THINGS TO DO IN COPENHAGEN

3-4 days is ideal to see Copenhagen’s main attractions without rushing. This allows time for major landmarks, museums, neighborhoods, and dining experiences.

Suggested itinerary:

• Day 1: Historic center (Nyhavn, Amalienborg, Little Mermaid, Rosenborg Castle)
• Day 2: Museums (National Museum, Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek) and Tivoli Gardens
• Day 3: Trendy neighborhoods (Vesterbro, Nørrebro) and food markets
• Day 4: Day trip to Kronborg Castle or Malmö, Sweden

Weekend visitors can hit highlights in 2 days, while 5+ days allows deeper exploration and day trips.

Yes, Copenhagen is one of Europe’s more expensive cities, but manageable with smart planning. Daily budget estimates:

Budget travel (75-100 EUR/day):

• Hostel: 25-40 EUR
• Street food/supermarkets: 20-30 EUR
• Public transport: 10-15 EUR
• One attraction: 10-15 EUR

Mid-range (150-200 EUR/day):

• Hotel: 80-120 EUR
• Restaurants: 40-60 EUR
• Copenhagen Card: 60 EUR (includes transport + museums)

Money-saving tips: Buy Copenhagen Card, shop at supermarkets (Netto, Lidl), eat at food markets, bike instead of taxis, visit free attractions (harbor baths, parks).

Yes, virtually everyone speaks excellent English. Denmark ranks among the world’s highest English proficiency countries. In tourism, hospitality, and most services, English is standard.

Key phrases in Danish (appreciated but not necessary):

• Hello: Hej (hi)
• Thank you: Tak (tahk)
• Please: Værsgo (vairs-go)
• Goodbye: Farvel (far-vel)
• Excuse me: Undskyld (oon-skool)

Danes appreciate attempts at their language but will quickly switch to English. Don’t worry about language barriers—they’re virtually non-existent in Copenhagen.

The Copenhagen Card provides unlimited public transport and free entry to 80+ attractions. Available in 24h (60 EUR), 48h (89 EUR), 72h (109 EUR), and 120h (149 EUR) options.

Worth it if you plan to:

• Visit 3+ museums/attractions per day
• Use public transport frequently
• Visit popular paid attractions (Tivoli, Rosenborg, various museums)
• Take day trips to Kronborg Castle or Louisiana Museum

Not worth it if you: Focus on free activities (parks, harbors, walking tours), have limited time for museums, or prefer biking everywhere.

Pro tip: Calculate your planned museum entry fees (typically 10-20 EUR each) plus daily transport costs (8-15 EUR) to determine if the card saves money for your itinerary.

Copenhagen Airport (CPH) is just 8km from the city center with excellent connections:

Metro (fastest and cheapest):

• Duration: 15 minutes to Kongens Nytorv (city center)
• Cost: 36 DKK (~5 EUR)
• Frequency: Every 4-6 minutes
• Operates: 24/7

Train: Similar to metro—15 minutes, same price, slightly different stops.

Taxi: 250-300 DKK (35-40 EUR), 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.

Uber/Bolt: Slightly cheaper than taxis at 200-250 DKK.

Pro tip: Buy tickets at DSB machines (accepts cards) or download the DOT Tickets app for mobile payments. Copenhagen Card includes airport transport.

Copenhagen has a temperate oceanic climate with mild summers and cool winters. Being coastal, weather can change quickly.

Average temperatures by season:

• Spring (Mar-May): 5-15°C, increasing rainfall, blooming parks
• Summer (Jun-Aug): 17-22°C, most sunshine (8+ hours/day), occasional rain
• Autumn (Sep-Nov): 10-16°C, golden foliage, windier conditions
• Winter (Dec-Feb): 0-4°C, short days, occasional snow

Packing tips: Layers are essential year-round. Bring waterproof jacket even in summer, comfortable walking shoes, and sunglasses. Winter requires warm coat, scarf, and gloves.

Daylight hours: Summer solstice brings 18+ hours of daylight, while winter sees only 7 hours. This dramatically affects the vibe and activities.

Yes, Copenhagen is one of the safest cycling cities in the world. Over 400km of dedicated bike lanes, cyclist-first infrastructure, and respectful drivers make biking the preferred transport.

