Where to Stay in Copenhagen - Neighborhoods & Area Guide

Copenhagen is one of the most forward-thinking, eco-friendly cities in the world. As the capital of Denmark, Copenhagen is home to some of the most impressive architectural structures in the country.

It is not all mod-cons and technology though – Copenhagen is a city steeped in history. Denmark has a rich and varied past – some of the finest buildings in the city were constructed in the 18^th Century.

The Nyhavn canal and harbor, with its colorful assortment of townhouses, is not only the most famous picture on postcards of Denmark, but one of the most iconic sights in Europe. The simple bronze statue, ‘The Little Mermaid,’ is also one of the more popular landmarks in Copenhagen.

Although the city’s main points of interest can be found in the center, outside of the inner sphere there is a lot to explore. From trendy coffee bars and indie boutiques, to second-hand bookstores and photogenic townhouses, Copenhagen has a wealth of culture and history to explore. The best way to explore Copenhagen is like a local – by bicycle. Copenhagen is one of the most cycle-safe cities in the world, so embrace it.

Let’s look at where to stay in Copenhagen.

City Center

The City Center district of Copenhagen is the obvious first port of call in the city. A hive of activity 24-hours a day, seven days a week, the City Center neighborhood has everything a first-time visitor to Denmark could wish for.

The City Center sees tourism meet functionality. While travelers wander through the streets, office workers cycle on by. All of this neighborhood is photogenic, many travelers enjoy simply meandering through the streets, stopping for a takeaway coffee and snapping photos as they go.

One of the most picturesque areas of the City Centre is King’s New Square, or Kongens Nytorv. This cobblestoned square dates back to the early 1900’s and features an impressive statue of Christian V. The narrow streets veer off along the iconic Nyhavn canal. One of the best ways to explore the canals is, of course, by boat. Many of the tour providers commence their tours from Nyhavn.

Good For: Active Travelers, Art Lovers, Big Budget Travelers, Budding Historians, City Slickers, Couples, Culture Vultures, Families, Sightseers, Whistle-Stop Travelers

Neighborhood Highlights: King’s New Square, Nyhavn Canal, Design Museum Denmark, Charlottenborg Palace, Hans Alf Gallery, Copenhagen Opera House, Amalienborg, Frederik’s Church, Gefion Fountain, Kastellet, The Little Mermaid, St Alban’s Church

Hotel Recommendations:

Hotel Christian IV – Affordable and ample, Hotel Christian IV provides everything a traveler could ask for in a hotel in the City Centre. Rooms are bright, spacious and immaculately clean. Guests are welcome to relax in their room or at the in-house bar and lounge. Complimentary tea, coffee, and biscuits are served in the lobby.
71 Nyhavn Hotel – Incorporating authentic Danish design elements and a sense of historical charm, 71 Nyhavn Hotel is a wonderful hotel set within a converted warehouse complex. All rooms feature a writing desk and mini bar. There are both double rooms and luxurious suites available. The staff are wonderfully helpful and welcoming.
Skt. Petri – Skt Petri is stylish beyond belief. Modern, urban, yet comfortable and welcoming, Skt. Petri ticks all the right boxes. The low-lit rooms with trendy furniture offer views of the traditional townhouses on the street opposite. The patio terrace is a great place to relax with a beer or two.

Vesterbro

Vesterbro is a cool, calm and collected neighborhood in Copenhagen. A firm favorite hangout spot for local youngsters and backpackers, there is a trendy feel to the neighborhood. Get your Instagram filters at the ready; travelers can get some fantastic urban shots in Vesterbro.

Home to a great selection of coffee bars, cocktail bars and live music venues, Vesterbro is one of the most happening neighborhoods in Copenhagen. Once something of a downcast area, Vesterbro has experienced some serious gentrification over the past decade and is now a hipsters paradise.

For budget backpackers breaking the bank in Copenhagen, Vesterbro is a great neighborhood to use as a base. There is a number of fantastic hostels and private apartment rentals.

Vesterbro is home to one of the city’s leading tourist attractions – Tivoli Garden. The 19^th Century theme park features an antique roller coaster that is great novelty value for fun-loving travelers.

