Copenhagen
Copenhagen, Denmark's capital and largest city, is known for its rich history, including its origins as a Viking fishing village. The city has evolved from a small settlement to a major center of trade, culture, and government. Key historical periods include its growth under Bishop Absalon in the 12th century, its establishment as Denmark's capital in the 15th century, and its role in the Kalmar Union in the 16th century. Over the centuries, Copenhagen endured several major events, including devastating fires and battles during the Napoleonic Wars, but it continuously rebuilt and modernized. Today, its historic architecture and royal palaces stand alongside contemporary design and progressive urban planning. As a vibrant coastal capital, Copenhagen blends centuries of history with a forward-thinking spirit that continues to shape its identity.
💡Copenhagen: Good to Know
🛂 Visa: most European countries plus Canada, Australia, the US, Korea, and Japan are visa-exempt for a stay of up to 90 days
✈️ Closest Airport: Copenhagen Airport (CPH)
💬 Language: Danish but English is widely spoken
🏷️ Price Level: Copenhagen is one of the most expensive cities in Europe, and the cost of living in generally higher than in many US cities
🍔 Big Mac Index: US: US$5.69 / Denmark US$ 5.69
💰 Currency: Danish Kroner (DKK)| 1 USD = ca. 6.50 DKK)
☀️ Best Times to Visit: visiting during summer (June-August) is ideal, especially July, with the sunniest days and pleasant temperatures
🚘 Transportation: local trains, metro, city buses, and taxis
🔌 Adapter: Denmark uses type C and F plugs. No adapter is needed if you are from Europe, but it is needed when coming from the US
🛜 WiFi: widely available; Instabridge shows free Wi-Fi hotspots around town
🏧💰ATM and “Cash or Card”: In Denmark, credit cards are the preferred and most commonly used payment methods. While cash is still accepted, many businesses, particularly in cities like Copenhagen, are moving towards a cashless model and may even have signs indicating they prefer card payments.
💸 Tipping: Tipping is not expected; service charges are included in the bill. Leaving a small tip for exceptional service is appreciated but not common.
🚢 Cruise Terminal Address: Oceankaj: Oceanvej 13, 2150 Nordhavn (docked); Langelinie: Langeliniekaj 2 2100 København (docked)
✈️ 🚇🚕 Getting There and Around
🏙️ The Copenhagen cruise port (Oceankaj) is located about 3.5 miles (5.5 km) from the city center. The Langelinie Pier cruise port is closer, about 2 miles (3.2 km) from the city center.
🎟️ In Copenhagen, public transport can be paid for using several methods: a digital ticket via the DOT Tickets app, physical tickets purchased at stations or kiosks, or a Copenhagen Card. Single tickets can be purchased for individual journeys, while City Passes offer unlimited travel for a set duration. You can also use your phone to tap and pay with contactless methods.
✈️ Copenhagen Airport (Kastrup) is located approximately 5 miles (8 km) from the city center. The fastest way to get from Copenhagen Airport to the city center is by taking the metro or regional train, which takes under 15 minutes and costs approximately DKK 36 (US$ 5.47). Alternatively, bus 5A or a taxi are also options, with buses taking about 35 minutes and costing DKK 36 (US$ 5.47) and taxis costing DKK 250-350 (US$ 37.83-53.09) and taking 20-30 minutes
🚇 To get from Copenhagen's cruise port Oceankaj) to the city center, you can take buses 25 or 164 to Orientkaj metro station, then take the M4 metro directly to Copenhagen Central Station. This route takes approximately 30 minutes and costs 24 DKK (US$ 3.70).
From Langelinie Pier, walk 14 minutes to Marmorkirken metro station and take the metro line M3 or M4 towards Kongens Nytorv directly to Copenhagen Central Station (København H). The duration of the trip is approximately 25 minutes and the price is 24 DKK (US$ 3.70)
🚌 Two different companies offer hop-on-hop-off buses that connect the main sights throughout the city. Both City sightseeing and Stromma offer one route each.
⭐️ Top Sights in Copenhagen
"Copenhagen once served as the capital for both Denmark and Norway."
📸 Nyhavn: Nyhavn is a vibrant waterfront, canal, and entertainment district in Copenhagen, Denmark. Built in the 1600s, it's known for its colorful buildings, lively atmosphere, and history as a commercial port and sailors' haven. It's a popular tourist destination offering various activities like boat tours, dining, and exploring the historic district.
📸 Tivoli Gardens: Tivoli Gardens is an amusement park and pleasure garden located in Copenhagen, Denmark, known for its charm and history. It opened in 1843, making it one of the oldest operating amusement parks in the world. Tivoli Gardens inspired Hans Christian Andersen and Walt Disney, who were both visitors and found inspiration within its walls.
