SantoriniDave.com

Where to Stay in Copenhagen

SD › Best Places to Stay in Copenhagen
Updated: September 17, 2024
By Santorini Dave

Our Favorite Copenhagen Hotels

Luxury: Nimb
Boutique: Coco
Cheap: Steel House

Luxury hotel in Copenhagen.

With its Moorish architecture and understated luxury, Nimb Hotel offers a serene, high-end retreat in the heart of Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens.

The Best Areas to Stay in Copenhagen

Overlooking the Baltic Sea, bisected by canals, and its tree-lined cycle lanes busy with commuters, Copenhagen is strikingly picturesque and wonderfully liveable. World-renowned for its design, the capital of Denmark is effortlessly cool yet down to earth, with a head-spinning mix of 17th-century townhouses lining the waterways, cutting-edge contemporary architecture gracing the harborfront, more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other Nordic capital, hip streetwear stores, fantastic museums, food markets, and amusement parks. It’s a joy to explore, either on foot, by bicycle, or through a combination of the above and we suggest the highly efficient public transportation system that includes ferries, buses, and the metro (download the DOT Tickets app to get around).

The lion’s share of Copenhagen’s best hotels are located in Indre By, the city’s historic heart. They range from grand 5-star icons to historic warehouses turned into design-forward boutique hideaways to inexpensive chain hotels. Other attractive accommodations to suit all budgets are spread across trendy Kødbyen (the former meatpacking district) and the upscale neighborhood of Frederiksberg. A handful are in up-and-coming Sydhavn, the former industrial harbor of Nordhavn, and also in less-visited Nørrebro.

Copenhagen Neighborhoods

Indre By (“Inner City”) is the harborside historic core of Copenhagen, which gives you an excellent idea of what the city was like 400 years ago. It’s packed with museums, churches, castles, and iconic sights like the Little Mermaid statue. This is also where we found the most accommodations, a varied dining scene, and Copenhagen’s main train station.

Tucked off Strøget pedestrian street in Inner By is the Latin Quarter, one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods and a hub for artistic types. Its coffee houses and independent shops reflect its alternative vibe and strong eclectic identity.

Across the Knippelsbro bridge from Indre By is Christianshavn. In the 17th century, it was a manmade island and naval and merchant district, then a working-class neighborhood that’s been gentrified and is now home to hip bakeries, Michelin-starred eateries, and canalside cocktail bars.

Separated from Christianshavn by the canal, lined with brightly painted houses and docked boats, is Freetown Christiania, a former military base that became a hippie colony in the 1970s. As of April 2024, the marijuana stalls of Pusher Street are gone, but visitors come for the unique vibe, the jazz bars, and the vegetarian restaurants.

Just north of Freetown Christiania sits the island of Refshaleøen, a former industrial district repurposed as an artistic/creative hub hosting several festivals.

West of Indre By lies Vesterbro, one of the ‘bros, formerly a working-class neighborhood with a gritty reputation now home to numerous bars, vintage shops, galleries, and lively hostels. Its trendiest part is Kødbyen – the former meatpacking district where repurposed slaughterhouses are bars, art studios, and restaurants. Another distinctive part of Vesterbro is the Carlsberg City District, a former industrial ground turned hip residential neighborhood centered on the Home of Carlsberg Museum.

Sitting on the harbor just south of Vesterbro, Sydhavnen comprises the old fishing port of Fiskerhavnen with numerous boat-lined canals and waterways linked by small bridges, waterside cafes, and repurposed warehouses.

Adjoining Vesterbro to the north is Frederiksberg’s extensive, affluent, and primarily residential neighborhood. In addition to the Copenhagen Zoo and a palace, there are excellent restaurants and innovative boutiques.

Just north of Frederiksberg, Nørrebro is the most culturally diverse part of town. Its dining scene is similarly diverse, particularly around the popular Jægersborggade street. Ravnsborggade Street features a wealth of vintage and independent stores. Besides its restaurants and vibrant nightlife, its attractions include Copenhagen’s historic Assistens Cemetery and a sculpture park.

