{"id":43792,"date":"2020-05-07T06:00:32","date_gmt":"2020-05-07T13:00:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/?p=43792"},"modified":"2025-08-24T09:48:33","modified_gmt":"2025-08-24T16:48:33","slug":"copenhagen-denmark-city-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/copenhagen-denmark-city-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"ULTIMATE CITY GUIDE: COPENHAGEN, DENMARK"},"content":{"rendered":"

Many people who have been to Copenhagen, Denmark\u2019s capital of cool, say it\u2019s one of the most underrated cities in Europe! With a population of only 700,000 people, Copenhagen has all the amenities of a modern city but hasn\u2019t lost that quaint European village charm.<\/p>\n

From modern architectural feats to design hotels housed in 18th Century heritage buildings, medieval castles and arguably the BEST food scene in the world \u2013 Copenhagen has the perfect mix of everything you could want in a European city!<\/p>\n

In this ultimate city guide, I share all the reasons why Copenhagen is one of my favourite cities in Europe, including the best things to do, when to visit, where to stay and where you should eat and drink in Europe\u2019s gastronomic capital.<\/p>\n

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When To Visit Copenhagen<\/h2>\n

The most popular time to visit Copenhagen is during the Summer (June through August). This is the warmest time of year, and just like any European city in summer, the heat brings in the crowds and a number of events and festivals.<\/p>\n

Hotel prices and occupancy are also at their highest in summer. If you\u2019re looking for lower hotel rates and fewer crowds but still with the mild climate, consider visiting in Spring (March through May).<\/p>\n

I actually visited Copenhagen in winter<\/a> (December through February), and was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. The city usually goes into hibernation during autumn\/winter, but I loved the fact that there were fewer tourists and got a great deal on hotel prices.<\/p>\n

Most of the attractions in this guide were still open, although many have reduced opening hours in winter. Sure, the weather was brisk, with the occasional snowfall, but this actually added to the charm of this spectacular winter wonderland.<\/p>\n

It also gave us an excuse to go in search of the one thing that makes Copenhagen the most famous \u2013 great food and Danish beer!<\/p>\n

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How To Get Around In Copenhagen<\/h2>\n

There are a few ways to get around Copenhagen, depending on your budget:<\/p>\n

Public Transport<\/h3>\n

Copenhagen is serviced by the Metro<\/a>, buses, and S-trains. There are three metro lines connecting the city circle and surrounding suburbs. These operate every few minutes, 24\/7.<\/p>\n

There are also regular A-buses regularly servicing the Copenhagen City Centre. S-trains<\/a> service Copenhagen\u2019s urban area and you quite likely won\u2019t need to use these unless you\u2019re planning to visit the city\u2019s outer suburbs. The train from the airport to the city centre takes approximately 12 minutes.<\/p>\n

Taxi or Rideshare<\/h3>\n

Taxis are a very convenient way to get around Copenhagen. They can be easily flagged in the street and most accept credit cards.<\/p>\n

If you prefer to use rideshare services, download the GoMore app<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Foot, Bike or Scooter<\/h3>\n

This is the best and most convenient way to get around Copenhagen. The city is relatively small and is well set up for biking and walking, with dedicated biking lanes all over the city centre.<\/p>\n

There are many bike rentals all over the city and most hotels also have bikes available to hire. Copenhagen has recently introduced e-scooters \u2013 download the Lime app<\/a> to use them.<\/p>\n

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Top Things To Do In Copenhagen<\/h2>\n

1) See The Little Mermaid<\/h3>\n

Possibly one of the most famous attractions in Copenhagen, the Little Mermaid statue<\/a> was inspired by the fairytale \u201cThe Little Mermaid\u201d by Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen. Originally written in 1836, the romantic animated film adaptation by Disney, which we\u2019ve all probably seen at least once in our lifetime, was later released in the late 20th<\/sup> Century.<\/p>\n

The statue that sits alone on a rock on the Copenhagen waterfront, depicts the character, Ariel, waiting for her prince and the kiss that will turn her into a human and make all her dreams come true!<\/p>\n

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2) Find Your Inner Child At Tivoli Gardens<\/h3>\n

Tivoli Gardens<\/a> is one of the oldest and most famous amusement parks in Europe and has featured in many films. Walt Disney is said to have visited many times and found inspiration at Tivoli Gardens for his own theme parks.<\/p>\n

The park features over 80 attractions, from traditional family-friendly rides to a few modern ones for the thrill-seekers. All of this is set within beautiful parklands, featuring lakes, fountains, fairy lights, and picnic areas.<\/p>\n

The Tivoli Gardens is located next door to the Nimb Hotel<\/a>, one of Copenhagen\u2019s most sophisticated hotels, and the highly coveted Tivoli Food Hall.<\/p>\n

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3) Tour Christiansborg Palace<\/h3>\n

