Copenhagen, Denmark Destination Guide
Section 1: Intro to Copenhagen
Wonderful, wonderful Copenhagen – this is a city that feels fresh, airy and exciting. In recent years Copenhagen has attracted increasing numbers of visitors from more southern European countries, in part due to the rise in popularity of Scandinavian culture, film, and design. They won’t be disappointed – the Danish capital has plenty of sights to see, an inventive gastronomic scene, and makes for a relaxed and refreshing city break.
Which of the Following Phrases Best Describes this Destination?
Happy, Modern, Stylish
What’s the Destination Known For?
Bikes – Copenhagen is the cycling capital of the world, something made easier by the fact that the city is very, very flat. The Danish are world leaders when it comes to cycling, and this is a city best seen on two wheels.
Copenhagen is regularly voted one of the happiest places in the world to live, and it’s easy to see why while you are there. The culture is progressive and laid-back, the city is clean and pleasant to live in, and the sea winds are invigorating!
Food – Denmark (and particularly Copenhagen) has recently become known for its food culture, as those further south have realized the benefits of the Scandinavian diet. This city showcases the country’s finest produce and cooking traditions, and this is seen at one of the world’s best restaurants – the legendary NOMA.
Fun – The Tivoli Gardens, one of Copenhagen’s finest attractions is a historic pleasure park. Get in touch with your inner child and head for some of the rides here.
Fairy Stories – Hans Christian Andersen lived in Copenhagen and it was here that he wrote some of his most famous tales. Head to the pier to see the mournful statue of the Little Mermaid.
Shakespeare – One of Shakespeare’s best-loved plays, Hamlet, was set in the Kronborg Castle, just outside Copenhagen. This is a great place to absorb yourself in Danish history, and even see a staging of the play in the castle courtyard.
Getting There
Location: Lufthavnsboulevarden 6, 2770 Kastrup
Located 8 km south of Copenhagen city center
Visa: US citizens are eligible for the Visa Waiver program, and can enter the Schengen zone without requiring a visa.
Metro: The metro transports passengers to the city center from the airport. Tickets may be bought at the counter in Terminal 3 and the journey takes 13 minutes.
Train: The train is the easiest way to get directly to Copenhagen central train station from the airport. The journey takes 13 minutes and trains run every 10-20 minutes.
Bus: Buses run between the city center and the airport throughout the day (and infrequently at night), and the journey takes around 3-40 minutes.
Taxi: There are taxi stands outside Terminals 1 and 3, and the journey into town takes approximately 20 minutes (25-300DKK).
The main bus station is at Ingerslevsgade.
Copenhagen’s main train station is near Vesterbro, and has connections to all parts of Denmark, Scandinavia and the rest of Europe.
Tipping: Officially and according to Danish law, any service charge should be included in the cost at a restaurant or café. However, many people will leave up to 10% if they are satisfied with the service after a meal or in a taxi.
Danes can seem quite cold and reserved to some people, but this is not the case. However, it’s usual for Danish people to reserve judgment and be less intimate with strangers until they have the opportunity to get to know them.
Avoid being loud or ostentatious in public, and do not flaunt wealth or possessions.
Punctuality is important!
Observe the rules of the road when cycling or walking in the street – locals will get angry if they see (for example) jaywalking.
If you are invited to someone’s home, never arrive empty-handed and it is customary to remove your shoes when you enter someone’s house.
Words/Phrases to know:
Hej – Hello
God morgen – Good morning
God aften – Good evening
God nat – Good night
Farvel/ Hej Hej – Goodbye
Ja – Yes
Nej – No
Tak – Thank you
Undskyld – Sorry/Excuse me
Det forstar jeg ikke – I don’t understand
Hvis du vil vaere sa venlig – Please
Hvad koster det? – How much is it?
Taler du Engelsk? – Do you speak English?
Skol – Cheers!
Temperatures:
Spring:
High: 51F / 10C
Low: 38F / 3C
Summer:
High: 69F / 20C
Low: 54F / 12C
Fall:
High: 54F / 12C
Low: 44F / 3C
Winter:
High: 44F / 3C
Low: 29F / -2C
Elevation: 23ft / 7m
The best month for swimming is July, the average sea temperature is 67F. The wettest months of the year are June, July, August, September and November.
