Planning a trip to Denmark’s capital? This Copenhagen travel guide features the city’s best attractions, restaurants, and neighbourhoods—all captured in stunning photos. From the colourful houses of Nyhavn to Michelin-starred dining and craft beer at Mikkeller, discover what makes Copenhagen one of Europe’s most exciting cities.
Why Visit Copenhagen?
Copenhagen combines Scandinavian design, world-class dining, and rich history. Whether you’re exploring royal castles, cycling through bike-friendly streets, or discovering the alternative community of Christiania, Denmark’s capital offers unique experiences fo every traveller.
Copenhagen Quick Facts
📍 Capital of Denmark
👥 Population: 800,000+ (metro area: 2M+)
🚴 400km+ of bike lanes
🍺 Home to Mikkeller & Carlsberg breweries
⭐ 15+ Michelin-starred restaurants
🎭 Famous for: Little Mermaid, Nyhavn, Tivoli Gardens
💰 Budget: €100-150/day (mid-range)
Nyhavn: Copenhagen’s Most Iconic Waterfront
Nyhavn, or “new port”, is Copenhagen’s most popular attraction. It is a 17th-century waterfront, canal and entertainment district. Expect to see brightly coloured houses, boats, bars, cafes, restaurants, street food stands and tourists.
It was home for sailors and artists. Hans Christian Andersen wrote The Tinderbox, Little Claus and Big Claus and The Princess and the Pea while living at No. 20, and also spent time living at Nos. 18 and 67.
Pro Tip: Visit Nyhavn early morning (before 9 am) for the best photos without crowds. The colourful buildings reflect beautifully in the canal during golden hour.
Freetown Christiania: Copenhagen’s Alternative Community
Christiania is an intentional community and commune of about 850 to 1,000 residents, covering 7.7 hectares. It was established in 1971 and has drawn nonconformists from across the globe, attracted by the concept of communal living, collective business and workshops.
Expect to see all kinds of DIY homes, pubs and beer gardens, cosy garden plots, restaurants, plenty of picnic space, hippies and music venues. There are also plenty of stands selling hash and marijuana. No hard drugs or photographs allowed.
Update 2025: People and government are taking decisive steps to end its notorious illegal hashish market on Pusher Street by removing cobblestones and starting major renovations, aiming to reclaim its original spirit of creativity and community, free from criminal influence and violence. (see this article)
The Little Mermaid Statue: Denmark’s Most Famous Monument
The Little Mermaid is a bronze statue by Edvard Eriksen, depicting a mermaid becoming human. The sculpture is displayed on a rock by the waterside at the Langelinie promenade. It remains a popular attraction despite being selected as the second most disappointing tourist attraction in Europe.
It was inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale about a mermaid “who gives up everything to be united with a young, handsome prince on land”.
Hans Christian Andersen’s gravestone
If you like The Little Mermaid, you can complete the cultural experience by visiting Hans Christian Andersen’s gravestone. It is located at Assistens Cemetery in the Nørrebro district.
Although a prolific writer of plays, travelogues, novels, and poems, Andersen is best remembered for his fairy tales, including “The Emperor’s New Clothes”, “The Little Mermaid”, “The Nightingale”, “The Snow Queen”, “The Ugly Duckling”, “The Little Match Girl” and “Thumbelina”
Rosenborg Castle: Royal History & Danish Crown Jewels
Rosenborg Slot is a castle that was built in Dutch Renaissance style between 1606 and 1633 by King Christian IV to serve as his summer home. Today is a museum showing artworks, furnishings, swords, crown jewels and portraits of each monarch from Christian IV to Frederik VII. Tickets can be purchased online.
Besides the museum, the Danish Royal Guard marches from Rosenborg Castle to Amalienborg Palace, where the Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place. The ceremony takes place daily, with the guard leaving Rosenborg Castle at 11:30 to arrive at Amalienborg Palace for the ceremony at 12:00 [More Info]
Christiansborg Palace: Denmark’s Parliament Building
Christiansborg Palace is a palace and government building on the islet of Slotsholmen in central Copenhagen, Denmark. It is the seat of the Danish Parliament, the Danish Prime Minister’s Office, and the Supreme Court of Denmark.
