The Danish capital is a charming, welcoming place of a manageable scale and can seem more like a large village than the nation’s first city. Just 30 minutes drive from the border with Sweden, Copenhagen’s harbor offers visitors the chance to stroll or dawdle along the cobbles of its many pedestrian streets and lanes before tucking in to one of Denmark’s world-famous pastries.
What it is: The capital and largest city of Denmark, a stylish and bike-friendly destination known for its canals, historic charm, and modern design.
Affordability: Expensive, with high costs for hotels, dining, and attractions, though cycling and street food help budget travelers.
Safety: Very safe, with low crime rates and a well-organized urban environment.
Popularity: One of Scandinavia’s most-visited cities, attracting travelers for its design, sustainability, and cozy atmosphere.
Tourist Infrastructure: Well-developed, with efficient public transport, bike lanes, and plenty of accommodations.
Accommodation Options: Budget hostels, boutique hotels, canal-side stays, and luxury design hotels.
Dining Scene: A mix of New Nordic fine dining, traditional smørrebrød, fresh seafood, and thriving street food markets.
Nightlife: Cozy and stylish, with craft beer bars, cocktail lounges, jazz clubs, and late-night waterfront spots.
Weather: Cool and windy, with mild summers, cold winters, and frequent rain.
Best Time to Go: May to September, when the weather is mild and outdoor cafés and parks are at their best.
Known For: Nyhavn, Tivoli Gardens, cycling culture, hygge, design, sustainability, canals, Michelin-starred dining.
Top Attractions: Nyhavn • Tivoli Gardens • The Little Mermaid • Christiansborg Palace • Rosenborg Castle • Freetown Christiania • Strøget • Copenhagen Opera House.
- Population: Approximately 650,000 in the city; around 1.4 million in the metropolitan area.
- Emergency Numbers: 112 for police, fire, and medical emergencies.
- Time Zone: Central European Time (CET), UTC +1; Central European Summer Time (CEST), UTC +2 (March to October).
- Currency: Danish Krone (kr DKK); ATMs are widely available, and credit cards are accepted in most places.
- Language: Danish is the official language; English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.
- Electricity: Standard voltage is 230V; plugs are type C and K (European two-pin plugs).
- Internet: Excellent coverage; free Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and public spaces.
- Convenience stores: Found across the city, 7-Eleven, Netto, and Irma are common chains.
- Nearest International Airport: Copenhagen Airport (Kastrup) (about 5 miles / 8 km south of the city center).
- Trivia: Copenhagen is home to Tivoli Gardens, one of the world’s oldest amusement parks, which opened in 1843.
- Iconic Local Foods: Must-try dishes include smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches), frikadeller (meatballs), and Danish pastries.
- Fun Fact: Copenhagen’s harbor is so clean that locals and visitors swim in it during summer months, a rarity for a capital city.
Copenhagen is Scandinavia’s capital of cool, known for its design-forward ethos, cycling culture, and waterfront beauty. Most tourists come to see the colorful houses of Nyhavn, the Little Mermaid statue, and the fairytale-like Tivoli Gardens, but the city also offers modern architecture, world-class dining, and a laid-back atmosphere that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re cruising its canals or relaxing at a sidewalk café, Copenhagen feels effortlessly stylish and welcoming.
What sets Copenhagen apart is its blend of historic charm and contemporary innovation. The city consistently ranks high for quality of life and sustainability, with locals embracing a lifestyle of hygge (coziness) and green living, making it a model for urban planning worldwide.
Top attractions include Tivoli Gardens, Nyhavn, the Little Mermaid, Rosenborg Castle, Christiansborg Palace, and the National Museum of Denmark. Explore the alternative community of Christiania, or rent a bike and tour the city like a local. Day trips to Kronborg Castle or Malmö (just across the Øresund Bridge) are easy to arrange.
