Know Before You Go
In the best possible way - Copenhagen is like no city you've ever been before. There are some unique and quirky things you should be aware of before you visit. From the ever-changing weather to cultural traits of the Danish people, your visit to Copenhagen may seem very foreign at times.
Here are few things to know before your trip to help it run smoothly. Navigate these things and rest of your trip will be a breeze!
Local Weather
There are a few Danish sayings about the weather that we'll drop here. During your time in Copenhagen, you may find that they ring true.
The first is "if you don't like the weather, just wait ten minutes." From context alone, you can probably guess that the weather changes quickly. Copenhagen is a coastal city on the Baltic Sea on an island called Sjælland. The weather blows in and blows out and changes throughout the course of the day.
A cloud blocking the sun can make you feel like the temperature has suddenly dropped, and from morning to midday you'll feel a massive change even if it's only a few degrees difference.
You can expect windy days, rain (but not usually a heavy downpour or a complete washout), and everything in between. That's where another Danish saying comes in, "there's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing". Make sure to pack waterproof clothes, dress in layers, and adapt to the weather around you.
Copenhagen isn't the most affordable city to go shopping, so pack wisely. It may be worth checking a bag compared to the cost of scrambling to buy rain gear or additional layers.
BONUS TIP: Should you have to make clothing purchases in Denmark, non-EU residents can get a VAT (tax) refund. If you spend over 300 DKK ($40), ask for a refund invoice at the store and show your foreign ID. The easiest way to get refunded is to visit the Global Blue kiosk at Copenhagen Airport.
Make Reservations
One overarching tip is to make reservations and book tickets in advance. Many Copenhagen restaurants, bars, and cafes are small and require that you reserve your seat and arrive on time (your seat will be given away if not). Many cities don't require you to reserve space in a bar, but especially on the weekends and after work hours it's really important in Copenhagen.
We highly recommend using Earlybird to look for last-minute reservations and 33% off fixed menus. We use it ourselves and have had some of our best meals in Copenhagen at Michelin rated restaurant with a huge discount.
The same is true for tours and excursions - reserve a spot in advance and arrive one time. Punctuality is very important in Danish society - so if you're late, your tour guide or excursion could leave you behind. Wages in Denmark are high, so restaurants, and even tours are only staffed to the minimal level and are frequently unable to take "walk up" guests.
In short, it's important to book in advance and be on time when you're touring Denmark. Wherever possible in this guide we have given you booking links and reservation links to assist you.
For attractions, we provide GetYourGuide booking links where possible. We recommend using this vendor because you get instant confirmation and electronic tickets. Most importantly, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before your planned activity - this is a major benefit in a city like Copenhagen where the weather can dictate your itinerary and flexibility is key.
How to Get Around
How should you get around? There's a lot of options, but avoid taxis and cabs - they're very expensive and a bit unnecessary. Copenhagen is easy to get around by foot, public transport, or bike.
Copenhagen is the world's best biking city - it's incredibly flat and has an expansive bike infrastructure. One of the best ways to get around Copenhagen is on a bright orange bike from Donkey Republic. Use our promo code ROBETROTTING for 15% off your first ride and 5% off all of your rides. You can scan the QR code on a bike to get started or search for the app and download.
Public transport is easy to navigate and you can get from the airport to the city center in about 20 minutes by train, metro, or bus. The Copenhagen Card is a great way to save money and get around because it includes 80+ attractions AND all of your public transport. You can buy one here:
You can also purchase a rechargable rejsekort or "travel card" from the big blue boxes near the metro and train stations. Instructions are in English and you can secure a discount of up to 50% on most trips, just remember to swipe in and out.
Must Do Activities
Let's start with our collection of must-do activities in Copenhagen. You'll find all kinds of attractions and activities described as "must-do" but many of them are skippable. Below, we included the things that we still love to join our friends and family for, even after years of living in Copenhagen.
We also give you tips and tricks that we have learned for each of these attractions. We'll show you where to find the house in Nyhavn where Hans Christian Andersen lived - you can snap a photo while everyone walks past to buy a $10 cup of coffee.
Depending on the way you travel, this guide could suit your for a 2 or 3 day trip to Copenhagen.
