Copenhagen, Denmark’s vibrant capital, blends fairy-tale charm with modern Scandinavian flair. Whether you’re visiting in winter’s cozy glow or summer’s endless daylight, this guide covers the best things to do in Copenhagen Denmark, where to stay, eat, and how to plan unforgettable day trips from Copenhagen.
Before You Go: Practical Tips
Flights to Copenhagen Denmark: CPH Airport is Scandinavia’s hub, with direct routes from major cities. Book early for deals!
Transfers & Airport Services:
- Metro: The fastest way to central Copenhagen—trains depart every 4-10 minutes (15-minute ride, 36 DKK). Tip: Buy tickets via the DOT Tickets app to skip queues.
- Taxi/Rideshare: Fixed fare to the city center is ~300-350 DKK (~$45-50). Use eco-friendly apps like Viggo (Danish Uber alternative) or Uber.
- Hotel Shuttles: Many best hotels Copenhagen offers (e.g., Hotel d’Angleterre, Nimb Hotel) provide private transfers—book in advance.
Car Rentals: Pre-book airport pickup/drop-off services through your hotel or travel platform for seamless transfers. Note: Downtown parking is costly—rent a car only if planning day trips from Copenhagen to rural areas.
- Airport Lounges: Relax at the SAS Lounge (Priority Pass accepted) or CPH Go Lounge (budget-friendly, 199 DKK).
Winter Travel: Pack thermal layers, waterproof boots, and a reusable coffee cup for café pit stops.
Getting Around: Rent a bike (from 99 DKK/day) or use the 24/7 metro. Pro tip: The Copenhagen Card covers transport and 80+ attractions.
Morning
Start at Nyhavn, Copenhagen’s 17th-century harbor lined with candy-colored townhouses. Once a bustling trading port, it’s now the city’s postcard-perfect heart—grab a coffee at a waterfront café and watch historic wooden boats bob in the canal. Tip: Arrive before 9 AM for crowd-free photos, or hop on a canal tour (departs hourly from the harbor).
Next, walk 10 minutes to Amalienborg Palace, the Danish royal family’s winter residence since 1794. The four Rococo palaces frame a grand square where the Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place daily at noon. Tip: Pop into the palace museum (120 DKK) to see royal jewels, or stroll to nearby Frederik’s Church for its jaw-dropping marble dome.
A 15-minute stroll along the harbor brings you to The Little Mermaid Statue, Hans Christian Andersen’s bronze muse perched quietly on a rock. Though petite, this 1913 icon is a rite of passage for first-timers. Tip: Pair your visit with a walk through Kastellet, a 17th-century star-shaped fortress nearby—free entry and serene paths.
Afternoon
Dive into Danish history at Rosenborg Castle, a fairytale-like Renaissance palace tucked inside Kongens Have (King’s Garden). Built in 1606 by King Christian IV, its opulent halls showcase coronation thrones and the dazzling Crown Jewels. Tip: Buy tickets online (140 DKK) to skip queues; the garden’s rose beds bloom spectacularly in June.
Wind down with a stroll through Kongens Have, Copenhagen’s oldest royal garden. In winter, frost transforms it into a Narnia-like wonderland; in summer, it’s packed with picnicking locals. Tip: Grab a cinnamon swirl from nearby Lagkagehuset bakery and join the hygge vibe.
Evening
Dine at Restaurant Barr, set in Nyhavn’s former Noma space. This cozy spot reinvents Viking-era dishes like smoked herring and rye bread porridge—a must for Copenhagen’s best restaurants list. Tip: Book ahead for dinner; their aquavit pairing is legendary.
Stay at Hotel d’Angleterre, a palatial 5-star gem overlooking Kongens Nytorv square. With its marble baths and Michelin-starred dining, it’s earned its spot among the best hotels Copenhagen offers. Tip: Budget travelers love 71 Nyhavn Hotel next door, housed in a 1800s warehouse.
Day 2: Culture, Design & Hygge
Morning
Begin at the Round Tower (Rundetårn), a 17th-century marvel in the heart of Copenhagen. Built as an astronomical observatory under King Christian IV, its iconic spiral ramp—wide enough for horse-drawn carriages—leads to a panoramic view of the city’s terracotta rooftops and spires. Tip: Climb early to avoid crowds; tickets cost 40 DKK (~$6). It’s a 5-minute walk from Nørreport Station.
