Copenhagen holidays

How to reach Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a city that prides itself on its accessibility and efficient public transport system, making it an ideal destination for travellers from Ireland.

• Flight time: Direct flights to Copenhagen from Dublin typically take around 2 hours.

• Transfer time from the airport to the city centre: Copenhagen Airport is well-connected to the city centre via the metro, with a journey time of approximately 15 minutes to Nørreport Station. The train service to Copenhagen Central Station takes about 13 minutes.

• Price of different transport options: A single metro or train ticket from the airport to the city centre costs around 36 DKK. Taxis are available, costing about 250–300 DKK to the city centre.

Weather and best time to visit Copenhagen

The best time to visit Copenhagen depends on your expectations, as the city has something to offer in every season.

• Spring (March to May) brings longer days with average temperatures between 2°C to 15°C, perfect for enjoying the blossoming parks and outdoor cafés.

• Summer (June to August) is the high season with warmer weather, averaging 11°C to 22°C, ideal for harbour swims and cycling around the city.

• Autumn (September to November) sees cooler temperatures, ranging from 5°C to 17°C, and fewer tourists, making it a good time to explore cultural sites without the crowds.

• Winter (December to February) is low season with shorter days and colder temperatures, averaging -1°C to 3°C, but the city is beautifully lit up and less crowded.

Practical information for Copenhagen holidays

• Spoken languages: Danish is the official language, but English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.

• Local habits and customs: Danes are generally punctual, respectful of personal space, and place a high value on environmental consciousness. It is polite to wait for a green light before crossing the street.

• Tips: Tipping is not a common practice in Denmark as service charges are typically included in the prices, but it is always appreciated for exceptional service.

• Security: Copenhagen is considered a very safe city, but standard precautions apply as in any major city.

• Health: Tap water is safe to drink. There are no special vaccination requirements for Denmark.

• Currency: The Danish Krone (DKK) is the currency. Credit cards are widely accepted and ATMs are readily available.

• Getting around: Cycling is one of the best ways to explore Copenhagen. Public transport is reliable and comprehensive, including buses, trains, and metro services.

• Electricity and plug types: The standard voltage is 230 V with type K sockets. If your plug doesn't match, you'll need an adapter for Irish appliances.

Best things to do in Copenhagen

Split by lakes and surrounded by sea, an energetic and hip waterside vibe permeates Copenhagen, one of Europe's trendiest capitals. There's an emphasis on café culture and top-notch museums by day and a thumping live music, bar and club scene by night.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Rundetaarn: Dominating the skyline north of Strøget, the Round Tower was built as an observatory and finished in 1642; the main attraction is the stunning view from the top, reached via a spiral walkway.

The best districts

• Nørrebro: Edgy area northwest across the canal from Indre By that's crammed with some of Copenhagen's best cafés, bars and clubs, centred on Sankt Hans Torv.

• Vesterbro: Home to Copenhagen's red-light district and one of the most cosmopolitan areas in the city, it has a great selection of shops, bars and restaurants.

• Christiania: A former barracks area colonised by hippies after declaring itself a "free city" in 1971, it has evolved into a self-governing entity based on collective ownership, with quirky buildings housing alternative small businesses such as a bicycle workshop and women's smithy, as well as art galleries, cafés and restaurants.

Museums

• Statens Museum for Kunst: The National Gallery has bright and spacious rooms holding a vast collection of art, from minor Picassos to major works by Matisse and Titian.

• Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek: Copenhagen's finest classical and modern art gallery, where there's a knockout selection of Greek and Roman sculpture on the first floor, while upstairs there are some excellent examples of modern European art, including works by Gauguin, Van Gogh and Danish Golden Age artists like Eckersberg.

• Nationalmuseet: Excellent displays on Denmark's history from the Ice Age to the present day; the prehistory section in particular is fascinating, and includes amber animals, gold Viking horns, numerous corpses preserved in bogs and Denmark's oldest coin, struck around 995 AD.

Parks and gardens

• Assistens Kirkegård: The resplendent Assistens Kirkegård is a tranquil cemetery which locals use as a park in summer, and has Hans Christian Andersen among its permanent residents.

• Frederiksberg Gardens: An elegant green space with lakes, winding pathways and fine views of the Frederiksberg Palace.

Historical monuments

• The Little Mermaid: The diminutive Little Mermaid has been a magnet for tourists since her unveiling in 1913. A bronze statue of the Hans Christian Andersen character, it was sculpted by Edvard Eriksen and paid for by the founder of the Carlsberg brewery.

• Rosenborg Slot: In this fairytale castle that served as the principal residence of Christian IV, the highlight is the downstairs treasury, where a gilded throne, crown jewels and rich accessories worn by Christian IV are on display.

• Amalienborg Palace: Amalienborg Slotsplads is home to the four Amalienborg royal palaces. Two remain as royal residences, and there's a changing of the guard at noon if the monarch is home.

Day trips in the area

• Helsingør: A likeable town with some major historical attractions, none bigger than Kronborg Castle, setting of Shakespeare's "Hamlet" and considered one of the most important Renaissance castles in Northern Europe.

• Roskilde: Well worth a visit for its Viking Ship Museum, a world-class attraction, while the cathedral and old centre are lovely to wander around.

• Louisiana Museum of Modern Art: A short walk from Humlebaek train station is Louisiana, an outstanding modern art gallery whose setting is worth the journey alone – a harmonious blend of art, architecture and the natural landscape.

Activities for families in Copenhagen

Copenhagen holidays are famously family-friendly, offering activities for all ages. Both adults and children will love the city's many playful and imaginative attractions.

