Copenhagen, Simplified: The Ultimate Travel Guide

Nyhavn - Copenhagen, Denmark

Contents

• Before you go

• Getting there

• Getting around

• Where to stay

• Things to do

• Food and drink

• Neighborhood guide

• Day trips

Before You Go

Copenhagen is one of those cities that's easy to fall in love with. It's clean, walkable, packed with great food and full of colourful waterfronts and cycling culture. Before you book, there are a few things worth knowing.

How Many Days Do You Need?

I'd recommend spending 3–4 days in Copenhagen. This gives you enough time to see the main sights, explore different neighbourhoods, enjoy the food scene and take things at a relaxed pace. If you're planning a day trip to Malmö or Roskilde, add an extra day.

Best Time to Visit

The most popular time to visit is between May and September, when the days are long and outdoor dining is in full swing. Summer brings the warmest weather but also the highest prices. For fewer crowds and lower costs, consider visiting in spring or early autumn.

Currency and Payments

Denmark uses the Danish Krone (DKK) rather than the Euro. The good news is that card payments are accepted almost everywhere, so there's little need to carry much cash.

Budget Expectations

Copenhagen has a reputation for being expensive, and it's well deserved. Accommodation, eating out and alcohol can quickly add up. However, public transport is excellent, many attractions can be enjoyed from the outside for free, and supermarkets are a good option for keeping costs down.

Language

Danish is the official language, but English is widely spoken. Most visitors will have no trouble communicating throughout their trip.

My Top Tip

Don't try to cram too much into your itinerary. Copenhagen is best enjoyed at a slower pace—grab a coffee, wander along the canals and spend some time exploring the neighbourhoods beyond the main tourist attractions. It was these moments that made the city memorable for me.

Getting There

Copenhagen is really well connected, making it an easy city to reach whether you’re coming from the UK or further afield.

Flying to Copenhagen Airport (CPH)

The main airport is Copenhagen Airport (Kastrup), located just 8km from the city centre, so you’re never far from your hotel once you land. Direct flights operate regularly from most major UK airports including London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh and others, usually taking around 1.5–2 hours.

Once you arrive, getting into the city is quick and straightforward.

From the Airport to the City Centre

You’ve got a few easy options:

• Metro (recommended) – The M2 line runs directly from the airport to central Copenhagen in about 15–20 minutes. Trains are frequent, clean, and well signposted.

• Train – Regional trains also run from the airport to Copenhagen Central Station in roughly 15 minutes.

• Taxi – Available outside arrivals, but this is the most expensive option and usually takes around 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic.

  
  

Arriving by Train

If you’re travelling through Europe, you can also reach Copenhagen by train. Copenhagen Central Station (København H) is well connected to destinations like Hamburg and other parts of Denmark and Germany.

Arriving by Ferry or Cruise

Copenhagen is also a popular cruise destination, and the port is relatively close to the city centre. Many cruise terminals offer shuttle buses or short taxi rides into town.

My Tip

The Metro from the airport is honestly one of the easiest airport transfers I’ve ever done—it’s fast, frequent and drops you right into the heart of the city without any stress.

Getting Around

One of the best things about Copenhagen is how easy it is to get around. The city is compact, flat, and extremely well designed for both locals and visitors.

Walking

Copenhagen is very walkable, especially in the central areas. Many of the main sights are close together, and walking along the canals or through neighbourhoods like Indre By and Christianshavn is one of the nicest ways to experience the city.

Cycling (the local way to travel)

Copenhagen is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world, and cycling is genuinely part of everyday life here.

• Dedicated cycle lanes across the entire city

• Clear road rules and very organised traffic flow

• Bike rentals widely available

  
  

It’s often the fastest and most enjoyable way to get around, especially for longer distances.

Metro

The Copenhagen Metro is modern, clean and runs 24/7 on some lines. It’s driverless, frequent, and very easy to navigate. The circular City Ring (M3) is especially useful for getting around central neighbourhoods.

