First Time Copenhagen: What You Need To Know Before You Go

When it’s your first time in Copenhagen, you’re likely to have lots of questions running through your head. Planning ahead will help you make the most of your time and money during your trip.

You’ll need to know how to avoid costly mistakes, the best time to visit, how to get from the airport, use public transport, where not to stay, hotel advice, emergency numbers, and all the little things that will make a big difference that only a local will know.

Having lived in Copenhagen for over a decade, I share in-depth knowledge of everything the city has to offer that will help you find your feet as a first-time visitor, including insider tips and advice that can only be gained through living in the city.

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Copenhagen Doesn’t Have To Be Expensive

While Copenhagen undoubtedly is one of the most expensive cities to visit in Europe, there are many things you can see and do for nothing, including free museums.

If you’re looking to save money while exploring Copenhagen, check out these two articles to learn about all the great activities that won’t cost you a penny! From free museums to indoor and outdoor activities, discover the many ways to enjoy the city without breaking the bank.

Save Money With The Copenhagen Card

If you like to visit many attractions quickly, it may be worth buying one of the Copenhagen Cards.

There are two cards to choose from, the Copenhagen Card Discover and the Copenhagen Card Hop, so take your time to check out the attractions and transport included in the cards and whether they would be a good value for your trip.

The cards are valid from between 24 – 120 hours.

For an in depth and balanced review of the Copenhagen Card’s benefits – including pros, cons and alternative options, have a look at my article: What Is The Copenhagen Card And Is It Worth Buying?

Copenhagen Card Discover

The Copenhagen Card – Discover offers access to over 80 attractions in and around Copenhagen. In addition, the card covers public transport in zones 1 to 99, including transportation to and from Copenhagen Airport.

Copenhagen Card Hop

The Copenhagen Card Hop offers 40+ attractions in the city centre area and unlimited rides on Stromma Hop-On Hop-Off Buses. However, it does not include public transport.

You Don’t Need Cash In Copenhagen

Denmark’s currency is the krone, which means crown in Danish. Kroner is the plural of the krone. The symbol for the Danish Krone is kr.

Although Denmark isn’t cashless, it’s being used less and less. Denmark accepts credit cards and mobile banking apps, so you don’t need cash, especially in Copenhagen, where even the pay-to-enter toilets only accept card payments.

For more information, check out this article about the Best Way To Pay For Things During Your Trip To Denmark.

Important Information For Using Credit Or Debit Cards In Denmark

Danish ATMs, point-of-sale terminals, credit card readers, etc., use four-digit PIN codes. If you have a six-digit PIN code or an old-style credit or debit card with a magnetic strip, you’ll need to request a new card from your card provider to use your card in a Danish ATM.

Tipping Is Not Customary In Denmark

Tipping isn’t a common practice in Denmark. Generally speaking, Denmark’s service industry pays its unionised employees a living wage, and tips aren’t expected. But, of course, it’s ok to leave a tip if you receive exceptional service and want to show your appreciation.

Check If You Need A Visa To Visit Denmark

As visa requirements can change and vary from country to country, visit the website of The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark to check if you need a visa.

Denmark is part of the Schengen Area, so familiarise yourself with the rules, especially if you travel to one or more Schengen countries.

Staying Safe In Copenhagen

Copenhagen is number one on the 2021 Safe Cities Index for personal security. I agree; having lived in Copenhagen for over ten years and never had any issues in or around the city centre, day or night.

But, as with any city, tourist sites and train stations are often magnets for pickpockets, who take advantage of the fact that people tend to be more relaxed and not as vigilant in their surroundings as they would otherwise be.

So it’s essential to be aware and use the same precautions you would use at home. Don’t do as many Danes do, and walk around with your phone sticking out of your pocket!

Areas Of Copenhagen To Avoid When Choosing Accommodation

When choosing your accommodation, it’s a good idea to know which areas are best avoided.

Copenhagen has four areas to avoid if you want to feel safe. The Meat Packing District, also known as Kødbyen, Blågårds Plads and Mjølnerparken in Nørrebro and a small area around Gothersgade and Borgergade in the city centre.

Check my article, Where Not To Stay In Copenhagen If You Want To Feel Safe to learn more.

What You Need To Know About Your Danish Hotel Room

Copenhagen has diverse accommodation options catering to different budgets and preferences. From luxurious 5-star hotels like Hotel Angleterre, the most expensive place in town and Nimb, overlooking Tivoli Gardens, to cosy and welcoming hostels and small hotels, there is something for everyone

Danes typically use single duvets, so even when booking a double room, don’t expect a double duvet. And it’s common to find the duvets folded at the bottom of the bed when you check into your hotel room.

The Busiest Months To Visit Copenhagen

When planning your first trip to Copenhagen, you should be aware that July and August are the most popular months for tourists, so it’s essential to book your accommodation early if you’re visiting during that time to avoid disappointment.

