Denmark

Copenhagen

Copenhagen blends fairy-tale charm with modern Nordic cool.

Local time
UTC+1
Population
1.4M
Safety

Cost of a day

$$$$$
Very expensive
  • Food$$$$$About $93 a day: light breakfast, cheap lunch, mid-range dinner
  • Stay$$$$$3-star hotel about $264 a night for two
  • Transport$$$$$About $14.3 a day: 4 public transit rides

Exchange rate

🇩🇰 DKK =
Rates from 2026-10-23, refreshed monthly.

Getting in

CPHCopenhagen Kastrup AirportMain hub, about 8 km from the centre on Amager.
HowCostTime
Metro M2Kongens Nytorv / city centreDKK3014 min
Runs every 4 min by day, every 15 min at night.
TrainCopenhagen Central StationDKK3012 min
Buy a 3-zone ticket in the arrivals hall.
TaxiCity centreDKK250-35020-30 min
Fixed-ish fares; traffic can add time.
Uber / BoltCity centreDKK200-30020-30 min
Pickup points are signed outside the terminals.
MMXMalmö AirportAcross the Øresund bridge in Sweden, about 60 km away.
HowCostTime
NeptunbusCopenhagen Central Stationcheck locally60-75 min
Timed to Wizzair flights.
Train + busCopenhagen Central Stationcheck locally90-120 min
Bus to Malmö, then Øresundstog train.
TaxiCity centreDKK900-120050-70 min
Crosses the bridge; toll included.

Estimates, checked October 2026. Wikivoyage: Copenhagen

Getting around

Metro and S-trains for most trips; rent a bike for short hops in good weather.

  • Metro ★Runs 24/7. M1/M2 link the airport to the centre in about 14 min.
  • Train ★S-trains and buses cover the city; a 3-zone ticket costs about DKK 30.
  • BusBuses fill the gaps the trains miss. Same ticket zones apply.
  • Taxi / ride appsTaxis are metered and pricey. Uber and Bolt operate in the city.
  • Rental carDriving in the centre is slow and parking is costly. Park outside and take transit.
  • BikeThe city is flat and bike-friendly; rental bikes are everywhere.
  • FerryHarbour buses and small ferries cross the canals cheaply.
  • WalkingThe old centre is compact and easy on foot; cobblestones need comfy shoes.
Recommended stay★ 2 nights (3 days)

Two nights suits you: two days cover Rosenborg, the old town, Tivoli, Nyhavn and the canals on a first visit.

Best for
  • CultureNyhavn, the palaces and Tivoli in the old centre.
  • FoodSmørrebrød, bakeries and the Nørrebro food scene.
  • HistoryCastles, Viking ships and the old harbour.

Weather by month

4°1°Jan🌧 13d
5°1°Feb🌧 11d
7°1°Mar🌧 11d
10°4°Apr🌧 9d
15°9°May🌧 10d
19°13°Jun🌧 10d
20°14°Jul🌧 13d
21°15°Aug🌧 12d
18°13°Sep🌧 12d
13°9°Oct🌧 13d
8°5°Nov🌧 12d
6°3°Dec🌧 13d

Average daily high / low (°C), sea temperature and rainy days. Typical figures, not a forecast.

Climate

Cool coastal climate: mild summers, cold winters, and rain in every month. Pack layers and a rain jacket.

  • Best time: May to SeptemberHighs of 15–21°C and long days. Best for walking, bikes and the harbour.
  • Rain all year9–13 rain days every month. Showers pass quickly; a light waterproof beats an umbrella in wind.
  • Winter is cold and darkDecember to February highs of 4–6°C, lows near 1°C. Daylight is short; plan indoor sights.
  • Windy by the waterThe harbour and canals feel colder than the forecast. A windproof layer helps.
  • Summers are mild, not hotJuly and August peak around 20–21°C. Rarely need air-conditioning.
  • What to packLayers, a waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes for cobblestones. Add a warm hat and gloves in winter.

Landmarks 20

Must-see · 7

  1. 1

    Nyhavn

    The 17th-century harbor with colorful gabled townhouses and wooden ships is Copenhagen's most photographed spot. Visit early morning to avoid crowds, or take a canal boat tour from the quay.

  2. 2

    Tivoli Gardens

    One of the world's oldest amusement parks, offering charming gardens, rides, and evening illuminations. Book tickets online and go after dark for the best atmosphere.

  3. 3

    The Little Mermaid

    The iconic bronze statue inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale sits on a rock by the harbor. It's a short walk from Nyhavn; go early to avoid tour groups.

  4. 4

    Amalienborg

    The royal family's winter residence, featuring four identical palaces around an octagonal square. Watch the changing of the guard at noon (daily) and visit the museum.

