Indre By of Copenhagen

Indre By (literally the inner city) is the central area and the historical heart of Copenhagen, bounded by the lakes circling the inner city and the harbour, it reflects the entire city’s extent during the reign of King Christian IV, when the town was fortified. All the neighboring districts were only founded when the king allowed construction outside the fortification in the 1850s. Referred to by locals simply as City, it is the home of most of Copenhagen's attractions, nightlife options, and hotels.

Colorful facades of the Nyhavn

The house row at Gammel Strand seen from Thorvaldsens Plads across Slotsholmen canal

Understand

The old fortifications are still evident in the two strings of lakes circling the downtown area. The outer lakes are known to the locals simply as Søerne or The Lakes in English, and they do not only define the border to the inner city, they are also immensely popular with joggers. The inner lakes are laid out in a zigzag pattern, and are what remains of the old fortifications, if you look at a map or satellite photo this is still very visible. The remaining lakes, which used to completely circle the city, are now a string of parks; Østre Anlæg, with the National gallery, the Botanical gardens, Ørsteds Parken and finally Tivoli. The names Østerport (eastern gate), Nørreport (northern gate) and Vesterport (western gate), now associated with the stations carrying the same names, are actually the locations of the old gates leading through the fortifications, and into the city.

The heart of the district is the medieval city, shaped like a square with Rådhuspladsen, Kongens Nytorv and Nørreport as its corners. It is dotted with historic buildings, church spires and narrow streets. Many of them has been pedestrianized and is commonly known as Strøget, Copenhagen's main shopping area. But it gets much more interesting if you venture into the narrow streets and squares, since it hides some interesting shops, restaurants and old traditional bars hidden away for the curious traveler.

South of the medieval district is Slotsholmen, an artificial island, the name translates to the castle islet at the site where Copenhagen's founder, the archbishop Absalon's built first fortification in the city. The ruins thereof are visible under the present day parliament, housed in the massive Christiansborg palace. Slotsholmen is also home to a cluster of museums and the national archives. Børsen, the former stock exchange from 1640, is another striking Renaissance building located here, with its signature dragon spire, that has been taken down by fire in April 2024.

Get in

Københavns Hovedbanegård, Copenhagen's Central Station, is a sprawling and magnificent historic building which is a landmark and a sight worth exploring itself.

Being the center of the capital, the majority of bus, train and Metro lines run through Indre By. From the airport you can opt for either the regional Öresundstog to the Central Station or Nørreport, the Metro with stops at Kongens Nytorv and Nørreport or, if you want to take it slow and enjoy the views, the buses 2A or 5A. All of the options cost the same in terms of ticket fares - you need a three-zone ticket, as the Indre By is Zone 1, the Airport is in Zone 4 and you have to cross Zone 3 on your way.

From the DFDS and Polferries terminals take bus 26 or 20E to Kongens Nytorv.

1 Copenhagen Central Station (Hovedbanegården) lies on the border between the inner city and Vesterbro, and acts as a central hub, with all S-train, regional and intercity lines stopping here, as well as a large number of bus lines at the terminal between the station and the Tivoli Gardens. Served by the following bus lines:

• 1A (stops at the bridge south on the tracks),
• 2A and 5A (for Christianshavn, Amager and Kastrup Airport)
• 6A,
• 250S,
• 10, 15, 26, 30, 40, 66.

2 Nørreport station also has all S-train lines, as well as several regional lines stopping here, and acts as an interchange between these lines, and the Metro. It is also a major bus terminal for many lines going north and northwest from the city center. It lies at the northern end of the pedestrian district Strøget.

• Bus lines: 5A, 6A, 150S, 350S, 174E, 14, 42, 43, 184, 185

3 Kongens Nytorv is a major square at the eastern end of Strøget and where Nyhavn begins. It has a Metro station and a bus terminal.

• Bus lines: 1A, 350S, 20E, 15, 26, 29 (stops behind the royal theater)

4 Rådhuspladsen is Copenhagen's central square and features a large bus terminal. It is also the western access point to Strøget, and a short walk from the Central Station.

• Bus lines: 2A, 5A, 6A, 250S, 173E, 10, 12, 14, 26, 29, 33, 67, 68, 69.

For information about where these lines go, please refer to Movia's homepage or the many signboards around the terminals.

Get around

By foot

The Indre By is easily walkable and in fact a large part of it has been pedestrianized and is devoid of both motorized and bicycle traffic.

By public transport

Public transportation is not of much use unless you want to travel between the extremities, and both the metro and the railway lines circle the Indre By with only two stations each.

By bicycle

Biking may be a good option - in case you do not want to bring your own bike or hire one permanently, you can take advantage of the city's Bycyklen bike-sharing scheme - as of 2014, Bycyklen stands in the Indre By are around the Central Station and by the Amalienborg.

See

The City Hall (Rådhuset)

Key sights

• 1 The City Hall (Rådhuset), Rådhuspladsen 1, ☏ +45 33 66 25 82. M-F 07:45-17:00. The City Hall is open to the public, so you can stroll through the hallways, stairs, and study all the paintings, frescoes, and other decorations on your own. City Hall guided tours in English M–F at 13:00, Sa 10:00, 50 kr. Visit the tower: M–F 11:00 and 14:00, Sa at 12:00, 30 kr or free with Copenhagen Card. There is a nice little garden that cannot be seen from outside the city hall. The city hall is also home of Jens Olsen's World Clock - this mechanical masterpiece of a complete astronomical clock is in the foyer. Free. (updated May 2019)

Christiansborg Castle

• 2 Christiansborg (the Parliament), Prins Jørgens Gård 1, ☏ +45 33 92 64 92. 10:00–17:00, May-September opens one hour earlier. This Neo-baroque palace, completed in 1928, after 11 years of construction - is unique in the world, housing both the executive power, the legislative power, and the judicial power of Denmark, in a single building. It is the 5th construction at the site, and the ruins of the original castle dating back to the 12th century - was excavated during the construction of the current palace, is open to the public (adult 50 kr, student 40 kr). Apart from the ruins there are a few other places that can be visited: free guided tours of the parliament building are conducted during summer months; Parliament's tower can be visited free of charge Tu-Su 11:00-21:00; the Royal Reception Rooms (including the Great Hall with the tapestries) 90 kr; the Royal Kitchen 50 Kr, the Royal Stables 50 kr; the Palace Chapel - free admission. Besides, there is a combination ticket which allows entrance to all of the aforementioned sights - 150 kr. (updated Dec 2017)

The Black Diamond

• 3 The Royal Library (Det Kongelige Bibliotek, Black Diamond (Den Sorte Diamant)), Søren Kierkegaards Plads 1, ☏ +45 33 47 47 47, kb@kb.dk. M-F 10:00-17:00, Sa 10:00-14:00. The library was founded in the 1650s and have an impressive collections of rare books and manuscripts, which includes a Gutenberg Bible, tormented philosopher Soren Kierkegaard's original manuscripts and "Out of Africa" author Karen Blixen's diaries, as well as a newer collection that includes most of the original drawings of the controversial Mohammad cartoons. Changing exhibitions of books and art, often from the libraries own collection, are displayed in a new striking building overlooking the harbor, called the black diamond. Free.  

Charlottenborg

• 4 Charlottenborg Palace, Nyhavn 2. Tu-Su 12:00-17:00. This classical mansion on Kongens Nytorv, is home of several cultural institutions, like the Royal Danish school of Visual arts, and has an art exhibition space, with changing, often world class, expositions - check the schedule at their website. 60 kr.  

