The Ultimate Copenhagen Travel Guide: Itinerary, Hotels, Food & Tips
Copenhagen feels like the kind of city that immediately knows how to slow you down. Between the pastel-painted houses along Nyhavn, the easy rhythm of locals biking past, and the smell of fresh pastries wafting out of corner cafés, it’s hard not to fall into step with the Danish version of hygge.
When I first arrived, I was struck by how seamlessly old-world charm blends with modern design. One moment you’re wandering through royal palaces, and the next you’re sipping a flat white in a minimalist café that could double as a design studio.
If you’re planning your first trip to Copenhagen, this guide will save you hours of research. Below, you’ll find practical tips, the best time to visit, where to stay, how to get around, and—of course—the restaurants and experiences that make the city so memorable.
Copenhagen Travel Tips
Currency: Danish Krone (DKK). Cards are widely accepted, so you can skip exchanging large amounts of cash.
Language: Danish is the official language, but almost everyone speaks English fluently.
Weather: Pack layers. Even in summer, evenings can be cool, and the wind on bike rides feels stronger than you expect.
Biking: Copenhagen is built for cyclists, with dedicated lanes and traffic lights. Renting a bike is easy through apps like Donkey Republic or Bycyklen.
Local Etiquette: Don’t walk in the bike lanes, and don’t be surprised if strangers don’t strike up small talk. Danes value their personal space but are warm once you get to know them.
When to Visit Copenhagen
March–May (Spring): Copenhagen wakes up from winter in full bloom. The cherry blossoms at Bispebjerg Cemetery turn the city pink, locals swap heavy coats for lighter jackets, and the cafés spill back onto the sidewalks. It’s still quiet compared to summer, which makes it a sweet spot for travelers who want a balance of good weather and fewer crowds.
June–August (Summer): This is when Copenhagen feels like it’s buzzing. With nearly 17 hours of daylight, you can fit in morning bike rides, long afternoons at Tivoli Gardens, and evenings watching the sun dip behind Nyhavn with a glass of wine. Rooftop bars and music festivals like Distortion take over the city, and every canal seems filled with kayaks, swimmers, or boats.
September–October (Fall): Cooler air rolls in, and Copenhagen takes on a softer, golden glow. The city parks are full of crunchy leaves, the crowds thin out, and you’ll find yourself lingering longer in cozy cafés. Autumn is also harvest season, which makes it an incredible time for food lovers—menus shift toward earthy, seasonal dishes.
November–February (Winter): Yes, it’s cold. But Copenhagen in winter feels like stepping inside a snow globe. The Christmas markets sparkle against the colorful houses of Nyhavn, Tivoli turns into a winter wonderland, and locals lean all the way into hygge with candles, mulled wine, and slow afternoons indoors. If you don’t mind bundling up, this is when Copenhagen feels its most authentic.
How Many Days in Copenhagen?
I recommend 3–4 days for a well-rounded visit. With 2 days, you can hit the highlights - Nyhavn, Tivoli Gardens, Rosenborg Castle - but 4 days gives you time to linger, you can move at a slower pace and soak in the local rhythm. Bike through neighborhoods like Nørrebro and Vesterbro, linger in cozy cafés, and still have time to explore museums, markets, and hidden corners without feeling rushed.
Getting Around Copenhagen
Copenhagen is compact and incredibly easy to navigate.
Walking: Honestly, I walked most places. Copenhagen’s neighborhoods are so close together that strolling from Nyhavn to Rosenborg Castle to the Latin Quarter barely feels like effort. Plus, wandering on foot means you’ll stumble across cafés, shops, and hidden courtyards you’d miss otherwise.
Biking: Copenhagen is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world, and it shows. Dedicated bike lanes run everywhere, and you’ll notice locals zipping by in suits, dresses, or even with kids in tow. I used Lime bikes when I wanted to cover more ground - they’re easy to rent through the app and perfect for casual exploring.
Metro & Public Transport: If you’re heading further out, the metro is clean, efficient, and runs 24/7 on weekends. It’s especially convenient from the airport straight into the city center in under 15 minutes.
