Getting ready to travel anywhere for the first time can be daunting. Have no fear though. I’m here to help you plan your first trip to Copenhagen with ease and excitement! This past May I travelled to Copenhagen (and Denmark) for my first time. With only a weekend available, I’m so glad I took the opportunity to visit this beautiful city for even a few days. The weather couldn’t have been better and it was the perfect snapshot introduction to a city I’d love to return to in the future. Though fast travel isn’t my preferred way to see a place, it’s better than not visiting. One day I’ll return to the Little Mermaid’s birthplace for more than a few days.
Copenhagen’s beginnings stretch back to the middle ages (1167 AD!) as a tiny fishing village named “Havn” which means “Harbour”. Its position on the Øresund Strait made it an ideal location for trade. Unfortunately, for the same strategic reason, it became a prime tug-of-war battle zone. In the 1400s, Denmark, one of the oldest monarchies in the world, declared Copenhagen as its capital city. In 1850 the town’s city limits were pushed outward from what’s known today as Indre By (“Inner City”). During World War II it was held under Nazi occupation yet emerged on the other side ready to begin again. Today, Copenhagen is known for its bicycle-adoring citizens, its whimsical historic sites, and the coziest “hygge” interior designs.
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Where is Copenhagen Located?
Facing Malmø, Sweden, on the Øresund Strait, Denmark’s capital city is located on the west coast. Its convenient location gives you the perfect reason to add a day trip to Sweden, similar to the other Nordic capital cities of Estonia and Finland.
When’s the Best Time to Plan Your Visit to Copenhagen, Denmark?
Price, crowds, and weather dictate the “best” time of year to visit anywhere. Like much of Europe, the summer is an attractive and popular time to visit, thanks to sunny hot temperatures, festivals, and more. However, with the heat of the summer months comes hoards of tourist and higher costs. Copenhagen is already known for being a pricey destination.
From May through September the temperature ranges from a moderate 16 to 22 degrees Celsius, thanks to its coastal location. Rain is quite common, so pack appropriate layers, regardless of when you visit. As a coastal city, Copenhagen experiences wet and windy winters, so proper footwear, scarves, and layers are also necessary. Peak season is mid-June to the end of August, as well as Christmas time with the Christmas markets. Off season falls from mid-January until the end of March.
Getting to Copenhagen, Denmark
If you’re already in Europe, you’re in luck. Between cheap flights with RyanAir and fantastic train systems, there are many affordable ways to reach Copenhagen. If travelling within Denmark, DSB is their national train company. Tickets are available on their website.
Pro Tip: To save even more money on the train, check out the DSB Orange Tickets and book them at least 2 months in advance. Families, each adult can take 2 kids under 12 years old for free. Kids that are 12-15 years old travel at a 50% discount. That’s pretty decent! You can also include S-trains on the first or last portion of the Orange Ticket journey.
For North American departures, one of my favourite websites and tools to use when booking flights is Flight Connections. Typically I use it when booking super affordable flights with points and miles, however you can also use it to gather information for cash flights. There is both a free and paid version of the website. I use the free version because the aircraft and cabin class aren’t important to me. However, if you’re an Av Geek upgrade to glean even more information about available flight routes from your departure city.
After arriving in Copenhagen, transferring from the airport into the city is super easy via public transportation. The train takes roughly 15 to 35 minutes to arrive at Copenhagen Central Station. During the day the M2 (metro line) departs every 10 minutes. In the evening, the train comes every 20 minutes and then every hour at night. The M3 is another route to be aware of when trip planning. It’s a circular route with 17 stops to transport you around the city. From the airport, you can connect to the M3 by transferring at Kongens Nytorv.
Is Copenhagen Safe?
In 2021, Copenhagen was named the safest city in the world according to the Economist Impact Safe Cities Index, followed (in order) by Toronto, Singapore, Sydney, and Tokyo. The index is thorough, covering 76 different aspects to draw its conclusions. Copenhagen scored 82.4 / 100, with the Infrastructure, Environmental Security, and Personal categories knocking their scores out of the park. ExpatDen, which provides detailed tips for moving around the world, also confirms that Denmark’s traffic issues and crime rates are well below the European average.
