Copenhagen, the complete guide

Why Copenhagen works

Few capitals pack this much into so small a space. The medieval core, the royal palaces, the design museums and the harbour baths all sit within a 30-minute walk of each other, and a fully automated 24-hour metro fills the gaps. It is safe, green and built around people rather than cars, which is why a first visit so often turns into a plan to return.

The essentials

The unmissable four: Tivoli Gardens (the 182-year-old pleasure garden, see the Tivoli guide), Nyhavn's colourful harbour, Rosenborg Castle and its crown jewels, and a canal tour that ties the waterfront together. Add the Round Tower for a free-ish view and the design museums if the weather turns.

For the full list, see things to do in Copenhagen; to sequence it, the Copenhagen itinerary lays out day by day.

Getting around

Walk the centre, cycle like a local (over 400km of bike lanes), or use the metro and buses on a City Pass or Copenhagen Card. From the airport it is a 13-minute metro or train ride into the centre, covered in airport to city. The Copenhagen Card bundles transport with entry to 80+ attractions.

When to go and what it costs

Late May to August has the best weather and longest days; December is magical for Tivoli's Christmas lights; November is the one month to avoid. See best time to visit. Copenhagen is pricey, but free things to do and Copenhagen on a budget keep it manageable.

Beyond the city

Easy escapes include Kronborg (Hamlet's castle), the Louisiana art museum, and Malmö in Sweden over the bridge, all in day trips from Copenhagen. If you are comparing Danish cities, see Copenhagen vs Aarhus.

Still deciding? See is Copenhagen worth visiting.

Common questions