Copenhagen Travel Guide: Discover Scandinavia’s Design Capital

The Charm of Copenhagen: Where Design Meets Sustainability

Copenhagen, known as “København” in Danish, is a city where fairy tales meet forward-thinking design. As Denmark’s capital and cultural heart, it seamlessly blends historic charm with modern innovation. Home to the iconic Tivoli Gardens, world-renowned New Nordic cuisine, and cutting-edge sustainable living, Copenhagen consistently ranks among the world’s most livable cities. Its bicycle-friendly streets, harborfront architecture, and commitment to green living create an urban environment that’s both beautiful and functional.

Quick Essential Information

Language

Danish

Currency

Danish Krone (DKK)

Visa

Schengen visa for non-EU citizens

Power Plugs

Type C & F, 230V, 50Hz

Emergency Contacts

Emergency (all services): 112
Police (non-emergency): 114
Tourist Information: +45 70 22 24 42
Copenhagen Visitor Service: +45 33 66 33 66

Religion

Lutheran Christianity

Airport

Copenhagen Airport (CPH)

Climate

Oceanic with mild summers and cool winters

Useful Apps

DOT Tickets (public transport)
Donkey Republic (bike sharing)
Mobile Pay (payments)
Rejseplanen (journey planner)

Geographic Location

Copenhagen is situated on the eastern coast of Zealand, Denmark’s largest island, with parts of the city extending to Amager island. The city faces the Øresund strait, with Sweden’s coast and Malmö visible across the water. The Danish capital’s strategic location has historically made it an important port and gateway between Northern Europe and the Baltic Sea.

Best Time to Visit

  • Spring (March-May): Mild weather, blooming gardens
  • Summer (June-August): Peak season, long daylight hours
  • Fall (September-November): Fewer tourists, cozy atmosphere
  • Winter (December-February): Christmas markets, hygge season

Transport

Airport Access: Copenhagen Airport (CPH) – 8km southeast of city center.

Transport options from airport:

  1. Metro
    • Cost: 36 DKK ($5.20)
    • Duration: 13 minutes
    • Provider: DOT
    • Purchase: Station machines or DOT app
  2. Train
    • Cost: 36 DKK ($5.20)
    • Duration: 12 minutes
    • Provider: DSB
    • Purchase: Station machines or DSB app
  3. Bus
    • Cost: 36 DKK ($5.20)
    • Duration: 35-40 minutes
    • Provider: DOT
    • Purchase: From driver or DOT app
  4. Taxi/Ride-share
    • Cost: 250-300 DKK ($36-43)
    • Duration: 20 minutes
    • Providers: Taxa 4×35, Dantaxi
    • Book: Apps or taxi stand

Accommodations

Booking platforms: Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com

Luxury Range

  • Hotel D’Angleterre
    • 4,000+ DKK ($575+) per night
  • Nimb Hotel
    • 3,500+ DKK ($500+) per night
  • Villa Copenhagen
    • 3,000+ DKK ($430+) per night

Mid-Range

  • Andersen Hotel
    • 1,200-1,800 DKK ($172-258) per night
  • citizenM
    • 1,000-1,500 DKK ($143-215) per night
  • 71 Nyhavn
    • 1,500-2,200 DKK ($215-315) per night

Budget Range

  • Generator Copenhagen
    • 200-400 DKK ($29-57) per night
  • Urban House
    • 250-450 DKK ($36-65) per night
  • Steel House
    • 200-500 DKK ($29-72) per night

Foods

Copenhagen’s culinary landscape combines traditional Danish dishes with New Nordic innovation:

  • Smørrebrød: Open-faced sandwiches
  • Frikadeller: Danish meatballs
  • Stegt Flæsk: Crispy pork with parsley sauce
  • Rød Pølse: Red Danish hot dogs
  • Kartofler: Caramelized potatoes
  • Kanelsnegle: Cinnamon rolls
  • Flæskesteg: Roast pork with crackling
  • Æbleskiver: Danish pancake balls

Famous Food Markets:

  • Torvehallerne
  • Reffen
  • Bridge Street Kitchen
  • WestMarket

Tourist Attractions

Tivoli Gardens One of the world’s oldest amusement parks, offering a magical blend of historic charm and modern thrills. The park features beautiful gardens, exciting rides, and numerous restaurants. Visit during summer for outdoor concerts or winter for enchanting Christmas markets and lights.

Nyhavn The iconic 17th-century waterfront district with colorful townhouses, historic wooden ships, and numerous cafes and restaurants. Once home to Hans Christian Andersen, today it’s a perfect spot for photos and outdoor dining.

The Little Mermaid Copenhagen’s famous bronze statue inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale. While modest in size, it’s an essential photo stop and symbol of the city. Visit early morning to avoid crowds.

Christiansborg Palace Home to the Danish Parliament, Supreme Court, and Royal Reception Rooms. Visit the tower for free city views, explore the royal kitchen, and see the impressive Great Hall with its tapestries.

Rosenborg Castle A Renaissance castle housing the Crown Jewels and Danish Royal Collection. The castle is surrounded by the King’s Garden, Copenhagen’s oldest public park and a popular spot for picnics.

