If you find yourself with a long layover in Copenhagen but not a lot of extra cash to spend on your day, this is the travel guide for you!
We had a wonderful day in Copenhagen and felt it was the perfect introduction to this vibrant city, but we are also backpackers who didn’t want to break the bank on a short stay. So here are our tips and tricks to getting the most out of your day in Copenhagen without opening your wallet (too much), and things we wished we knew before we went!
COPENHAGEN TRANSPORTATION
Copenhagen boasts a highly efficient and reliable public transportation system, making it easy to navigate the city. You can get single standard tickets to take you to and from the airport, and you can walk around Copenhagen from there, which is what we did, without issue. Tickets between the airport and downtown cost 30 DKK (~ 4.41 USD) per adult, each way.
If you plan to use public transportation a lot during your stay, consider buying a City Pass or other travel cards (see: Copenhagen Card below) that offer unlimited travel for a specified duration.
A 24-hour City Pass Card costs 80 DKK (~ 11.75 USD), and gives you unlimited access to buses, trains, metro, and harbour buses in zones 1 – 4, which includes the center of Copenhagen and to and from the airport.
CITY PASS CARD
PROS
- Unlimited Transportation: The City Pass provides unlimited travel on public transportation within specified zones, allowing you to conveniently explore different parts of the city without having to purchase individual tickets.
- Cost Savings: If you plan to use public transportation extensively during your layover and visit multiple areas within the specified zones, the City Pass can offer cost savings compared to buying individual tickets for each journey.
Flexibility: With the City Pass, you have the freedom to hop on and off public transportation as you please, making it easy to adapt your itinerary and explore different neighborhoods or attractions without additional ticket costs.
CONS
- Limited Timeframe: Since you have a layover in Copenhagen for one day, the duration of the City Pass may not perfectly align with your time in the city.
Price Consideration: Assess your itinerary and calculate whether the cost of the City Pass justifies the number of rides you plan to take. If you only intend to travel to and from the airport, individual tickets might be more economical.
Not Necessary: Depending on the proximity of the attractions you wish to visit, many sights might be within walking distance. In such cases, the City Pass may not be necessary, and you can opt for purchasing individual tickets when needed.
To look more into the City Pass, you can click here. We opted not to use this card, as we only took transportation to and from the airport, which cost less as individual tickets.
GETTING DOWNTOWN COPENHAGEN
After exiting the plane and getting through immigration, follow the train and transportation signs to the train ticket booths. Look for the machines or counters operated by the local transportation authority, usually called “DOT” or “DSB.”
Select your ticket. A standard ticket should be sufficient for this journey. A one-way ticket is 30 DKK (~ 4.41 USD). Or you can decide if you’re going to be using a City Pass Card or Copenhagen Card.
Follow the signs indicating the way to the metro station. The metro station at Copenhagen Airport is located in Terminal 3. If your flight arrives in a different terminal, there is a free shuttle train that takes you directly to Terminal 3.
Find the platform for the M2 line towards Vanløse. The metro runs with high frequency, typically every few minutes.
TAKE THE METRO TO KONGENS NYTORV STATION
Board the metro and relax during the approximately 15-minute journey to Kongens Nytorv, in the heart of the city. Once you arrive at Kongens Nytorv, follow the signs to the exit and make your way to street level.
EXPLORE KONGENS NYTORV
Take a moment to appreciate the square’s surroundings, including the notable buildings, the equestrian statue, and the lively atmosphere. Have a seat at one of the many benches and people watch.
EXPERIENCE NYHAVN
Take a leisurely walk to nearby Nyhavn, admiring the quintessential Copenhagen scene. Enjoy the atmosphere of the iconic canal, lined by brightly coloured cafes, bars, and shops.
TIME TO EAT
Although it would be lovely to indulge in a hearty Danish meal at one of the waterside cafes to enjoy the energy of the canal, if you want your money to stretch you can stop by a local hotdog stand to get into the Copenhagen spirit.
Our flight got in quite early, so the hotdog stands weren’t yet open when we were craving a meal, so we opted to stop in at a local grocery store and pick up some simple ingredients for a picnic at the park.
DISCOVER THE HISTORIC DISTRICT OF FREDERIKSSTADEN
Head towards the Frederiksstaden district, known for its elegant architecture and royal history.
Walk by Frederik’s Church (Frederikskirken), and take in this architectural gem, renowned for its impressive dome, its elegant and symmetrical facade, adorned with Corinthian columns and intricate sculptural details. Nearby are some other recommended sights, such as Amalienborg Palace and King’s Garden.