Directly north of Indre By and adjoining Nørrebro, the sprawling, upscale Østerbro neighborhood is known for its vast green spaces, as well as the exclusive Danish design stores along Østerbrogade, and some of Copenhagen’s most deluxe dining. Part of Østerbro, Nordhavnen is a formerly gritty port area transformed into a design hub showcasing impressive Scandinavian architecture, with pedestrian promenades, concept stores, and waterside restaurants giving you additional reasons to visit.

Our Favorite Places to Stay in Copenhagen

Best boutique hotel in Copenhagen.

Coco is our favorite boutique hotel in Copenhagen.

Best Areas in Copenhagen for…

  • Best Neighborhoods in Copenhagen to Stay for First Timer: Indre By, Latin Quarter, Nørrebro
    If it’s your first time in Copenhagen, and if you’ve only got a few vacation days, Indre By (downtown Copenhagen) is our recommended neighborhood. We love it because it’s as central as can be, with the city’s biggest attractions and museums, the greatest choice of accommodations, and a diverse dining scene. Latin Quarter (part of Indre By) is equally convenient for all of the above and is a particularly unique part of downtown. If you stay in Nørrebro, a short walk from Indre By across the Peblinge Sø canal, you have the advantage of cheaper accommodations and dining, as well as fewer crowds and proximity to Nørrebro’s excellent nightlife while still being within easy reach of Indre By’s many attractions.
  • Best Neighborhoods in Copenhagen for Sightseeing: Indre By, Frederiksberg, Nordhavnen, Carlsberg City District
    Indre By is the historic center and has Copenhagen’s biggest attractions. You’ll find iconic sights like the Rosenborg Castle, Christiansborg Palace, Kastellet Fortress, the Round Tower (17th-century observatory – Europe’s oldest), the Little Mermaid Statue, and the Kissing Stairs by the harbor. Our top recommended museums, including the National Museum of Denmark, IKONO Copenhagen (contemporary art gallery), Design Museum Denmark, and Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek (fine arts museum), are located here, as well as the Tivoli Gardens amusement park and the vast Botanical Garden that flanks Rosenborg Castle.

    Nordhavnen is a must-visit if you are into contemporary architecture and design. The Silo and Portland Towers are two of many iconic buildings that have earned Copenhagen the World Capital of Architecture title by UNESCO. We suggest visiting the Home of Carlsberg Museum in the Carlsberg City District in Vesterbro to learn all about the history of Denmark’s most famous beer, and take a brewery tour next door. It’s also worth visiting Frederiksberg for the Copenhagen Zoo and modern art exhibitions in the subterranean Cisterne venue. The industrial island of Nyholm (connected to Refshaleøen island) offers the Ships on Holmen museum and the Sælen submarine. We took the metro from Indre By to the Kastrup Street stop in Amager East, on the outskirts of Copenhagen for the excellent, family-friendly National Aquarium.

  • Best Neighborhoods in Copenhagen for Nightlife: Indre By, Nørrebro, Vesterbro, Kødbyen, Østerbro, Freetown Christiania
    While there are bars and clubs all over Copenhagen, much of the nightlife is concentrated in the three ‘bros: Nørrebro, Vesterbro, and Østerbro. We also enjoyed the rich pickings in Indre By in the form of pubs and cocktail bars along Strøget pedestrian street and in the waterside Nyhavn area, popular bars include The Zoo and The Jane. Freetown Christiania is known for its underground bars, such as Woodstock Christiania and Café Inuit. In multicultural Nørrebro, seek out Blågård’s Pharmacy for live blues, rock, and jazz, The Barking Dog for creative cocktails, Rust for alternative music and DJ nights, and Brus, Ølbaren and Mikkeller & Friends for excellent craft beer. In Vesterbro, the clubbing scene is largely concentrated in the Kødbyen district, where you’ll find DJ nights and alternative music at Baggen and KB3. There’s also live music at Vega, farther west, and in the summer, there are numerous live events at the historic Carlsberg Brewery. Østerbro is more sedate, with much of the action centering on beer and wine bars; Standouts include Bubbles Bar, Holstein, and Søernes Ølbar.
  • Best Neighborhoods in Copenhagen for Food and Restaurants: Indre By, Nørrebro, Vesterbro, Frederiksberg, Nordhavn, Østerbro
    Copenhagen is one of the world’s top destinations for foodies, with a high concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants, Modern Nordic eateries, street food markets, and numerous places representing the best global cuisine. Indre By (downtown Copenhagen) has restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets. Standouts include Krogs Fiskerestaurant (a refined 19th-century place known for fish dishes), Höst (contemporary Nordic), Barraba (casual Italian), Väkst (creative vegetarian), and Hija de Sanchez (award-winning food truck serving tacos).

