The Ultimate First-Time Copenhagen Travel Guide

copenhagen travel guide

Tourism is bigger than ever in Denmark. In fact, in 2014, there was 23.2 million foreign overnight stays throughout the country.

So if you’re planning a trip to Copenhagen, great choice! It’s a vibrant city with so much to do and see.

But as you’re planning, you might feel overwhelmed. Don’t worry! That’s why we’ve created this Copenhagen travel guide to help you experience the city as a first timer.

Keep reading below and let us know your thoughts.

When to Go

For much of the year, Copenhagen is cold. So the truth of the matter is that the city is much more alive during the summer. We recommend planning your vacation for sometime between May and August.

However, avoid the last two weeks of July because this is when most of the country take their holiday. Lots of restaurants and shops close during this time.

But for the rest of the summer, you’ll find the cafes alive and well, and see people swimming in the water. The locals will be out and about and the sun stays out late.

However, some people prefer the colder months. Just be sure to bring a warm coat and lots of layers!

Where to Stay

Next, let’s talk about your accommodations. Where should you stay in Copenhagen? Well, it depends on your preferences.

Are you a fan of hostels? These are a super inexpensive way to see a new city. In Copenhagen, one of the best ones is named Urban House, found in Vesterbro.

Looking for a classic Danish hotel experience? Consider staying at the Hotel Osterport.

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Is a unique stay your goal? Stay at Hotel CPH Living.

This hotel literally floats on the water near the city center. Try to get on the list early though since it only has one room.

Getting Around

Wondering how to get around town once you’re in the city? You’ve got options.

Copenhagen has a large network of trains and buses. They’re super easy to navigate and go all throughout the city as well as the suburbs.

You should also look into biking. The city has a great bike program including one of the best bike path networks in the world. You can totally see the entire city this way.

But at the end of the day, many tourists prefer walking. The city is very flat and so it’s a great way to see a lot all at once. And you won’t have to worry about transportation logistics.

Check out our blog for even more travel tips and hacks.

Things to Do and See

Now let’s get to the fun part: the activities! You didn’t come to Copenhagen to sit around. You came to experience the city.

There are so many things you should consider doing and seeing. Whether you’re a fan of shopping, history, delicious food, or sightseeing, or a combination, you’ll find lots to do in Copenhagen.

With so much variety, you’ll definitely be able to create a schedule that fits your interests. Here are a couple of essential items.

Go on a Canal or Boat Tour

While you’re in Copenhagen, you should definitely try to see the city from the water. It provides a totally new perspective that you don’t want to miss.

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Near the Nyhavn harbor area, you’ll see lots of different boat tours that you can go on to experience the city in this way. Many of these tours will also feature a guide who will point out many interesting sights and facts you wouldn’t otherwise know.

Visit Tivoli Gardens

No visit is complete without a stop at Tivoli Gardens. This is the second oldest amusement park in the world and it happens to be right in the middle of Copenhagen.

Tivoli Gardens is said to be the inspiration behind Disney World! It’s full of historic rides like the Rutshebanen Rollercoaster which has been around for more than 100 years. This ride will take you through a big faux mountain.

At Tivoli Gardens, you’ll also experience great restaurants, shoes, and tons of carnival games. It’s the perfect place to spend a day of fun.

Go on a Bike Tour

We talked about biking as a great transportation, but in Copenhagen, that’s just the beginning. You should also think about doing a bike tour.

This will show you an inside view of how the locals live. While you’ve got to see the typical tourist attractions, this will show you totally different things.

You’ll also get authentic tips on the best places to eat from a local Copenhagen tour guide. You never know what hidden gem you’ll encounter because of your bike tour.

See The Colorful Houses at Nyhvan

This is a classic Copenhagen experience. You’ve got to check out all the colorful homes in the Nyhvan area. This area is probably the most well-known part of the city.

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Here, you can enjoy tons of cafes and shops as well in this busy area. Keep in mind, however, that food prices can be a little pricey here because of its touristy nature. But it’s still definitely worth a visit.

Have a Hot Dog

Seriously! In Scandinavia, hot dogs are one of the most popular types of food. But you have to understand that these are gourmet hot dogs, not just the typical one you’d find at a grocery store.

Check out the central district of the city to find a wide variety of hot dog options. You can also find them in many different market stalls.

If you’re not a fan of typical bread buns, you can get it with something else. Usually, this includes beets or a delicious mash.

Using Our Copenhagen Travel Guide to Plan Your Trip

There you have it: the ultimate Copenhagen travel guide for first-time visitors. Now it’s time to put these tips into practice.

No matter how far away your trip is, it’s never too early to start planning. So pick your favorites from this list and add them to your itinerary!

Have questions or want to learn more? Contact our team of travel experts today. We can’t wait to help you plan the perfect trip.