Copenhagen is one of the best city breaks in Europe, and it’s easy to see why. The city is compact, making it easy to walk around and explore if you’re staying in the main, historical district. Although Scandinavia is known to be expensive, I promise that staying a long weekend in this city won’t break the bank. It has one of the most beautiful libraries I’ve ever seen, straight out of a Disney storybook fairytale, and some of the best culinary experiences and options you’ll find across Europe. Here are all the best recommendations for where to stay in Copenhagen your first time.

Where to Stay in Copenhagen Your First Time

What part of Copenhagen is best to stay in?

The capital of Denmark is one of the most beautiful cities in Scandinavia. The best part of Copenhagen to stay in is Indre By or the nearby Frederiksstaden. If you’re looking where to stay in Copenhagen your first time, both of these areas are great to stay in because they’re centrally located to the historic district. Copenhagen is a compact city, and you only need a few days to see it all. Booking accommodations in these central areas will allow you to maximize your time there, especially if you’re only staying for a long weekend.

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Is Copenhagen a walkable city?

Copenhagen is a walkable city, and when my husband and I stayed for a long weekend, we only had to utilize the public train for transport to the airport. We stayed in the central area of Frederiksstaden and were able to walk or take a short bike ride to all the city’s points of interest we visited that weekend. Keep reading for hotel suggestions for where to stay in Copenhagen your first time.

What is the prettiest area in Copenhagen?

The prettiest area in Copenhagen is Indre By because it has some of the most beautiful places in the city, including the idyllic waterfront of Nyhavn and Christiansborg Palace, and the iconic architecture of Copenhagen.

Where to avoid staying in Copenhagen?

In general, Copenhagen is a safe city. Avoid staying in the southern part of the city near Freetown Christiania. This is an area where there is a history of gang violence and is not necessarily safe to visit at night. Even though it is a popular tourist destination, I honestly can’t understand why. There are so many other beautiful places in the city to visit, so I wouldn’t waste your time. It has also been known to be popular with pickpockets.

Best Copenhagen Neighborhood Overall for Where to Stay in Copenhagen your First Time: Indre By

Pros of Staying in Indre By

One of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Copenhagen is Indre By. If you’re looking for where to stay in Copenhagen your first time, this would be it! This area is best for tourists as it offers plenty of hotel options and is close to the city center. From Indre By you can easily walk to the historic parts of the city and some of the best things to do in Copenhagen. It’s also well connected with public transport, and there are plenty of bikes in the area if you want to feel like a local.

Cons of Staying in Indre By

Since Indre By is one of the best places to stay in Copenhagen, it will also be the most expensive. One of the wonderful things about Copenhagen and why it’s one of Europe’s best city breaks, is that staying in a luxury hotel won’t break the bank, even though Scandinavia is known as an expensive part of Europe!

This is one of the best hotels in Copenhagen. You can experience five-star luxury and sustainability without breaking the bank.

Best Places to Stay in Indre By

Hotel Sanders $$$: This five-star property was awarded by Travel and Leisure as one of the ‘World’s Best Awards in 2024’. This location is one of the most central in Indre By, steps from the famous Nyhavn Canal. Their style is warm and a bit Art Deco, with an aesthetic imitating old luxury train cabins. There’s a restaurant, bar, and even a luscious rooftop lounge area available for guests. This is one of the best hotels to stay in if you’re wondering where to stay in Copenhagen your first time.

Hotel Bella Grande $$: If you’re looking for Italian luxury in Copenhagen, you’ll find it at Hotel Bella Grande. Recently renovated in 2024, the building dates back to 1899. You’ll find both a mix of Italian influences and contemporary Danish style. The room keys alone remind me of our incredible stay in Positano, Italy! Some of the rooms even have balcony views, but don’t miss their garden courtyard, it’s stunning!

Villa Copenhagen $$-$$$: Who doesn’t want to stay in a five-star hotel with a rooftop pool?! This property is on the edge of Indre By, and its rooftop pool offers unique views of the city. Its aesthetic boats European charm in a building that was once the Central Post & Telegraph Head Office, dating back to 1912.

Nobis Hotel $$-$$$: Once the home to the Royal Danish Conservatory of Music, this property is a quick walk to Tivoli Gardens. Its Swedish design complements its efforts for sustainability and has been awarded the Nordic Swan Ecolabel. Their restaurant features dishes with Scandinavian influence, and their spa area features a unique cold bath and a hot stone marble hamam piece.

If you’re looking for other swoon-worthy hotels or want to VIP yourself on a booking, contact me as I work as a travel advisor and am connected with some of the best luxury properties and networks around the world!