As a caucasian solo female traveller (who is also 6 feet tall), I was very at ease in Copenhagen. I didn’t party in the evenings, which is standard habit when I’m travelling alone. I did, however, venture out for a late night food run one night. While finding a place to grab a bite, I ended up walking for over an hour along Strøget, the pedestrian shopping street. It was quite enjoyable and I felt totally comfortable. I also had plenty of wifi thanks to GigSky if I needed anything.
Pro Tip: Instead of swapping out a physical SIM card or paying outrageous roaming fees, use an e-SIM. I use GigSky. Use the code TravelwithTMc for 10% off! They’re super easy to operate, as long as you have a phone that supports the technology.
There are plenty of ways to communicate if you don’t speak the language, whether that’s with an electronic translating tool, creative miming, or a local who graciously speaks English. At the very least, a smile goes a very long way in the communication process.
If you do have an emergency while in Copenhagen or the rest of the country, dial 112. Canadians who are travelling abroad to Denmark can always check the government website for travel advisories prior to and during their trip as well.
Currency, VAT Refunds, and ATM Fees in Denmark
Denmark is a part of the European Union, however since 1875 they have used their own currency, the Danish Kroner (DKK). Even though they have the Kroner, you’re still able to pay with Euro in bigger cities in Denmark. It is common to receive Kroner as your change when paying in Euro. Personally, as much as the Euro is convenient, I love using different currency whenever I travel and am dreading the day when everything is completely digital. I always keep a little change for a souvenir. It’s also said that you’ll have good luck if you start your next trip with money leftover from the last one!
Pro Tip: Greenland and the Faroe Islands also use the Kroner.
As much as I love tangible things, I also love saving money. For the past decade or so, I’ve become an expert on budget travel. With years of experience, I’ve learned every tip to become money savvy. It’s why I started using Wise, originally called Transferwise, when I was living on a Korean island to send money home without paying exorbitant bank fees.
Today, Wise has expanded their services to include some really awesome features that are perfect for travellers like yourself.
Pro Tip: The Wise Debit Card can be used like a Visa or Mastercard debit card. It’s super slick and easy to bring on the road! Travellers can spend money in over 40 currencies, again with the mid-market rate conversion, and are also able to withdraw cash twice a month from ATMs without having to pay annoying fees. It’s a cheaper alternative to traditional bank cards. Another neat feature of the Wise Debit Card is that you can easily freeze and unfreeze the card through their app. For all of the travellers reading this blog post, the digital nomads living and working anywhere their heart desires, or the folks who love to indulge in international online shopping, this is a super cool money-saving option.
There’s also the Wise Account which is a free (!) multi-currency account for over 40 different currencies. Yup, you read that right – you can have several different currencies held in one account! It’s an awesome choice for digital nomads like myself, international student, retirees living abroad, or people who live in multiple countries. Currencies are converted at the mid-market exchange rate and Wise’s fees are always super low.
Transportation in Copenhagen, Denmark
Uber or Taxi
In 2017 Uber left Copenhagen, which means normal taxis are the option here. To order a taxi, call and book over the phone, through an app, or the normal ol’ fashioned way of hailing one on the street or at a taxi stand. Know that the ride will not be cheap. Drivers are required by law to use meters and prices will be advertised on the vehicle door. The price depends on the time of day, distance, length of time the drive takes, and which company is operating the taxi. Booking with an app will give you an estimate of the final price. For the most part, taxis are a trusted transportation option in Copenhagen, though from time to time scammers in unmarked cars will pretend to be taxis. Moral of the story, go with the clearly marked vehicles and make sure there’s a meter. Taxi 4×35 and Viggo are popular taxi companies.
Bus, Train, Metro, Harbour Bus
Copenhagen’s public transportation system divides the city into different zones using colours and numbers. The city centre, or Central Copenhagen, is Zone 1 and as you move farther from the core the numbers increase. Fares are based on the zone your journey begins in, those you’ll travel through, and your final zone. Each journey costs at least 2 zones.
Tickets can be purchased at train stations and 7-Elevens using card or cash. There’s an app, Mobilbilletter, that will allow you to quickly get tickets online. You can also purchase tickets from the bus driver, although only with small change. Your ticket will give you access to the bus, trains, metro, and harbour buses. Unlike some cities, fines are given out if you travel without a ticket. Make sure to hold on to it!
Pro Tip: To change the Mobilbilletter app language, click “Indstillinger” (settings) in the screen’s right-hand corner. Then tap “Sprog” (language).