Next, head to the Designmuseum Danmark on Bredgade, housed in a former 18th-century hospital. This treasure trove celebrates Scandinavia’s design legacy, from mid-century furniture by Arne Jacobsen to sleek Danish ceramics. Tip: Free entry on Wednesdays; don’t miss the whimsical “Chair Anatomy” exhibit.
Afternoon
Cross the canal to Freetown Christiania, a self-governing enclave born in 1971 when artists squatted in abandoned military barracks. Wander its psychedelic streets adorned with murals and DIY homes, but respect the “no photography” rule in certain areas. Tip: Join a guided tour (150 DKK) to understand its complex history, or grab a vegan bite at Morgenstedet, a local institution.
From there, loop back to Indre By, Copenhagen’s historic center, where the pedestrianized Strøget street buzzes with flagship stores like Georg Jensen for silverware and Hay for minimalist homeware. Tip: Tax-free shopping is available for non-EU visitors—keep your passport handy!
Evening
As dusk falls, step into Tivoli Gardens, the 1843 amusement park that inspired Walt Disney. In winter, its twinkling Christmas markets and ice-skating rink evoke pure magic; summer brings open-air concerts and carnival rides. Tip: Buy tickets online (150 DKK) to skip lines, and save coins for the vintage roller coaster.
Cap the night at Noma, a pilgrimage site for foodies and arguably one of the best restaurants in Copenhagen. Chef René Redzepi’s hyper-local tasting menus (think foraged seaweed and fermented musk ox) redefine Nordic cuisine. Tip: Reservations open 3 months in advance—set a calendar alert! If Noma’s booked, try Geranium for equally inventive dishes.
Day 3: Day Trips & Local Gems
Option 1: Day Trips from Copenhagen
Kronborg Castle in Helsingør
Hop on a 45-minute train north to Helsingør, home to the UNESCO-listed Kronborg Castle. Immortalized as Hamlet’s Elsinore, this 16th-century fortress guarded the Øresund Strait and collected tolls from passing ships. Wander its gloomy casemates, grand ballrooms, and clifftop ramparts overlooking Sweden. Tip: Trains depart Copenhagen Central Station every 20 minutes (110 DKK round-trip). Combine with a visit to the Maritime Museum next door for sleek Nordic architecture.
Malmö, Sweden
Cross the iconic Øresund Bridge (yes, the one from The Bridge TV series!) to Sweden’s laid-back Malmö. Stroll the cobbled squares of Gamla Staden (Old Town), snap a photo of the twisting Turning Torso skyscraper, and refuel with Swedish cinnamon buns at Söderberg & Sara. Tip: Buy a Øresund Day Pass (390 DKK) for unlimited train/bus travel between Denmark and Sweden.
Option 2: Local Exploration
Refshaleøen
Cycle 20 minutes from Nyhavn to Refshaleøen, a former shipyard turned hipster playground. Browse the weekend Reffen Street Food Market (think Korean tacos and craft beer), or catch a concert at Copenhell’s repurposed industrial stages. Tip: Rent bikes via Donkey Republic app (99 DKK/day) for easy exploration.
CopenHot
Unwind at this waterfront spa on Refshaleøen, where wood-fired hot tubs and saunas overlook the harbor. In winter, brave the icy plunge pool—locals swear by its Nordic revival powers! Tip: Book a sunset slot for golden-hour views; private tubs start at 595 DKK/hour.
Evening
Torvehallerne Market
End your trip at this gourmet hub near Nørreport Station. Grab smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches) piled with pickled herring or roast beef at Hallernes Smørrebrød, then sip natural wine at Vinbaren. Tip: Arrive hungry—vendors close by 7 PM.
Stay at Manon Les Suites
Tucked in the trendy Indre By district, this eco-conscious hotel wows with its jungle-themed pool and rooftop yoga sessions. Budget alternative: Urban House offers dorm beds and a lively bar for under 200 DKK/night.
As your Copenhagen adventure winds down, you’ll realize how effortlessly this city weaves history, design, and hygge into every corner. Whether you’re hopping castles, cruising canals, or tasting reinvented Nordic dishes at Copenhagen’s best restaurants, it’s a place that leaves even the pickiest travelers—history buffs, foodies, and design lovers alike—utterly enchanted. And if you’re lucky enough to stay longer, its magic only deepens.
Where to Stay in Copenhagen
Luxury: Hotel d’Angleterre (iconic) or Nimb Hotel (inside Tivoli).
Mid-range: 25hours Hotel Indre By (playful design) or Hotel Sanders (boutique chic).
Budget-friendly: Steel House Copenhagen (stylish hostel) or Urban House (vibrant social vibe).