Denmark & Sweden

About the destination: A decade ago, tourists flocked to Copenhagen solely for its canals, cobblestone squares, quaint streets, and pastel-colored homes. Today, the city is renowned for its innovative design, avant-garde architecture, and top-tier restaurants. This historic canal city has evolved into a trendy, cosmopolitan, and thrilling destination, all while preserving its old-world charm. The enchanting port of Nyhavn, the city's iconic waterfront, is Copenhagen's most traditional sight, where visitors can appreciate the cobblestone streets and vibrant houses that contrast with Langelinje quay, home to the city's most famous attraction, The Little Mermaid. As you stroll along the Langelinje quay, the contemporary opera house emerges on the horizon, transporting tourists back to the 21st century. Another of the city's modern waterfront landmarks is the Black Diamond entertainment complex, providing another reason to venture beyond the small tourist-centric center. The building itself is breathtaking and offers a unique opportunity to relax in a deckchair overlooking the water. Two of the city's hippest areas, Veesterbro and Norrebro, are tucked away from the throngs of tourists. These lively neighborhoods allow the most adventurous travelers to mingle with locals and experience the buzzing atmosphere of places like the Norrebro Food Hall, an indoor food market, or the Ralea, the restaurant where local chefs go to eat after work. Copenhagen's hippest district of trendy bars, design stores, and eateries, where visitors can experience the city's culinary revolution, is just a metro ride from the city center. The less frequented island neighborhood of Christianshavn offers a peaceful glimpse of residential life and canal-side strolls. It's also home to the "free town" of Christiana, a vibrant alternative community established by hippies in the 1970s, brimming with galleries and cafés, and governed by its own, strict set of rules. Copenhagen is clean, safe, and easy to navigate. It's also one of Europe's greenest cities, and its public transportation system would make New York envious. Its center is reserved for pedestrians and strict anti-pollution laws are enforced. It's an environmentally idyllic location with ample green space and bicycles often outnumber cars, so be cautious when stepping into bike lanes. Freely wander to the world-famous Tivoli amusement park and the city's delightful botanical garden, or join the locals at the sidewalk cafés and restaurants in the summer. Regardless of what you choose to do in the Danish capital, whether you're into design and dining, or simply exploring, Copenhagen will continually beckon you back like a siren.

About the destination: Malmo is the third largest city in Sweden by population. Previously a secluded city at the southernmost point of Sweden, Malmo is rapidly evolving into a significant multicultural hub. The completion of the Oresund Bridge in 2000, which connects Sweden to Denmark, has made Malmo just a 30-minute car or train journey from the heart of Copenhagen. With its canals, beaches, and historical landmarks, Malmo is an excellent destination for tourists. The city is compact enough that most major attractions are within walking distance. The historical city center around the Main Square, Stortorget, presents a fascinating blend of old and new structures, which are best explored on foot. To the west of Stortorget's main square is the old town, Gamla Staden. This charming area is filled with bars, restaurants, and some very beautiful old houses. Some of these include the famous and adorable single-story houses that seem barely large enough to accommodate a single fisherman. Sankt Petri Kyrka, or St. Peter's Church, is hidden behind Stortorget, on Goran Olsgatan. This red-brick church is Malmo's oldest building and a representation of Baltic Brick Gothic from the 14th century. Malmo's pride, its grand City Hall, was the largest of its kind when it was constructed in 1546. The current town hall facade in Dutch Renaissance style was added in the 1860s, replacing a neoclassical facade from the early 1800s. The facade features sculptural ornaments. Lilla Torg, or "Little Square," was established in the late 16th century as a trading area for smaller market vendors. Its modern centerpiece is another of the city's unique public artworks: the bedside lamp. The square is encircled by some remarkable medieval buildings and is also one of the top nightlife spots in the old city, with numerous bars and pubs. In the lovely green parks and coastal suburbs, such as Sibbarp, you can get a good view of the Swedish nature and landscape. Malmo is a creative and curious city and Sweden's most multicultural metropolis. Once a drab industrial city, it has transformed itself into a modern and hip city with a lively nightlife.

About the destination: Sweden's capital, a picturesque blend of waterways, parks, and spire-dotted skylines, is rightfully celebrated as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Spanning across 14 islands and surrounded by thousands of smaller, rocky islets, it merges the dramatic landscapes and open skies of Scandinavia with the energy, dynamism, and urban chic of Western Europe. The city's essence is found in its diverse aspects: the stucco walls of the Old Town, the modern pulse of the galleries, the consumerist hum of the shopping districts, the tranquil serenity of the parks, the pulsating rhythm of the nightlife, and increasingly, the culinary allure of the restaurants. Stockholm's position on the Baltic Sea results in stark seasonal changes, and many locals will tell you that the only thing rivaling the beauty of a summer evening in Stockholm is the winter allure of its frozen lakes and snow-dusted skylines. Indeed, Stockholm's unique charm is a significant factor in its popularity among tourists, and in a continent brimming with captivating urban destinations, it speaks volumes that the city's cultural scene is dynamic enough to compete with any other in northern Europe. In addition to its exhibitions, museums, and concerts, it also offers a deeply romantic backdrop for a leisurely weekend getaway – the combination of preserved medieval architecture, expansive water views, and vibrant nightlife is irresistible. Most importantly, it's worth emphasizing that this city is truly unique. It's the most populated urban area in Scandinavia, yet two-thirds of it is still made up of water and green spaces. And if this seems unlikely, well, it provides the perfect reason to go and see for yourself.