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 four 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 901/902) 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 by depositing a coin (around 20 DKK) 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.
It‘s a good idea to compare shore excursion costs between what your cruise line offers and options like Viator and GetYourGuide. They often provide lower prices and include customer reviews and ratings to help you choose the best option. They may also offer more more flexible cancellation or rescheduling policies than those available through your cruise line. However, while booking independently might give you more variety and potentially better rates, be mindful of your schedule - cruise line excursions are typically coordinated to match your ship‘s schedule with guaranteed pick-up and drop-off times.
There is also a great resource for finding local guides at Tours by Locals. Tours by Locals connects you with local guides who can help you plan a private personal tour, guide you, and get you back to your ship on time. You can also check out Rome2Rio for local transportation options. It is a great resource for finding how to get from one place to another, including public transportation, taxis, ferries, and more.
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.