    In refined Frederiksberg, top restaurants include Formel B (Michelin-starred Modern Danish cuisine), Hanzo (reimagined street food from Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, and China), Mielcke & Hurtigkarl (fine dining in a 16th-century building), Anarki (globally-inspired bistro food) and Circolo (Italian food from Tuscany).

    In hip Refshaleøen, choose between Michelin-starred noma that kicked off the New Nordic Kitchen movement, Alchemist (2 Michelin stars, 50 courses!) Reffen street food market that showcases global flavors, Seaside Toldboden (informal setting, open kitchens, street food concept, Michelin chefs), and La Banchina (rustic Danish waterside setting).

    Of the three ‘bros, Nørrebro is the most globe-spanning, with offerings ranging from Kiin Kiin (Michelin-starred Thai) and Ramen to Biíru (ramen and craft beer) to Hooked (wallet-friendly seafood), Sliders (burgers and beer) and Grød (porridge café).

    Vesterbro’s Meatpacking District has a high concentration of excellent restaurants, including Tommi’s Burger Joint, Fleisch (a combined butcher’s, bar, and meat-heavy restaurant), and Warpigs (22 craft beers on tap, American BBQ).

    Finally, Østerbro offers a great mix of refined and casual dining, from 3-Michelin-starred Geranium and VeVe (Michelin-starred vegetarian) to Gro Spiseri (dine in an organic rooftop farm), Ø12 (excellent brunch, casual dining) and Café Boppa (buzzy, family-friendly bistro).

  • Best Neighborhoods in Copenhagen for Families: Frederiksberg, Indre By, Østerbro
    If you’re looking for a quiet neighborhood to stay with your kids in a family-friendly hotel while being within easy reach of Copenhagen’s attractions, Østerbro is a good choice. We like because it’s within walking distance (or a short bus ride) from Indre By’s many sights but is considerably quieter, less touristy, and primarily residential. Here, you’ll find Fælledparken, one of the city’s biggest green spaces, and a cluster of lakes – a favorite strolling spot for Copenhagen’s families. There are limited accommodations, though.

    A short bus ride from Indre By is another quiet, family-friendly neighborhood, Frederiksberg, where you’ll find the Copenhagen Zoo – one of the city’s top attractions for kids. Accommodations fall into the midrange and high-end categories. In Indre By, there’s no shortage of kid-friendly entertainment, from the Tivoli Gardens amusement park and the Rundetaarn tower observatory to the Rosenborg Castle grounds, the Museum of Natural History with its dinosaur skeletons, and the interactive displays on Vikings at the National Museum of Denmark. You also have plenty of accommodations and kid-friendly restaurants, but the downside is that parts of Indre By can be noisy and crowded.

