For us, the end of Milan Design Week means one thing above all else every year: the anticipation of 3daysofdesign in Copenhagen. It makes perfect sense, really – and that’s precisely why it’s so fascinating to see how differently these two design worlds operate.
Milan is one great work of art. The city becomes a stage, with design blending seamlessly with art, fashion and architecture. Amidst installations, courtyards and aperitifs, that characteristic sense of excitement takes hold, carrying the whole week along. Noisy, crowded, over-the-top – and that’s exactly why it’s so good.
Copenhagen, on the other hand, takes a much more laid-back approach. It’s more relaxed, more straightforward, and closer to the industry. You wander from showroom to showroom, drive through Nyhavn and Nordhavn, bump into people you haven’t seen all year, and end up in the evening enjoying drinks and the now legendary brand parties.
3daysofdesign feels less like a trade fair and more like a very well-curated reunion of the design world. Less spectacle, more atmosphere. Less stage, more attitude. And that’s what makes these days so special every year.
With new collections, exciting collaborations and the city’s most beautiful showrooms, it’s easy to lose track of things in Copenhagen – in the best possible way. To make sure that doesn’t happen, here are our must-sees for 3daysofdesign: places, brands and special events you simply shouldn’t miss.
&Tradition Kronprinsessegade 4
Louis Poulsen Kuglegårdsvej 19 - 23
Helle Mardahl Bredgade 17
Muuto Østergade 36 - 38, 3rd - 4th floor
Petra by &Tradition (The Petra Restaurant has just been awarded a Bib Gourmand and included in the Michelin Guide)
Dronningens Tværgade 45
Verpan Møntergade 19
Frost Denmark Christian IX's Gade 5
Hay House Østergade 61
Carl Hansen & Søn Bredgade 33
Designmuseum Denmark Bredgade 68
Vitra Pakhus 48, Klubiensvej 22
Montana Furniture Bredgade 24
Gubi Orientkaj 18 - 20
Fritz Hansen Sound Club (limited seating!) Valkendorfsgade 4
Tekla Kongens Nytorv 1
Anyone visiting Copenhagen will discover a city where good design is a natural part of everyday life – from your first coffee in the morning to your last drink in the evening. That’s exactly why it’s worth making sure you include the city itself in your plans, alongside the many events on offer. What might a perfect day look like during 3daysofdesign? We’ve got an idea.
The best way to start the day is with a seasonal breakfast at Apotek 57. Tucked away in a former pharmacy in the heart of the city, the menu here showcases what Copenhagen does best: simple, seasonal fare with a keen eye for quality. Fresh sourdough bread, delicious pastries, good coffee – simple, yet spot on. Danish breakfast culture at its finest.
Anyone who wants to do more than just look at design history – but actually experience it – should pay a visit to the SAS Royal Hotel. Opened in 1960 and designed by Arne Jacobsen, the hotel is regarded as one of the world’s first design hotels and a milestone of Danish modernism. From the architecture to the famous furniture designs, everything here was conceived as an integrated concept. Room 606, in particular, still conveys a sense of just how visionary Jacobsen’s design was at the time.
Next, we head to Juno Bakery. This little bakery in Østerbro has long been a city favourite – and quite rightly so. Whilst many come for the famous cardamom buns, we prefer to go for a hearty sourdough loaf with Comté cheese. Simple, authentic and just the thing to keep us going between showroom visits.
A real hidden gem can be found a few floors up: the Muuto terrace. Tucked away above the rooftops of Copenhagen, it offers a brief respite from the hustle and bustle of the fair and one of the city’s most beautiful views. With a coffee in hand, the latest design releases in sight and the skyline before your eyes, this place feels more like a holiday than Design Week for a moment.
Experiencing Copenhagen from the water is an absolute must. The Canal Tour showcases the city from perhaps its most beautiful perspective: past historic warehouses, iconic bridges and some of Scandinavia’s most exciting architectural projects. This reveals just how naturally history, urbanity and contemporary design come together here. Anyone wishing to understand why Copenhagen is considered one of the world’s most liveable design cities will find the best answers on the water.
You simply can’t get by without the classic cardamom bun. Whether you’re rushing between two showrooms or taking a deliberate break in your day – this buttery, warmly spiced creation of Danish baking is simply part of the Copenhagen experience. Few things epitomise the sweet side of the city quite like this unassuming yet iconic snack.
During the day, it’s worth popping into the Orangery, not far from the Royal Garden on Kronprinsessegade. Especially after a visit to &Tradition, it’s the ideal place to take a brief break from the whirlwind of design. With its glass, greenery and understated elegance, the café feels like a peaceful counterpoint to the busy 3daysofdesign route – clean, minimalist and quintessentially Copenhagen.
And then there’s a little detail you come across all over the city: the iconic blue bottle. It turns up at many of the parties during 3daysofdesign: Kronenbourg 1664. A French lager, an international classic – and in Copenhagen, suddenly part of this unique blend of showroom evening, backstreet party and late-night networking. Not a local symbol, but rather a regular feature of the design week’s nightlife.
During 3daysofdesign, it’s worth looking up – those striking balloons are more than just decoration. Wherever they’re hanging, there’s usually a showroom or an event hidden away. The event posters around the city are handy too: the QR codes lead straight to the latest information, times and locations. While spontaneity is part of the experience, a bit of planning doesn’t go amiss. And typical of Copenhagen: the weather remains unpredictable – packing an umbrella is definitely not a bad idea. Better safe than sorry.