Best Things to Do in Indre By

Wander around Nyhavn

One of the most beautiful places in Copenhagen is Nyhavn. It is one of the most iconic spots in Copenhagen, lined with colorful facades, bars, and restaurants. Since it’s right along the harbor, it’s even more idyllic with tall ships lining the canal and sailing by. One of the reasons why Indre By is one of the best places to stay when looking where to stay in Copenhagen your first time.

Watch the Changing of the Guards at Amalienborg Palace

Don’t worry about missing this ceremony since it happens daily! The guards start from their barracks at 100 Gothersgade by Rosenborg Castle around 11:30am with the full ceremony beginning at Amalienborg at noon. Make sure to arrive early for a prime viewing location, but even if you don’t, the guards move around throughout the ceremony so you’ll have a chance to see them from wherever you stand. This was one of my favorite things we did while visiting Copenhagen!

Visit Christiansborg Palace Tower for free!

Christiansborg Palace is the tallest tower in Copenhagen, and it’s free to visit! The Christiansborg Palace was once home to the Danish Royals. It now serves as the home to the Danish Parliament, the Danish Prime Minister’s office, and the Supreme Court of Denmark. The Royal family still uses the palace for events, but it’s no longer their primary residence. You can buy tickets to tour this insanely gorgeous palace, including the palace grounds and stables. The library was my favorite part of the palace; it looked like something straight out of a Disney storybook fairytale! There’s even a restaurant in the Christiansborg Palace tower!

The unique Round Tower

The Round Tower is one of Copenhagen’s most iconic buildings. This tower offers 360-degree views of the city but charges an admission fee. Since we only had time to visit one viewpoint, we decided the views from the Church of Our Savior were the best aerial views of Copenhagen.

Find more views at Church of Our Saviour

For this next viewpoint in Copenhagen, you must pre-book tickets. We pre-booked our tickets maybe an hour or two before we visited, so you don’t have to book too far in advance. We did this to have a flexible schedule but also visited in March when there were fewer crowds. The viewpoints from the Church of Our Saviour are some of the best in Copenhagen. If you have to wait, walking around or sitting on the canals are a great way to kill some time.

Stop at DOP for a Danish hot dog

Try the most famous and delicious hot dog in Copenhagen! Committed to serving only organic ingredients mixed with the most unique topping options and sauces, these hot dogs are delicious. They have even won multiple awards! You can find them near the Amagertorv shopping area, not far from Nyhavn.

Best Area to Stay in Copenhagen with Family: Frederiksstaden

Pros of Staying in Frederiksstaden

If you’re looking for where to stay in Copenhagen your first time, this is another great option close to Indre By. This area is essentially northeast of Indre By. It borders the 17th-century fortress Kastellet and the waterfront. This area is more residential and affluent. It is one of the best areas to stay in Copenhagen with kids. This neighborhood is one of the safest in Copenhagen, but all the others listed in this post aren’t necessarily considered unsafe. Take your family on a stroll through the beautiful streets of this neighborhood, which also offers plenty of parks and green space.

Cons of Staying in Frederiksstaden

As one of the more affluent areas in Copenhagen, it can be more expensive to stay in Frederiksstaden.

Best Places to Stay in Frederiksstaden

Phoenix Copenhagen $-$$: This hotel is where my husband and I stayed while visiting Copenhagen, and we loved the location! Frederiksstaden is not far from Indre By and right down the street from Amalienborg Palace and Nyhavn. Although this hotel may not have all the typical amenities of a luxury hotel, they offer complimentary bikes for guests! The price of your stay here also won’t break the bank!

Babette Guldsmeden $-$$: This boho and Balinese style hotel is perfect for couples. Some of their double rooms and suites offer incredible balcony views. The property also offers a family room complete with two beds in a loft space. This room would be perfect if you want extra space during your stay. Their restaurant on site is a bistro-style cuisine made from organic, local produce. They also have an organic wine and cocktail bar!

Queen’s Courtyard $$: This bed and breakfast is one of the best hotels in Copenhagen for families. This property not only offers studio rooms, but also two- and three-bedroom apartments with full-size kitchens.

Hotel Petra $-$$$: This hotel prides itself on being a ‘design-driven hotel’ focusing on contemporary design. All forty of their rooms are unique, and the property also has an on-site restaurant and bar. 

Best Things to Do in Frederiksstaden

Marvel at Rosenborg Castle and Gardens

If you want to see the Danish Crown Jewels as well as other treasures from the Danish monarchs, you can find them here. This castle was built as a summer home, and the castle and its artifacts have been well preserved. The castle also features a lovely outdoor area with gardens and plenty of green space. You do not need tickets to walk around this space.

