CopenhagenCapital
Denmark · Country profile
Copenhagen is a low-key, bicycles-first capital woven around water, where canals, bridges and the famous rainbow harbour houses sit between glassy towers and turf roofed quarters. The world’s original "fairy-tale" air lingers around the lakes, the old stock exchange spire and the ramparts of Rosenborg, while the newer districts of Christianshavn, Vesterbro and the meat district hum with coffee, craft beer and concerts. The pedestrian streets of Stroget and the shopping streets of the city centre hold galleries, second-hand shops and smørrebrød counters, and the harbour itself invites swimming, kayaking and harbour-bus rides in summer. Small, safe and beautifully kept, Copenhagen is made for lazy days on a bike and long evenings by the water.
About Copenhagen
Copenhagen is the capital of Denmark. The city's documented population is around 660,000 people. For visitors from abroad, the local currency is the Danish Krone (DKK) and Danish is spoken; the dialling code is +45. It is served by 1 airport in our guide: Copenhagen Airport.
A Flat, Bicycle-First Capital Woven Around Water and Hygge
Copenhagen is a flat, compact, bicycle-first capital built around water, where most of the classic picture fits on two wheels or two ferry stops. The harbour, the lakes and the canals shape its rhythm: the city’s best "fun" moments are the harbour baths, the kayak tours, the canal trips and the beaches a short train ride away. It runs on hygge — the stubbornly cozy way of doing evenings, cafés and candles — and the pace is calm and orderly. It is a safe, small, walkable city, and the tourist core between the Royal Library and the Little Mermaid reads almost like a model village of northern Europe.
Bike Lanes, Rain Gear and Booking the Crowd-Pulling Sights
The bicycle is the honest way to see Copenhagen: the lanes are flat, protected and everywhere, and rentals are easy, but do wave the locals’ habit of signalling and stopping at lights. The weather swings fast — a light rain jacket is useful in any month, and the best months for outdoor plans are May to September. Book the main draws ahead in summer: the round tower, the palace rooms and any canal tour fill quickly. The city is essentially card-only, so cash is rarely needed, and you can pay by mobile almost anywhere. Note the quiet Sunday rhythm: some museums open late or not at all on Mondays.
Swimming Holes, Card-Only Habits and the 24-Hour Metro
The bicycle network makes Copenhagen feel smaller than it is, and the city’s bike culture is worth joining — just follow the flow of traffic and mind the right-of-way rules. The metro runs around the clock, one of the rare 24-hour systems in the world, and the harbour bus is a cheap way to see the waterfront. Copenhagen’s card culture means carry your card and skip the cash. The famous "hygge" is genuine: small candles, open fires and games at the cafés in autumn and winter are part of daily life. English is spoken everywhere, and the locals are friendly and disarmingly direct.
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- Country
- Denmark
- Population
- 660,000
- Coordinates
- 55.6179, 12.6560
- Capital
- Copenhagen
- Region
- Europe
- Currency
- Danish Krone (DKK)
- Languages
- Danish
- Calling code
- +45
- Country code
- DK
Entry requirements for Denmark
Visa status for travellers from common origins visiting Denmark for tourism.
Getting to Copenhagen
Airports we list for Copenhagen:
Frequently asked questions
Is Copenhagen the capital of Denmark?
Yes — Copenhagen is the capital of Denmark.
What currency do I need in Copenhagen?
The local currency is the Danish Krone (DKK). Languages spoken in Denmark include Danish.
What is the dialling code for Denmark?
The international dialling code for Denmark is +45.
Which airport should I fly into for Copenhagen?
Copenhagen Airport (CPH) is the airport we list for Copenhagen.
Do I need a visa to visit Denmark?
It depends on your passport. Among the origins we track, travellers from Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda and Argentina currently enter Denmark visa-free for tourism. Use the entry requirements tool to check your own nationality and purpose of travel.
Flying out of Copenhagen? Check the entry requirements for your destination in our entry requirements tool before you fly.