  • Most Romantic Neighborhoods in Copenhagen: Indre By, Sydhavnen, Nordhavn, Frederiksberg
    It depends on what you consider romantic: Indre By is perhaps the most atmospheric part of the city, complete with a fairytale castle (Rosenborg), cobbled streets, and centuries-old buildings, and is a joy to stroll around, hand in hand. Nordhavn is best for waterside strolls past some of Copenhagen’s most cutting-edge contemporary architecture. In Sydhavnen, you can paddleboard together along a picturesque waterway and stroll past scenic canals. In Frederiksberg, you can explore the landscaped grounds of Frederiksberg Palace and wander past the 19th-century villas along the neighborhood’s tranquil, tree-lined streets.
  • Best Neighborhoods in Copenhagen for a Local Vibe: Nørrebro, Freetown Christiania, Vesterbro, Kødbyen, Refshaleøen, Latin Quarter, Sydhavnen
    These neighborhoods each have a distinctive character. Nørrebro is the most diverse part of the city, with numerous cultural grocery stores and vintage stores and we like the slightly grungy vibe. With a bit of an edgy vibe, Vesterbro is still Copenhagen’s red-light district but is primarily known for its nightlife and street markets. Part of Vesterbro but with its particular character, Kødbyen is a trendy part of town consisting of repurposed slaughterhouses turned art studios and more. Refshaleøen is another art hub inside reimagined industrial buildings, this time on an island. The compact former hippie enclave of Freetown Christiania on an island across from Indre By may no longer be as known for its marijuana stalls but still has plenty of fascinating corners to explore. The Latin Quarter is a particularly charming part of Indre By, with a thriving bohemian community and numerous independent cafes, while Sydhavnan retains the feel of ye olde Copenhagen that relied on the sea for its livelihood, with its old fishing harbor and boat-lined, narrow streets.
  • Best Neighborhoods in Copenhagen for Walking: Indre By, Frederiksberg, Nordhavn, Østerbro, Sydhavnen
    Most of Copenhagen’s neighborhoods are well-designed for being explored on foot, but some are more scenic. Indre By is known for its attractive cobbled streets, which seemed to take us back in time as we wandered between its royal residences and fortresses. You can also take to the trails in the Botanic Garden. Frederiksberg has strollable, tree-lined streets and numerous walking trails crisscrossing the vast landscaped grounds surrounding its namesake palace. Østerbro also features ample green spaces – particularly the large Fælledparken and smaller parks surrounding its cluster of lakes. Nordhavn is great for waterside paths that take you past some of Copenhagen’s most striking contemporary architecture, while Sydhavnen is also a joy to explore on foot, with quiet streets flanking the old fishing harbor and numerous boat-lined canals.
  • Safest Areas of Copenhagen
    Copenhagen is a very safe city. Apart from some opportunistic pickpocketing and bag snatching in touristy places, there are few safety concerns. All neighborhoods frequented by visitors are safe to walk around at most times of day. Alcohol-fueled nights out in the city’s nightspots, such as Nørrebro, very occasionally result in scuffles.
  • Unsafe Areas of Copenhagen
    Copenhagen’s neighborhoods with higher crime rates are primarily residential, not places where visitors are likely to find themselves. That said, pickpocketing is common in Indre By, particularly around the main train station and wherever you get large crowds, such as along the pedestrianized Strøget Street, so keep an eye on your valuables. Common sense precautions apply, such as not walking alone along a poorly lit street at night.

    • The 12 Best Neighborhoods in Copenhagen for Tourists

    1. Indre By

    Flanked by the harbor and the Peblinge Sø canal, compact, walkable Indre By is Copenhagen’s downtown and most visited neighborhood. Here, you’ll find the city’s main train station, 19 museums, and other cultural institutions that make up the Copenhagen Cultural District. There’s also the largest concentration of accommodations for every budget, a diverse dining scene comprising dozens of restaurants and cafes, and excellent public transportation.

    In this historic heart of the city, our favorite attractions include the Tivoli Gardens amusement park, the much-Instagrammed Little Mermaid statue, and watching the changing of the guard at the royal residence of Amalienborg. Also, visit the fortresses of Christiansborg and Kastellet along the harbor. Explore the atmospheric squares and cobblestone streets, including the popular pedestrianized Strøget, with its excellent shopping opportunities. The food scene in Indre By ranges from hearty American (The Midwestern Diner), burgers (Gasoline Grill), and Italian (Cantina) to the Torvehallerne produce market, contemporary Scandinavian cuisine (Höst), farm-to-table small plates at Uformel, and tasting menus in a 17th-century mansion at Aoc – one for special occasions.

