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Fans of Copenhagen and Stockholm will love Aarhus, Denmark's second largest city which you'll find on the east coast of the Jutland peninsula. New Nordic cuisine, music festivals, sandy beaches and fantastic architecture are just some of the reasons to book a trip. And as one of this 2017's European Capitals of Culture, there's never been a better time to visit

1. New Nordic cuisine

From trendy cafes to Michelin star restaurants, there are plenty of great places to eat in Aarhus. To pinpoint it though, it’s the New Nordic cuisine that really puts it on the map, and earnt it the prestigious title of European Region of Gastronomy 2016. It’s smørrebrød that you really must try: traditional open-faced Danish sandwiches, usually made with rye bread and elaborately topped with fish, meats and cheese. For the best of the best, get your smørrebrød fix at Kähler Spisesalon, an upmarket cafe in the city centre. As for drinks, it’s all about Mikkeller, the popular Danish beer from Copenhagen, which makes waves on the international scene and is equally big in Aarhus. Make the most of it at Mikkeller Bar on Jægergårdsgade, which has 20 of its brews rotating on tap.

2. NorthSide festival

Scandinavia is fast making a name for itself on the international music festival scene, stealing the limelight from Croatia and Eastern Europe, with the likes of Way Out West in Gothenburg and Into the Valley in Rattvik. NorthSide is the annual 3-day festival in Aarhus, held in walking distance of the city centre, which has been steadily growing since 2010. This June, the impressive line-up included Beach House, Jamie XX, Caribou, Bloc Party, The Chemical Brothers and more. The jovial youthful crowd, lack of mud, endless hours of sunshine, and fact that it’s hotels rather than camping all add to its appeal.

3. Museums and art galleries

Culture vultures will be happy in Aarhus, with its plentiful, diverse museums, so much so it’s been honoured with the European Capital of Culture title for 2017. ARoS Museum isn’t hard to miss in Aarhus: a rainbow-coloured panoramic circular skywalk stands tall above the city. Opened in 1859 (rainbow ring added later in 2011), ARoS is the oldest public art gallery in Denmark outside of Copenhagen, and has a collection that spans the Golden Age to today; special exhibitions change regularly, the latest being Grayson Perry. Other museums of note include the Viking Museum and the Moesgaard Museum, which brings the past to life in the most striking architectural setting.

4. Architecture

It’s a case of old meets new in Aarhus. A walk around the city will take you through time, from the 12th century Cathedral, to the striking Iceberg apartment complex built in 2013. The Latin Quarter is easily the most picturesque part of town, with its cobbled backstreets and 14th century architecture, busy cafes and a vibrant atmosphere, and all backing onto the hilly residential streets with multicoloured terraces.

5. Shopping

Shopping is one of our Aarhus’ biggest draws. From department stores to malls, independent boutiques and local labels, there’s plenty to browse and discover. The Latin Quarter is the best place to start: Magasin is a great department store to get lost in with both Danish and international brands; then, there’s the web of streets surrounding it, with the likes of Marc Jacobs, By Marlene Birger, and COS, and plenty of slick design and homewares stores too.

6. Beaches

Some of Denmark’s best beaches are scattered around the coast near Aarhus, set against forests, with sandy shoes and with calm waters. Bellevue Beach is just 4 km north of the city and has fine sand and bathing jetties; elsewhere, just a 10-minute cycle from the city centre Den Permanente is popular with young people who have barbecues and bonfires on the sandy beach, making the very most of long summer nights.

7. Botanical gardens

Alongside the shopping and the food, Aarhus has no shortage of outdoor spaces, from large parks to picture-perfect riverways, and the beautiful Botanical Gardens. Covering a giant 21.5 hectares to the west of the Old Town, the Gardens are a perfect place to chill out or take a leisurely stroll through whatever the season. Trees, bushes, and native and medicinal plants are spread throughout the grounds, along with a more exotic array of flora in the Tropical Houses.

8. Mols Bjerge National Park

Just a short drive out of Aarhus towards the coast and you’re soon at Mols Bjerge, one of Denmark’s three national parks. Covering 180 km², it boasts some of the most diverse and rugged landscapes in the whole of Denmark. Wander through the beech forest, walk up the Mols Hills, visit the Kalo Castle ruins, admire the sea views, and spot otters in the lakes, before heading down to the waterside for the swim.

9. Aarhus Festival

Aarhus Festuge is a 10-day arts and culture festival which happens every August, showcasing the best of the city to locals and visitors alike. During this period, the city really comes alive, with gastronomy, art and music acting as the frame for 1000 events in over 100 venues. One of the big highlights is the Food Festival, which is held by the sea, garners the best in Scandinavian cuisine, and attracts over 30,000 visitors.

10. Endless summer days

And if you’re still looking for a good reason to visit, how about the endless hours of sunshine? During the height of summer, the sun rises at 4:30am and doesn’t set until past 10pm, which means 17 hours of daylight! Even when the sun does set, it barely has chance to get properly dark, so don’t expect to spot stars.

Alice Tate is a travel, food and fitness blogger. Follow her on Twitter @ALICETATE_ and Instagram @alice_tate