Amalienborg with the Marble Church seen from the water

• 5 Amalienborg, Amalienborg Slotsplads, ☏ +45 33 12 08 08. 11:00-16:00. Amalienborg is the Royal residence and consists of four identical classical mansions, each facing an octagonal courtyard. On the Queen's birthday (14th of January) and for other highlights in the lives of the royal family, the square is jam-packed with people waving the Danish flag and greeting the Queen. There is a museum in the Christian VIII Mansion displaying exhibitions of the period 1863-1972, and four generations of the royal family. There is changing of the guards each day at 12:00. (Marches from Rosenborg Castle barracks) The ceremony is most elaborate in the winter, when the Queen is in residence here; a scale-down version is performed the rest of the year when the Queen is in residence in her other palaces. After visiting the museum, Amaliehaven offers some beautiful views of the new Opera on the other riverside. 90 kr (museum entrance). (updated Mar 2024)
• 6 Marmorkirken (The Marble Church, Frederik's Church), Frederiksgade 4, ☏ +45 33 15 01 44. M-Th Sa 10:00-17:00, F Su 12:00-17:00. Officially called Frederikskirken, this impressive church imposes a massive presence on the Copenhagen skyline, with its 31 m. diameter dome. Because of financial turmoil in the country, it took over 100 years to complete. The church takes it name from the original lower part of the structure which is made from Norwegian marble. Guided tours of the dome: adults: 35 kr, children (under 18) 20 kr (cash only); June 15-Aug 31: daily at 13:00; at other times: Sa Su at 13:00. Tickets are sold from 12:50. Visits might be cancelled due to services or concerts. Services in Danish on Sundays and holidays at 10:30. Free. (updated May 2019)

Rosenborg Castle

• 7 Rosenborg, Østre Voldgade 4A. 10:00-16:00. A former royal residence, Rosenborg is not only a beautiful Renaissance proper castle, with a moat and all, today it is also a fascinating museum of cultural history. Rosenborg houses some of Denmark’s greatest cultural treasures, not least the Crown Jewels and the Danish Crown Regalia, and includes exhibits about the Danish monarchy over 300 years. 110 kr, students 70 kr, free for under 17 years old. (updated Nov 2017)

The Palm House in the Botanical Garden

• 8 The University of Copenhagen Botanical Garden, Øster Farimagsgade 2 B, ☏ +45 35 32 22 22. Palmhouse:10:00-15:00, garden: 08:30-18:00. The Botanical Gardens are one of several parks, dotted along the string of lakes, which used to form part of the old city fortifications. Run by the University of Copenhagen, the garden hosts Denmark's largest collection of living plants, including an impressive collection of orchids. The signature palm house is a huge greenhouse, with large tropical trees, and a sky walk in the canopy. Garden free, palm house access included in the ticket for the Naturhistoriske Museum or 60 kr for adults and 40 kr for kids and students. (updated Jun 2023)
• 9 Nyhavn (New Harbour). Nyhavn is a canal leading from the main harbourfront all the way to the Kongens Nytorv square, lined with colourful historic buildings. It was built to originally be what the name says - Copenhagen's new harbour. Over time, it became too small and lost its commercial and transportation importance, and in the 1970s it was designated as the historic port area, where historic boats and their replicas are moored. It is immensely popular with tourists and locals due to its picturesque nature and is full of restaurants, cafes and bars offering waterside gardens. Consider visiting in the evening to avoid the crowds, as it can become extreme during a sunny day. The restaurants lining its sides are rather expensive and have few vegetarian options. (updated Mar 2024)

On a clear day you can see the Oresund Bridge from the Rundetårn

• 10 Rundetårn (The Round Tower), Købmagergade 52A. 10:00-22:00 (winter: 17:00). Climb the spiral, cobbled road up to the observation platform of this tower, for a wonderful view of the city. 25 kr.  

Museums and galleries

If you're into museums, consider getting the Parkmuseerne ticket, which gives you access to 6 museums in the center of Copenhagen as well as the palm house for half the price. You might also consider buying the Copenhagen Card, especially if staying multiple days.

The Prinses Palæ, housing the National Museum, in the winter

• 11 Nikolaj Art Gallery (Nikolaj Kunsthal), Nikolaj Plads 10, 1067 Kbh K (starting from Kongens Nytorv, follow Nikolaj Plads street next to the McDonalds until you see it), ☏ +45 24 22 71 27, nikolajkunsthal@kff.kk.dk. Tu-F 11:00-18:00, Sa Su 11:00-17:00, M closed; tower open weekends at 13:00. An old church housing changing contemporary exhibitions from newer danish and international artists. Visiting will take about an hour and is well worth it if you like contemporary art. 100 kr, children up to 17 and on Wednesdays free. (updated Mar 2024)

• 12 Nationalmuseet (National Museum of Denmark), Frederiksholms Kanal 12, ☏ +45 33 13 44 11. Tu-Su 10:00-17:00. This museum portrays the national history and cultural heritage of Denmark and is widely regarded as one of the best in Europe. The permanent collection is well laid out, an informative collection of national artifacts, perhaps the most impressive being those exploring Danish prehistory from the Bronze Age through to the Vikings. The museum also holds a collection of Classical and Near Eastern artefacts. The children's museum in the basement is a blast for the kids. 95 kr, "Family admission" (1 child + 1 adult): 80 kr, children under 18 years old free.. (updated Nov 2017)

Glyptoteket - main entrance

• 13 Ny Carlsberg Glyptoteket, Dantes Plads 7, ☏ +45 33 41 81 41, info@glyptoteket.dk. Tu-Su 11:00–18:00, Th 11:00-22:00, closed on Mondays. The Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek houses over 10,000 works, divided into two principal collections. One is of works from the Mediterranean cradle of Western culture, including classical Egyptian, Roman and Greek antiquities and Romanticist sculptures; the other of Danish and French art from the 19^th and 20^th centuries, including paintings by Monet, Pissarro, Renoir, Cézanne and van Gogh, as well as several bronze sculptures by Degas. Completed in 1897, the building is an attraction in its own right, especially the sub-tropical winter garden. Adul 115 kr, under 27 85 kr, under 18 and Tuesdays free. (updated Nov 2017)
• 14 Davids Samling (The David Collection), Kronprinsessegade 30, ☏ +45 33 73 49 49. Tu-Su 10:00–17:00, Th 10:00-21:00, Mondays: closed. Art from the Islamic world, European 18th-century art, and Danish early modern art. Free guided tours are only in Danish and are given in the spring and autumn. Free. (updated Nov 2017)
• 15 Naturhistoriske Museum (Natural History Museum of Denmark), Øster Voldgade 5-7, ☏ +45 35 32 23 45. Tu-Su 10:00-17:00, Mondays closed. Formerly called the "Geologisk Museum", still with a strong focus on geology. Has some impressive samples of minerals, rocks and fossils from all over the world on display. Including stones from the moon were brought back to the earth by Apollo 17, dinosaur fossils, and the kids favorite; glow in the dark minerals. The entry fee includes a visit to the palm house in the botanical garden. Adult 105 kr, children (aged 3-16) and students: 50 kr. (updated Jun 2023)

  

