Copenhagen, Denmark: How to get there, where to stay and what to do

Capital and cycling-central, have a ride around Copenhagen

Capital of Denmark, Copenhagen has come a long way from its origins as a small fishing village. With a number of famous landmarks, districts connected by bridges, and a status as one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the world, why not cycle around and see what Copenhagen has to offer?

Must sees for free

Hidden in various places in the Copenhagen suburbs are the Six Forgotten Giants. Best hunted by car, the wooden sculptures can be found in forests, meadows and by the water. Maps can be found online if you want a clue on where to start looking.

The unofficial mascot for the city is The Little Mermaid statue. Repeatedly vandalised and stolen, the statue looks over the water at the Langelinie promenade and has been there since 1913.

Superkilen park, in the Nørrebro district is made up of three different zones: The Red Square, The Black Market and The Green Park, each with its own individual aesthetic. Features in each park, such as benches and bins, are all taken from different countries and allow for endless photo opportunities.

Top sees for a fee

Toga Vin & Ølstue bar is notorious for its secrecy. Regular haunt of numerous politicians and members of government, this bar’s conversations are off-record, photography is frowned upon and newly-elected chairs have to go through the right-of-passage bartending. Why not stop in for a pint?

Second oldest theme park in the world, Tivoli Gardens is the most visited amusement park in Scandinavia. Made up of rides, restaurants, cafés, a theater, gardens and a merry-go-round, it’s no wonder Tivoli is so popular with tourists. Tickets are priced between 50 and 120 DKK (around £5-£15).

Rundetårn, The Round Tower, is an old observatory and a 209 metre walk to the top. A glass floor at the top allows you to see the tower’s core from 25m up. The tower has frequently been used for races throughout history and, for a 25 DKK fee (Just under £3) you can try it out for yourself.

Getting around

Copenhagen has an extensive train, bus, metro and waterbus public transport system that operates through zones, just like Manchester’s. Copenhagen Cards allow for unlimited travel and can be bought online, or in person including at the airport for between £48 and £83 depending on the number of days.

Eating out and going out

A restaurant with seasonal menus and pop-up food events, the Kulturtårnet is in an old copper bridge tower with 360-degree views of the harbour. Serving specialty beer and natural wine, pay the 20 DKK entrance fee (just over £2) and have a drink with a view.

For some traditional Danish food, try Selma. Serving varieties of smørrebrød that changes daily and seasonally, Selma’s menu is priced between 100 DKK (around £11) for a dish and 485 DKK (around £58) for a large sampler menu.

For a night out, try Chateau Motel. Made up of four stories of four different genres and with free entry before midnight, Chateau Motel offers a VIP experience without the extra cost. With a karaoke room and old school bodega, there’s something for everyone.

Hotels

Luxury: Axel Guldsmeden is situated in Vesterbro and boasts an eco-conscious environment, an in-house restaurant and four-poster beds. Colbjørnsensgade 14. From £107 per night.

Mid-range: Steel House Copenhagen is a luxury hostel that offers private rooms, a games room and an in-house venue with regular events. Herholdtsgade 6. From £49 per night.

Budget: Urban House Copenhagen is only 200m away from the central station and boats a cinema room, optional packed lunches and private rooms. Colbjørnsensgade 5-11. From £31 per night.

The facts

Currency: Danish Krona (DKK) £1 = 8.38 DKK.

Time zone: GMT+2

The flight: 1 hour 55 minutes direct with easyJet from £43 return.

Best time to visit: November/December allows for the cheapest flights, but March-May has warmer weather and avoids the summer crowds.

Visas, injections and precautions: None.