If you’re bringing a bike onto public transportation, it’s free on S-trains, buses, and harbour buses in select areas. There are 2 spaces for bicycles unless a driver says there isn’t enough space. If you’re travelling on intercity (regional) trains or the metro, you will need to buy a bike ticket.
There are a variety of public transportation ticket options in Copenhagen: single trip, 24-hour, City Passes, and the Copenhagen Card.
Single Trip
If you plan to walk a fair bit or take other forms of transportation, then a single ticket may be just what you need. Tickets are timed and the length of time they’re viable for varies, so make sure to double check what’s printed on your ticket or in the DOT Tickets app. In Denmark, 16 year old and up are considered adults. Two kids under 12 can travel for free when an accompanying adult purchases a ticket. Except for service dogs, large dogs require a child’s ticket. As a non-pet owner this sounds so funny, but maybe it’s common practice that I’m not familiar with. A single trip ticket is good for all types of public transportation in Zealand and Copenhagen.
24-Hour
Looking to zip around a fair bit in just 1 day? The DSB 24-hour ticket gives adults and kids access to Zones 1-99 on the bus, train, and metro. These tickets can be purchased through the DOT app, at 7-Elevens, at DSB train stations, or at a DSB Salg and Service.
City Pass
There are 3 versions of the City Pass: the City Pass Small, the City Pass Large, and the City Pass Extra Large. The Small Pass allows unlimited use of trains, metro, buses, and the harbour buses in Zones 1-4, including to and from the airport. The Large Pass allows unlimited travel in Zones 1-99. The first 2 options are valid for 24, 48, 73, 96, or 120 hours for either the City Centre, Capital Region, Zealand, or the islands. The Extra Large pass is valid for 24 hours for the West and South. To purchase a City Pass, find a vending machine at a train station or the airport. You can also buy them online.
Copenhagen Card (Transportation + Attractions)
The Copenhagen Card has 2 card versions, Discover and Hop. For an all-inclusive pass that includes airport transfers, unlimited public transportation in Zones 1-99, as well as 2 kids free, and entrance at over 80 attractions, you’ll definitely want to get the Discover card. A second option, the Hop Card, gives access to the Hop-On Hop-Off buses and free entrance at about 40 city centre attractions. The price for each of these cards depends on the length of time you select for the pass, as well as the card holder’s age.
Pro Tip: The Copenhagen Card is the perfect way for you to create your own custom tour of the Danish capital PLUS have airport and public transportation covered. Easy and fun!
Driving
Canadians who are visiting Denmark are allowed to use their Canadian driver’s licence, according to the Danish Road Traffic Authority. You may prefer to get an international driver’s licence (available at CAA), however it’s not necessary.
If you’re thinking of driving within Copenhagen, perhaps reconsider. It’s more affordable to take public transit and it can be faster and more efficient since you won’t have to worry about parking in an old European city.
If you’re exploring the rest of Denmark via car, a lot of the same rules we have in Canada apply. For example, slower drivers stay to the right and when passing you move into the left hand lane, drunk driving is illegal, and you drive on the right side of the road.
Here are a few tidbits that will help you on your Danish road adventures:
- The morpheme for “street” in Danish is “vej” which you’ll see at the end of a street name like “Ekvipagemestervej”.
- “Entrance” = “Indkorsel”
- “Exit” = “Udkorsel”
- “Detour” = “Omvej”
- “Gas Station” = “Benzin Tank”
- “Toll” = “Afgift”
- “Highway” = “Hovedvej”
- Headlights have to be on at all times, including during the day. If you’re renting a newer car, the lights are always on by default.
- Horns are only used in emergencies.
- When parking, 2 wheels must go on the curb without blocking pedestrian walkways.
When researching useful information for driving in Denmark for this blog post, I came across a really cool website called Plonkit. It’s chock full of interesting and helpful notes that I think you’ll enjoy!
Where to Explore and Eat in Copenhagen
Where to stay in Copenhagen will probably depend on a couple key factors, namely price and the activities you want to check out.
Indre By (City Centre)
Translated to English, “Indre By” means “Inner City” and is a common spot where first timers to choose their accommodation in Copenhagen. The harbour hugs the area so you’re never far from the lovely ocean breeze. Brimming with history and stunning architecture, the neighbourhood was once the entirety of Copenhagen protected by fortified walls until the mid-19th century.