  Chairs in The Danish Museum of Art & Design

• 16 The Danish Museum of Art & Design (Designmuseum Danmark), Bredgade 68, ☏ +45 33 18 56 56. Tu-Su 10:00-18:00, W 10:00 – 21:00. Housed in one of Copenhagen’s finest rococo buildings, a former hospital. This museum is home of one of the most important collections of Danish and Scandinavian industrial design, decorative and applied arts., The cafe is a good place for lunch (does not require admission). 100 kr, free for students and under 26 years. (updated Nov 2017)
• 17 Medical Museion (Museum of the History of Medicine), Bredgade 62, ☏ +45 35 32 38 00, museion@sund.ku.dk. Tu-F 10:00-16:00, Sa Su 12:00-16:00. The museum communicates knowledge about the history of medicine, the study of the preparation of medicines and dentistry, by means of public exhibitions, publications, lectures and other museum-related activities. Adults 75 kr, children under 16 and students 50 kr. (updated Sep 2017)
• 18 The Workers' Museum, Rømersgade 22, ☏ +45 33 93 25 75. Daily 10:00-16:00 (W until 19:00). Covers Danish daily lives in the last 150 years, with exhibitions that both include artifacts relating to the main theme, and art portraying the life of the industrial worker. Adult 90 kr, children free, 18-25 year olds & students: 65 kr, members of participating Danish trade unions: Free..  
• 19 Thorvaldsens Museum, Bertel Thorvaldsens Plads 2, ☏ +45 33 32 15 32. Tu-Su 10:00-17:00. Bertel Thorvaldsen (1770-1844) was a Danish/Icelandic sculptor, who lived most of his live in Rome. He is one of the major internationally renowned Danish artists. The museum houses many of Thorvaldsens original models, and several marble casts makes the collection almost complete. It is big and impressive, and the building itself is a striking piece of architecture. Adult 70 kr, students 50 kr, children free, retired Danish citizens: Free. Free admission for all on Wednesdays.  
• 20 Krigsmuseet (previously: Tøjhusmuseet) (Danish War Museum (previously: the Royal Danish Arsenal Museum)), Tøjhusgade 3, ☏ +45 33 11 60 37. Tu-Su 10:00-17:00, closed Mondays. The Royal Danish Arsenal Museum covers the history of the Danish Defence, its collection dating back to 1604. It covers the development of weapons from the introduction of firearms to the present day, and is well known for its many activities for kids - especially its medieval knight days, during the schools autumn break in week 42. Adult 80 kr, adult with a child: 70 kr, children: free admission.  
• 21 Dansk Jødisk Museum (Danish Jewish Museum), Proviantpassagen 6, ☏ +45 33 11 22 18. Opening hours Summer (June-August): Tu-Su 10:00-17:00, closed on Mondays. Opening hours Winter (September-May): Tu-F 13:00-16:00, Sa Su 12:00-17:00, closed on Mondays. The museum presents Jewish life in Denmark through 400 years, from the first immigrants in the seventeenth century until today. The exhibition space is designed by famous architect Daniel Liebeskind, and is quite striking - with its old traditional exterior contrasted by a very modern interior. Adult 60 kr, students & people over 65 50 kr, children free.  
• 22 The Happiness Museum, Admiralgade 19. Tu–Su 11:00–17:00. A museum about the psychology, history, and geography of happiness—and why Denmark is often ranked the happiest country in the world. Created by the Happiness Research Institute, an organisation that studies happiness with the goal of improving people's well-being around the world. Adults 95 kr, age 7–17 65 kr. (updated Sep 2020)

Do

Main entrance to the Tivoli Gardens

Tivoli

1 Tivoli (main entrance shown on map), Vesterbrogade 3. Daily 11:00-23:00 (later on weekends). Tivoli is a garden built around a lake stemming from the old fortification of the city. It was opened in 1843 by its founder Georg Carstensen, just outside the city walls. Since then Copenhagen has grown up around it, and today the world-famous gardens and amusement park, is a magic and green oasis smack in the center of the city, between the central station and the city hall square. The magic is particularly obvious after dark, when the lights and lanterns in every colour of the rainbow, lights up everywhere. Main season is mid-April to late September. From mid November to late December there is Christmas in Tivoli. Tivoli is especially beautiful at night when coloured lamps light up everywhere. Pop/rock concerts every Friday night, sometimes with internationally known names. Some evenings end with fireworks, consult the programme. Also brass bands, pantomime theatre, etc., on the program. Entry adults (8 years and up) 130 kr, children 3-7 years old 60 kr (discounts available online and for groups). (updated May 2019)

The Pantomime Theatre

Event venues

• 2 Glassalen. A beautiful theatre designed by Poul Henningsen in 1946, which hosts plays and varietes  
• 3 Tivolis Koncertsal. Tivoli's big concert hall, hosts everything from plays, to classic, jazz and opera concerts.  
• 4 The Pantomime Theater (Pantomimeteatret). A beautiful Chinese-style open-air stage, where the curtain is designed as feathers of a peacock. Famous pantomime plays of HC Andersen stories, Pjerrot and Harlequin.  
• Store Scene. The big stage, Rock/pop concerts every Friday night. (updated Sep 2017)

Part of the lake in Tivoli, with the Chinese tower and Dæmonen in the background

Rides

• Balongyngen You will find very few locals who have not kissed a date on this slow-going ferris wheel, with a romantic view of the city after dark.
• Den Flyvende Kuffert Hop on into a suitcase, and run through puppet exhibitions of HC Andersen's tales in a leisurely pace.
• Det gyldne Tårn is a 63-metre tower, where you can have a splendid view over Copenhagen before you are dropped to the ground in free fall, with a speed of 65 km/h and 1.5 G's
• Dragen a flic flac ride, that twirls you around, in irregular moves, at a rather fast pace.
• Dæmonen is a 600-m roller coaster, running at 77 km/h, and through 3 loops.
• Himmelskibet is not just a carousel, it is the world's tallest, where you are carried up to the top, 80 metres above Tivoli, and taken for a spin.
• Odin Expressen is a fast roller coaster ride, with a big helix loop, and a peak speed of 60 km/h
• Monsunen A rather big, flying carpet type ride: watch for the first and law row, sometimes you get wet when it is windy.
• Rutchebanen is the worlds oldest running wooden roller coaster, running through an artificial mountain terrain since 1914.
• Snurretoppen break dance, round and round, get's you a bit dizzy at times.
• ... and 15 other rides, mainly for the kids.

The Imperial building houses both a hotel and a cinema

Cinema

• 5 Imperial, Ved Vesterport 4 (Beside the Hotel Imperial), ☏ +45 70131211. Daily 11:30-Last show. On a rainy day, you can go for a movie, in the largest single movie theatre hall in Northern Europe, seating a staggering 1102 people. Movies are with original language with Danish subtitles. Good quality regarding projector and sound systems. 75-100 kr. 
• 6 Cinematheque, Gothersgade 55, ☏ +45 33 74 34 12. M-F 09:00-last screening. Part of the Danish film institute, this is a paradise for any cinephile. There are 3 movie theatres playing classics, cults, documentaries, art movies and exam projects from the film school. The basement houses a Videotheque, with over 3500 titles, that you are free to watch. There is also a book and video store with special movie titles, and books relating to cinematography. Lastly the building also has a restaurant and café. Many of the screenings are free, others cost 65 kr. 

Theatre

• 7 Det Kongelige Teater (The Royal Theatre), Kongens Nytorv 1, ☏ +45 33 69 69 69. A majestic old building on Kongens Nytorv, houses ballet, for which the theatre is world-renowned, and drama performances. There is a 65% discount for those under 30 on selected performances, to encourage young people to see the classic arts. Price varies. 
• 8 Skuespilhuset (The Royal Danish Playhouse), Sankt Annæ Plads 36, ☏ +45 33 69 69 69. 10:00-23:30. A 1000-seat national stage for the dramatic arts, with 3 stages. Opened in 2008, its beautiful piece of modern architecture overlooking the harbour. Even if you are not going for a play, the cafe in the foyer, Ofelia, is a nice place to sit and enjoy the view over the water and Christianshavn. Price varies. 

Parks and recreation

• 9 Kongens Have (King's Garden), Øster Voldgade 4 B, ☏ +45 33 13 47 65. 07:00-22:00. This park adjacent to Rosenborg is the most frequented park in the city. It is a place for a stroll, a picnic, drinking beers in the sun, or whatever you feel like doing. The topless sunbathers often inject a shock into foreign visitors. Also the marionette theatre in the eastern corner is doing plays every day at 14:00 and 15:00. Great for kids. Free. 
• 10 Nyhavn (Kongen Nytorv Metro station). On a sunny day, this is a top spot for oozing in the sun on the bulwark with a beer from the supermarket, or at the outdoor serving areas of the many (rather expensive) restaurants and cafe's dotted along the "sunny side" of the canal. For any self-respecting Copenhagener, this is a top priority on the first day of spring; while at the height of the tourist season, it is mainly left for the visitors to populate. Often there will be street performances, mostly improvised music concerts, somewhere along the canal - take a seat, and relax. (updated Sep 2017)
• Green Kayak (There are 5 locations in Indre By (and a couple in [Copenhagen/Østerbro] and one on Copenhagen/Nørrebro). Paddle for free in a sit-up kayak under two conditions: collect trash and share on Social Media. You need to book a two-hour slot in advance. (updated May 2021)

Museums & educational

• 11 Tycho Brahe Planetarium (The Planetarium), Gammel Kongevej 10, ☏ +45 33 12 12 24. M 13:00-21:00, Tu-Su 10:30-21:00. Named after the Danish astronomer who formed the basis for the discovery of planetary motion, this planetarium features a small but good free exhibit on astronomy, a 4000-star projector, OmniMax theatre, and a restaurant. shows 130 kr. 

Buy

The best place for shopping in Copenhagen, is without a doubt Strøget. A set of connected pedestrian streets in the heart of the medieval city. It is claimed to be the biggest outdoor pedestrian shopping area in the world, regardless of whether this is true or not, it is a shoppers paradise, and the historic buildings as far as the eye can see, makes it a welcome alternative to any shopping center. The really interesting shopping however, is found in the small shops, in the many narrow side streets to Strøget, colloquially known as pisserenden or the Latin quarter. If you are out for traditional souvenirs, there are several shops on the section if Strøget running between the city hall, and Amager torv.

The magnificent Magasin du Nord

Department stores

• 1 Magasin du Nord, Kongens Nytorv 13, ☏ +45 33 11 44 33. M-Th 10:00-19:00, F 10:00-20:00, Sa 10:00-17:00. Housed in a former grand hotel on Kongens Nytorv, marking the entrance to Strøget, and with over a 100 years of history on its back, Magasin du Nord is the grand old dame of shopping in Copenhagen. Although not as exclusive as it used to be, it is still the premier department store in the city. 
• 2 Illum, Østergade 52, ☏ +45 33 14 40 02. M-Th 10:00-19:00, F 10:00-20:00, Sa 10:00-17:00. Illum is an 8-storey department store, smack in the middle of Strøget, founded in 1891 and it has competed with Magasin ever since. Unlike Magasin, it is mostly made up of small independent stores. 

Royal Shopping in Amagertorv

• Royal shopping is a group of 3 stores, connected to each other to make it feel somewhat like a department store for exclusive Design products. Royal Copenhagen and Georg Jensen are the top brands of Danish design, with a rich history, while the third store, Illums bolighus, handpicks other design products. The super store takes it name from the fact that all three are purveyors to the royal Danish court.

• 3 Royal Copenhagen, Amagertorv 6, ☏ +45 33 13 71 81. M-Th 10:00-18:00, F 10:00-19:00, Sa 10:00–17:00. The flagship store of the world famous Royal Copenhagen porcelain factory, tracing its history back to 1775. It is really exclusive (and expensive) stuff. On the 2nd floor there is a museum, portraying the history of the company, with exhibitions of its porcelain products. 

• 4 Georg Jensen, Amagertorv 4, ☏ +45 33 11 40 80. M-F 10:00-19:00, Sa 10:00-17:00. Georg Jensen was a Danish silversmith (1866-1935), today it is a company producing some exquisite products in silver, like watches, jewellery and interiors. 

• 5 Illums bolighus, Amagertorv 10, ☏ +45 33 14 19 41. M-F 10:00-19:00, Sa 10:00-17:00. The best, most expensive and most exclusive of Danish interior, decorative and furniture design. 

Danish design

The Strøget opening onto the Amagertorv

An option for bringing home some unique and useful souvenirs is buying furniture, lamps or industrial design from one of Copenhagen's own superstar architects and designers like Arne Jacobsen, Poul Henningsen or Børge Mortensen, who helped to turn Danish Design into a world wide brand in the first half of the 21st century; but don't expect it to be cheap, there are other options however, Kitchen accessories by Bodum and glassware by Holmegaard are some options that can be found in many stores throughout Copenhagen.

Interiors

Other options are Illums bolighus and the Danish Design Center store, both listed above.

• 6 Area, Store Kongensgade 73, ☏ +45 33 32 38 77, mail@areastore.dk. Carries furniture, lamps and accessories by Danish and international designers 
• 7 Bang & Olufsen, Østergade 18, ☏ +45 33111415. M-Th 10:00-18:00, F 10:00-19:00, Sa 10:00-16:00. A flagship store for Danish electronics producer Bang & Olufsen, who makes exclusive design products of high quality, like TVs, stereos, speakers and home integration products. They are well known, for the high quality of sound in their products. 
• 8 Dansk Møbel Kunst (Danish Furniture art), Bredgade 32, ☏ +45 33 32 38 37, info@dmk.dk. Dansk Møbelkunst is a gallery of first class vintage design. Specialised in Scandinavian furniture design from 1920 to 1975, with particular focus on Danish design classics. 

Vimmelskaftet, an extension of the Strøget

Fashion

The Danish fashion industry has long been lagging behind the interior and furniture design industries, where Danish design is a recognised brand. But this has changed, and Copenhagen has established itself as a fashion centre. Many of the important names in the industry run their own independent stores in central Copenhagen.