Public Holidays in Copenhagen

Public holidays in Copenhagen can differ, so I have created a separate article titled Copenhagen Public Holidays: How They Will Affect Your Trip. This article will help you understand what to expect on each public holiday and how it may impact your trip.

Flying Into Copenhagen International Airport

Copenhagen International Airport, Københavns Lufthavn in Danish, is located in the town of Kastrup.

The airport is just 9 km (5.5 miles) from Kongens Nytorv, the central area of Copenhagen, and is easily accessible by car, taxi, metro, or train.

The IATA code for the airport, which handles Copenhagen’s international and domestic flights, is CPH.

The Quickest Way To Get From The Airport To The City Centre

Public transport is the quickest and cheapest way to get from Copenhagen International Airport to the city centre. The most convenient option is to take the metro as it’s quick, easy to use and has many tourist-friendly stops.

To discover the best ways to get to and from the airport, take a look at my article 7 Ways To Get From Copenhagen Airport To The City Centre.

Uber Is Now Available In Copenhagen

Uber has been available in Copenhagen since January 2025.

When ordering an Uber ride, the taxi will be from Drivr and will be priced the same as other Danish taxis. To learn more about taxis in Denmark, check out my article Taxis In Copenhagen (How To Get The Best Deal).

You Don’t Need A Car To Travel Around Copenhagen City Centre

The city centre of Copenhagen is compact, making renting a car to get around unnecessary. The public transport system is efficient and reliable, providing convenient options for travel. Additionally, parking in the city can be expensive.

Why You Should Use Public Transport In Copenhagen

Navigating public transport can be confusing when it’s your first time in a city, but Copenhagen has a great public transport system with excellent connections. Train stations are linked to metro stations, with bus stops and taxi ranks outside.

The metro operates 24 hours a day. The S Train (S Tog) runs until just after midnight Sunday – Thursday, with buses running throughout the night. At the weekend, the S Train runs throughout the night.

Generally speaking, public transport runs on time.

In and around Copenhagen’s city centre, train announcements are made in both English and Danish; however, moving away from the city centre, there will be fewer announcements in English.

All train announcements to and from Copenhagen Airport are in English and Danish.

Check out these in-depth articles for everything you need to know about navigating Copenhagen’s public transport system, and ensure your travel around the city is smooth and stress-free. Travel Copenhagen like a local!

You Must Buy A Ticket Before Boarding Public Transport

Download the DSB, DOT or Rejseplanen apps for timetable and ticketing information.

You must purchase tickets before boarding a train or metro; failure to do so will result in a fine of up to 1,000kr.

The same applies to the bus, but you can buy a bus ticket from the driver on entry. But cash only

You Are Likely To Use Copenhagen Central Station At Least Once

Copenhagen Central Station is referred to as København Hovedbanegård or København H in Danish. It’s an interchange station where you’ll find the metro, S Trains, regional trains, buses and taxis.

Copenhagen Central Station houses cafes, fast food outlets, 7-Eleven, a bakery, a pharmacy and currency exchanges. There are clean toilets on the main concourse, payment is by card only, no cash.

Copenhagen Is A Walkable City

Copenhagen is primarily flat and is a wonderful city for walking. There’s a lot of signage, and the compact nature of the city centre means that you can easily cover a lot of ground on foot, and plenty of attractions and restaurants are clustered close to each other.

But there are a few important things to know to stay safe and avoid fines.

Beware Of Bicycle Lanes In Copenhagen

Watch out for bike lanes and always check for cyclists before stepping off the pavement.

Be extra careful when stepping on or off a bus. Pedestrians have the right of way at bus stops, but you need to be aware of cyclists, especially during rush hour when they are likely to travel at speed.

Wait For The Green Light Before Using The Pedestrian Crossing

You’ll notice people waiting to cross the road at pedestrian crossings, even without traffic. Getting caught jaywalking close to a crosswalk can lead to a fine, so don’t risk it; do as the locals do, be patient and wait.

Know What You Want To See Before Visiting Copenhagen

Although Copenhagen is a small city, there is so much to see and do, so it’s wise to plan ahead and know which attractions you’d like to visit before you arrive. With some forward planning, you can enjoy exploring so many amazing sights.

Furthermore, some attractions, such as Rosenborg Castle, which contains the crown jewels and is well worth a visit, require tickets to be pre-booked with a specific time slot.

Visitors Guides To Copenhagen And Denmark

There’s so much to see and do in Copenhagen and Denmark; way too much for one article. So, use the buttons below to explore all your possibilities.

The Dialling Code For Denmark

The dialling code for Denmark is +45.

Emergency Numbers For Copenhagen

The emergency number for Copenhagen police, ambulance or fire is 112.

