Wonderful, wonderful Copenhagen – no matter what time of year you visit, it’s hard to go wrong on a weekend break in this beautiful city. One of the great things about this Danish capital is its versatility throughout the seasons – visit in summer and the streets, beaches and harbour pools will be teeming with people enjoying the sunshine. And if you opt for a winter trip, you’ll get the full hygge experience when you’re sitting by candlelight in a cosy cafe with live jazz and the sweet scent of cinnamon buns filling the air.
Copenhagen consistently ranks top of the list of the world’s best cities, and even a short trip to the Danish capital is enough to see why! It’s small enough to get around to all the best spots by bike or on foot, yet still has the feeling of being a bustling metropolis. The city is home to some world-class museums, galleries and attractions, with so many more unique and unexplored options that will satisfy any traveller’s desires. It’s the sweet spot between new and old – one minute you’ll be checking out some of the latest architectural masterpieces, and the next you’ll be walking the cobbled streets of Indre By or the maze of 17th century houses of Nyboder. It’s the sort of place where you can nestle in and see so much in just a few days, so we’ve put together a list of things to do in Copenhagen that’ll help you feel like a local the minute you step foot in town.
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Day 1
Morning:
How to get around
The best way to see the city is by bike or on foot. Distances are short, the cycle infrastructure is world-renowned, and cruising Copenhagen’s cobbled streets and beautiful bridges by bike will be sure to put a big smile on your face. Most hotels will rent out bikes, but if not, they’ll be able to direct you to the nearest rental spot, or you can hire an e-bike from the city-wide public Bycyklen scheme.
Where to get coffee & danish
First up, head to the Torvehallerne market hall (Frederiksborggade 21) to grab a coffee and pastry before you start exploring town, and treat yourself to some local produce and delicious sourdough for a picnic lunch or tomorrow’s breakfast. Coffee Collective is the go-to spot in Torvehallerne, so be prepared to queue. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds but still get your delicious caffeine hit, head around the corner to Hybrid Cafe (Vendersgade 22) – a relaxed coffee bar that specialises in high end beans from Denmark and around the world. And if you happen to pass by at night, Hybrid lights its candles and transforms into a hygge bar serving specialty beers, wines and co*cktails.
Get cultural
Once satiated with your belly full of Kanelsnegle (cinnamon “snail” buns), head down to the colourful Nyhavn harbour via Strøget – Europe’s longest pedestrianised shopping street. You’ll no doubt recognise Nyhavn as one of Copenhagen’s most picturesque spots, so take your time to stroll both sides of the harbour to check out the views and snap some pictures of the 17th century architecture. There are multiple great spots for a hot drink and cold beer, and if it’s chilly, don’t forget to ask for a blanket and hot water bottle to cosy up with while you watch the world go by.
If you want to continue to immerse yourself in the city’s rich history, head north along the harbour and past Amalienborg, home of the Danish royal family, and continue on up to Kastellet – one of the best preserved fortresses in Northern Europe. Along your way you’ll pass the Danish Design Museum which will reopen after extensive renovation in June 2022, and is well worth a visit if you’re into iconic Danish style.
When lunchtime rolls around, pull out that picnic you bought from Torvehallerne, or get yourself a smørrebrød (open faced sandwich) from one of the tucked away cafes in the area. To soak up some more culture, the National Gallery of Denmark (SMK) can be found in the middle of a lush green park, and houses Danish and international art from the 14th Century to today. The collection features pieces from artists like Picasso, Derain and Matisse, and the gift shop is the perfect spot for affordable mementos that will fit in your hand luggage. Once you’ve exhausted your art brain for the day, go get some fresh air in the lush Botanical Gardens next to the SMK. Both the glass house and the outdoor gardens are well worth a visit, and best of all – absolutely free.
