Question 1

How long should you stay in Copenhagen?

Accepted Answer

Three to four whole days is ideal. Three days covers the highlights — Nyhavn, Tivoli, the old town and a bakery or two — while a 4th day adds time for more. A 5th day gives you room for a day trip such as Kronborg Castle or the Louisiana museum.

Question 2

Is 2 days enough to see Copenhagen?

Accepted Answer

No… we will recommend at least three days. You will regret only planning for 2 days.

Question 3

Can I see Copenhagen on a layover?

Accepted Answer

Yes — the airport is only 15 minutes from the city centre by Metro. With 6 hours or more you can see Nyhavn, the royal quarter and the Round Tower, and still be back in good time. Our layover guide has a realistic hour-by-hour plan, transport included.

Question 4

How do I get from Copenhagen Airport to the city centre?

Accepted Answer

The Metro (M2) runs straight from the airport to the city centre in about 15 minutes, 24/7 — no changes needed. Heading to Central Station or Vesterbro? Take the train instead. Buy a 3-zone single ticket in the Rejsebillet app or at the red DSB machines. See our full transport guide.

Question 5

Is Copenhagen expensive?

Accepted Answer

It can be, but you can keep costs down: Stay in a hostel in the city centre. Get around by walking, biking or Metro. Buy food and drinks from a supermarket. See our guide to Copenhagen on a budget.

Question 6

How expensive is Copenhagen, really?

Accepted Answer

It has a pricey reputation, but it's manageable with a few local habits. Expect roughly 50–65 kr. for a coffee, 65–80 kr. for a beer, 100–150 kr. for smørrebrød and 500–800 kr. for a mid-range dinner for two. The big savers: supermarkets over restaurants and the many free sights. Our budget guide has the full breakdown.

Question 7

Do I need cash in Copenhagen?

Accepted Answer

Cash is rarely used in Copenhagen — almost all shops, restaurants and attractions accept cards or digital payments.

Question 8

What currency does Copenhagen use?

Accepted Answer

The Danish krone (DKK) — Denmark doesn't use the euro. It's pegged at roughly 7.45 kr. to €1, and cards are accepted absolutely everywhere, so you may never touch cash at all.

Question 9

Do they speak English in Copenhagen?

Accepted Answer

Yes — virtually everyone speaks excellent English, from café staff to bus drivers, and menus and signs usually have English too. You never need Danish, but a friendly 'tak' (thanks) goes a long way.

Question 10

What is the cheapest way to travel in Copenhagen?

Accepted Answer

Copenhagen is walkable, and most sights are within walking distance. Use the planner to group the sights you want with a realistic timetable. Open the planner.

Question 11

Where should you stay in Copenhagen?

Accepted Answer

The inner city (Indre By) is the great all-rounder — everything walkable, and the Metro close by. The Nyhavn area connects to the airport Metro and is also a great choice. Vesterbro sits by the Central Station, where the train runs straight to the airport. Ørestad has lots of hotels — you'll ride the M1 Metro to Kongens Nytorv (by Nyhavn) or the train to the Central Station for the centre, and the train from Ørestad station straight back to the airport. Find hand-picked hotels in each area on our accommodation page.

Question 12

Is Ørestad a good choice to stay?

Accepted Answer

Yes — there are lots of hotels out there, often at better prices than the centre. It sits outside the city centre but very close: the M1 Metro or the train brings you to Kongens Nytorv (by Nyhavn) or Central Station in about ten minutes, and the train from Ørestad station runs straight to the airport.

Question 13

Is Tivoli expensive?

Accepted Answer

A little, yes — entry alone is on the pricey side, and the unlimited-rides pass costs extra on top. But it's usually a little cheaper on weekdays than weekends — buy the tickets in advance and you skip the queue at the gate. On a budget? Strolling the gardens without the ride pass is still a lovely evening.

Question 14

Where to eat smørrebrød in Copenhagen?

Accepted Answer

Smørrebrød — the classic Danish open sandwich — is a lunch thing, best with a beer and a snaps. See our top sit-down spots and casual tasting counters in the full smørrebrød guide.

Question 15

How do you rent a bike in Copenhagen?

Accepted Answer

Rent from your hotel or hostel, or through a bike app. See our bike recommendations and the rules of the bike lanes here.

Question 16

How do I get around in Copenhagen?

Accepted Answer

Walking, and the metro or trains. Don't take taxis unless necessary — taxis are exceptionally expensive. See the transport guide.

