COPENHAGEN
Copenhagen is a captivating blend of historic royal grandeur, cutting-edge modern design, and a relaxed, bike-friendly atmosphere. This beautiful Danish capital is a hub of Scandinavian culture, celebrated for its high quality of life.
Often lauded as one of the world’s most livable cities, Copenhagen offers visitors charming canals, world-class cuisine, and an omnipresent sense of hygge—the Danish concept of cozy contentment.
Most Popular Attractions
Palaces, Castles & Royal History:
Rosenborg Castle: A stunning 400-year-old Renaissance castle, home to the Danish Crown Jewels in its treasury.
Amalienborg Palace: The winter residence of the Danish Royal Family, consisting of four identical palaces. Don’t miss the daily Changing of the Guard at noon.
Christiansborg Palace: Home to the Danish Parliament, the Prime Minister’s Office, and the Supreme Court. The Palace Tower offers a free panoramic view of the city.
Frederik’s Church (The Marble Church): A magnificent church with the largest church dome in Scandinavia, an impressive piece of Rococo architecture.
Kastellet: A well-preserved 17th-century star-shaped fortress, perfect for a historic stroll along its ramparts.
Iconic Landmarks & Central Core:
Nyhavn: The iconic 17th-century waterfront and canal, famous for its rows of brightly colored townhouses and historic ships.
The Little Mermaid (Lille Havfrue): The famous bronze statue inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale, perched on a rock by the water.
Tivoli Gardens: One of the world’s oldest operating amusement parks, a magical spot blending thrilling rides, exotic architecture, beautiful gardens, and dining.
The Round Tower (Rundetårn): A 17th-century tower and Europe’s oldest functioning observatory, featuring a unique spiral ramp instead of stairs.
Strøget: One of Europe’s longest pedestrian streets, offering a vast array of shopping, from high-street chains to exclusive designer brands.
Church of Our Saviour: Known for its striking black and gold spire with an external, winding staircase that offers a spectacular view of the city.
Copenhagen City Hall (Rådhuspladsen): An impressive national romantic style building where the famous Jens Olsen’s World Clock is housed.
Culture & Museums:
The National Museum of Denmark: Denmark’s largest museum of cultural history, with exhibits spanning Danish history from the Ice Age to the present.
Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek: A world-class art museum with an extensive collection of ancient Mediterranean sculpture and 19th-century French and Danish art.
Statens Museum for Kunst (SMK) – The National Gallery of Denmark: Features an outstanding collection of Danish and international art spanning seven centuries.
Designmuseum Danmark: Dedicated to Danish and international design, crafts, and industrial art.
The Black Diamond (Royal Danish Library): A striking, modern extension of the Royal Library known for its sharp architecture and harbor views.
David Collection: Features an extensive collection of Islamic art and European 18th-century art, with free entry.
Unique & Modern Attractions:
Freetown Christiania: A controversial and unique self-governing community known for its alternative lifestyle, homemade houses, and art galleries.
Copenhagen Opera House: A state-of-the-art architectural marvel on the harbor, considered one of the most modern opera houses in the world.
Torvehallerne Market: Two modern glass market halls filled with gourmet food stalls, fresh produce, and cafés—a perfect place to sample Danish cuisine.
Den Blå Planet (The Blue Planet): The National Aquarium of Denmark, designed to look like a whirlpool from above.
Copenhagen Botanical Garden: Ten hectares of beautiful gardens in the city center, featuring a stunning historic glass palm house.
Activities & Experiences
Experience the Magic of Tivoli Gardens: Spend an afternoon and evening at one of the world’s oldest and most charming amusement parks, famous for its beautiful lighting, gardens, and unique rides.
Wander along Nyhavn: Stroll along the iconic 17th-century harbor lined with brightly colored townhouses, take photos, and stop for a coffee or traditional Danish meal.
Explore Copenhagen by Bike: Rent a bicycle and join the locals on the extensive cycle paths—the fastest and most authentic way to see the city.