  5. 5

    Rosenborg Castle

    A Renaissance castle housing the Danish crown jewels and royal regalia. Buy a combined ticket with the Round Tower and visit on a weekday to avoid queues.

  6. 6

    Christiansborg Palace

    Home to the Danish Parliament and royal reception rooms, with ruins of the original castle in the basement. Climb the tower for free panoramic views of the city.

  7. 7

    The Round Tower

    A 17th-century astronomical observatory with a spiral ramp leading to a rooftop platform. Go at sunset for great photo opportunities; entry is inexpensive.

1Nyhavn2Tivoli Gardens3The Little Mermaid4Amalienborg5Rosenborg Castle6Christiansborg Palace7The Round Tower

Cultural

Palace 2

Urban Hub 1

Harbor 1

Castle 1

Historical Square 1

Statue 1

Tower 1

Skyscraper 1

Activities

Cruise Tour 1

Brewery 1

Theater 2

Zoo 1

Amusement Park 2

Football Stadium 1

Library 1

Food 1

Aquarium 1

Overview

History & significance

Highlights

    Day trips from Copenhagen

    Roskilde · 28 min by train

    ★★★★★ · Full day · 35 km from Copenhagen

    Best way: Frequent regional trains take just 28 minutes from Copenhagen Central, and both the cathedral and Viking Ship Museum are a short walk from the station.

    Regional trains run frequently from Copenhagen Central to Roskilde in about 25 minutes, with the cathedral and Viking Ship Museum a short walk from the station.

    • Train ★28 min · from $3
    • Bus1 h 17 · from $5-$8
    • Car37 min · taxi ≈ 560 DKK

    What to see

    • Roskilde Cathedral
    • Viking Ship Museum
    • Roskilde Museum
    • Harbour and fjord walk

    2 landmark quests to check off here

    Good to know

    • The Viking Ship Museum is open year-round but boat-sailing season is summer only
    • Roskilde Cathedral can close for services—check times

    Hillerød · 41 min by train

    ★★★★☆ · Full day · 38 km from Copenhagen

    Best way: S-train line A/E runs straight from the city center to Hillerød in about 41 minutes, with Frederiksborg Castle a short walk or local bus away.

    Take the S-train line A or E north from Copenhagen Central to Hillerød, then walk or catch a local bus to Frederiksborg Castle.

    • Train ★41 min · from $4
    • Car37 min · taxi ≈ 610 DKK

    What to see

    • Frederiksborg Castle
    • Castle Lake and Baroque Garden
    • Museum of National History
    • Hillerød old town streets

    1 landmark quest to check off here

    Good to know

    • Frederiksborg Castle is closed on some Mondays—check opening days before going
    • Allow at least half a day to see the castle and gardens properly

    Helsingør · 47 min by train

    ★★★★☆ · Full day · 46 km from Copenhagen

    Best way: The coastal regional train runs directly from Copenhagen Central or Østerport in 47 minutes with 18 departures a day, then a 15-minute walk to Kronborg.

    Take the coastal regional train north from Copenhagen Central or Østerport directly to Helsingør, then walk about 15 minutes to Kronborg Castle.

    • Train ★47 min · from €19
    • Bus1 h 05
    • Car43 min · taxi ≈ 730 DKK

    What to see

    • Kronborg Castle
    • Maritime Museum of Denmark
    • Helsingør old town
    • Ferry harbour views to Sweden

    1 landmark quest to check off here

    Good to know

    • Kronborg Castle is open year-round but hours vary by season
    • Combine with a stroll around the harbor and old town

    Malmö · 27 min by train

    ★★★☆☆ · Full day · 41 km from Copenhagen

    Best way: The train is fastest (27m) and runs frequently (93 per day) with no changes, dropping you at Malmö Central.

    Øresundståg trains cross the bridge from Copenhagen Central to Malmö Central in about 35 minutes, no changes needed.

    • Train ★27 min · from €7
    • Bus1 h 00 · from $10-$110
    • Car45 min · taxi ≈ 660 DKK

    What to see

    • Malmöhus Castle and museums
    • Turning Torso
    • Gamla Staden old town
    • Ribersborg beach and promenade

    3 landmark quests to check off here

    Good to know

    • Trains run 93 times per day.
    • No changes are needed; the Øresund bridge crossing is direct.
    • The bus takes about 1h and needs a change of stop in the city.

    Times and prices are typical one-way estimates (train and bus: Omio / Rome2Rio route data; taxi: local tariff × road distance, tolls extra). Exact prices are on the booking page.

    Plans

    Copenhagen rewards visitors with canals, design, and cozy hygge at every turn. Pick how long you have and what you enjoy most. Prices checked October 2026; ≈ marks estimates.

