So you’ve finally decided to visit the Danish capital! Or maybe still considering it? Well, I’m here to persuade you and encourage you to take that trip to Copenhagen. Often known as one of the most expensive cities in Europe, the city is much more than that. It’s home to some of the worlds best architecture, offers the most scrumptious pastries known to mankind, and quite frankly just a delight. In this guide, you’ll find answers to some of your burning questions about Copenhagen and also find tips for visiting Copenhagen for the first time.
But before we get to the juicy bit, let’s answer some questions, shall we?
Is Copenhagen expensive?
Yes. Well, in comparison to most European cities it is. However, there are some tips and tricks to making your time in Copenhagen more budget-friendly and less damaging to your wallet.
Is it expensive to eat in Copenhagen?
Dining prices in Copenhagen can be as low as 90DKK depending where you choose to eat. Some places offer amazing deals on certain days of the week and you can always find a few hidden gems in the city with low prices. On average, a meal in Copenhagen costs around 165-210DKK (20-30 EUR).
How much is one beer in Copenhagen?
The average cost of beer in Copenhagen is 60DKK (8EUR).
Is Copenhagen safe?
Yes! Copenhagen is one of the safest cities to visit in Europe, even at night. But like any other city, its important to be cautious.
Your first time in Copenhagen | Copenhagen Airport to City Center
Depending on where you’re traveling from, you can get to Copenhagen by road, water or air. If you fly to Copenhagen (be sure to get the best deals here), you can get to the city center by metro. Alternatively, you can also fly to Malmo, and then take the train to Copenhagen. Fun fact, the two cities are only 40 minutes apart and connected by the Øresund Bridge.
You can purchase your ticket near the airport exit (look out for the red ticket machines and officers ready to help) or you can get your ticket using the DOT app. If might be best to have this app as you’ll need it to purchase travel tickets throughout your time in Copenhagen. This will be the most convenient way to get around if it’s your first time in Copenhagen (and you’re afraid to bike).
COPENHAGEN TRANSPORTATION TIP
- Public transportation in Copenhagen works with the zoning system. This means that whenever you purchase a ticket via the app, you have to select a departure and a destination and you’ll be charged for those zones. It also means that if you choose to go to a different zone, you’ll need to purchase another ticket to avoid being fined. On average, a single ticket costs 40 DKK (5 EUR) and is valid for an hour and a half.
Read more about Public Transportation in Copenhagen
Transportation | Biking around Copenhagen
Once you’ve made it to the city center, you’ll have to get around Copenhagen! This can be quite intimidating if you’re in Copenhagen for the first time and aren’t too used to biking. The great news is that you don’t have to bike in Copenhagen. But, if you want to, here are a few things you should know about biking in Copenhagen.
- Always use a bike lane!
- Keep to your right.
- Always use hand signals.
- Look over your shoulder before overtaking.
- Always use the lights when you cycle after dark.
Read all the Copenhagen Biking guidelines here
If it’s your first time in Copenhagen, you’ll most likely need to rent a bike. One of the most popular bike rentals in Donkey Republic and they have bikes nearly everywhere in the city.
You can also find other bike rentals like Bike Tours Copenhagen, Baisikeli, BeCopenhagen and City Bike Adventures.
Accommodation | Where to stay in Copenhagen
One of the best things about visiting Copenhagen is actually the hostels! One my first trip to Copenhagen I had a Couchsurfing experience I will never forget. I enjoyed it so much that I visited the city for a second time, this time, staying at two hostels.
Accommodation in Copenhagen can be very affordable and comfortable. A lot of the hotels also offer kitchens, meals and other social activities for solo travellers to gather, making it using for people visiting Copenhagen for the first time.
If you’re looking for a centrally-located hostel with amazing facilities, check out STEEL HOUSE or NEXT HOUSE, two sister hotels that are not only affordable but truly amazing.
If you prefer to stay farther out of the city, you can check out other hostels like Dan hostel, a&o Copenhagen, Generator and Urban House.
What can you not miss in Copenhagen?
Your first time in Copenhagen wouldn’t be complete without embracing it like alocal and making the most of it like a tourist. What does that mean? Diving into as many activities as possible! Copenhagen is amazing for architecture, food, design and nature. So no matter how long you stay, you have to try a mix of everything.
Here’s what to you should see and do when you’re in Copenhagen for the first time!
- Visit Glyptotek Museum – easily one of the best museums in Copenhagen.
- See the colorful houses at Nyhavn – make sure you snap a pic! You haven’t been to Copenhagen unless you’ve been here.
- Have fun at Tivoli – casually stroll though the amusement park that inspired Disney.
- Try Danish pastries at some of the city’s famous bakeries – these would be Buka, Anderson and Millard, Hart, and Juno the Bakery.
- Go swimming in the harbor – or sunbathe (if it’s sunny).
- Visit some of the city’s most popular neighborhoods – namely Nørrebro, Christianshavn, Østerbro and Nordhavn (to name a few).
- Visit freetown Christiania – one of the most interesting places in the city.
- Have a drink in the Meatpacking District – if you’re in Copenhagen for the first time you have to try Orange wine.
- Enjoy a communal dinner at Absalon – a great place to meet locals and travelers.
- Appreciate Danish design – head over to the Design Museum, Hay House or the Danish Architectural Center.
What should you eat in Copenhagen?
Your first time in Copenhagen won’t be short of great food because the city is one of the top-rated foodie cities in Europe. Thanks to the huge international scene, you can find food from all around the globe in this city.
However, while in Denmark, it’s worth checking out some local Danish food.
Some of the most popular food you have to try in Copenhagen are:
- the Danish breakfast (with is often a sourdough bun with whipped butter, a soft boiled egg and cheese),
- smørrebrød – a piece of rye bread with cold cuts, pieces of meat or fish, cheese or spreads
- Danish hotdogs
Copenhagen has so many food spots and some of the best Copenhagen food spots here.
Other good to know things for your first time in Copenhagen
MONEY– The local currency in Denmark in the Danish Krone (DKK) and not the euro (EU). You can pay by card in most places and cash payment is acceptable in Krone.
WHAT TO WEAR– Most people know Copenhagen as a fashion hub and while that’s true, it’s sort of like any other city. You can wear anything you want, just remember to dress for the weather. Copenhagen can be cold and quite windy, especially for those in Copenhagen for the first time.
Overall, there’s a lot to talk about when it comes to visiting Copenhagen for the first time. Whether its about how many days are enough, how to spend a weekend in Copenhagen, must-see places for architecture lovers or even some of the best museums to see outside of Copenhagen.
Hopefully, these tips give you an overview of what to expect for your first time in Copenhagen. For more information, visit my detailed guides.
Have a fabulous time!
