Copenhagen is one of the world’s most livable cities, but it has quirks that can catch first-time visitors off guard; from the Copenhagen Card economics to Danish tipping culture (hint: you don’t need to). This Copenhagen travel tips and FAQ guide covers arrivals, getting around, money, safety, and practical answers to questions efirst-time visitor asks. For more on this topic, see our Copenhagen Weather by Month guide. For more on this topic, see our Best Time to Visit Copenhagen guide.
Copenhagen Travel Tips: Arrival and Airport
Copenhagen Airport (CPH, also called Kastrup) is Scandinavia’s busiest airport, located 8km southeast of the city center on the island of Amager. Terminal 2 handles most international flights including all non-Schengen arrivals; Terminal 3 handles domestic and Schengen flights. The airport has direct Metro (line M2, 14 minutes to Kongens Nytorv, DKK 36 / US$5.20 one-way), regional train (12 minutes to Central Station, same price), taxi (DKK 300 to 400 / US$43 to 58, 25 minutes), and bus 5C (35 minutes, same ticket price). Buy tickets from the red DSB machines in Terminal 3 baggage claim; the machines accept cards but not cash. The Copenhagen Card (see below) covers airport-city transport. Non-Schengen arrivals should budget 45 to 60 minutes for immigration in summer. For more on this topic, see our Things to Do in Copenhagen guide. For more on this topic, see our Copenhagen Events and Festivals guide.
Copenhagen Travel Tips: Getting Around
- Metro: Four lines (M1, M2, M3 Cityringen, M4) running 24/7 with trains e2 to 4 minutes during the day and e10 to 20 minutes at night. The M3 Cityringen loop connects all central neighborhoods and opened in 2019. Single ticket: DKK 24 to 36 (US$3.50 to 5.20) depending on zones. The City Pass covers unlimited transport for 24 hours (DKK 80 / US$11.50) or 72 hours (DKK 200 / US$29).
- S-tog (commuter rail): Red trains connecting the city center with suburbs and outer neighborhoods. Central hubs are Nørreport, Central Station (København H), and Østerport. Runs 5am to midnight weekdays with reduced weekend service.
- Buses: Extensive network covering areas the Metro doesn’t reach. Bus 5C is the key tourist route, running from the airport through the city center to Nørrebro and Herlev. Cash is not accepted on buses; use a Rejsekort card or the DOT app.
- Harbor buses (Havnebussen): Yellow boats (routes 991, 992, 993) that function as regular public transport on the harbor. Same ticket prices. The route from Refshaleøen to Nordre Toldbod is scenic. Operates roughly 7am to 7pm with reduced winter schedules.
- Cycling: Copenhagen is the world’s best cycling city. Donkey Republic (app-based) is the easiest rental system at DKK 120/day. Follow the dedicated bike lanes, use hand signals, and never walk in the bike lane; locals will ring their bells at you.
- Walking: The medieval center is compact and flat. Walking from Nørreport to Christianshavn takes about 25 minutes. Copenhagen is one of the world’s most walkable capitals.
Copenhagen Travel Tips: Money and Payments
Denmark uses the Danish Krone (DKK), not the Euro. As of mid-2026, US$1 is roughly DKK 6.90 and €1 is roughly DKK 7.45. Copenhagen is essentially a cashless city; even hot dog stands and flea market vendors accept cards and MobilePay (the Danish equivalent of Venmo, available to residents only). Visa and Mastercard are accepted everywhere; American Express works at hotels and larger restaurants but not small cafes. Carrying more than DKK 200 in cash is unnecessary. ATMs (called hæveautomater) are available at all banks and supermarkets if needed. Tipping is not expected or required; service charges are included in all prices. Rounding up a restaurant bill to the nearest 50 or 100 DKK is polite for exceptional service but never obligatory. Tap water is safe and excellent; ask for postevand at restaurants to avoid paying for bottled water. For more on this topic, see our Best Neighborhoods in Copenhagen guide. For more on this topic, see our Where to Stay in Copenhagen guide.