The weather is best between May and July, when there are around 8 hours of sunshine per day. The best time to visit is May, June and September, to make the most of the good weather and avoid the crowds in the city in July and August. Winters tend to be milder than in Denmark’s Scandinavian neighbors.
How to dress: Bring layers since the temperature is on average quite cool and waterproof clothing as the weather can be unpredictable, and you are likely to see some rain!
Getting Around
In-city transportation:
The Copenhagen metro is fast, efficient, and reliable, and is in service all day and night throughout the city, via two main lines.
Tickets covering two zones are 24 DKK, and those covering three zones are 36DKK.
Tickets can be bought throughout the city, or online
Bus:
Bus tickets are integrated with the train and metro tickets
There are three types of bus in Copenhagen: A-buses (serving the city center), S-buses (fewer stops and faster lines), and the N-buses (night buses).
Uber operates throughout Copenhagen
Copenhagen is built for bicycles, and you’ll find this a very easy and rewarding way to see the city. The city had 350 km of cycle paths, and you can access the beautiful countryside around the city very easily on two wheels. Bike rental outlets may be found throughout the city.
The City Pass allows passengers unlimited access in all four zones on the buses, trains, metro and harbor buses (including airport transfer)
Tickets can be bought at kiosks or online. 24h: 80DKK; 48h: 150DKK; 72h: 200DKK; 120h: 300DKK.
The Copenhagen Card offers reduced or free entrance to 86 sites and attractions, queue-jumping privileges, and free transport throughout the city.
Cards may be ordered online or purchased at the airport, or at designated sits throughout the city.
Price:
24h: Adult €54; Child €27
48h: Adult €77; Child €39
72h: Adult €93; Child €47
120h: Adult €121; Child €61
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus: Price: Tickets start at €27
Walking:
Copenhagen is a compact, walkable city, with a pleasant city center. There are many companies that offer walking tours, or you can explore the city easily by yourself on foot.
Section 2: What to see, do and eat
Breakfast
European; Danish
$$
Location: 78 Blegdamsvej
Times: Monday to Friday 6:00-15:00
Casual dress
If you’re looking for a healthy, nourishing start to the day, look no further than this stylish juice bar. The café also serves excellent raw cakes and sandwiches.
Best dish: Ask for recommendations for juice of the day.
European; Danish; Café
$$
Location: 160 Noerrebrogade
Times: Daily 9:00-15:00
Casual dress
This excellent café is a fixture on the Copenhagen breakfast scene. It offers up a wide range of breakfasts in a stylish setting, very popular with locals and tourists alike.
Best dish: The fresh burrata is excellent, as is the lamb sausage with parsnip cream.
Café; European; Scandinavian
$$
Location: 68 Soender Boulevard
Times: Daily 8:30-20:00
Casual dress
This popular café has three branches throughout the city, but their first venture in Vesterbro remains the most popular. The décor is warm and cozy, the coffee is excellent, and the breakfasts are satisfying.
Best dish: Avocado with beetroot hummus, chili oil and almonds.
Brunch
Café; European; Scandinavian
$$
Location: 29 Guldbergsgade
Times: Daily 7:00-21:30
Casual dress
Mirabelle serves a unique Italian-Danish fusion menu, but it’s the brunch that really shines in this warm and friendly café. It’s the perfect place to spend a Saturday morning with friends – take a selection of small dishes and share!
Best dish: Mirabelle’s eggs benedict with the excellent rye bread baked in house.
Scandinavian; European; Danish
$$
Location: 78 Fredericiagade
Times: Tuesday to Saturday 11:30-23:00; Sunday 10:00-14:00; Monday closed
Casual dress
This is the best place to come for contemporary Danish fare, made with sustainably sourced ingredients. Take brunch like a local, sitting on the terrace, and sample the excellent Danish gouda.
Best dish: Marinated cod with cream cheese.
Asian; Street Food; Danish
$$
Location: 5 Skyttegade
Times: Monday 8:00-16:00; Tuesday & Wednesday 8:00-22:30; Thursday & Friday, 8:00-24:00; Saturday 9:30-24:00; Sunday 9:30-22:30
Casual dress
Sidecar is a trendy rustic brunch with Danish and Asian-inspired cuisine. This Danish-Asian fusion café serves a buffet brunch with a wide range of delicious dishes served on a central table.
Best dish: The pancakes and the freshly baked bread.