Good For: Active Travelers, Art Lovers, Budget Travelers, City Slickers, Couples, Culture Vultures, Foodies, Like a Local Travelers, Music Lovers.

Neighborhood Highlights: Tivoli Gardens, Istedgade Street, Museum of Copenhagen, Vega Live Music Venue, Fisketorvet Shopping Mall, V1 Gallery, Warehouse 9 Art Gallery, Cafébiografen Vester Vov Vov, Tycho Brahe Planetarium, Children’s Museum, Enghave Parken

Hotel Recommendations:

Scandic Webers – Boutique in style, Scandic Webers is a great place to stay in Vesterbro. Popular with travelers of every style, Scandic Webers offers affordable rooms and great service. All rooms have a private ensuite bathroom, in-room safe and a work desk. Guests are welcome to enjoy a drink in the bar or patio lounge.
Comfort Hotel Vesterbro – Ideal for couples on a budget, Comfort Hotel Vesterbro is one of the more affordable options in Copenhagen. Featuring a modern lounge area with plenty of seating, Comfort Hotel is great for travelers who work on the road. There is free WiFi available throughout the hotel and breakfast is included.
Nimb Hotel – Set within the grounds of iconic Tivoli Gardens, Nimb Hotel is one of the most luxurious hotels in all of Copenhagen. The opulent Moorish style building is home to a great selection of rooms, including suites. Luxury toiletries are provided on a complimentary basis as is WiFi and a superb breakfast.

Nørrebro

Sitting just north of the City Center is the multicultural and ever-exciting neighborhood of Nørrebro. Home to a great selection of museums, art galleries and more, Nørrebro is a great place to scratch beneath the surface in Copenhagen.

To the south, Nørrebro sits on the banks of the canal. In the heart of the neighborhood, travelers will find Nørrebroparken, possibly the most hipster playground in the world. Superkilen Park is an urban jungle, complete with a playground, a jogging track and a skateboard ramp.

Nørrebro is renowned for being where the cool kids come to play. Not all of them are kids though – it’s not uncommon to see trendy office workers rocking up at Superkilen Park for a game of basketball after work.

One of the focal points of Nørrebro is Assistens Cemetery, which is one of the biggest in Copenhagen. There are dozens of notable Danes laid to rest here, but most famous of them all, perhaps, is author Hans Christian Andersen.

Good For: Active Travelers, Art Lovers, Budget Travelers, City Slickers, Couples, Culture Vultures, Foodies, Like a Local Travelers, Music Lovers.

Neighborhood Highlights: Nørrebroparken, Superkilen Park, Assistens Cemetery, Bronsons Church, Museum of Zoology, Politimuseet Museum, Ølbaren Beer Bar, Vintage Shops on Ravnsborggade

Hotel Recommendations:

M18 – Offering the option of a double room, a family room or a complete studio, M18 has got all bases covered in Nørrebro. All rooms offer an impressive city view, a private bathroom and a mini bar. Guests can sleep toasty in their bed thanks to the hotel’s central heating.
Hotel Nora – Hotel Nora is a great accommodation option in Nørrebro. Simple, comfortable and recently renovated, Hotel Nora is great value for money. All the major sights of the neighborhood are within a short walking distance, and the Nørrebro Metro Station is about a 10-minute walk away. They offer free beer on arrival.
A&O Copenhagen Nørrebro – Modern and stylish, A&O Copenhagen Nørrebro is an affordable choice in Copenhagen. Guests are welcome to come and go as they please, reception is open 24-hours a day. Complimentary toiletries can be found in all rooms and WiFi is free throughout the hotel. There are dorms and private rooms.

Østerbro

Sitting just north of City Centre and neighboring Nørrebro, is the lesser visited neighborhood of Østerbro. For budget travelers seeking a more affordable area of Copenhagen or travelers seeking a more authentic Danish experience, Østerbro is a great choice.

Feeding into the port of Nordhavnen, Østerbro is a great place to stay if you like a coastal breeze and a breath of fresh air. Sports fans will have their sights already set on staying in Østerbro – it is home to Telia Parken. This stadium is the home ground for the local football team, FC Copenhagen. Telia Parken is also the venue of choice for international football games too.

