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Introduction to Copenhagen

Welcome to Copenhagen, the enchanting city where bicycles outnumber cars and fairy tales come to life! This Danish delight delivers a whimsical combination of cobblestone sidewalks, rainbow-hued houses, and spires that tickle the clouds.

Here, modern design meets medieval history, crafting a captivating blend that's as inviting as a warm cup of gløgg in the winter. Imagine savoring a smørrebrød (open-faced sandwich) by the canal, as swans glide by and locals pass on bikes, greeting you with a cheerful "Hej!"

Scandinavia's coolest capital has charm in abundance. In recent times, 'Copenhagen style' has become a byword for streamlined design, boundary-pushing food, cool TV dramas, and the healthy worshiping of bicycles.

Things to do in Copenhagen

Copenhagen, the epitome of Scandinavian charm, offers a myriad of pastimes that encapsulate the essence of hygge, a concept that has captured the world's imagination.

This Danish phenomenon, symbolizing coziness and warmth, is palpable throughout the city, from quaint cafes where candles flicker, to snug eateries serving heartwarming comfort food.

The city's architecture is a testament to its ability to harmonize the historical with the modern, offering up a skyline dotted with ancient fortresses and inventive buildings.

History buffs can delve into Denmark’s intriguing past by visiting majestic royal castles, meandering along the picturesque canals, or admiring the city's iconic copper spires.

The vintage charm of Tivoli Gardens, an amusement park dating back to 1843, offers a nostalgic glimpse into Copenhagen's heritage.

What to eat in Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a hotspot for great food, with local restaurants like Noma receiving global attention for bringing Danish food to the world.

We recommend heading to Torvehallerne, where you can browse the city's stylish food hall and market. If street food is your thing, head to Reffen for outdoor dining in the coolest setting.

The traditional cuisine of Denmark gets tasty with smørrebrød, open-faced sandwiches with sculptural toppings. And don't miss a chance to visit old-school bakeries and sample local pastry delights.

Grabbing a pølse (hot dog) from a pølsevogn (“hot dog wagon”, or street vendor) is a traveler's rite of passage in Copenhagen. Head to Papirøen, a cool waterfront venue housing dozens of street-food stalls primed for street-food sampling.

Shopping the scandinavian style

The strong design aesthetic that permeates Copenhagen is evident in its stores, and shopping here is a pleasure.

Fashion and homewares will call to your credit cards and suitcase space, especially in stores like Illums Bolighus and Magasin du Nord, which are virtually shrines to good taste.

The city also boasts Strøget, one of Europe's longest pedestrian streets. Lined with a heady mix of department stores, design shops and international flagship stores, this is every shop-a-holic’s dream.

And if you’re looking for something to take home with you, there are some excellent homegrown trinkets at your fingertips.

Did you know that Lego, the titan of the toy world, is a Danish product? Meanwhile, Royal Copenhagen makes beautiful porcelain, and Georg Jensen's shiny silverware will dazzle your loved ones back home.

Traveling within Copenhagen

Copenhagen is absolutely a walking city and the best way to get around is on foot or by bike, especially if the weather is good.

There are several bike rental companies (including Donkey Republic and Lime) that have pick-up and drop-off stations around the city. You can rent a bike for a short time, or save money in the long term by renting it for 24 hours or more.

If you want to escape the elements – or give your feet a break – the public transport in the city is excellent. There are metro lines, buses, boats, and an extensive network of train stations.

It’s a city with a healthy network of taxis, but no Uber service. Renting a car is an option but walking, cycling and hopping on public transport is, for most travelers, the best way to get around the city.

Travel from the airport

There are several means by which you can get from the airport to the center of Copenhagen.

Taking a taxi is a popular option - it takes 20-30 minutes depending on the traffic and means you’ll get delivered right to your accommodation door. You'll find that locals will even cycle the distance, and bikes are available to rent outside the airport if you're traveling light.

In terms of public transport, taking the metro or overground train is arguably the easiest way to get from the airport to the heart of downtown Copenhagen. They have 24/7 service and take just 15 minutes.

The journey by bus is a little less convenient as it takes around 35 minutes, though it is the cheapest way to get from Copenhagen Airport to downtown.