Seven Gay Wonders of the World 2018: Copenhagen

EDGE returns with our fourth annual "Seven Gay Wonders of the World" - our yearly where-to-go-next guide for all those with serious wanderlust. For 2018, we've ditched calorie-counting and workouts for pure indulgence.

If you're fed up with American antics (political or otherwise), there's perhaps nowhere more civilized, classy, and LGBTQ-friendly than Copenhagen, Denmark.

And if you can't wait until 2021, when the city simultaneously hosts World Pride and EuroGames, pack your bags to delve into the city's wealth of cultural and culinary riches.

On the food front, all eyes are on the soon-to-open noma 2.0. Ren� Redzepi's culinary powerhouse is set to open in February. The only hitch is that reservation sold out in less than a day, so you'll have to hop on the waiting list or make nice with one of the lucky ones who snagged a seat. But there's plenty of great eating throughout the city.

And don't forget to budget for some serious shopping. From home d�cor to timeless fashion, Danish design is one of a kind.

Tops and Bottoms

No trip to Copenhagen is complete without indulging in one of Denmark's most famous dishes: Sm�rrebr�d. The open-faced sandwich, traditionally served on rye bread, can feature a broad range of toppings from vegetables and boiled eggs to cured fish and meats.

Pal�gade offers more than 40 different varieties, along with a large selection of beers, snaps, and aquavit. The latter has a history dating back thousands of years and is a traditional accompaniment to sm�rrebr�d. Go for house-recommended clear aquavit from Pal�gade og CPH Distillery, flavored with dill and anise.

History Loves Company

With long, dark winter nights looming for months at a time, Copenhageners love to curl up in a sophisticated cocktail lounge to imbibe in craft spirits and creative concoctions. Br�nnum is one of the city's more recent arrivals, but its hallowed walls have been inviting guests for more than 125 years, including Danish author Hans Christian Anderson.

Located adjacent to the public square Kongens Nytorv and just steps from the Royal Danish Theater, the design-centric venue features six different cocktail rooms, each with their own aesthetic, ranging from the main bar's antique wood carvings to cocktail suites with weathered furniture curated with that incomparable Danish eye for design.

But it's what's in the glass that keeps customers coming back. The menu changes seasonally including large format options for those that link to drink with a crowd, such as this winter's Punch of the Indies, featuring a blend of various rums, Batavia Arrack (a molasses-based spirit), Taffel Akvavit, Pastis Ricard, and a spiced and clarified milk sherbert.

Grazing

To get a full taste of Nordic cuisine in smaller bites, head to Torvehallerne, an open-air food hall offering more than 80 plentiful options.

Located next to N�rreport Station, you could spend an entire afternoon wandering among the food stalls and specialty stores, and while you're sure to find plenty of savory options, be sure to save room for Summerbird, one of Denmark's most famous chocolatiers.

And to All a Good Night

New hotels continue to pop up throughout Copenhagen, each with its own unique style and personality. By June 2018, Br�chner Hotels will have five properties throughout the city.

Br�chner's newest venture, Hotel Danmark, is located in the city's cultural district, with quick access to Denmark's National Museum as well as the Thorvaldsen Museum, dedicated to the work of Danish artist Bertel Thorvaldsen. Minimalist rooms feature a clean and simple palette, while additional hotel perks include a complimentary wine hour, which can be enjoyed at any Br�chner hotel.

Road Trip

Add several days to your Nordic adventure and further explore Denmark's archipelago by heading to Aarhus on the Jutland Peninsula. The university town has Viking roots - head to the Moesgaard Museum for an in-depth exploration of the region's history. A broad range of exhibitions can be seen the ARoS Aarhus Art Museum and be sure to head to the roof for a stroll in the "rainbow panorama," constructed from more than 400 tons of Italian glass.

Coffee culture and Michelin star meals also abound, including La Cabra Coffee Roasters, where you'll discover a minimalist setting, steaming cortados, and perhaps the best sourdough in northern Europe.

Book a table at the cozy Gastrom�, where the signature menu (snacks plus 13 courses) will set you back �352 but worth every morsel of caviar, foie gras, and locally sourced scallops and langoustines.

LGBTQ Intel

LGBT History Walking Tour - Local expert Bjarne Henrik Lundis's two-hour tour includes Copenhagen City Court, Knabostr�de, where The National League for Gays used to be, �rstedsparken, and more.

Centralhj�rne - "Central Corner" is one of Europe's oldest gay bars, dating back to 1917. Live shows on Thursday and Sunday nights range from drag to jazz.

Copenhagen Pride Week - Mark your calendar for August 13-19, 2018, when Copenhagen goes rainbow proud with a range of human rights programming at Regnbuepladsen Square and live entertainment at City Hall Square.

For more ideas, visit www.visitcopenhagen.com.