Question 17

Is Copenhagen walkable?

Accepted Answer

Yes — it's HIGHLY recommended to walk around Copenhagen. The centre is compact: most must-sees sit within a 20-minute walk of each other. When crossing the street on foot, watch for bicycle traffic.

Question 18

Can you swim in Copenhagen's harbour?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The harbour water is clean enough for swimming. Tourists usually head for the designated harbour baths like Islands Brygge or Sandkaj in Nordhavn — see our harbour swimming guide for every spot.

Question 19

Is Freetown Christiania safe to visit?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Since 2024 it's much safer to visit, and you're now allowed to take pictures — which wasn't the case before. The street that was once a bit dodgy is now a lively lane with market stalls and small restaurants. Well worth visiting.

Question 20

Is Copenhagen safe?

Accepted Answer

Very — it's one of Europe's safest capitals, and solo travellers regularly rate it as comfortable day and night. The realistic risks are bike-lane collisions and the odd pickpocket in crowded tourist spots, not crime.

Question 21

Is the Copenhagen Card worth it?

Accepted Answer

It depends on how much you pack into one day. We did the maths on a classic sightseeing day — Tivoli, Rosenborg Castle and the Glyptoteket, all on the same day. On a weekday, separate attraction tickets plus a 24-hour City Pass for inner-city transport come to 580 kr., while the Copenhagen Card costs 589 kr. — so 9 kr. cheaper without the card. On a weekend, the same tickets (Tivoli is pricier at weekends) plus the City Pass come to 620 kr., making the 589 kr. card 31 kr. cheaper. Our conclusion: the Copenhagen Card is only worth it if you visit three attractions in one day and use public transport that same day. It pays off fastest with 2–3 of the pricier attractions — but fitting them all into a single day can be tough. (We reserve the right for calculation errors and price changes.) See our transport guide for tickets and passes.

Question 22

Is Copenhagen worth visiting?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Copenhagen is compact, walkable, cycle-friendly and clean, with a rare mix of design, food, harbour swimming and easy day trips. Well worth visiting.

Question 23

Copenhagen or Amsterdam?

Accepted Answer

Both, for different reasons. Both are bike-first canal cities, but Copenhagen is calmer, cleaner and more design-led, with swimmable harbour water. Amsterdam is busier, cheaper to reach and has more nightlife and big-name museums. For a relaxed, stylish city break choose Copenhagen; for buzz and lower prices, Amsterdam.

Question 24

What is Hans Christian Andersen's connection to Copenhagen?

Accepted Answer

The fairy-tale writer behind The Little Mermaid, The Ugly Duckling and The Emperor's New Clothes arrived here at 14, lived in three houses on Nyhavn (Nos. 20, 67 and 18), and is buried at Assistens Cemetery — his statues are all over the city.

Question 25

Should I visit Copenhagen or Stockholm?

Accepted Answer

Both! Copenhagen is smaller and easy to walk around, with a stronger café and cycling culture and a swimmable harbour. Stockholm shines in summer for its archipelago. Food, sights and bikes: Copenhagen. Nature and city life: Stockholm.

Question 26

Should I visit Copenhagen or Oslo?

Accepted Answer

Both! Copenhagen is more charming, with a stronger café and bakery culture and a swimmable harbour. Oslo pairs the city with nature — fjord saunas, island boat trips and forest hikes. Food, bikes and city buzz: Copenhagen. Fjord and outdoors: Oslo.

Question 27

What is a must-do in Copenhagen?

Accepted Answer

Wander Nyhavn, see Amalienborg Castle and wander the old town. Visit Tivoli Gardens and Freetown Christiania. Eat a pastry or three. In summer add a swim at a harbour bath. In winter, swap it for Christmas stall browsing. See our itinerary suggestion.

Question 28

What food is Copenhagen known for?

Accepted Answer

Start with smørrebrød — the open rye sandwiches are the national lunch. From a pølsevogn wagon, grab a hotdog: pick the red boiled sausage or the brown grilled one, then go 'med det hele' (with everything). Don't leave without bakery goods — a kanelsnegl cinnamon swirl is dangerous. In December, add gløgg and æbleskiver at the Christmas markets. See the Danish food guide, the smørrebrød guide and the bakery guide.

Question 29

What to buy in Copenhagen?

