Passion Copenhagen: the city guide to Denmark’s capital
Welcome to our city guide to Copenhagen, Denmark’s dynamic and enchanting capital! Here you’ll find all the information you need to plan your trip and make the most of your stay.
Whether you want to discover the main sights such as Tivoli Gardens, stroll through the lively districts of Nyhavn or Christiania, or soak up Copenhagen’s rich history, this guide is for you.
We also share our practical tips to make your visit a pleasant one. Wondering when to go to avoid the crowds and enjoy the best weather? Or how to get around the city efficiently? You’ll find all the answers here.
What to see in Copenhagen
Here are the main attractions to visit on your vacation in Copenhagen:
This historic amusement park in the heart of Copenhagen offers rides, fairytale gardens and shows, perfect for the whole family.
The colorful Nyhavn district
It’s Copenhagen’s picture postcard. It’s famous for its colorful houses and historic boats along the canal.
A boatcruise on Copenhagen’s canals
A boat cruise on Copenhagen’s canals offers a unique perspective on the city from the water, taking in the city’s districts and monuments.
Admire the Little Mermaid in Copenhagen
The statue of the Little Mermaid, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale, is an iconic symbol of Copenhagen.
Explore the self-managed neighborhood of Christiania
Christiania is a unique self-managed community known for its free spirit and alternative culture.
Visit Amalienborg Palace
Amalienborg Palace is the official residence of the Danish royal family.
This is where the traditional changing of the guard takes place every day.
Tips for discovering Copenhagen
To make the most of your visit to Copenhagen, a few practical tips can make life easier and enrich your experience.
Here are our practical tips for visiting Copenhagen:
- Tip: opt for the Copenhagen Card city pass for free access to many major attractions, such as castles and museums, and unlimited access to public transport.
- Get up early for popular sites: visit places like Nyhavn or the Little Mermaid at dawn to avoid the crowds and enjoy a quieter atmosphere.
- Take time to stroll: explore local markets like Torvehallerne, stroll the streets, and savor the city’s unique atmosphere, a blend of history and modernity.
👉 A great way to save during your stay:
Copenhagen districts
Here is an overview of Copenhagen’s main districts, each with its own charm and special features:
Indre By (Downtown): Copenhagen’s historic heart, known for its cobblestone streets, iconic monuments, botanical gardens and numerous museums such as the National Museum of Denmark and the Danish Design Museum. It’s an ideal area to stay in a hotel in downtown Copenhagen.
Christianshavn: a charming waterfront district known for its picturesque canals, Church of Our Savior with its golden spire, and Christiania’s alternative community.
These neighborhoods illustrate the diversity of Copenhagen, each offering a unique atmosphere and a variety of experiences.
Nørrebro: a vibrant, multicultural district, famous for its vintage boutiques, cosy cafés and the Assistens cemetery where Hans Christian Andersen is buried, as well as the photogenic Superkilen park.
Refshaleøen is a booming district, known for its industrial atmosphere and innovative cultural initiatives. A must: eat at the Reffen street food market by the water on one of the many deckchairs!
Where to book your activities and museums?
We strongly advise you to use the Get Your Guide platform, an official reseller. Prices are identical to those on the official sites, but with one big advantage: super-flexible cancellation conditions that allow you to be reimbursed up to 24 hours before the activity.
Here are the museums and activities that are best booked in advance, so you can choose your time slot at your leisure.
- 🎢 Tickets for Tivoli Gardens (line-cut ticket)
- ⛵ Tickets for a canal cruise (with choice of time slot)
- 🚲 Guided bike tour of Copenhagen’s must-sees (in English, French, German, Spanish and Dutch)
When to go to Copenhagen?
Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, is an interesting destination all year round. However, the best time to visit depends on your preferences and what you want to do.
Here’s a guide to help you choose the best time for your visit:
Spring (March to May)
Weather: Mild and cool, temperatures between 5°C and 15°C.
Advantages: Parks and gardens in bloom, fewer tourists, festivals like the Copenhagen Sakura Festival.
Disadvantages: Weather still a little cool and variable.
Summer (June to August)
Weather: Pleasant temperatures, between 15°C and 25°C.
Advantages: Long sunny days, many festivals (Roskilde Festival, Copenhagen Jazz Festival), lively atmosphere.
Disadvantages: More tourists, higher accommodation rates.
Autumn (September to November)
Weather: Cool with temperatures between 10°C and 15°C.
Advantages: Beautiful autumn colors, fewer crowds.
Disadvantages: Variable weather, sometimes rainy.
Winter (December to February)
Weather: Cold, with temperatures between -1°C and 5°C.
Advantages: Festive atmosphere with Christmas markets, cosy, hygge atmosphere.
Disadvantages: Short days, cold temperatures, some tourist attractions may be closed.
Copenhagen can be visited in any season and in any weather, as many attractions are indoors. Copenhagen in winter is a great idea!
How to get around?
Getting around Copenhagen is simple, practical and a real immersion in the Danish way of life. Here are the main options:
- By bike: this is one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the world. With over 400 kilometers of safe bike paths and flat terrain, renting a bike in Copenhagen is the most typical and enjoyable way to discover the city, just as the locals do.
