15 Copenhagen Travel Tips (from a local)

Looking for the best Copenhagen travel tips – I have you covered!  

I’ve spent two summers living in Copenhagen, studied abroad here for a semester, and even married a Dane — so you could say I know a thing or two about this Scandinavian capital. With that much time immersed in Danish culture, I’ve picked up plenty of insider tips that most tourists miss.

Whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer stay, these 15 must-know Copenhagen travel tips will give you the inside scoop that most guidebooks don’t share. 

 1. Bikes Rule the Road  

Copenhagen is the biking capital of the world! Biking is the most efficient way to get around the city, regardless of rain or shine. 

Copenhagen alone has around  250 miles (400 kilometers) of cycle paths – they even have bridges exclusively for cyclists and pedestrians!

Most hotels have bike rentals, but they’re often very expensive. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option Donkey Republic is my favorite bike rental company in Copenhagen – just download the app and find a bike near you! 

Explore Copenhagen’s landmarks or sample classic Danish dishes on a bike with a guide! This city tour by bike with a local guide and this culinary bike food tour are two great options for unique bike tours in Copenhagen. 

Local Tip: Believe it or not, it’s actually illegal to bike on the sidewalk and to turn right on a red light in Copenhagen — we learned the hard way with a ticket!  When cycling in the dark, you must have a working white light at the front and a red at the back. All bike rentals will have a light; just make sure it’s turned on

2. The Tap Water is Excellent! 

Copenhagen’s tap water isn’t just safe to drink — it’s some of the cleanest and best-tasting in the world.

Locals are proud of it and will often point out that it’s more strictly regulated than bottled water. Buying bottled water isn’t common in Denmark. 

You’ll often find self-serve pitchers of tap water in cafés. But a heads-up: at sit-down restaurants, it’s common to be charged for a glass of tap water. It’s a cultural quirk that surprises many visitors — and one even locals debate.

Local Tip: If you do end up buying bottled drinks out and about, you’ll notice a small deposit added to the price — this is called pant. You can get your money back by returning the bottle to special machines located in most supermarkets.

3. Copenhagen is Cashless 

Denmark is one of the most cashless-friendly countries I’ve ever visited! The official currency is the Danish Krone (DKK), but almost all businesses accept credit card.

So, skip the ATM. Instead, use your credit card for everything. 

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4. Skip visiting between Christmas and early January 

Copenhagen during the holiday season is truly magical — twinkling lights, cozy candles, and Christmas markets around every corner. But one common mistake I see first-time visitors make is planning their trip right over the Christmas holiday or between December 24 and January 1.

Here’s what many don’t realize about visiting during this time:

• December 24 is the main day Danes celebrate Christmas, and nearly everything shuts down — that includes restaurants, shops, supermarkets, and major attractions.
• Many of Copenhagen’s top restaurants and bakeries close for the holidays and may not reopen until mid-January.
• Christmas markets close in the days leading up to Christmas.

 If you want to soak in the full holiday magic — plan your trip for late November or early to mid-December. 

✨For the ultimate holiday itinerary, check out my full Copenhagen Christmas guide. This guide has extensive details on Copenhagen’s Christmas markets and local Christmas traditions. Believe me when I say the Saint Lucia Kayak parade on December 13th is bucket list worthy! 

Local Tip: For a one-of-a-kind Danish Christmas souvenir, bring home an advent candle! You can find advent candles in the larger department stores like Magasin or Illum. For a budget-friendly version,  grocery stores also carry advent candles.  

5. Everyone Speaks English 

Almost all Danes speak excellent English. They start learning English at a young age, and their accents are very easy to understand. 

Local Tip: Learn a few simple phrases like “tak” (thank you) or “hej hej” (goodbye). 

6. Avoid Taxis – Here’s what to do instead 

Taxis in Copenhagen are extremely expensive, and while Uber has recently returned (after being banned from 2017 to 2024), the fares are still high. Why? Because Uber now partners with local taxi companies, meaning you’ll be paying the high taxi prices — just through the Uber app. 

Instead of relying on taxis, take advantage of Copenhagen’s excellent public transportation system. It’s clean, safe, efficient, and incredibly easy to use — especially from the airport. You can hop on the driverless metro and be in the city center in under 15 minutes. A one-way ticket from the airport costs around 25 DKK (about $4 USD).