Amalienborg Palace The winter residence of the Danish Royal Family, consisting of four identical palace facades around an octagonal courtyard. Watch the changing of the Royal Guard at noon.

Christiania The famous free town, a self-proclaimed autonomous neighborhood known for its alternative lifestyle, artistic expression, and unique architecture. Respect local rules and no photography in certain areas.

Things to Do

Cultural Experiences

  • Explore the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
  • Visit the National Museum of Denmark
  • Tour the Danish Design Museum
  • Experience contemporary art at Copenhagen Contemporary
  • Watch performances at the Royal Danish Theatre
  • Visit the Glyptotek art museum
  • Explore the Royal Danish Library
  • Tour Carlsberg Brewery
  • Visit the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde
  • Experience live jazz at La Fontaine

Design & Architecture

  • Visit the Danish Architecture Center
  • Explore Designmuseum Danmark
  • Tour modernist architecture in Ørestad
  • See CopenHill (Amager Bakke)
  • Visit Grundtvig’s Church
  • Explore The Round Tower
  • Tour Copenhagen Opera House
  • Visit design shops in Strøget
  • See the Black Diamond Library
  • Explore Superkilen Park

Local Life & Food

  • Food tour at Torvehallerne Market
  • Visit Reffen street food market
  • Take Danish cooking classes
  • Join coffee and pastry tours
  • Experience food halls at Bridge Street Kitchen
  • Visit craft breweries
  • Take smørrebrød workshops
  • Explore Meatpacking District restaurants
  • Visit organic wine bars
  • Experience New Nordic cuisine

Outdoor Activities

  • Cycle the Harbor Circle route
  • Swim in harbor baths
  • Join canal tours
  • Visit Frederiksberg Gardens
  • Picnic in King’s Garden
  • Explore Dyrehaven deer park
  • Take urban kayak tours
  • Visit Copenhagen Zoo
  • Explore Amager Beach Park
  • Join guided bike tours

Day Trips

  • Visit Kronborg Castle (Hamlet’s Castle)
  • Explore Frederiksborg Castle
  • Tour Roskilde Cathedral
  • Visit Louisiana Museum
  • Cross to Malmö, Sweden
  • Explore Dragør fishing village
  • Visit Bakken amusement park
  • Tour Frilandsmuseet open-air museum
  • Visit Møns Klint white cliffs
  • Explore Zealand’s countryside

Getting Around

Public Transport

  • Single trip: 24 DKK ($3.45)
  • 24-hour ticket: 80 DKK ($11.50)
  • 72-hour ticket: 200 DKK ($28.70)
  • Covers metro, trains, buses, and harbor buses

Cycling

  • Bike rental: 100-150 DKK ($14-22) per day
  • Popular providers: Donkey Republic, Bycyklen
  • Extensive cycle lane network

Harbor Buses

  • Included in public transport tickets
  • Scenic way to cross harbor

Budget (Daily Expenses in USD)

CategoryBackpackerMid-RangeLuxury
Accommodation$35-70$150-250$400+
Food$30-50$70-120$200+
Transportation$10-15$20-30$50+
Attractions$20-40$50-80$100+
Total/Day$95-175$290-480$750+

Travel Insurance

We recommend comprehensive travel insurance that includes coverage for bicycle accidents and outdoor activities.

Money-Saving Tips

  • Use Copenhagen Card for attractions and transport
  • Stay in hostels or Vesterbro area
  • Eat at street food markets
  • Use bike-share systems
  • Visit free museums
  • Take free walking tours
  • Buy groceries at budget supermarkets
  • Use water fountains for refills

Seasonal Recommendations

  • Summer: Experience long daylight hours and outdoor festivals
  • Winter: Enjoy hygge atmosphere and Christmas markets
  • Spring: Visit gardens and outdoor cafes
  • Fall: Experience cultural season and food festivals
  • May-September: Perfect for cycling and outdoor activities
  • December: Don’t miss Christmas decorations

Safety Precautions

  • Watch for cyclists when walking
  • Use bike lights at night (mandatory)
  • Secure belongings in busy areas
  • Use marked bike lanes
  • Keep copies of important documents
  • Register with your embassy
  • Use official taxis
  • Be careful around water

Copenhagen enchants visitors with its perfect blend of historic charm and forward-thinking design. This city, where fairy tales were born and sustainability thrives, offers experiences that range from innovative gastronomy to world-class museums, from cozy cafes to cutting-edge architecture. Whether you’re drawn by the New Nordic cuisine, the bicycle culture, the design scene, or the pursuit of hygge, Copenhagen provides a uniquely Danish perspective on urban living that balances tradition with innovation.

The city rewards those who embrace its local rhythms – cycling through historic streets, lingering over coffee and pastries, exploring design shops, and experiencing the famous Danish hygge. Whether you’re admiring contemporary architecture, dining at world-class restaurants, or simply enjoying the harbor views, Copenhagen offers a sophisticated yet accessible experience that makes every visit memorable. Take time to experience both the cultural highlights and the intimate charms of this remarkable Scandinavian capital, where sustainability and quality of life create a truly exceptional urban environment.

Note: The travel package prices provided are estimates based on current market rates. Actual costs may fluctuate due to factors such as peak tourist seasons and other circumstances beyond our control.