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Copenhagen city breaks are all about waterfront scenery, seriously yum bakeries and spending your days at art galleries.
A city by the water
Copenhagen started off as a teeny Viking fishing village and Nyhavn Harbour’s still lined with vintage boats today – and its backdrop of rainbow houses and cafés have made it prime Insta territory. A boat trip along the canals is the best way to see all the sights and whatever the weather, swimming is part of the culture here. Head to the Waterside Holmen area and there’s a popular spot by the wine bar, La Banchina, where you can sunbathe with a glass on the deck in summer, or brave a dip then cosy up in their sauna in winter.
Cool neighbourhoods
To really get to know Copenhagen, you’ll want to go neighbourhood-hopping – each district’s got something different to show off. Vesterbro’s arguably the most iconic pick – think nightclubs, galleries and street art. You’ve got the Meatpacking district here, Tivoli Gardens and the Carlsberg brewery – so most of the major sites. For retail therapy, your go-to is Østerbro, where you’ll find loads of vintage stores and boutiques (as well as the Dua Lipa chicken burger, IYKYK). And Christianshavn is kinda giving Venice – it’s made up of a small cluster of islands twined together by canals.
A whole lot of history
Castles, palaces, museums – Copenhagen’s got it all. History buffs won’t know where to start here. Denmark’s royal family is still going strong, so the Christiansborg Palace – pretty much Copenhagen’s Buckingham Palace – and Rosenborg Castle are must-sees. The Museum of Copenhagen shows off stuff like Viking artefacts dating back more than 800 years. Then, head to the Glyptotek for a mooch around ancient art or the Design Museum for some funky, modern exhibitions.
Art everywhere
From the famous Little Mermaid statue to bold street murals, Copenhagen’s got art all over. If galleries are more your vibe, pop into Copenhagen Contemporary to eye up its massive installations. Or, hop in a taxi and take a trip over to The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art – must-see pieces by the likes of Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein call this place home.
Best time to go to Copenhagen
The best time to go to Copenhagen is all year round really. It’s not your hot and steamy kind of city break, so summer is still good for sightseeing in the sun, but then winter is all Christmassy and cute. The summer is generally pretty mild, with temperatures hovering around the early 20s and it’s not unusual to have some cloudy days. But you’ll deffo see the sun, too – perfect for a swim in the canals. The rain can sneak up on you, though – it’s not just the UK apparently – so don’t forget to pop an umbrella in your suitcase. In winter, it’s nippy, but snowfall makes the city even easier on the eye, with Christmas markets and decorations.
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Copenhagen FAQs
Two to three full days is perfect for the main sights. Add an extra day if you want to include a beach or castle daytrip (e.g. Kronborg or Roskilde). Check out our guide to 72 hours in Copenhagen for the perfect short break itinerary.
Take the M2 metro from the airport – it takes 13-15 minutes to reach Kongens Nytorv and Nørreport, and the trains run every few minutes. If you buy a Copenhagen Card and activate it when you arrive, this can cover your metro journey to/from the airport, as well as around town. Taxis take around 20-25 minutes and cost significantly more.
Around €90-€130 per day (excluding accommodation) will comfortably cover attractions, food and transport. Street food markets, bakeries and self-serve cafés are great for keeping costs down. Plus, get a Copenhagen Card to save on entry fees and public transport if you’re planning on seeing lots of sights!
The Copenhagen Card is a great option if you plan to visit multiple museums and attractions (such as Tivoli Gardens, Rosenborg Castle and the National Museum) and use public transport regularly during your stay. It can save you money and time – especially for 48 or 72-hour trips – and it includes airport transport. However, for slower-paced breaks or if you prefer mostly free attractions and walking, paying as you go may be cheaper. You can buy your Copenhagen Card on First Choice Experiences.
Yes – especially in summer. Amager Beach is just 15 minutes away and has soft sand and watersports, while Islands Brygge Harbour Bath offers clean water, city views and sunbathing lawns right in the city centre.
Absolutely. Christmas markets, candlelit cafés and a strong sense of hygge make winter one of the most atmospheric times to visit – just pack warm layers!
Yes! Studiestræde, Vesterbro and Nørrebro all have LGBTQ+ cafés and bars that are open year-round, and the city consistently ranks among the most inclusive in Europe.
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Copenhagen travel advice
Passports and Visas
British passport holders don’t need a visa to enter Denmark but must have a valid passport. You can check your passport’s valid for Denmark using our handy tool. For the most up-to-date passport and visa info, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/denmark/entry-requirements.
Don’t forget to arrange your travel money and insurance before you go.
Health and safety
You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover you while you’re away. It’s also a good idea to get a European Health Insurance Card – or EHIC – before leaving the UK. You’ll get a new UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) instead of an EHIC. You can apply at www.gov.uk/european-health-insurance-card. Visit www.nhs.uk/ehic for full details on what it covers. You do not need to apply for a GHIC if you already have an EHIC. Your EHIC remains valid in the EU until it expires. An EHIC or GHIC is free of charge. You’ll need to have both this card and adequate travel insurance. Though it’s not a substitute for travel insurance, it entitles you to emergency medical treatment on the same terms as Danish nationals. It won’t, however, cover you for medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment or non-urgent treatment. For the latest health and safety information, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/denmark/health
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