Holiday Nerd

Copenhagen is one of those cities that feels effortlessly well put together.

Compact, clean and design-conscious, Denmark’s capital blends colourful waterfronts, cutting-edge architecture and a strong café culture with a relaxed, liveable feel. It consistently ranks as one of the world’s most liveable cities — and when you visit, it’s easy to see why.

It’s not chaotic or overwhelming. It’s calm, stylish and easy to navigate and is perfect for a long weekend.

Why Visit Copenhagen?

• Colourful harbourfront at Nyhavn
• World-class food scene
• Bike-friendly and easy to explore
• Mix of historic and ultra-modern architecture
• Cosy café culture (hygge)
• Safe and relaxed atmosphere

It’s compact, walkable and polished — ideal for a 48-hour city break.

Getting There

Copenhagen Airport (CPH) is one of Scandinavia’s main hubs, with direct flights across Europe and beyond.

The metro runs directly from the airport to the city centre in around 15 minutes. It’s clean, efficient and runs frequently.

Copenhagen is also connected by rail to Sweden via the Øresund Bridge, making it easy to combine with Malmö on a day trip.

Once in the city, you won’t need a car. Walking and cycling are the best ways to get around.

Where to Stay

Copenhagen accommodation is generally high quality, but also expensive.

The main options include:

• Design-led boutique hotels
• Scandinavian-style chains
• Luxury waterfront hotels
• Budget-friendly but compact rooms

The most convenient areas to stay:

• Indre By (Old Town) – Central and walkable
• Vesterbro – Trendy and lively
• Christianshavn – Quieter, canal-side atmosphere

Expect prices to be higher than most European cities, particularly in summer.

What to See & Do

Nyhavn

The postcard image of Copenhagen.

Brightly coloured 17th-century townhouses line the harbour, now home to restaurants and bars. It’s touristy, but undeniably photogenic. Best visited early morning or at dusk.

Tivoli Gardens

One of the world’s oldest amusement parks, located right in the city centre.

Even if you’re not interested in rides, the gardens, lights and atmosphere are worth experiencing — particularly in the evening. It feels nostalgic rather than overly commercial.

The Little Mermaid

Copenhagen’s most famous statue. Based on the fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen, The Little Mermaid sits quietly on a rock by the waterfront at Langelinie. It is often described as a “must-see” and therefore something you should at least tick it off if you are visiting Copenhagen..

That said, be prepared: it is smaller and more understated than most visitors expect. There’s no grand setting or dramatic reveal — just a modest bronze figure looking out to sea. It regularly appears on lists of Europe’s most overrated attractions, and in terms of statues, it sits firmly alongside Brussels’ Manneken Pis as probably the most over-hyped states in Europe.

It’s free, easy to visit if you’re already walking along the waterfront, and worth a quick stop — just don’t build your day around it.

Christiansborg Palace

Home to the Danish Parliament, Supreme Court and royal reception rooms.

You can visit parts of the palace and climb the tower for free panoramic views over the city.

Rosenborg Castle

A compact Renaissance castle set within the King’s Garden.

Inside you’ll find the Danish crown jewels and well-preserved royal rooms. It’s manageable in a couple of hours.

Cycling the City

Copenhagen is built for bikes. Even if you’re only visiting for a weekend, renting a bike for a few hours is a great way to explore the city. The infrastructure is excellent and feels safe, so even if you aren’t the most confident cyclists.

Christianshavn & Freetown Christiania

Christianshavn offers canals and quieter streets.

Christiania, an alternative community founded in the 1970s, has a very different feel from the rest of Copenhagen — colourful, informal and slightly chaotic. It’s interesting to walk through, though photography is restricted in some areas.

Food & Drink

Copenhagen has one of Europe’s strongest food scenes.

From Michelin-starred restaurants to casual bakeries, quality is consistently high.

Things to try:

• Smørrebrød – Open-faced rye bread sandwiches
• Danish pastries – Best from local bakeries
• Fresh seafood
• Craft beer
• Natural wine bars
• Dining out can be expensive, but casual lunch spots offer better value than evening meals.
• Coffee culture is strong, and cafés are everywhere.

Practical Information

• Currency: Danish Krone (DKK)
• Language: Danish (English spoken fluently)
• Payment: Cards widely accepted — cash rarely needed so not worth taking
• Getting around: Walk, cycle or metro
• Safety: Extremely safe

Best Time to Visit Copenhagen

• Late Spring & Summer (May–September): Long daylight hours, outdoor dining and harbour swimming. The city feels most alive.
• Autumn: Cooler but still pleasant, with fewer tourists.
• Winter: Cold, dark and atmospheric. Christmas markets and cosy cafés lean heavily into hygge, though daylight hours are short.

Final Thoughts

Copenhagen doesn’t overwhelm you with dramatic landmarks. Instead, it impresses through cohesion, quality and atmosphere.

It’s clean, calm and beautifully designed — a city that feels easy to live in and easy to visit. Two days is enough to see the highlights, though the food alone could justify staying longer.

If you’re looking for a stylish, manageable and relaxed European city break, Copenhagen is hard to fault.