    2. Latin Quarter

    The Latinerkvarteret (Latin Quarter) is one of the oldest parts of historic Indre By. A tight grid of medieval streets bookended by the Aarhus Domkirke church to the west and hemmed in by the harbor and Nørregade, Kystvegen, and Skolebakken streets. One of Copenhagen’s artistic hubs, the Latin Quarter features a good mix of coffee shops, eclectic stores, and art studios. Go for homemade food at the Next Door Café, Mefisto for seafood, La Cabra for excellent coffee, and Café Mellemfolk for brunch. Attractions include the medieval frescoes at the Aarhus Domkirke and the Occupation Museum devoted to the German occupation of Denmark in WWII. There are only a few hotels here, but plenty more in Indre By.

    3. Christianshavn & Freetown Christiania

    Bisected by an Amsterdam-style canal lined with boats, Christianshavn is an artificial island in the center of Copenhagen. During warmer months, it’s particularly popular with locals who come for pints and picnics on the waterfront, and it has a superb dining scene: several Michelin-starred restaurants and fantastic street food from around the world, like noma.

    Freetown Christiania is the eastern half of this island. In 1971, a hippie commune was established on this former military base; it’s locally notorious for its Green Light District, formerly centered on the marijuana stalls of Pusher Street before the residents symbolically shut them down in April 2024. However, there are also jazz bars here, vegetarian restaurants, bakeries, hand-built homes, and artists’ workshops, best explored on a tour led by a Freetown Christiania local.

    4. Refshaleøen

    Refshaleøen occupies an island across the harbor from the Little Mermaid and the Kastellet Fortress. It’s a former industrial district locally known as a creative hub with alternative urban development and a strong sense of identity. It attracts visitors and locals alike with its festivals, art center, theater, and food court showcasing global cuisines. There are no accommodations here, but Refshaleøen is easily reached by harbor bus or bicycle from Indre By or Christianshavn.

    5. Vesterbro

    Copenhagen’s skid row for many years is still home to the city’s red light district, though the vibe is much less seedy than similar parts of town in Amsterdam and Berlin. Tattoo parlors, underground bars, vintage shops, sex boutiques, and street art murals pepper Vesterbro. This old working-class neighborhood is in transition. It’s no longer one of Copenhagen’s poorest ‘hoods; in recent years, it’s become known for its craft breweries, like Mikkeller, hip cafes like Mad & Kaffe, summertime street markets, and a lively bar scene. It’s where you shop for vintage sneakers and leather jackets before enjoying the buzzy nightlife, mainly around Vesterbrogade and Istedgade.

    6. Kødbyen

    Compact Kødbyen (Meatpacking District) is a distinctive part of Vesterbro and a few minutes walk from Copenhagen Central Station. Revamped former slaughterhouses transformed into art studios, breweries, bars, restaurants, and clubs. Here, you’ll find the V1 Gallery – a top contemporary art venue, and Fotografisk Center, showcasing the efforts of up-and-coming Danish photographers. You can join Copenhagen’s hipsters on a night out, whether at Warpigs for beer and barbecue or Kødbyens Fiskebar for stellar seafood, before venturing into one of the underground clubs.

  • Best Luxury Hotel in Kødbyen
    Scandic

7. Carlsberg City District

It is part of Vesterbro but also a neighborhood in its own right. Copenhagen’s newest, the Carlsberg City District, used to be a closed industrial ground centered on the Copenhagen-founded Carlsberg brewery. It’s now a residential neighborhood whose primary attraction is the excellent Home of Carlsberg Museum. There’s only one hotel here, but the Carlsberg City District is easily reachable by bus or subway from downtown Copenhagen.

8. Sydhavnen

Sydhavnen, just south of Vesrterbro, gives you a taste of Copenhagen in the olden days while showcasing new foodie destinations in its repurposed warehouses. The old fishing port of Fiskerihavn and numerous waterways and canals feature waterfront apartment buildings, houseboats, and docked old fishing boats. You can go kayaking or paddle boarding along the Sluseholmen harbor bathing area, hang out with alpacas – Copenhagen’s fluffy ambassadors – at the Sydhavnstippen nature area, and stroll along the canals. Dine out at Pauli (brewery and contemporary Danish cuisine), Wild Horses (superb coffee and brunch), or Banegaarden – a food court spread across nine wooden barns. A newly opened metro line connects Sydhavnen to other neighborhoods, and while there are few accommodations here, there are numerous hotel options in nearby Vesterbro and Indre By.

