A short history of Copenhagen
Go down beneath Christiansborg Palace and you walk among stone foundations from the 12th century. They are what remains of the castle Bishop Absalon had built by the harbour, and the city's founding is traditionally dated to 1167. Absalon's equestrian statue stands just across the canal on Højbro Plads.
Many of today's Copenhagen landmarks date from the reign of Christian IV in the first half of the 17th century. Rosenborg Castle, the Rundetårn and the old stock exchange, Børsen, are all his work. Børsen was badly damaged by a fire in April 2024, and its spire of twisted dragon tails collapsed.
Two great fires in the 18th century and the British bombardment of 1807 destroyed much of the medieval town. That is why most houses you see in the old streets are from later periods. For a trace of more recent history, stop by Christiania. Founded in 1971 by people who moved into an abandoned barracks, the community still lives by its own rules.
Copenhagen neighbourhoods
Frederiksberg is technically a separate municipality, yet Copenhagen surrounds it on every side. With its broad avenues, the lakes of Frederiksberg Gardens and the zoo, it suits an unhurried afternoon.
Islands Brygge lies on the south side of the harbour, and in summer it is where you can swim right in the middle of the city. The harbour water is clean enough for it, and the open-air pool called Havnebadet gets very busy on warm days.
On Refshaleøen, old shipyard halls have found new uses. The contemporary art centre Copenhagen Contemporary and the Reffen street food market, open from spring to autumn, are here. Getting there by harbour bus is a small tour in itself.
Amager Strandpark is a man-made beach that the M2 metro line reaches easily from the centre. Walk along its long pier and look out over the Øresund towards the wind turbines in the distance.
Where to stay
- Indre By / Strøget: Walking distance to Nyhavn, palaces and the main shopping street.
- Vesterbro: Nightlife hub with the restaurants and bars of Kødbyen.
- Nørrebro: Multicultural, young and affordable, with the cafés of Jægersborggade.
- Christianshavn: Quiet and pretty along the canals, one metro stop from the centre.
- Østerbro: Quiet family area near parks and the lakes.
- Central Station / Tivoli: Airport trains and intercity trains on the doorstep.
When to visit Copenhagen
The best time to visit Copenhagen runs from late May to early September. In June the sun sets close to ten in the evening, daytime temperatures mostly stay at 18-22 °C and life moves out to the canal sides. In July the Copenhagen Jazz Festival puts on concerts all over town. Hotel prices peak in this period too.
Sankt Hans Aften is celebrated on the evening of 23 June, with bonfires lit along lake and sea shores. If you want to see a local tradition up close, you can plan your dates around it.
November to February brings 0-5 °C, wind and darkness. In December it gets dark before four in the afternoon. In return, Tivoli Gardens reopens for the Christmas season under strings of lights, and a winter market sets up in Nyhavn. In October Tivoli is decorated once more for Halloween.
Food culture in Copenhagen
Copenhagen sits down to dinner early, and restaurants start filling up between 18.00 and 19.00. The classic lunch is smørrebrød, an open sandwich of dark rye bread topped with herring, meatballs, shrimp or roast beef. You eat it with a knife and fork, and traditionally you start with the herring.
On the street you will find sausage carts called pølsevogn. A hot dog with crispy onions and pickles makes a quick, cheap snack. At a bakery, get a cinnamon roll called kanelsnegl or a wienerbrød, known in Turkey as a Danish pastry, and add a filter coffee.
Over the past twenty years the city has also become known for New Nordic cuisine. At the seasonal tasting-menu restaurants, both getting a table and paying the bill call for serious planning. Service is included in prices, so you don't need to work out a tip when you leave.
Copenhagen trip budget
Yes, Copenhagen is among the most expensive cities in Europe. A coffee and a cinnamon bun at a café easily come to 80-100 DKK, and even at an ordinary restaurant it is hard to have dinner for under 300 DKK a head.
In 2026, someone who finds a hostel bed and lives on smørrebrød and hot dogs at lunch can get by on 700-1,000 DKK a day. Staying in a mid-range hotel and eating out in the evenings means 1,500-2,500 DKK, and if you have a good hotel and a tasting menu in mind, count on 3,500 DKK or more. A ticket to Rosenborg Castle costs around 150 DKK.
A single public transport trip in the centre is about 25-30 DKK, though renting a bike is often more practical. Going up to the viewing platform in Christiansborg's tower is free, and so are Kongens Have and the harbour swimming spots. Walking the city is the nicest way to see it anyway.
Prices are approximate as of October 2026.
Build your route on the Copenhagen map