Ready for a top-tier jolly to a city that blends history, modernity, and that unmistakable Scandi cool? Copenhagen is calling your name.

✨ Highlights of Copenhagen

• 🌿 Green Machine – one of the world's most sustainable cities, with more bikes than cars.

• 🍽️ Foodie Paradise – home to Noma, Geranium, and more Michelin stars than you can shake a fork at.

• 🏛️ Historic Charm – from Nyhavn's colourful townhouses to the grandeur of Amalienborg Palace.

• 🛍️ Design Central – Danish design is world-famous, and Copenhagen is its spiritual home.

• 🎢 Tivoli Magic – one of the world's oldest amusement parks, right in the heart of the city.

🏨 Hotels in Copenhagen

Whether you're after waterfront views, Scandi-chic design or a spot right by Tivoli, Copenhagen's got you sorted.

For Couples

• 🏛️ Copenhagen Admiral Hotel A stunner of a stay in an 18th-century warehouse right on Nyhavn. Original wooden beams, maritime vibes, and you're a stroll from Amalienborg Palace and the Little Mermaid. There's an on-site sommelier too, if you fancy a cheeky glass of wine.

• 🌊 Copenhagen Island Perched on its own little island along the harbour, this design-forward hotel serves up 326 rooms with cracking water views. Sleek, modern, and just far enough from the bustle that you can properly chill – but close enough to be strolling Strøget in minutes.

• 🚢 CPHLiving Fancy sleeping on the water? This floating boutique hotel has just 12 rooms decked out in Danish design, complete with a sun terrace. Proper unique.

For Families

• ⭐ Marriott Hotel Copenhagen Big, comfy rooms with harbour views, a 24-hour gym, and easy access to Tivoli Gardens and the National Museum. The kids will love the location – and you'll love the buffet breakfast.

• 🏨 Radisson Blu Scandinavia Copenhagen This large hotel has an outdoor pool, and a day-care centre – proper family-friendly. Plus there's a pub and casino for when the little ones are tucked up.

• 🚂 Go Hotel Østerport Right next to Østerport station with direct routes across the city. Walk to the Little Mermaid in minutes, and Tivoli's just a few stops away. No-fuss, good value.

City Centre

• 🎭 Imperial Copenhagen Smack in the centre, right next to Tivoli Gardens and Strøget shopping street. Perfect if you want to hit the ground running and explore every corner of the city.

• 🏛️ The Square Bang opposite City Hall Square with a 6th-floor restaurant serving breakfast with city views. Minimalist design, brilliant location, and the metro's 50 metres away.

• ⚓ Maritime Hotel Central spot within wandering distance of Nyhavn, Amalienborg, and Strøget. Cosy rooms, bike hire, and a banging breakfast buffet.

Great Value

• ☕ Coco Hotel Near Copenhagen Central Station with easy access to Tivoli and Strøget. Charming café, bar, game room and sun terrace – all without breaking the bank.

See all our Copenhagen hotels

🚴🏼 Getting around on your Copenhagen holidays

Navigating Copenhagen is a breeze, whether you’re a seasoned traveller or a first-time explorer. The city’s public transport is top-notch, with a reliable and clean metro system that operates 24/7. Buses and trains link the city with the surrounding areas, making day trips a doddle. If you fancy seeing the city the way the locals do, grab a bike - Copenhagen is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world, with dedicated lanes and bike hire available all over the city. Want to feel a bit posh? Try one of the electric scooters scattered about for a fun and eco-friendly way to zip around.

🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Things to do for families in Copenhagen

City breaks to Copenhagen are a wonderland for families looking for a mix of fun and education. The legendary Tivoli Gardens is a must-visit. This historic amusement park offers rides, performances, and seasonal events that’ll leave both kiddos and adults grinning from ear to ear.