Key cycling rules:

• Always use bike lanes (usually to the right of car lanes)
• Signal turns with your hand
• Stop at red lights (strictly enforced)
• Use lights after dark (mandatory, 700 DKK fine)
• Ring bell when passing pedestrians or other cyclists
• Keep right, pass left

Rental options: Bycyklen (city bikes) for short trips, Donkey Republic for day/multi-day rentals, or traditional bike shops (typically 50-100 DKK/day).

First-timer tips: Watch locals for a few minutes to understand the rhythm, stay in bike lanes, and don’t block green lights—Copenhageners bike fast and efficiently!

Danish cuisine combines traditional comfort food with New Nordic innovation. Must-try dishes:

Traditional classics:

• Smørrebrød: Open-faced sandwiches on dark rye bread with toppings like pickled herring, roast beef, or shrimp
• Frikadeller: Danish meatballs, usually pork, served with potatoes and red cabbage
• Flæskesteg: Roast pork with crispy crackling—the national dish
• Stegt flæsk: Fried pork belly with parsley sauce and potatoes

Baked goods:

• Wienerbrød: What the world calls “Danish pastries”
• Kanelsnegle: Cinnamon rolls
• Rugbrød: Dense dark rye bread (foundation of smørrebrød)

Where to try: Traditional smørrebrød at Aamanns or Selma, pastries at Juno the Bakery or Hart Bageri, frikadeller at traditional restaurants like Schønnemann.

It depends on the restaurant level and season.

Definitely book ahead (2-3 months):

• Michelin-starred restaurants (Geranium, Noma, Alchemist)
• Highly acclaimed restaurants (Relæ, Barr, Kadeau)
• Popular New Nordic cuisine spots

Recommended booking (1-2 weeks):

• Trendy mid-range restaurants
• Weekend dinners in peak season (May-September)
• Popular brunch spots on weekends

Walk-ins usually fine:

• Casual eateries and cafés
• Street food markets (Reffen, Torvehallerne)
• Fast-casual restaurants
• Off-season weekday dinners

Pro tip: Many top restaurants release last-minute reservations or have bar seating available for walk-ins. Download “DinnerBooking” app or check restaurant websites directly.

Denmark uses Danish Krone (DKK), not the Euro. 1 EUR ≈ 7.45 DKK (approximate, check current rates).

Card payments dominate: Denmark is nearly cashless. Credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted everywhere—even street vendors and public toilets. Many places don’t accept cash at all.

Cash recommendations:

• Bring minimal cash (100-200 DKK max) for absolute emergencies
• ATMs available if needed, but withdrawal fees apply
• Some small vendors at flea markets prefer cash
• Public toilets sometimes require coins (5-10 DKK)

Payment tips: Notify your bank of travel plans. Contactless payments standard. Mobile payment apps (Apple Pay, Google Pay) widely accepted. Most places add small fee for credit cards—debit cards preferred.

Yes, Copenhagen is extremely safe. Denmark consistently ranks among the world’s safest countries. Violent crime is rare, and tourists can explore confidently day or night.

Common sense precautions:

• Watch for pickpockets in touristy areas (Strøget, train stations, Nyhavn)
• Lock bikes properly—bike theft is the most common crime
• Keep valuables secure in crowded areas
• Be cautious with open drug markets (Pusher Street in Christiania)

Emergency numbers: Emergency: 112 (police, fire, ambulance), Non-emergency police: 114

Safe solo travel: Copenhagen is excellent for solo travelers, including women. Well-lit streets, helpful locals, and efficient public transport make navigation easy and secure.

Copenhagen’s essential attractions span history, culture, and unique experiences.

Iconic landmarks (free):

• Nyhavn: Colorful 17th-century waterfront—Copenhagen’s postcard view
• Little Mermaid: Famous bronze statue at Langelinie (yes, it’s small!)
• Amalienborg Palace: Royal residence with changing of the guard daily at noon
• Christiania: Autonomous neighborhood and unique social experiment

Top museums (paid):

• National Museum: Danish history from Vikings to modern times
• Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek: Art museum with stunning Winter Garden
• Louisiana Museum: Modern art in scenic coastal setting (30min from city)
• Rosenborg Castle: Renaissance palace housing Crown Jewels

Unique experiences:

• Tivoli Gardens: Historic amusement park in city center
• Torvehallerne: Gourmet food market
• Round Tower: 17th-century observatory with panoramic views

Absolutely yes—Tivoli Gardens is magical and uniquely Copenhagen. The world’s second-oldest amusement park (opened 1843) combines beautiful gardens, vintage rides, and charming atmosphere.

