Tips for visiting Copenhagen for the first time

242

Copenhagen is one of my favorite cities in Europe. Modern, cosmopolitan, full of coffee shops, bakeries, and places that seem straight out of a postcard. In this post, I’ll share some useful tips for visiting Copenhagen for the first time.

---

Tips for visiting Copenhagen for the first time

1. Stay at least 3 days

Although Copenhagen is a relatively small city that can be easily explored in a few days, I recommend dedicating at least 3 days to enjoy it at a relaxed pace. Check out this itinerary with an included map: What to see in Copenhagen in 3 days

---

2. Take a free tour around the city

3. Book your accommodation in advance

Accommodation in Copenhagen is quite expensive, so the earlier you book, the more likely you’ll find better prices (it depends on the time of year you’re traveling). For more information on where to stay, I recommend reading my article on the best areas to stay in Copenhagen, which includes recommended hotels, hostels, and apartments.

---

4. Rent a bike

5. Avoid currency exchange fees

The official currency of Denmark is not the euro, but the Danish krone. To avoid currency exchange fees when using your card, there are 3 cards I recommend for traveling. They are virtual accounts, although you can also request a physical card. It’s super useful to have at least one of them when traveling abroad:

• N26
• Revolut
• Wise

---

6. Getting to Copenhagen from the airport

You’ll likely start your trip at Copenhagen Airport, which is about 8 km from the city center. There are several ways to get to the center from the airport, but the most recommended option is the metro. The M2 line connects the airport to the main areas of central Copenhagen, and the journey takes just 20-30 minutes. You can purchase metro tickets from the same machines located at the airport station.

7. Copenhagen attractions card

8. Best time to visit Copenhagen

While I believe any time is a great time to visit this beautiful city, the most recommended months are between June and September, when the temperature is warmer and there are more sunny days. The temperature during this period is around 20ºC, which is ideal. In winter (December to March), temperatures are low (around 4ºC on average), and it tends to rain or snow a lot. However, visiting Copenhagen at Christmas is a unique experience, as you can see the city with Christmas lights, markets, and special decorations in Tivoli Gardens.

9. Visit the Christiansborg Palace

Christiansborg Palace is a government building that houses the Danish Parliament, the Prime Minister’s office, and the Supreme Court. Access to its tower is free, and the view is spectacular!

---

10. Language

Although the official language of Denmark is Danish, you can communicate in English at all public service locations. If you’re not fluent in English, I recommend downloading the Google Translate app to help you look up words and translate things like a restaurant menu.

---

11. Bring a universal adapter

One of the best tips I can give you is to always carry a universal adapter when traveling. It’s much easier than buying a new adapter in every place you visit, and you can get one for just $15 on Amazon.

12. Meal times

Meal times in Denmark are quite different from other countries, and it’s important to keep this in mind. Dinner is typically served between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM, and most restaurants close by 10:00 PM.

---

13. Try the typical dishes

One of my favorite things to do when traveling is to try the most typical dishes of the country. Here are some classic Danish dishes:

• Smørrebrød: Rye bread spread with butter and topped with various ingredients.
• Frikadeller: Meatballs made from ground pork, usually served with boiled potatoes.
• Pastries: Copenhagen is known for its excellent pastry scene. Some of the places I tried and highly recommend are: Hart, Orsa, Buka, Lille Bakery, and Andersen & Maillard.

---

14. Book the tickets for Tivoli Gardens in advance

If you plan to visit Tivoli Gardens, I recommend buying tickets in advance, as they can sell out, especially during peak season. Tivoli is considered the second oldest amusement park in the world, having opened in 1843. In addition to rides like roller coasters, there are gardens and shows. During Christmas or Halloween, the park has special decorations.

• Tivoli Gardens Entrance – single entry to the park.
• Tivoli Gardens Entrance + Unlimited rides – Ride Pass with unlimited access to all rides.

---

15. Take a boat tour in Copenhagen

A great activity is taking a boat tour of Copenhagen’s canals, which departs from Nyhavn. The tour lasts about 1 hour and gives you the chance to admire the city from a different perspective.

>> Book a 1-hour boat tour in Copenhagen

---

16. Get travel insurance

Whenever you travel abroad, it’s important to have health insurance. Here’s a 5% discount for booking your insuarance.

---

17. Take a day trip near the city

If you have extra time, you can take a day trip from Copenhagen to one of these nearby destinations:

• Malmö: The Swedish city of Malmö is just 30 minutes from Copenhagen, so if you have extra time, you can easily make a getaway to this city. A great option is taking a tour to Malmö and Lund.

• Frederiksborg Castle: Considered the largest castle in Scandinavia, it’s an incredible palace located on islets in Hillerød, about 40 minutes from the city. The most comfortable way to get there is by booking a tour to Frederiksborg Castle.

---

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. That means, if you click on certain links within this post and make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read more about it here.