• Tivoli Gardens: An entertaining mixture of landscaped gardens, outdoor concerts and fairground rides; you'll probably hear it before you see it, thanks to the constant screams from the roller coasters. On a summer evening when the park is illuminated by thousands of lights and lamps reflected in the lake, it's one of Scandinavia's most magical experiences.

• Boat tours: Netto Boats operate hugely enjoyable hour-long canal and harbour boat trips past the old stock exchange, the island of Holmen and the Little Mermaid, leaving regularly from Nyhavn.

• Park picnics: Kongens Have is Copenhagen's oldest and most popular public garden – and is the perfect spot to hunker down in the shade with a tasty picnic. At the height of summer, there are puppet shows and free music concerts to accompany your sandwich.

Free things to do in Copenhagen

Copenhagen can be a tricky place to get by on a budget, but with a bit of planning you can make the most of your wallet.

• Beaches: With so much sea water around, it's not surprising that Copenhagen has a clutch of fine-looking beaches: Amager Strand, Bellevue Beach and Charlottenlund are long swathes of powder-white sand lapped by invitingly clear, blue water.

• Free museums: Museums with free admission include the Nationalmuseet (National Museum) and the Statens Museum for Kunst (National Gallery), while many others offer free entry one day per week.

• Free music: The city has plenty of free music on offer, including concerts at Tivoli almost weekly during summer.

• Harbour baths: In warmer months, take a refreshing swim in Copenhagen's clean, free-to-use harbour baths on Islands Brygge, southwest across the canal from Indre By.

Nature and outdoor activities in Copenhagen

Copenhagen holidays wouldn't be complete without exploring the city's outdoor offerings, where urban design and natural beauty blend seamlessly.

• Cycling: Copenhagen is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world, with over 390km of dedicated bike lanes. Rent a bike and tour the city like a local, from the colourful streets of Nyhavn to the tranquil paths of Fælledparken.

• Green rooftops: Sustainability and outdoor enjoyment come together spectacularly at places like CopenHill, a waste-to-energy plant with a rooftop ski slope and hiking trail.

• Skipper a boat: One of the most enjoyable ways to see Copenhagen is to spend a couple of hours skippering a solar-powered GoBoat; these boats putter around at a leisurely pace, giving you plenty of time to take in the sights - and no experience is required to operate them.

The best beaches in Copenhagen

Copenhagen may not be synonymous with beach holidays, but the Danish capital offers some surprisingly delightful seaside experiences, perfect for those sunny days.

• Public Beaches: Amager Strandpark is a popular public beach that boasts a long sandy stretch and a lagoon, ideal for swimming and sunbathing. It's easily accessible by metro, making it a favourite for both locals and tourists.

• Private Beaches with Charges: While most beaches in and around Copenhagen are public, some beach clubs and private resorts may offer exclusive areas where you can rent sunbeds or cabanas for a fee, providing a more secluded and upscale beach experience.

• Beaches with Sunbeds and Facilities: Bellevue Beach in Klampenborg, just north of Copenhagen, is renowned for its beautiful white sand and clear waters, complete with lifeguards and facilities during the summer months.

Nearest beaches to Copenhagen

• Svanemølle Beach: Located close to the city centre, this beach offers a 130-metre-long pier and a large sunbathing area. It's a relatively new addition to Copenhagen's beach scene and is well-facilitated for a comfortable visit.

• Charlottenlund Beach Park: A bit further up the coast, this beach provides a picturesque setting with green areas, a sandy beach, and calm waters, making it perfect for families and leisurely swims.

• Ishøj Beach: South of Copenhagen, this beach forms part of a larger beach park and is well-loved for its wide sandy beach and dunes, as well as modern facilities, including a marina and beach pavilion.

Whether you're after a quick dip and sunbathing or a whole day of relaxing by the sea, Copenhagen's beaches offer a refreshing escape from the urban buzz, providing a taste of the laid-back Danish summer lifestyle.

Local dishes in Copenhagen

Holidays to Copenhagen are a foodie's dream. Mixing Michelin stars with budget bars, Copenhagen delights with its tremendously varied eating scene – which has helped to plant it on the map as Scandinavia's most sophisticated culinary city.

Some typical dishes

• Smørrebrød: The traditional open sandwich of dark rye bread topped with anything from smoked salmon or shellfish to herring or salami is delectable and delicious.

• Stegt flæsk: Crispy pork belly served with parsley sauce and potatoes is considered Denmark's national dish.

Meat dishes

• Frikadeller: Delicious Danish meatballs served with potatoes and a rich, creamy gravy.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Røget sild: The quintessential Danish seafood, this is smoked herring served with dill and mustard sauce.

• Oysters: Danish oysters are a world-class delicacy, especially those from the Limfjord and the North Sea.

Street food

• Hot dogs: Hot dog stands (pølsevogn) are a cultural institution and you'll find them on all the city's main streets, serving hot dogs (pølser), as well as toasted ham-and-cheese sandwiches (parisertoast) and chips (pommes frites).

Sweets and desserts

Danish pastries, or wienerbrød, are famous worldwide for their flaky, buttery layers, and are tastier and much less sweet than the imitations sold abroad. Variations include the fantastically named cinnamon snail (kanelsnegl) and seed snapper (frøsnapper) pastries and there's also spandauer, a custard or jam-filled pastry.

Local drinks

• Akvavit: A traditional Scandinavian schnapps, the most popular of which is the potent Aalborg-made Aquavit.

• Mikkeller beer: Copenhagen's craft beer scene is thriving, with Mikkeller leading the charge with its innovative and flavoursome brews.