Guide to Copenhagen

Things to do

1. Rent a bike

You can't miss the biking culture when you arrive in Copenhagen. They are in fact more bikes than residents in Copenhagen. Join in on the fun, it's a great way to get around and see all the city has to offer. Choose from city bikes that can be rented by the hour and include built in GPS and electric assist or check out any number of local bike shops for good deals on daily or weekend rentals. Just remember to signal!

2. Take a stroll

The city is built for biking but also great for walking. Some great walking spots include the inner harbor area, Kastellet (where you'll find The Little Mermaid) and the Copenhagen lakes. The lakes are a great spot for relaxing on a sunny day and you won't struggle to find a good coffee to bring along!

3. Do the tourist thing

There are great touristy things to do in Copenhagen and even the locals don't mind tagging along every once in awhile. Check out Nyhavn for people watching and just enjoying city vibes. You can even head over to The Little Mermaid, but don't say we didn't warn you, she is small! Amalienborg is where Danish royalty resides and changing of the guards happens daily at noon.

4. Shop & explore

For good boutique shopping or just general Danish culture, it's worth heading out to some of surrounding neighborhoods, especially Vesterbro and inner Nørrebro. Both offer good restaurants, cafes and boutiques and are only 10-15 minutes by bike from the city center. If it's design you're after, check out Designer Zoo Shop in Vesterbro or Illum and Illums Bolighus on the main shopping street downtown, Strøget.

places to eat

1. Kødbyen

Copenhagen's meat packing district is the hottest spot for new restaurants and the local beat.

2. Royal Smushi Café

This café sells the traditional open-faced sandwiches, or smørrebrød as they are called locally, and is a great place to try Danish food with a modern twist.

3. Torvehallerne

A local staple for fresh food and lunch spots. You'll also find some great gift ideas for Danish treats to take home.

4. Cofoco or Madklubben

Copenhagen Food Company (Cofoco) and Madklubben both run a series of restaurants, each with a distinct and unique concept. They serve high-quality food in set course menus or á la carte.

culture & SIGHTSEEING

1. Tivoli Gardens

Visit Tivoli, the world's second oldest amusement park, and the inspiration for Walt Disney's Disneyland. Tivoli is charming all year round, but is especially 'hyggelig' during the winter season.

2. Theatre

Copenhagen has a thriving performing arts scene, including The Royal Ballet (Den Kongelige Teater), the opera (Operan) and the Royal Danish Playhouse (Skuespilhuset). In the summertime, don't miss the live reenactment of Shakespeare's Hamlet at the infamous Kronborg Castle.

3. Copenhagen by boat

The many canals of Copenhagen makes it ideal to explore the city by boat, and with the Go Boats you can sail around the waterways and explore the city at your own pace.

4. Museums

From the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek and Danish Museum of Art & Design in Copenhagen, to the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art just 35km north of the city - the city of Copenhagen has a wide variety of acclaimed museums that showcase Danish art and culture.

practical information

1. Transportation

Getting around Copenhagen is easy and the city's public transportation is well planned. No matter which transportation method you use, the prices are the same and the minimum ticket (two zones) costs 25 DKK. Tickets can be purchased at designated ticketing machines at train/metro stations (cash or creditcard) or from the bus driver (cash only).

2. Bike paths

Copenhagen is full of bike paths, but if its your first time here they may look misleadingly like a sidewalk. To avoid getting run over, make sure you stay on the path farthest in and always give way to cyclists on the bike paths.

3. Danish phrases

Hej = Hello
Farvel/ Hej hej = Good bye
Tak = Thank you
Mange tak = Thank you very much
Undskyld = Sorry/Excuse me

4. About Denmark

Population: 5.6 million people
Language: Danish (though to be honest, everyone in Copenhagen is very good at English)
Currency: Danish Kroner (DKK); 1 EUR = 7.44 DKK