Copenhagen is easily accessible by bike, foot, or public transportation. You’ll be able to check off many “must sees” including patio drinks in colourful Nyhavn, nostalgic enjoyment at the historic amusement park Tivoli Gardens, and shopping along the world’s longest pedestrian street, Strøget while in Indre By. It’s also common to stumble upon festivals, concerts, and other exciting events. Did I mention that you can join the locals and swim in the pristine harbour year-round? It reminds me of living in Wellington (New Zealand) where we could jump into the ocean in the city centre and spectate or take part in the annual canon ball competition!
If you’re eager to get a bird’s eye view, check out Potato Row (“Kartoffelrækkerne”), the aptly named area with houses from the 1870s and 1880s smushed together in row upon row. Not only is it named for the orderly planted homes, but the land was also formerly a potato field! Within Indre By, you’ll find the fascinating Christianshavn, Holmen, and Refshaleøen as well.
Nørrebro
Fans of Hans Christian Andersen will definitely want to visit (or stay in) Nørrebro, where they’ll find the Danish author’s final resting place in Assitens Kirkegard. In true artistic fashion, this neighbourhood is known for its independent café, store, bar, and gallery scene. North of the city centre, this is where you’ll experience Copenhagen’s buzzing bohemian life. Craft beer lovers, clear your palates. Street art connoisseurs, put on your walking shoes. The most culturally diverse of Copenhagen’s neighbourhoods, Nørrebro will tickle all of your senses. Don’t be surprised when you see sunbathers, leisurely strollers, and folks reading and exercising in the cemeteries – they double as beautiful park spaces.
Vesterbro
I love learning how cities shift and remold themselves over time. West of the city centre, Vesterbro is an area now popular with families that, until the 1990s, used to be the city’s red-light district. The city’s former Meatpacking District (Kødbyen) has also been transformed from grime and guts to nightlife, food spots, and galleries. Some say it’s where the foodies flock, but I think it’s safe to bet that Copenhagen’s restaurant scene in any neighbourhood will satisfy your cravings. If you’re eager to experience the area’s original vibe, head to Fleisch for a meat lover’s feast. Longing for a crisp cold beer? Warpigs Brewpub pours 22 of their own creations and serves (of all things) Texan BBQ. Regardless of where you fill your belly, this 2017 world’s coolest neighbourhood will leave you licking your lips.
To work off the foodstuffs, join the locals on Sønder Boulevard. Owners and their pups head here for the daily heel-toe express, as well as access to a healthy slew of public soccer fields and basketball courts. Thanks to a 2007 makeover, local apartment dwellers get their Vitamin D and grounding fix from this community green space and you can too when you stay in Vesterbro. The neighbourhood is a super short distance to the city centre, about 5 minutes by foot or bike – perfect if you prefer to stay away from the nightlife hype and be close enough to enjoy the daytime buzz.
Østerbro
North of Indre By and hugging the coast is Østerbro, this bougie part of town is where you’ll find plenty of fancy boutiques. Surprisingly, students live in amongst the wealthier families in this neighbourhood. This is also where you’ll find many embassies and the UN City. As one of Copenhagen’s quieter areas, nightclubs are outnumbered by cafés.
Østerbro is also where the city’s largest park, Fælledparken, and national football team are located. While the capital is known for its overall impressive sustainable standards, Østerbro may be the greenest part of the city. Østerbro plays host to a few more colours on Olufsvej, with a row of rainbow homes. Feeling like a beach day? Pack your picnic basket and stroll over to Svanemølle Beach.
Frederiksberg
The next time I’m in Copenhagen, I’m beelining it for Frederiksberg’s hidden bookstores. Many of them double as cafés and I couldn’t think of a more luxurious way to pass the time. Thiemers Magasin is one such destination that also serves wine (!), hosts writing circles, and has community events. Sign me up!
Nestled between Nørrebro and Vesterbro, and west of Indre By, Frederiksberg is named for King Frederik IV’s hilltop palace. Perhaps my second favourite fact about this area, after the bookstores, is that Frederiksberg has a “must-see-a-tree” policy. What this means is that residents should all be able to see a minimum of 1 tree from their home. How cool is it that that’s an official policy?!
Connecting Vesterbro and Frederiksberg is a popular shopping street named Frederiksberg’s Værnedamsvej. Time Out once labelled it the “5th coolest street in the world”. With local makers and vendors selling everything from high end clothing and unique jewelry, to top quality food and stylish Scandinavian home decor, you might want to bring a larger suitcase for all of the treasures you’ll find. Many of the shop owners in this talentful neighbourhood are also the artisans. Another “to do” on your discovery list is the vintage pop-up market at Bispeengbuen.