Trains & Buses

• S-trains connect the wider city and suburbs

• Buses fill in the gaps where metro or trains don’t go

• Everything is integrated, so one ticket system covers most journeys

  
  

Tickets & Travel Cards

You can buy single tickets, but most visitors use:

• DSB app tickets – easy to buy and manage on your phone

• Copenhagen Card – includes unlimited transport + attractions, which can be good value if you’re doing lots of sightseeing

  
  

Taxis & Ride Apps

Taxis are available but expensive compared to public transport. Most visitors won’t need them thanks to how efficient everything else is. Most common and useful ride apps:

• Taxi 4x27 - One of the biggest taxi companies in Copenhagen. You can book via app, phone or hail in certain areas.

• Dantaxi – Very widely used across Denmark. Good app, easy booking, fixed pricing estimates.

• Amager-Øbro Taxi – Another local operator you’ll see around the city.

• Uber – Uber is available in Denmark, but it operates only with licensed taxi drivers (not private rides like in some countries). So it often feels similar to booking a normal taxi, just through the app.

• Bolt – Also available in Copenhagen and can sometimes be slightly cheaper or quicker for short trips.

My Tip

Download the DSB app before you arrive — it makes public transport in Copenhagen so easy. You can plan journeys across metro, train and bus, buy tickets instantly on your phone, and see real-time updates without having to figure out zones or ticket machines. Honestly, it takes all the stress out of getting around.

Also, don’t overthink transport here. In Copenhagen, you’ll often find it quicker to just walk or cycle than take anything else, and that’s part of what makes the city so enjoyable.

Where To Stay

TBC

Things To Do

TBC

Food & Drink

Copenhagen is a dream if you like food—especially if you enjoy bakeries, street food, and simple but high-quality Danish dishes. You’ll find everything from Michelin-level restaurants to hotdog stands on the street corner, and honestly, both are part of the experience.

Bakeries & Pastries

Copenhagen’s bakery scene is elite, and you’ll quickly understand why everyone is obsessed with it.

• Hart Bageri – One of the most famous bakeries in the city, known for incredible sourdough pastries and their iconic BMO (bolle med ost)—basically a soughdough bun with butter and cheese, and it’s a must-try.

• Lagkagehuset – A more traditional Danish bakery chain, but still great for quick pastries, cinnamon swirls and coffee on the go.

• Buka – Trendier bakery with excellent laminated pastries and cakes, often slightly more experimental but very popular locally.

Tip: Go early in the morning if you want the best selection—things sell out fast.

Hotdogs

You can’t visit Copenhagen without eating from a hotdog stand.

• Danish hotdogs (pølser) – Usually served with ketchup, mustard, remoulade, crispy onions and pickles.

  You’ll find stands all over the city, especially near stations and busy squares.

• Try a “ristet hotdog” (grilled sausage) or a French hotdog (bread with sausage inside).

  
  

A classic pairing is a hotdog + Cocio chocolate milk.

Other Traditional Danish Foods

• Flæskesteg med rødkål – Roast pork with crispy crackling and red cabbage. This is one of the most iconic Danish dishes.

• Frikadeller – Danish meatballs, usually served with potatoes and gravy

• Smørrebrød – Open-faced rye bread sandwiches with toppings like herring, egg, prawns or roast beef (Schønnemann is again a top choice)

Street Food Markets

This is one of my favourite things about Copenhagen. The city does street food REALLY well, especially in social, open-air markets:

• Reffen Street Food – The biggest and most famous. Huge variety of global food stalls, harbour views, and a very relaxed summer vibe.

• Torvehallerne Market – More central and polished. Great for Danish specialities, smørrebrød, seafood, coffee and snacks.

• Broens Gadekøkken – Smaller but really nice spot by the water, perfect for a casual lunch or sunset drink.

This may not be traditional, but worth a visit nonetheless.

Drinks

• Cocio – Cold chocolate milk, usually drunk with hotdogs or as a nostalgic treat

• Faxe Kondi – Bright green lemon-lime soft drink (very Danish, very sugary, very good cold)

• Tuborg Squash – Orange soda, a bit retro and very local

• Carlsberg – The classic Danish beer (you’ll see it everywhere, and the brewery is based in Copenhagen)