Copenhagen
Copenhagen feels like it was designed for humans instead of cars. Everyone bikes everywhere, the food ranges from world-class Michelin restaurants to excellent street food at Reffen, and the design sense bleeds into everything from the metro stations to the coffee cups. It's expensive — a beer costs 50–70 DKK — but the free stuff is genuinely great: walking along the canals, Nyhavn's colorful waterfront, the King's Garden. Tivoli is basically a fairy-tale amusement park in the middle of the city and it's been there since 1843.
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Copenhagen travel FAQ
How many days do I need in Copenhagen?
2–3 days covers it well — the city is compact. Day 1: Nyhavn for the photo, walk to Amalienborg Palace for the changing of the guard, Rosenborg Castle and the King's Garden. Day 2: Christiania (the freetown — look but don't photograph the Pusher Street area), Torvehallerne food market for lunch (try the smørrebrød), then Tivoli Gardens in the evening (110 DKK entry, rides cost extra). Day 3: Rent a bike and explore — Vesterbro neighborhood for brunch, Reffen street food market. If you have more time, day trip to Malmö, Sweden — it's 35 minutes by train across the Øresund Bridge.
How expensive is Copenhagen?
Let's be honest: it's pricey. A sit-down lunch is 120–180 DKK, a beer at a bar 50–70 DKK, and hotel rooms start around 800–1,200 DKK for something basic. But you can soften the blow: eat at food halls and street food markets (Reffen, Torvehallerne), buy lunch from bakeries (amazing Danish pastries for 25–35 DKK), and take advantage of free attractions — the canals, parks, Christiania. A Copenhagen Card (459 DKK for 48 hours) includes free transit and 80+ attractions, which can save money if you're museum-hopping. Tap water is excellent everywhere — skip bottled.
Is Copenhagen bike-friendly?
Arguably the most bike-friendly city on the planet. Over 380 km of dedicated bike lanes, traffic lights timed for cycling speed, and everyone from businesspeople to parents with kids in cargo bikes uses them. Rent from Donkey Republic (app-based, about 80 DKK/day). Stick to the bike lanes — they're clearly marked and separate from both cars and pedestrians. Signal with your hand before stopping or turning. The biggest adjustment: the pace is fast and locals don't appreciate wobbly tourists blocking the lane. Ride confidently, stay right, pass left.