Lunch
Danish; Scandinavian
$$
Location: 12 Oester Farimagsgade
Times: Daily 12:00-16:00; Wednesday-Saturday also 18:00-23:00
Smart casual
This excellent restaurant is the best place to head for a traditional Danish lunch. You will be served a range of smaller dishes, which you can either pick from the menu, or opt for the set lunch. There’s also a very good deli and takeaway, open all afternoon.
Best dish: The tartare with pickled blackberries.
Danish; Scandinavian
$$
Location: 16 Hauser Plads
Times: Monday to Saturday 11:30-17:00
Smart casual
This classy lunchtime-only restaurant has been feeding the residents of Copenhagen since 1877, making it one of the oldest establishments in the city. The crisp white tablecloths and wood-paneled dining room give this place a unique ambience.
Best dish: Try the pickled herring.
Danish; Seafood
$$
Location: 100 Flaesketorvet
Times: Monday to Thursday 17:30-24:00; Friday & Saturday 11:30-2:00 am; Sunday 11:30-24:00
Casual dress
This cool, sophisticated and modern restaurant is the best place for a fish lunch in the city. It offers high quality, fresh seafood at affordable prices, with a pleasant atmosphere.
Best dish: The menu changes depending on the catch, but do try the oysters when they are in season.
Dinner
Danish; Contemporary
$$$
Location: 96 Refshalevej
Times: Tuesday to Saturday 17:00-24:00
Smart casual
If you’re looking for a real treat, and manage to bag a table, this restaurant is surely one of the finest in the world. Inventive, daring cuisine, served in a clean, Scandinavian setting – Noma is an experience you won’t forget.
Best dish: The menu runs in ‘seasons’ – fish, vegetable, and game. Try whatever is offered, you won’t be disappointed.
European; Danish; Scandinavian
$$
Location: 26 Admiralgade
Times: Monday to Friday 11:30-24:00; Saturday 10:00-24:00; Sunday closed
Casual dress
This highly unusual restaurant serves fusion cuisine, drawing inspiration from the Mediterranean and Asia, in addition to sourcing fine Danish products. Come here for a taste of something new, and an enjoyable culinary experience.
Best dish: Smoked duck heart, or Iberian pork with chocolate and a venison sauce.
Italian; Pizza; European
$
Location: 27 Istedgade
Times: Monday to Friday 17:00-23:00; Saturday 10:00-13:00; Sunday 10:00-23:00
Casual dress
This relaxed and friendly pizzeria and cocktail bar offers some of the tastiest pizzas in Copenhagen, made from carefully sourced and homemade ingredients. The wood-fired oven turns out traditional thin-crust pizzas, easily washed down with a cocktail or two.
Best dish: The Nordic garden pizza, with fried bacon, minted pea puree and mozzarella.
Other
Fast Food
$
Location: 269 Nordre Fasanvej
Times: Monday to Friday 10:00-21:00; Saturday & Sunday 11:00-21:00
Casual dress
This well-loved Copenhagen institution serves up hot dogs to eager customers, and has been doing so for more than 50 years. The perfect place for a quick (yet filling!) bite to eat.
Best dish: The famous Borge – a 150g sausage served in a sourdough bun.
Danish
$$
Location: 29 Sankt Pedersstræde
Times: Monday to Friday 6:00-17:30; Saturday 7:00-1600; Sunday 8:00-14:00
Casual dress
Denmark is famous for pastry, and this bakery (one of the oldest in the city) is known for its delicious tarts, croissants and turnovers. It has been feeding happy customers since 1652.
Best dish: The signature snegl (snail) filled with cinnamon and butter.
Ice Cream
$$
Location: 3 Skoubogade
Times: Monday to Friday 8:30-18:00; Saturday 9:00-18:00; Sunday 10:00-18:00
Casual dress
This is a classy, old-fashioned café that serves up the most delicious cakes and ice-cream in Copenhagen. If it’s too cold for ice cream, don’t worry – their hot chocolate is also excellent.
Best dish: The decadent Othello layer cake.
Top things to See and Do
Shakespeare fans, look out for the Kronborg castle, the setting for Hamlet and Denmark’s most famous castle. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that lies just outside Copenhagen, and is perfect for a day trip.
Main attractions: This imposing castle has stunning state rooms decorated in the baroque style, in addition to the famous statue of Ogier the Dane.
