Welcome to One Week In Copenhagen! There is so much to explore in the city and outside; 7 days in Copenhagen can be a lot and a little at the same time.
Your handwritten guide based on experience. Excited? What are you waiting for? Let’s get you ready!
Hence, we will help you plan smart your trip to the Danish Capital.
Included in the guide are essential details you need to know to achieve the most of your trip, hassle-free.
Our full guide covers:
- Basic Introduction
- Where to stay in Copenhagen
- How to get around
- What to see in Copenhagen
- Things to do in Copenhagen
- Tickets you have to buy before – must read
- Food and Restaurants
- Day Trips from Copenhagen
- Itinerary for Copenhagen
- Packing List
- City Map
Plus, sharing with you the best insider tips on the places to visit, things to do, cuisines to try and reminders you should keep an eye on.
And as travelers, it is our pure joy to help people have a wonderful trip through our guides. Therefore, let’s get this started. We now officially welcome you to the happiest capital in the world, Copenhagen.
Read more: You can also check out the guide on Where to Stay in Copenhagen for a first time visit.
1. Basic Introduction
We want to start with a simple intro to the things you need to know before coming to Copenhagen.
Currency: DKK – Danish Krone (Kr) (Denmark does not have the EUR)
Language Spoken: The official language in Copenhagen is Danish.
It is almost related to both Swedish and Norwegian. On the other hand, Danes speak fluent English. Even German and French, too.
Population: 777,000
Known for: Copenhagen according to UN’s 2013 World Happiness report, is officially known as the capital of the happiest country on Earth.
Apart from this, Copenhagen is also known for the following:
- Lego – The birthplace of LEGO, set at Billund which is a small Danish town in Copenhagen.
- Bikes – Danish bicycle culture is renowned worldwide. Generally, people of all ages are engaged in biking.
- Tivoli – The world’s second-oldest amusement park can be found in Copenhagen.
Accommodation: As the capital of Denmark, Copenhagen gives you an entire list of accommodations you can choose from. Certainly, from luxury hotels to very budget-friendly hostels, you will find it in the city.
Thus, find more details in our where to stay in Copenhagen section below.
Public Transport: Public transport in Copenhagen can take you anywhere in the capital. Even more, it is also reliable and punctual.
You can travel to their metro, trains, and buses to go around the city.
Moreover, find more details on how to get around.
Safety: Generally, traveling to Copenhagen and Denmark as a country is super safe. Even to female travelers, they are secured and protected.
However, like any famous tourist destinations in the world, tourists undoubtedly attract pickpockets and scams. This is normal. Unquestionably, safety precautions should be kept at all times.
Here are safety tips during your one week in Copenhagen.
- Keep a close eye on your belongings especially in crowded places.
- Watch out for the bike lanes. Cyclers can come without warning.
- You are more likely to be robbed in summer than in winter.
- Do not accept any help that is connected with your luggage from strangers.
- Avoid Nørrero neighborhood especially in the night. It has been affiliated with narcotics dealing, higher levels of street crime.
City name: Being notably known for its ancient and Renaissance architecture, Copenhagen was called “The City of Spires”.
Furthermore, it was derived from the name Kaupmannahǫfn which meant “merchants’ harbor”.
Before, it was believed that Copenhagen was a fishing village called Havn (port). Eventually, it became Købmannahafen, shortened to København which is now Copenhagen.
Electricity: 230V/50Hz (European plug). Remember to pack your travel plug adapter.
2. Where to stay in Copenhagen
Just like us, each place in Copenhagen has its own identity. Making it easy for you to choose where to stay and which matches your style.
Nonetheless, there are plenty of accommodations that will suit your taste and your budget. Choose from luxury hotels down to very budget-friendly apartments and hostels.
Moreover, we have listed below places you can check in on your one week in Copenhagen. Plus, navigate everything including sights to visit through our map.
