, a glitzy chandelier... a mix of colors and textures that are intriguing, but inviting.

If you happen to be in town or have plans to visit Copenhagen soon, make sure to note Madsen and Valdimar's recommendations for what to eat, where to stay and what to see and where to shop.

What's one food everyone that goes to Copenhagen should try?

Jeanette Madsen: You have to try smørrebrød, our national dish! Smørrebrød are open faced sandwiches served on dark Danish rye bread. My favorite type is called 'Fiskefillet' with lots of remoulade.

Thora Valdimars: Hot dogs! The best in the world! Order one from one of the 'pølse' stands dotted around the city and get a hot dog with all the toppings.

What's your favorite place to get breakfast in Copenhagen?

Both: The iconic Copenhagen breakfast is a bun with cheese and a soft boiled egg, which you can get from most spots around the city. Sonny is a classic, and we love Københavns Bageri, too, but the newly-opened Lido and Kismet are also great.

Favorite place to get lunch?

Both: We often go to Beau Marché or Pastis for an easy bistro style experience. If we want to treat ourselves, we will go to Esmée.

What about coffee?

TV: I love Københavns Bageri for coffee, and stop by most mornings on my way to work.

JM: I like the coffee from Orsa in Vesterbo, as well as the coffee at Beau Marché.

What's your favorite spot for dinner in Copenhagen?

Both: When it comes to dinner in Copenhagen, there's a different restaurant to match whatever vibe you are after. If you want to have a fun night, full of cocktails and probably followed by dancing, we recommend Delphine. If you want to go for a more formal dining experience, we would suggest Mangia. For something low-key and relaxed, but still with incredible food, we would go to Locale21.

Favorite bakery?

Both: Honestly, the classics are classics for a reason — Hart and Andersen & Maillard are both winners in our books.

If you were to plan a staycation for yourself in Copenhagen, where would you stay?

Both: Forever and always, Hotel Sanders. It's a boutique hotel in the heart of the city, and even though it's well-known, it's never overcrowded. It's like a perfect escape within the bustling city.

What's one tourist attraction you think is well worth the visit in Copenhagen?

Both: Tivoli Gardens is definitely worth a visit, especially if you go during Christmas time. Nyhavn is always full of people, but it's a picturesque photo opportunity and a trip through some of Copenhagen's history. The Glyptoteket museum is truly an amazing experience for the art and the building itself.

If you only had time to visit one museum or gallery while in town, which would you pick?

Both: Copenhagen Contemporary offers a unique experience. It's a contemporary art gallery located in a giant warehouse in Copenhagen's industrial area, Refshaleøen. Otherwise, we suggest getting on the train and taking a small trip out of the city to the coastal art galleries: Louisiana and Arken. The combination of the stunning coastline and the modern art within the galleries is unrivaled.

Where do you shop in Copenhagen?

Both: We do most of our shopping online nowadays, but if we're out shopping, you will usually find us browsing interior design stores like Lot Particulier or Hvornum. There are also a lot of amazing vintage stores, such as Paloma, Jerome Vintage, Times Up, KBH K and Prag.

JM: I also do shop at Illum, our luxury department store in Copenhagen. They have a fantastic selection of luxury brands, especially when it comes to shoes. You can find all the best designers: Alaïa, Margiela, Miu Miu, The Row, Prada.

TV: I really like shopping at Naked. It's a boutique store that started out selling really cool sneakers for women, but they have recently opened a bigger shop and stock amazing homewear, accessories and ready-to-wear.

What's a good place to buy souvenirs?

Both: If you're looking for tourist shops, you will find them at Nyhavn! But Copenhagen has such a strong connection to interior design, we recommend purchasing a piece of Danish design to take home with you. Illums Bolighus has a great selection of products, from furniture to candle sticks, at all prices. Otherwise, the ceramics from Royal Copenhagen are an iconic souvenir.

What's your top wellness experience in Copenhagen?

TV: Amazing Space is a heavenly escape in the city. Located in the stately D'Angleterre hotel, it's the perfect spot for wellness.

JM: I recommend One Thirty Labs. Their treatments are one of a kind — you can go there for Cryo, Compression Therapy, MMS, Infrared Sauna, the list goes on.

What's your favorite day trip to take?

Both: Copenhagen is located on the coast, so the surrounding areas of the city are totally beautiful and very close by. If you go up north on the train to towns like Humlebæk or Klampenborg, you'll find cute independent cafes and lovely beaches. Just 30 minutes out of the city, you're in the middle of nature.

What's your favorite recent discovery in Copenhagen?

TV: I recently found out that my local cinema in Fisketorvet (a shopping mall) has reclining seats, and I'm obsessed. I used to have to travel to specific cinemas to get that level of experience, and now I have it on my doorstep!

JM: There are always new restaurants in Copenhagen! I haven't been to the new hotspot Amator, and I'm desperate to try it...

Never miss the latest fashion industry news. Sign up for the Fashionista daily newsletter.