As a former Royal Danish Ballet dancer, actor and theatre director with decades under his belt, hotelier Alexander Kolpin knows a thing or two about setting the scene. At Hotel Sanders, he brings his discerning eye and wealth of experience to every room. As the first tastemaker in our new series, he shares his favourite haunts in Copenhagen.
The first place I’d go in Copenhagen is…
The historic center or close to the canals and the sea. The waterfront is wonderful here. Walk along the small street Værnedamsvej – a little piece of heaven. Or bike around and go along the canals, finding your way over to Christianshavn.
For a coffee and some people watching…
I like to take a coffee to-go and head to ‘The King’s Garden’s (Kongens Have). The park is beautiful and iconic, and always full of everyday scenarios to observe with kids, runners, students and lovers.
Cycling is the easiest and most scenic way to get around 
Indulging in pastries is a must during visits
For lunch or a light bite…
I have a few regular spots in Indre By, the historic centre. Møntergade serves classic contemporary smørrebørd, and the other, Sankt Annæ, is a bit more refined and elegant. This has been my neighborhood for 40 years.
If you only have time for two museums…
Go to Thorvaldsens Museum and the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art.
Hotel Sanders founder Alexander Kølpin 
The façade of the hotel
For dinner, I head to…
Restaurant Maison, a great French bistro, where I’d order the crevettes rouge and steak au poivre. Casino is a new Italian restaurant, low key but high quality, with good pastas served in a wonderful space. Mêlée is another good French restaurant in Frederiksberg – the wine is especially amazing.
The best cocktail in Copenhagen is….
At Tata Bar at Hotel Sanders.
Sanders Rooftop is a light-filled space for lunch and drinks
For a moment of quiet in the city…
I go to the Botanical Garden – a striking, peaceful and beautiful place. The Designmuseum Danmark in Bredgade is another hidden gem, which has an amazing inner courtyard and complete silence (what used to be a hospital).
The most understated place in Copenhagen is…
Charlottenborg, which is where you’ll find the Kunsthal Charlottenborg and stunning architecture. The Royal Playhouse and The Old Stage, where I was educated and worked in the ballet, is a magical place for me. The Hofteatret (The Court Theatre) by the Christiansborg Palace is also very beautiful and newly renovated.
The one thing you have to do before leaving is…
Visit the Thorvaldsens Museum to see the sculptures. The building itself is also stunning. It’s the first place I produced and staged what became the “Summerballet” for 25 years.
