Copenhagen Travel Guide: Top 11 Tips For Visiting

Copenhagen wasn’t a city I expected to fall for as quickly as I did but it completely won me over. From its quiet confidence and clean streets to its effortlessly stylish cafés and calm pace of life, Copenhagen feels like a place that knows exactly who it is. It’s not loud, it’s not flashy, and it doesn’t try too hard and somehow, that makes it even cooler.

I visited Copenhagen in December, right in the middle of winter, when the days were short, the air was crisp, and the city was wrapped in the Christmas festivities. Even with the cold, it felt warm in all the ways that mattered. If you’re considering a trip to Denmark’s capital, here’s everything you need to know, why you should go, what to expect, and tips that will genuinely make your visit better.

JULIAXEATS - Denmark - Copenhagen - Tips for visiting — *Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase via my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog!*

Why Visit Copenhagen, Denmark?

Copenhagen doesn’t overwhelm you with endless landmarks or rush you from attraction to attraction. Instead, it invites you to slow down, wander, eat well, and live like a local, even if it’s just for a few days.

Historically, Copenhagen began as a small Viking fishing village in the 10th century before growing into a major trading hub. Over time, it evolved into a royal capital, which you can still see reflected in its palaces, canals, and grand architecture. But what makes Copenhagen special today is how seamlessly it blends history with modern living. You’ll walk past centuries-old buildings, only to find a minimalist café, a design shop, or a waterfront sauna tucked beside them.

Copenhagen is also consistently ranked as one of the happiest cities in the world. And honestly? You feel it. The city feels safe, calm, and well-designed for people, not just tourists.

Holafly eSim – 5% OFF when you use code ‘JULIAXEATS’
This will help save you some money when traveling with 5% off eSims.

11 Tips for Visiting Copenhagen, Denmark

Download and Purchase the Copenhagen Card — You’ll Save a Lot on Transport

One of the first things I recommend is getting the Copenhagen Card. This honestly made our trip so much easier. Public transport in Copenhagen is clean, efficient, and easy to navigate but it can add up quickly if you’re paying for individual rides.

The Copenhagen Card covers unlimited public transport (including trains from the airport) and free entry to a huge number of attractions and museums (this includes Tivoli Gardens, Rosenborg Castle and more) . Even if you’re not planning to visit everything, the convenience alone is worth it. We didn’t have to think twice about hopping on a bus, metro, or train, we just got on and went. It removes a lot of mental friction from travelling.

Copenhagen Is Expensive

Let’s get this out of the way early, Copenhagen is expensive. Food, accommodation, drinks, and even small purchases can feel shocking. A casual meal can easily cost what a “nice dinner” might elsewhere.

That said, knowing this upfront helps you plan better. Budget accordingly, prioritise what matters most to you (for us, that was food), and don’t stress about trying to do everything. Spending a bit more on one great meal or experience is usually worth it.

Copenhagen Is Widely Known for Simple but Elevated Brunch

If you love brunch, Copenhagen will feel like a dream. The city has mastered the art of taking simple ingredients and making them exceptional. Think sourdough bread, perfectly cooked eggs, high-quality butter, fresh cheeses, seasonal vegetables, and thoughtful presentation.

Brunch spots here aren’t about massive portions or over-the-top dishes, they’re about balance, flavour, and quality. Even the simplest plate feels intentional. We noticed that cafés take their time with food, and it shows. This is also why brunch places fill up fast. A couple I’d recommend visiting for brunch are Mad and & Kaffe and Atelier September.

JULIXAEATS - Denmark - Copenhagen - Mad &

Rent a Bike — Copenhagen Is One of the Most Bike-Friendly Cities in the World

Copenhagen is built for bikes. Dedicated bike lanes are everywhere, traffic is respectful, and cycling feels completely normal, not like a tourist activity. Locals bike year-round, even in winter.

Renting a bike gives you a completely different perspective of the city. You can cover more ground while still feeling connected to your surroundings. Plus, it’s often faster than public transport for short distances. If you’re comfortable cycling, this is one of the best ways to experience Copenhagen like a local.

Walk Everywhere — The City Is Compact and Pedestrian-Friendly

If biking isn’t your thing, walking absolutely is. Copenhagen is incredibly walkable. Neighbourhoods blend into each other, streets are flat, and there’s always something interesting to see.

Some of our favourite moments came from wandering with no real plan, stumbling into quiet streets, small design shops, cosy cafés, and canals lined with colourful buildings. Walking really lets you absorb the city’s rhythm.

Tap Water Is Safe to Drink

This might seem small, but it makes a difference. Copenhagen has some of the cleanest tap water in the world, and you can drink it everywhere. Even at our hotel, there was signage in the bathroom that you can drink from the tap.

Bring a reusable water bottle, you’ll save money and avoid buying plastic bottles unnecessarily.

Credit Cards Are Accepted Almost Everywhere

We didn’t use cash during our entire trip. Copenhagen is almost entirely cashless. Restaurants, cafés, shops, public transport, everything accepts cards.

This makes travelling incredibly convenient, but it’s still smart to let your bank know you’re travelling and ensure your card works internationally.

Book Restaurants in Advance

If there’s a restaurant you really want to try, book it ahead of time. Copenhagen’s food scene is extremely popular, and even casual places fill up fast, especially brunch and dinner spots.

When we visited Delphine, reservations were already pretty full, and we were glad we booked in advance. Spontaneity is great, but planning ahead saves disappointment here.

Visit Bakeries Early

Danish pastries are not something you want to miss, but you need to go early. Bakeries often sell out by late morning, especially popular items like cardamom buns and cinnamon rolls.

Morning bakery stops became one of our favourite rituals because there are so many here!

As for bakeries, I’d recommend visiting Sankt Peders Bageri, Juno the bakery, Hart, and I’m sure you’ll find several more roaming around the city.

Dress for the Weather — Layers Are Essential

Copenhagen weather changes quickly, and layers are key. When we visited in December, it was about 3 degrees, and the cold definitely hit differently near the water.

A good coat, waterproof jacket, scarf, and comfortable shoes make all the difference. The city is still very enjoyable in Winter, you just need to dress for it.

Sundays Are Quiet

Sundays in Copenhagen are calm. Many shops close, but cafés, museums, and restaurants remain open. It’s a great day to slow down, explore museums, or enjoy a long coffee break.

The quieter pace actually adds to the charm and gives you a glimpse into local life.

My Experience Visiting Copenhagen

Visiting Copenhagen in winter felt intimate and cosy. The city wasn’t crowded, the cafés felt extra inviting, and everything moved at a gentler pace. Even though the days were shorter, we found ourselves savouring moments more, warm drinks, long walks, quiet streets.

Best Time to Visit Copenhagen

Summer (June–August) is the most popular time to visit, with long days, warmer weather, and outdoor dining everywhere. Spring and early autumn are also beautiful and slightly quieter.

Winter, while cold, it has a different kind of magic, especially during Christmas, cosy interiors, and a slower vibe that I personally loved.

Highlights of Copenhagen

Nyhavn’s colourful waterfront
Cosy cafés and bakeries
World-class food scene
Bike-friendly streets
Design, architecture, and minimalism everywhere
A calm, safe, and welcoming atmosphere

Holafly eSim – 5% OFF when you use code ‘JULIAXEATS’
This will help save you some money when traveling with 5% off eSims.

Final Thoughts about Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen invites you to slow down, eat well, walk more, and appreciate thoughtful design and everyday beauty.

If you’re looking for a destination that feels stylish yet grounded, calm yet interesting, Copenhagen deserves a spot on your list. It’s a city that lingers with you long after you leave and one I’d return to in a heartbeat, especially for the brunch and bakeries.