København · 55.6761° N

Hygge i København

Hej! Just a list of places, tips, and bits of Copenhagen — collected over time for friends and family.

God tur

Things to know

The small stuff that makes a big difference.

Public transport

The Metro runs 24/7

Every day, all night. No excuses for missing the last train.

Paper tickets need no validation

They're time-stamped when you buy them, so just hop on. One ticket works for metro, bus, train and the waterbus.

City Pass Small

If you go for paper tickets, this is usually all you need for the city area.

Copenhagen Card

Better value if you plan to visit several museums — transport and admissions included.

Waterbus

Your normal transport ticket covers it. It crosses the harbour, roughly every half hour — check Citymapper for times.

Cycling

Lights are mandatory after sunset

Police do fine tourists too.

Always raise your arm before stopping

And stay in the right lane if you're slow.

How to cycle in Denmark

Two minutes of reading that saves you a lot of angry bell-ringing.

Everyday life

Don't bin bottles and cans

They carry a deposit — return them at any supermarket and get money back.

Payments

We use Danish kroner, not euros. But the country is almost entirely cashless, so your card works everywhere.

Places & things

What to see, from the postcard classics to the odd stuff.

Classics & parks

The iconic coloured harbour. Touristy, still lovely.

Pusher Street has been closed, but the area is a nice walk.

The city's favourite loop for a stroll or a run.

The Royal Palace.

The King's Garden, with a rose garden.

A star-shaped army fortress with a beautiful park and cherry trees.

Amusement park right in the city centre. You can also just walk in — there are restaurants inside.

One of the oldest streets in town.

Neighbourhoods

Vibrant and historic, one of the most multi-ethnic and diverse parts of Copenhagen.

A new neighbourhood on an artificial peninsula, with the waterbus terminal.

A beach park. Yes, you can swim.

Modern & views

A park in Nørrebro you've probably already seen in a commercial.

An incinerator with a ski slope on top. Free elevator to the roof, but a bit out of the way — nothing fancy.

Take the elevator up for the view. Free, no booking needed.

Trips

Castles north of Copenhagen

Several of them, all reachable by train.

Take the train across the Øresund Bridge. Another country before lunch.

What to eat

Danish cuisine isn't life-changing, but smørrebrød is worth it.

Markets

Food market, and a great place to try smørrebrød.

Outdoor street food market by the water.

The Bridge Street Kitchen, just across from Nyhavn. Outdoor.

The Meatpacking District — bars and restaurants in old butcher halls.

Dining

For proper, typical Danish food.

Excellent smørrebrød — do check the prices first.

Pastries

Cardamom, butter and a very good reason to get up early.

Bakeries

Worth the detour.

Go early, the cardamom buns disappear.

Lagkagehuset

A chain. It's everywhere, and it's fine.

More pastry ideas

My little list.

Museums

Rainy day? Perfect, that's most days.

Art & history

The National Gallery of Denmark.

The National Museum of Denmark.

Small, beautiful, wildly colourful inside.

Antiquities under a palm-filled winter garden.

Art installations in old underground water cisterns.

Hands-on science. Great with kids.

Outside the city, around one hour by train. Worth the whole day.

Copenhagen's top museums

The official round-up.

Saunas

Hot room, cold harbour, repeat. Very Nordic.

Where to sweat

Book ahead.

Inspiration

If you want someone else's opinion for once.

Things I like

Things to do in Copenhagen

The New York Times guide. A good one.