Outdoorsy urbanites will love Fælledparken. This vast inner-city parkland is a destination in its own right. There are a few football pitches, a brilliant skate park, and a waterspouts area too. This is a particularly popular spot for picnics in the summer and hand-warming takeaway hot chocolates in winter.

Good For: Active Travelers, Budget Travelers, City Slickers, Couples, Outdoorsy Urbanites, Like a Local Travelers, Sport Lovers.

Neighborhood Highlights: Fælledparken, Telia Parken, Amor Parken, Fredens Park, ENIGMA – museum for post, tele & kommunikation, Gunnar Nu Hansen bust, Langelinie Promenade, Østre Gasværk Theater, Østre Skøjtehal Ice Skating Rink.

Hotel Recommendations:

Hotel Rye – Hotel Rye is located on a quiet street just a two-minute walk away from Telia Parken Stadium. Thanks to Copenhagen’s efficient public transport network, guests can be in the heart of the city in less than 10-minutes. Each room features a work desk, cable TV and an ensuite bathroom.
Adina Apartment Hotel – For travelers who want to live like a local in Copenhagen, Adina Apartment is a great choice. The apartment features a fully equipped, modern kitchen, a dining table, a lounge area and a private bathroom. There are one and two bedroom apartments available. This is a great choice for families.
Hotel 9 små hjem – Hotel 9 små hjem translates from Danish to mean 9 Small Homes. Each cozy holiday apartment features everything travelers need to be self-sufficient in Copenhagen. There is a fully equipped kitchen, private bathrooms and a bedroom that features a seating area and a flat-screen TV. Most apartments offer city views.

Amager East

Set to the south-east of the City Center, across the canal is the off the beaten track neighborhood of Amager East. This is a great place to stay in Copenhagen for travelers who want to beat the crowds and mingle with locals. Amager East is connected to the rest of the city via the Metro one, and the Femøren Station is the most easily accessible hub.

One major drawcard for Amager East is Amager Strandpark. This four-kilometer stretch of man-made beach is a sandy oasis in the heart of Copenhagen. The artificial island is home to water sports operators, takeaway coffee bars and cute waterfront cafes. This is a great place to stay in Copenhagen for families looking for a bit more space and a few less crowds.

Another family-friendly attraction in Amager East is the National Aquarium. This has a strong educational and conservation vision. A good rainy day activity for sure.

Good For: Active Travelers, Big Budget Travelers, City Slickers, Couples, Culture Vultures, Families, Outdoorsy Urbanites, Sightseers.

Neighborhood Highlights: Amager Strandpark, National Aquarium, Kastrupfort Historical Fortress, Amagerstrand Minigolf, Frankrigsgade Svømmehal Swimming Pool, Amager Bio / BETA Live Event Venue, The Blue Hall Flea Market

Hotel Recommendations:

Sleepcph – Modern, minimalist and super affordable, Sleepcph is one of the most popular hotels in Amager West. Guests can book into a room that suits them, single, double, twin or family. In keeping with the budget-friendly nature of the hotel, Sleepcph offers only shared bathrooms that are kept incredibly clean.
CPH Studio Hotel – Located a 10-minute walk from the Amager Strand Beach, CPH Studio Hotel give guests ultimate levels of comfort. The rooms are clean-cut, modern and minimalist – in true Danish style. There is an in-house bar and restaurant and free parking is available. A great breakfast buffet is included in some rates.
Park Inn by Radisson – Park Inn is a bright and comfortable hotel in the heart of Amager West. Situated next to Femøren Metro Station, Park Inn offers guests the best of both worlds in Copenhagen. All rooms have a flat-screen TV complete with cable channels. Each room comes with a tea and coffee maker.

Frederiksberg

Frederiksberg is a little bit residential, a little more laid back, and boasting a lot more Italianate charm than any other neighborhood in Copenhagen. A district that is ideal for all kinds of travelers, Frederiksberg appeals to those who have a penchant for classic European architecture.