Accepted Answer

Lego from the Lego store on Strøget — the brick was born here. Tins of butter cookies, Anthon Berg chocolate and Toms Skildpadder (chocolate-caramel turtles) for the flight home. Royal Copenhagen porcelain if you're feeling fancy. Salty Danish liquorice, an acquired taste worth acquiring. Local artwork straight from the artists in Freetown Christiania. And Scandi fashion: Ganni, Stine Goya, Samsøe Samsøe and Mads Nørgaard all have flagship stores in the city.

Question 30

What should I not miss in Copenhagen?

Accepted Answer

Wander Nyhavn and the old town. Visit Tivoli Gardens and Freetown Christiania. Eat a pastry or three. In summer add a swim at a harbour bath. In winter, swap it for Christmas stall browsing. See the itinerary.

Question 31

What day trips can you take from Copenhagen?

Accepted Answer

The classics: Bakken's amusement park and deer forest, the Louisiana art museum, Hamlet's castle in Helsingør, Roskilde's Viking ships, the yellow cottages of Dragør — and Malmö in Sweden, 40 minutes over the bridge. All under an hour from the city centre. See all day trips from Copenhagen.

Question 32

How do I get from Copenhagen to Odense?

Accepted Answer

Direct trains from København H run every 30 minutes and take about 1h 50min — book an Orange ticket ahead on DSB for the cheapest fare. Odense is H.C. Andersen's hometown and an easy long day out. See our Danish gems guide.

Question 33

Is Tivoli Gardens worth it?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Tivoli is one of the world's oldest amusement parks and as much a garden and concert venue as a ride park. It's especially magical after dark and during the Halloween and Christmas seasons. Go for the atmosphere, gardens and lights as much as the rides.

Question 34

How long should I spend in Tivoli?

Accepted Answer

Depends on whether you just want to walk around or try the rides. About 3 hours is plenty to stroll and soak up the atmosphere — 4–5 hours goes easily if you're doing the rides. It also depends on whether you're planning to eat in there.

Question 35

Is Copenhagen good for kids?

Accepted Answer

Very — Tivoli's rides sit right in the city centre, the Zoo and the hands-on Experimentarium science centre are easy wins, and the harbour baths have shallow kids' pools in summer. Even the Metro is stroller-friendly, with level access and lifts at every station.

Question 36

Do you tip in Copenhagen?

Accepted Answer

No — service is included in the price and staff earn proper wages. Rounding up the bill or leaving ~10% for genuinely great service is appreciated, but never expected. Nobody will chase you down the street for skipping it.

Question 37

When is the best time to visit Copenhagen?

Accepted Answer

Late May to early September is best for long days, harbour swimming and outdoor life, with May and September quieter and better value. December is lovely for Christmas markets and Tivoli lights. Winters are dark and cold but cosy. See the season-by-season guide.

Question 38

Which month is the sunniest in Copenhagen?

Accepted Answer

July — the long, light days peak and the city lives outside. May and June are close seconds. See the season-by-season guide.

Question 39

What can you do in Copenhagen on a rainy day?

Accepted Answer

Plenty — warm up in the Glyptoteket or the National Museum, browse the Black Diamond library, or settle in for a long smørrebrød lunch. Our rainy day guide has a full day of indoor plans, museums included.

Copenhagen
on a budget

Skip the fancy spots,
here's a guide to survive on a budget

Shop the supermarkets

7-Eleven does the job

Street-food markets

Fill up at a bakery

Coffee to go at McDonald's

A few names
to remember

Mio · Frederiksberg & Østerbro

Le Petit Rouge · Indre By

Bouillon · Frederiksberg

Free things to do
in Copenhagen

Stroll Nyhavn

Wander into Christiania

Swim the harbour

Changing of the Guard

Little Mermaid & Kastellet

Step inside Marmorkirken

Climb Christiansborg Tower

The Black Diamond

The National Museum

Kongens Have & Botanical Garden

Cemetery parks

CopenHill hike & Nordhavn views

Window-shop Strøget

Browse Magasin & Illum

Browse Torvehallerne

Neighbourhood strolls

Walk first. It's free

Walk — or bike cheap

A bed from ~450 DKK a night

Next House Copenhagen

MEININGER Hotel Copenhagen

Capsule Hotel Copenhagen

CityHub Copenhagen

Planning the days?
Keep it easy on the wallet

Copenhagenon a budget

Skip the fancy spots,here's a guide to survive on a budget