Our handpicked recommendations:
- Families: Avenue Hotel Copenhagen
- Couples: Manon Les Suites Guldsmeden
- Luxury Travelers: Nimb Hotel
- Design Lovers: Axel Guldsmeden
- Groups: Woodah Hostel
- Solo Traveler: Steel House Copenhagen
- Nightlife Traveler: Copenhagen Downtown Hostel
- On a low budget: A&O Copenhagen Nørrebro
A good read: 3 Best Hostels in Copenhagen
If traveling in a group, consider to check Airbnb.
2.1 Avenue Hotel – Best for Families
Avenue Hotel boasts a private courtyard terrace you and your family will surely enjoy.
Moreover, the kids will love a toy from the hotel once you arrive. Also, kids won’t get bored with the hotel’s board games, books, and outdoor sandbox.
On the other hand, the hotel offers bike rentals and offer smaller bikes for the kids.
Good to know: Get free buffet breakfast and freshly baked pastries during your stay.
2.2 Manon Les Suites – Best for Couples
Right in the middle of some of Copenhagen’s most attractive sights and areas is Manon Les Suites.
Feel the bohemian vibes and festive atmosphere in the hotel on your one week in Copenhagen.
Apart from this, you can also take advantage of the fitness room and indoor pool for free. Besides, rooms are equipped with a kitchenette, a fridge and coffee/tea facilities.
Good to know: Just around the corner are the Tivoli gardens, Torvehallernes gourmet-food market, the lovely green inner-city parks, design shops, and restaurants.
2.3 Nimb Hotel – Best for Luxury Travelers
Stay at the Nimb Hotel and fulfill your dreamy fairytale setting on the western edge of Copenhagen’s Tivoli Garden.
Furthermore, marvel yourself with this 1909 castle with an impressive Moorish-style design. Even more, get amazing views of the Tivoli Gardens from its spacious Nimb Brasserie restaurant and Terrasse.
Also, don’t miss out to try their fried lobster at the Nimb Brasserie in your one week in Copenhagen. A must-try!
Good to know: Above all, get free access to the Tivoli gardens and all attractions on your stay.
2.4 Axel Guldsmeden – Best for Design Lovers
Located just 5-minutes away from the Tivoli Gardens and Copenhagen Central Station in the Axel Guldsmeden.
Each room is intended with Balinese-style furnishings, designed with Persian rugs and original art on the walls. Moreover, you will love the inner courtyard at the hotel. Perfect place to have your coffee or a sip of a cold beer at night.
Even more, you can also try the hotel’s spa that offers services of a sauna, hot tub, and variety skim treatments.
Good to know: Expect an organic buffet breakfast served on handmade Mexican crockery.
2.5 Woodah Hostel – Best for Groups
Woodah Hostel is located in the hip area of Vesterbro. Home of some of the top bars and restaurants.
Furthermore, for your privacy, beds are installed with a personal light and a curtain. You also get your locker for your belongings on your one week in Copenhagen.
Above all, you can get very nice deals for yoga classes around the area. Plus, the hostel gives you free use of yoga mats you can take to your class.
Good to know: During your stay, get 20% off on all items at the hostel cafe, Woodah Food & Bar.
2.6 Steel House Copenhagen – Best for Solo Travelers
A Newyorker-inspired luxury hostel that features a cafe, a bar, and an indoor pool is Steel House Copenhagen.
Moreover, the hostel has something for everyone. Thus, bedrooms can be either mixed or female-only. They also offer private rooms if you long for your own space.
Apart from this, meet the friendly locals as well as international globetrotters from all over the world over a drink at the hostel’s bar.
On the other hand, you can get your meals at the bar during the day. While in the evening, the bar is transformed into a perfect meeting place.
Good to know: Join the free yoga classes or the daily walking tours set by the hostel.
2.7 Copenhagen Downtown Hostel – Best for Nightlife Traveler
Awarded the ‘Most Popular Hostel in Copenhagen’ for several years by the Hoscars is the Copenhagen Downtown Hostel.
Party ’til you drop at one of the cheapest bars in town right in the hostel. Thus, enjoy live music and party until 5 am every day. Plus, get affordable deals for your drinks and Happy Hour.
Even more, there are a variety of activities you can engage in like beer pong, cocktail night, and solo travelers night.