✨ Money-Saving Tip: If you plan to explore multiple attractions, consider getting the Copenhagen Card – Discover. It gives you unlimited access to public transport across the city plus free entry to 80+ museums and attractions.

Local Tip: Don’t try to ride without a valid ticket. Ticket checks are common — and random. I’ve seen multiple tourists get hit with a 750 DKK fine (roughly $130 USD) for riding without a ticket, thinking they could sneak by. Trust me — it’s not worth it.

7. Don’t eat in Nyhavn… go here instead 

The colorful houses of Nyhavn are the face of Copenhagen — you’ll see them on just about every postcard and guidebook cover. They’re iconic, instantly recognizable, and definitely worth a stroll. But here’s a Copenhagen travel tip: please resist the urge to have lunch or dinner there.

While the views are charming, the restaurants in Nyhavn tend to be overpriced and the food quality is nothing specail. That said, Nyhavn is still a lovely spot to grab a drink — sip an Aperol Spritz in the summer or cozy up with an Irish coffee in winter while you people-watch along the canal.

If you’re craving a more authentic Danish meal nearby, skip the crowds and head just around the corner to Told & Snaps. This classic Danish restaurant is known for its smørrebrød — traditional open-faced sandwiches served with house-made snaps. It’s only open during lunch and it’s a favorite among locals and a great intro to Copenhagen’s culinary culture.

I’m obsessed with smørrebrød and I put together a ranking of the best places to try smørrebrød in Copenhagen, including recommendations on what to order for each restaurant I list! 

Local Tip: When eating smørrebrød, always use a fork and knife — never pick it up with your hands. It’s practically a national faux pas!

8. Tipping isn’t expected 

Compared to the United States, where you can’t order a coffee without being asked for a tip, tipping is not common in Denmark. This is largely because the responsibility is placed on businesses to pay their employees fairly. Today, Denmark has one of the highest national minimum wages in the EU. 

However, if your service was exceptional, you can leave 10% or round up the bill. 

Local Tip: When paying with your card, always choose to be charged in Danish Kroner, not your home currency. It might seem natural to choose USD (or your local currency), but that option triggers hidden conversion fees, and you’ll end up paying more.

9. Book hotels early  

Hotel prices in Copenhagen can climb fast — especially during peak seasons like summer and the Christmas markets. Even mid-range spots often sell out months in advance, so it’s smart to book early for the best availability and rates.

Not sure where to stay?
I put together a guide to my favorite hotels in Copenhagen for first-time visitors, complete with a handy map! Use it to find accommodations just outside the main tourist hotspots, where you’ll get better value and a more relaxed local vibe.

Some of my favorite neighborhoods to stay in:

• Vesterbro – hip, creative, and close to the central station
• Nørrebro – multicultural, artsy, and full of great food
• Østerbro – family-friendly, plenty of parks, and cozy cafes 

10.  Skip the Big Boats — Take this canal tour instead 

If you’re visiting Copenhagen in the summer, a canal tour is an absolute must! But here’s the thing — skip the large Stromma tour boats that are packed with tourists in Nyhavn. Instead, go for a more personal, local experience with Hey Captain.

Hey Captain offers the #1 rated canal tours in Copenhagen, all led by friendly local guides. Their small-group boats are limited to just 12 people, creating a relaxed, social atmosphere that feels more like boating with friends than a typical tour.

My favorite part was cruising through scenic neighborhoods and lesser-known canals that the big boats can’t reach. It gave me a different perspective of the city, and our guide was full of unique facts!  Whether you choose their Hidden Gems, Social Sailing, or Landmarks tour, you’ll see Copenhagen like a local.

Book your Hey Captain tour directly through their site — it’s one of my favorite things to do in summer. 

Choose one of their unique tours and get ready to see a new side of Copenhagen. Book your Hey Captain tour directly through their site here.

11. The weather can be moody 

Typically, the best weather in Copenhagen is June – early September, but nothing is ever guaranteed! If you see rain in the forecast, it’s best to pack a light rain jacket. 

If it’s raining in Copenhagen check out these cozy spots and unique museums: 

• Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek – A stunning museum in the heart of the city with ancient sculptures and a photogenic  palm tree-filled winter garden 
• National Museum of Denmark – Learn all about Denmark’s viking history and Danish culture  
• Torvehallerne Food Market – A gorgeous indoor food market with a glass roof. Visit Lund to try a Danish meatball (frikadeller), or warm up with a coffee and pastry from Coffee Collective. 
• Designmuseum Danmark – If you’re a lover of Danish design, this museum won’t disappoint. My favorite exhibit here is the collection of chairs by Arne Jacobsen.
• AIRE Ancient Baths – Steam, soak, and sauna after a long day! What’s even more impressive is the location! This candle-lit bathhouse is located in the old grain chambers from the original Carlsberg brewery! 