Admission to the palace grounds, public galleries (during parliamentary debates only), and the tower is free. Other parts of the palace are open to the public for a fee. These areas include the royal reception rooms, ruins from the 11th century, the royal kitchen and the chapel.
Opera House
The Copenhagen Opera House is the national opera house of the country, and among the most modern opera houses in the world. It is also one of the most expensive opera houses ever built, with construction costs of well over US$500 million (limestone exteriors, oak bridges, marble floors, gold leaf ceilings, glass sculptures).
It is located on the island of Holmen in central Copenhagen. It was designed to give the impression that the structure itself is on an island.
Tivoli Gardens: Historic Amusement Park in the Heart of Copenhagen
Tivoli Gardens is one of the world’s oldest operating amusement parks, opened in 1843, and remains Copenhagen’s most visited attraction. Located in the heart of the city just across from Central Station, this enchanting park combines thrilling rides, beautiful gardens, open-air concerts, and dozens of restaurants. The historic wooden roller coaster (Rutschebanen from 1914) and fairy-tale atmosphere inspired Walt Disney when creating Disneyland. Tivoli is particularly stunning at night when thousands of lights illuminate the gardens.
The park operates seasonally from mid-April through September, with special openings for Halloween and the famous Christmas market (November-December). Entry costs around 135 DKK (€18), with rides requiring separate tickets or an unlimited pass.
Mikkeller Craft Beer: Copenhagen’s Best Brewery Experience
Mikkeller is the most popular microbrewery in Denmark. It was founded by two homebrewers in 2006, and has won multiple awards, including “Danish Brewery of the Year”, and has also been judged the fifth best brewery in the world on two occasions.
In terms of pubs, our favourite was Mikkeller and Friends (picture above). They have 40 tap beers and 200 bottles, and also cider, spirits, soft drinks and a selection of bar snacks. You can also visit Mikkeller Bar and the HQ.
Grød Porridge Bar: Unique Copenhagen Breakfast Spot
Grød (or porridge as it translates) is the world’s first porridge bar. They serve delicious porridge, granola and grains for reasonable prices (considering Danish values).
The menu is not extensive but more than good enough, with all kinds of porridge and toppings. Ideal for breakfast, but also lunch, as they offer savoury options as well. The ingredients are fresh and organic.
Where to Eat in Copenhagen: From Smørrebrød to Michelin Stars
Open sandwiches, known as smørrebrød, which in their basic form are the usual fare for lunch, can be considered a national speciality when prepared and decorated with a variety of fine ingredients. Meat and fish dishes include flæskesteg (roast pork with crackling) and kogt torsk (poached cod), frikadeller (meatballs), karbonader (breaded pork patties) and medisterpølse (fried sausage).
Some recommended -value for money- restaurants are La Banchina, Neighbourhood (pizza), Hos Fisher, Bodil, Höst, La Neta, and Gro Spiseri. If you want more exclusive ones, there are plenty of Michelin restaurants. Geranium (3), Koks, Noma (2), Alouette, MeMu and 108 (1) are some of them. The complete list below:
- 3 stars: Geranium, Alchemist
- 2 stars: AOC, Kadeau, Noma
- 1 star: 108, Kong Hans Kælder, Marchal, Clou, Studio at The Standard, Relæ, Kokkeriet, Era Ora, Formel B, Kiin Kiin, Søllerød Kro, Alouette, Jordnær
Budget-Friendly Eating in Copenhagen
- Reffen Street Food Market: 50+ food stalls with international cuisine
- Torvehallerne: Indoor food market with gourmet options
- 7-Eleven and supermarkets for budget meals
- Lunch smørrebrød is cheaper than dinner options
Best Bars in Copenhagen: Nørrebro & Craft Beer Scene
There are plenty of good pubs and coffee shops in Copenhagen. Our favourite area was between København N and Nørrebro, supposedly the coolest area in the city. There are plenty of places surrounding the Assistens Cemetery, such as Grød and Mikkeller and Friends (see above), The Barking Dog, Dupong, Ravnsborg Vinbar and Stengade. Good spots for coffee are Cafe N and Cafe Taxa.
Another great pub, which is not in Nørrebro, is Ørsted Ølbar, with a large selection of beers, 200 different bottles and 20 on tap.