Evening:
As the day winds down, head to the Nørrebro neighbourhood where you can soak up the evening sun with the locals on Dronning Louises Bro bridge. The city has a reputation for being expensive, but there are plenty of restaurants in Copenhagen offering cheap and cheerful meals. Slurp Ramen (Nansensgade 90) is a great pick for a quick in-and-out meal before you head elsewhere, or head to the Meatpacking District and surrounding area for a wide variety of options – from fuss-free Pizza at Mother (Høkerboderne 9-15, perfect for big groups), to mouth-watering Mexican food at Sanchez (Istedgade 60) started by a former Noma chef. If you’re not quite ready to go to bed yet, check out Vivant (Elmegade 4), one of the city’s hottest new wine bars, or put on your dancing shoes and head to Jolene’s (Flæsketorvet 81-85) or Mesteren & Lærlingen (Flæsketorvet 86) for some of the best nightlife in Copenhagen.
Day 2
Morning:
Wake up and do as the locals do on a Saturday morning, and head to the flea markets in the west end neighbourhood of Vesterbro. Flea markets (or loppemarked) can pop up all over the city, but Sønder Boulevard is where you’ll find a few of them. Get up early to find the best deals, and then relax with a long brunch at Cafe Dyrehaven (Sønder Blvd. 72), an unfussy breakfast spot with chic decor and a local crowd.
Next up, hop on your bike and pedal over to Refshaleøen on the opposite side of the harbour. Don’t be alarmed when you think we’ve sent you to an industrial wasteland – this is the city’s former naval and ship-building yard, and it’s having a renaissance as one of Copenhagen’s coolest areas with converted warehousing housing numerous galleries, bars and creative industries. Copenhagen Contemporary always has an exciting exhibition roster, and there’s also rock climbing (Refshalevej 163), paintball and a high ropes course (Refshalevej 177) to keep you occupied if adrenaline is more your thing.
Evening:
For a pre-dinner drink La Banchina is the place to be during the golden hour, serving natural wine and an affordable tasting menu focusing on farm to plate food. The popularity of the bar is no secret, but it’s tucked away enough that it has an aura of a place that is frequented only by those in the know… If you’re feeling brave, there’s also an on-site sauna, so this is a perfect spot for an evening dip.
Once the sun dips, head back into Indre By (the city centre) via the Olafur Eliasson-designed Circle Bridge and the city’s newest harbour crossing (Lille Langebro), and straight to Tivoli Gardens (Vesterbrogade 3). Tivoli opened in the Victorian era, and you can still get lost in time on winding 19th century cobbled streets and traditional games. There are plenty of places to eat in the park’s food court, though we’d maybe warn against eating before strapping into one of Tivoli’s roller coasters! There’s plenty at Tivoli for all ages, and is best visited at night when the lights twinkle and there’s a feeling of magic in the air. Be sure to check the website for seasonal events and offers.
City break Copenhagen: Where to stay
The Coco Hotel in the hip Vesterbro neighbourhood is Copenhagen’s newest sustainable boutique hotel. Surrounding a green and peaceful courtyard, you can step back from the throng of the city while still having it at your doorstep.
Cut-price comfort
Though this may be a budget option, Generator Copenhagen still has all the trimmings you’d expect from a hotel in this trendy city – there’s an on-site bar, a chillout lounge with TV and a pool table, and a programme of DJ sets, karaoke and other evening entertainment. Situated in the downtown core near the colourful Nyhavn harbour, you’ll be right at the heart of the action.
FAQs
Wonderful, wonderful Copenhagen – no matter what time of year you visit, it's hard to go wrong on a weekend break in this beautiful city.
Is Copenhagen good for a city break? ›
Copenhagen always ranks highly in surveys of the world's best cities, and little wonder. Size certainly helps: it's big enough to have world-class museums, restaurants and attractions; small enough to make them easily accessible.
How many days should you go to Copenhagen? ›
All in all, 2 days in Copenhagen is ideal if you're trying to see the main sites and get a good feel for the city, three days is great if you want to dig deeper in the city itself and 4 days in Copenhagen is fantastic for a few day trips to either nearby areas within Denmark or over the bridge in Sweden.