12. Try Faxe Kondi

My husband got me hooked on Faxe Kondi, and now it’s the first thing I reach for the moment we land in Denmark. This fizzy soft drink is distinctly Danish — and trust me, you won’t find it anywhere else in the world.

Think of it as Sprite’s cooler, tastier Scandinavian cousin — citrusy, crisp, and just the right amount of sweet. 

You can find Faxe Kondi at most restaurants, supermarkets, and even iconic spots like Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen. They offer both the classic version and Faxe Kondi Zero for a sugar-free option.

13. Have an Onsdagssnegl – Copenhagen’s Famous Wednesday Cinnamon Roll

One of my favorite Danish traditions is the Onsdagssnegl, which literally translates to “Wednesday snail.” It’s an oversized cinnamon roll that’s sold at bakeries across Denmark every Wednesday — and yes, it’s just as good as it sounds.

To lure in midweek customers, bakeries make these cinnamon rolls extra large and extra affordable, and trust me — it works. Locals line up early, and once you taste one, you’ll understand why.

If you’re in Copenhagen, the best place to try an Onsdagssnegl is at Sankt Peders Bageri, the oldest bakery in the city, located in the Latin Quarter. Every Wednesday, this little spot sells over 4,000 cinnamon rolls, and it’s become somewhat of a Copenhagen rite of passage.

You’ll spot Sankt Peders Bageri by its cheerful yellow facade — and likely a line out the door. You can choose between two versions: one topped with pearl sugar and the other with sweet vanilla frosting (my personal favorite).

Local Tip: Seating inside is limited, so if the weather’s nice, grab your cinnamon roll to-go and enjoy it at a nearby park like Ørstedsparken or Botanisk Have for the ultimate hyggelig Wednesday morning.

14.  Skip the Tourist Traps – Shop Here for Danish Design   

🛍️ Where to Shop Danish Design in Copenhagen

Danish design is known for its exceptional quality, clean lines, and timeless appeal — and in recent years, it’s become more popular than ever. Whether you’re shopping for gifts, personal keepsakes, or just indulging your inner design lover,  these shops are the perfect place to start.

• MK Studio – Elegant, minimalistic ceramics in soft tones and organic shapes. Perfect for bringing a little everyday luxury into your home.
• Georg Jensen – An iconic Danish brand offering sophisticated jewelry and home decor. I have a few pieces from their Daisy collection that I love!
• Illum – A high-end department store filled with beautiful Danish design brands. One of my favorite pieces here is the flowerpot lamp (pictured) from &Tradition. 
• Rains – This is the place to pick up a high-quality, waterproof jacket. Stylish, durable, and a piece you’ll keep forever.
• HAY – Bold, colorful, and playful — HAY is a must for fans of modern home design. I love their twisted candles and bright candle holders.

15.  Tivoli Gardens is not open year-round 

One important detail that often surprises first-time visitors to Copenhagen is that Tivoli Gardens isn’t open year-round. While the park has extended its seasonal openings in recent years—adding themed decor for Halloween and Christmas—it still closes during parts of the year. Due to lower tourist numbers during the colder months and when school is in session, it’s simply not practical for Tivoli to be open year-round.

Tivoli’s seasonal schedule is typically:

💐 Spring/Summer: Early April – Mid September

🎃 Fall: Early October – Halloween (October 31)

❄️ Winter: Mid-November – early January

For exact opening dates and hours, visit Tivoli’s website. 

When is the best season to visit Tivoli Gardens? 

I’ve visited Tivoli Gardens in all four seasons, and each one offers something special! Summer is the liveliest, with the most festivals and events on the calendar. Every Friday night, there’s a live concert and a fireworks show on Saturday. The Christmas season is just as magical, with twinkling lights, a Christmas market, and stands selling traditional Danish holiday treats.

I hope these Copenhagen travel tips get you excited for your visit and help you feel more prepared! I update this guide regularly with new tips and changes, so you can trust the info is current! If you have other questions about traveling to Copenhagen, send me an email Linnea@popoversandpassports.com, or drop a comment below!

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