Practical Copenhagen Travel Tips
- Getting There: Copenhagen Airport (CPH) is 20 minutes from the city centre via metro
- Currency: Danish Krone (DKK), though many places accept cards
- Language: Danish, but English is widely spoken
- Copenhagen Card: Unlimited transport + free museum entry (worthwhile for 2+ days)
- Bike Rental: Donkey Republic, Bycyklen (city bikes), or hotel rentals available
Local Recommendations: Where Copenhagen Bloggers & Travellers Eat & Explore
Beyond the main tourist attractions, here are insider recommendations from fellow travel bloggers and Copenhagen visitors for the best local spots:
Best Breakfast & Coffee in Copenhagen
Start your morning at these beloved local cafes:
- Orsa – Speciality coffee and pastries
- Polly – Cosy neighbourhood cafe
- Konditoriet La Glace – Historic Danish pastry shop (est. 1870)
- Kafeteria – Modern Scandinavian breakfast spot
- Apollo Bar – Trendy coffee bar in Nørrebro
- Kobenhavns Bageri – Artisan bakery
- Hart Bageri – Sourdough bread and pastries
- Juno Bakery – Best cardamom buns and spandauer in the city
- Lille Bakery – Small batch baked goods
- April/SP Roasters – Speciality coffee roasters
Best Lunch Spots
For midday meals, try:
- Dal Forno – Italian sandwiches and pasta
- Torvehallerne – Indoor food market with 60+ vendors
- Gasoline Grill – Copenhagen’s best burgers
- Lido – Waterfront Italian restaurant
- Atelier September – Instagram-worthy avocado toast and salads
- Selma – Traditional smørrebrød (open sandwiches)
- Mormors – Super cosy cafe with homestyle cooking
Dinner Recommendations
Evening dining favourites:
- Ambra – Modern European cuisine
- Bar Moro – Spanish tapas and natural wine
- Superbon – Asian fusion
- Kødbyens Fiskebar – Fresh seafood in the Meatpacking District
- Restaurant Alf – Seasonal Danish dishes
- Marv & Ben – Upscale New Nordic dining
Sweet Treats & Ice Cream
- Ismageriet – Artisan ice cream shop
- Flere Fugle – Coffee and pastries
- Kasada – Modern Danish bakery
Shopping Districts & Boutiques
Explore these local shops for design, fashion, and souvenirs:
- Dora – Scandinavian homeware
- Boii Cph – Danish fashion and accessories
- Norr – Nordic design shop
- Pico – Curated lifestyle store
Museums Beyond the Tourist Trail
While in Copenhagen, visit these often-overlooked museums:
- Kunsthal Gammel Strand – Contemporary art exhibitions
- SMK (National Gallery of Denmark) – Free admission to the permanent collection
- David Samling – Islamic art and European decorative arts (free entry)
- Kunsthallen Charlottenborg – Contemporary art in a baroque palace
Additional Attractions & Activities
- Church of Our Saviour (Vor Frelsers Kirke): Climb the distinctive twisted spire for amazing 360° views of Copenhagen. The outdoor spiral staircase provides quite the adrenaline rush! If you’re afraid of heights, the Round Tower (Rundetårn) offers panoramic views with a gentle spiral ramp instead of stairs.
- Strømma Canal Tours: Experience Copenhagen from the water with canal tours departing from Nyhavn or Ved Stranden. The longer harbour tour takes you past the Opera House, Little Mermaid, modern architecture, and through the charming Christianshavn canals. Tours last 1-2 hours.
- Bike Like a Local: Rent a bike using the Donkey Republic app (Copenhagen’s bikeshare system) and casually explore neighbourhoods, especially around the scenic lakes district. Cycling is the best way to experience the city like a Copenhagener—the city has over 400km of dedicated bike lanes.
- LGBTQ+ Copenhagen: Copenhagen is one of Europe’s most LGBTQ+-friendly cities, home to the first legal same-sex civil union in modern Europe (1989). Explore gay bars, queer bookshops, and the rainbow-colored plaza commemorating this historic milestone.