- Public transport: The S-tog metro, bus and train network is highly efficient, covering the entire city and surrounding area. The modern, automated metro system operates 24 hours a day and easily connects the airport with the city center.
- On foot: Copenhagen is a compact city, and many of the main attractions are within walking distance of each other.
- Water buses and canal tours: Thanks to the many canals that criss-cross the city, water buses (known as “Havnebussen”) are an excellent way to get around while enjoying the water views. For a more sightseeing experience, canal cruises offer a unique perspective of the main sites.
- Electric scooters: Electric scooter rental services are available just about everywhere, ideal for short, fun trips, especially along quaysides or parks.
Whether by bike, on foot or using public transport, every way of getting around Copenhagen reflects the city’s commitment to sustainability and quality of life.
History of Copenhagen
If, like us, before visiting a city or a country, you like to know a little about its history, here are some key facts about Copenhagen :
- Founded in the 10th century by the Vikings: originally a fishing village
- Construction of the first castle by Bishop Absalon in the 12th century: this event laid the foundations for the modern city we know today, and ruins can be seen beneath Christiansborg Castle in central Copenhagen.
- Reign of King Christian IV (1588-1648): a period of major expansion, marked by the construction of many of the city’s landmark buildings, including Rosenborg Castle, the Copenhagen Stock Exchange and Rundetårn Tower.
- Major fires: the town was partially destroyed by major fires in the 18th century.
- British bombardments in 1807: Copenhagen was also heavily hit by bombardments that left a lasting mark.
- Reconstruction and industrialization in the 19th century: the city rebuilt itself and embarked on an era of industrialization.
- German occupation during the Second World War: Copenhagen endured the German occupation, but underwent a period of rapid modernization afterwards.
- 🌿 Current commitment: today, the city is world-renowned for its commitment to sustainability, its cycling network and its rich cultural heritage.
Key points of Culture and Architecture
Copenhagen’s culture and architecture reflect a fascinating blend of tradition and modernity. The influence of the era of the kings, notably Christian IV, can be seen in magnificent Renaissance buildings such as Rosenborg Castle and the Copenhagen Stock Exchange.
At the same time, the city stands out for its modern initiatives in sustainable design, symbolized by buildings such as the Copenhagen Opera House and the Royal Library, nicknamed the “Black Diamond”.
Culturally, Copenhagen is alive with a rich heritage of storytelling, thanks to Hans Christian Andersen, and a vibrant contemporary scene marked by festivals, innovative museums like the SMK (Statens Museum for Kunst), and the alternative life of Christiania. This duality between tradition and innovation creates a unique atmosphere where every street corner offers a new discovery.
What’s the currency in Copenhagen?
The official currency in Copenhagen, as throughout Denmark, is the Danish krone (DKK).
Here is some useful information about the Danish krone:
- Common symbols: The symbol for the Danish krone is kr, and its currency code is DKK.
- Payment: Credit cards are widely accepted in stores, restaurants and transport in Copenhagen. Danes make extensive use of contactless and mobile payments.
If you plan to visit other Scandinavian countries during your trip, note that the Danish krone is different from the Swedish krona (SEK) and the Norwegian krone (NOK).
What are the administrative formalities?
✔️ Passport or national identity card: You can enter Denmark with a valid national identity card or passport. No visa is required for a tourist stay of less than 90 days, for nationals of the European Union (EU), the Schengen Area and Switzerland.
✔️ Maximum length of stay: Up to 90 days per 180-day period.
✔️ European Health Insurance Card (EHIC): If you are an EU national, remember to apply for your EHIC before you leave. It will enable you to benefit from medical care under the same conditions as Danish residents.
✔️ Official language: Danish is the official language, but English is widely spoken, especially in Copenhagen.
Where to sleep in Copenhagen?
We have no hesitation in recommending these 2 little addresses, which we stayed at and which offer excellent value for money, well located, so you can enjoy Copenhagen without breaking the bank. On average, you can expect to pay €150 per night for 2 people.
📌 Remember to book your accommodation in advance, especially in high season.
❤️ Hotel SP34: Scandinavian design at its best
- Scandinavian design hotel
- Ideally located
- Rated 8.4/10 on Booking
📍 Located in the Indre By district, just a few minutes’ walk from the Tivoli gardens and the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek art museum.
❤️ € City Hub
- Ideal for small budgets
- Modern, well-designed cabins
- Rated 9.3/10 on Booking
📍 Located in Vesterbro (direct train from the airport), minutes from Central Station, Tivoli, numerous museums, an excellent starting point for exploring the city on foot.
Map of Copenhagen
To help you find your way around, we’ve also included this summary map of our top addresses and must-sees in Copenhagen, which you can save to your favorites or download for offline use.
🗺️ How do I do this? Open the map on Google maps, then click on the icon with the three vertical dots at top left, or on the map description. Finally, select the “Add to my saved places” or “Save map” option, depending on your version of the application.
Copenhagen video
To get you in the mood, here’s a report summarizing things to do in Copenhagen.