How to Get to Copenhagen
By Air: Copenhagen Airport (CPH) is the largest in Scandinavia and only 15 minutes from the city center via metro.
By Train: Easy connections from Hamburg and Malmö.
By Ferry/Car: Ferries link Copenhagen to Oslo and other Scandinavian cities.
Pro Tip: Download the DOT app before arrival - it makes buying metro and bus tickets seamless.
Where to Stay in Copenhagen
Copenhagen does hotels really, really well—think chic interiors, thoughtful design, and plenty of cozy touches that make you want to linger in the lobby with a coffee. Here are a few favorites that balance style, comfort, and location:
Manon Les Suites – If you’ve seen the photos of a lush, jungle-style pool in the middle of Copenhagen, this is it. Manon Les Suites feels like a tropical escape dropped in Scandinavia. The interiors are bold, the vibe is young and trendy, and staying here honestly feels like part of the experience, not just a place to sleep.
Hotel SP34 – A minimalist dream in the Latin Quarter. Think clean lines, warm woods, and a nightly wine hour that makes it easy to feel at home. Perfect if you love boutique vibes and want to be walking distance to most sights.
Nimb Hotel – Tucked inside Tivoli Gardens, this one’s pure magic. Rooms mix classic elegance with modern design, and if you want to splurge, few places in Copenhagen feel more special.
Babette Guldsmeden – Cozy, bohemian, and eco-friendly. It’s the kind of hotel where the breakfast feels homemade, and the design is all about natural textures and warm light.
Next House Copenhagen – A budget-friendly but surprisingly stylish option. With rooftop views, communal spaces, and events, it’s a great pick if you’re traveling solo or want something social without sacrificing design.Things to Do in Copenhagen
Les Manon Suites truly gives a tropical feel right in the middle of Copenhagen.
Classic Copenhagen
Copenhagen is a city best explored slowly - by foot, by bike, and sometimes even by boat. The joy is in wandering between iconic sights and tucked-away corners, letting the city reveal itself at its own pace. Here are some highlights and experiences worth adding to your list:
Nyhavn
The most photographed spot in Copenhagen, and for good reason. The row of pastel houses lining the canal looks like it was pulled straight from a postcard. Go in the late afternoon when the light softens and locals gather with drinks along the water.
Tivoli Gardens
Part amusement park, part fairytale garden, Tivoli has been charming visitors since 1843. Whether you ride the old wooden roller coaster, watch a concert, or simply wander among twinkling lights at night, it’s an experience that feels timeless.
Rosenborg Castle
Step into Denmark’s royal history at Rosenborg Castle, home to the crown jewels. The castle itself looks like it belongs in a storybook, surrounded by lush gardens perfect for a picnic or slow morning stroll.
Church of Our Saviour
This baroque church is famous for its spiral staircase that winds up the outside of the spire. The climb is a bit of a workout, but the view of the city’s rooftops and canals is more than worth it.
Frederiksberg Gardens
One of the city’s most beautiful green spaces, Frederiksberg Gardens feels peaceful even on a busy day. Rent a rowboat, wander along tree-lined paths, or just bring a coffee and watch the swans glide by.
Nørrebro & Vesterbro
Copenhagen’s neighborhoods each have their own personality. Nørrebro is multicultural and creative, filled with colorful murals, independent shops, and some of the city’s best casual eats. Vesterbro, once the red-light district, is now buzzing with cool cafés, breweries, and art spaces.
Christiania
The city’s alternative enclave, Christiania is known for its free-spirited vibe, colorful houses, and community-built art. It feels like stepping into another world entirely—laid-back, creative, and unlike anywhere else in Copenhagen.
GoBoats
One of the most fun ways to see the city is from the water. Rent a solar-powered GoBoat with friends, pack snacks and drinks, and spend an afternoon cruising through the canals at your own pace.
La Bachina Sauna
After a day of exploring, there’s nothing better than warming up in a sauna by the water. La Bachina lets you rent a private sauna and even take a dip in the harbor if you’re feeling brave. It’s peak Scandinavian wellness, with a view.
