Europe › Denmark › Copenhagen

Copenhagen

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Scandi-cool vibes and world-class food

Copenhagen is Denmark’s capital city where modern design meets historic charm. The streets feature colorful townhouses and clean bike lanes that line wide avenues. Residents enjoy parks, museums and waterfront areas with views of the harbor. Local cafes serve coffee alongside pastries made from fresh ingredients. Public transport connects neighborhoods efficiently, making it easy to explore markets, cultural sites and green spaces. The city balances urban life with a relaxed atmosphere, inviting visitors to experience its unique mix of tradition and innovation in everyday settings.

City in Denmark
Climate zone: Mild oceanic

Mild oceanic: Marine-influenced climates with cool summers, mild winters and frequent precipitation year-round, typical of western coasts at mid-latitudes.

See climate table
Price level: $$$
$Cheap
$$Medium
$$$Expensive, upscale
$$$+Very expensive, luxury
See price details
Safety: 9.0
General Safety:9
Health & medical:9
Accessibility:8
Tap water:10
Read details
Tourist English: 5/5
English is widely spoken in Copenhagen, especially in tourist areas, restaurants, and shops. Most locals, especially younger people, are fluent, so communication is rarely an issue.
Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Copenhagen Summary

These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.

‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.

‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.

‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.

Read how our scores work
Excellent for cycling culture and design. Ride bikes through historic districts, visit modern museums, relax in waterfront parks and enjoy innovative Nordic food.
Place score
9.2
Best at:
Cycling
10
Spotless
9
Fine dining
9
Large cities
8
Walkable
8
Personal score
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Log in to see how this place matches your personal travel interests.
Suited for
👶 8
Families
🧓 8
Seniors
🛡️ 9
Travel Beginners
🌈 9
LGBTQ+
Denmark – Quick facts
Power Grid: 230 V, 50 Hz
Plug: Type C , Type E , Type K
Type C:
Diagram of a Type C power plug
Type E:
Diagram of a Type E power plug
Type K:
Diagram of a Type K power plug

Read about power adapters
Currency: Danish Krone (DKK)
£1 ≈ DKK 8.93
Cashless info: Rating 5/5
Cashless payments are widespread, and cards are accepted almost everywhere.

Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers: Best value: Saily
Flexibility: Airalo
Read our in-depth comparison
Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. Rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% is common.
Public drinking: Public drinking is allowed, especially during festivals and celebrations.
Public smoking: Smoking is banned in most indoor public spaces and workplaces.
Constitution Day
(June)
Celebrations occur, but shops may close early.
Christmas
(December)
Markets and festive events are popular.
Easter
(March/April)
Many closures and family gatherings.
Emergency contact: Emergency Number: 112 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
Taxi apps: Uber, Bolt
Other: Cycling is popular and convenient in Denmark. The country has a focus on sustainability and green living.
Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for Copenhagen, Denmark
❄️
Jan
❄️
Feb
☁️
Mar
🌤️
Apr
🌤️
May
🌤️
Jun
🌤️
Jul
🌤️
Aug
🌤️
Sep
☁️
Oct
☁️
Nov
❄️
Dec
High season: May - Sep.
Shoulder season: April, Oct., Dec.
Crowdedness: 5 (Moderate tourist numbers)
Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info
Tivoli Gardens open mid April to late September, plus Halloween and Christmas seasons; closed in between
Christmas markets mid November to Christmas Eve, Tivoli Gardens' market most popular

Why travel to Copenhagen?

Copenhagen is a dream for those who love good design, history and food. Wander through Nyhavn’s colorful waterfront, visit world-famous museums or indulge in New Nordic cuisine. The city's bike-friendly culture makes it easy to explore and there’s a strong focus on sustainability and quality of life. Plus, the Danes are known for their cozy ‘hygge’ lifestyle, making even a short stay feel like a warm embrace.