Where to Stay in Copenhagen: Best Hotels by Neighbourhood
Nørrebro & Vesterbro – The Cool Neighbourhoods
- Hotel Kong Arthur – Perfectly located boutique hotel with wonderful staff, cute rooms, and a cosy lobby featuring a fireplace. Ideal for experiencing local Copenhagen beyond the tourist centre.
- Andersen Boutique Hotel – Stylish hotel in the heart of Vesterbro, close to the Meatpacking District’s restaurants and bars. Modern Scandinavian design with excellent breakfast.
- Ibsens Hotel – Charming hotel in trendy Nørrebro, walking distance to lakes, cafes, and local bars. Great value with comfortable rooms and bike rentals available.
City Centre – Near Main Attractions
- Hotel d’Angleterre – Copenhagen’s most iconic luxury hotel overlooking Kongens Nytorv. Historic elegance with Michelin-starred restaurant Marchal on-site.
- 71 Nyhavn Hotel – Converted 200-year-old warehouse directly on the famous Nyhavn canal. Wake up to colourful houses and boats outside your window.
- Copenhagen Admiral Hotel – Waterfront location in a historic granary building near Nyhavn. Exposed wooden beams and harbour views.
Budget-Friendly Options
- Generator Copenhagen – Modern hostel with private rooms available in Vesterbro. Stylish design, social atmosphere, and affordable rates.
- Copenhagen Downtown Hostel – Central location near Central Station with both dorms and private rooms. Clean, modern facilities with a communal kitchen.
- Wakeup Copenhagen – Two locations (Borgergade and Bernstorffsgade) offering compact, functional rooms at excellent prices. Perfect for budget travellers who plan to spend days exploring.
Christianshavn – Canal District
- CPH Studio Hotel – Modern aparthotel in Christianshavn with kitchenettes, perfect for longer stays. Near Christiania and canal-side walks.
- Hotel Ottilia – Boutique hotel in converted Carlsberg brewery buildings. Unique industrial-chic design with courtyard and restaurant.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Copenhagen
How many days do you need in Copenhagen?
Plan 3-4 days in Copenhagen to see major attractions like Nyhavn, Tivoli Gardens, Rosenborg Castle, and Christiania, plus time for food experiences and day trips. A weekend covers the highlights, but you’ll miss hidden gems.
Is Copenhagen expensive to visit?
Yes, Copenhagen is one of Europe’s priciest cities. Expect €15-25 for meals, €8-10 for beer, and €150+ for hotels. Save money with a Copenhagen Card for free museum entry and public transport.
What is the best time to visit Copenhagen?
May-September offers the best weather for Copenhagen visits. July and August are the warmest but most crowded. April-May and September-October provide fewer tourists and pleasant temperatures for sightseeing.
How do I get around Copenhagen?
Copenhagen is extremely bike-friendly with dedicated cycling lanes. Rent a bike (city bikes available), use efficient metro/bus systems, or walk—most attractions are centrally located within walking distance.
What food should I try in Copenhagen?
Must-try Danish foods include smørrebrød (open sandwiches), flæskesteg (roast pork), frikadeller (meatballs), and Danish pastries. Copenhagen also has world-class restaurants, including Noma and Geranium (Michelin-starred).
Is the Little Mermaid statue worth visiting?
The Little Mermaid is smaller than expected and often crowded, earning it the title of “second most disappointing European attraction.” Visit early morning for photos or combine with a waterfront walk.
What is Freetown Christiania?
Christiania is a self-governing commune established in 1971, known for an alternative lifestyle, colourful DIY homes, and open cannabis trade (though photography is prohibited). It’s a unique Copenhagen experience.
Where is the best area to stay in Copenhagen?
Nørrebro and Vesterbro offer the coolest neighbourhoods with great bars, restaurants, and local atmosphere. The city centre (near Nyhavn) is convenient for sightseeing but more touristy and expensive.
Can you visit Copenhagen on a budget?
Yes, with planning: eat from 7-Eleven or supermarkets, visit free attractions (Changing of the Guard, Assistens Cemetery), use bikes instead of taxis, and explore Nørrebro for affordable bars and cafes.
What day trips from Copenhagen are worth taking?
Popular day trips include Kronborg Castle (Hamlet’s castle) in Helsingør, Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, Malmö, Sweden (via Øresund Bridge), and Roskilde with its Viking Ship Museum.