LEISURELY WALK THROUGH STRØGET
Take a walk through the city. We recommend walking along Strøget, one of Europe’s longest pedestrian streets, stretching from City Hall Square to Kongens Nytorv. Enjoy the lively atmosphere, browse through the shops, and take in the architecture of the surrounding buildings.
We stopped by City Hall. You can enter the main area for free, and they also offer tours that go up to the tower (at specific times), which cost 60 DKK (~ 8.80 USD) or is free with the Copenhagen Card.
We found some other cute streets to enjoy the distinctly Copenhagen scenes.
OTHER OPTIONS
Depending on how much time you have there are some other areas that we didn’t get the chance to visit, but also offer amazing sights and experiences in Copenhagen, and we would definitely go to if we have the chance to visit again!
MARVEL AT THE MAJESTIC AMALIENBORG PALACE
Amalienborg Palace, nearby Frederik’s Church, is the official residence of the Danish royal family. You can witness the changing of the guard ceremony at noon every day. We really wish we knew about this when we arrived!
STROLL THROUGH THE KING’S GARDEN
Not far from Amalienborg Palace, is the tranquil King’s Garden (Kongens Have), which is beside Rosenborg Castle. You can take a peaceful walk through this beautifully landscaped park, adorned with sculptures, fountains, and lush greenery. Entrance to the garden is free. Entrance into Rosenborg Castle costs 130 DKK (~ 19.10 USD), or is free with a Copenhagen Card.
VISIT THE FAMOUS LITTLE MERMAID STATUE
Visit the Little Mermaid, located at Langelinie promenade, about a 20-minute walk from Nyhavn, you can catch a glimpse of the small but iconic statue (free).
EXPLORE CHARMING CHRISTIANSHAVN
Christianshavn is a neighborhood known for its canals, picturesque houses, and the beautiful Church of Our Saviour with its unique spiral staircase. You can walk along the canal and take in the quaint, colorful scene (free).
CLIMB THE ROUND TOWER
The Round Tower, or Rundetårn, is a 17th-century tower that offers panoramic views of Copenhagen from its observation deck. You can climb the spiral ramp to reach the top and enjoy views of the city for 25 DKK (~ 3.70 USD), or free with the Copenhagen Card.
ENJOY THE BOTANICAL GARDEN
You can explore the beautiful greenhouses, stroll through the various themed gardens, and enjoy the serenity of nature (free).
VISIT A CEMETERY!
It might sound strange to visit a cemetery on vacation, but Assistens Churchyard and Cemetery is not just a final resting place but also a peaceful park. It’s the historic burial site of famous Danish figures, including Hans Christian Andersen and Niels Bohr. You can take a walk among the tombstones and appreciate the serene atmosphere (free).
BUT WHAT IF I WANT TO GO IN THE ATTRACTIONS?
If you have a longer time/bigger budget in Copenhagen and you wish to see some of these sights more in-depth, you may want to look into the Copenhagen Card. The cheapest adult card starts at 475 DKK (70 USD) for 24 hours, and you can also get cards that span longer time periods.
The cards include a lot of popular sights such as Tivoli Gardens (an amusement park in the centre of Copenhagen), Rosenborg Castle, Canal Tours, Hop-On-Hop-Off Buses, and many more.
Pros:
- The card provides free admission to a wide range of attractions, including museums, castles, and iconic landmarks. If you plan to visit multiple attractions within a day, it can offer significant cost savings compared to purchasing individual tickets for each attraction.
The Copenhagen Card includes unlimited travel on public transportation, allowing you to easily explore the city and move between attractions without worrying about additional transportation costs.
You won’t need to worry about purchasing tickets at each attraction. The card grants you the convenience of direct entry into many popular sites, saving you time and hassle.
The card often includes discounts on various tours, restaurants, and other experiences, allowing you to enjoy additional savings during your layover visit.
Cons:
- The card is available in various durations, such as 24, 48, 72, 96, or 120 hours. If you have a very short layover, the available durations might not align with your visit. There might not be sufficient time to make the most of its benefits.
While the Copenhagen Card provides access to many attractions, it may not cover special exhibitions or events that require separate admission fees.
The card can be expensive, especially if you have limited time or plan to visit only a few sites. Assess your itinerary and calculate whether the card’s price justifies the number of attractions you plan to visit.
To fully maximize the benefits of the Copenhagen Card, pre-planning is necessary. You’ll need to research the attractions, check their hours, and devise an itinerary that allows you to visit multiple sites in a short period. This level of planning may not suit everyone.
To look more into the Copenhagen Card, you can click here. We opted not to use this card as we didn’t feel like our layover gave us enough time to make the most of it, but we would definitely consider it for next time.
Copenhagen is a beautiful, vibrant city that is well worth a visit, no matter how quick! We hope you have an amazing time exploring during your layover!