Take a Canal Boat Tour: See the city’s sights, including the Opera House, the Little Mermaid, and Christianshavn, from a different perspective on a guided or self-drive boat tour.
Visit the Freetown Christiania: Explore this unique, partially self-governing neighborhood known for its non-conventional lifestyle, creative workshops, and distinct atmosphere.
Climb the Church of Our Saviour’s Spire: Ascend the external, spiraling staircase of the church tower in Christianshavn for a spectacular panoramic view of the city.
Indulge in a Foodie Adventure: Sample traditional Danish ‘smørrebrød’ (open-faced sandwiches), visit the Torvehallerne food market, or try the world-class Nordic cuisine at one of the city’s top restaurants.
Witness the Changing of the Guard: See the Royal Life Guards march from their barracks to Amalienborg Palace for the daily changing of the guard ceremony (usually at noon).
Delve into Danish History at Rosenborg Castle: Tour the castle built by Christian IV and see the dazzling Danish Crown Jewels housed in the treasury vaults.
Go Harbor Swimming: Join the locals for a refreshing dip in one of the clean, designated harbor baths like Islands Brygge, right in the city center.
Discover ‘Hygge’ in a Café: Find a cozy spot to enjoy a ‘kanelsnegl’ (cinnamon roll) and a coffee, embracing the Danish concept of cozy contentment and well-being.
Visit a World-Class Museum: Explore the National Museum of Denmark (history), Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek (art and sculpture), or the Designmuseum Danmark.
Local Tips & Transport
Biking is Life: Copenhagen is one of the world’s most cycle-friendly cities. Dedicated, often wide, cycle lanes are everywhere. Rent a bike—it is the fastest, cheapest, and most local way to travel. Always obey the bicycle traffic lights and hand signals, and keep to the right to allow faster riders to pass.
Excellent Public Transport: The city has a highly efficient and integrated public transport system covering the Metro, S-trains (commuter rail), buses, and harbor buses (ferries).
Metro (M-Lines): A fast, driverless system operating 24/7, making it ideal for late-night travel. The M1 and M2 lines connect the airport to the city center, and the M3 (City Circle Line) is very useful for central loops.
S-trains: Connect the city center with the greater metropolitan area and surrounding suburbs.
Harbor Buses: Use the yellow public transport ferries (routes 991 and 992) for a scenic way to get around the inner harbor using a regular ticket.
Tickets & Passes: Copenhagen uses a zone-based fare system.
Copenhagen Card: Highly recommended for tourists as it provides unlimited public transport in the entire Capital Region (including the airport) plus free entry to over 80 attractions and museums.
City Pass: Offers unlimited travel for a set duration (24 to 120 hours) within the central zones (Zones 1-4, which include the airport) if you don’t need attraction entry.
DOT Tickets App: The easiest way to buy single tickets or a City Pass on the go.
From the Airport (CPH): The Metro (M2 line) and regional trains both offer quick (about 15 minutes) and direct service from Copenhagen Airport to the city center (e.g., Nørreport Station or Central Station).
Embrace ‘Hygge’: Pronounced “hoo-gah,” this concept is central to Danish culture. It means creating a cozy, convivial atmosphere, enjoying the good things in life, and finding happiness in simple moments. Look for hygge in dimly lit cafés, during candlelit dinners, or when meeting friends.
Dining Times: Danes generally eat dinner earlier than in Southern Europe, typically between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM. Reservations, even for casual restaurants, are advisable on weekends.
Tipping: Tipping is generally not mandatory in Denmark, as service charges are included in the price. However, rounding up the bill or leaving a few extra kroner for good service at restaurants or in taxis is appreciated.
The Local Language: English proficiency is extremely high, and you’ll find virtually no language barrier in the tourist industry and most shops/restaurants. However, a friendly Hej (hello) and Tak (thank you) is always welcome.