Location: Kronborg 2 C, 3000 Helsingør
Opening hours: Winter 11:00-16:00; Summer 10:00-17:30
Price: Adult: 140DKK; Child (under 18): Free; Concessions: 130DKK
Go in summer for the open-air productions of Hamlet performed in the castle courtyard.
Tivoli Gardens is an amusement park founded in 1843, which has inspired countless artists and writers, including Hans Christian Anderson. Walt Disney is also said to have visited, and fallen in love with the beautiful gardens.
Main Attraction: This site has something for everyone – beautiful gardens, stunning architecture, and traditional fairground rides that will entertain younger visitors.
Location: 3 Vesterbrogade
Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday 11:00-23:00; Friday & Saturday 11:00-24:00
Price: Adult: 120DKK; Child (under 8): 50DKK
If you don’t fancy bringing a picnic, try one of the excellent restaurants on site.
This waterfront district of Copenhagen is a lovely place for a stroll. This was the historic port of Copenhagen, and would have been full of life, sailors, and goods from around the world. Today, the port is gentrified, the houses painted and restored and the atmosphere cool and refreshing.
Main Attraction: Sit out on a terrace and enjoy the picturesque architecture, or visit the houses of Hans Christian Anderson, to see where he wrote such famous tales as the Princess and the Pea or The Tinderbox.
Location: Nyhavn
Price: Free
Come here at Christmas for the wonderful markets and food stalls.
The National Museum of Denmark charts the country’s history from the Stone Age to the present day. Housed in the Prince’s Palace, the museum itself is stunning and the permanent collection is very impressive.
Main Attraction: The newly reopened Danish Antiquity exhibition provides a fascinating glimpse into the country’s Bronze Age past, including the 3000-year old Sun Chariot.
Location: 10 Ny Vestergade
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10:00-17:00; Closed Mondays except in July and August.
Price: Adult: 95 DKK; Family: 80DKK; Children under 18 go free.
Don’t miss the authentic Victorian house dating from 1890.
The Carlsberg Brewery is well worth a visit – housed in a beautiful building entered by the ‘Elephant Gate’ (with four life-sized elephant sculptures), this museum is informative, interesting and fun.
Main Attraction: The stunning architecture of the building itself, coupled with the excellent tour that provides an overview of the history of beer.
Location: 11 Gamle Carlsberg Vej
Opening hours: May-September Daily 10:00-18:00; October-April Tuesday to Sunday 10:00-17:00
Price: Adult: 100DKK; Students/Children (aged 6-17): 70DKK; Under-5s go free.
The award-winning stables are included in the tour, and allow you to meet the brewer horses. A carriage ride is included during the summer.
On those hot summer days, there’s no better place to relax than this 2km-long stretch of beach built on an artificial island close to the city. Locals and tourists alike flock to this area on sunny days to relax, play sports and spend time with their families.
Main attraction: The sand dunes and lagoons are great for family fun, and there are lovely views out towards the Orendunsbroen Bridge.
Location: 1 Amager Strand Promenaden
Opening hours: Open daily.
Price: Free
It gets busy in the summer months so come early to secure a good spot.
The official winter residence of the royal family, the Amalienborg Palace is an excellent place to learn about the Danish monarchy. The museum provides a great insight into the history and contemporary life of the royal family, and contextualizes Denmark in relation to the other main royal families of Europe.
Main Attraction: The changing of the guard happens every day at noon, in which the Royal Guard processes from the barracks, through the streets of Copenhagen and to the palace.
Location: 5 Amalienborg Slotsplads
Opening hours: Summer Daily 10:00-17:00; Winter Tuesday to Sunday 11:00-16:00
Price: Adult: 95DKK; Children go free.
The Amalienborg Palace actually consists of four separate but identical palaces, set around a statue of King Frederik V from 1771.
One of Copenhagen’s iconic sites is this statue of the Little Mermaid, sitting on a rock on Langelinje Pier. The statue was gifted to the city in 1913 by the local brewer Carl Jacobsen.
Main Attraction: Get you photo taken with this beautiful sculture, with the mermaid looking wistfully out to sea, searching for her prince.
Location: Langelinie Pier
Opening hours: daily 24/7
Price: Free
The Little Mermaid was inspired by the fairy story of the same name by Hans Christian Anderson.
