Discover Copenhagen: Ultimate Travel Guide and Tips for First-Time Visitors
Copenhagen has been at the top of my bucket list for ages, but I somehow never managed to make it there until October 2022 for my birthday! It is a destination I have sold to clients, but taking the trip myself kept getting pushed back. Now that I have traveled there, I can finally write up a Copenhagen travel guide for you and share with you my love of this amazing city!
This Copenhagen travel guide is going to cover where to stay in Copenhagen, the best things to do, where to eat, and a few helpful tidbits to ease your travels!
COPENHAGEN TRAVEL GUIDE – NEED TO KNOW
BEST TIME TO TRAVEL
April – May and August—September are great times to visit if you want warmer weather and fewer crowds. October was a great time to visit (and still pretty crowded) as the weather was cooler but not too rainy, so we could sit outside under umbrellas and heaters and enjoy a nice beer!
CURRENCY
Denmark uses the Danish Krone. How can I spend money and avoid ridiculous fees?! I have a Revolut Bank account to easily transfer currencies and see current exchange rates—it’s like an amazing version of PayPal and Venmo all at once! Sign up here!
WEATHER
Denmark is a Scandinavian country, so you can expect mild summers and cold, snowy winters! The average high temperature in July is 71 F (22 C), and in December, it is 41 F (5 C). May is the dryest month, with only 6 average days of rain, and January is the coldest month with the most snow!
LANGUAGE
The official language of Denmark is Danish! Most everyone will speak English, so communication should not be an issue.
AVERAGE COST OF ACCOMMODATION
Copenhagen, like most major cities, comes with a variety of accommodations at a variety of prices. Depending on what area you stay in will affect the average cost of accomodation, but as a rule of thumb, Scandinavian countries tend to hit harder on the wallet than southern European countries.
The average night cost for a hostel will start around €30 a night for a dorm.
Starting prices for hotels:
1* Hotels €100,
2* Hotels €120
3* Hotels 150 – €200
4* Hotels €200-350
5* Hotels €400+
COPENHAGEN TRAVEL GUIDE – Things to do in Copenhagen
COPENHAGEN TRAVEL GUIDE – THE DIFFERENT AREAS OF COPENHAGEN
NØRREBRO – Copenhagen’s most culturally rich neighborhood. The food is amazing, and it won Time Out’s 2021 award for the coolest neighborhood!
NYHAVN – This is probably the most photographed area of Copenhagen. These colorful waterfront buildings are sure to brighten up your Instagram feed!
INDRE BY – This is the town center, and you will find the most luxe accommodation here.
VESTERBRO – This area used to be famously known as the red light district in Copenhagen, but is now an area with cool bars and restaurants, though you will see the occasional sex shop and strip club.
WHERE TO STAY IN COPENHAGEN
ANDERSEN HOTEL
This boutique hotel is located in Vesterbro, with easy access to everything. The area has a vibrant nightlife, and this hotel is perfect for couples looking for a city weekend away in Copenhagen. The bright colors of the hotel match the vibe of Copenhagen perfectly, and the downstairs wine hour every day is a perfect start to your evening out.
I recommend upgrading your room at the Andersen. The suites are worth the extra space and include a bath, a couch, and a living area.
Andersen Hotel offers bike rentals for guests at the hotel, and there are green housekeeping perks as well to discover with a stay at the Andersen.
If you choose to book through The Boho Traveller you get additional perks and amenities. Submit your inquiry HERE.
More Copenhagen Hotels
Hotel d’Angleterre
Since 1755, the d’Angleterre has had a prime location in Copenhagen and embodies all the magic. One of the world’s first luxury hotels was born from the love between two royal servants, and the pair’s passion for perfection has lived on among the hotel’s staff. Housed in a neoclassical palace, the hotel exudes sophistication with an edge, blending traditional elegance with sleek, contemporary touches, including 92 rooms and suites. Expect an exceptional dining experience in the Michelin starred restaurant Marchal or celebrate the good life with a flute of Pol Roger in the renowned Champagne bar Balthazar.
EXCLUSIVE BOHO & EXPLORATEUR PERKS 2022
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Daily Full English Breakfast in the restaurant for two guests per bedroom
- $100USD equivalent Food & Beverage credit utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
Hotel Sanders
Staying at the 53-room Hotel Sanders is like lodging in the eclectic townhouse of a cosmopolite. The interiors of this art nouveau building – set along a quiet street just behind the Nyhavn canal –easily blend midcentury modern Danish sensibilities with colonial and East Asian influences (think lots of rattan and bamboo) along with plenty of greenery. Its casually cool ambiance attracts locals and performers from the nearby Royal Theatre, who mingle about in the velvety bar and inner courtyard. Sip your morning coffee on the rooftop terrace, then pedal around the city on a complimentary bike.
EXCLUSIVE BOHO & EXPLORATEUR PERKS 2022
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Daily Full Breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom
- Complimentary dinner for two guests, once per stay. Dinner will consist of a Three Course Chef’s Choice menu (advance reservation is recommended to ensure the best availability; Excludes soft beverages and alcohol, taxes, and gratuities)
- Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
Nimb
A 38-suite jewel bordering Tivoli Gardens, Nimb has been family-owned for generations and still holds on to that feeling of home in its current incarnation as a hotel. Most suites have fireplaces or balconies overlooking Tivoli Gardens. All rooms have Apple TVs, Bang & Olufsen televisions and sound systems, and Nespresso machines. Dining includes Nimb Brasserie, a French brasserie; Nimb Bar’n’Grill, with elegant Asian cuisine; Gemyse, with organic, green cuisine recommended by the Michelin Guide; Fru Nimb, serving Danish sandwiches; and Cakenhagen, with its sumptuous cakes. The Nimb Bar has a fireplace and afternoon tea.
