Copenhagen
Must-see attractions and places to visit in Copenhagen (Denmark) blend royal history, design, and waterfront charm. The Danish capital is famous for the Little Mermaid statue, the colourful Nyhavn harbour, the historic Tivoli Gardens amusement park, royal palaces, and a vibrant cycling and cafe culture.
General information
Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, is the essence of Scandinavian cool — a relaxed, design-led city of colourful harbours, cycle lanes, royal palaces and cutting-edge food. Regularly rated among the world's happiest and most liveable cities, it embodies the Danish idea of hygge (cosy contentment), whether in a canalside cafe, a design store or a cand-lit restaurant. Compact, clean and remarkably green, it is easy to explore and famously bike-friendly. Danish is the language, but English is spoken almost universally, making Copenhagen one of the most welcoming and effortless capitals to visit.
Transport and how to get there
Copenhagen Airport (CPH) is the main hub of Scandinavia, just 15 minutes from the centre by metro or train. The city has a modern, driverless metro plus trains and buses, and the Oresund Bridge links it directly by train to Malmo in Sweden. Above all, Copenhagen is built for cycling: renting a bike is the local way to get around, with wide, safe lanes everywhere, while the compact centre is also very walkable.
Prices
Copenhagen is expensive, in line with the rest of Scandinavia. Expect roughly 900-1,800 DKK per night for a mid-range hotel (about 120-240 EUR), with hostels from around 250 DKK. A casual meal runs about 150-250 DKK, a coffee 40-50 DKK and a beer 50-70 DKK. A single transport ticket is around 24 DKK (a City Pass is better value), and museums cost roughly 120-150 DKK, though some are free. The currency is the Danish krone (DKK); prices are approximate and vary by season.
Main attractions
The postcard image is Nyhavn, the canal lined with brightly painted townhouses and old wooden ships. Nearby stand the royal palace of Amalienborg (with its guard), the grand Christiansborg, and the fairy-tale Rosenborg Castle housing the crown jewels. Don't miss the historic Tivoli Gardens — one of the world's oldest amusement parks and an inspiration to Walt Disney — the small bronze Little Mermaid by the water, and the free-spirited enclave of Christiania. Stroll the Stroget shopping street, sample the food halls, and cross the bridge to Sweden for an easy day trip.