Copenhagen is one of the most scenic cities in Europe with gabled houses, narrow streets and canals. The pedestrianised centre offers some fantastic shopping opportunities and with a notable nightlife, outdoor cafés and heaps of green space, this is the perfect base for a short break.
Copenhagen is enjoying a resurgence thanks to the wave of hit TV programmes like The Killing, Borgen and The Bridge, but in contrast to the dark, chilling, suspense of the tv shows, Copenhagen is a green city that has frequently been rated one of the best places to live.
Surrounded by beautiful palaces, lakes, castles and canals with narrow cobbled streets, Copenhagen is a green city with a great nightlife scene and boasts some of the best restaurants in Scandinavia. Somewhere we think you will want to come back to.
Getting There
You can find direct flights to Copenhagen from UK, Irish and European airports, including Bristol, Dublin and Aberdeen. There is a fast frequent train link from the airport to the main station in the city centre. Find cheap flights with Skyscanner.
When to Go
The long summer days and warm temperatures contrast with the cold dark days of winter but with so much to do and see Copenhagen is great to visit any time of the year.
Where to Stay
All hotels in central Copenhagen are close to the main sights and attractions. The harbour side area is fast becoming popular with new modern hotels emerging.
For stylish accommodation at inexpensive prices the new Wake-up Copenhagen Hotel is a great option or why not try something a little different with the 4* 71 Nyhavn Hotel which is a converted warehouse, overlooking the harbour and canals.
For sheer luxury Hotel Skt Petri is a fabulous experience. Surrounded by boutiques and lovely coffee shops is a perfect location for your stay.
Browse all hotels on hotels on Booking.com.
Tours
Keen to learn more about the places you visit? Or avoid the queues? Find sightseeing tours and attraction tickets on GetYourGuide or Viator.
Best Places to Visit in Copenhagen
The must sees…
There is a city guide for ardent Killing tv series fans but I recommend a canal tour – a popular way to see the city and the Little Mermaid from the water. She is the most photographed statue in the world, and draws tourists to the old port district of Nyhavn.
Stroll around this fascinating part of town with its colourful gabled houses and fabulous architecture and why not pop in to one of the quayside cafes and bars for a coffee or a beer.
Particularly special at Christmastime, Tivoli gardens is another must see on any Denmark itinerary. Right in the heart of the city the old gardens and historical amusement park is still loved by locals old and young alike.
Whether you take a carousel ride or the Ferris wheel the concert hall to the aquarium, the magical surroundings will leave you wanting more, but do check the seasonal opening times.
The heart of the city is centred around the pedestrian street ‘Stroget’ which runs from the Radhuspladsen (City Hall square) and is packed with shops and street artists.
The locals are bike crazy and with a huge network fo award winning paths and lanes across town, hiring a bike is a great way to get around. Roseburg castle is home to Denmark’s Crown Jewels and contains an abundance of royal and historical collections.
If you have time a visit to Amalienborg Palace will be rewarded with a full history of Denmark’s royal family. The Christiansborg Palace home to the Danish Parliament and Supreme Court is another impressive building.
There is also the Carlsberg brewery, a number of beautiful churches with steeples and spires and numerous museums to explore on colder days.
What to Eat
From traditional herring to the New Nordic cuisine, based on locally sourced products, you will find restaurants to suit every taste and budget.
Plan a City Break to Copenhagen
Wonderful, wonderful… as the Danny Kaye song goes and quite rightly so. Stylish, cosmoplitan and overflowing with cafés and culture, you will kick yourself for not visiting sooner.
Copenhagen is ideal for short breaks, history, culture and dining out. If you have a flexible schedule you might like to combine a stay with Stockholm and/or Gothenburg (Sweden).