Copenhagen, Denmark Guide

Location & Transportation

Copenhagen’s cruise port is well connected and easy to reach. Here’s what you need to know:

• The city has three main cruise terminals:
  • Oceankaj: Located in Ydre Nordhavn, with three terminal buildings handling over 5,000 passengers per call. It’s the busiest pier and is about 7 km from the city center.
  • Langelinie: Often used by smaller ships, located just 3 km from the center. From here, you can take a pleasant 30-minute walk to the city center. It’s also a short walk to see the famous Little Mermaid statue and Amalienborg Palace.
  • Nordre Toldbod: Ideal for luxury megayachts and smaller vessels, only 2 km from the center.
• From Copenhagen Airport (approximately 11 km away), you can take a taxi directly to your ship or use the excellent public transportation:
  • Catch the Metro from the airport (a short 2-minute walk to Metro Line M2), ride 8 stops to Kongens Nytorv, then change for Metro Line M4 to Orientkaj.
  • Alternatively, take the Metro to Nørreport Station, board an S-train (A, B, C, or E lines) for a one-stop ride to Østerport Station, then enjoy a 15-minute walk to either Langelinie or Nordre Toldbod.
• For easy city navigation, the hop-on/hop-off CitySightseeing buses run from all cruise terminals and offer tours around Copenhagen.

Sightseeing

Copenhagen’s mix of history and modern design makes it a delight to explore. Whether you have a few hours or a full day, there’s plenty to see:

• Historic Landmarks & Attractions:
  • The Little Mermaid: Don’t be surprised by its modest size—it’s a symbol of the city.
  • Nyhavn: A vibrant waterfront lined with colorful townhouses, cafes, bars, and restaurants.
  • Tivoli Gardens: One of the world’s oldest amusement parks, offering entertainment for all ages.
  • Palaces: Visit Christiansborg Palace and Amalienborg Palace to get a glimpse of Danish royal history.
• Architectural & Cultural Highlights:
  • Stroll along promenades by the canals and explore the mix of medieval, rococo, and modern designs.
  • On your walk along the Langelinie promenade, enjoy the many shops and casual cafes.
• Nearby Excursions:
  • Venture just north along the Øresund coast to discover well-heeled suburbs with attractions like the Danish Aquarium, Experimentarium, and Bakken amusement park.
  • Art lovers should consider a trip to the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art (about 35 km north) for modern art in a stunning seaside setting.
  • If you’re in the mood for a short international jaunt, take a 35-minute train ride over the spectacular Øresund Bridge to Malmö, Sweden.

Tours & Excursions

Organized tours are a great way to see all that Copenhagen has to offer:

• Canal & Water Bus Tours: Hop on the harbor water buses (lines 991/992) from the area near The Royal Library (often called the Black Diamond) to Nordre Toldbod. These 15-minute trips run every 20 minutes and showcase waterfront highlights.
• Hop-On/Hop-Off Bus Tours: CitySightseeing buses are available at all cruise terminals, offering multiple routes around Copenhagen.
• Bike Tours: Rent a city bike through one of the app-based bike-share services (such as Donkey Republic) or from a local bike shop, and explore the city on two wheels. The city’s well-planned bike lanes make this a delightful and healthy way to see Copenhagen.
• Walking Tours: Join a guided walking tour to dive deeper into the city’s history, culture, and architectural wonders.

Shopping

Shopping in Copenhagen is an experience in itself:

• Strøget Area: Although “Strøget” refers to a series of interconnected pedestrian streets rather than a single road, it remains the heart of shopping in the old city. Here you can find everything from charming boutiques to international brands.
• Fields Mall: For a modern shopping experience, visit Fields—a large mall complete with the convenience of its own Metro Station (get off at Ørestad).
• Expect that shopping in Denmark can be pricey, partly due to the high VAT rate of 25% applied to almost all items.

Dining

Copenhagen’s dining scene offers a mix of traditional Danish flavors and international cuisine:

• Savor Danish specialties such as smørrebrød—open-faced sandwiches topped with ingredients like boiled egg, dill, beetroot, mackerel, and roast onions.
• Enjoy hearty meals featuring Danish meatballs (frikadeller) or explore a variety of global options from Thai curries to sushi.
• In the city center, you’ll find plenty of cafes, restaurants, and casual dining spots, many of which showcase the best of contemporary Danish cuisine.

Culture & Local Events

Copenhagen pulses with cultural life and local traditions. Here’s what you need to know:

• Communication: Danish is the official language, but English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.
• Local Currency: Denmark uses the Danish Krone (DKK). Major shops often display prices in both DKK and sometimes in Euros. Most international credit cards are accepted, though a 2–4% surcharge may apply.
• Opening Hours & Holidays:
  • Shops typically open Monday–Friday from 10 am to 7 pm and on Saturdays from 10 am to 4 pm.
  • Generally, most shops are closed on Sundays, though some department stores and malls might open during the cruise season.
  • Note that special opening hours may apply on public holidays such as Constitution Day (June 5) and Christmas Eve (December 24).
• Local Events:
  • Copenhagen hosts a number of exciting events year-round. For example, the Distortion Festival in June fills the streets with music and dancing, while the Copenhagen Jazz Festival in July attracts music lovers from around the globe.
  • In December, the city lights up with festive Christmas markets and special seasonal events.
• Safety & Awareness:
  • The emergency number in Denmark is 112.
  • As in any popular tourist destination, be mindful of your belongings and stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.

References

• Visit Copenhagen
• Copenhagen Tourism