The focal point of Frederiksberg is the neighborhood’s namesake Palace. The 18^th Century Palace was built in Italian Baroque style and is one of the most impressive buildings in Copenhagen. Visitors can take guided tours of the interior of the palace, exploring the former royal apartments.

Frederiksberg Gardens are a truly romantic place to spend an afternoon, as is Søndermarken. This garden complex is beautifully scenic and features some of the oldest trees in the city.

Away from the historical charms of Frederiksberg, travelers can take a guided tour of the Carlsberg warehouse. Visitors can learn about the production process and the history of Denmark’s most successful brew house.

Good For: Active Travelers, Art Lovers, Budding Historians, City Slickers, Couples, Culture Vultures, Families, Sightseers, Whistle-Stop Travelers

Neighborhood Highlights: Frederiksberg Palace, Frederiksberg Gardens, Søndermarken, Visit Carlsberg, Apistemplet, Engave Parken, Spinderiet Shopping Mall, Alhambra Museet for humor og satire

Hotel Recommendations:

Cabinn Express – Cabinn Express is a good hotel in the center of Frederiksberg. Close to both the highlights of the Frederiksberg neighborhood and Vesterbro, staying at Cabinn Express allows travelers to explore Copenhagen with ease. The compact, ultra-modern rooms are great value for money and are inspired by ship cabins.
Bertrams Guldsmeden – Bertrams Guldsmeden is a luxury hotel on the border of Frederiksberg and Vesterbro. Just a 20-minute walk from Frederiksberg Gardens, the location could not be better if it tried. As an eco-friendly hotel, Bertrams Guldsmeden uses organic produce and recycles as much as possible. The decor is internationally inspired.
Avenue Hotel – Set within a classic 19^th Century building, Avenue Hotel is a boutique accommodation option that is just a five-minute walk from the nearest Metro station. There is an in-house bar that often hosts live music events and serves great beer. The rooms are simple but stylish.

Copenhagen International Airport

Copenhagen is a city that is thriving in business. It is also a popular destination for long layovers. Travelers need not crash out on the uncomfortable chairs of the international airport, nor force themselves to stay awake between flights with expensive airport coffee.

In the immediate vicinity of Copenhagen International Airport, Københavns Lufthavan, there are a number of affordable, comfortable and easily accessible hotels and accommodation options.

For business travelers on a quick turnaround or those who want to make the most of their long layover in Copenhagen, checking out of the airport and into a hotel in the airport neighborhood is a great idea. Thanks to the incredibly efficient public transport network, travelers can be in the City Center district within a matter of minutes – to tick off the must-visit sights and be back in the departure lounge with time to spare.

For a breath of fresh air and a taste of authentic Copenhagen whistle-stop, travelers can head to Dragør Have harbor.

Good For: Business Travelers, Whistle-Stop Travelers

Neighborhood Highlights: Public transport hubs connecting to the city, International Airport.

Hotel Recommendations:

Dragør Hotel & Apartment – After being cramped up on an airplane, Dragør Hotel & Apartment offers guests plenty of space to spread out. For business travelers who tire of uniform hotel room after uniform hotel room, Dragør Hotel & Apartment provides a breath of fresh air. The beach is just an eight-minute walk away.
Zleep Hotel Copenhagen Airport – Zleep Hotel is the perfect hotel for long layovers. Offering guests complimentary WiFi, access to the fitness center, and a fully stocked bar, there is nothing more weary travelers could need. The rooms are immaculately clean, modern, and have a private ensuite bathroom. The reception is manned 24-hours a day.
Go Hotel Copenhagen – Just a 3-minute drive from the international airport, Go Hotel is an ideal option for travelers wishing to snooze the alarm before their flight. The rooms are bright, basic, and have everything whistle-stop travelers could need – WiFi, ensuite bathroom and blissfully comfortable beds. Breakfast is included in some rates.

Where to Stay in Copenhagen – Neighborhoods & Area Guide

City Center

Vesterbro

Nørrebro

Østerbro

Amager East

Frederiksberg

Copenhagen International Airport

Where to Stay in Copenhagen – Neighborhoods & Area Guide: