Travel Guide: Copenhagen

Melanie Colwell
June 29, 2023

We know it's a total travel cliche to say a city has 'something for everyone'. But in the case of Denmark's capital city, it's about as close to the truth as you can get.

And it has the accolades to back up this claim, too. For the foodies, there are more than 70 Michelin-starred restaurants to check out (including the restaurant that also topped The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list in 2022), plus dozens of artisanal bakeries, craft breweries and street markets.

For the design buffs, in addition to Copenhagen’s many examples of intricate, centuries-old architecture (palaces, castles, brewhouses, etc.), the city is filled with contemporary masterpieces. It was named the UNESCO-UIA World Capital of Architecture for 2023 for leading the charge on sustainable development, with its urban parks, ski slopes, harbour baths, bike paths and canals threading through the city (a big tick for nature lovers, too).

Meanwhile, the recently reopened Designmuseum Danmark showcases innovative design on a smaller scale — furniture, textiles, ceramics and more. Then, of course, there’s the fashion. Copenhagen has long been considered the capital of minimalism, with Danish-born brands like Ganni and Saks Potts making waves.

There’s plenty to do and see, whether you’re visiting for two days or two weeks. In partnership with HSBC, we’ve put together this helpful starter guide to the city, so you can begin planning your itinerary.

We know it's a total travel cliche to say a city has 'something for everyone'. But in the case of Denmark's capital city, it's about as close to the truth as you can get.

PLANNING AHEAD

Before you launch into weeks (or months) of responsibility-free fun in Europe, you’ll need to get some adult stuff out of the way first. Organise a pet (or plant) sitter, hand all your unfinished work over to your poor colleagues and, most importantly, sort out your payment plan. With an HSBC Everyday Global Account, you can have up to ten currencies (including EUR) preloaded so you can use your Visa Debit Card for all purchases and ATM withdrawals. The best part? You won’t be stung with international transaction fees.

GETTING AROUND

Copenhagen is considered one of the best bike-friendly cities in the world, with more than 388 kilometres of cycle tracks. Many of the hotels have bikes you can borrow but if that’s not an option, social enterprise Baisikeli offers drop-in rentals. Once you’ve covered plenty of ground, consider taking to the water. You may have heard of GoBoat, which operates in a number of Aussie cities. The eco-friendly boat hire company actually started in Copenhagen, so you can spend a few hours captaining a picnic boat around the city’s harbour and canals.

LOCALS LOVE

Swimming probably isn’t the first thing that springs to mind when you’re planning a trip to Scandanavia, but it’s surprisingly a favourite local pastime in Copenhagen come summer. The most popular spot is Islands Brygge, which has five pools to choose from, but you could also check out Sandkaj Harbour (part of the new Nordhavn precinct), Amager Helgoland (a bathhouse at Amager Beach) and La Banchina (a harbourfront restaurant with a designated swimming zone and wood-fired sauna).

DON’T MISS

It’s the image that leads every guide to Copenhagen — including this one. Visiting Nyhavn, the 17th-century harbour lined with colourful townhouses and old wooden ships, is an absolute must during your time in the city. You can see the three townhouses that Hans Christian Andersen lived in (numbers 18, 20 and 67), dine in one of the waterfront restaurants and hop aboard a canal tour from here. During summer, the area is also buzzing with street performances and live music, too.

Five of the Best

Tick these must-visit haunts off your bucket list.

Cultural Sites

Impressive centuries-old architecture abounds in Copenhagen, and what's housed within these buildings is just as impressive.

1. Rosenborg Castle

A renaissance castle, home to a remarkable collection of Danish royal artefacts (including the crown jewels) and picturesque gardens.

2. Designmuseum Danmark

This recently reopened museum showcases Danish and international design and crafts.

3. Round Tower

An historic architectural marvel offering panoramic views of Copenhagen.

4. Tivoli Gardens

The world's second-oldest amusement park is located right in the heart of Copenhagen.

5. Christiansborg Palace

This magnificent former royal residence on the small island of Slotsholmen now houses the Danish Parliament.

Boutique Stores

Sleek, minimalist, timeless — Scandi style is coveted for a reason. Embrace the best of Danish design at these chic spots.

1. HAY House

A contemporary furniture store showcasing the best of Scandinavian design.

2. Ganni

Visit the flagship boutique of the cult-favourite Scandi brand.

3. The Apartment

A restored 18-century apartment acts as a gallery to a carefully curated collection of Danish-designed furniture and decor.

4. Jerome Vintage

Browse the racks of this sleek concept store to find vintage wares from luxury labels.

5. Studio Arhoj

A contemporary pottery studio and shop, offering unique ceramics to take home.

Brekkie and Sweet Treats

The artisanal bakeries that populate Copenhagen rival those you'd find in France. Treat yourself to baked goods from these spots.

