Cheap Flights to Copenhagen with PLAY from USD 140*

Enjoy a smorgasbord of experiences in Denmark’s hip capital

Gracing the island of Zealand in the Baltic Sea, Copenhagen is the epitome of Scandinavian cool, where timeless charm meets sleek modernity, and cyclists rule the roads. The capital of Denmark is the perfect size for a laid-back city break: large enough to house world-class museums, restaurants and shopping, yet small enough to navigate with ease. 

Embrace your inner child at the Tivoli Gardens, the world’s second-oldest amusement park – or the hippy side of life in Freetown Christiania. Stroll through the colorful Nyhavn harbor, take a selfie with the Little Mermaid, Copenhagen’s most famous resident, or explore the romantic Rosenborg Castle. Then it’s time to enjoy life’s simple pleasures with a cup of coffee and some flaky, buttery goodness at one of the many cozy cafés scattered around town.

Welcome to Copenhagen, where hygge is a way of life.

Fairytale delights: from Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens to the Little Mermaid

No visit to the Danish capital is complete without a wander around the iconic Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen’s amusement park that’s been thrilling visitors since 1843. As the sun sets, the landscaped gardens come alive with thousands of colorful lights, offering a magical setting that inspired none other than Walt Disney for Disneyland.

To experience the quintessence of Copenhagen charm, make your way to the much-photographed Nyhavn, famous for its brightly colored 17th- and 18th-century townhouses and wooden ships. Once a sailors’ quarter, the neighborhood has been reborn as a bustling hub of quaint eateries and cafés. Fun fact: three of the buildings served as the home of renowned Danish author Hans Christian Andersen, who spent most of his life in Nyhavn.

Speaking of the beloved fairytale writer, make sure to say hello to the Little Mermaid, Copenhagen’s unofficial mascot. Perched on a rock along the Langelinie promenade, the bronze statue may be smaller than expected, but she’s been the city’s enduring symbol since she was first unveiled in 1913.

Things to see in Copenhagen for history and culture buffs

With 50-odd museums in Copenhagen, history and culture lovers are certainly spoiled for choice. Top on the list is the National Museum, which will take you on a 14,000-year journey through Danish history, from the Ice Age to Viking times and beyond. For art enthusiasts, the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, Copenhagen’s premier art museum, is a must, with a collection of over 10,000 ancient and contemporary works. The building is a masterpiece in itself, with its grand halls, marble columns and glass-domed winter garden. Then there’s Louisiana, a world-famous contemporary gallery located 30 kilometers north of the capital. Its coastal setting is worth the trip alone, overlooking the Øresund Sound with views of Sweden in the distance.

If Danish design piques your interest, you should also pencil in a visit to the fascinating Designmuseum Danmark, showcasing over 400 years of design history. Don’t miss the permanent exhibition on local design icons, including Arne Jacobsen’s Egg chair and the PH lamp by Poul Henningsen.

Are you into all things royal? Then you probably know that Denmark’s monarchy is the oldest in Europe, dating back to the 10th century. Start your exploration at the Queen’s official residence, the 18th-century Amalienborg Palace – don’t miss the changing of the guard, taking place daily at noon. Then head over to Rosenborg Castle to see the Danish Crown Jewels and other royal treasures.

Shopping in Copenhagen from Strøget to Nørrebro

Ready for some retail therapy? Look no further than Strøget, Copenhagen’s shopping artery and one of the world’s longest pedestrianized streets, stretching over 1.1 kilometers. It’s home to high-end luxury brands, wallet-friendly chains and everything in-between. If you’re a fan of Danish design (and who isn’t, after visiting the Designmuseum Danmark?), be sure to pop into the multi-level Illums Bolighus, the grand dame of Danish department stores. It’s a one-stop shop for Scandinavian style, from furniture and homeware to fashion and beauty.

For a more bohemian vibe, head over to the vibrant streets of Nørrebro, where vintage boutiques and indie stores abound – especially on Blågardsgade, Jægersborggade and Elmgade. And this being Copenhagen, sustainable shopping is also easy to come by, with many planet-friendly options available. Res-Res, short for Respect Resources, in Nørrebro is a great place to start, offering a handpicked selection of clothing and homeware.