EXCLUSIVE BOHO & EXPLORATEUR PERKS 2022
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability (excludes Executive Suite)
- Daily Full breakfast for two guests per bedroom, served in Nimb Brasserie
- $100 USD equivalent Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
- Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
Are you looking for help planning your dream getaway? If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the options on the internet or just don’t have the time to get into planning your dream trip – I really encourage you to check out my travel planning services! You can download my “How We Work” guide here – or submit your inquiry here!
Where To Eat In Copenhagen
FINE DINING
Kiin Kiin
A 1-star Michelin restaurant with a laid-back vibe, Kiin Kiin serves elegant Thai food on a tasting menu. With unique takes on classic Thai dishes, you are sure to leave full to the brim after numerous courses that not only delight the stomach but are often crafted in front of you with performances all their own. There is also a wine-tasting menu available with this set course menu, and I am glad we did it. However, were we to return, I would likely order a bottle suggested by the sommelier as there were many sweet wines toward the end, and while they paired very well, they are not my favorite.
Jordnaer
This ridiculous and delightful 18-course tasting menu with wine pairing blew me away. I have had a lot of fine food in my life, and from the caviar pairings to the delightful local herbs and flowers and impeccable seafood, Danish delights at every turn in the menu. The chef’s kind demeanor and passion show through in his food, and the Maitre D was incredibly welcoming on a cold Copenhagen day. With 2 Michelin stars, this restaurant is well worth a reservation while you are in Copenhagen.
IN NYHAVN
Havfruen
It’s hard to find good food in the touristy section, but Havfruen does just that—so much so that we ate here twice! A delightful seafood menu and great views make this a perfect stop in your Copenhagen Itinerary.
Sea by Kiin Kiin
More low-key than her sister restaurant, SEA by Kiin Kiin is a great addition to an afternoon in Nyhavn. The Thai cuisine, though not as fancy as at Kiin Kiin, will delight and leave you happy.
NOTABLE MENTION
Seaside Toldboden
This market-style joint offers 7 restaurants under one roof. Grab a bottle of wine from the bar and pick and choose your favorites from each menu for a wonderful smorgasbord of lunch. Fresh oysters, empanadas, sushi, and much more await you at Seaside!
3-Day Sample Copenhagen Travel Itinerary
Day 1
For your first day in Copenhagen, I recommend taking an afternoon city tour to get the lay of the land. Copenhagen is very small and walkable, so a short 2-3 hour tour will do wonders! You can climb up the Rundtarn or, for the brave, walk the golden spiral staircase at the Church of our Saviour.
For dinner, head to Jordnaer for a true culinary treat that will leave you dreaming of Copenhagen for years to come.
Day 2
On day 2, I recommend shopping and photography!
Head to Nyhavn to get that perfect Instagram shot, have lunch at Havfruen, and walk around town bar hopping and shopping at all the different boutiques and high-street brands in Indre By.
Finish your day off with dinner at Kiin Kiin, another Michelin-starred restaurant. Instead of traditional Danish cuisine, you’ll be dining on delicious Thai.
Day 3
For your last day be sure to hit all the sights you didn’t see. Visit the little mermaid statue and have lunch at Seaside, a wonderful market-style lunch spot with seven restaurants and a bar.
Before you fly home, if you have extra time take a stroll in the Assistens Cemetery, where many important Danes are laid to rest, including Hans Christian Andersen.
Copenhagen Travel Guide Quick Tips
- Safety – Copenhagen and Denmark have very little crime, but you should always be aware of petty crime
- Everyday Dress – Dress warm, pack layers, and have a flexible plan!
- Weather – As goes for any Scandinavian country, it can be rainy with unpredictable weather. Expect the unexpected and pack an umbrella.
- Reservations – Make your dining reservations in advance! This goes for all travel these days, but Copenhagen filled up insanely fast, more so than other travels I have had recently!
- Getting Around – Everyone rides bikes in Copenhagen, its actually kind of crazy! Bikes are often available for rent from your hotel or through the different bike rental companies that you will see on the street. You will need to download the app for whichever one you choose to ride. Copenhagen is very walkable though, so be sure to pack good shoes as always with travel, as you could end up walking 10+ miles a day if you want to explore by foot!
- Getting Around – There is no Uber or Lyft in Copenhagen/Denmark. There is a metro/train station that will get you back and forth from the center/airport. I definitely recommend downloading the taxi app prior to travel. It is called Taxi App TAXA 35×4.
- Paying With Cards – Credit cards are widely accepted, though you should have some cash on you just in case a cab’s machine is down or there is a pub that won’t accept cards. ATMs are widely available throughout the city
- Tipping – Tipping isn’t expected, though it is always appreciated. 10% is more than sufficient.
UNFORTUNATELY, AS RABBIE BURNS ONCE WROTE, EVEN THE BEST-LAID PLANS OF MICE AND MEN OFTEN GO AWRY. THAT IS WHY WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND TAKING OUT TRAVEL INSURANCE TO COVER ALL EVENTUALITIES. OUR PARTNER, TRAVEL INSURED, IS OUR PREFERRED VENDOR FOR OUR CLIENT AND PERSONAL TRAVELS.
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