Tour the Royal Residence at Amalienborg Palace

One of my favorite memories from Copenhagen was seeing the Changing of the Guards at Amalienborg Palace. This ceremony takes place daily and is one of the best things to do in Copenhagen. This palace is the primary residence of the current reigning monarchs of Denmark, who are some of the oldest world monarchs. You can tour parts of the castle if you would like but only during certain times of the year. 

Visit SMK – The National Gallery of Denmark

This museum is located just north of Rosenborg Castle in a beautiful, large green space that’s also not far from the Botanical Garden. This museum has the most comprehensive collection of Danish contemporary art and one of the world’s largest Matisse collections.

Find Gefion Fountain

If you have time for a stroll, find this beautiful fountain on Kastellet, a 17th-century fortress surrounded by waterways and the ocean. This park has lovely cherry blossoms that bloom in the spring!

Copenhagen’s Neighborhood near Central Transport and Nightlife: Vesterbro

Pros of Staying in Vesterbro

Just west of Indre By, steps from Tivoli Gardens, and not far from Copenhagen’s central train station is Vesterbro. If you’re looking to take a day trip from Copenhagen, this would be a great area to stay. Part of this area, called the ‘Meatpacking District,’ is one of Copenhagen’s trendiest and most up-and-coming neighborhoods. This area is great for its nightlife, but farther west is great for families. You’ll find farther west there is more green space compared to the central parts of the city. 

Cons of Staying in Vesterbro

Anytime you’re traveling in European train stations, be careful of pickpockets. Read all about how I was pickpocketed in Rome and how you can avoid being pickpocketed in Europe!

Best Places to Stay in Vesterbro

Nimb Hotel $$$: You can’t beat the location of this first hotel, as it’s located IN Tivoli Gardens. This impressive Moorish-style building features five-star luxury. I can only imagine how incredibly dressed up it gets for the holidays. If you haven’t experienced European Christmas markets, I highly recommend you do! This is one of the best luxury hotels in Copenhagen if you’re looking for where to stay in Copenhagen your first time.

Manon Les Suites Guldsmeden $$-$$$: If you’re on social media, you’ve probably already seen a photo of this hotel’s pool, what they call the ‘iconic Junglefish pool.’ This property’s aesthetic aims to be an oasis in the middle of the city. It’s great for couples, has a minimum age limit for guests, and isn’t far from the train station.

Coco Hotel $$: Awarded the Conde Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2024, this Green Key eco-certified hotel is a great option in Vesterbro. Most of the rooms overlook their quiet courtyard.

66 Guldsmeden $-$$: This hip, boutique hotel is just around the corner from Vesterbro’s popular shopping street Vaernedamsvej. The property serves a 100% organic breakfast buffet and has an intimate cafe lounge, bar, and balcony. This property also has Airstreams for guests to stay, make sure to inquire when booking!

Scandic Kodbyen $-$$: This next property has a Nordic, modern, and clean aesthetic. This hotel may be one of the more budget-friendly options because it’s farther from the city’s central area.

Best Things to Do in Vesterbro

Visit Tivoli Gardens

Are you a fan of Walt Disney? Tivoli Gardens is one of the oldest amusement parks in the world, and it inspired Walt Disney himself! If you’re visiting Copenhagen in the summer, don’t miss their firework display every Saturday from June to October. If you’re visiting during the winter, Tivoli gets all dressed up for the holiday season, complete with its own Christmas markets.

If you’re looking to explore European Christmas markets, here’s Germany’s most underrated Christmas market, and a European Christmas market without the crowds!

Wander in the Glyptotek Museum

The Glyptotek Museum is one of the best things to see in Copenhagen and is located across the street from Tivoli Gardens. It has the most beautiful indoor courtyard and garden, even a cafe overlooking it. This museum also features a large collection of sculptures, and my favorite was the famous bronze sculpture by Edgar Degas: Little Dancer of Fourteen Years.

Dine in the Meatpacking District’s old warehouses

You can find some of the best restaurants in Vesterbro in the Meatpacking District. Try the Texan-style barbecue and draft beer selection at Warpigs, actually located in a former slaughterhouse. Another notable restaurant that gives off vibes similar to the famous Host is Cofoco’s.

Copenhagen’s Waterfront: Osterport/Osterbro

Pros of Staying in Osterport/Osterbro

Just north of Frederiksstaden, this is another great area to stay in Copenhagen with families. It is more residential and less touristy and has plenty of outdoor space.

Cons of Staying in Osterport/Osterbro

Although it’s not far from the city center, there’s not much to see and do in the immediate area of the neighborhood.

