Where to Stay in Copenhagen for a first time visit? An insider’s guide 2024

Are you thinking about visiting the Danish capital? Read my blog to find out where to stay in Copenhagen!

The urban sophisticated vibe of Copenhagen, its charming canals and countless historic sites can make it none less than the most enchanting destination you can visit. This magical city and the copper spires are the most relevant witness of its long history compared to the modern architecture of the 21st century, which makes the capital city of Denmark one of the best destinations.

Its nickname, “the city of spires”, is a timeless hug of the Medieval and Renaissance styles. The town from where the Vikings used to start their travels is the perfect place to be your stop destination. When you see how cute and small the adorable Little Mermaid statue is, compared to the Øresund bridge, the 118 km long border line to Sweden, your trip will become a fairytale, no matter who you decide to be your travelling buddy. Even if you have taken yourself only, this trip will be a pleasure. So, let’s see…

We know that different types of people require different advice on travel accommodations. In this guide include the best areas for

• the first time visitor
• Families
• Couples
• Luxury & Design
• Solo-Traveler
• on a budget

Are you more of a visual learner/travel planner?

Lucky for you, we’ve included a map with all of our favorite neighborhoods and handpicked hotels for all of your travel needs.

Check it out below to get a better idea of where you should stay for your first or next visit to the Copenhagen .

This is the extension of our guide to 7 days in Copenhagen.

(This guide is always up to date, the last updated April 2024.)

But, first things first:

Here is the question: Where to stay in Copenhagen for the first time?

The answer is simple: Indire By (The Old Town) is a perfect match. 

Indire By, or simply the Inner City, is the core of the city, and it is an open-air museum. As soon as you get there, you will realize that Copenhagen was a fortified city with many gates and dams being a completely delightful scenery. The city gates, Vesterport, Østerport, Nørreport and Amagerport, are assumed by tourists to be very important public transport spots, while the nearby castles, museums and palaces are must-visit places.

The Rosenborg Castle, the so-called pleasure palace, which was a royal residence at times, is Denmark’s greatest cultural and royal treasure where you see the crown jewels and royal regalia.

Amalienborg Castle, built by Sophie Amalie, a consort of Frederick III, located in the heart of the town, is a pleasure to visit, especially for the most famous changing of the guards. They march from their barracks to the castle through the streets accompanied by music.

Christiansborg Palace and the mesmerizing gardens awaken emotions and adoration. Speechless is what you call the feeling after you visit the Royal Reception Rooms, Royal Kitchen and the Tapestries.

I do believe that these few facts make you already determined to visit the places, and if you decide, below is a very carefully curated list of accommodations where to stay in Copenhagen.

Here’s a full map for you to understand the different areas.

Please note: those might not be the exact names of the districts, neither its absolute borders. I just tried to simplify this information.

📍Best Area:	Indre By
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families:	Absalon Hotel
👩‍❤️‍👨 Best for Couples:	Hotel CPH Living
💎 Best Luxury Hotel	Hotel Skt Petri
🤩 Best Design Hotel:	Manon Les Suites
😎 Best for Groups:	Motel One
🦸 Best for Solo-Traveller:	Urban House Copenhagen by MEININGER
💃 Best Hotel for Nightlife:	Nimb Hotel
🤑 Cheapest Place to stay:	Sleep in Heaven
👌 Safest Area:	Frederiksberg

1. Best areas and handpicked hotels for Copenhagen 

These are the curated locations best for each group

Continue scrolling or pick your group and travel type on the menu:

1.1 Families
1.2 Couples
1.3 Luxury Traveler
1.4 Design Traveler
1.5 Groups
1.6 Solo-Traveler
1.7 Nightlife-seeking traveler
1.8 Budget Traveler

1.1 Families

Østerbro is the most family-friendly and tranquil place to stay in Copenhagen, but can still offer great dining and shopping spots. The green areas of the Fælledparken, as well as the national stadium Telia Parken and many other sports facilities, make it a great neighbourhood for families. It is also very close to the lake of Svanemøllen.

There is no need to say much about Nyhavn, a district famous for brightly coloured townhouses and bars, otherwise known as the world-famous postcard image from Copenhagen. In this iconic place, you can eat, drink, take a boat tour through the canal and enjoy the sun.

Handpicked accommodations for families

Absalon Hotel, Vesterbro

You will enjoy the stay at Absalon Hotel, just a 5-minute walk from the Central Station and Tivoli Gardens in the vibrant Vesterbro district. There, you start a day with a Scandinavian breakfast buffet, then rent a bike for a sightseeing tour and come back to a modern room to get ready for the next adventure.

Book Absalon Hotel here

Heart of Historic Copenhagen (Apartment), Nyhavn

“Feel like at home” with your family, but in Copenhagen, at Heart of Historic Copenhagen, in well-equipped apartments where everything is next door. Starting from food and ending up with shopping and places to hang out at night is a short note about this place. The kitchen is included, and a convenient location is guaranteed. Enjoy this best place to stay in Copenhagen for families!