Why visit Tivoli:

• Historic wooden roller coaster from 1914
• Stunning evening illuminations (55,000+ lights)
• Beautiful gardens and architecture
• Diverse dining options (street food to Michelin-starred)
• Special seasonal events (Halloween, Christmas)
• Family-friendly yet enjoyable for adults

Practical info: Entry: 170 DKK (rides cost extra), Open seasonally: mid-April to late September, plus Halloween and Christmas. Best visit: Evening when lights create magical ambiance. Duration: Plan 3-5 hours.

Pro tip: Entry is free with Copenhagen Card. Christmas season (mid-November to early January) is especially spectacular.

Copenhagen’s location makes excellent day trips easily accessible.

Top day trips:

• Kronborg Castle (Helsingør): 45 min train—Hamlet’s castle, UNESCO World Heritage site
• Louisiana Museum: 30 min train—Modern art museum on coastal cliff with sculpture park
• Malmö, Sweden: 35 min train via Øresund Bridge—Swedish culture, shopping, and Turning Torso
• Roskilde: 30 min train—Viking Ship Museum, Roskilde Cathedral (UNESCO site)
• Frederiksborg Castle: 45 min train to Hillerød—Renaissance castle with beautiful gardens
• Dragør: 30 min bus—Charming fishing village with cobblestone streets

Planning tips: Most accessible by train with Copenhagen Card coverage. Pack lunch for smaller towns. Summer offers best weather but Kronborg and museums are year-round attractions.

Hygge (pronounced “hoo-gah”) is the Danish concept of cozy contentment—creating warm, intimate moments with comfort, candles, and good company. It’s fundamental to Danish culture.

Key hygge elements: Candlelight (Danes burn more candles per capita than anywhere), cozy textiles, warm drinks, comfort food, relaxed atmosphere.

Where to experience authentic hygge:

• Cafés: The Living Room, Democratic Coffee, Café Norden—candlelit corners, plush seating
• Restaurants: Traditional smørrebrød spots, cozy bistros in Nyhavn
• Bars: Ruby (cocktail bar), Mikkeller bars (craft beer)
• Home goods stores: HAY, Søstrene Grene—shop for hygge items

Best seasons: Autumn and winter amplify hygge—shorter days drive Danes indoors to create warmth. Summer hygge exists too (outdoor gatherings, picnics).

Copenhagen is the epicenter of Scandinavian design. From furniture to fashion, ceramics to glassware—Danish design is world-renowned.

Iconic design stores:

• HAY: Contemporary furniture and home accessories
• Georg Jensen: Luxury silver jewelry and homeware (since 1904)
• Royal Copenhagen: Hand-painted porcelain (since 1775)
• Illums Bolighus: Multi-brand design department store
• Normann Copenhagen: Modern design furniture

Fashion brands: Ganni, Wood Wood, Norse Projects, Stine Goya

Budget-friendly design: Søstrene Grene, Flying Tiger, vintage shops in Vesterbro and Nørrebro

Best neighborhood depends on your travel style.

Indre By (City Center)—Best for first-timers: Walking distance to major attractions, excellent transport, expensive but convenient.

Vesterbro—Best for nightlife and food: Trendy neighborhood with restaurants, bars, Meatpacking District, more affordable than center.

Nørrebro—Best for local atmosphere: Multicultural neighborhood with authentic vibe, excellent food scene, budget-friendly accommodations.

Østerbro—Best for quiet luxury: Upscale residential area with parks and lakes, peaceful, family-friendly, higher-end hotels.

Booking tips: Reserve 2-3 months ahead for summer and Christmas season. Consider apartments for groups or longer stays.

Yes, Copenhagen is exceptionally family-friendly. Safe streets, excellent public transport, and numerous kid-oriented attractions.

Top attractions for kids: Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen Zoo, Experimentarium (science center), National Aquarium, Bakken (world’s oldest amusement park).

Free activities: Parks with playgrounds, harbor swimming areas (summer), beach at Amager Strandpark.

Family-friendly features: Most museums have kids’ sections, restaurants welcome children, excellent stroller accessibility, family rooms in hotels, children under 12 travel free on public transport with adult.