Good to know: The hostel offers free Walking Tours, twice a day, every day. Thus, you can choose from the morning tour at 10.45 or the afternoon tour at 15.45.
2.8 A&O Copenhagen Nørrebro – On a low budget
A&O Copenhagen Nørrebro is a new hotel that opened last 2017.
Enjoy a buffet breakfast every day during your one week in Copenhagen. While have packed lunches on your way out.
Furthermore, catch the news, hotel services or daily bar specials in their projector at the lobby. On the other hand, relax with the amazing mountain view from your hotel room.
Good to know: Apart from this, the hotel is well equipped for guests with children. They offer cots and a play area that the kids will love.
3. How to get around
So, we have your accommodation set, now let us get out and explore.
Best for sightseeing: One of the best and most convenient ways to go sightseeing in your one week in Copenhagen is through the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour.
Visit over 25 stops at major landmarks, monuments, and attractions in the city with your 48 hours ticket.
Here are three tours included in your card.
- Mermaid Tour (red line) – This tour gives you an overview of the history and fun facts of Copenhagen through the centuries.
- Christiania Tour (orange line) – While this tour takes you from the city center to the diverse neighborhood of Christianshavn.
- The Blue Planet / National Aquarium of Denmark (blue line) – On the other hand, this a shuttle service to both the Blue Planet and the Airport.
Public transport: Public transportation in Copenhagen takes you anywhere in the city. Thus, you only use one card to access all its transport. These include the metro, trains, and buses.
- Metro – Interval is 2-4 minutes in rush hours. While on weekends, the metro comes between 3-6 minutes. It is operational night and day, all the days of the week.
REMINDER: If you are traveling with the whole family, make sure each of you has a ticket. Otherwise, you can get fined for each member who does not have a ticket.
- Trains – Just like the metro, trains are operational every day. Interval can vary depending on which train line.
- Buses – A-buses are operated every day, at all hours. And intervals on rush hours are 3-7 minutes. On the other hand, you can also take the S-bus which has fewer bus stops. While N-buses are the night buses.
Copenhagen Card: Your all-in card that gives you free access to over 80 attractions and museums in Copenhagen. Which includes free public transport and airport transfers (to and from). Plus, you get several discounts in restaurants, cafes and sightseeing activities in the city.
Save time and money with the Copenhagen Card. You can choose from 24, 48, 72 and 120 hours ticket validity.
Photo from Copenhagen Card Facebook Page
Bikes: Copenhageners love their bikes. It is their way of life. You won’t be able to describe Copenhagen without mentioning the use of their bikes.
People of all ages use bikes. Likewise, they use it in the sun, under the rain or even with the snow.
And as tourists, it is the healthiest and cheapest way to see the city in one week in Copenhagen. With more than 375 kilometers of cycle tracks all around Copenhagen, you are sure good to jump on a saddle.
Personally: The bike is my favorite way to get around Copenhagen.
Walking: Copenhagen is small enough to make it good for walking. Besides, walking is one great way to immerse yourself in the city. See beyond more as you go through its small streets and meet locals on your way.
However, to have a better walking experience, you have to know where to start and where to go. And the best way to do is to join a walking tour with professional guides to show you around Copenhagen.
Here are walking yours you can choose from:
Taxi: If you want to go around in the fastest way possible, get a taxi. Whether you’re in a rush or in a hectic schedule, taxis are your option.
You can hail taxis on the street or get them through taxi points around the city. Similarly, if the yellow taxa (taxi) sign is on, the taxi is available.
Boat: As a former harbor and a maritime city, one great way to see the beauty of Copenhagen is through the waters. Thus, the possibilities are endless.
You can book a traditional canal tour boat or have a romantic gondola ride. Or either be the captain of your solar energy-driven boat or go kayaking.
Check out these boat tours:
- 1-Hour Canal Cruise from Ved Stranden or Nyhavn
- 48-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Ticket
- 2-hour “Hidden Gems” Canal Tour
4. What to see in Copenhagen – The Must-Do’s
What to see in Copenhagen? Indeed, a very good question!
