They say you’ve either got style, or you don’t; and the Danes have it (Picture: Chris Buswell) Copenhagen is regularly named one of the world’s coolest cities. And with world-class restaurants, superb vintage shopping, and a reputation for being one of the happiest places on earth, it’s not hard to see why. But beyond its trendy capital, Denmark has lesser-visited destinations that are worthy of your time. I spend a weekend in Aarhus, the country’s second city, to see what there is to see and do, and how it holds up against the main event. The lowdown Often described as that most overused of phrases… ‘hidden gem’, Aarhus is a small but vibrant city on the eastern coast of Jutland. Population: just over 300,000. Around 187km from Copenhagen, it is one of Denmark’s oldest cities, beginning life as a Viking settlement long before tourists arrived on the scene. Aarhus started life as a Viking settlement (Picture: Chris Buswell) Today, it has an easygoing, creative buzz. Much of that energy comes from its university, one of the largest in Scandinavia, which gives the city a youthful buzz. The sun is shining (though when I visit in mid-April, the coastal breeze is sharp) and people are spilling onto the streets for coffee in the morning before pale ales at lunch. I grab an iced coffee at La Cabra, a trendy bakery and cafe that wouldn’t look amiss in Hackney. The £7 price tag is expectedly steep, but the vibe makes me feel like I could stay here for longer than a weekend. The Scandi staple: coffee and a cardamom bun (Picture: Chris Buswell) The city gets its art on While I could easily spend my time in Aarhus burning holes in my wallet, there is plenty to see and do that won’t break the bank. First up is KØN – Gender Museum Denmark, which has small but interesting exhibitions that explore gender, equality and sexuality. Entry is 125DKK (just under £15) for adults and under 18s go free. They’re closed on Sundays and Mondays, so weekend visitors should keep that in mind. The standout is GENDER BENDER, which examines how we define gender today through a series of photographs of young people from across Denmark. Learning and reflecting at the Gender Museum (Picture: Chris Buswell) It doesn’t take long to get through, and soon enough I’m heading to my next stop. As one of the city’s biggest cultural draws, ARoS is impossible to miss. The contemporary art museum is one of the largest in Scandinavia, and it’s best known for its rooftop Rainbow Panorama — the circular, colour-filled walkway designed by Olafur Eliasson, visible from across the city. As Eliasson says, he created ‘a space which virtually erases the boundaries between inside and outside’. Even if you’re not especially artsy, the views and photo opps are worth the 190 DKK (£22-ish) admission. The culture fix If you want to understand Denmark, you must visit Den Gamle By. Known as Aarhus’ open-air museum, this sprawling living history village recreates Danish town life across the centuries through historic buildings, shops and workshops. Entry is 125DKK (around £14) and kids go free. IMO, it’s worth the cost. Stepping back in time at the open-air museum (Picture: Chris Buswell) When you leave the museum, the giant domes on the hill are impossible to ignore. Curiosity gets the better of me, and when I take a closer look, I find myself at the entrance to the city’s botanic gardens. With free entry and huge glasshouses growing tropical plants from across the world, it’s the ideal place to spend an afternoon. A good feed, whatever the budget With sightseeing behind me, it’s on to the most important part of any city break: the food. Whatever your budget, there’s plenty to choose from. Banken FoodHall and Aarhus Street Food are ideal for quick, cheap bites, and the hundreds of restaurants that line the city streets make it a dream for picky friends or travel partners. There is, truly, something, for everyone. Good grub (Picture: Chris Buswell) If you want to step things up a notch, head to Pizza & Bar by Mefisto. The menu is small, the pizzas delicious, and there’s no shortage of craft beer to wash it down with. If you’re celebrating or want to splash out a bit, head to MasVino Vinbodega, a moody candlelit winebar with an open kitchen and a mammoth set menu with wine pairings. From handmade focaccia to tartare and the freshest of meat cuts, you’ll be practically rolling out of the door. Not to mention the vintage champagne, which makes every impulsive corner-shop prosecco purchase feel like a mistake. Fashion week everyday As with everywhere in Denmark, it’s clear that people in Aarhus care about how they look. I’ve packed some of my best gear, but I still feel less stylish than the Danes. Burberry-style trenches and overcoats are everywhere, the men are in an Aarhus uniform of baggy trousers and loafers, and the women have perfected that effortless formula of oversized layers that still look sharp and deliberate. Alternative city breaks for 2026 Marseille: Europe’s ‘most authentic city’ Bratislava: a walkable gem Split: Croatia’s second city Bologna: Italy’s greatest food city Chișinău: Europe’s least-visited capital If that doesn’t tempt you to overhaul your wardrobe, a wander through one of the city’s many clothing stores certainly will. Alongside the big department stores like Magasin and Salling, vintage boutiques dominate the streets – particularly around the Latin Quarter, where my hotel, SOFS Boutique Hotel, is dangerously well placed. If you want to channel the local look, TøjKrogen and local favourite UNIQ are both worth a visit. Even more reasons to return There’s much to do in Aarhus, but it is what’s still to come that makes the city feel exciting. The harbourfront is in the middle of a huge regeneration project and a walk down there makes that clear. New bars, cafes, apartments and even a cable-ski park are already taking shape, with plenty more on the way. A last-minute visit to the Lighthouse, the country’s tallest building, brings it together perfectly. More than just another tall city building, the exhibition below sea level tells the story of Aarhus and its bay before you shoot up to the 44th floor for sweeping views across the skyline and coastline. Aarhus catches you off guard in the best way. It has the style, food and cultural chops of a bigger destination, but with a laid-back pace that makes it easy to explore. Copenhagen may land most of the headlines, but Aarhus has plenty of reasons to step out of its shadow, and more than enough to warrant a return trip. Getting there and where to stay Ryanair flies direct from London Stansted to Aarhus. Prices start from £67 return in June. You can also fly from London Gatwick and London Heathrow to Billund with British Airways and Norweigan. Prices start at £117 return in June. If you’re flying into Billund, you’ll also need to take the 912X bus from outside the airport terminal for 1.5 hours – this costs around £16 each way. There is plenty of accommodation on offer, depending on budget and location: If you’re after a central location with no frills and a lower-mid price range, stay at SOFS Boutique Hotel. Prices start at £142 per night in June. If you want to take it up a notch, check out Radisson RED Aarhus. It’s in a solid location and is part of a reliable chain. Price start at £160 per night in June. For those of you wanting to splash out on this trip, Hotel Royal is a must. Referred to as “Aarhus’ Best Hotel”, its decor and impressive history will appease even the pickiest traveller. Oh, and Will Smith stayed here last year. Prices start at £238 per night in June.