Where to Eat in Copenhagen
Copenhagen’s food scene is one of the most exciting in Europe. It mixes Michelin-starred dining with cozy wine bars, street food markets, and bakeries that people literally queue around the block for. These are the spots that stood out most on my trip:
Restaurants, Bars & Street Food
Restaurant Sole D’Italia – A neighborhood favorite with some of the best Italian in the city. Simple, authentic, and the kind of place you leave already planning your return.
Høst – A Nordic dining experience in a minimalist, design-forward space. Seasonal ingredients, beautifully plated, and a perfect “treat yourself” dinner.
Esmee – Elegant but fun, with European flavors and a chic interior that makes you want to linger over cocktails.
Fabro – A pasta spot with a cult following. It’s simple, authentic, and feels like eating in a cool Italian friend’s kitchen. The pasta is handmade, the vibe is laid-back, and it’s always buzzing.
Rondo – Trendy and casual, ideal for sharing plates and people-watching.
Cantina – Go for the rigatoni. It’s their signature, and it deserves the hype.
Delphine – Mediterranean-inspired and full of bright, fresh flavors.
Barr – Located in the old Noma space, this is beer-forward dining with hearty, comforting dishes.
Bottega Barlie – A cozy wine bar perfect for an easy evening with small plates and natural wines.
H15 – Industrial-chic vibes with a creative menu. A cool space to hang out that feels equal parts gallery and restaurant.
Baka d’Busk – Seasonal, plant-forward plates served in a laid-back, buzzing setting.
Jah Izakaya – Japanese-inspired small plates and sake in a moody, low-lit space.
Mad & Kaffe – Famous for its customizable brunch boards—pick small dishes and build your own spread.
Apollo Bar – Inside Charlottenborg Palace, it’s artsy, stylish, and perfect for a long lunch.
Mikkeller Warpigs Brewpub – Craft beer + barbecue in the heart of the Meatpacking District. Order the brisket and pair it with one of their house brews.
BRUS – A brewpub, bar, shop, and restaurant rolled into one. Great for casual drinks with friends.
Reffen Street Food Market – A massive outdoor food market with global street food stalls and live music. Go hungry, and try as much as you can.
DØP Hotdog Stands – Don’t leave Copenhagen without trying a Danish hotdog. These stands are quick, cheap, and surprisingly iconic.
Tacos El Gordo – Authentic, no-fuss tacos that taste like they belong in Mexico City, not Scandinavia.
Bakeries & Cafés
Copenhagen is the city for bakeries - people line up in the early morning for a reason. Don’t miss these spots:
Juno the Bakery – The croissants and cardamom buns are legendary. Expect a line, but it moves quickly.
Prolog Coffee – Great coffee paired with pastries from Juno. It’s the perfect combo spot.
Lille Bakery – Located in Refshaleøen, it’s worth the trip for their cardamom rolls and cozy atmosphere.
Apotek 57 – Stylish café inside Frama Studio, where the food and design are equally beautiful.
La Cabra – Known for its world-class coffee and perfectly balanced pastries. Minimalist design makes it feel like peak Scandinavian cool.
Dalla Coffee – A colorful café with fun interiors and excellent espresso drinks.
Caffe Calabria – A cozy, old-school Italian café where the coffee is strong and the atmosphere feels like a neighborhood secret.
Copenhagen is one of those cities that stays with you. It’s in the way the light hits Nyhavn in the evening, the quiet magic of Tivoli Gardens at night, and the simple joy of sipping coffee in a cozy café while bikes rush past outside. It’s a city that manages to feel both vibrant and calm, modern yet steeped in tradition.
Whether you’re here for two days or a week, you’ll find yourself slowing down, leaning into hygge, and wishing you had just one more morning to wander the canals.
If you’re planning a trip, save this guide for later and use it to map out your perfect days in the city.
✨ Don’t forget to pin this guide so it’s easy to find when you start planning.