    How long?

    What do you enjoy most?

    2 nights · Culture ★ Recommended length

    First-timers who want the classic Copenhagen sights at an easy pace, all in and around the old centre.

    Stay: Indre By (centre). Walk to Nyhavn, Tivoli, the palaces and the Round Tower. Best for a first short visit.

    Tickets & tours
    ≈ DKK 595
    per person
    Taxis
    ≈ DKK 563
    per taxi, up to 4 people
    Hotel
    DKK 1,800–3,600
    2 nights · Indre By (centre)
    Day 1

    Arrive, harbour and the old town

    Tickets ≈ DKK 260 pp · taxis ≈ DKK 261
    1234
    Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors
    1. Taxi from your hotel · 2 km · ≈ 10 min · ≈ DKK 66
    2. 1

      14:00–14:45 · Free to walk · canal boat tours from about DKK 100

      Nyhavn Landmark quest

      Start at the colourful harbour front. Busiest in the afternoon, so keep it short and come back at sunset if you like.

      Open Always open · restaurants and bars from late morning to late night

    3. 2

      15:00–16:00 · About DKK 100–120 · about 1 hour

      Canal Tours Copenhagen Landmark quest

      Boats leave from near Nyhavn. Departures are roughly 09:30–17:00, more often in summer. Check on the day.

      Open Departures roughly 09:30–17:00, more often in summer · check on the day · Source

    4. Taxi · 653 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ DKK 60
    5. 3

      16:15–17:15 · Free to see the square · palace museum about DKK 100–120

      Amalienborg Landmark quest

      Walk along the water. The square is always open. The guard change is in the late morning, so you will miss it today.

      Open Square always open · changing of the guard daily around 11:30–12:00 · museum hours check on the day · Source

    6. Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 11 min · ≈ DKK 75
    7. 4

      18:00–19:15 · About DKK 80–120 per piece · lunch with drinks about DKK 200–350

      Smørrebrød lunch Landmark quest

      Early dinner. Classic places fill up, so book ahead.

      Open Lunchtime, roughly 11:30–15:00 · book ahead at classic places

    8. Taxi back to your hotel · 442 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ DKK 60
    Day 2

    Palaces, tower and Tivoli

    Tickets ≈ DKK 335 pp · taxis ≈ DKK 303
    1234
    Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors
    1. Taxi from your hotel · 1153 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ DKK 60
    2. 1

      09:30–11:00 · About DKK 125–150 · garden free

      Rosenborg Castle Landmark quest

      Go early. Usually 10:00–16:00 and closed some Mondays. Check on the day.

      Open Usually 10:00–16:00 · check on the day, closed some Mondays · Source

    3. Taxi · 665 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ DKK 60
    4. 2

      11:15–12:00 · About DKK 40

      The Round Tower Landmark quest

      Five minutes on foot. Usually open to 20:00 in summer, shorter in winter.

      Open Usually 10:00–20:00 in summer · shorter in winter, check on the day · Source

    5. Taxi · 561 m · ≈ 7 min · ≈ DKK 60
    6. 3

      12:30–13:30 · Free to enter · food about DKK 50–120 per item

      Torvehallerne food market

      Lunch at the food market. Usually 10:00–19:00 on weekdays.

      Open Usually 10:00–19:00 weekdays, longer Saturday · check on the day · Source

    7. Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 9 min · ≈ DKK 63
    8. 4

      15:00–18:00 · Entry about DKK 140–160 · rides extra (multi-ride wristband about DKK 300)

      Tivoli Gardens Landmark quest

      Seasonal, usually mid-April to late September plus Christmas. Check on the day. Stay into the evening for the lights.

      Open Seasonal · usually mid-April to late September, plus Christmas season · check on the day · Source

    9. Taxi back to your hotel · 943 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ DKK 60

    Swap in instead

    • Swap a city day for Roskilde: the Viking Ship Museum and the cathedral, about 25 min by S-train.
    • Take the train to Louisiana Museum of Modern Art north of the city; check opening days on the day.
    • Cross to Malmö, Sweden, by train over the Øresund bridge for a half-day change of scene.

    Getting around

    • Metro runs 24/7; M1/M2 link the airport to the centre in about 14 min.
    • S-trains and buses cover the city; a 3-zone ticket costs about DKK30.
    • Taxis are metered and pricey; apps like Uber and Bolt operate in the city.
    • Driving in the centre is slow and parking is costly; park outside and take transit.
    • The city is flat and bike-friendly; rental bikes are everywhere.
    • Harbour buses and small ferries cross the canals cheaply.