Nyhavn
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Nyhavn is iconic - you've seen it on postcards, every Google search of Copenhagen that you've done, and probably walked past a decal of it at the airport. That said, you can expect that everyone else did too and it will be a bit crowded when you head there.
A few tips to help you beat the crowds and make the most of Nyhavn:
1.) For the best view, walk on the side of Nyhavn with the even number house numbers - you'll get the best view of the most-photographed and scenic side of Nyhavn
2.) While on the "even numbered" side of the street - take note of No. 20 - few people notice, but it's a red house where Hans Christian Andersen lived in May 1835
3.) Eat and drink elsewhere! Nyhavn is notoriously expensive, and no locals eat or drink there, you have much better options nearby like Union Kitchen for a bite to eat or the Tipsy Mermaid for a craft beer.
4.) If you are thirsty, you can walk to 7-Eleven and grab a can of beer or small wine bottle for a much more affordable price and you can still sit on the edge of Nyhavn, dangle your legs and enjoy the vibe without the tourist trap prices
5.) The BEST photo spot is the first bridge that crosses Nyhavn as you walk towards the main harbor - don't forget your selfie stick!
6.) You can save time and get a Canal Tour right from Nyhavn to see more of Copenhagen fast and from a cool perspective on the water (booking link below)
BONUS TIP: Come back at night - Nyhavn is just as beautiful in the evening and even more vibrant, so swing back later in your day and see another side of iconic Nyhavn.
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Tivoli Gardens
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We can't get enough of Tivoli - we have been season ticket holders since we moved to Copenhagen in 2017.
A few Tivoli tips:
- Basic entrance to the park does not include rides, you can pay extra for an unlimited ride wristband or purchase ride fare inside the park from machines.
- We normally recommend that you commit half a day to Tivoli, especially if you're short on time in the city. You can also exit and reenter if you get a hand stamp.
- Crowds are the biggest after school/work hours so that's a perfect time to leave and see another attraction or get a bite to eat in a more affordable setting (food inside Tivoli can be pricey)
- Check Tivoli's website before you plan your visit to make sure they are open. Also, there are events and concerts where the rides close early (but your admission includes the event/concert)
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National Museum of Denmark
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The National Museum of Denmark is incredible, especially if you're interested in Viking History. We have been fortunate enough to collaborate with the National Museum of Denmark for a couple of YouTube videos in Copenhagen and their other efforts in Jelling - and their staff is TOP NOTCH.
The exhibitions are creatively displayed and a special attention is taken to make them interactive. It's easy to navigate the museum and explore in English, and compared to other museums in Copenhagen and elsewhere, the National Museum of Denmark is very "kid friendly".
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Christiania
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Christiania is a very interesting visit for those with an open mind. It's a bit gritty and unpolished, so make sure to understand the nature of the neighborhood before you enter. The crowd is usually a mix of tourists, those who live in Christiania, and others who flock to the alternative nature of the setting.
IMPORTANT: Be sure not to film or take photos on Pusher Street (but we would suggest that you don't take any at all). Note that there is a drug culture in Christiania, mostly around hash and marijuana. Even if it's tolerated inside of the neighborhood, it is not legal in Denmark - so proceed with caution in that regard.
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Church of Our Saviour
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If you're looking for a great view of Copenhagen (and farther to Sweden) we think this is the best paid-entry view in the city. Just be sure you aren't afraid of heights. You can climb to the very top of the church's spire on the EXTERIOR staircase - yes, on the outside of the building. The golden spire is a staircase that you can access (weather permitting). Your entry includes a video lesson on the history of the church and its roll in the city as you ascend to the finale - walking to the top of the gilded spire!
Fun fact, the walk to the tippy-top is 400 steps and the spire was inaugurated in 1752!
NOTE: Although you can enter the church for free, you pay to climb the tower and there is ALWAYS a long line - you really need to book a time slot in advance even with the Copenhagen Card (which grants you free entry). Get a Copenhagen Card here: https://bit.ly/43JOdLt
and then reserve your spot with the link below.
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Stromma Canal Tours
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We always recommend seeing Copenhagen from the water - the harbor, canals, and access to the sea is what put the city on the map. In a way, without experiencing the harbor and canals, you aren't really experiencing Copenhagen.
The main reason why we love a canal tour is that it gives you an overview of the entire city in a short period of time - then you can plan what you want to go back to and experience on the ground!