Prefer to skip the shopping and slip out of sight? One of Copenhagen’s coolest attractions, Cisternerne, can be found underground. Once the city’s water reservoirs, this museum beckons quietly to park visitors above in Søndermarken across from Frederiksberg Castle.
Another reason to stay in or visit the neighbourhood, specifically if you’re there on June 23rd, is to attend the popular Midsummer’s Eve celebrations. Oh, and another fun note about this quirky area…it’s technically its own municipality even though it’s surrounded by Copenhagen proper. Wait, did I mention Frederiksberg Chocolate? Let’s just say, it’s a good idea to put Frederiksberg on your list, whether you decide to find accommodation there or meander around.
Where to Book Accommodation in Copenhagen
For different types of affordable accommodation, there’s Airbnb and VRBO for vacation home rentals or Hotels.com for discounted hotel stays. Hostelworld is an excellent website to research and compare hostel options.
To make it easy for you, I wrote a blog post on where to stay in Copenhagen, complete with neighbourhood guides, different accommodation types and price points, and a review of the place I stayed too.
There are also boutique hotels, such as the eco-conscious Villa Copenhagen, the luxurious Manon Les Suites Guldsmeden, and the minimalist beachside Audo. My favourite, based on aesthetics, is the 25hours Hotel which was both a porcelain factory and a university building before transforming into a cute and quirky traveller’s gem.
Book These Activities in Copenhagen
Guided Tours
I love exploring a new city by foot in the first day or two, which typically means joining a guided walking tour. My favourite European walking tour company is Sandeman’s, with free tours with phenomenal guides (be sure to tip them afterwards). Oddly, they’re not available in Copenhagen. However, three other walking tours caught my eye: the Hygge and Happiness Culture Walking Tour, the Christiania & Christianshavn Guided Walking Tour, and the Guided Culinary Walking Tour. If you love the water, there are also canal tours that will float you down the main harbour.
Palace Visits
If royal history tickles your fancy, there are several palaces to visit in Copenhagen. Did you know that Denmark has one of the world’s oldest monarchies? Denmark’s royal family was established over 1,000 years ago. You can catch sight of royal goings-on with the Changing of the Guard, among other ogle-worthy novelties at Amalienborg Palace.
Christiansborg Palace used to be the home of the Danish royal family. Today it’s where you’ll find the Danish Parliament, the Supreme Court, and the Ministry of State. Some of the palace is still used for royal endeavours, such as the Throne Room and Tower Room. If ghost tours are more your shtick, check out the underground palace ruins with your ticket.
The 400+ year old Rosenborg Castle is where the Crown Jewels and Royal Regalia (aka crowns and other fine and fancy items) are housed. Built by King Christian IV, this impressive renaissance castle was his summer house. How demure!
BONUS Downloadable Map
Want to make your trip planning even simpler? Check out this 3-Day Copenhagen Itinerary and the bonus downloadable map!
Sneak Peek of Your First Trip to Copenhagen
Curious to preview your itinerary? Have a sneak peek here! Still have questions about planning your first trip to Copenhagen? Send me a DM on Instagram or through my website contact page and I’ll be happy to help where possible.
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Helpful Tips for Booking Your Trips
Flights
If you want affordable flights, you must get into the points and miles game. Check out my Travel Coaching services to help Canadians fly for less than a tank of gas!
Car Rentals
To help you explore new destinations, turn to Discover Cars for a huge range of vehicle options and excellent prices.
Accommodation
There are so many options for affordable, comfortable, and unique accommodation. Some of my favourite accommodation options are housesitting and hostels. I’ve been using Trusted Housesitters and Hostelworld for years. If you prefer hotels, then check out Booking.com.
Activities
Get Your Guide is a fantastic resource for different activities to try when travelling. They have everything from walking tours, food tours, tickets to attractions, and multi-day trips, and more. Check out this super cool view I had of Tallinn when I was in Estonia for the Christmas markets in 2023, all because of a Get Your Guide experience. My favourite tour so far that I’ve been on with Get Your Guide is a fantastic walking food tour I did in Dublin. That experience had a wild twist, but you’ll have to read this blog post to find out why!