9. Frederiksberg

Leafy Frederiksberg, with its tree-lined residential streets, is Copenhagen’s most affluent neighborhood, west of Indre By and just north of Vesterbro. Its centerpiece is Frederiksberg Have (gardens). A vast parkland surrounding an 18th-century palace and the Copenhagen Zoo. South of the zoo, across Roskildevej Street, is Søndermarken, another green space with the historic Cisterne reservoir used for outdoor art exhibitions. There’s a handful of primarily upscale hotels here, globe-spanning restaurants (including Michelin-starred options), stylish boutiques, and one of the city’s best flea markets held on Saturdays from April to October.

  • Best Luxury Hotel in Frederiksberg
    Scandic
  • Best Cheap/Midrange Hotel
    Cabinn

10. Nørrebro

Just across the Sortedams Sø waterway from Indre By (downtown Copenhagen), vibrant Nørrebro is Copenhagen’s young-feeling, culturally diverse neighborhood. It’s home to 55+ nationalities with a distinctive vibe. Much of the dining and nightlife action is centered on Nørrebrogade Street. Ravnsborggade is particularly rich in antique and vintage stores and independent coffee shops. Jægersborggade – formerly a gathering spot for drug dealers and bikers – is now a foodie haunt, offering everything from nitrogen ice cream to fine dining. Food-wise, choose between Kebabistan (kebabs), Ma’ed (Ethiopian), Nørrebro Bryghus (award-winning brewery), and Kiin Kiin (innovative Thai).

You can visit the stately Assistens Kirkegård cemetery to view the final resting places of Hans Christian Andersen and other famous Danes or check out sculptures from around the world at Superkilen Park. Accommodations are few, but there are numerous hotels in Indre By, a short walk away.

11. Østerbro

Østerbro is north of downtown Copenhagen and primarily residential. It’s a welcome escape from the city’s more touristy neighborhoods. The neighborhood is spread out, upscale, and family-friendly, with plenty of dining options and shopping opportunities. Also, Fælledparken, one of the city’s most prominent green spaces, is here. Along Århusgade and Nordre Frihavnsgade streets are restaurants and boutiques. Don’t miss shopping for Danish fashion and interior design along the latter, and grab lunch at Wokshop (Thai) or Ramen to Biiru (Japanese noodles). Østerbro’s attractions are low-key: you can run, stroll, or have brunch beside the Copenhagen lakes, or check out Enigma – the Museum of Communication. Accommodations are limited.

  • Best Luxury Hotel in Østerbro
    Bob W

12. Nordhavn

Nordhavn is part of Østerbro and is a repurposed industrial port area. It is bisected by designated bicycle lanes and a mere 15-minute hop on the metro from downtown Copenhagen. You can spot some of the city’s most exciting contemporary architecture, such as Portland Towers and The Silo, take a tour of the UN City campus, workout at the rooftop gym overlooking the water at Konditaget Lüders, shop for innovative design at Menu Space, and swim at the Sandkaj Harbor bathing zone, with its inviting sandy strip and beach cafes. The dining scene around the buzzy Göteborg Plads square runs the gamut from authentic Japanese at Sushi Anaba to Mexican at Hija de Sanchez Cantina, and you can even stay the night in an exclusive one-room hotel inside a former coal crane.

About Santorini Dave

Santorini Dave I'm Santorini Dave. I started this site in 2011 with a short article on tips for visiting Santorini with kids. We're now a small team of writers and researchers dedicated to providing the best travel content on the internet. We focus on Santorini, Mykonos, Athens, and Greece, offering recommendations for top hotels, neighborhoods, and family-friendly hotels worldwide. I can be contacted at dave@santorinidave.com.