Copenhagen, Denmark

A Comprehensive Guide to Traveling in Copenhagen, Denmark

Table of Contents

  1. Places to Visit
  2. Activities
  3. Where to Eat
  4. Accommodation
  5. Things to Know
  6. Transportation
  7. Tips and Tricks
  8. Other Things of Interest

Places to Visit

Iconic Landmarks

  • The Little Mermaid: A small bronze statue of a mermaid located on the Langelinie quay, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale.
  • Tivoli Gardens: One of the world’s oldest amusement parks, offering thrilling rides and scenic gardens.
  • Rosenborg Castle: A 17th-century castle housing the Danish Crown Jewels and the National History Museum.

Museums

  • The National Museum of Denmark: Showcasing the country’s history from prehistoric times to the present day.
  • The Designmuseum Danmark: A museum dedicated to Danish design, featuring works by famous designers like Arne Jacobsen and Hans Wegner.
  • The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art: A world-renowned modern art museum located on the coast of Øresund.

Neighborhoods

  • Nyhavn: A picturesque waterfront district filled with restaurants, bars, and historic buildings.
  • Strøget: The longest pedestrian shopping street in Europe, offering a wide range of shops, cafes, and street performers.
  • Vesterbro: A trendy neighborhood known for its boutique hotels, upscale restaurants, and vibrant nightlife.

Markets

  • Torvehallerne: A bustling marketplace featuring local food producers, bakeries, and specialty stores.
  • Copenhagen Street Food: A popular market offering a variety of international street food.

Activities

  • Canal Boat Tours: Explore the city’s picturesque canals and waterways on a relaxing boat tour.
  • Biking: Copenhagen is a bike-friendly city; rent a bike and explore its scenic streets and parks.
  • Visit the Botanical Garden: A peaceful oasis in the heart of the city, featuring over 13,000 plant species.

Seasonal Activities

  • Winter: Enjoy ice skating at the Tivoli Gardens or visit the Copenhagen Christmas Market.
  • Summer: Take a dip in one of Copenhagen’s many beaches, such as Bellevue Beach or Amager Strandpark.
  • Autumn: Visit the Nyhavn harbor during the annual “Nyhaven Festival” for food, drinks, and live music.

Where to Eat

Traditional Danish Cuisine

  • Restaurant 108: A Michelin-starred restaurant serving modern Danish cuisine.
  • Formel B: A popular restaurant offering a seasonal menu featuring local produce.
  • Høst: A cozy restaurant specializing in traditional Danish dishes like smørrebrød and flæskesteg.

International Cuisine

  • Restaurant Schønnemann: A famous spot for Danish open-faced sandwiches (smørrebrød).
  • Mikkelsen’s Delicatessen: A popular deli serving a variety of international sandwiches and salads.
  • Bistro Borup: A cozy bistro offering French-inspired cuisine.

Food Markets

  • Torvehallerne: A bustling marketplace featuring local food producers, bakeries, and specialty stores.
  • Copenhagen Street Food: A popular market offering a variety of international street food.

Accommodation

Luxury Hotels

  • The Hotel Nimb: A luxurious hotel located in the heart of Copenhagen.
  • The 71 Nyhavn Hotel: A boutique hotel offering stunning views of the harbor.
  • Hotel Adina: A five-star hotel featuring elegant rooms and a rooftop bar.

Boutique Hotels

  • Axel Guldsmeden: A cozy boutique hotel with a focus on sustainability and eco-friendliness.
  • The Andersen Boutique Hotel: A stylish hotel located in the Vesterbro neighborhood.
  • Copenhagen Admiral Hotel: A unique hotel housed in a former 18th-century warehouse.

Budget-Friendly Options

  • Generator Copenhagen: A social hostel offering dorm rooms and private rooms at affordable prices.
  • Wakeup Copenhagen: A budget-friendly hotel with modern rooms and a central location.
  • Airbnb: Rent a local apartment or room through Airbnb for a more authentic experience.

Things to Know

Language

  • Danish: The official language, but many locals speak English fluently.
  • English: Widely spoken, especially among younger people and in tourist areas.

Currency

  • Danish Krone (DKK): The local currency; credit cards are widely accepted.

Safety

  • Copenhagen is generally a safe city, but take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
  • Be aware of pickpocketing in crowded areas like train stations and tourist hotspots.

Tipping Culture

  • Tipping is not mandatory, but rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% for good service is appreciated.

Transportation

Public Transport

  • Copenhagen Metro: A convenient and efficient way to get around the city, with frequent departures.
  • Bus Network: An extensive network of buses covering most areas of the city.
  • Train Station (Hovedbanegården): The central train station offering connections to other parts of Denmark.

Cycling

  • Copenhagen is a bike-friendly city, with dedicated bike lanes and bike-share systems like Bycyklen.
  • Rent a bike for a day or week-long rental through services like Donkey Republic or Urban Wheels.

Taxi

  • Taxis are widely available, but be prepared to pay around 100-150 DKK (around $15-$20 USD) for a short ride.

Tips and Tricks

Get a Copenhagen Card

  • Save money on public transportation, attractions, and restaurants with the Copenhagen Card.
  • Purchase online in advance or at tourist information offices throughout the city.

Buy a Rechargeable Public Transport Card

  • The Rejsekort is a rechargeable card that can be used for public transport, buses, and trains.

Learn Some Danish Phrases

  • Greet locals with “Hej” (hello) and “Tak” (thank you).
  • Ask directions with “Hvor er…?” (where is…?)

Enjoy the Local Cuisine

  • Try traditional smørrebrød at Restaurant Schønnemann.
  • Indulge in street food at Torvehallerne or Copenhagen Street Food.

Other Things of Interest

Visit the nearby Malmö, Sweden

  • Cross the Øresund Bridge for a day trip to Malmö and explore its vibrant city center.
  • Enjoy the shopping at the popular Triangeln shopping mall.

Explore the surrounding countryside

  • Visit the picturesque town of Helsingør, famous for its stunning architecture and scenic harbor.
  • Go hiking in the beautiful forests and hills surrounding Copenhagen.