Festivals/Parades
Every year in July, Copenhagen Jazz Festival hits the city, attracting quarter of a million people from all over the world. The lineup can be seen in various venues across the city, but the streets are also filled with musicians, making this a particularly good time to visit the city.
Main Attraction: The scope of this festival is huge, and attracts a huge range of acts come for the music, stay for the atmosphere.
Date: July
Location: Various locations across the city
Price: Ticket prices vary; many free events.
In 2018 the festival celebrated its 40th birthday, and included over 1300 concerts across the city.
Copenhagen Cooking and Food Festival
This popular highlight on the Copenhagen calendar celebrates everything about Danish cooking and food. It is one of the biggest food festivals in northern Europe, and showcases Copenhagen’s unique and blossoming culinary scene.
Main attraction: Sample Scandinavian cooking at its finest! This year’s theme aims to showcase everything new innovative in Danish cooking.
Location: Israels Plads
Date: end of August to early September
Price: Many free events; prices vary for cooking demonstrations and tastings
The festival offers a whole range of activities including cooking masterclasses, food and wine tastings, and talks on farming, organic food and sustainability. There are plenty of fun events for children.
Nightlife
Copenhagen’s cocktail scene is blossoming as fast as its gastronomy, and this classy cocktail bar has won several awards for its inventive menu. The basement bar has a relaxed vibe, and is the perfect place to relax after a busy day sightseeing.
Main Attraction: The cocktail menu changes with the seasons – don’t be afraid to ask for a recommendation.
Location: 6 Dannebrogsgade
Opening hours: Tuesday & Wednesday 16:00-1:00 am; Thursday to Saturday 16:00-2:00 am; Sunday 18:00-24:00
Price: $$
The service here is excellent, and the waiters and waitresses will go out of their way to explain the menu to you and offer recommendations.
If electronic music is your thing, then look no further than this popular nightclub. Culture Box attracts a range of international and local artists, and is a great option for a night out in Copenhagen.
Main Attraction: The music – Culture Box has a history of attracting the best local artists and up-and-coming international talent.
Location: 54 Kronprinsessegade
Opening hours: Thursday to Saturday 18:00-6:00 am
Price: Entrance cost varies, usually around £12
Culture Box is actually split into three levels; Culture Box Bar, the pre-clubbing bar, Red Box for more intimate gigs, and Black Box for bigger names and a bigger sound system.
Another award-winning cocktail bar, Ruby is located in an 18th century townhouse giving it a warm and friendly atmosphere, despite the classy décor. The ambience in this little bar is second-to-none, and the cocktail list is excellent.
Main Attraction: Considerable thought goes into the cocktail menu, which changes with the seasons, and the descriptions are inventive and fun to read.
Location: 10 Nybrogade
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 16:00-2:00 am; Sunday 18:00-2:00 am
Price: $$
Hidden Gems
This corner of Copenhagen is one of the city’s trendiest spots. This old industrial area is now home to plenty of great restaurant, bars and pop-up stalls, and attracts a young, vibrant crowd.
Main attraction: If you’re into beer, don’t miss WarPigs – a big brewpub that offers a wide range of beers and excellent Texan barbeque dishes.
Location: Vesterbro
Opening hours: daily 24/7
Price: Free
In summer, the Kodbyens market takes over the meatpacking district every weekend, serving food from all over the world.
This unusual church is an architectural rarity – an Expressionist church built in the 19th century in a Gothic style. Made with over 6 million yellow bricks, this church is completely unique and a must-see if you’re in Copenhagen.
Main attraction: The soaring Gothic lines and minimalist look of this church, as stunning inside as it is outside.
Location: 14 På Bjerget
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 9:00-16:00; Sunday 12:00-16:00 (Thursdays until 18:00)
Price: Free
Try and attend a service here – the acoustics are excellent and it’s a beautiful place to hear singing.
This little dive bar is legendary for attracting rock and punk bands from Copenhagen, and all over the world. The beer is cheap and the atmosphere is smoky, grimy, and always fun.
Main attraction: This is place to hear great local bands, play pool, and enjoy a chilled night out in Copenhagen.
Location: 10 Larsbjørnsstræde
Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday 14:00-2:00 am; Friday & Saturday 13:00-2:00 am
Price: Free
Happy hour runs every night from 10pm-11pm.
