Copenhagen—a city that’s quickly becoming a favorite travel destination, especially among the younger generation. It’s clean, safe, and aesthetic. But it’s definitely not cheap!
I’ve been to Copenhagen twice in the spring. The city is stunning with cherry blossoms blooming everywhere—but don’t expect warm weather. If you’re looking for a more comfortable climate, I’d recommend visiting in August or September. That’s when the weather is perfect for bike rides and swimming in the canals alongside the locals.
Getting to Copenhagen:
While there’s no direct flight from Miami to Copenhagen, you can fly direct from cities like New York and many major hubs across Europe. The first time I visited, I connected through London, and the second time through New York. Personally, I prefer getting the long-haul flight out of the way first and then connecting somewhere in Europe. I recommend doing the same—or even spending a few days in a European city like Madrid or Paris before flying into Copenhagen.
Once you arrive at Copenhagen Kastrup Airport, getting into the city is super easy. You can take an Uber or a taxi, but the train (or metro) is by far the easiest and fastest option. It’s directly connected to the airport and gets you into the city in just 15–20 minutes.
Where to Stay:
Indre By is the most central area of Copenhagen, and I recommend staying here—especially if it’s your first visit. While the city is fairly small and easy to navigate, many of the main attractions are spread out in different directions. Staying in the center, near landmarks like Rosenborg Castle, makes it much easier to explore without spending too much time commuting.
Where to Eat in Copenhagen:
Apotek 57 – An old pharmacy turned into a cozy café. My go-to orders: the croissants, savory waffle, matcha, and the traditional Danish plate.
La Cabra – Try the cardamom bun here and grab a matcha while you’re at it. Copenhagen is full of amazing bakeries popping up everywhere—you really can’t go wrong.
Sankt Peders Bageri – The oldest bakery in Copenhagen, beloved for its cinnamon rolls.
Atelier September – My all-time favorite spot! Get there early to avoid the lines. I love the Danish breakfast plate, matcha, pancakes, and omelettes.
Tårnet at Christiansborg Palace – A beautiful dinner spot inside the palace tower. Perfect for enjoying classic Danish cuisine with panoramic views and a refined atmosphere.
Bobe – Ideal for a romantic, candlelit dinner. The food is delicious, and downstairs at the bar the underground wine caves and cozy corners give it a magical vibe.
Pompette – A laid-back, natural wine bar that’s perfect for a casual night out.
Bar Moro – A casual lunch or dinner spot offering Mediterranean style dishes.
Beau Marché Café à Vins – The perfect lunch spot surrounded by flowers and unique interior finds.
Hot Dog Stands – Scattered all throughout the city, these sausage stands are a must-try. Grab a classic Danish-style hot dog with crispy onions, pickles, and remoulade. It’s the perfect quick bite while exploring!
What to do in Copenhagen:
The Little Mermaid – Honestly, a bit overhyped in my opinion, but still worth a visit if you go on a nice, sunny day. The nearby park makes for a lovely stroll.
Changing of the Guards at Amalienborg Palace – A classic Copenhagen experience. Make sure to get there 15–20 minutes early—it gets pretty packed! The changing of the guards happens daily at noon.
Rosenborg Castle – Located in the heart of the city, Rosenborg castle is surrounded by lush gardens and holds the Danish crown jewels.
Nyhavn Canal – Probably the most iconic spot in Copenhagen (& most touristy). With its colorful 17th-century buildings, docked boats, and cafés lining the water, it’s the perfect place to grab a drink and take pictures of the iconic colorful buildings.
The Round Tower (Rundetårn) – Climb up for a beautiful panoramic view of the city. It’s a gentle spiral walk up, with only a few stairs at the top.
Rent a Boat – Spend an hour cruising through the canals on a self-drive boat. It’s a relaxing and fun way to see the city from the water. Company I used: Friendships.
Shopping – Explore spots like Ganni Postmodern and Magnolia Thrift. Copenhagen has no shortage of high-end designer and curated thrift stores—just don’t expect cheap prices.
HAY House – A chic store with typical Scandinavian style furniture.
The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art – Take a short train ride north for an unforgettable day trip. The museum blends modern art with scenic coastal views.
Stroll through Hellerup: “The Beverly Hills of Denmark” – While you’re near the Louisiana Museum, explore the upscale neighborhood nearby with beautiful homes and peaceful streets.
Bike Around the City – Copenhagen is incredibly bike-friendly. Rent a bike or grab a Lime e-bike and cruise along Sortedams Sø or through neighborhoods like Vesterbro and Nørrebro. Just be sure to follow local biking etiquette!
Designmuseum Danmark – A must for interior lovers. From Danish furniture to modern design pieces, this museum captures the aesthetic soul of the city.
Tivoli Gardens – One of the world’s oldest amusement parks, located right in the center of the city. Even if you’re not into rides, the gardens, lights, and food stands are worth the visit.
Culture Shocks in Copenhagen:
How safe it is.
While it’s always important to stay aware of your surroundings, Copenhagen is genuinely the safest city I’ve ever visited. One of the biggest shocks? Seeing baby strollers—with actual babies in them—left outside on the sidewalk while parents are inside grabbing coffee, shopping, or even having lunch. As someone from the U.S., this was wild to see, but totally normal here.
How clean everything is.
Copenhagen is incredibly clean. The streets are spotless, trash is regularly picked up, and even the subway looks freshly scrubbed. It’s one of those cities where you actually notice how well-maintained and orderly everything feels.
Everyone bikes.
Literally everyone which means barely any traffic. The bike lanes are just as important (if not more) than the car lanes, and the entire city is built to support this way of getting around.
Other Activities (I haven’t done):
Day Trip to Sweden
Copenhagen is just a quick train ride away from Malmö, Sweden. You can hop on the Øresund Bridge train and be there in under 40 minutes.
Sauna and Hot Tub by the Canals
One of the most unique local experiences is booking a floating sauna or hot tub right on the canals. You’ll see locals doing this year-round. Warm up in the sauna and then jump straight into the cold water for the full Scandinavian contrast therapy experience.
Michelin-Star Dining: Noma & Alchemist
Copenhagen is a global foodie destination, home to two of the world’s most famous restaurants: Noma and Alchemist. Both offer once-in-a-lifetime tasting menus that are as artistic as they are delicious. Be sure to book months in advance—they fill up quickly. Alchemist is a 5-7 hour, 50 course dining experience that engages all your senses. It’s an immersive journey through art, sound, texture, and taste.
Freetown Christiania
Christiania is a self-proclaimed autonomous neighborhood with a very different vibe from the rest of Copenhagen. Known for its street art, open cannabis trade, and creative community, it’s a fascinating place to explore and get a feel for the city’s counterculture.
National Museum of Denmark
Located near the city center, the National Museum is the best place to dive into Danish history—from Viking artifacts to royal treasures and modern Danish culture.
Try Smørrebrød
Smørrebrød is a traditional Danish open-faced sandwich. Whether topped with pickled herring, shrimp, or roast beef with crispy onions you can find them all over the city. I must try it on my next visit!!
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