Copenhagen Travel Tips: Must-Know Advice for First-Time Visitors

How to get to Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a beautiful city that's easy to reach from a variety of locations. Whether you're traveling from another European city or from farther afield, here's what you need to know to plan your trip.

Flying to Copenhagen

Copenhagen Airport, also known as Kastrup Airport, is the main airport serving the city. It's located just 8 kilometers (5 miles) south of the city center and is easily accessible by public transportation, taxi, or rental car. The airport is the largest in the Nordic region and serves as a hub for several major airlines, including SAS, Norwegian Air, and Ryanair. It offers direct flights to destinations all over the world, including North America, Asia, and the Middle East.

There are several airlines that fly to Copenhagen from other European cities, including Ryanair, easyJet, and Norwegian Air. The price of a one-way ticket can vary depending on the time of year and how far in advance you book, but you can usually find a good deal if you plan ahead. A flight from London to Copenhagen, for example, can cost as little as $30 if you book in advance.

Train to Copenhagen

Copenhagen is well-connected by train to many European cities, including Berlin, Hamburg, and Amsterdam. The main train station, Copenhagen Central Station, is located in the heart of the city and is easily accessible by public transportation. Trains run frequently and are a comfortable and efficient way to travel to Copenhagen.

There are several types of trains that operate in Denmark, including regional trains and intercity trains. The price of a one-way ticket can vary depending on your departure location and how far in advance you book, but you can usually find a good deal if you book online. A train ticket from Berlin to Copenhagen, for example, can cost as little as $30 if you book in advance.

Driving to Copenhagen

If you prefer to drive, Copenhagen is easily accessible by car from many European cities. The city is well-connected by highways and roads and offers several parking options. However, it's important to note that Copenhagen is a busy city and traffic can be heavy, especially during rush hour.

If you're driving to Copenhagen from another European city, you'll likely need to take a ferry across the Baltic Sea. There are several ferry companies that operate between Denmark and neighbouring countries, including Germany and Sweden. The price of a one-way ferry ticket can vary depending on the company and how far in advance you book, but you can usually find a good deal if you plan ahead. A ferry ticket from Germany to Denmark, for example, can cost as little as $30 if you book in advance.

10 Things to see in Copenhagen

1. The Little Mermaid Statue – Located in the Copenhagen Harbour, the Little Mermaid Statue is one of Copenhagen's most iconic landmarks. Visitors can take a bus or metro to the nearest stop, Kastellet, and walk about 10 minutes to the statue however cycling there is the best option. Admission is free.

2. Tivoli Gardens – Located in the heart of Copenhagen, Tivoli Gardens is a historic amusement park with beautiful gardens, rides and entertainment. The park is easily accessible by public transport, with the closest metro station being Vesterport. Tivoli is open from mid-April to late September and ticket prices start at DKK 130 for adults and DKK 60 for children.             

3. Nyhavn – Located in central Copenhagen, Nyhavn is a picturesque waterfront area with colorful buildings and restaurants. Visitors can take the metro to Kongens Nytorv station and then walk about 5-10 minutes to Nyhavn. Admission is free.

4. Rosenborg Castle – Located in central Copenhagen, Rosenborg Castle is a beautiful Renaissance castle with stunning gardens. Visitors can take the metro to Nørreport station and then walk about 10-15 minutes to the castle. Admission is DKK 110 for adults and free for children under 18.

5. Christiansborg Palace – Located on the island of Slotsholmen, Christiansborg Palace is a grand palace complex that houses the Danish Parliament, Supreme Court and Royal Reception Rooms. Visitors can take the metro to Christiansborg station and then walk about 5-10 minutes to the palace. Admission is free.

6. The National Museum of Denmark – Located in central Copenhagen, the National Museum of Denmark is the largest museum of cultural history in the country. Visitors can take the metro to Nørreport station and then walk about 10-15 minutes to the museum. Admission is free.

7. The Round Tower – Located in central Copenhagen, the Round Tower is a 17th-century tower that offers stunning views of the city. Visitors can take the metro to Nørreport station and then walk about 5-10 minutes to the tower. Admission is DKK 25 for adults and free for children under 18.

8. The Botanical Garden – Located in central Copenhagen, the Botanical Garden is a beautiful green space with a large collection of plants and flowers. Visitors can take the metro to Nørreport station and then walk about 10-15 minutes to the garden. Admission is free.

9. The National Aquarium Denmark – Located in the Øresund region, the National Aquarium Denmark is a large aquarium with a variety of marine life. Visitors can take a train from Copenhagen Central Station to the nearby station of Øresund and then walk about 5-10 minutes to the aquarium. Admission is DKK 160 for adults and DKK 90 for children.

10. The Carlsberg Brewery – Located in the Vesterbro neighborhood, the Carlsberg Brewery is a historic brewery that offers tours and tastings. Visitors can take the S-train to the nearby station of Carlsberg and then walk about 5-10 minutes to the brewery. Admission is DKK 120 for adults and DKK 60 for children.