The Danish Capital unquestionably has overflowing cafes, amazing culture and history. Beyond that, get ready to explore its gorgeous architectural wonders both historic and modern.
Furthermore, we have made a short list of the places you need to at see or at least visit while in your one week in Copenhagen.
The Must Do’s are:
- Have a time of your life in Tivoli Gardens
- Experience and explore The National Aquarium Denmark
- Have a panoramic view of Copenhagen at The Round Tower
- Visit the Roskilde Cathedral
- Immerse yourself in Freetown Christiania
- Drink coffee or grab a beer at Nyhavn
More great sights to see in Copenhagen are:
- Rosenborg Castle
- Christiansborg Palace
- Little Mermaid Statue
- Church of our Saviour
- Botanical Garden
- Stroget
- Sonder Boulevard
- Frederik’s Church
- National Museum of Denmark
- Copenhagen Zoo
- The King’s Garden
5. Things to do in Copenhagen
Since we have already discussed the places you need to see in the Danish capital, now let us talk about what you can do on your visit.
Activities that without a doubt will make the most of your trip to Copenhagen.
Accordingly, to better give you a hand, we have shortlisted activities you might want to commit yourself in. So help yourself and check these things out.
We collected for you a great list of cool Things To Do in Copenhagen:
- 39 Fun Things to Do in Copenhagen
- Fun Things to Do with KIDS in the capital
- 50 Cheap and Free Things to Do in Copenhagen
Here are more ideas:
- Ride a bike
- See a show at Folketeatret
- Be a Scientist at Experimentarium
- Make your Danish Smørrebrød
6. Tickets you have to buy before
Usually, in this section, we cover tickets that you need to book in advance.
To mention a few, like the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona or the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Undoubtedly, these are sights you have to prebook to be able to enter.
However, as Copenhagen is not a huge destination, there is no sight you would need to prebook. But maybe this could help.
Copenhagen City Card
The Copenhagen City Card is your knight in shining armor. It is your magic weapon to experience all Copenhagen has to offer while saving more of your time and money.
Even more, the card gives you FREE access to almost 87 attractions and museums in the capital. Which, by the way, includes the Tivoli Gardens, Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour, and the National Museum.
Plus get FREE use of the public transportation in town. Get unlimited use on their trains, buses, metro and harbor buses during the entire length of your stay. Above all, this includes transportation to and from the airport.
Here are some of the free attractions you can visit with the Copenhagen City Card.
- Copenhagen Zoo
- National Aquarium Denmark
- Christiansborg Palace
- Tycho Brahe Planetarium
- The Viking Ship Museum
- Ragnarock
- Roskilde Cathedral
- Medical Museum
- Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour
- Experimentarium
Furthermore, let me give you three major reasons why you should get the card.
First, save more of your money and get free access to mostly what you should visit in the city. Even more, get discounts with partners like restaurants, bars, attractions, and tours. Thus, see more, pay less.
Second, its the most convenient way to see Copenhagen with just one card. You won’t need to buy any tickets and wait in lines for all your destinations and public transports. Just present your card and have an amazing tour around the capital.
And lastly, you have several options with how much you want to use your card. You can purchase them from 24 hours of validity for up to 5 days. Just perfect for your one week in Copenhagen.
Good to know:
- Each adult card includes a free card for 2 children up to 10 years of age (best for traveling families with kids)
- The card comes with a guidebook that undoubtedly can help you through your trip.
7. Food & Restaurants
One of the best ways to know a place is to start right from satisfying for appetite.
Generally, known as the happiest place on earth, surely your stomachs will be more than happy to have a taste of what Copenhagen food has to offer.
Furthermore, we have made selections for you to try out on your tour. The most essential foods you must try and places you should go to.
Let’s start with 13 foods you must eat or at least try before leaving Copenhagen.
Planning a romantic dinner with your loved one, here are 10 best restaurants that you could give you and your partner a special date in the capital of Denmark.
On the other hand, there are great food places to perfectly catch breakfast or brunch aside from your accommodation. Go out and try these out.