Best Places to Stay in Osterport/Osterbro

Charlottehaven $$-$$$: This property is perfect for families, as it offers large hotel suites and fully serviced apartments. Many rooms even have balconies and beautiful views of the waterfront. The property has a gym, swimming pool, sauna, bike rentals for guests, and a cafe.

Audo Boutique Hotel $$-$$$: The aesthetic and minimalist design of this hotel is incredibly chic and sophisticated. This hotel does have a cafe and an outdoor terrace. This hotel also doubles as a showroom and gallery, featuring pieces of the design that may actually be for sale.

Comwell Copenhagen $-$$: A new property by Wyndham, this may not be as close to the city center, but it’s only a short ride away via subway. This property also offers plenty of room options, ideal for families. This would be a great option for where to stay in Copenhagen your first time if you’re on a budget but still want to stay close enough to the city center.

Best Things to Do in Osterport/Osterbro

The Little Mermaid Statue

I will only reference this statue in this blog post because many think it’s one of the best things to see in Copenhagen. I disagree and have heard it’s smaller in real life and somewhat underwhelming. If you’re staying in the area and are close by, you can head to the waterfront, but I wouldn’t go out of your way for it.

Stroll Faelledparken

Take a stroll around one of Copenhagen’s largest parks. It’s one of the most popular parks, featuring gardens, multiple playgrounds, a dance stage, and a large skate park.

Best Place to Stay in Copenhagen on a Budget: Norrebro

Pros of Staying in Norrebro

Mainly a university and residential neighborhood, Norrebro is just north of Indre By across the river. You can find more reasonable and budget-friendly accommodations here if you’re looking for where to stay in Copenhagen your first time.

Cons of Staying in Norrebro

You won’t find as many hotels in this area, but more apartments to rent if that’s what you’re looking for!

Best Places to Stay in Norrebro

Hotel Nora $-$$: This is one of the few hotels in Norrebro, and it’s just across the river. They do serve breakfast each morning, and it’s just a short walk away from Copenhagen’s Botanical Garden!

Apartment 1586 $: Here’s a bright and airy apartment that’s not far from Copenhagen’s city center!

Best Things to Do in Norrebro

Have an 8-course Dinner at Host

Host is one of the best restaurants in Copenhagen and has a Michelin star. It’s even been rated as one of the fifty best restaurants in the world. I can’t recommend this restaurant enough for your Copenhagen itinerary. My husband and I booked their 7-course meal and a surprise 8th course. All the courses were artistic and delicious. We even got a few glasses of wine, and still the total for our meal was less than 100 USD per person. Check out their website for reservations.

Visit the Botanical Gardens

Copenhagen’s Botanical Gardens are technically located across the river, more in Indre By, but staying at Hotel Nora you won’t be a far walk from the gardens. Its beautiful Palm House is probably its main attraction, with some of the greenhouses dating back to 1874.

Enjoy a Concert

If you’re looking for an idea for a free date night, check out The Royal Danish Academy of Music. Many of the concerts offered here are free! Check out their website for more details.

Where Not to Stay in Copenhagen?

If you’re looking for where to stay in Copenhagen your first time, I would advise staying close to the city center. This will give you the flexibility to visit all the best things to do in Copenhagen, especially if you’re only planning a long weekend in the city, which is really all you need! I would advise not staying around Christiania, even though it can be popular with tourists it is noted to not be the safest place at night.

Vesterbro is also great for nightlife, but it is noted that you should be careful near the Meatpacking District in the evenings, especially if traveling alone. Halmtorvet 17 is Scandinavia’s largest supervised injection site where users can legally consume drugs with medical staff on hand.

How many days in Copenhagen is enough?

3 days are enough to see Copenhagen. Visiting Copenhagen for a long weekend will allow you to see all its points of interest, have a walk in its idyllic neighborhoods, and try some of the best food in Scandinavia!

Is Copenhagen cheap or expensive?

Copenhagen is consistent with other Scandinavian cities in that it’s considered expensive to visit, and it’s ranked among the world’s most expensive cities. That being said, when my husband and I visited I didn’t consider it to be more expensive than other popular European cities like Rome or even Paris. There are also plenty of free things to do in the city if you’re trying to visit Copenhagen on a budget.

Copenhagen reminded me of how expensive Rome or Paris can be, but both cities also have plenty of free things to do. Here’s the only Paris guide you’ll need if you’re looking to visit! 

Here are a few other posts you may enjoy:

Copenhagen Itinerary for First Timers: The Ultimate Weekend Guide

3 Days in Prague: How to visit Prague in Autumn

4 Day Itinerary London: the ONLY one you’ll need!

Paris in Three Days Itinerary: The ONLY one you’ll need!

Where to Stay in Rome for 3 Days: Make the most of your stay!

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