Cashless Society: Denmark is largely a cashless society. Credit and debit cards are accepted nearly everywhere, including for very small purchases.
Hidden Gems
The Cisterns (Cisternerne): An exhibition space in an old underground water reservoir in Søndermarken Park. It’s dark, damp, and often hosts atmospheric, immersive art installations.
Assistens Kirkegård: A beautiful, peaceful cemetery in the Nørrebro neighborhood that also functions as a public park and is the resting place of famous Danes like Hans Christian Andersen and Søren Kierkegaard.
Reffen – Copenhagen Street Food: A large, popular outdoor street food market on the Refshaleøen peninsula (best reached by bike or harbor bus), offering diverse global cuisine with great harbor views.
Nyboder Houses: Stroll past the iconic bright yellow terrace houses in the city center, built by King Christian IV for the Royal Danish Navy personnel, offering a picturesque architectural photo opportunity.
Top Restaurants
Restaurant Kronborg [$30-$50] – Serves traditional, hearty, homestyle Danish cooking and excellent smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches) in a cozy, old-school setting.
Schønnemann [$40-$60] – A venerable, lunch-only venue since 1877, famous for its extensive menu of classic smørrebrød, served with beer and snaps. Reservations are highly recommended.
Husmanns Vinstue [$30-$50] – A cozy cellar restaurant, founded in 1888, renowned for its exquisite traditional Danish lunch menu, including classic smørrebrød.
Restaurant Karla [$30-$50] – A lovely local restaurant offering traditional Danish delicacies like calf liver, Wiener schnitzel, and roasted pork. Known for its friendly staff.
Skindbuksen [$25-$40] – A traditional Danish restaurant serving classic Danish food and beer in a lovely, warm atmosphere, popular with locals.
Told & Snaps [$30-$50] – Highly recommended for its high-quality smørrebrød, including the famous Stjerneskud (shooting star) fish dish.
Restaurant Puk [$30-$50] – A classic spot in the heart of Copenhagen that local Copenhageners return to time and again for traditional Danish meals.
Københavner Cafeen [$30-$50] – Serves traditional Danish dishes in a low-lit cellar pub with a relaxed, central but slightly less busy location.
Slotskælderen [$30-$50] – A historic, traditional lunch restaurant in a castle basement near Christiansborg Palace, famous for a large selection of classic smørrebrød.
Aamanns 1921 [$50-$80] – An elevated dining experience focusing on modern interpretations of Danish cuisine, particularly known for its seasonal and artfully presented smørrebrød.
Høst [$60-$90] – An award-winning Nordic restaurant that combines rustic and modern design, offering an inventive and seasonal course menu with modern twists on Danish tradition.
Barr [$60-$100] – Located in the former Noma space, this casual bar and restaurant is inspired by the cuisines of the North and Baltic Seas, focusing on beer, schnitzels, and classic dishes with innovative flair.
Vækst [$50-$80] – A stunning, plant-filled, greenhouse-like restaurant that focuses on New Nordic cuisine, where vegetables play a central role alongside quality Danish ingredients.
Marv & Ben [$70-$100] – A “nice restaurant” offering an enjoyable, high-quality, set seasonal menu that is inventive yet comforting, with an excellent wine-by-the-glass program.
Kadeau [$250-$350] – A New Nordic restaurant with two Michelin stars, showcasing the unique and often foraged ingredients of the island of Bornholm in a refined setting.
Selma [$40-$70] – Known for its innovative take on traditional Danish cuisine, particularly the smørrebrød, presented with balance and local ingredients.
Admiralgade 26 [$60-$90] – A beautiful restaurant with a focus on seasonal Nordic and international flavors, offering small, medium, and large dishes in a stylish, calming setting.
Studio [$200-$300] – A Michelin-starred restaurant located by the water, focusing on modern Nordic cuisine with complex, refined flavors and an impressive wine list.