Facing east towards the rising sun, the harbor is where fishermen once set out for sea. These days, the moorings are more likely to attract groups of students drinking beers than any hearty sailors, with the numerous pubs and taverns lining the waterfront catering to tourists. Nonetheless, the harbor is a great place to relax and can be used as the first step in a walking tour of the city.
Stroget is a pedestrian shopping street that begins near the harbor. Aside from providing a fix for shopping junkies, it can be used as an artery to many of the city’s sights. Tivoli Gardens is just west of Radhuspladsen and is sure to amuse visitors of any kind. Its style is a throwback to pre-industrial Europe, with wooden roller coasters and carnival style attractions. Also not far from Stroget is Amalienborg Palace to the east, the winter residence of the Danish royal family. Located in Fredriksstad, it’s a fitting centerpiece for the Baroque styled district.
For lodging, Indre By (City Center) puts you close to major sights, while Vesterbro offers a hip, youthful vibe. Nørrebro and Østerbro provide more local flavor. Copenhagen’s accommodations range from luxury hotels and design-forward boutiques to budget hostels and sleek apartments.
Getting around is a breeze thanks to an extensive network of metro, buses, and harbor ferries. Biking is the preferred way to explore, with dedicated lanes throughout the city. The Copenhagen Card covers transport and entry to many attractions.
Dining is a highlight, with everything from world-famous restaurants like Noma to casual spots serving smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches) and Danish pastries. Nightlife features craft beer bars, cozy pubs, and buzzing clubs. Shopping ranges from high-end Scandinavian design stores to small artisan boutiques.
Copenhagen is very safe, clean, and well-organized. Petty theft is rare but can happen in busy tourist spots. The weather is often cool and can be rainy, so pack layers and an umbrella.
Why Go to Copenhagen?
-
Scenic Waterfronts: Stroll along Nyhavn and explore charming canals and harbors.
-
Cycling City: Bike everywhere on extensive, well-maintained cycling paths.
-
Foodie Destination: Indulge in New Nordic cuisine, pastries, and street food.
-
Historic & Modern Mix: Visit castles, palaces, and cutting-edge modern architecture.
-
Hygge Lifestyle: Experience the cozy, laid-back charm of Danish culture.
Who Might Not Enjoy Copenhagen?
-
Budget Travelers: Copenhagen is expensive for food, lodging, and activities.
-
Visitors Avoiding Cold: The climate is often cool, with gray skies and frequent rain.
-
Those Seeking Big-City Energy: Copenhagen is vibrant but calm, it lacks the fast-paced buzz of larger capitals like London or Paris.
What’s Cool
Nyhavn harbor and colorful houses, Tivoli Gardens, Rosenborg Castle, Little Mermaid statue, bike-friendly streets, Christiania free town, Danish design and architecture, smørrebrød and Nordic cuisine, hip neighborhoods (Vesterbro, Nørrebro), canal tours, film spots (The Danish Girl), Christmas markets, day trips to Kronborg Castle and Malmö.
What’s Not
Very high cost of living and dining, unpredictable weather, cold winters, crowded tourist areas in summer, expensive hotels, limited late-night public transit, small hotel rooms, long queues at popular sites, reserved locals, short winter daylight hours, high taxes on alcohol and dining.
Copenhagen is located on the eastern coast of Denmark, sitting on the islands of Zealand and Amager, just across the Øresund Strait from Sweden. The city is about 42 km (26 miles) from Malmö and well connected via Copenhagen Airport, trains, metro, buses, and cycling routes, making it highly accessible and easy to navigate.
Covering around 88 km² (34 mi²), Copenhagen is compact and bike-friendly, with a mix of historic and modern architecture. The city is divided into areas like Indre By (City Centre), Vesterbro, Nørrebro, Østerbro, and Christianshavn, each offering a different atmosphere and experience.
Most tourists stay in Indre By, Vesterbro, or near Nyhavn for central access to attractions, dining, and transit.