It's the perfect way to orient yourself with Copenhagen!
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Christiansborg Palace
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Christianborg Palace is now the home of the Danish government including the Parliament, Prime Minister's office, and the Supreme Court.
TIP: You can purchase a ticket to tour the palace, but we highly recommend a visit to the top of the tower.
This is one of the best FREE activities in Copenhagen - you can enter through the main entrance and look for a sign and queue that say "the view". After a security check, you can take two elevators and a staircase to the tower above Christianborg for a remarkable (and free) view of the city.
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Rosenborg Castle
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This early 17th century Palace was once the summer house of King Christian IV, but now it's a museum that holds some of Denmark's most impressive treasure. Make sure to see the Crown Jewels and the Coronation Thrones. After your visit, unwind in the King's Garden (Kongens Have) surrounding the castle. It's the most visited green space in the city and the PERFECT spot for a picnic and a bottle of wine. If you time your visit right, you can watch the Danish lifeguards who guard the treasury at Rosenborg march to Amalienborg Palace - home of the queen! They leave daily at 11:30 to arrive at Amalienborg by noon.
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Amalienborg
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Amalienborg is the home to HM Queen Margrethe II of Denmark and CrownPrince Frederik and his family. You cannot guarantee yourself a glimpse of the Royals, but you can guarantee something else if you visit at noon. Each day, the Danish Royal Guard march from Rosenborg Castle to Amalienborg Palace where the Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place. The ceremony takes place daily with the guard leaving Rosenborg Castle at 11:30 to arrive at Amalienborg Palace for the ceremony at 12:00.
The Amalienborg museum is wonderful, but if you are pressed on time - our recommendation is to prioritize Rosenborg Castle, but make sure to witness the changing of the guard and the march to Amalienborg Palace at noon.
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Places to Eat and Drink
We assume you'll need to eat and drink as you explore the city, so in this section we decided to include unique craft beer bars, lively bakeries and brunch spots, and historical Danish pubs. It's also a sampling of the things you'll find in our other guides.
These are some of our favorite places to pop in on a weekend or take visiting friends. They love these places, and hopefully you will too!
Skt. Peders Bageri
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This is the oldest bakery in Copenhagen - so they're obviously doing something right! Try a kanelsnegle, or cinnamon snails (the literal translation) - they are the most incredible pastry - get there early because they DO get bought out, especially on Fridays when many Danes bring treats into the workplace.
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Conditori La Glace
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Go for the cake, but stay for the hot chocolate - seriously, even in the summer. There is almost always a queue, so plan a visit for a weekday and you'll have a better chance of beating the crowds. This is a sixth-generation family-owned pastry shop and a must visit foodie destination in Copenhagen.
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Centralhjørnet
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There are a lot of reasons to go to CentralHjørnet; it's SUPER Danish, they have incredibly ornate seasonal decorations that make you feel like you're having a drink on a parade float in Disney World and it's the oldest gay bar in the world! Warning: it's one of the Danish bars that still allows smoking BUT if you go in the afternoon you can avoid the heaviest smoking crowd.
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The Union Kitchen
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Union Kitchen is a favorite of locals, and when you have a meal there - you'll see why. It's our go-to brunch spot and we always bring visitors there. The chicken and waffles are delicious and the vibe is perfect. If you aren't able to get a seat there during your trip, you can always visit their location at Copenhagen Airport before you leave town.
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Tipsy Mermaid
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When the weather is good, or even just "decent" there's no place like the Tipsy Mermaid. We stumbled on this gem while walking along the harbor two summers ago and love taking people there. From the street it's unassuming and you may not even know it's a bar. The Tipsy Mermaid is actually an old decommissioned fishing boat that's moored on Copenhagen Harbor. It's been converted into a craft beer bar and has even been expanded (one more boat was added) and it's like no bar you've been to before!
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Reffen - Copenhagen Street Food
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Reffen is great at sunset, where you get an excellent view of Copenhagen from across the harbor. We recommend biking there with a Donkey Republic bike or other bike-share service and then taking the 2A bus back (especially if you've had a few drinks). Derek LOVES the empanadas from Fuego. Not you can also book a table if you're 8 or more people and it's a dog-friendly street food park (so friendly dogs are allowed).
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