1. Atelier September

This charming Copenhagen staple serves simple and wholesome food in a sleek, minimalist setting.

2. Juno the bakery

A beloved neighbourhood bakery serving fresh Nordic pastries and artisanal breads.

3. Hart Bageri

A renowned artisanal bakery by an ex-Noma chef.

4. Coffee Collective Jægersborggade

A popular micro-roastery serving up premium cups of coffee.

5. Ø12 Coffee and Eatery

Missing smashed avo? You can get your fix of this Aussie favourite and plenty of other brunch classics at this cosy spot.

Restaurants

World-famous fine diner Noma may soon be no more, but there are plenty of other mind-blowing eateries worth visiting.

1. Geranium

This eighth-floor restaurant was named the best in the world in 2022.

2. JATAK

An intimate and acclaimed venue serving seasonal, contemporary Danish dishes with bold Asian flavours.

3. Reffen

A vibrant and diverse market with international cuisine, bars and creative workshops.

4. Schønnemann

This historic Danish restaurant is one of the best places to try smørrebrød.

5. Kadeau

A two Michelin-starred venue focused on elevating produce from the small Danish island of Bornholm.

Bars

From cocktail bars to old-school drinking dens, here are five spots to grab a drink after a long day of sightseeing.

1. Curfew

A trendy speakeasy bar known for its creative cocktails and old-school atmosphere.

2. Bo-Bi Bar

This smoky joint allegedly kicked off Copenhagen's 'brown bar' trend and remains a must-visit institution.

3. POPL Burger

A contemporary, neighbourhood burger joint serving mouthwatering organic food with wine and beer.

4. La Banchina

This all-day harbourfront eatery and bar has a designated swimming zone and on-site sauna.

5. Mikkeller Bar

A quaint and charming micro-brewery serving delicious, world-famous beer.

Accommodation

Scandi charm and old-world opulence are in full force in Copenhagen's bevy of boutique hotels.

Five of the Best

Tick these must-visit haunts off your bucket list.

Further Afield

If you've got a little extra time, here are six day trips you should plan from Copenhagen.

Christiania

Founded in 1971, Christiania is Copenhagen's famous freetown. Visit this alternative community to enjoy live music, vibrant street art and vegan food.
Forest Tower

Deep within Gisselfeld Kloster's forest, you'll find the Forest Tower, an interesting 45-metre-high structure that offers epic views across South Zealand. You can visit it, and find some of the sculptures in Copenhagen's famous Forgotten Giants project, on this five-hour tour. Book now with your HSBC Everyday Global Account Visa Debit Card for AUD$170 per person.
Frederiksborg Castle

Built for King Christian IV in the 17th century, this majestic royal complex is now home to The Museum of National History and stunning gardens. Visit it, plus Fredensborg Palace and the historic city of Helsingør, on a six-hour tour for AUD$177 per person.
Louisiana Museum of Modern Art

This waterside contemporary art museum and sculpture park is well worth the 35-kilometre journey. It has over 4000 works in its collection covering movements including American pop art and nouveau réalisme.
Møns Klint

Craving a dose of nature? Travel two hours south of Copenhagen to the island of Møn where you'll find the 70-million-year-old chalk cliffs known as Møns Klint. Marvel at the six-kilometre stretch of coast from the water on a kayak or sailing tour or from above, atop a cute Icelandic pony.
Odense

A two-hour drive from Copenhagen will bring you to Odense, Denmark's third largest city. Here, you can wander through Den Fynske Landsby, an openair museum depicting life in the 18th and 19th centuries, and visit Hans Christian Andersen's childhood home.

Get Started

Ready to start planning? We've found five experiences you can book right now, fee free, using your HSBC Everyday Global Account Visa Debit Card.

Tivoli Gardens Admission Tickets

A visit to this landmark must not be missed with more than 30 amusement rides, shops, gardens, restaurants and more to explore. Book now from AUD$36 per person.
The Art of Baking Danish Pastry

You've eaten your way around Copenhagen's best bakeries. Now you can learn the trade secrets to recreate the sweet treats at home in this hands-on class. Book now from AUD$155 per person.
The Copenhagen Culinary Experience Food Tour

If you want some guidance on the best local delicacies to try, join this four-hour food tour. You'll visit local breweries, food markets and more, while gaining a deeper insight into Danish food culture. Book now from AUD$215 per person.
Good Morning, Copenhagen

If you didn't quite grasp the Danish concept of hygge when everyone was talking about it years ago, this slow-paced walking tour may help. Over 3.5 hours, you'll visit spots around the city that ooze hygge, starting with the yellow houses of popular local district Nyboder. Book now from AUD$104 per person.
Social Sailing Copenhagen Canal Tour

See some of Copenhagen's top sights and hidden gems from the harbour on a guided two-hour boat tour. Book now from AUD$94 per person.