Things to do in Copenhagen: the harbor, design shops and bikes
Copenhagen is a compact waterside capital of canals, palaces, design shops and bicycles. Three days cover the harbor, the old center and a museum or two at an easy pace. The one thing to know is cost: it is one of Europe's pricier cities, so plan lunches and transport with care.
The short answer
- First trip
- Stay in the Indre By or Vesterbro, see Nyhavn, Tivoli and Rosenborg Castle, and travel by bike or metro.
- Where to stay
- Indre By for sights, Vesterbro for food, Nørrebro for a local feel.
- How many days
- Three days for the main sights. Add one or two for museums and a trip to the coast.
- Best time to go
- May to September for long days. December for Tivoli's Christmas market.
- Book ahead
- Tivoli in peak season, popular restaurants and the Louisiana museum if you plan a visit.
- From the airport
- Copenhagen airport is about 8 km from the center. The metro and trains reach it in roughly 15 minutes.
Where to stay in Copenhagen, in brief
Indre By
sights and first-timers
The old center, with Nyhavn, Strøget and Rosenborg Castle within walking distance. Everything is close. Hotels cost the most here.
Vesterbro
food, bars and the station
A lively district behind the central station, with good restaurants, the Meatpacking District and easy trains to the airport.
Nørrebro
a local base and cafes
A multicultural district with independent cafes and shops. A bike ride or short metro hop from the center.
Christianshavn
canals and a calmer stay
Canalside streets across the water from the center, near the Church of Our Saviour. Quiet at night and easy to walk.
Things to do in Copenhagen
Nyhavn
The old harbor with colorful townhouses and wooden boats. Visit early or at dusk and eat elsewhere.
Tivoli Gardens
An amusement park and garden in the center, open since 1843. It looks best in the evening.
a day or two ahead in peak season
Rosenborg Castle
A Renaissance castle with the Danish crown jewels, set in the King's Garden.
Christiansborg Palace
The seat of the Danish parliament, with royal reception rooms and a tower with free entry for views.
The National Museum of Denmark
A large history museum from the Stone Age to today. A good choice for a wet day.
Canal tour
A boat trip through the harbor and canals, the easiest way to see Christianshavn and the Opera House.
The Little Mermaid
A small statue on the waterfront, about a 25 minute walk from Nyhavn. Visit on the way past, not as the main event.
Christiania
A self-governing neighborhood on the former military grounds. Respect the no-photography rule on its main street.
Church of Our Saviour
A baroque church with a spiral tower, climbed from the outside. Not for those afraid of heights.
What to book before you go
These sell out. Most of the rest of Copenhagen can be decided on the day.
Every tour and ticket in Copenhagen, and which to pick- Popular restaurants2 to 4 weeks ahead
Tables for dinner fill up on weekends and in summer.
- Louisiana Museum of Modern Arta few days ahead
Timed tickets help at busy times, and the museum is a 35 minute train ride away.
What to skip in Copenhagen
- Eating at Nyhavn
The restaurants along the water are priced for the view. Walk a few streets for better value.
- Renting a car
Parking is dear and the center is built for bikes and transit. Use the metro, buses and bike hire instead.
Best time to visit Copenhagen
May to September has the longest days, with light until late in the evening in June and July. Harbour swimming spots and outdoor terraces are open.
December has Christmas markets and Tivoli's festive season. January to March is cold, gray and quiet, with fewer visitors and lower prices.
- From Copenhagen airportThe metro and trains run to the center in roughly 15 minutes. Check DSB or the metro's site for current services.
- Metro, buses and trainsA single ticket system covers the metro, buses and local trains by zone. Use the official apps to buy.
- By bikeCopenhagen is built for cycling, with lanes on most streets. Hire a bike for a day and follow the cycling rules.
Copenhagen in three days
- Day 1
Nyhavn, Christiansborg Palace, a smørrebrød lunch and Tivoli in the evening.
- Day 2
Rosenborg Castle and the King's Garden, the National Museum, then a canal tour.
- Day 3
Christianshavn and the Church of Our Saviour, Christiania and dinner in Vesterbro.
Day trips from Copenhagen
- Louisiana Museum of Modern ArtA modern art museum by the sea at Humlebæk, about 35 minutes by train.
- Kronborg Castle, HelsingørThe castle linked to Hamlet, about 45 minutes by train.
- Malmö, SwedenAcross the Øresund bridge, about 35 minutes by train.
Copenhagen: questions people ask
How many days do you need in Copenhagen?
Three days cover the main sights. Five adds museums and a trip to the coast or Sweden.
Where should I stay in Copenhagen?
Indre By for sights, Vesterbro for food and Nørrebro for a local base.
Is Copenhagen expensive?
Yes, among the pricier European capitals. Cheaper options are bakery lunches, bike hire and the free sights.
What is the best time to visit Copenhagen?
May to September for long days, and December for Christmas markets.
Is Copenhagen easy to get around?
Yes. The metro, buses and bike lanes are quick, and the center is small.
Do I need cash in Copenhagen?
Rarely. Cards and phones are accepted almost everywhere, including small shops.