Denmark’s capital city of Copenhagen is a place where history and innovation collide. Breathtaking architecture, both old and new, world-class cuisine, and unbeatable attractions seamlessly combine to create a city packed with activity. Whether you’re strolling along the colorful harbor of Nyhavn, biking through its eco-friendly streets, or experiencing the excitement of Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen offers something appealing for everyone.
The city has a rich history dating back to the Viking age. Founded in the 1100s, it underwent massive transformations, becoming a major trading hub by the next century. Its name in Danish, København, means merchant’s harbor. Over the centuries, it grew stronger, and modernized, shaping it into the beloved city we see today.
Being Danish myself, I have visited the country many times, and leaving Copenhagen is always one of the hardest parts of any trip. Its efficient transportation systems, vibrant neighborhoods, and unique charm make it so. After careful consideration and lots of exploration in the city, here is your hand made guide to travel in Copenhagen.
Copenhagen’s Neighborhoods:
The city is divided up into a few distinct areas, each with its own feel and character.
Indre By (“City Center” in Danish) is the historic heart of Copenhagen. While the city was established in 1167, this area really began to take shape during the Renaissance period, due to development from Denmark’s Kings. By far the most populated area, and the one that draws in the most tourists, Indre By is home to landmarks like the Nyhavn waterfront, Strøget (Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping street), and the royal palaces. Rich in culture, museums, and fine dining, Indre By is a must-visit for first-time travelers.
To the West of Indre By, Vesterbro was once a rougher area, home to Copenhagen’s red light district. Due to governmental efforts and urban renewal efforts, since the 1990s it has slowly transformed into one of Copenhagen’s trendiest neighborhoods. Known for its vibrant nightlife, hip cafés, and the Meatpacking District’s restaurants and bars, Vesterbro is a hotspot for food and entertainment lovers.
Østerbro, to the East, is a more upscale, family-friendly area with wide boulevards, parks, and stylish cafés. It’s home to the Little Mermaid statue and Fælledparken, a vast green space ideal for relaxation.
As you move North into Nørrebro, you’ll discover a multicultural and artistic hub with a youthful vibe. Here, you’ll find independent boutiques, diverse cuisine, and popular hangout spots like Superkilen Park. The area is perfect for those who love street art, creative spaces, and a laid-back atmosphere.
Christianshavn is right across the river from the rest of the main city. Being surrounded by water, it is a beautiful area to explore, with its many canals and scenic streets. However, its most popular attraction is Freetown Christiania, a unique, self-governing community with alternative culture to that of the rest of the city. Established in 1971, the area operates under its own set of communal rules, separate from Danish law. Upon entering, you are met with a sign stating that you are leaving the European Union. Beyond the entrance, is a vibrant space, colorful and full of life. Christiania is most famous for its open marijuana trade, which while technically still illegal in the area, is unofficially tolerated by the government. Despite ongoing debates about its legal status, Christiania remains a beacon of freedom, creativity, and self-governance, offering you insight to a more unconventional side of the city.
Attractions:
Copenhagen’s perfect mix of cultural history and modern attractions makes it an exciting destination for visitors.
Strøget is a major pedestrian street right in the center of the city. Just under a mile long, it is a perfect walk from the center of the city, to out by the harbor. Lined with shops, and passing through some of the most popular areas in the center city, it is a great place to hangout with friends, shop, or just see part of the city.
At the end of Strøget is the iconic Nyhavn, the city’s waterfront street lined with colorful buildings and restaurants. A truly beautiful location, and a must see on your first time in Copenhagen. There are canal tours offered, however I think walking the length of the street is just as good of an experience. From there, you can visit the Little Mermaid statue, inspired by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen’s famous fairy tale.
A trip to Cpenhagen is never complete without spending time at the Tivoli Gardens. Tivoli is one of the world’s oldest amusement parks created in 1843, set right in the heart of the city. The park’s iconic wooden roller coaster, Rutschebanen, dates back to 1914 and is still in operation today. However, it is more than just an amusement park, with its rides, concert venues, and beautiful natural scenery, Tivoli is the perfect place to spend a day. It is definitely one of my favorite places in Denmark. Unfortunately, it is not open year round. Its summer season spans April to September, and its Fall season from early October to early November. If your trip happens to be within this timeframe, Tivoli is a must see.
One of the most famous museums is the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, located just north of the city. This internationally renowned museum features contemporary and modern art from the 20th and 21st centuries. My favorite exhibit that I have seen there was their Alexej Jawlensy gallery, which took you through the evolution of his work. Louisiana’s stunning seaside location and incredible sculpture garden make it a perfect day trip. Another significant museum is the Workers Museum (Arbejdermuseet) in Indre By, which provides insight into Denmark’s labor history and working-class life. Housed in a historic 19th-century workers’ hall, the museum offers a detailed look at how workers and their families lived, worked, and fought for their rights over the decades.
Transportation:
Transportation in Copenhagen is efficient and modern. When visiting, you have a variety of options to navigate the city from A to B.
The Rejsekort is a travel card used across Denmark for public transportation, including metro, buses, S-trains, and regional trains. It operates on a tap-in-tap-out system, where passengers check in at the start of their journey and check out at the end to calculate their fare. The card simplifies travel by allowing seamless transfers between different modes of transport within the country. It is also available on your phone, on the DSB or Rejsekort apps.
Copenhagen’s metro is a modern, fully automated system that runs 24/7, making it one of the most convenient modes of transportation. It consists of four lines (M1, M2, M3, and M4), covering key areas such as the city center, the airport, and suburban districts. The metro is known for its high frequency, with trains arriving every few minutes. Coming from New York City, it is a particular shock seeing how efficient the subway system is. High priority is placed on cleanliness and safety at the stations, making a trip on the subway incredibly relaxing.
For areas outside the reach of the metro system, the bus network in Copenhagen is extensive, and just as efficient. There are regular buses, night buses, and ferries that help people move across the city–including routes along the waterfront!
The S-Tog, or S Train, is a suburban rail system connecting Copenhagen with surrounding regions. These red trains run frequently and cover a broader distance than the metro, making them ideal for commuting to and from the suburbs.
Regionaltog, or the Regional trains, connect Copenhagen with other Danish cities and even international destinations such as Malmö in Sweden. These trains are essential for longer journeys beyond the city. Unfortunately, for these trains you cannot use your Rejsekort, and must purchase a ticket for the longer ride.
Copenhagen is famous for being one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world. With over 390 kilometers of dedicated bike lanes, cycling is a preferred mode of transport for many residents. The city has bike-sharing programs, and visitors can easily rent a bike to explore the city.
An undeniably beautiful city, with a rich history, and unique culture, Copenhagen will steal your heart the moment you step off the plane. With every trip to Copenhagen, I discover something new to fall in love with, and something old to reappreciate, and I believe the same will happen to anyone else who visits.
An undeniably beautiful city, with a rich history, and unique culture, Copenhagen will steal your heart the moment you step off the plane. With every trip to Copenhagen, I discover something new to fall in love with, and something old to reappreciate, and I believe the same will happen to anyone else who visits.