Book Heart of Historic Copenhagen here

 1.2 Couples

This lively residential area at Christianshavn Canal in the Inner city district is located on a few artificial islands. The Inner Harbour separates this area from the city centre, and you will have romantic quietness to enjoy your stay. The canal and the streets interact in a square and there is a big green area. You won’t miss anything that a couple needs in this place.

The cool and authentic neighbourhood of Vesterbro, which is a perfect mixture of family living and nightlife, fashion boutiques and even sex shops, gives it a gritty veil. But isn’t all this what makes the place perfect for couples?

Handpicked accommodations for couples

Hotel CPH Living, Christianshavn Canal

Staying at Hotel CPH Living, a boat hotel amidst great city views spreading from the floor-to-ceiling windows and water all around you might be the essence of a good mood and recharging energy. Moreover, you can choose between staying inside the room or on a furnished sun deck.

Book Hotel CPH Living here

4 Bedroom Apt Close to CPH ZOO & City Centre, Vesterbro

Almost everyone likes a nonchalant homey atmosphere, wherever on the globe the destination has been chosen, so these apartments, like the 4 Bedroom apt close to CPH ZOO & City Centre, are perfect in that case. A living room, a fully equipped kitchen, a bathroom, and everything else are obtained. Just pack the suitcases – you already know where to stay in Copenhagen!

Book 4 Bedroom Apt here

1.3 Luxury traveler

Central areas of big European cities have ever since been the best neighbourhoods for luxury hotels because almost all the attractive restaurants, shops and sophisticated coffee boutiques are located around. That said, Indre By or Downtown Copenhagen is the real place to stay for you.

Istedgade, the main street of Vesterbro, has that touch of diversity which completely matches your need for luxury. You have to feel the posh vibe yourself.

Handpicked accommodations for the luxury traveler

Hotel Skt Petri, Indre By

Set in a perfect location, Hotel Skt Petri allows you to simply indulge each moment of your stay in Copenhagen. Cozy and elegant rooms with a balcony and a great restaurant, which offers creative bites and signature drinks, located downstairs close to the lobby, make you feel extremely relaxed.

Book Hotel Skt Petri here

Villa Copenhagen, Vesterbro

Adorn accommodation for a luxury traveller in any sense, Villa Copenhagen offers a garden, terrace, fitness centre, room service, business centre, concierge service, rooms with a wardrobe, private bathroom, and quality bed linen. It will be on you to enjoy the quality accommodation.

Book Villa Copenhagen here

1.4 Design-lovers

A great mixture of tastes, fun and positive vibes will make an open-minded and stylish traveller feel anything but common and become inspired and overwhelmed by how nicely the creativity and street culture live together on an ever-buzzing “soil”. So, eat, drink, enjoy and breathe creativity in this multicultural district of Nørrebro.

The meaning of the name of Nyhavn is New Harbour, where ships from any globe spot would dock, but now it is a nice 3D view put on canvas in light colours and a place with a long history in Danish tattoo art culture. Fun fact – In Denmark, even the Kings were tattooed!

Handpicked accommodations for the design lover

Manon Les Suites, Norrebro

Located 1 km from Copenhagen Central Station, in a very vibrant area, Manon Les Suites offers very spacious suites, a private bathroom, a kitchenette, a rooftop restaurant, an indoor swimming pool and a fitness room. It is very welcoming and authentic, which surely meets your expectations for where to stay in Copenhagen.

Book Manon Les Suites Guldsmeden here

Hotel Sanders, Nyhavn

The essence is in details, and none is missing in Hotel Sanders. It is a stylish and elegant boutique hotel with wonderful rooms containing everything one needs to pamper up in commodities. If you need time outside the room, then the conservatory garden with a rooftop restaurant is the perfect spot to be on a rainy or cold day.

Book Hotel Sanders here

1.5 Groups

Travelling with a group might be a great experience, but you must count on a few accommodation details, such as a reasonable distance from the places you plan to visit, safety and accessibility to basic dining and shopping facilities.

Both Vesterbro and Indre By are districts in Copenhagen which guarantee the needs mentioned above, making them the best places to stay in Copenhagen for groups.

Handpicked accommodations for groups

Motel One Copenhagen, Indre By

Motel One is a motel chain, and this particular object is in the heart of the city, offering you homey vibes and rooms decorated in Danish design from the 50s and 60s. The garden definitely separates you from the hustle of the city and from the long sightseeing walks. On your disposal are the bar and the terrace, ideal for group outings.

Book Motel One Copenhagen here

Hotel Tiffany, Vesterbo

One more place with a great location is only a 5-minute walk from the Tivoli Gardens and the Central Station, Hotel Tiffany. Besides the location, it is very convenient. You can buy an in-room continental breakfast, although there is a well-equipped kitchenette.

Book Hotel Tiffany here

1.6 Solo-travelers

To be safe, feel comfortable, be able to meet people, have dining facilities close, and enjoy your stay, being alone but still not lonely is probably what you wish for. In Vesterbro and Indre By districts, you will get all these and even more, as well as get familiar with the city vibes and feel its historic and modern face. This city offers nice accommodations for solo travellers looking for where to stay in Copenhagen, so you can easily plan your trip.