Fancy a bit of learning? The National Museum of Denmark is packed with interactive exhibits, perfect for curious minds. Another top-tier stop is Copenhagen Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in Europe, where you can meet everything from polar bears to pandas. For a splash of excitement, head to Blue Planet Aquarium, Northern Europe’s largest aquarium, where you can get up close and personal with marine life from around the globe.

❤️ Things to do for couples in Copenhagen

Copenhagen is nothing short of dreamy for couples looking to soak up some romance. Start with a leisurely stroll along Nyhavn, where you can admire the colourful 17th-century houses and stop for a cosy coffee at one of the charming cafés lining the canal. Feeling boujee? Take a boat tour for a new perspective on this stunning city.

For a bit of culture, visit Rosenborg Castle, home to the Danish crown jewels and surrounded by the lush King’s Garden - perfect for a peaceful picnic. As the sun sets, treat yourselves to a Michelin-starred meal at Noma or Geranium. And, to end the night on a high, cosy up in a candlelit bar in the trendy Meatpacking District for a tipple or two.

🧗🏼 Things to do for groups in Copenhagen

Copenhagen is an absolute belter for groups looking for some top-notch fun. Start your day at Freetown Christiania, a unique, self-proclaimed autonomous neighbourhood known for its creative spirit, quirky shops, and lively atmosphere—perfect for a whopper of a group adventure. If your gang is up for a bit of friendly competition, head to Copenhagen Boulders for some indoor climbing action.

Fancy a bit of history? Take a guided bike tour to hit all the major spots, including The Little Mermaid, Amalienborg Palace, and the striking Church of Our Saviour with its corkscrew spire. As night falls, check out the city’s vibrant nightlife scene in Vesterbro or hit up one of the many pop-up street food markets like Reffen for some delish grub and local craft beers.

🧀 Things to do for foodies in Copenhagen

Calling all foodies—Copenhagen is your playground! This city is world-renowned for its innovative cuisine and boasts a proper good range of eateries from street food to Michelin-starred restaurants. Start your culinary journey at Torvehallerne Market, a foodie’s paradise where you can sample everything from Danish smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches) to fresh seafood and local cheeses.

For a swanky dining experience, make a reservation at Geranium or Noma, where you’ll be treated to some of the most innovative dishes you’ll ever taste. Don’t miss a visit to Papirøen (Paper Island), a buzzing street food market where you can grab a bite from food trucks offering cuisine from all over the world. And for a sweet finish, hunt down a kanelsnegl (cinnamon roll) at one of the city’s artisan bakeries—10/10 guaranteed!

🛍️ Shopping in Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a retail playground – whether you're hunting for world-famous Danish design, vintage finds, or just want to pick up a LEGO set from the mothership.

• 🚶 Strøget Europe's longest pedestrian shopping street stretches 1.1km from City Hall Square to Kongens Nytorv. High street favourites like H&M and Zara sit at the City Hall end, while the Kongens Nytorv end gets properly fancy with Prada, Louis Vuitton, and Mulberry. Don't miss the side streets – that's where the real gems hide.

• 🏠 Illums Bolighus The Harrods of Danish design. Four floors of gorgeous furniture, ceramics, glassware, and homeware that'll have you rethinking your entire living room. Even if you're just window shopping, it's worth a wander.

• 🍽️ Torvehallerne Copenhagen's covered food market and an absolute must for foodies. Sample smørrebrød, fresh seafood, local cheeses, and pastries galore. Grab lunch at Hija de Sanchez (their tacos are legendary) or pick up specialist ingredients to take home.

• 👑 Royal Copenhagen & Georg Jensen Two Danish design icons with flagship stores on Strøget. Royal Copenhagen has been making stunning porcelain since 1775, while Georg Jensen is the go-to for silver jewellery and homeware. Proper classy souvenirs.

• 🛒 Magasin du Nord Grand department store at Kongens Nytorv with five floors of fashion, beauty, and homewares. Great for a rainy day browse.

