Northern Europe · Denmark
Copenhagen Travel Guide
Copenhagen is one of the world's most liveable cities — a flat, bikeable capital with cutting-edge food, fairy-tale architecture, the happiest people on earth, and more Michelin stars per capita than Paris. An extraordinary cruise port.
How Do You Get from the Ship to the City?
From Langelinie pier, the Little Mermaid statue is a 5-minute walk. The city centre (Nyhavn, Strøget) is about 20 minutes on foot. From Oceankaj terminal, take the free shuttle or bus 27 — about 15 minutes to the centre.
What Can You See in 6 Hours?
Nyhavn — The postcard-perfect colourful harbour. Have a beer or coffee at one of the canal-side cafés. Hans Christian Andersen lived at no. 20.
Tivoli Gardens — The second-oldest amusement park in the world (1843). Beautifully landscaped, with rides, restaurants, and evening illuminations. Entry is about €20.
Strøget — One of Europe's longest pedestrian shopping streets. Runs from City Hall to Nyhavn. Great for browsing Danish design shops.
Christiansborg Palace — The seat of Danish parliament. The tower offers free panoramic views of the city — the best free viewpoint in Copenhagen.
The Little Mermaid — Iconic but tiny. Worth a quick visit from Langelinie, but don't make a special trip across the city for it.
Where Should You Eat in Copenhagen?
Smørrebrød: Traditional Danish open sandwiches on dark rye bread. Herring (sild), shrimp (rejer), and roast pork (flæskesteg) are the classics. Eat at a traditional lunch restaurant like Schønnemann or Aamanns.
Hot dogs: Danish pølsevogn (hot dog carts) are everywhere. A rød pølse (red hot dog) with remoulade, mustard, and crispy onions is the ultimate Copenhagen street food.
New Nordic: Copenhagen revolutionised world cuisine with New Nordic cooking. Noma is impossible to book, but dozens of excellent Nordic restaurants offer creative, seasonal tasting menus from €60-80.
Is Copenhagen Worth Exploring Independently?
Copenhagen is flat, safe, well-signposted, and has excellent public transport. It's one of the easiest European capitals to explore independently. Ship excursions are overpriced for what you get — the main sights are all walkable from the port. Save your money for a smørrebrød lunch and a Tivoli evening.
Useful Local Phrases
Hej
Hello
(hi)
Tak
Thank you
(tahk)
Hvor meget koster det?
How much does it cost?
(vor MY-et KOS-ter deh)
Regningen, tak
The bill, please
(RYE-ning-en, tahk)
Local Tips
- •Copenhagen is a cycling city. Watch for bikes when crossing streets — they have dedicated lanes and won't stop for pedestrians.
- •Almost nowhere accepts cash. Cards and phones work everywhere, even for a single coffee.
- •Smørrebrød (open sandwiches) are eaten for lunch, not dinner. Order them at traditional smørrebrødsforretning (sandwich shops) for the authentic experience.
- •Tivoli Gardens amusement park is enchanting even if you don't ride anything. The gardens, lights, and atmosphere are worth the entry fee alone.