Copenhagen
Hygge, world-class design, Tivoli, and those colorful canals: your guide to Copenhagen.
Our Guide to Copenhagen
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Flair
Laid-back, bicycle-obsessed, and seriously design-forward — Copenhagen has a vibe that's hard not to fall for.
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Best Time to Visit
June through August gives you the most sunshine and the longest days — perfect for exploring by bike.
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Trip Length
Three to four days is the sweet spot — enough time to soak up the hygge atmosphere and explore the canals properly.
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Price Level
Copenhagen is expensive — no sugarcoating it. But the quality at cafés and restaurants is genuinely excellent, so it rarely feels like a rip-off.
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Food
Don't leave without trying a classic smørrebrød and grabbing a pastry from one of the bakeries — the Danish baking scene is no joke.
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Getting Around
Rent a bike. Seriously. It's how locals get everywhere, the city is super flat, and it's by far the most enjoyable way to explore.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days should you plan for Copenhagen?
If you only want to hit the absolute highlights, two days will do. But honestly, we’d recommend three to four full days. Especially in summer, that gives you time to wander through the different neighborhoods — which, for us, is a big part of what makes Copenhagen so great.
If you want to visit several museums and have a day trip or two in mind — say, to Malmö or Roskilde — you could easily fill a whole week here.
What's the best time to visit Copenhagen?
Summer is by far our favorite time to visit Copenhagen. Between June and August, life in the city moves almost entirely outdoors, and it’s often genuinely warm and sunny.
We especially love Copenhagen as a travel destination in August.
April, May, and September are also lovely — just be prepared for a higher chance of rain and the odd chilly day.
Copenhagen is also seriously magical in the weeks before Christmas. The whole city is beautifully decorated, and Tivoli reopens for its famous Christmas market.
How do you pay in Copenhagen?
Denmark uses the Danish Krone (DKK). The exchange rate is roughly 7 DKK per euro.
Cashless payments are totally standard in Copenhagen — you can use your credit card for even the smallest purchases without any issue.
What should I pack for a Copenhagen city trip?
Comfortable walking shoes are non-negotiable. The city is compact, but you’ll be on your feet all day.
No matter when you go, pack a layer or two warmer than you’d expect. Copenhagen tends to be a few degrees cooler than most visitors anticipate.
You won’t need a power adapter — Danish outlets take standard European plugs.
Also check out our packing list for city trips — it covers everything we always bring along: Our Packing Lists for City Trips
Which Copenhagen travel guide is the best?
Polyglott on tour Copenhagen: A beautifully written, well-structured guide with great photos and all the practical info you need. The sights are covered through a series of walks around the city.
Merian Copenhagen: Not a classic travel guide, but a great read before your trip — it really builds the anticipation and offers solid inspiration for your stay.
To the Merian Copenhagen travel guide
500 Hidden Secrets Copenhagen: More of a curated list book than a travel guide — one hundred lists of five, like the five best hot dog stands or the five best viewpoints. They’re not exactly hidden secrets, but if you have plenty of time and want to dig deeper into the city, it’s well worth picking up.
Is tipping customary in Copenhagen?
Tipping is not expected in Denmark. At a restaurant or café, you just pay your bill — no need to add anything extra.
You might spot a tip jar on the counter in some shops, but that’s mostly aimed at tourists. Most locals don’t carry cash at all anymore.
For taxis, rounding up is perfectly fine. A big tip isn’t expected, and card payment is always an option.
Can you drink the tap water in Copenhagen?
Copenhagen’s tap water is genuinely among the best in the world. Drink it straight from the tap without any hesitation — it tastes great too.