• 🎨 Nørrebro For something a bit different, head to this vibrant neighbourhood. Jægersborggade and Blågardsgade are packed with indie boutiques, vintage shops, and one-off design stores. Much more local, much less touristy.

• 🌿 Værnedamsvej Known as 'the French street' – a delightful little stretch in Vesterbro/Frederiksberg lined with fashion boutiques, delis, flower shops, and great cafés. Perfect for a leisurely mooch.

📅 When to Visit Copenhagen

Summer (June–August)

The sweet spot. Temperatures hover around 20-25°C, the days are long (we're talking light until nearly 10pm), and the city comes alive with outdoor dining, festivals, and harbour swimming. Perfect for canal-side lounging and park picnics.

Spring & Autumn (April–May, September–October)

Shoulder season brings a cool, artsy vibe with temps in the mid-teens. Fewer crowds, colourful foliage in autumn, and ideal weather for cycling through cobbled streets or enjoying coffee in Nyhavn's cosy cafés.

Winter (November–March)

Copenhagen goes full hygge mode. Temperatures dip to 0-5°C and the city transforms into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights and Christmas markets. It's the perfect time to warm up with hot chocolate in a snug café and embrace that cosy Danish spirit.

🏆 Our pick: Late May to early September for the best weather and longest days. But honestly, Copenhagen's magic works year-round – just pack accordingly!

What's On

• Copenhagen Jazz Festival – Every July. One of Europe's biggest jazz events with hundreds of concerts across the city.

• Distortion – Every June. Copenhagen's massive street party and music festival.

• Copenhagen Pride – Every August. Colourful celebrations across the city.

• Tivoli Christmas Market – Mid-November to late December. Fairy lights, mulled wine, and festive magic.

🚂 Day Trips from Copenhagen

Denmark's small and well-connected, so you can tick off castles, Viking history, and even pop into Sweden without breaking a sweat.

• 🏰 Helsingør & Kronborg Castle (45 mins by train) Shakespeare's Hamlet was set here, and you can see why – Kronborg Castle is properly dramatic, perched at the narrowest point of the Øresund strait with views across to Sweden. UNESCO-listed and absolutely stunning. The M/S Maritime Museum next door is brilliant too. Wander the cobbled streets of Helsingør town for lunch.

• ⛵ Roskilde (25-30 mins by train) Denmark's old capital and home to two UNESCO World Heritage sites. The Viking Ship Museum has five original Viking vessels and lets you sail replica boats in summer. Roskilde Cathedral houses Danish royal tombs going back centuries. History buffs will be in their element.

• 🏯 Frederiksborg Castle, Hillerød (40 mins by train) Denmark's answer to Versailles. This jaw-dropping Renaissance castle spreads across three islands, surrounded by baroque gardens. Inside is the Museum of National History with 500 years of Danish portraits and artefacts. The ornate chapel is next level.

• 🇸🇪 Malmö, Sweden (35 mins by train) Pop across the Øresund Bridge for a taste of Sweden. Malmö's got the twisting Turning Torso skyscraper, the medieval Stortorget square, and lovely parks for wandering. Hit Lilla Torg for lunch – it's charming and full of restaurants. Great for saying you've visited two countries in one trip.

• 🖼️ Louisiana Museum of Modern Art (35 mins by train to Humlebæk) World-class modern art in a stunning coastal setting. The building itself is beautiful, with sculptures scattered through the gardens and views across to Sweden. Easily one of Denmark's best cultural experiences.

• 🎣 Dragør (20 mins by bus from airport, 45 mins from central) A postcard-perfect fishing village with yellow-painted houses, cobbled streets, and proper fresh fish and chips at Dragør Røgeri. Lovely for a lazy half-day escape, especially in summer.

💡 Top tip: The Copenhagen Card covers transport to Helsingør, Roskilde, Hillerød, and Louisiana, plus entry to castles and museums. Proper good value if you're planning a few day trips.