Where to eat in Copenhagen: Noma and beyond

It’s no secret that the Danish capital is a fine dining hotspot, with more than a dozen Michelin-starred restaurants to its name. 

Five-time “World’s Best Restaurant” winner Noma needs no introduction – but be sure to book well in advance, as the legendary eatery will bid goodbye at the end of 2024. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly Noma experience, check out POPL, where Noma veterans serve up high-quality burgers using locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, along with fermented vegetables and pickles.

This brings us to Copenhagen’s legendary street food scene. Must-visits include Reffen, an outdoor market with front-row views of Copenhagen Harbor, serving everything from Nordic-style hot dogs to Filipino bao buns. Or check out The Bridge Street Kitchen, where you can feast your eyes on Nyhavn while enjoying street food from top restaurants and chefs. It’s also a great place to try the open-faced sandwiches known as smørrebrød, a staple of Danish cuisine.

Now, onto the sweet stuff. Don’t leave without trying Copenhagen’s famous pastries called wienerbrød. These flaky, buttery delights come in a variety of shapes and flavors, from the classic cinnamon swirl to the custard-filled Spandauer. Andersen & Maillard, Juno the Bakery and Hart Bageri are some of the best places to sink your teeth into them. Top tip: these bakeries also make great breakfast spots to fuel up before your Copenhagen adventures.

Copenhagen’s throbbing nightlife

Denmark’s capital city has a buzzing beer scene, spearheaded by the globally recognized Mikkeller. Visit the original Mikkeller Bar in Vesterbro or its little sister in Nørrebro, followed by a stop at the WarPigs BBQ and brewpub in the hip Meatpacking District. Another popular choice is BRUS in Nørrebro, housed in a former iron foundry and locomotive factory, offering a knockout selection of 30-plus beers on tap.

Ready to hit the dance floor? Your best bet is the Meatpacking District, which has transformed from a bleak industrial area to a culinary and nightlife hotspot. The neighborhood is home to some of the best clubs in Copenhagen, including Jolene Bar, a haven for electronic music enthusiasts seeking a relaxed and inclusive atmosphere. Nearby Vega is Copenhagen’s largest and most famous music venue, hosting big-name international acts as well as local talent.

For a more alternative vibe, visit Freetown Christiania, a self-proclaimed autonomous community, founded by squatters in 1971. Enjoy the cozy ambiance of Woodstock Bar or catch one of the free Sunday concerts at Nemoland throughout the summer.

Getting around

With more bicycles than people, the Danish capital has rightly earned its reputation as a city for cyclists. About half of Copenhagen’s population choose to commute on two wheels, using a 385-kilometer network of dedicated lanes and bridges. As a visitor, you might want to follow suit and head to one of the bike rental shops scattered around the city. Even if you’re not an avid cyclist, Copenhagen’s flat terrain and safe bike infrastructure make pedaling an enjoyable mode of transportation throughout the year, allowing you to take in all the sights at your own pace. But if two feet are more your style, the city’s just as great for strolling.

Copenhagen also boasts a modern and easy-to-navigate public transport system. The metro, trains, buses and harbor buses (do try these) run regularly and are linked by the same ticket system, meaning you can easily hop between them. If you’re planning on visiting multiple Copenhagen attractions, consider getting a Copenhagen Card, which offers unlimited use of public transport as well as free admission to over 80 museums and attractions. Alternatively, opt for single tickets for individual journeys, or grab the rechargeable card called Rejsekort, which provides discounted pay-as-you-go fares and eliminates zone worries.

Copenhagen Airport: Scandinavia’s largest hub for international travel

Copenhagen Airport, or Kastrup, the largest airport in the whole of Scandinavia, welcomes 60,000 passengers daily. Situated a mere eight kilometers from the Danish capital, the airport is easily accessible by public transport, including trains, buses and the metro. Journey time typically takes between 15 and 30 minutes. PLAY flights land at and depart from Terminal 2.