JATAK [$150-$250] – A highly sought-after Michelin-starred spot from a Noma alumnus, showcasing modern, creative cuisine with Japanese-influenced techniques.
Formel B [$150-$250] – A one-Michelin-starred classic that offers a relaxed atmosphere and a focus on high-quality ingredients with a flexible à la carte menu or tasting menu.
Uformel [$80-$120] – The more informal sibling to Formel B, offering a creative and modern menu of small and medium-sized dishes designed for sharing.
Radio [$50-$80] – Founded by a co-founder of Noma, this restaurant focuses on organic, local, and seasonal ingredients from the Copenhagen area, offering affordable New Nordic dining.
Silberbauers [$60-$90] – An excellent French bistro with a warm, friendly atmosphere and high-quality, perfectly prepared French cuisine with a focus on fresh ingredients.
Gro Spiseri [$70-$100] – A unique rooftop greenhouse restaurant offering a set, organic, farm-to-table communal dining experience with seasonal ingredients.
Sanchez [$50-$80] – Offers delicious Mexican food with a focus on the best Danish and Mexican ingredients, modeled after a traditional Mexican cantina by a Noma alumna.
Kong Hans Kælder [$250-$400] – A two-Michelin-starred restaurant tucked away in a historic basement with Gothic arches, offering sophisticated French-inspired cuisine in an intimate, classic setting.
Alchemist [$700-$900] – A three-Michelin-starred, high-concept, multi-sensory “Holistic Cuisine” experience with up to 50 impressions, combining gastronomy, art, and immersive visuals (truly a worthy splurge).
AOC [$250-$400] – A two-Michelin-starred restaurant in a 17th-century vaulted basement, offering innovative Nordic cuisine that focuses on flavors and textures.
Jordnær [$550-$750] – A three-Michelin-starred restaurant known for its exquisite, intricate Nordic cuisine and generous use of high-quality ingredients like caviar and truffle.
The Samuel [$200-$300] – Located just outside the city center, this Michelin-starred restaurant offers a refined experience with a focus on modern European cuisine.
Kødbyens Fiskebar [$50-$80] – A trendy and lively seafood restaurant in the Meatpacking District, with a focus on simple, fresh, and beautifully presented seafood and excellent service.
Bæst [$30-$50] – A loud, lively spot known for its gourmet Neapolitan-style pizzas, homemade charcuterie, and a focus on local, organic ingredients from their own farm.
La Banchina [$30-$50] – A tiny, beachy oasis on the harbor, housed in an old boathouse, serving simple, seasonal, New Nordic seafood dishes, with a focus on sustainability and natural wine.
Il Buco [$40-$60] – An Italian-inspired restaurant emphasizing sustainability and organic, seasonal ingredients, popular with locals for its homemade pastas and natural wines.
The Olive Kitchen & Bar [$40-$60] – A small, family-owned restaurant serving a simple but carefully selected international menu in the heart of the city.
Kiin Kiin [$100-$150] – Denmark’s only Michelin-starred Thai restaurant, offering a fixed program and set menu that masterfully blends classic Thai dishes with Danish ingredients and techniques.
Goldfinch [$50-$80] – A modern Cantonese restaurant led by a Geranium alumnus, focusing on ethically sourced Chinese ingredients and refined dim sum.
Zahida [$30-$50] – Offers authentic Pakistani cuisine in a warm, homely environment, focusing on a few, carefully selected courses like masala lamb chops and butter chicken.
The Midwestern Diner [$20-$40] – Offers authentic American comfort food, from juicy burgers to “freakshakes,” and is a popular eatery for both locals and expats.
Osteria 16 [$40-$60] – An Italian restaurant serving a fixed menu of simple, rustic, high-quality Italian food designed to be shared, known for its informal, cozy atmosphere.
Fleisch [$40-$60] – A combined butcher shop and restaurant in the Meatpacking District where meat is the essence, offering high-quality cuts and traditional frikadeller (Danish meatballs).