📸 Amalienborg: Amalienborg Palace is the official residence of the Danish royal family and is located in the heart of Copenhagen. It's a complex of four identical Rococo buildings surrounding an octagonal courtyard. The palace was originally built for four noble families, but the royal family moved in after the fire at Christiansborg Palace in 1794. Today, it's a major attraction, home to the Amalienborg Museum, and the site of daily changing of the guard ceremonies (daily at 12pm).
📸 Rosenborg Slot: Rosenborg Palace, also known as Rosenborg Slot, is a 17th-century Renaissance castle in Copenhagen. It was built by King Christian IV as a summer residence and later became a royal museum. The castle is located within the King's Garden, a popular public park.
📸 The Little Mermaid Statue: The Little Mermaid statue, a bronze sculpture, is located on a granite rock at Langelinie Pier in Copenhagen. Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's fairytale, it depicts a mermaid reflecting wistfully on her choices and longing for the sea. The statue stands approximately 4 feet tall and is a popular tourist attraction.
📸 Christiansborg Palace: Christiansborg Palace is a historic palace in Copenhagen and the seat of the Danish Parliament, as well as housing the Prime Minister's office and the Supreme Court. It's the only building in the world to house all three branches of government. The current palace, built between 1907 and 1928, stands on the site of previous palaces that were destroyed by fire.
📸 Christianshavn: Christianshavn is a charming and diverse neighborhood in Copenhagen known for its picturesque canals, bohemian atmosphere, and unique identity. Originally founded in the early 17th century as a privileged merchant's town, it was later incorporated into Copenhagen but retained a distinct character. Today, it's a trendy area with a mix of residents, including artists, students, families, and more, all living side-by-side.
📸 TorvehallerneKBH: This vibrant, indoor food market in Copenhagen offers a diverse selection of fresh produce, gourmet goods, and artisanal food stalls, along with various eateries. Located in two glass-roofed pavilions, it's a popular destination for both locals and tourists seeking a taste of Danish culinary culture.
📸 Vor Frelsers Kirke: Vor Frelsers Kirke, meaning "Church of Our Saviour" in Danish, is a church located in Christianshavn, a neighborhood of Copenhagen, Denmark. It is known for its iconic spiral tower, a popular tourist attraction offering panoramic city views. The church was originally built in the 17th century, with the tower added later.
🍽️😋 Regional Specialties
Danish traditional food centers around locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, with rye bread and pork being staples. Key elements include open-faced sandwiches (smørrebrød), meatballs (frikadeller), and various fish dishes. The "national dish" is stegt flæsk (fried pork) with potatoes and parsley sauce. Danish cuisine also features a strong bread culture, with rugbrød (rye bread) and the internationally known Danish pastries (wienerbrød).
🍽️ Smørrebrød: Smørrebrød, meaning "buttered bread" in Danish, is a traditional open-faced sandwich from Denmark. It's typically made with a slice of rye bread, butter, and a variety of toppings like fish, meat, cheeses, and garnishes. While the exact fillings vary, smørrebrød is known for its delicious and visually appealing combinations.
🍽️ Stegt flæsk: Stegt flæsk, meaning "fried pork," is Denmark's national dish. It's a simple dish consisting of crispy fried pork belly, typically served with boiled potatoes and a parsley sauce. The pork belly is often seasoned with salt and may be fried or baked until browned.
🍽️ Frikadeller: Frikadeller are flat, pan-fried meatballs popular in Danish cuisine. They are typically made with ground beef and pork, or sometimes other ground meats like chicken. The term "frikadelle" is thought to have German origins, but the dish itself is found in various regions with local variations.
🍽️ Rød pølser: Rød pølser, meaning "red sausage" in Danish, is a type of pork sausage with a distinctive red color, often served in a bun and considered a classic Danish hot dog. It's a popular fast food, especially sold on street corners in mobile food carts called pølsevogns. It's often served with condiments like remoulade, mustard, and fried onions
🍽️ Koldskål: Koldskål is a traditional Danish dish, essentially a cold, sweet buttermilk soup. It's typically served as a light meal or dessert during the summer months. The name "koldskål" translates to "cold bowl" in English.
🥤 Akvavit: Akvavit is a distilled spirit, native to the Scandinavian countries, primarily flavored with caraway and/or dill. It's similar to gin in its base and flavor profile, but uses caraway or dill instead of juniper as a primary flavor.
📍🗺️ Maps, Apps & Links
🌐 Copenhagen Public Transport Map
🌐 Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Tour I
🌐 Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Tour II
🚕 Uber Taxi / Drivr
🚕 Viggo
🚕 Bolt