The modern and navigable city of Copenhagen combines the best of European café culture and Scandinavian architecture and design. It’s charming and compact, with lots of local history to dive into. Although spending time in Copenhagen can become expensive, there are many ways to experience the city on a budget as well.
Peak Season Population Language(s) Currency January Climate July Climate
July-August 579,513 Danish Danish Krone (DKK ) Average high 1.9°C Average high 20.4 °C
Must-See Attractions
Like Amsterdam, Copenhagen is one of the world’s best cycling cities. To see the city with ease, rent a bike or take a small group tour to see the sights, including the Little Mermaid, the island of Amager, and the community of Christiania. You can also take a canal boat tour to see the city from a unique perspective. The Tivoli Gardens offer a sense of romance in the evenings, and there are some excellent museums to explore. Make sure to add the National Museum/Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, and the Museum of Art and Design to your travel itinerary.
If You Have Time
Beer lovers will enjoy learning about the brewing process and tasting some samples at the Carlsberg Museum. And fashionistas will enjoy taking a stroll down Strøget to browse designer goods, jewelry, and china. For a unique take on the standard museum experience, make a point to visit the Experimentarium and Museum Erotica during your stay. If you visit between June and August, it might be warm enough to take a swim at Copencabana on Vesterbro or Havnebadet at Island Brygge on Amager.
Free Things to Do
Pitch and tent and camp along the Mølleå River for a night or two.
Go for a swim in one of Copenhagen’s harbor’s free pools.
Take a free walking tour from the city center. One starts every day at 11 am from the steps of the City Hall at Rådhuspladsen.
Browse the Open Air Museum, Frilandsmuseet, which houses over 50 farms, mills and houses dating back to the 1600s.
Transportation
Kastrup Airport is how most visitors arrive to Copenhagen by plane, and it typically takes less than 15 minutes to get from the airport to the city center by mainline train. Public transportation is easily accessible from the Central Station and Nørreport Station, which are hubs for intercity trains and buses. Canal boat tours are the easiest way to see the city’s attractions. Cycling is the fastest and most flexible way to get around, and it’s a refreshingly pedestrian-friendly city as well. Take a stroll down Strøget, the longest and oldest pedestrians-only shopping street in Europe.
Recommended Restaurants
Even though food in Copenhagen can be on the pricier side, there are lots of great budget and moderately priced restaurants here too.
Restaurant Cuisine Location Price Notes
Ida Davidsen Sandwiches Store Kongensgade 70 Budget Choose between over 200 sandwich variations!
Café Victor Danish/French Ny Østergade Moderate Artsy, laid-back lounge with an international mix of cuisines
Kokkeriet Danish ronprinsessegade 64 Pricey Intimate, modern setting with traditional Danish favorites
Money Saving Tips
Find local sandwich shops to eat like the locals do and give your wallet a break. Try an open rye sandwich with cold meats, mackerel, onions, egg, and dill.
Museum lovers should look into the Copenhagen Card, which provides free entrance to about 60 museums and other attractions too.
Consider visiting Copenhagen in autumn, when it’s a little chilly but accommodations become much cheaper than in the summer.
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