POPL Burger [$20-$35] – An elevated burger joint in Christianshavn, created by the Noma team, focusing on delicious, high-quality, elevated comfort food.
Barabba [$50-$80] – A contemporary Italian restaurant known for some of the most decadent pastas in town, often topped with truffles or caviar, with an excellent natural wine cellar.
Ved Stranden 10 [$30-$50] – A natural wine bar and small restaurant with a unique atmosphere, perfect for a glass of wine by the canal and a selection of snacks or light dinner.
La Cira [$40-$60] – An authentic, small Italian restaurant known for its delicious, homemade Italian food and cozy atmosphere, a favorite among locals.
Donda [$40-$70] – Serves Latin American-inspired cuisine, with a focus on fresh seafood cooked over coals in the heart of Christianshavn.
Mad & Kaffe [$20-$40] – Popular with locals for its customizable, colorful, and fresh brunch, where you select from a list of small plates to compose your own meal.
Torvehallerne Market [$15-$40] – Not a single restaurant, but two market halls with numerous food stalls and vendors, excellent for a casual lunch, snacks, or high-quality produce.
Reffen – Copenhagen Street Food [$15-$30] – A vibrant outdoor hub (seasonal) of street food from around the world, set in a cool atmosphere by the water, featuring a wide variety of cuisines.
H15 [$40-$60] – Located in a former freight hall, this venue includes a cultural center and an Italian-inspired, plant-focused restaurant.
LUN Restaurant & Winebar [$40-$70] – A highly-regarded, relatively new restaurant and wine bar in Vesterbro, considered a hidden gem for its delicious, contemporary food.
The Little Kitchen [$30-$50] – A small, intimate spot known for serving modern dishes with a strong focus on seasonal, fresh produce and a cozy atmosphere.
Safari Restaurant [$30-$50] – An informal and cozy little eatery in Nørrebro with a menu inspired by Central and Southern European cuisine.
Bistro Boheme [$80-$120] – An institution serving high-quality French bistro food, providing an excellent value for a sophisticated dining experience.
Ø12 Coffee & Eatery [$20-$40] – A delightful café/eatery known for its delicious, nourishing comfort food and stylish, plant-filled, welcoming interior.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Ruby: Located in a historic 18th-century townhouse near the Copenhagen canals, this bar is globally recognized for its world-class cocktails, offering a blend of classic elegance and seasonal creativity in a polished setting.
Lidkoeb: The sister bar to Ruby, found in the trendy Vesterbro district, this venue is housed in a renovated 1886 pharmacy. It features three floors, including a cozy fireplace on the ground floor and an intimate whisky bar upstairs, and offers beautifully crafted cocktails.
TATA Cocktail Bar: Situated within Hotel Sanders, right by the Royal Danish Theatre near Kongens Nytorv, TATA boasts an elegant, red velvet-themed interior. It’s known for high-quality, meticulously crafted classic and signature cocktails.
Curfew: A luxurious speakeasy in the Vesterbro area, Curfew has a distinct Prohibition-era style, showcasing vintage décor and an impressive collection of paraphernalia. It specializes in passion-driven, experience-based cocktails.
Strøm Bar: Found in central Copenhagen, this Art Deco-inspired bar is celebrated for its atmosphere and commitment to using homemade ingredients in its seasonal cocktail menus, offering a stylish yet relaxed experience.
Duck and Cover: Hidden away in a basement in Vesterbro, this award-winning bar offers a dimly lit, cozy, and intimate atmosphere, focusing on expertly made, no-frills cocktails.
Balderdash: Located in a 1732 house a few blocks from Strøm Bar, Balderdash is known for its experimental and creative approach to mixology, often infusing drinks with unexpected or traditional Danish flavors, all served with a relaxed, hygge attitude.
The Barking Dog: This cozy neighborhood bar in the Nørrebro district is a favorite for agave spirit lovers, offering an extensive selection and creative cocktails with a slight dive bar feel that can get lively on weekends.
