Copenhagen is compact, calm and very good-looking. Colourful houses line the canals, bikes outnumber cars, and design is part of everyday life in the shops, cafes and public spaces.
It is an easy city to like. The pace is relaxed, the harbour is clean enough for a swim in summer, and almost everything is reachable on two wheels.
How many days: 3
Three days is plenty for the main sights and a slow, well-fed city break. Two works for a quick trip.
Add a day trip to a castle on the coast north of the city or across the bridge to Sweden if you have time. Both are easy by train.
What to do in Copenhagen
- Stroll Nyhavn
- The colourful harbour with old wooden ships and waterside cafes is the best-known view in the city. Go early, as it fills quickly later.
- Visit Tivoli Gardens
- One of the oldest amusement parks in the world, with gardens, rides and evening lights. It has a fairytale feel, especially after dark.
- Take a canal tour
- Short boat tours pass the harbour, the opera house and the Little Mermaid. They are a good way to get your bearings.
- Cycle around the city
- Rent a bike and follow the dedicated lanes. Follow the local rules and signals, and lock the bike every time.
- Explore Christiansborg Palace
- The seat of the Danish parliament, with royal rooms and a tower with views. A good first stop in the old centre.
- Walk through Christiania
- A self-governing alternative neighbourhood with its own rules, including no photography in some parts. Read the signs and be respectful.
- Browse Nørrebro and Vesterbro
- Neighbourhoods with independent shops, bars, cafes and street life. Good for an afternoon of wandering.
- See the Little Mermaid
- A small bronze statue on the waterfront, famous but modest in size. Combine it with a walk along the harbour front and the nearby fortress park.
- Visit a design museum
- Denmark is famous for design, and the city has museums covering furniture, architecture and craft. A good rainy-day choice.
- Swim in the harbour
- In summer, public harbour baths let you swim in clean water in the middle of the city. Check the official city site for current water quality.
What to eat and drink
- Smørrebrød
- Open sandwiches on dark rye bread with toppings such as fish, egg or roast beef. A traditional lunch.
- Pastries
- Danish pastries here are called wienerbrød and are worth trying fresh from a bakery. Cinnamon swirls are a good place to start.
- New Nordic cooking
- The city is known for modern Nordic restaurants built around local and seasonal produce. Book well ahead for popular ones.
- Hot dogs
- Danish hot dogs, with crispy onions, pickles and remoulade, are sold from stands across the city. A cheap, quick meal.
- Coffee
- Copenhagen has a serious specialty coffee scene. Cafes are cosy and good for long breaks.
- Seasonal local produce
- Markets and food halls sell fish, cheese, vegetables and baked goods. A good way to taste the city on a budget.
Getting around
The metro, trains and buses use one ticket system, and the metro runs through the night. The centre is small enough to walk or cycle.
Cycling is the way locals get around. The city is flat and the dedicated lanes are everywhere.
From the airport, the metro and train reach the centre quickly.
Good to know
- Copenhagen is one of the most expensive cities in Europe, so budget with that in mind. Look for lunch menus and bakery stops rather than long dinners.
- Most places take cards, and some are card-only. Cash is rarely needed.
- Summer is long and bright, while winter is cold, dark and cosy. Pack layers whatever the season.
- Cyclists have priority on their lanes. Never walk or stand in a bike lane.
- Many shops close early on Sundays, and some close entirely. Check in advance.