Copenhagen Travel Guide
This is our Copenhagen travel guide, where we help you travel better in this delightfully charming city.
What you'll find in this guide:
Practical Information
Getting to Copenhagen
Getting around Copenhagen
Top things to do in Copenhagen
Where to eat in Copenhagen
Practical Info
Current testing requirements for Denmark
- Vaccinated adults admitted with proof of vaccination
- Unvaccinated adults only admitted with proof of recovery or 10 day isolation upon arrival
GMT +1
Danish krone DKK
Danish
Type C, E, F and K.
Avg 1 hr 50 minutes
Why visit Copenhagen?
The capital of Denmark, it's the hub of Scandi art and culture, and with so much to do in Copenhagen, it's no surprise that it's the most visited part of Scandinavia. It's the home of the inspiration behind Disneyland, and was voted the most bike-friendly city in Europe.
TopGetting to Copenhagen
We found the easiest way to get to Copenhagen from the UK was by flying. Copenhagen Airport is the largest in Scandinavia - serving the whole of Denmark and some parts of neighbouring Sweden. The airport is on the island of Amager, which is only 5 miles out from the city centre.
While you're at it, be sure to check out an airport lounge, which we think is a great place to indulge in some peace and quiet.
When it comes to getting to the centre of Copenhagen from the airport, you're really spoilt for choice. Here are some our our top picks.
How to get to Copenhagen from the airport by bus
To get to Copenhagen by bus, take the 5A from the airport, which stops at central station. The journey takes about 35 minutes, and bear in mind that fares can only be paid in coins, not notes. You can also purchase tickets before you board at machines located at most bus stations.
How to get to Copenhagen from the airport by metro
Metro trains from Copenhagen Airport to the city centre depart every 4-6 minutes during the day and every 15-20 minutes at night, meaning you won't have to wait long for the next one. And don't worry about boarding the wrong train, all metro trains from the airport go into town, so you'll be heading in the right direction!
How to get to Copenhagen from the airport by taxi
You can of course just hop in a taxi and be in Copenhagen city centre in about 20 minutes, but bear in mind that this will set you back around 300kr (about £36). Alternatively, why not get about in style and book a hire car to explore the city's surrounding area.
What are the best ways to travel around Copenhagen?
Here are some of the best ways to get around the city.
Copenhagen by bike
If you want to try living like a local we recommend renting a bike. Copenhagen is one of the most bike-friendly cities in Europe, so grab a bike from one of the many places you can rental stops, get in the cycle lane, and go and tour the city in one of the most authentic ways possible.
If you decide to explore Copenhagen on two wheels, make sure to download the Donkey Republic app, which allows you to hire a bike from your phone almost anywhere in the city. Each bike is unlocked with bluetooth, so just select your location, find your numbered bike and away you go.
Copenhagen by metro
Copenhagen has a reliable metro network, with two lines that run across town (east to west), and one that encircles the centre of the city.
Copenhagen is split into several zones, so you need to purchase a ticket for the number of zones you're going to cross. 2 & 3 zone tickets are valid for an hour's travel so long as you stay within the 3 zone limit. This ticket will cost 24kr (£2.80).
A 24-hour City Pass giving unlimited travel is available for 80kr which is only worth it if you plan to spend a lot of time on the metro. If you're travelling as a family, 2 children under 12 can travel free with each City Pass holder.
You can purchase these tickets with your smartphone via the Mobilbilletter Hovedstaden app.
Where to eat in Copenhagen
Denmark is the center of the New Nordic Cuisine movement and for good reason, it's home to 28 Michelin-star restaurants, and 15 of these are in Copenhagen. Danish cuisine tends to be quite seasonal, so what's on offer really depends on what time of year you're visiting. All the more reason to keep coming back!
What is Smørrebrød?
Smørrebrød is a traditional Danish dish that we couldn't get enough of. A kind of open sandwich piled high with delicious toppings that's become a staple of Danish lifestyle. For a light lunch on your travels, Smørrebrød can't be beat.
What is Pølser?
Pølser are essentially the Danish hot dog. Especially popular are the long, skinny red-dyed pork hot dogs called Rødpølser, prepared any number of ways at your local Pølsevogn, or hot dog stand.
What is Wienerbrød?
If you fancy something sweet while in the city, Wienerbrød are the ultimate Danish pastries. Forget what you think you know, as these sweet flakey delicacies will blow your mind!
TopTop things to do in Copenhagen
Tivoli Gardens
Tivoli Gardens is an amusement park in the heart of Copenhagen, it opened in 1843 and was the inspiration behind Disneyland. The park is full of rides, games and stalls - including our favourite - Gallopen. It's especially beautiful in winter, at halloween and Christmas, just make sure to wrap up warm.
Amalienborg Palace
If a little bit of pomp and circumstance is more your thing, then Amalienborg Palace is not to be missed. Pop by at midday to watch the changing of the guard and witness some living Danish history.
Freetown Christiania
For an alternative experience of Copenhagen, we can't think of anywhere better to visit than Freetown Christiania.
This unique community is an autonomous district of about 900 people where many of the normal rules don't apply. It's a fascinating experiment in anarchism where residents don't own their own homes and live by their own rules.
Freetown Christiania might not be to everybody's taste, but if you're looking for a real adventure, there's nowhere quite like it in Europe. One word of warning, put your camera away, locals do not like being filmed here as we were quick to find out!
The Little Mermaid Statue
Located off the Langelinie promenade, Edvard Eriksen's statue of the Little Mermaid is one of Copenhagen's most famous and celebrated landmarks and should be near the top of anyone's list.
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, it's no wonder that millions of people flock to Copenhagen every year to see this enchanting piece for themselves.
Visit a museum
Like most capital cities in Europe, there's a huge variety of museums to enjoy in Copenhagen, ranging from the the National Museum of Denmark to the wonderfully creepy Medical Museion. However it's worth remembering that many of the city's museums are closed on Monday.
