Copenhagen Travel Guide
Copenhagen, a Danish delight and a city that showcases a true slice of Scandinavian culture to the world. From the beautiful architecture to the famous cobbled streets, the capital of Denmark is an iconic location popular with holidaymakers from Europe and around the world.
In this Copenhagen Travel Guide I will be sharing information and insights on the best areas to visit, where to stay, and how you can get around this beautiful city and beyond.
Why Copenhagen?
If you’re looking for a laid back destination which is full of flavour and style, then look no further than the stunning city of Copenhagen. This is a city that has it all, from the beautiful Scandinavian architecture to the delightful open parks and the delicious cuisine, Copenhagen really does pack a punch.
An ever popular destination for locals and tourists alike, this city is famed for and prides itself on its noble history and past. The city has a unique quirky feel partly due to the nature of its culture and design, with each neighbourhood bringing something different to the table in its own special way. Full of palaces, castles, and canals, there is plenty for all to enjoy in this wonderful city complete with notable attractions and events all year round.
When to Visit
In order to have the best and most comfortable experience exploring the city, I suggest visiting around the periods of April-May, or September-October. By doing so, you will enjoy mild to moderate temperatures while still experiencing long days, and also avoiding the peak summer season, therefore encountering fewer crowds.
I visited in mid-October, and although we had a mix of weather, it was still pleasant and had its fair share of sunshine and favourable days.
How Long & Where to Stay
How long you are looking to stay in Copenhagen depends on your wants and needs. In reality, a long weekend would be sufficient, however if you are wanting to explore the city in more depth and also leave time to make the short journey across to visit Malmö, Sweden for example, then 4/5 days as we did would be best.
If you want to stay central and within the heart of the city, then I suggest staying in Indre By (Inner City) where you’ll find everything is within walking distance and easily accessible to explore. Moreover, this is where the majority of the attractions within the city are situated.
Getting Here & Around
Reaching Copenhagen is easy, as a popular location in Europe, Copenhagen Airport naturally serves over 100 destinations and has connections from all around the world. Once you have arrived, it is only a short 15 minute train journey into the city centre and Copenhagen Central Station, which in itself is a huge plus.
The city has an efficient transport system that connects buses and the metro in one easy to understand system, enabling you to get from one side of Copenhagen to another in quick time. With that being said, the city is extremely walkable, and we found ourselves walking everywhere most days in order to experience everything this wonderful location has to offer.
Of course, another alternative way to explore is by Bike. You’ll soon notice this is one of the main ways of transportation here, with locals completing their daily commutes by Cycling more often than not. As the saying the goes, if you can’t beat them, join them.
Photography
Copenhagen as a whole offers a diverse range of photographic opportunities and so called ‘Instagramable’ hotspots. From the historic architecture blended with a new age of structures, to cultural locations and still life, you’ll have no trouble getting some fantastic shots here, the city is incredibly photogenic. Each day you’ll find new and interesting places, subjects, and viewpoints to photograph and discover. Every area of Copenhagen brings a different perspective to shoot from, keep your eyes open and shoot to your hearts content.
Indre By (City Centre)
As the historic centre of the city, Indre By is the beating heart of Copenhagen, and a famous neighbourhood where a large majority of the main attractions, shops and restaurants can be found. Full and abound with historic architecture, this area of the Danish capital has it all. As mentioned previously, basing yourself here is perfect, as it’s easy and accessible to reach all the main sights by foot.
Let’s start with maybe one of the most famous and well known locations in Copenhagen, the Nyhavn Canal. Alongside the canal, you will find the street lined with vibrantly colourful restaurants and houses, complete with waterside viewing and outdoor dining options. This area is unique, and there is something very special about Nyhavn which few places can replicate. It has that old-school type feel, the beautiful architecture complete with the waterside experience of the canal, and furthermore an abundance of dining choices, this is the place to be.
From here, I suggest visiting the Rosenborg Castle which is only a short walking distance away. The castle was built in the 17th century and is home to the Crown Jewels, and furthermore it offers a proactive and freeing experience that showcases the renaissance style architecture in relation to the royal Danish historic past. Even if you don’t plan to go inside, a visit to view and wander the grounds itself makes it worthwhile. With lush green and open areas all around, it’s a perfect spot to unwind and digest in the open air.