Copenhagen Travel Tips: Copenhagen Card and Sightseeing Passes
The Copenhagen Card (copenhagencard.com) gives free entry to 80+ attractions including Tivoli, all major museums, canal tours, and the zoo, plus free unlimited public transport in zones 1 to 99 (including the airport). The 24-hour card costs DKK 499 (US$72) for adults, 48-hour DKK 699 (US$101), 72-hour DKK 849 (US$123). It breaks even after roughly 2 major attractions plus transport per day. Buy the digital version on the app; you don’t need a physical card. The card activates on first use, not on purchase date. If you’re visiting 3+ museums/attractions and using public transport, the 72-hour card is a genuine money-saver. If you’re mainly walking and only hitting 2 sights per day, pay as you go.
Copenhagen Travel Tips: Safety, Health, and Practicalities
Copenhagen is one of the world’s safest capital cities. Violent crime against tourists is extremely rare. Pickpocketing occurs in tourist-heavy areas (Nyhavn, Strøget, Central Station) but at lower rates than most European capitals; basic awareness of your belongings is sufficient. The area around Central Station and Istedgade in Vesterbro has some street-level drug activity but is not dangerous during the day. Christiania’s Pusher Street has its own rules; run if you hear shouts, do not photograph, and leave the area if you feel uncomfortable. Tap water is safe and excellent (see Money section). Medical care is top-tier: the public hospital Rigshospitalet (Blegdamsvej 9) has a 24/7 emergency department. The emergency number is 112. Pharmacies (apotek) are marked by a green cross; the Steno Apotek at Central Station is open 24/7. Denmark is an EU member. Schengen visa rules apply. UK, US, Canadian, and Australian passport holders can stay 90 days without a visa.
Copenhagen Travel Tips: Best Time-Saving Advice
- Book Tivoli tickets online: The ticket queue can take 30+ minutes in summer. Online tickets scan directly at the gate.
- Download the DOT app: It sells public transport tickets and shows real-time departures. Much easier than ticket machines which have clunky interfaces.
- Eat smørrebrød for lunch, not dinner: Traditional Danish open sandwiches are lunch food. Most classic smørrebrød restaurants (Schønnemann, Hallernes Smørrebrød in Torvehallerne) close by 5pm.
- Use the Metro, not taxis: Taxis cost 3 to 4 times public transport and are no faster in the compact center. The Metro runs 24/7.
- Sunday shopping: Most shops in central Copenhagen are open on Sundays (10am to 4pm typical), unlike in much of the rest of Denmark. Strøget stores stay open.
- Danish language: Nearly everyone under 60 speaks fluent English. You won’t need Danish. Learning tak (thank you) and hej (hi, pronounced like hi) is appreciated but not expected.
Suggested Hotels in Copenhagen
If you haven’t already booked accommodation, here are three excellent options at different price points in central Copenhagen.
Nimb Hotel
A 5-star Moorish-style palace hotel inside Tivoli Gardens with 38 individually designed rooms, many with fireplaces and four-poster beds. Guests get free Tivoli entry throughout their stay. The rooftop pool overlooks the gardens and the Nimb Brasserie serves a renowned smørrebrød lunch. Best for a special occasion stay where budget is not a concern. Check rates and availability
Andersen Boutique Hotel
A 4-star design hotel in Vesterbro near Central Station with bold Danish wallpaper and outstanding breakfast included. The location is excellent; 5 minutes to Tivoli, 10 to the Meatpacking District. The staff are notably helpful with restaurant recommendations. Best for couples who want a stylish mid-range stay with easy transport access. Check rates and availability
Wakeup Copenhagen Borgergade
A clean, modern budget hotel 5 minutes from Kongens Nytorv and Nyhavn with small but well-designed rooms. The location at this price point is exceptional. No breakfast included, but the nearby Meyers Bageri on Store Kongensgade does outstanding Danish pastries. Best for solo travelers and couples prioritizing location over room space. Check rates and availability