    Where to stay

    • Indre By (centre) · ≈ DKK 900–1,800 a night
      Walk to Nyhavn, Tivoli, the palaces and the Round Tower. Best for a first short visit.
    • Vesterbro · ≈ DKK 700–1,400 a night
      Next to the central station and Tivoli; lively food and bar streets. Easy airport trains.
    • Nørrebro · ≈ DKK 600–1,200 a night
      Cheaper, young and multicultural. Good cafés and street food; 10–15 min by bike or metro to the centre.
    • Østerbro · ≈ DKK 750–1,500 a night
      Quiet, leafy and close to the Little Mermaid, the lakes and the park. Good for families.

    Food & drink

    • Start with smørrebrød: rye bread with herring, egg and shrimp. Lunch portions are bigger than they look.
    • Try a bakery 'kanelsnegl' (cinnamon roll) and Danish pastries; they are cheapest to take away.
    • Rejsekort or the app for cheap eats: hot dogs from a pølsevogn stand cost about DKK 30–45.
    • Nørrebro and Vesterbro have the best value: falafel, shawarma and street food halls, about DKK 60–100 a meal.
    • Book dinner ahead on weekends. A sit-down dinner with drinks often runs DKK 250–450 per person.

    Tips

    1. Cycling is the absolute best way to get around; rent a bike but obey the strict cycling rules
    2. Do not walk in the bike lanes under any circumstances
    3. Public transit runs on a zone system; the City Pass is a great option for tourists
    4. Experience 'Hygge' by enjoying coffee and pastries in a cozy, candlelit cafe during the dark winter
    5. Tap water is excellent, free, and strictly regulated; never buy bottled water
    Sources for prices and hours

    Taxi costs are estimates from straight-line distance and the metered fare. Map positions are approximate.

    Tours & activities

    Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

    Nyhavn
    • Cruise the canals and harbor by boat
    • See Nyhavn and the waterfront from the water
    • 13,096 reviews · 4.6 rating
    Guide includedHighly reviewed

    Canal Cruise with Guide

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.6 (13,096)

    $22View tour

    Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

    Tivoli Gardens
    • Access to the historic gardens and grounds
    • Evening illuminations and atmosphere
    • 9,301 reviews · 4.5 rating
    Entry includedFlexible timing

    Tivoli Gardens Entry Ticket

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.5 (9,301)

    $30View tour

    Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

    Tivoli Gardens
    • Gardens entry plus unlimited rides
    • Good for families and thrill seekers
    • 3,917 reviews · 4.7 rating
    Entry includedRide pass

    Tivoli Gardens Entry Ticket & Ride Pass

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.7 (3,917)

    $58View tour

    Take this tour to unlock 3 landmark quests

    Nyhavn
    Amalienborg
    The Little Mermaid
    • Old town highlights on foot
    • Royal quarter and harbor sights
    • 674 reviews · 4.6 rating
    Local guideWalking tour

    Classic City Walking Tour with Local Guide

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.6 (674)

    $43View tour

    Take this tour to unlock 1 landmark quest

    Freetown Christiania
    • Cycle through city highlights
    • Visit the Christiania neighborhood
    • 177 reviews · 4.9 rating
    Bike includedSmall group

    City Highlights Bike Tour with Christiania Visit

    GetYourGuide · ★ 4.9 (177)

    $57View tour

    Souvenirs

    Royal Copenhagen Porcelain

    DKK 250–600small piece, 1 pc · shop prices

    This is Danish design porcelain from Copenhagen's famous porcelain maker. It is a classic gift from the city.

    Where: Royal Copenhagen, Amagertorv
    Check the country of production and the quality grade to confirm it is genuine.

    Lakrids by Bülow Liquorice Chocolate

    DKK 70–100125 g tin · estimate

    These are Nordic liquorice-flavored sweets. The salty-sweet taste is an acquired one, so people either love or dislike it.

    Where: Lakrids by Bülow, city-center shops
    If you are unsure, choose the chocolate-coated version, which is milder.

    Flights

    Dates are departure dates at each airport, which may differ from your itinerary arrival date. Select your flight and complete payment on Trip.com.

    Search flights · Trip.com

    Hotels

    Search all Copenhagen hotelsHotels.com

    Popular hotels

    eSIM

    Get an eSIM for CopenhagenStay connected in Denmark from day one · Airalo
    1 GB3 days$4 USDSelect plan →5 GB30 days$11 USDSelect plan →10 GB30 days$18 USDSelect plan →
    Compare all 5 plans · choose data and duration

    Check that your phone supports eSIM and is carrier-unlocked. Data-use estimates are a guide; verify coverage, activation rules and the final price on Airalo.

    Luggage storage

    Store your bags in CopenhagenDrop luggage at nearby shops and hotels · Bounce