Copenhagen is an effortlessly stylish city where modern scandi feel meets cosy nostalgia. It’s a city driven by design and cool aesthetics – from its buildings to its people. With gardens, canals, beaches and even a ski slope, the Danish capital is a breath of fresh air and a pleasure to explore.
As you’d expect from the capital of such a forward-thinking country, Copenhagen is a place of dynamic culture, innovation and sustainability. These qualities underpin every aspect of the city, from its shopping and cuisine to its attractions and architecture.
From iconic Nyhavn where colourful houses line the shimmering canal to pockets of eccentricity and bohemian soul in places like Christiana, Copenhagen is a wonderfully multifaceted city. The transport is efficient, the streets are safe, and the locals are friendly, making the Danish capital an easy city to explore for every type of traveller.
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Copenhagen is an easy city to reach, especially if you’re travelling from within Europe.
Top tip: If you want to take the stress out of getting from the airport to the city centre, book your Copenhagen airport transfer here for an English-speaking, professional driver.
Despite being a relatively large city, Copenhagen is very straightforward to navigate, especially when you have CityMapper or Google Maps to hand. Its public transport system is wonderfully efficient and many of the more central areas are explorable on foot.
Top tip: I’d recommend purchasing a City Pass for the length of time you’re going to be in Copenhagen. It’s a really cost effective way of getting unlimited travel while you’re exploring the city. Plus, you won’t have to worry about buying lots of tickets. Purchase a City Pass from one of the ticket machines as you’re leaving the airport.
Copenhagen offers an inviting charm all year round, from the pretty views of springtime and warmer days of the summer to the sparkle and magic of the winter months. If you have an aversion to cold weather then you’d probably be better off visiting in the summer months.
Copenhagen is a foodie paradise, with a wide variety of cuisines on offer from all over the world. The city is especially renowned for its classic Danish cuisine, which can be found in many of the city’s cafes and restaurants.
The most famous dish is probably Smørrebrød, a type of open sandwich that is traditionally served on dark rye bread and topped with a variety of meats, cheeses and vegetables. Another popular dish is Kartofler, a potato dish often served with gravy. For those looking for something a bit sweeter, delectable pastries and desserts are available around every corner.
As you’d expect, Copenhagen also has its fair share of Michelin-starred restaurants. One of the most notable of these is Noma, which is often hailed as one of the best restaurants in the world. There’s also the wonderfully unique and totally immersive The Alchemist.
For something more relaxed, a visit to Reffen street food market is an absolute must. It’s a haven of mouth-watering fare from all over the world. Sit back and relax in a deck chair as you tuck into some delicious food while watching the sunset over the harbour.
Copenhagen is home to a number of world-renowned museums, each of which offers a unique window into the city’s culture and history. The Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, for example, houses an impressive collection of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman art. While the Nationalmuseet chronicles the development of Denmark from the Stone Age to the present day.
For those interested in Copenhagen’s rich artistic heritage, the Statens Museum for Kunst is a must-see, with its wide-ranging collection of Danish and international art. Just outside the city centre lies the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, set amidst stunning gardens and offering breathtaking views of the Øresund strait.
Whatever your interests, Copenhagen’s museums are sure to provide a fascinating glimpse into the soul of this historic city.
There aren’t many cities where you can don your swimsuit and dive into the city canals. I wouldn’t even think about dipping a toe in the River Thames in London, my home city! In Copenhagen, the water quality at all the designated harbour baths is closely monitored by the city authorities.
There are plenty of harbour baths dotted around the city, as well as natural sandy bays and salt water pools. If you prefer to stay on dry land, you can hang out on one of the wooden piers or decked areas. It’s a central part of the social scene in Copenhagen, so going for a swim is a great way to blend in with the locals.
Just be sure to stick to the designated swimming areas and don’t swim if a red flag is flying. A dip in the water is the perfect way to cool off in the summer months, or feel invigorated in the winter months – if you’re brave enough!
Discover the best beaches and swimming spots in Copenhagen.