And of course, let’s not forget to grab a coffee while in the happiest city in the world. Here are 11 best cafes to get good coffee while in Copenhagen.
Nevertheless, there are also food tours you can book to better have an experience of the city’s favorite foods.
Photo by Louis Hansel
8. Day Trips from Copenhagen
Although there is a handful of things to do in Copenhagen, it’s still a great idea to see beyond more to what the city has to offer.
Whether you’re traveling for one week in Copenhagen or just a fast-track tour in the capital, more places in Denmark are worth wandering, too.
Moreover, here are 12 incredible day trips to visit on your one week in Copenhagen.
Nevertheless, we have listed below one of our favorite day trips we enjoyed.
Frederiksborg and Kronborg Castles
One of our favorite parts of our trip to Copenhagen is their stunning castles. It like taking all your fairytale ideas into the real world.
In Frederiksborg Castle, you will be amazed by the royal art collection which has been preserved and secured through the years. Also on the tour, you will have a chance to visit the Chapel of Orders and the Knight’s Hall.
On the other hand, take part in what was once a setting of Shakespeare’s play “Hamlet” at Kronborg Castle.
Be amazed by its astonishing architectures since 1940. The most famous renaissance castles are still intact over the centuries.
Truly a UNESCO World Heritage Site to visit.
How to get there:
Take the central station in Copenhagen to the town of Helsingør (Elsinore) and then walk to the castle for 15-20 minutes. The train ride would be approximately 40 minutes.
Malmö in Sweden
Malmö is the third-largest city of Sweden.
Once you step in Malmö, you will find Swedish architecture around the place. Moreover, you will also recognize Scandinavia’s oldest preserved Renaissance style Malmöhus Castle.
Further, take time to see one of the tallest buildings in Scandinavia, the Turning Torso building. It has a height of 623 feet and covers 54 floors.
On the other hand, don’t forget to walk around Stortorget, the biggest square in the city. Besides, feel the Parisian vibes in Lilletorget “little squares” along with the most popular restaurants in the area.
How to get there:
- Train – Take a train from the Copenhagen Central Station to Malmö. It will take you around 35 minutes.
- Car – Pass over the famous The Øresunds Bridge on your way to Malmö. The ride would be about 45 – 60 minutes.
- Bus – You can take the Flixbus from Central Station and will take you to Malmö after an hour.
The Island and Cliff of Møn
If you’re looking for dramatic scenery, you should visit the Island of Møn.
Immerse yourself with age-old churches along with quaint villages and handicraft shops.
Without a doubt that you will be amazed by the white chalk cliffs. Make sure you walk along the 267-meter long wooden boardwalk on the edge of the cliffs. Thus, it makes a wonderful view and reflects itself in the green ocean.
How to get there:
- Train & Bus– From Copenhagen Central Station, ride a train to Vordingborg. Then you will have to ride the bus 660R to Stege on Møn. Afterward, transfer to bus 678. Total travel time would take you 2 hrs and 45 minutes.
- Car – However, in a private car, it will only take you an hour and 30 minutes to get to the Cliffs of Møn.
9. Itinerary for 7 days
When spending seven days in Copenhagen, you can explore the city itself and its surroundings.
At last, all things are set now. Moreover, to finalize your one week in Copenhagen, here are great itineraries you can get inspiration from creating your own.
10. Packing List
There are a few things we recommend for your packing list Copenhagen.
Optional but always useful:
11. Printed Guides & Map
These guides are best for the ones looking for a printed version.
Once you come to Copenhagen, you will also receive a paper map of the city.
- Lonely Planet Guide for Copenhagen
- DK Eyewitness Copenhagen Travel Guide
- Rick Steves Snapshot Copenhagen & the Best of Denmark
Here is again our map of Copenhagen with the recommended hotels and neighborhoods.
Questions? Contact us
I tried to make this guide as useful and complete as possible. However, chances are you still have questions left.
Therefore, any questions? Anything not clear?
Please get in touch with us, I would be very happy to help. I want to make this guide as useful as possible for you.
You see, your question helps me as well.
Do not be shy and send me an email.
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