• 9 Bruuns Bazaar, Kronprinsensgade 8, ☏ +45 33 32 19 99. Along with Munthe+Simonsen, this design house are front -unners in an ongoing Danish fashion revolution. There are two stores here; number 8 is for the ladies, while number 9 is for the gents. 
• 10 DAY - Birger et Mikkelsen, Pilestræde 16, ☏ +45 33 45 88 80. This design house of 5 national and international designers makes glamorous, yet classical clothing of high quality. This concept store only carries women's fashion, lingerie and home accessories. Their clothing line for men can be found in both the Illums and Magasin department stores. 
• 11 House of Amber, Kongens Nytorv 2, ☏ +45 33 11 67 00. Daily 10:00-20:00. Known historically as 'Nordic Gold', amber is a quintessential Scandinavian jewelry. And there is no better place to get in than in this store, housed in a 17th-century house at the beginning of Nyhavn. The shops also runs a museum with an extensive collection of rare finds. Museum: 25 kr. 
• 12 Malene Birger, Antonigade 10, ☏ +45 35 43 22 33. MTV calls her the "Queen of Fashion in Copenhagen", and her store is one of the best woman's fashion stores in Scandinavia. 
• 13 Munthe, Grønnegade 10, ☏ +45 33 32 03 12. M-Th 10:00-18:00, F 10:00-19:00, Sa 10:00-16:00. Another of the major Danish fashion houses. This flagship store has dark brown buffalo skin covers on the walls, hand-painted , individually made Venetian lamps and water flowing from a huge gold mosaic. Only for the girls, or for a popular present to bring home. 
• 14 Nørgaard, Amagertorv 13-15, ☏ +45 33 12 24 28. M-Th 10:00-18:00, F 10:00-19:00, Sa 10:00-17:00. Has long been one of the main fixtures of Strøget, these two stores, next to each other: Nørgaard på strøget for women, and Mads Nørgaard for men. The stores won the AOK Copenhagen award in 2007, for both best woman's and best men's shopping. And the best part is that there is something here to fit anyone's pocket. 
• 15 Samsoe & Samsoe, Studiestræde 13, ☏ +45 33 32 11 38. M-Th 10:00-18:00, F 10:00-19:00, Sa 10:00-16:00. This store mainly sells clothing by the designer of the same name, making classic clothes with an edge, but also carries small collections of other designers with the same theme. Both for girls and guys. 

Music

Shop for some of Copenhagen's music stars in these stores. Good buys of local bands from Copenhagen with international quality include; Kashmir and Mew for rock music, and Trentemøller is an international electronica superstar,

• 16 Blackout, Studiestræde 27, ☏ +45 33 14 14 95. M-F 10:00-18:30, Sa 10:00-15:00. The country's only specialty store for Rap, Hip Hop and R&B music. And a friendly and knowledgeable owner. 

Eat

This page uses the following price ranges for a typical meal for one, including soft drink:
Budget	99 Kr or less
Mid-range	100–250 Kr
Splurge	250 Kr or more

Bakeries

Denmark, especially Copenhagen, is home to hundreds of traditional bakeries serving 'wienerbrød' (literally, bread from Vienna), the traditional and famous Danish pastries. While many are closing due to competition from 7-Eleven kiosks, a traditional bakery is still good to find and hard to beat. Look for signs with a pretzel on them or shaped like a pretzel, usually with a crown on top. The major department stores listed above also have bakeries, although they can be pricey.

• Lagkagehuset, ☏ +45 72 14 47 00. While the original "layer cake house" is in Christianshavn, the famous bakery, one of the best in Copenhagen, has expanded all over the city (and Denmark for that matter), with no less than five outlets in Indre By. 15-40 Kr. 
  • 1 Strøget, Frederiksberggade 21, ☏ +45 72 48 47 77. Daily 07:30-20:00. 
  • 2 Kultorvet, Frederiksborggade 6, ☏ +45 33 11 29 00, kultorvet@lagkagehuset.dk. M-Th 06:30-19:00, F 06:30-20:00, Sa 08:00-19:00, Su 08:00-17:00. 
  • 3 Vesterbrogade, Vesterbrogade 4A (across the street from the entrance to the Tivoli gardens), ☏ +45 33 11 36 07, vesterbrogade@lagkagehuset.dk. M-F 07:30-18:00, Sa Su 08:00-18:00. 
  • 4 Ny Østergade, Ny Østergade 12 (close to Nyhavn and Kongens Nytorv, behind Hotel d'Angelterre), ☏ +45 72 14 47 37, nyoestergade@lagkagehuset.dk. M-F 07:30-18:30, Sa 07:30-18:00, Su 08:00-17:00. 
• 5 Conditori La Glace, Skoubogade 3, ☏ +45 33144646. M-F 08:30-17:30, Sa 09:00-17:00. Has been serving cakes, ice cream and hot chocolate since 1870, Their specialty is the Sports Cake. Pieces from 42 kr. 
• 6 Skt. Peders Bageri, Sankt Peders Stræde 29, ☏ +45 33 11 11 29. M-F 07:00-17:30, Sa 07:00-16:00. Located in the wallet-friendly Latinekvarteret (The Latin Quarter), Skt. Peder's has a special every day and 10 kr take-away coffee. Don't worry about knowing the names for anything (none are posted anyway), the clerks are friendly and used to English-speaking customers. 10-20 kr. 
• 7-Eleven, many street corners, especially near train stations. Yes, it's 7-Eleven, mass-produced and all, but the price usually can't be beat, and there is frequently a pastry and coffee special for around 20 kr. 10-15 kr. 

Royal Warrant holders

When in Copenhagen, you have the opportunity to visit a Royal Warrant holder.

The Royal Warrant holder is a predicate dating back to the 19th century, it is only awarded to companies and individuals who have had long-term and regular trade of a certain extent with the royal family and the royal household.

Only a few handpicked companies are appointed this special title. Visiting stores labeled Royal Warrant Holder will give you a sense of the historical heritage of Copenhagen.

• 7 Perchs Tearoom (Perchs tesalon), Kronprinsensgade 5, 1.sal, 1114 København K, ☏ +45 33 15 35 62, tearoom@perchs.dk. M-F 11:30-17:30, Sa 11:00-17:00. A classic tea room serving more than 150 different tea variants. In the tea room, there is also served different locale cakes and sandwiches. Tea has been served in this location since 1835. 90-250 kr. 
• 8 Sømods Bolcher (Soemods Candy), Nørregade 36B, 1165 København K, ☏ +45 33 12 60 46, bolcher@soemod.dk. M-Th 09:15-17:30, F 09:15-18:00, Sa 10:00-15:30. A historic drop-boiler started in 1891, here former times craftsmanship is celebrated and kept alive. Watch how the professionals cook drops and make colorful lollipops or engage yourself. Good variety of drops, known as bolcher in Danish. Particularly great with kids as they can see the candy being made. Has been owned by the same family since it first opened more than 125 years ago. 36-190 kr. 

Budget

Get yourself in the Rådhuspladsen/Frederiksberggade area for a combination of cheap and open till late

Frederiksberggade, the part of Strøget nearest to Rådhuspladsen, is packed with cheap burger joints, shawarma places, and China boxes, which all shell out quick food, until very late at night on the weekends. Burger King on the corner of Strøget and Rådhuspladsen operates 24 hours.

• 9 Ankara, Krystalgade 8-10 (across the street from the main library), ☏ +45 33 15 19 15. 11:00-23:00. Inexpensive Turkish food. The 79-kr all-you-can-eat buffet is a good deal (and it is only 49 kr for lunch between 11:00-16:00). 
• 10 Lotte's, Kronprinsessegade 10, ☏ +45 35 10 98 98. M-F 08:00-18:00, Sa 10:00-16:00. Excellent sandwich shop across the street from the King's Garden. Sandwiches for 45-55 kr. 
• 11 Riz Raz, Store Kanikkestræde 19, ☏ +45 33 32 33 45. 11:30-00:00. All you can eat mediterranean inspired, vegetarian buffet for 185 kr (and 145 kr for lunch). (updated Nov 2023)
• 12 Shawarma Grill House, Frederiksberggade 36, ☏ +45 33126323, shawarmagrillhouse@hotmail.com. This is the first and probably the best shawarma restaurant in Denmark. This restaurant serves pita breads with shawarma and falafel, but also other Middle-Eastern specialities. A shawarma meal contains a pita bread with shawarma, french fries and a soft drink 70 kr. 

Mid-range

There are many restaurants at Gråbrødre torv

There are many opportunities. The area around Gråbrødre square is popular.

• 13 Amadeus, Store Kongensgade 62, 1264 København K, ☏ +45 33 32 35 11. Su-W 07:30-23:00, Th-Sa 07:30-00:00. Cozy basement restaurant with lots of candles, very decent food, and wonderful desserts. And a nice outdoor serving area for good weather 150-300 kr. 
• 14 Bøf og Ost, Gråbrødretorv 13, ☏ +45 33 11 99 11. Daily 11:30-01:00. A popular restaurant on Gråbrødre Torv, dishing out French and Danish cuisine. Has a large outdoor serving area on the square. Main from 149 kr. 
• 15 Café Petersborg, Bredgade 76, ☏ +45 33 12 50 16. M-F 11:45-15:00 & 17:00-20:30, Sa 11:30-16:00. Dates back to the 17th century, and have traditional Danish open-faced sandwiches (smørrebrød). The Petersborg Lunch Plate is a good deal at 125 kr. 
• 16 The Standard, Havnegade 44. Located in an old customs house right at the harbour canal, with great views over Christianshavn and the water. It is actually several restaurants and bars in one building 
• 17 La Galette, Larsbjørnsstræde 9 (in the back court), ☏ +45 33323790. M-Sa 12:00-16:00, 17:30-22:00; Su 16:00-22:00. La Galette is a French style crèperie situated in the inner city of Copenhagen in a court yard surrounded by plants, and an old fence, friendly staff and an atmosphere that takes you somewhere else! Get a Galette or two in "amoureux" and don't miss the cider plus the dessert crêpe with crème de marrons and a dot of vanilla ice cream. Perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner. 30-110 kr depending on what galette you take. 
• 18 Palæo Torvehallerne, Københavns Torvehaller, Hal nr 1, Rømersgade 18, 1362 København K, info@palaeo.dk. M-F 08:00-20:00, Sa 10:00-19:00, Su 11:00-18:00. Inside the front door of one of Copenhagen's great food markets, Palæo offers what the name suggests: a Paleo food offering for those who are following the Paleo diet.... No gluten, just loads of meat and veg, salads and filled omelette wraps, plus a great juice bar! Very popular with locals who like to eat healthy! 
• 19 Goldfinch, Kongens Nytorv 8, 1050 Copenhagen (Enter via the backyard next to Esmee), ☏ +45 3164 6661. Su-W 17:30-00:00, Th 17:30-01:00, F Sa 17:30-02:00. Tucked away in a back yard from the bustle of Kongens Nytorv square, this Chinese restaurant offers a great ambiance, well-reviewed dishes and cocktails and a range of vegan/vegetarian options. Try the roasted aubergines. Might not be suitable for solo travellers. ca. kr 150 for a plate, order 1-2 per person.. (updated Mar 2024)

Splurge

Restaurant Gammel Mønt

• 20 Alberto K at The Royal, Hammerichsgade 1, 1611 Copenhagen Denmark, ☏ +45 3342 6161. Tu-Sa 18:00 to 00:00 (the kitchen closes at 22:00). A new level of simplicity and lightness. Lead by Head Chef Søren Selin and Restaurant Manager and Sommelier Werner Nymo, Alberto K offers a tailored menu that follows the seasons and fuses Italian influences with Danish ingredients. Alberto K won praise from the New York Times' writer Seth Sherwood. Advance reservation recommended. 
• 21 Kong Hans Kælder, Vingaardsstræde 6 (at the back side of Magasin du Nord), ☏ +45 33 11 68 68. M-Sa 18:00-00:00. Michelin starred French restaurant, open since 1976 and located in the oldest building in Copenhagen. The setting is amazing, with Gothic arches and a medieval atmosphere. Mains from 450 kr.  
• 22 Krogs Fiskerestaurant, Gammel Strand 38, ☏ +45 33 15 89 15. M-F 18:00-22:30. Historical seafood restaurant open since 1920. The restaurant environs are a taste of classical Copenhagen and can make you feel like you stepped back in time. Food is high quality, with fresh fish from Danish waters. Menus 750-1000 kr. 

Drink

Brewery pubs

Tivoli lake, Færgekroen

These listings are some excellent options for starting your night in Copenhagen, offering good food and excellent beers produced in the places' own micro breweries.

• 1 Apollo Brewery, Vesterbrogade 3, ☏ +45 33 12 33 13. M-Sa 11:30-14:30 and 17:00-22:30, Su 17:00-22:00. This former theatre right next to the Tivoli main entrance, offers some excellent beers from the inhouse brewery, if you combine it with the spareribs, you have a winning combination for a night out with the boys. Mains from: 171 kr. 
• 2 BrewPub, Vestergade 29, ☏ +45 33 32 00 60. M-Sa 12:00-22:00. This place has a really nice outdoor beergarden in a courtyard in one of the historic buildings downtown. The menu is specially designed to go well with the beers, that the brewery produces in their own basement. Also has indoor seating. 2 courses 280 kr, 2 beer menu 75 kr. 
• 3 Færgekroen Brewery, Tivoli, ☏ +45 33 75 06 80. Daily 12:00-22:00 (only in the Tivoli season). This idyllic place set by a lake inside Tivoli has an Austrian brewmaster behind its beers, and serves Danish food both inside the old building, or at a large patio by the lake. Mains from 159 Kr. 

Bars

The Nyhavn canal is popular place to go for a drink

• 4 Charlies, Pilestræde 33, ☏ +45 33 32 22 89. M-W 14:00-02:00, Th-Sa 12:00-02:00, Su 14:00-21:00. Great choice of beers, especially British beers and real cask ales. Very popular so you might have to stand on weekends, but lively also on weekdays. 
• 5 Cosy Bar, Studiestræde 24, ☏ +45 33 12 74 27. Open every day of the week. A small late night gay bar/club with a very mixed clientele, extremely busy in the weekends, but the fun usually never starts until 04:00-05:00 when other places are closed. Fun, but can feel a bit like a meat market at times. 

The Nyhavn canal at night

• 6 The Dubliner, Amagertorv 5, ☏ +45 33 32 22 26. M-Th 10:00-late, F Sa 10:00-05:00, Su 11:00-late. Huge and rather touristy, it is still probably the most authentic Irish pub in Copenhagen, usually always something going on, even on weekdays - also serves pub food, and has many big screens for watching sports. 
• 7 Funch's Vinstue, Nørre Farimagsgade 55, ☏ +45 33 11 54 45. M-Th 10:00-02:00, F Sa 10:00-05:00, Su 10:00-02:00. Real old-fashioned bar with a good mix of regulars and "poor" student's from the universities. The bar prices are some of the cheapest you get in downtown, and while the place looks pretty run down, the mixed clientele gives it a good atmosphere. 
• 8 Halvvejen, Krystalgade 11, ☏ +45 33 11 91 12. Another old fashioned bar. Its main claim to fame is its adoption of the 10-trip card you use at public transit, known as a klippekort in Danish, to sell alcohol. 13 servings of beer, shots or spirits for 199 Kr. 
• 9 Heidi's Bier Bar, Vestergade 18. M-W 16:00-03:00, Th-Sa 16:00-05:00, Su 16:00-02:00. 2 floors of Tyrolean after ski attitude a short walk away from Rådhuspladsen. 
• 10 La Fontaine, Kompagnistræde 11, ☏ +45 33 11 60 98. F Sa 11:00-15:00, Su 09:00-13:00. Oldest jazz bar with live jazz music. Double up on beer and liquor Monday to Saturday between 20:00 and 22:00. 
• 11 The Moose, Sværtegade 5, ☏ +45 33914291. Weekdays until 03:00, weekends until late -. A long time favourite for students from the universities, this small cramped bar is famed for its moose head, over tagged walls and most importantly the "double up" Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays - where you get two draft beers for 32 kr. 
• 12 Ruby, Nybrogade 10, ☏ +45 33 93 12 03. M-W 16:00-01:00, Th-Sa 16:00-02:00. This is probably the best cocktail bar in town in the moment, although, visitors should keep in mind that this is Scandinavia, and a night out here could easily break a budget. This is, however, a great place to do it, with attentive and qualified bartenders, and a well designed interior. 
• 13 Tango y Vinos Argentinean wine bar, Herluf Trolles Gade 9, ☏ +45 2293 9800. Tu-Sa 16:00-late. Argentinian run place, that is part wine bar, part concert venue. This place imports its own Argentinian wines, arranges Tango lessons on Tuesdays (20:00-21:30, 100 kr) and has frequent Tango,Jazz and classical concerts. 
• 14 Togas Vinstue, St. Kirkestræde 3, ☏ +45 33 12 21 26. M-W 12:00-03:00, Th 12:00-16:00, F Sa 12:00-17:00. If you are interested in politics, this oddity of low key bar near the parliament, is frequented by many parliamentarians, and always have a heated debate going on - feel free to join in as mostly everyone has some command of English. Speciality is the Von Oosten bitter - tastes terrible, but don't be surprised if someone forces it in you. 
• 15 Dahl & Dahl, Dronningens Tværgade 6, ☏ +45 29210660. A wine and cocktail bar. Serves tapas based on products from Bornholm. 
• 16 Zoo Bar, Sværtegade 6, ☏ +45 33 15 68 69. Th-Sa 20:00-05:00. Small but hip place, which also serves good food. Always crowded on weekends. Interesting decoration. 
• 17 Ørsted Ølbar & Cafe, Nørre Farimagsgade 13, info@oerstedoelbar.dk. Mo 16:00-222, Tu-Fr 15:00-22:00, Sa 13:00-22:00, Su 14:00-22:00. Relaxed bar with a wide range of beers on draft and several good beers on bottle, soft chairs, a pool table, and a fussball table. 

Amagertorv by night

• 18 The Scottish Pub, Rådhuspladsen 16, ☏ +45 33 15 92 43. It hosts a backpackers night, which is sometimes quite lively. (updated Nov 2018)

Clubs & venues

Tivoli at night

• 19 Be Proud, Jernbanegade 9. F Sa from 23:00-06:00. The city's biggest dance venue for the younger gay/lesbian crowd. Mainstream hits on Fridays and more experimental music Saturdays. 
• 20 Copenhagen Jazz house, Niels Hemmingsens Gade 10, ☏ +45 33 15 47 00. Nightclub: F Sa 00:00-late. This place, was along with the now closed Montmartre, institutions in the hey-days of Danish Jazz. There is concerts daily on evenings, and on weekends there is a nightclub for the 30+ crowd in the basement. 
• 21 Club Mambo, Vester Voldgade 85, ☏ +45 33 32 50 50. Th 20:00-03:00, F Sa 21:00-05:00. Copenhagen's main Latin venue, with a large dance floor for salsa dancing, and a lounge bar with a wider variety of music. Free Salsa lessons every Thursday from 20:00-21:00. It is totally random whether the place is jam packed or really quiet. Cover charge: 40-50 kr. 
• 22 Culture Box, Kronprinsessegade 54A, ☏ +45 26 43 94 00. Th-Sa 23:00-05:00. Culture Box is the flagship of the electronic music scene in Copenhagen, and is immensely important for the local development of the genre. Mixes superstar DJs with local talent. Usually a friendly, open crowd, and non commercial music blasting out the speakers. Cover charge: 30-80 kr. 
• 23 Discotek In, Nørregade 1, ☏ +45 33 11 74 78. 23:00-08:00. Location closed; now online stream, 2024. This is the place to go if you enjoy dance and light house music. But be forewarned, has a reputation among locals, for its mostly very young crowd, heavy drug use and frequent shows of testosterone. That being said, it can be fun if you take it as an experience. 150 kr for all you can drink beer, wine and champagne. 
• 24 Kulør Bar, Gothersgade 8F, ☏ +45 33 32 20 90. Th-Sa 23:00-05:00. A hit-or-miss sorta place, with nice colorful interiors, chill corners, and occasional artistic performances in the midst of the partying crowd. The entrance fee includes free beers from 22:00 to 01:00, Minimum age is 18 on Thursdays, and 21 on weekends. Entrance 80 kr. 
• 25 Studenterhuset, Købmagergade 52, ☏ +45 35 32 38 60. M 12:00-18:00, Su 15:00-18:00 (also see daily schedule). Studenterhuset or the Student house in English is a lively cafe, bar and live venue run by the student association on the University of Copenhagen, right next to Rundetårn. There are certain regular weekly events here; Tuesdays (12:00-13:00) it is gay day, Wednesdays (12:00-13:00) it is international night where many exchange students come to party, a good option for a night out on Wednesdays which can be pretty quite elsewhere, Thursdays & Fridays (12:00-late) are nights for various live acts. The rest of the week has no set schedule. 

Coffee

If you are in dire need of some caffeine the following morning, here are some places that should (could?) sharpen you up.

• 26 Risteriet, Studiestræde 36, ☏ +45 33 91 00 45. M-F 08:00-18:00, Sa 10:00-15:00. This place at the end of Studiestræde roasts coffee freshly on the premises every day. And you are offered both to drink some in the cafe or bring it home from the store. 
• 27 The Living Room, Larsbjørnsstræde 17, ☏ +45 33 32 66 10. M-Th 10:00-23:00, F 10:00-01:00, Sa 11:00-00:00, Su 12:00-19:00 (only summer). The Living Room is a nice place in the Latin quarter, with a clean and lean 1st floor, and a more anarchistic but very cosy basement with a fireplace, candlelight, bare massive stone walls and an interesting decoration - Perfect for a cold day. The many coffee's are mostly organic, and they also sells beers and cakes. Sometimes there are random, intimate concerts going on the basement. 

Sleep

Budget

View from Danhostel City

• 1 Copenhagen Downtown Hostel, Vandkunsten 5, ☏ +45 70 23 21 10, info@copenhagendowntown.com. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 10:00. Prime location, right next to Slotsholmen and the Parliament near the canal—short walking distance to the main shopping area and with the National Museum and Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek just around the corner. This clean and friendly hostel has its own bar and student-style lounge. Happy hour (2 for 1) from 20:00-21:00. It can get a bit noisy, but entertains and accommodates a mixed group of ages. Groups welcome. 24-hour reception. Dorms: 180 kr, rooms: 282-860 kr. (updated Aug 2022)
• 2 Hotel Bethel, Nyhavn 22, ☏ +45 33 13 03 70, info@hotel-bethel.dk. A very good budget option with a prime location on Nyhavn and great views over the canal. Used to be a Sømandshjem or Seamans' Home, and it still shows in the atmosphere of the place - so don't expect anything fancy! From 895 kr. (updated Aug 2022)
• 3 Cab-Inn City, Mitchellsgade 14, ☏ +45 33 46 16 16, city@cabinn.com. Part of a chain, this hotel has good small rooms at an affordable price, just behind Tivoli and Glyptoteket. 24 hour reception. From 551 kr, Breakfast 50 kr. (updated Aug 2022)
• 4 Danhostel - Copenhagen City, H.C. Andersens Boulevard 50, ☏ +45 33 18 83 32, copenhagencity@danhostel.dk. Rooms are clean and minimal, if not to say Spartan, although the hostel prides itself on having rooms designed by renowned design house Gubi. It looks more like a room by Ikea - not that this is necessarily a bad thing, considering it is a hostel, and the view are great! Everything extra comes with a cost, but the lobby is super nice. Dorms from 230 kr, rooms from 690 kr.. (updated Aug 2022)

• 5 Hotel Windsor, Frederiksborggade 30, ☏ +45 33 11 08 30, hotelwindsor@inet.uni2.dk. A central and cheap hotel, only catering to gays and lesbians. Some rooms with private showers, the rest have shared facilities in the corridors. The staff is very knowledgeable about the local gay scene. From 475 kr. 

The Swan chairs, now found in McDonald's all over the world, were designed for the Radisson Royal hotel (lobby pictured)

• 6 Bedwood Hostel, Nyhavn 63 (The hostel is in the second row.), ☏ +45 6142 6146, reception@bedwood.dk. Nice hostel in an old building with friendly staff. Breakfast is optional and costs 55 kr. There is a bar with reasonable prices and a happy hour. Dorms from 220 kr. Private rooms from 1300 kr. (updated Jul 2018)

Mid-range

• 7 Hotel Danmark, Vester Voldgade 89, ☏ +45 33 11 48 06. A medium-priced, very friendly and cosy hotel in the middle of Copenhagen. Very good location, close to Tivoli. Free wireless and a great breakfast. From 990 kr. 
• 8 The Square, Rådhuspladsen 14, ☏ +45 33 38 12 00, thesquare@arp-hansen.dk. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Stylish minimalist design hotel, smack in the busiest part of the city center, with a view over Rådhuspladsen. Both wireless internet and a terminal available in the lobby. From 995 kr. 

• 9 Hotel Twentyseven, Løngangstræde 27, ☏ +45 70 27 56 27, hello@h-27.dk. This cool designer hotel is a few meters from Rådhuspladsen. The rooms are small but have a very stylish minimalist feel. Prices are in the mid-range, The Absolut Ice Bar is next door where the walls and seats are made of ice, and the Absolut cocktails are served in ice glasses, is operated by the same guys. The walls, bar and seats are also all made of ice. From 1200 kr. 
• 10 Ibsens Hotel, Vendersgade 23, ☏ +45 33 95 77 55, hotel@ibsenshotel.dk. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 11:00. Nice and classical hotel, in a good area between Nansensgade and the lakes, and very close to shopping. Free wireless. Rooms from 990 kr. 
• 11 Hotel Sanders, Tordenskjoldsgade 15 (Next to the royal theater at Kongens Nytorv), ☏ + 45 46400040. Smaller hotel located on a quiet street between Kongens Nytorv and Nyhavn. 
• 12 Phoenix Hotel, Bredgade 37 (1 block south of the Marmorkirken on Bredgade), ☏ +45 3395 9500. Check-out: 12:00. Small, if well appointed rooms. Handy central location. ~1000 kr. 
• 13 Scandic Front, 21 Sankt Annæ Plads (a block from Nyhavn), ☏ +45 33 13 34 00, fax: +45 33 13 34 00, front@scandichotels.com. New stylish hotel. Spacious rooms with great views. Trendy bar. From 750 kr. (updated Nov 2023)
• Babette Guldsmeden, Bredgade 78,, ☏ +45 33 14 15 00. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Sustainable hotel in the city center 895,00+ kr. (updated Feb 2023)

Splurge

Hotel D'Angleterre decorated for Christmas, with the winter ice skating ring on Kongens Nytorv in front

• 14 71 Nyhavn Hotel, Nyhavn 71, ☏ +45 33 43 62 00, 71nyhavnhotel@arp-hansen.dk. Check-in: 03:00, check-out: 12:00. This place is a top notch, historic, waterfront hotel - right at Nyhavn. With wireless internet, satellite TV and all other amenities you would expect from a four star hotel From 1200 kr. 
• 15 Admiral Hotel, Toldbodgade 24-28, ☏ +45 33 74 14 14, booking@admiralhotel.dk. Charming hotel on the waterfront, in an old harbor warehouse from 1781. 10-minute walk from the little mermaid. Rooms from 1175 kr. 
• 16 D'Angleterre, Kongens Nytorv 34, ☏ +45 33 12 00 95, dangleterre@dangleterre.dk. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. This is easily Copenhagen's most exclusive hotel. Set in a classical building overlooking Kongens Nytorv and the royal theater, it can trace its roots back to 1755. The service is impeccable, and the historic interiors are down right amazing. From 2680 kr. 
• 17 Hotel Kong Arthur, Nørre Søgade 11, ☏ +45 33 11 12 12. A very classic and stylish hotel with a nice and friendly atmosphere. Good location near the lakes and ecofriendly too as it is CO2-neutral. The hotel is right next door to the amazing Avalon spa, and in the summertime you can have the (really good) breakfast outside in the courtyard. 
• 18 Palace Hotel, Rådhuspladsen 57 (Central Station 500 m; Nørreport 1 km), ☏ +45 33 14 40 50, palacecopenhagen@scandichotels.com. Landmark hotel affiliated with the Scandic chain, immediately next to the City Hall at the west end of Strøget. Standard rooms are available with two beds or a queen-sized bed, and include a kettle, wireless internet, and in some cases a bathtub. Normal rates do not include breakfast, which is an additional 165 kr. Note that musical events are sometimes held in the City Hall square, so light sleepers may prefer a back room. 
• 19 Radisson BLU Royal Hotel, Hammerichsgade 1, ☏ +45 33 42 60 00, info.cphzh@radissonblu.com. Five-star hotel opposite the Central station and the Tivoli. The entire hotel from the exterior facade through to the swan and egg chairs gracing the lobby have been designed by famous Danish architect, Arne Jacobsen. Free broadband, fitness centre, gourmet restaurant "Alberto K" on the 18th floor. 
• 20 Skt Petri Hotel, Krystalgade 22, ☏ +45 33 45 91 00, reception@hotelsktpetri.com. The modern designer hotel is in the heart of the Copenhagen Latin Quarter, close to prime pedestrianized shopping areas and the Round Tower, and looks nothing like any other hotel in Copenhagen. The bar in the lobby area is good, but posh, as the rest of the Hotel. From 1295 kr. 

Connect

The postal code for central Copenhagen ranges between 1000-1499 (København K), and is quite confusing compared to the rest of the country, since almost every street here has its own postcode.

• 5 Hovedbiblioteket (The main library), Krystalgade 15, ☏ +45 33 73 60 60. M-F 10:00-19:00, Sa 10:00-16:00. The central library is not far from Rundetårn, and has internet terminals, as well as Wi-Fi available. Free. 

Cope

• 6 Møntvask, Nansensgade 84. Coin laundry. (updated Jul 2019)