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If your main priority is checking out the sights of the city, then three days is a good amount of time to spend in Copenhagen. A long weekend is the perfect way to experience a lot of what the city has to offer.
But Copenhagen is more than just a pretty city – it’s also a great place to relax and people watch. So if you want to really experience Copenhagen life, consider spending a bit longer in the city. That way, you can explore all the different neighbourhoods and get a feel for what it’s like to live there.
Copenhagen is the perfect destination for solo travellers. It is an incredibly safe city, plus the locals are exceptionally friendly and helpful. I was shocked to see that the majority of people leave their bikes unlocked, which is testament to the low crime rate in the city.
The transport system is clean, safe and easy to navigate, plus there are plenty of things to see and do for solo travellers. Copenhagen is undoubtedly one of the best cities in Europe – if not the world – to explore on your own.
There is no denying that Copenhagen is not an affordable city. As one of the most expensive cities in Europe, it does put a strain on the purse strings. That’s not to say that Copenhagen can’t be explored on a budget, especially if you plan ahead. But to really experience all that this beautiful city has to offer, it’s worth accepting that you may have to spend a fair amount of money. Is it worth it? In my opinion, absolutely yes!
Copenhagen is home to an impressive 15 Michelin star restaurants. Two establishments hold the coveted three Michelin stars: Geranium and noma, the latter of which also holds a Michelin Green Star. While 12 Copenhagen restaurants hold the Bib Gourmand accolade. Read my guide to the best Michelin star restaurants in Copenhagen.
Copenhagen is a truly magical place at Christmas time, as it lights up with festivities and vibrant Christmas markets. There are three key Christmas markets to be aware of: Christmas in Tivoli Gardens, Christmas at Bakken, and Christmas market in the Zoo.
It may surprise you to learn that yes, you can go skiing in Copenhagen! Not on real snow though. Copenhill is an artificial ski slope and recreational hill built on top of an industrial power plant. It’s a super fun way to spend an afternoon in the city and one of the best things to do in Copenhagen.
Whether you’re after an indulgent five-star stay with every luxury imaginable, or you’re simply after the best hotel views in the city, here are some of the best hotels in Copenhagen.
Copenhagen is a playground for foodies. From world-renowned restaurants and Michelin-star dining to more laid-back venues offering the best of Danish cuisine, here are some bucket list restaurants in Copenhagen.
VÆSKT
Incredible Nordic cuisine with a focus on fresh vegetables.
NOMA
Considered to be one of the best restaurants in the world.
SELMA
The place to try traditional Danish smørrebrød.
THE ALCHEMIST
An immersive experience with a 50-course tasting menu.
Copenhagen does brunch very well indeed. From traditional open sandwiches to classic breakfast dishes, discover the best breakfast & brunch spots in Copenhagen.
SIDECAR
Indulge in delicious brunch boards.
Ø12
Mouth-watering dishes and great coffee.
SIXTEEN TWELVE
A healthy option with cool interiors.
BOWL MARKET
For cosy porridge or healthy acai bowls.
There are a number of inviting swimming spots scattered across the city. From harbour baths to beaches, find the best places to go swimming in Copenhagen.
LA
BANCHINA
Harbour swimming with sauna and eatery.
KLØYERS
PLADS
Popular swimming spot with a pretty backdrop.
KASTRUP SEA BATH
An outdoor city sea water pool, free to enter.
AMAGER BEACH PARK
Beautiful beach with three swimming pools.
The Danish capital is awash with iconic landmarks and tourist attractions. Hopping from amusement parks and beautiful gardens to stately castles and spectacular viewpoints, discover the best things to do in Copenhagen.
TIVOLI
GARDENS
A world-famous amusement park.
NYHAVN COPENHAGEN
The beautifully iconic canal and harbour.
CHURCH OF OUR SAVIOUR
For stunning views across the city.
ROSENBORG CASTLE
Experience 400 years of royal history.
Planning a trip to Copenhagen? Have a read of these Copenhagen travel articles to help you plan your visit.
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