Top 10 Copenhagen Travel Tips: Bikes, Hygge, and Canal Secrets

Europa

Jan 1

Written By Sophie

“Copenhagen is the city of fairy tales, but it’s the modern design that makes you stay.”

— Unknown

Copenhagen is a masterclass in livability. It’s where the water is clean enough to swim in the harbor, everyone looks like a fashion model on a bicycle, and "Hygge" (that cozy, warm feeling) is a way of life.

But be warned: it is one of the most expensive cities in Europe. If you don't plan carefully, a simple lunch and a boat tour can cost a fortune. Here is your guide to mastering the Danish capital like a local.

1.

The Bike is King (Don't Walk)

Copenhagen is designed for bicycles, not cars.

The Rule: Don't rely on the metro or buses for everything. Rent a bike! The city is perfectly flat and the cycle lanes are wider than some roads. Pro Tip: Never, ever step into the cycle lane unless you are crossing—local cyclists are fast and they won't stop for wandering tourists.

2.

Nyhavn: Beautiful but Priceless

Those colorful 17th-century houses are the face of the city.

The Hack: Nyhavn is the most expensive place to eat. Do what the locals do: buy a 6-pack of Danish beer from a nearby 7-Eleven, sit on the edge of the canal with your feet dangling, and enjoy the view for a fraction of the price of a restaurant table.

3.

The Netto Boats (Save on Canal Tours)

Standard canal tours cost a lot.

The Hack: Look for the Netto-Bådene (blue boats). They offer the exact same 60-minute tour through the canals and past the Little Mermaid, but they cost about half the price of the larger commercial tours.

4.

Reffen: The Best Food at the Best Price

Eating out in Copenhagen is tough on the wallet.

The Tip: Head to Reffen Street Food. It’s an outdoor market made of shipping containers right by the water. You can find everything from organic hot dogs to international gourmet dishes at "street" prices. Plus, the sunset view over the harbor is incredible.

5.

Freetown Christiania Etiquette

This self-governing "freetown" is a must-see, but it has its own rules.

The Warning: "Pusher Street" is where green goods are sold. Photography is strictly forbidden there to protect the privacy of sellers and buyers. Put your phone away before you enter the Green Light District or you might get a stern warning from the locals.

6.

Skip the Little Mermaid?

She is the most famous statue in the world, and often the most disappointing.

The Reality: She is very small and always surrounded by hundreds of tourists. If you are short on time, skip the long walk to the statue and visit the Gefion Fountain or the Kastellet (the star-shaped fortress) nearby instead.

7.

Tivoli Gardens: Visit at Night

Tivoli is one of the oldest amusement parks in the world (Walt Disney got his inspiration here).

The Tip: It’s charming during the day, but it becomes a fairy tale at night. Thousands of fairy lights, lanterns, and light shows turn the park into a magical world. Even if you don't like rides, the gardens and the atmosphere are worth the entrance fee.

8.

Use the Copenhagen Card (If You're a Museum Fan)

If you plan to visit the Round Tower, Rosenborg Castle, and take a boat tour, the costs add up.

The Hack: Check the Copenhagen Card. it covers 80+ museums and all public transport (including to/from the airport). If you’re a "heavy" sightseer, it pays for itself in just one day.

9.

Drink the Tap Water (Better than Bottled)

Danish tap water is among the purest in the world.

The Rule: Don't buy plastic water bottles. Not only is it expensive (around $4-5), but it’s also against the eco-friendly spirit of the city. Carry a reusable bottle and refill it at any tap.

10.

Visit the Black Diamond (The Library)

One of the most stunning examples of modern Danish architecture.

The Tip: The Royal Library (The Black Diamond) is free to enter. The contrast between the old library and the new black granite extension is breathtaking. The quiet atmosphere and the view of the water from the glass windows make it the perfect place for a break.