🏯Places worth seeing
  • 1 The Little Mermaid
    The iconic bronze statue stands proudly on Langelinie, overlooking the sea and city skyline. This beloved symbol of Danish culture draws visitors from around the world to witness its timeless charm and maritime beauty.
  • 2 Freetown Christiania
    A self‑governed enclave in Copenhagen, known for its alternative culture and open‑air art galleries. Residents live communally, produce local crafts and host music festivals that attract visitors worldwide, especially during summer months.
  • 3 The Royal Library
    This Copenhagen landmark houses vast collections within glass walls and wooden interiors. While often crowded, visiting early ensures quiet access to its stunning architecture and rare manuscripts without the tourist rush.
  • 4 Tivoli Gardens
    This Danish capital's historic amusement park sits beside the city harbor, offering Victorian charm away from tourist crowds. While nearby streets buzz with activity, the gardens provide a serene escape for families seeking classic fun without the chaos of major theme parks.
  • 5 Amalienborg
    The grand Amalienborg Palace stands as Copenhagen's royal residence, featuring four identical neoclassical buildings surrounding a central courtyard. Its history intertwines with Danish monarchy and offers stunning architecture against the city backdrop.
  • 6 Rosenborg Castle
    This historic Danish palace features stunning gardens and royal apartments within Copenhagen's city center. Visitors admire its Renaissance architecture, opulent interiors and peaceful courtyards that offer a glimpse into European nobility without the crowds of larger attractions.
  • 7 Christiansborg Palace
    A historic royal residence in Denmark's capital, Christiansborg Palace houses parliament, the Supreme Court and royal reception rooms. Its baroque architecture and central location make it a key cultural landmark.
  • 8 Nyhavn
    Historic waterfront lined with colorful 17th‑century houses, bustling cafés and sailing boats. A popular spot for tourists and locals alike, offering scenic views, boat tours and a lively atmosphere during daytime and night.
  • 9 Grundtvig's Church
    This historic church in Copenhagen's Nørrebro district features a distinctive red brick façade and an interior adorned with intricate wood carvings, offering a serene atmosphere for visitors seeking cultural heritage.
  • 10 Danish Architecture Center
    This architectural hub showcases Denmark's design legacy within a striking building. Visitors explore exhibitions on urban planning and sustainable architecture, offering insights into Copenhagen's innovative development and cultural identity through curated displays.
  • 11 Nyhavn
  • 12 National Museum of Denmark
  • 13 Round Tower
  • 14 Glyptoteket
🎡Places for activities
  • 1 Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
  • 2 Comedy Zoo
  • 3 Experimentarium
  • 4 National Aquarium Denmark
  • 5 Copenhagen Opera House
  • 6 Superkilen
🏞️Natural landmarks
  • 1 Botanical Garden
  • 2 Islands Brygge Harbor Bath
  • 3 King's Garden
  • 4 Kalvebod Fælled
  • 5 Søndermarken
  • 6 Ørstedsparken
🛍️Shopping
  • 1 Magasin Du Nord
  • 2 Hay House
  • 3 Stroget
  • 4 Torvehallerne Street Market
  • 5 Jægersborggade
  • 6 Illums Bolighus
🎈Events
  • Copenhagen Light Festival (February)
  • Distortion Street Festival (June)
  • Copenhagen Jazz Festival (July)
  • Roskilde Festival (nearby, July)
  • Copenhagen Pride (August)
  • Kulturnatten (Culture Night, October)
  • Christmas Markets (November-December)
  • Copenhagen Fashion Week (twice a year)
  • CPH:DOX Documentary Film Festival
  • New Year’s Eve Fireworks

Knowledge before you go

  • Watch bike lanes carefully; never walk or stop in them.
  • Copenhagen is very safe, but stay alert for occasional pickpockets around Central Station, Strøget and Nyhavn in crowds.
  • Public transport is excellent; get a city pass for unlimited buses, metro and trains within central zones during your stay.
  • Base near Indre By or Vesterbro for walkable sights, great food, easy metro access and a more local neighborhood feel than Nyhavn.

How to travel to Copenhagen

Copenhagen Airport (CPH) is the main international gateway, located just 15 minutes from the city center by train or metro. Long-distance trains connect Copenhagen to Germany and Sweden, including the Öresund Bridge link to Malmö. Ferries also connect to Norway and the Baltic countries.

Access summary

  • From Copenhagen Airport (CPH): Metro or train to center, about 13–15 minutes.
  • From Malmö: Direct train over Øresund Bridge, around 35–40 minutes.
  • From Hamburg: Direct trains to Copenhagen Central Station, roughly 4.5–6 hours.

Where to stay in Copenhagen

Copenhagen offers a range of accommodations, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. Boutique hotels and stylish apartments are popular and eco-friendly hotels are common. Vesterbro and Nørrebro are great for nightlife, while Indre By is best for sightseeing.

How to get around Copenhagen

Copenhagen is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world, with dedicated lanes everywhere. The Metro, buses and S-trains are efficient and the Rejsekort travel card simplifies public transport payments. Walking is also a great way to explore central areas.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home

We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.

To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.

+40 %
Daily expenses in Copenhagen are around 40% higher than the average across United States. That means you'll spend considerably more on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend

The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.

-3 %
Your exchange rate (GBP to DKK) is 3% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.

Travel costs

To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.

Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.

Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.

Daily cost summary

Travel style categories explained:

Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.

Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.

Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.

Backpacker Mid-range Luxury
💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation
£88
£201
£564
🏨 Accommodation per night, per person
£38
£90
£225
🍝 Food per day
£39
£98
£298
🚕 Transportation per day
£12
£13
£41
Food & Drink
🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person
£42
🍛 Lunch Set, per person
£17
🍟 Fast food combo
£11.50
🍝 Preparing your own food, per day
£12.50
☕ Cappuccino
£5.50
🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l
£7
Transportation
🚌 Public transport ticket
£2.90
🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi
£23
⛽ Petrol, 1 l
£1.70
Other
🎞️ Cinema ticket
£16
👩‍⚕️ Doctor's consult
£55
🤧 Cold medication
£8
💇 Basic haircut
£29

Safety information overview

General safety
9
Copenhagen is very safe, with low crime rates. Pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas, but violent crime is rare. Biking rules are strict, so watch out for cyclists.
Health & Medical
9
Denmark has excellent healthcare, but non-EU visitors should have travel insurance. Pharmacies are well-stocked and tap water is safe to drink.
Accessi­bility
8
Public transport and many attractions are wheelchair-friendly, but some old buildings lack full accessibility. Buses have ramps and Metro stations have elevators.
Tap water
10
Tap water is of high quality and safe to drink. Many public fountains provide free drinking water, reducing the need for bottled water.

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