1105: A sleek, mature cocktail bar in central Copenhagen (with the postcode 1105), its décor is inspired by exclusive London hotel bars, providing a modern and stylish setting perfect for a refined night out.
Bird: Located in Frederiksberg, this ‘listening bar’ puts a premium on sound, featuring live DJs spinning vinyl. The sophisticated, flavor-complex cocktails are crafted to be easily poured to eliminate shaking noise.
Brønnum: Situated near Kongens Nytorv, Brønnum is a classic and fashionable bar, featuring a unique, large round room with a painted cloud ceiling, known for its excellent selection of sophisticated cocktails.
Jojo: Found in Vesterbro, Jojo is a modern, minimalist bar focusing on high-quality, affordable cocktails served fresh from the tap, which reduces waste and service time. They also offer local craft beers and natural wines.
K Bar: A relaxed spot close to Ruby in the inner city, K Bar is known for its pleasant, neighborhood feel and warm staff. Its owner, Kirsten Holm, is regarded as the Queen of Danish Cocktails.
VELOUR Cocktailbar: Located in the center of Copenhagen, this bar blends ecology and innovation, creating unique cocktails made from scratch with a focus on quality and craftsmanship.
Puss Puss: Centrally located near one of Copenhagen’s important squares, this bar is run by a talented bartender and features a terrace, making it a great spot for drinks in the heart of the city.
Atze Peng: Located in Vesterbro near Enghave Plads, this small, highly-regarded cocktail bar is known for its passion for authentic cocktails and spirits, offering a cozy and welcoming vibe.
Culture Box: Located near Kongens Nytorv, Culture Box is a legendary and dedicated regional venue for electronic music and underground sounds. It features multiple rooms, an excellent sound system, and is a pillar of the city’s serious club scene.
Chateau Motel: One of Copenhagen’s largest clubs, located in the city center, it spans four floors, each offering a different genre, ensuring a party for everyone with a mix of commercial and mainstream music.
The Jane: A stylish nightclub and cocktail bar located in the heart of Copenhagen’s historic center on Gråbrødre Square, inviting guests into rooms decorated in a ‘Mad Men’-style with vibrant nightlife.
Hive: Situated centrally near Gammeltorv, Hive is a popular, more exclusive nightclub often frequented by a younger crowd (twenties), known for its opulent decor and mainstream pop, R&B, and electro music.
ARCH: A high-end club in the city center (Nørregade) that blends modern touches with a classic Danish design, offering a vibrant and electric energy with a mix of fresh tunes and classic favorites.
Rust: Located in Nørrebro, Rust is an integral part of Copenhagen’s nightlife, serving as one of the city’s best venues for both concerts and late-night clubbing, specializing in indie rock, electronica, and hip hop.
Jolene Bar: A music-focused, attitude-free bar and club in the popular Meatpacking District (Kødbyen), where a low-key, eclectic, and LGBTQI+ friendly crowd comes to dance the night away.
Vega: Housed in a beautifully preserved 1956 landmark building in Vesterbro, Vega is a major music venue that seamlessly transitions into a vibrant club for late-night events, attracting a diverse crowd with various music genres.
Dorsia: A stylish and upscale club located in the city center, Dorsia has an Asian-inspired ambiance and caters to a sophisticated crowd with a music selection ranging from energetic beats to smooth hip-hop.
Den Anden Side (DAS) / Ved Siden Af: An underground techno club located in the basement of one of the city’s oldest cinemas in the inner city. It is known for its Berlin-esque, queer-friendly vibe, robust sound system, and a focus on serious electronic music.
Sø Pavillionen: A lively spot centrally located by the lakes, known for its neon lights, high energy, and mixed music (newest songs to old favorites), attracting a crowd of all ages.
Lusso: Located in a fancier area of the city, Lusso is a top-notch club that shines with luxury and charm, featuring an amazing sound system and famous DJs for a sophisticated nightlife experience.