Population 1.4 million / 55.4 degrees north

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen is a wonderful city. A hub of culture and design for Scandinavia, the city is also historic, charming, and home to world-class museums. Any visit to Scandinavia has to include a visit to Copenhagen!

Fun Facts About Copenhagen

Latitude: 55,4 degrees north

Population: 1.4 million

Hottest month: July

Coldest month: February

Wettest month: August

Windiest month: January

Annual precipitation: 312mm

Copenhagen Municipality

Things to See & Do

Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Copenhagen

National Museum of Denmark

The National Museum of Denmark is a great overview of Danish history, with an excellent Viking exhibition.

Round Tower

The Round Tower was constructed in 1642 under King Christian IV as an observatory. Today it is possible to walk to the top for lovely views of Copenhagen.

Rosenborg Castle

Rosenborg is one of my favourite attractions in the city. It was built as a summer palace for King Christian IV in the early 17th century and feels almost like the Graceland of Copenhagen.

Amalienborg

Amalienborg is the royal residence of Denmark. It is possible to walk around the courtyard, and one of the buildings has an exhibition about the monarchy.

Christiansborg

Christiansborg is home to the Danish Parliament, Prime Ministers Office, Royal Reception Rooms and the Supreme Court. It is built on the site where the original castle stood.

Hikes, Day Trips & Experiences

Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are our recommendations!

Canal Cruise

A canal cruise is essential in Copenhagen!

Bike Tours

Copenhagen is the Mecca for cyclists, with amazing cycle paths everywhere. The city is also completely flat, so you won’t break much of a sweat.

I recommend Bike Copenhagen with Mike.

DRAGØR

Dragør is a charming fishing village located just south of Copenhagen, making it perfect for a day-trip.

Road-Trips

We currently have no road-trips out of Copenhagen.

Self-Guided Walks

Copenhagen City Centre

Copenhagen is arguably one of the most interesting Scandinavian cities to go walking around in. There’s so much history here thanks to the Danish monarchy, the Vikings, and the early establishment of Copenhagen. On this walk around the city centre, you’ll pass palaces, historic trading homes, castles, parks, churches, and squares. This walk can be broken up over a couple days or combined with our Copenhagen neighbourhood walks.

Christiansborg Palace & Christianshavn

The neighbourhood of Christianshavn was established in the 16th century by the Danish King Christian IV as a place where Danish merchants could compete with the Dutch. Today it is a alternative neighbourhood with lots of artists and trendy cafes. You will also find some of the oldest houses in Copenhagen here, making it a fascinating place to explore.

Kongens Nytorv to Amalienborg

Copenhagen on YouTube

Watch our YouTube videos featuring Copenhagen

Copenhagen City Centre Walking Tour

Follow me for an early morning walk around Copenhagen.

Uniquely Copenhagen

Here are some things that you must do and try in Copenhagen

Tivoli Gardens

Established in 1843, Tivoli Gardens is a must-see in Copenhagen. It is the second-oldest seasonal amusement park in the world and inspired the likes of Walt Disney.

Nyhavn

Nyhavn is the historic harbour area. It was built to connect Kongens Nytorv to the harbour and developed as a sailors neighbourhood, though Hans Christian Andersen did live here for a while.

The Little Mermaid

Is it a tourist trap? Yes. Should you still see it? Absolutely! The Little Mermaid is an icon of Copenhagen. It was commissioned in 1909 by the Danish beer baron Carl Jacobsen and has since become quite famous.

Christiania

Freetown Christiania was established by squatters in 1971 and is today a hippy and artists neighbourhood. There is the sale of hash and marijuana on the street Pusher Street (note – very illegal), but any other place in Christiania is lovely.

Try a hot dog!

The dirty looking hot dog carts you see around Copenhagen are the perfect place to try one of the most beloved fast foods in the city.

History of Copenhagen

Copenhagen was founded in 1167 by Bishop Absalon, who also built the first castle here. The city grew in importance from the 14th century onwards as it developed as a trade harbour and then when King Erik of Pomerania made it the capital in 1416.

It wasn’t until King Christian IV, however, that the city was developed as a fashionable and important capital. Christian IV had a number of Dutch Renaissance buildings constructed, and many still stand today. One of the buildings, Borsen, is Europe’s first stock exchange.

Copenhagen was hit by the plague in 1711 and a number of tragic fires throughout the 18th century changed the style of the city. It wasn’t until the 19th century that the city expanded beyond its walls. The city managed to escape destruction during World War II, though it was occupied by the Nazis.

Copenhagen Today

Today Copenhagen is a modern and progressive capital that regularly ranks high on the quality-of-life indexes.

Travel Information

Getting Here

Fly: Copenhagen Airport is a major international airport with flights to practically everywhere.

Drive: Copenhagen is well connected to the rest of Europe via the highways.

Train: There are trains connecting Copenhagen to Stockholm (via Malmo) and then across to various places in Denmark. It is also possible to take the train between Copenhagen and Hamburg.

Ferry: There are ferries connecting Copenhagen with Oslo and Swinoujscie, Poland.

Getting Around

Copenhagen is a very walkable city and it is the best way to explore.

If you are planning on using public transport, get the Copenhagen Card as it’ll also give you free entrance to most of the museums.

Otherwise, download the public transport app onto your phone.

Shops

Places to Eat

Cafes & Bakeries

Quick Bites

Gasoline Grill has been voted one of the best burger places in the world.

Reasonable Restaurants

Heering on Nyhavn is a great seafood restaurant.

High End & Unique Eats

Places to Stay

Hostels

Copenhagen Downtown Hostel is a centrally located hostel with bike rental and free dinner (if you book on their website).

Wake Up Copenhagen is by no means a hostel, but the prices are comparable and the rooms are great. I use them when I want a budget trip to CPH.

B&Bs and Guesthouses

Ibsens Hotel is a nice guesthouse with basic rooms.

Chains & Mid-Range

There aren’t many ‘mid range’ options here. Hotels are generally very expensive. Look for the Scandic chain for mid-range options.

High End & Unique Properties

Skt. Petri is the nicest hotel I’ve stayed at in Copenhagen! The location is also perfect.

Hotel d’Angletrre is the fanciest hotel in town.

Sunrise/Sunset & Weather Averages

January

Sunrise: 8:29am

Sunset: 4:08pm

Average Temperature: 1C (34F)

February

Sunrise: 7:35am

Sunset: 5:13pm

Average Temperature: 1C (34F)

March

Sunrise: 6:24am

Sunset: 6:14pm

Average Temperature: 3C (38F)

April

Sunrise: 6:04am

Sunset: 8:16pm

Average Temperature: 7C (45F)

May

Sunrise: 4:57am

Sunset: 9:15pm

Average Temperature: 12C (53F)

June

Sunrise: 4:25am

Sunset: 9:55pm

Average Temperature: 15C (59F)

July

Sunrise: 4:47am

Sunset: 9:43pm

Average Temperature: 18C (64F)

August

Sunrise: 5:42am

Sunset: 8:44pm

Average Temperature: 17C (63F)

September

Sunrise: 6:42am

Sunset: 7:26pm

Average Temperature: 14C (57F)

October

Sunrise: 7:41am

Sunset: 6:08pm

Average Temperature: 10C (49F)

November

Sunrise: 7:45am

Sunset: 4:02pm

Average Temperature: 5C (42F)

December

Sunrise: 8:33am

Sunset: 3:56pm

Average Temperature: 2C (36F)

Find our guides, road-trips and self-guided walks on our store! Click here