Handpicked accommodations for a solo traveler

Urban House Copenhagen by Meninger, Vesterbro

This hotel is located in the trendiest district of Vesterbro, only 200 m from the Central Station, Urban House Copenhagen by MEININGER. Ideal for backpackers, you can enjoy your stay thanks to excellent amenities and a convenient location.

Book Urban House Copenhagen by MEININGER here

Next House Copenhagen, Indre By

You are offered a city centre, nice rooms, a garden, a shared lounge and kitchen, a restaurant, a terrace, and a bar at Next House Copenhagen, which is more than enough to say that you are not alone. But you can still have a private bathroom for a relaxing shower. How great, isn’t it? The area is also perfect for cycling if you are a biker.

Book Next House Copenhagen here

1.7 Nightlife Traveler

The centre of the city and the variety of bars and discotheques to visit are some of the reasons why you should stay in Vesterbro and Indre By. Different content in thematically decorated spaces. Many people that are chasing the same as you come to these districts of the city. You can also find great accommodation nearby.

Handpicked accommodations for nightlife

Nimb Hotel, Indre By

A chic boutique hotel, Nimb Hotel, which is housed in a Moorish-style building and located in the Tivoli Gardens. In the brasserie, you can enjoy the breathtaking views of the gardens while trying the delicious Scandinavian and French Cuisine. Though in the night, the scenery around this place to stay in Copenhagen completely transforms, which is something you have to experience yourself.

Book Nimb Hotel here

Nobis Hotel Copenhagen, Vesterbro

A nightlife seeker can not be a person of no taste. It is around the Tivoli Gardens, but this hotel, Nobis Hotel Copenhagen, is housed in a historic building. It offers everything classy that you can think of, even a restaurant NOI, that gives you the Scandinavian taste in the most authentic way, using only fresh seasonal products. In other words, this is the ultimate option for those seeking a touch of sophistication in their outings.

Book Nobis Hotel Copenhagen here

1.8 For the Budget Traveler

As you know, the market meets everybody’s needs. That is how you can plan a trip to Copenhagen and preserve some money for your next. This can, of course, be possible in a safe and decent area, with all the jewels of the city at a proper distance. Let’s plan the accommodation in the districts of Norrebro and Nyhavn, which are perfectly suitable for you.

Handpicked accommodations for budget traveler

Sleep in Heaven, Norrebro

In this accommodation spot, Sleep in Heaven, you can choose between private and dorm-style. Bed linen is included, and you can enjoy the beer garden, the internet campus, the lockers, and the luggage room.

Book Sleep in Heaven here

Hotel Nyhavn 63, Nyhavn

What a unique way to experience your stay, through double luxury sleep cabins at Hotel Nyhavn 63. Complete privacy is what you will have for sure because you will get a safety code to access your cabin. This family-run capsule hotel is located in an exceptional place, the most captivating area for tourists. There is also an outdoor courtyard that offers tranquility. This is the first capsule hotel in Copenhagen housed in a historic building in the heart of Nyhavn.

Book Capsule Hotel Nyhavn63 here

2. Best Neighborhood to Stay in Copenhagen

Indre By is the most preferable area of Copenhagen to stay as a tourist. Most of the hotels and almost everything you can do in the city is in this district.

Vesterbro

It is one of the coolest districts on the globe, but never forget that there used to be some shootings and prostitution before the drastic transformations happened. The rapid gentrification is making it a desirable option where to stay in Copenhagen for the first time.

Østerbro

It is a quiet and family-friendly part of Copenhagen. The most developing city area at the time being.

Nørrebro

This district is filled with mouth-watering restaurant areas in the city. It is also a great place for shopping! The place where you simply become aware of the street culture in Copenhagen and feel young at heart at the same time.

3. FAQs

4. Map + All Sights

Ready to dive into Copenhagen’s vibes? Our map is like your trusty sidekick, showing you the sweet spots to crash in this awesome city. Whether you’re into a cool boutique hotel downtown, a snug guesthouse in a charming hood, or a chic pad with canal views, our map’s got your back.

5. Summary where to stay in Copenhagen

Using my Where to Stay in Copenhagen guide, you can explore the city with ease!

If you need some more inspiration for travelling destinations, check out the rest of my blogs!

Other European Destinations

Before you run off, here is a few more handwritten articles for you. These will help you to find more unique experiences and enjoy your holidays at fullest.

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• Where to Stay in Positano
• Where to Stay in Bordeaux
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• Where to Stay in Luxembourg
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Any Questions?

There you have it. I hope you have no questions and found your home in my home town.

However, please remember: I am not perfect, and it is likely I missed a few things to point out.

Therefore: Do you have questions? Is anything not clear?

Please please please drop me a comment below with your email! I will reply to you ASAP via email and here in the comments.

In fact, your questions help me to make this article better. So I help you to help me.Our #1 Recommended Hotel: