13 things to know before visiting Copenhagen

I was born and raised in Copenhagen and have lived here most of my life (apart from a few years spent in Berlin and New York City). This is my home, I could navigate its streets with my eyes closed, and I decided to offer you a local's tips for visiting it.

From tips to take to must-see places, here's what to know before you visit Copenhagen © Maridav / Shutterstock

Living abroad has led me to reflect on Danish culture and what makes Copenhagen so unique. For example, the culture of cycling, an integral part of everyday life that I later found out is not as prevalent elsewhere. Here are the main things to know before visiting Copenhagen.

Copenhagen is not always so forgiving with the weather © william87/Getty Images

Mix it up with the locals by copying their clothes

Scandinavian fashion is known the world over. From the most famous names such as H&M, &Other Stories and Cos, to smaller but very trendy brands such as Ganni, Samsøe Samsøe and Rains, shops abound where you can shop in Copenhagen. Wear the clothes you buy now to blend in with the locals. Also, be sure to pack weather-appropriate clothes, such as a waterproof jacket.

The metro is the cheapest way to reach the centre from the airport

Copenhagen's efficient driverless metro connects the airport directly to the city centre in less than 15 minutes. A metro ticket costs DKK 34.

What to see in Copenhagen in three days

Copenhagen is a relatively small city and the main attractions are within a short distance of each other. With good organisation, it is possible to see the best of Copenhagen in three days. However, if you want to get to know Copenhagen in a more local and authentic way, we recommend extending your stay to visit other nearby cities, such as Helsingør, for Kronborg Castle (Elsinore Castle where Shakespeare's Hamlet is set) or the world-famous Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, in Humlebæk.

Admission to Tivoli Gardens is free with the Copenhagen Card © Anastasia Pelikh/Shutterstock

How to save money in Copenhagen

Copenhagen is not considered a cheap destination, but there are many ways to save money when you're on a tight budget. From visiting museums and art centres to wandering around gardens and trendy neighbourhoods, the list of free things to do in Copenhagen is endless.

The Danes eat everything with a knife and fork

The Danes love cutlery and won't eat anything without it, not even a burger or a pizza, making for an entertaining sight for foreigners. However, feel free to use your hands if you don't feel comfortable using a knife and fork to bite into a sandwich. When it comes to etiquette and food, Danes learn from an early age to follow certain rules, such as not keeping your elbows on the table, or how to position the knife and fork to let the wait staff know that you have finished eating.

Many tourists are attracted by the colourful houses of Nyhavn © gmlykin/Shutterstock

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Only tourists frequent Nyhavn

Nyhavn, with its colourful, fairytale-like houses, is one of Copenhagen's most popular attractions, but it is only frequented by tourists. In any case, it is worth a visit to take pictures and enjoy the picturesque scenery. If you want to make a longer stop, avoid the tourist-catching restaurants and instead indulge in a coffee or beer sitting by the side of the canals where the ships are moored, or in the courtyard of the Apollo bar.

Always take a sip after a toast

Danes like to make toasts during dinner in good company, even repeatedly and especially when drinking alcohol. When the glasses touch, say Skål! ('Cheers!' in Danish) and always take a sip.

Danes are usually very relaxed....

Far too relaxed, some would say. The attitude also reflects Danish humour, which tends to be very black, ironic and satirical, and the extreme ease with which they resort to profanity. Swearing is not considered as trivial as in other countries and is often used when chatting informally among friends to emphasise concepts.

... except when it comes to punctuality

Punctuality is a cornerstone of Danish culture. For some Danes, showing up on time means showing up a few minutes early. People firmly believe in the culture of courtesy and have respect for the preciousness of a person's time. This means that if you have an appointment with a Dane and you are very late (more than 15 minutes), they might tell you not to worry, but they are actually considering your behaviour very rude.

Cycling is an integral part of Danish culture © William Perugini/Shutterstock

Cycling is serious business

The number of bicycles exceeds the number of cars in Copenhagen and you'll probably be amazed at how two-wheelers are an integral part of the local culture. If you really want to blend in, use your bike for commuting, but keep these important rules in mind so you don't upset your fellow cyclists. For locals, the bicycle is primarily a means of transport and not a source of recreation. Avoid large cycle lanes during rush hour (7:15-8:45 and 15:30-17:00). Always keep to the right. If you have to brake, signal in advance with your left hand in the air and use your arms as arrows to indicate an impending turn.

Drink tap water

The water in Copenhagen (and all over Denmark) is so clean that residents can swim in the city harbour in all seasons and drink some of the best drinking water in the world, straight from the tap. To reduce plastic waste and save money, take a reusable water bottle with you and fill it up at your accommodation or at one of the free drinking fountains scattered around the city.

Copenhagen is the safest city in the world

In 2021, the Economist published its list of the safest cities in the world, placing Copenhagen at the top of the list. Here, crime rates are extremely low and people have a high level of trust in their neighbours (another important aspect of Danish culture). There is always a slight risk of being in the wrong place at the wrong time, but in general, there is no need to constantly worry about your safety in Copenhagen. As anywhere else, observe normal precautions, such as not flaunting your wallet and valuables in public.

112 is the emergency number

Should something happen to you while travelling in Copenhagen, 112 is the emergency number that will put you in touch with the police, fire brigade and ambulance service.