What area is best to stay in Copenhagen? ›
- Best areas to stay in Copenhagen at a glance.
- Indre By / Old Town – best area for first-time visitors.
- Osterbro – where to stay for couples & families.
- Norrebro – best for budget travellers.
- Vesterbro – where to stay for nightlife.
- Christianshavn – unique & really cool area.
The best time to visit Copenhagen is usually in the spring and summer, specifically the months of March through August. The springtime brings milder weather and fewer crowds. If that's what you prefer, make sure to visit the city from March to May.
What is the best month to visit Denmark? ›
The best time to visit Denmark is in June, July and August, when daylight hours are long and temperatures sit comfortably between 59°F and 68°F — ideal for hiking in the green landscape. This is a popular time to get outdoors for visitors and locals alike, and the coast can get busy.
How much money do I need for 3 days in Copenhagen? ›
On average you can expect to spend €88-220 per person per day (roughly $94 to $235 USD) on a trip to the Danish capital if you are a budget or mid-range traveller. However, it is also possible to spend more or less depending on your travel preferences.
Is Copenhagen better than Amsterdam? ›
It really depends on what you are looking for when visiting a city. Amsterdam is perfect for those who want to experience the city's history and culture, as well as its nightlife. Copenhagen, on the other hand, is great for families due to its many parks and gardens, as well as its cleanliness and efficiency.
Is Copenhagen nicer than Stockholm? ›
Essentially, Stockholm is both the cheapest and safest city out of the two, but it doesn't make it the ideal place to visit. Copenhagen has all the makings of being the next big digital nomad spot, whilst Stockholm remains difficult to navigate on a budget (even if it is possible).
Is Copenhagen a walkable city? ›
Copenhagen's small size makes it a walkable city, and few of the main sights or shopping quarters are more than a 20-minute walk from the city center. Walking around Copenhagen allows you to find hidden gems and interesting detours that you might have missed otherwise.
The public transport infrastructure of Copenhagen is among the most efficient and reliable in the world, and it is still being developed and improved. Public transport will get you anywhere you wish to go in the capital region.
Where should I stay in Copenhagen for the first time? ›
The best areas to stay in Copenhagen for first-timers are the neighborhoods of Indre By/ Old Town, Vesterbro, Christianshavn, Osterbro, Nørrebro, Frederiksberg, Islands Brygge, and Amager East. These are popular and safe areas for tourists that offer a wide variety of attractions and amenities.
How much money do I need in Copenhagen per day? ›
For budget-minded travelers, it costs around $70-$120/day to visit Copenhagen. These prices are based on what you'll need to visit the city comfortably as a budget traveler. If you want to upgrade your accommodations then you'll want to add another $100-$200/night depending on where you stay.
When can you see Northern Lights in Copenhagen? ›
The official Aurora season is from September until April, but like with so many other things with nature, it's not something you can say with any certainty. The ideal conditions are when it's cold and dark outside, and the Northern Lights' activity is high. The sky has to be clear, usually on cold nights.
Do they speak English in Copenhagen? ›
Almost everyone in Copenhagen can speak English fluently. There are also plenty of French and German speakers in the city so if someone is visiting from France or Germany, they will be able to get help from the locals even if they don't know a word of Danish.
Do I need a negative Covid test to enter Copenhagen? ›
COVID testing is not required when arriving to Denmark.
Is Denmark a cheap place to visit? ›
Denmark is actually an easy cheap holiday destination, perfect for budget travel. Read on to find ways to save money but not scrimp on fun on your holiday to Denmark.
How many days are enough for Denmark? ›
Denmark is a fairly small country and therefore in two weeks you can see the country's main attractions and visit the most beautiful cities including Copenhagen, Odense and Aarhus.
What is the coldest month in Denmark? ›
Climate of Denmark
Lakes may freeze and snow frequently falls during the cold winters, yet the mean temperature in February, the coldest month, is about 32 °F (0 °C), which is roughly 12 °F (7 °C) higher than the worldwide average for that latitude.