It\u2019s easy to get confused over all the castles and palaces in this relatively small city. Christiansborg Palace<\/a> is often mistaken as the home of the Danish royalty, but it\u2019s actually the home of the Danish Parliament! Parts of the palace are also used by the royal family for official functions and events.<\/p>\n

In my opinion, Christiansborg Palace is far more impressive than the Danish Royal Palace (Amalienborg Palace) and it\u2019s well worth taking a tour<\/a> through the lavishly decorated Royal Reception Rooms.<\/p>\n

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4) Take Photos Along Nyhavn<\/h3>\n

If you\u2019ve seen any photos of Copenhagen on Instagram, it was most likely taken from this spot.<\/p>\n

Whilst, there are many beautiful buildings all around the city, Nyhavn Harbour<\/a> is one of the most Instagrammable places in Copenhagen. With well-kept boats moored in front of beautifully colours buildings, it\u2019s not hard to see why this is a popular spot to visit.<\/p>\n

During the summertime, Nyhavn is abuzz with tourists and locals flocking to the cafes and bars to soak up the vibe of this beautiful waterfront location. The best photo location is across the other side of the harbour, looking back towards the cafes and restaurants, although there are lovely colourful buildings on both sides!<\/p>\n

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5) Climb The Round Tower<\/h3>\n

Originally built in the 17th<\/sup> Century, the Round Tower of Copenhagen<\/a> is, as the name suggests, a round building located in the heart of the city.<\/p>\n

To get to the top of the tower, you walk up a paved ramp that spirals around the inside of the tower for 209 metres. At the top, you squeeze through a narrow opening to reach a platform with a 360-degree view of Copenhagen city.<\/p>\n

To this day, the Round Tower continues to function as an observatory, which is open to the public every Tuesday and Wednesday evening from 6-9 pm.<\/p>\n

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6) Wander Around The Danish Royal Palace<\/h3>\n

The Danish Royal Palace, called Amalienborg Palace<\/a>, serves as the residence for the Danish royal family.<\/p>\n

Consisting of four palaces set around a central palace square, which is open to the public to freely wander around. The changing of the guard occurs daily in the palace square at midday and is a sight not to miss.<\/p>\n

Two of the four palaces serve as guest residences and museums and are open to the public to tour inside and gain insight into Danish royal life. One of the other two palaces is the current home of Queen Margrethe, and the other is home to Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary. These palaces are not open to the public.<\/p>\n

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7) See The Danish Crown Jewels At Rosenborg Castle<\/h3>\n

Rosenborg Castle<\/a> was built in the early 17th<\/sup> Century as the royal residence for Danish King Christian IV, one of Denmark\u2019s most famous royals. Today, the castle stands as a museum, showcasing well-preserved interiors, along with a collection of portraits, tapestries, statues and weaponry, that depicts how the royals lived back in the 17th<\/sup> Century.<\/p>\n

The castle in itself is quite remarkable, but the most impressive attraction is the collection of Denmark\u2019s Crown Jewels<\/a>, housed under heavy guard in the castle\u2019s basement. Here you\u2019ll found the crowns of past Danish kings and queens, along with a collection of stunning jewels, still used by the Danish royals to this day.<\/p>\n

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8) Explore The Palm House At Copenhagen Botanical Gardens<\/h3>\n

The Copenhagen Botanical Gardens<\/a> has to be one of the most beautiful, whimsical places I\u2019ve ever visited. There are 27 indoor glasshouses, with the most impressive being the old Palm House.<\/p>\n

Stepping inside, the humidity hits you instantly, and your glasses fog up in seconds. You might be mistaken for thinking you just stepped into a tropical rainforest.<\/p>\n

With towering palm trees, you can walk up the spiral staircase and wander around the treetop canopy. A must-visit place in Copenhagen!<\/p>\n

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9) Take A Bike Ride Around The City<\/h3>\n

One of the most popular activities, and the best way to see Copenhagen city is on a bicycle. Copenhagen is a relatively small city and is very bike-friendly. The central city area, known as Indre By can be easily covered by bicycle in one day.<\/p>\n

Start your day at Copenhagen Central Station, near the Tivoli Gardens. Head along the waterfront towards the Royal Library and Christiansborg Palace.<\/p>\n

Then, cross the river and loop your way around Christianshavn, past Christiania and the Opera House and back across the Inderhavnbroen Bridge. Stop off along Nyhavn Harbour for a photo op and a spot of lunch.<\/p>\n

In the afternoon, take a ride around Amalienborg Palace Square and continue all the way along the waterfront up to the Little Mermaid. Head back through Kastallet (Military Barracks) towards Rosenborg Castle and Copenhagen Botanical Gardens.<\/p>\n

Finally, ride past the five lakes, which will take you back to end the day at the Tivoli Gardens.<\/p>\n

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Other Things To See And Do In Copenhagen<\/h3>\n

Most of the things listed above can be seen in a day or two, depending on how long you spend at each attraction. If you have more time in Copenhagen, consider checking out these other wonderful things to do:<\/p>\n