The Copenhagen Guide

If you want to experience Copenhagen

The Copenhagen Guide

When you picture Copenhagen in your mind, your brain will conjure up great design, restaurants that changed the food landscape forever, and bakeries as far as the eye can see. Yes, it is that, but it is so much more. Copenhagen is a civic-minded pedestrian city that celebrates the intentional—where bicycles outnumber cars and public spaces are true third spaces.

LET’S GET YOU TO COPENHAGEN

The Basics

Information if you are traveling to Copenhagen for the first time or the first time in a while.

Planes

CPH—Copenhagen Airport

This airport serves Denmark and Malmö (Southern Sweden). I mention Malmö because it is the choice for people who want to visit Copenhagen at more budget-friendly prices, but I will get into that later.

Trains

Copenhagen is well-connected by trains from Germany and Sweden.

Arrival Visa

On April 10, 2026, the European Union implemented its entry and exit system. This will include additional scanning if this is your first time in the European Union, such as fingerprinting and facial scanning. This is also in preparation for the EU’s ETIAS program, which could launch as early as October 2026.

Is there a train from the airport?

Yes, which leads me to how wonderful public transport is. The train from the airport to Copenhagen’s city center takes, gasp, fifteen minutes.

Public Transit

The DOT (Din Offentlige Transport) has you covered by land and sea around Copenhagen. You can buy passes that cover your transportation for the duration of your visit. See this page for options. You can buy fares in the Rejsebillet app.

Rideshare

Uber is not in Copenhagen, but they do have their version called DanTaxi. I strongly recommend downloading it before you leave home. (Cut to me, standing in the rain after dinner at Jakta, not getting my American credit card to attach to my account.)

Do you need to rent a car?

No. See above about public transit. I feel like a car would be a hindrance in the city.

DKK (or kr.) The Danish Kroner

It is a very strong currency, so you may be paying more for everything you do. Including hotels and grabbing one of the hot dogs they are famous for.
Paying by credit card and phone wallet payments is widely accepted in Copenhagen. Needing cash isn’t common, but if you want to, 200-300 DKK is fine.

Danish is the official language of Denmark. As an English speaker, I had no trouble navigating the city. It is always best to learn a greeting and the words for thank you when you travel to another country.

Hi–Hej, Thank you–Tak

Planning Tips

This is the advice I give to all clients who aren’t sure when to travel to their dream destination.

Best time to visit

June. Summer is special in the Scandinavian & Nordic countries, especially the longest day of the year. June is when summer sales are on if you want a bargain.

Summer is cooler this far north, and I found myself needing clothing for an early-fall day rather than the sundresses I had in Italy. It is great for a coolcation.

Worst time to visit

Winter is cold and the daylight hours are short.

I would spend at least three exploration days in Copenhagen. I suggest at least two of those days be during the week, as stores close early on Saturdays and are closed on Sundays.

Exploration days are days when you are free to roam a city, outside your travel days.

Copenhagen is one of Europe’s most expensive cities. Plan to spend about $350 per night on a hotel room during the busy season.

Expect to pay more for food, cocktails, and clothing.

Budget Calculator

DanTaxi instead of Uber.
Stores close early on Saturdays and are closed on Sundays.
Air Conditioning isn’t a thing here.

Let’s Plan Your Trip

CLIENT PERSONALIZATION

For The Design Nerds

A museum dedicated to all things Danish Design, a hotel that is midcentury meets Bali, and a restaurant that has the gastronomy chops, but feels like someone’s home instead of a sterile environment.

Let’s Book Copenhagen