Indre By (City Centre)
Indre By is the historical heart of Copenhagen, home to key landmarks, shopping streets, and cultural sites. It’s the best choice for first-time visitors wanting to explore on foot.
- Accommodations: (Mid-Range to High-End) – Chain hotels, boutique stays, and historic properties.
- Nearby Attractions: Tivoli Gardens • Nyhavn • Strøget • Rosenborg Castle
- Dining: (Diverse) – Danish classics, international cuisine, and cafés.
- Nightlife: (Moderate) – Wine bars, pubs, and hotel lounges.
- Shopping: (Excellent) – High-street brands and designer boutiques.
Vesterbro
Vesterbro is a trendy, formerly working-class district turned hip hub, known for its nightlife, creative scene, and modern dining. It’s popular with younger travelers and food lovers.
- Accommodations: (Budget to Mid-Range) – Hostels, boutique hotels, and apartments.
- Nearby Attractions: Meatpacking District (Kødbyen) • Vega Concert Hall • Skydebanehaven Park
- Dining: (Trendy) – Food halls, craft breweries, and fine dining.
- Nightlife: (Lively) – Bars, clubs, and live music venues.
- Shopping: (Boutique) – Indie stores and design shops.
Nørrebro
Nørrebro is Copenhagen’s multicultural district, full of diverse eateries, street art, and local shops. It’s great for visitors looking for a vibrant, off-the-beaten-path experience.
- Accommodations: (Budget to Mid-Range) – Guesthouses, boutique hotels, and apartments.
- Nearby Attractions: Assistens Cemetery • Superkilen Park • Blågårds Plads
- Dining: (Eclectic) – Middle Eastern, Asian, and New Nordic spots.
- Nightlife: (Casual) – Pubs, cafés, and music venues.
- Shopping: (Alternative) – Vintage stores and local markets.
Østerbro
Østerbro is an upscale, residential district known for its parks and waterfront promenades. It’s quieter and family-friendly, suited for those wanting a peaceful stay.
- Accommodations: (Mid-Range to High-End) – Hotels and serviced apartments.
- Nearby Attractions: The Little Mermaid • Fælledparken • Kastellet Fortress
- Dining: (Refined) – Classic Danish and modern bistros.
- Nightlife: (Low-Key) – Wine bars and quiet pubs.
- Shopping: (Upmarket) – Designer boutiques and specialty stores.
Christianshavn
Christianshavn is a picturesque district of canals and historic buildings, known for the free-spirited community of Freetown Christiania and scenic harbor views.
- Accommodations: (Mid-Range) – Boutique hotels and guesthouses.
- Nearby Attractions: Church of Our Saviour • Christiania • Christianshavn Canals
- Dining: (High-End) – Michelin-starred restaurants and cafés.
- Nightlife: (Unique) – Bars in Christiania and waterfront spots.
- Shopping: (Niche) – Local crafts and specialty shops.
Frederiksberg
Frederiksberg is a leafy, affluent district known for its expansive gardens and quiet streets. Though officially a separate municipality, it feels like part of the city.
- Accommodations: (Mid-Range to High-End) – Hotels and boutique stays.
- Nearby Attractions: Frederiksberg Gardens • Frederiksberg Palace • Copenhagen Zoo
- Dining: (Classic) – Danish cuisine and international.
- Nightlife: (Quiet) – Local pubs and lounges.
- Shopping: (Good) – High-street shops and specialty stores.
Amager
Amager is a growing district south of the center, offering beaches, parks, and modern developments. It’s practical for airport access and outdoor enthusiasts.
- Accommodations: (Budget to Mid-Range) – Hotels and serviced apartments.
- Nearby Attractions: Amager Strandpark • The Blue Planet Aquarium • Amager Fælled
- Dining: (Casual) – Seaside cafés and Danish fare.
- Nightlife: (Minimal) – Bars and local hangouts.
- Shopping: (Functional) – Malls and local shops.