However, there are other numbers for non-emergency police, medical, dental and poisoning in my article, Emergency Numbers For Copenhagen.

Danish Tap Water Is Safe To Drink

Tap water is safe to drink throughout Denmark. The country uses a sustainable groundwater management system that ensures that countrywide water is clean and safe.

Not only is tap water safe to drink, but Copenhagen’s harbour waters are also clean enough for swimming. I have written a separate article, Copenhagen’s Best Outdoor Swimming Spots, which covers the best swimming spots in more detail.

English Is Widely Spoken In Copenhagen

Danish is the official language of Denmark, but 86% of Danes speak English as their second language.

Around Copenhagen’s city centre and the tourist spots, you’re more likely to hear English spoken than Danish, especially during the summer months. But the further you go from Copenhagen, the more you will hear Danish and different dialects.

I have an article, Useful Words For Your Trip To Denmark, which contains essential words and phrases, including those you may need when using public transport.

Ensure You Have The Correct Plug Or Travel Adaptor

Denmark uses type E and type K electrical plug sockets. The standard voltage is 230 volts, and the frequency is 50 HZ. You can find travel adaptors for use in Denmark available to buy on Amazon.

Buying A Danish SIM Card

Overseas roaming charges can be expensive, whereas cheap SIM cards are available to buy when you arrive at Copenhagen airport.

Vending machines around the baggage claim area sell SIM card packages. Or you can pick up an equally cheap Lebara SIM card from 7-Eleven stores in the airport and around the city.

Time Differences & Daylight Savings In Denmark

Denmark observes daylight savings, putting the clocks forward on the last Sunday in March and back on the last Sunday in October and is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Use World Time Buddy to check your time zone.

To make the most of the daylight, plan your trip from May to September, when the weather should be warmer, and there will be much more daylight.

What You Need To Know About The Danish Weather

Be prepared for hot and cold weather, even if you are visiting in the middle of summer; pack layers and take an umbrella. The weather can change quickly, and there’s always a chance of rain.

If you’re travelling to Copenhagen during the cooler months, take a hat, scarf and gloves, as the rain and wind make it feel colder than the temperatures suggest.

Weather Forecast Apps For Denmark

The best Danish weather forecast app is DMI (Danish Meteorological Institute); however, it’s not available in English. I prefer Yr, an easy-to-use Norwegian weather app which is equally good for Danish weather.

When To Expect Snow In Copenhagen

Ordinarily, Copenhagen is likely to get the most snow in January and February. But I have known it to snow in November and at the beginning of May.

The average snowfall in Copenhagen is 21 days, but that tends to be spread out over the winter rather than 21 consecutive days.

Copenhagen is used to dealing with snow; miniature ploughs clear the pavements, and the roads are well-gritted. Even cyclists continue going about their daily lives on their bicycles when it snows.

Shop Opening Hours In Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a popular shopping destination. The city has several pedestrian-friendly streets with plenty of branded and independent stores.

Shopping hours vary from store to store, but during the week, shops generally open around 10 -11 am and close between 6 – 7 pm.

Further out of town, there are several shopping malls housing the major chain stores and independents. Those closer to the city centre, Fields and Fiskertovet, are open from 10 am – 8 pm Monday – Saturday.

Whereas those further out of town, Hellerup Waterfront, Frederiksberg Centret and Amager Centres are open 10 am – 7 pm Monday to Friday and 10 am – 5 pm Saturday.

Shopping hours are shorter, and designer stores don’t tend to open on a Sunday, so check out this article, Are Shops Open In Copenhagen On A Sunday, to learn more.

Refundable Deposits On Bottles And Cans

You’ll pay more for your canned and bottled drinks than the price displayed. The additional fee is called pant, Danish for deposit.

Typically, the deposit is 1 kr for cans and bottles less than 1 litre, 1½ kr for plastic bottles less than 1 litre and 3 kr for anything above 1 litre.

To get your money back, return your cans and bottles to the reverse vending machine in supermarkets. Then, take the receipt to the checkout, where you will receive a refund for the deposit.

Alternatively, use the bins around the city with holders on the outside where you can leave your bottle or can for a homeless person to return and collect the refund.

Expect To See Danish Flags Everywhere In Copenhagen

Expect to see Danish flags, the Dannebrog, the oldest flag in the world and a symbol of pride and unity all over Copenhagen.

As you walk through arrivals at the airport, you’ll notice people waving flags welcoming home friends and family. If you see flags on a balcony or in a window, it’s someone’s birthday.

And on special days, such as a member of the royal family’s birthday, Liberation Day (5th of May), Constitution Day (5th of June) etc., small flags are flown from the wing mirrors of public buses.

Do You Need Help Planning Your Trip?

Essential Advice For Using Public Transport In Copenhagen