The next spot worth the visit means making your way north firstly by passing through the winter residence of the Danish Royal family, Amalienborg. Once again complete with stunning architecture and eye-catching views, here you can also visit a variety of rooms and the museum within the location in order to learn about the history of the Danish monarchy.
Keep moving north further still and in no time at all you will reach a wonderful star shaped fortress by the sea known as Kastellet. As well as being home to a lovely park area and great views, this location complete with red barracks and the ever-present windmill is now preserved as somewhere which is used as offices for staff of the Danish Defence.
Alongside the fortress, just offshore is where you will find a famous statue which is a symbol and emblem for the city, The Little Mermaid.
Making your way back towards Nyhavn and the city centre, if you fancy a shopping spree, then the main shopping street of Strøget will fulfil all your needs. Lined with boutique stores galore, this is the area to visit if you want to grab a taste of Scandinavian fashion and design. The street is a pedestrian car-free area, boasting the fact it is one of the longest pedestrian shopping streets in Europe.
One location we couldn’t visit at the time due to reconstruction was the world famous Tivoli Gardens, one of the oldest amusement parks in the world. If you’re in Copenhagen, I highly suggest paying a visit (if it’s open!).
Frederiksberg
Heading out towards the west of the city is where you’ll find the district of Frederiksberg. This neighbourhood is for the cool, calm and collected. If want you relaxation within the capital, then this is somewhere which you should come and visit. The area is known for its funky and stylish cafes, a place for a catch-up within the finest bakeries around. Here you will also find a further selection of designer shopping and exclusive clothing selections, a location where Scandinavian lifestyle and flare comes natural.
Frederiksberg is also an amazing area to be able to wander and free roam within a number of its open area parks, one of which is the Frederiksberg Gardens. The area, notably guarded on entrance by the Statue of Frederick VI, is one of the largest and most beautiful greenspaces in Copenhagen. If yourself, family or friends are fans of wildlife and animals, then also consider visiting Copenhagen Zoo, which is located here at the far side of the gardens.
Nørrebro & Østerbro
The districts of both Nørrebro and Østerbro are located towards the north west of the city, and they offer a further insight into the local way of life. Within these neighbourhoods expect to experience a calmer and quieter atmosphere, as the areas are more residential based compared to the rest of the city.
If you want to get a feel and perspective of Copenhagen from a local point of view, a stroll and a wander just getting lost while in awe of the historic architecture that surrounds both areas makes them well worth taking the time to explore. You’ll find unique family run businesses, shops and cafes hidden round numerous corners, streets full of history, stories and care.
On another note, if you’re a football fan then keep an eye out for the fixtures to played at the Parken Stadium. Home to both F.C. Copenhagen and the Denmark National Team, the stadium located in Østerbro is an incredible ground and location capable of producing a brilliant atmosphere and all round fantastic experience.
When we visited Copenhagen the Denmark National Team coincidentally happened to have a fixture at Home against Kazakhstan in a Euro 2024 Qualifier, a great excuse to tick another stadium off the list with a very decent game of football too.
Malmö (Sweden)
As a bonus trip from Copenhagen, if you have the time consider making the short journey over to the beautiful Swedish city of Malmö. Located in southern Sweden, Malmö is a coastal city situated at the end of the Øresund Bridge which connects both Copenhagen and Malmö, Denmark and Sweden.
Perfect to visit on a day trip, Malmö can be reached by Train from Copenhagen Central Station in as little as 35 minutes. Once arrived in the city, here you will find a location which blends open landscapes with historical architecture and art. Within the city centre you’ll find a vibrant atmosphere and social scene, mixed with exquisite cuisine and cultural features from the past. Furthermore, you’ll soon realise that the city of Malmö is one of contrasts which eloquently mixes historic architecture with that of modern style neighbourhoods out towards the coast.
Once you’ve wined and dined and finished exploring the city centre, Malmö being a port city also indulges in providing you with the beautiful landscapes of open green parks and sandy beaches ready for you to find and explore. For Sunset, head down to the western end of the city to gain viewpoints out to sea of the Øresund Bridge and the unique route which you will take back home to Copenhagen.