Are US dollars accepted in Copenhagen? ›
Are US Dollars Accepted in Copenhagen? US dollars are accepted for larger purchases in the tourist areas of Copenhagen but don't expect to get a decent exchange rate. Your change will be returned to you in Danish kroner, also at a disadvantageous exchange rate.
2018 Price of Coffee Worldwide
| Doha | $6.40 |
|---|
| Copenhagen | $6.24 |
| Dubai | $5.70 |
| Zurich | $4.98 |
| Beijing | $4.42 |
10 more rowsMar 21, 2019
A single person estimated monthly costs are 1,148.0$ (7,856.2kr) without rent. Copenhagen is 9.5% less expensive than Seattle (without rent).
...
Cost of Living in Copenhagen.
| Restaurants | Edit |
|---|
| Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) | 50.00kr |
| Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) | 46.45kr |
| Cappuccino (regular) | 41.88kr |
| co*ke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) | 22.67kr |
62 more rowsWhat is Copenhagen famous for? Copenhagen is famous all over the world for its picturesque canals, delicious Danish cuisine, and ever-charming breweries. The city is also known for its magnificent palaces, impressive art galleries, jazz clubs, and Danish fashion.
Is Copenhagen a friendly city? ›
Copenhagen is a really unique city, and its happy, friendly people make any visit to Copenhagen very pleasant - even if it is during the frigid cold months.
Is Copenhagen worth a visit? ›
Copenhagen, with its colorful buildings, fabulous food scene, and laid-back atmosphere, is a great city to visit on a European tour. With one day in Copenhagen, you have just enough time to stroll through charming Nyhavn, sample some local cuisine, and visit a museum, all while exploring the city by bicycle.
What is the prettiest city in Scandinavia? ›
Arguably Scandinavia's most beautiful city, elegant Copenhagen has it all, from gorgeous architecture, remarkable museums and galleries, charming canals, culturally diverse neighborhoods, and a fairytale-like old center to green parks, plenty of trendy cafés, the longest shopping street in Europe –The Strøget, the ...
Which Scandinavian capital is the prettiest? ›
Copenhagen, Denmark
Lying on the islands of Zeeland and Amager, the city is one of the most beautiful Scandinavian capital cities. It's famed for its charming canals, green parks, impressive galleries, trendy cafes, and even the longest shopping street in Europe.
Is the train ride from Copenhagen to Stockholm Scenic? ›
Stockholm to Copenhagen Train Information
The direct Stockholm to Copenhagen train, operated by the Swedish Rail, runs on a very scenic route and covers the distance between the capital of Sweden and the capital of Denmark in about 5 hours.
Is 2 days enough to see Copenhagen? ›
Two days in Copenhagen are enough to see the main attractions, but we suggest spending three or four days in the city. This is the only way you can enjoy the Danish hyggeligt lifestyle, which means enjoying the simple pleasures of everyday life.
Is 3 days enough for Copenhagen? ›
Three days in Copenhagen is not enough to truly discover the city, but the relatively small size and friendly people make it a prime destination for a short getaway. And you can always see more on your next trip…
The white cliffs of Møn are one of the most famous and beautiful places in Denmark. It is the only place in the country where you can experience high chalk cliffs and an abundance of unique flora and fauna associated with them.
Which city is better to visit Stockholm or Copenhagen? ›
Walking around the streets of both cities, you will notice that Copenhagen is rough, gritty, and slightly careless whereas Stockholm is very posh and proper. The winner of this category is Copenhagen by a whisker. Its architecture and attractions are slightly more diverse.
Do they speak good English in Copenhagen? ›
Almost everyone in Copenhagen can speak English fluently. There are also plenty of French and German speakers in the city so if someone is visiting from France or Germany, they will be able to get help from the locals even if they don't know a word of Danish. Tourism is growing every year in Copenhagen.
