An urban cosmopolitan, Copenhagen has tons to offer. Even though there’s great transit, there’s nothing better than renting a bike and exploring the city on your own. You’ll be surprised with how much you’re able to see and do like a real Danish local.

Copenhagen has truly blossomed into world-class city with its sophisticated juxtaposition of cobbled streets and palaces with mind-blowing architecture. As a gateway to Scandinavia, you’ll find the city different from the rest of Europe. In Copenhagen, you won’t find any glittering skylines or the bustle that you’ll find in most other capitals. Instead, you’ll find the most cozy city with locals never looking too stressed, bike lanes to put any other city to shame, and refined dining experiences.

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What’s my favourite thing to do in Copenhagen?

The Perfect Day Exploring Copenhagen

So hopefully you’re already situated in one of the many great Copenhagen hotels, hostels, or guest houses. That’s probably the first thing to figure out. Once you’ve had a great night’s sleep, it’s time to get rolling.

Join the Bicycle Revolution

Your best bet for a bike is at Central Station beneath platform 12 at a shop named Kobenhavns Cykler. It rents out bikes for Dkr75 a day (roughly $13 USD). The city also has its very own self-serve bike rental system called City Bike One. The cost is Dkr25 an hour, which is more expensive, but you can pick up and drop off at different locations all around the city.

First Stop – Little Mermaid

The Little Mermaid
(Image via Flickr hoangnt)

The Little Mermaid statue, built in 1913, is synonymous with Copenhagen. Based on the fairy tale of the same name by Hans Christian Andersen, this small unimposing statue sits atop a rock in the water.

 

Second Stop – Amalienborg Palace

Brockdorff's Palace - Amalienborg
(Image via Flickr Jonny White)

Making your way south, you’ll see the palace that has been the royal residence since 1751 and is currently the winter residence for the Danish Queen and her family. Walk around and see a 360-degree view of the four flanking buildings that make up the palace. If you’re around at noon, see the changing of the guards.

Third Stop – Nyhavn

Nyhavn - Copenhagen, Denmark
(Image via Flickr totororo)

Ride over to the picturesque harbor of Nyhavn. Find a local cafe, try the local open-face smørrebrød sandwiches, and people watch. If you’re looking for more, catch a 50-minute canal tour with DFDS Canal Tours.

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Fourth Stop – The Round Tower

Round Tower Rundertaarn in Copenhagen
(Image via Flickr heatheronhertravels)

Bike your way over to The Round Tower (Rundertaarn) for fantastic panoramic views of the city. This tower was built between 1637 and 1642, so it is steeped in history. While it isn’t the tallest building in the city, you’ll fall in love with the spiral walk and gallery along the way to the top.

Fifth Stop – Strøget

Strøget, Copenhagen
(Image via Flickr Marie-Louise Nilsson)

A short ride away is the pedestrian-only shopping street of Strøget. Whether you shop ’til you drop or just window shop, this is a great street to stroll down to Town Hall Square.

Sixth Stop – Kiin Kiin

kiin kiin restaurant in Copenhagen
Image via Flickr by heatheronhertravels

Take a 10-minute ride from the heart of Copenhagen, across a bridge and over to Kiin Kiin. As the only Thai restaurant outside of Thailand with a Michelin star, Kiin Kiin will surely impress. That said, its tasting menu is quite expensive so if you’re looking for something a little more within your budget, check out its sister restaurant, Ricemarket.

And there you have it, a great day exploring Copenhagen on a bicycle. There’s so much more to see so if you’re looking to mix things up, check out this one day in Copenhagen article to give you even more ideas.

Looking for a place to stay in Copenhagen?

Are you in the hunt for a place to stay in Copenhagen?  Make sure you check out these properties!

LUXURY

absalon hotel in Copenhagen exterior

ABSALON HOTEL

This is a family-run hotel in the vibrant Vesterbro district which is ultra convenient being only 5 minutes walk away from the Copenhagen train station and Tivoli Gardens.  They offer bicycle rentals and have a really good Scandinavian breakfast buffet.  Rooms are clean and staff are friendly.

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steel house hostel in copenhagen bedroom

BUDGET

STEEL HOUSE COPENHAGEN

This is a modern spin on a hostel and does a fine job in balancing price with amenities, cleanliness, and room options.  There are plenty of private room options with your own bathroom which makes this a good choice for those that typically don’t search for hostels.  It’s located 5 minutes away from Tivoli and Copenhagen main station.

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Travel Resources For Your Next Trip

If you’re in the process of planning your trip and putting together your itinerary, these are genuinely the best resources that the Going Awesome Places team stands by 100%.

Credit cards: Don’t get burned by hidden fees on top of terrible exchange rates. When we travel now, we use the Wise Card. Simply load it with the currency you need before you go and use it as a regular VISA or their digital wallet card. Use their free app to track how much you have and top up when you need to.

Flights: Of all the booking search engines, Skyscanner is the most helpful and easy to use thanks to their Everywhere feature. Kayak is also another that’s we will often check as well.

Car Rental: If you’re looking to save money, these car rental coupon codes will be a true game-changer. Otherwise, DiscoverCars and RentalCars are great places to start.

Rideshare: For new Lyft users, use code WILLIAM4825 to get 50% off your first 2 rides (max $10 USD per ride). Offer valid for 14 days after you take your first ride. For new Uber users, use code psuqbjg4d7rn for the same offer except it’s valid for 30 days.

Airport Parking: You’ll need a spot to leave your car at the airport so why not book a spot at a discount. Use code AWESOME7 to get at least $5 off at Airport Parking Reservations or Park Sleep Fly packages.

eSIM: Lately, we’ve really loved using eSIMs. We’ve tested several over the years and we have access to a few special promotions.

  • AmigoSIM – Use GOINGAWESOMEPLACES to save 25% off. Code is re-useable.
  • Gigsky – Use TANG149 to get $3 USD when you sign up, then use code GOINGAWESOME to save 20% on all eSIM orders.
  • KnowRoaming – Use code GAP10 to save 10%.
  • AloSIM – Use code GOINGAWESOMEPLACES to save 15%.
  • Airalo – Use referral code WILLIA9500 to get $3 USD credit on your first purchase.
  • UbigiAWESOME10 to save 10% on your first order.

Wifi Hotspot: We’ve been a huge fan of wifi hotspot devices such as PokeFi (use code GAP24300) because their rates are are hard to beat and it works globally. Solis is another that we recommend. Pros are that you can share the wifi with your whole group but cons are that you have to invest in a device and you have to charge it every night.

Hotels: Our go-to is Booking.com because they have the best inventory of properties including hotels and B&Bs plus they have their Genius tier discounts. Expedia is also worth using especially with their One Key rewards program which is basically like cash. The exception is Asia where Agoda always has the best prices. Always do a quick check on TripAdvisor as well.

Vacation Rentals: Your first instinct will be to check Airbnb but we always recommend checking VRBO as well if you’re looking for a vacation rental (now eligible for One Key).

Tours and Activities: When planning our trips, we always check both Viator and GetYourGuide to at least see what’s out there in the destination that we’re going to. They often have different offerings and prices so check both.

Travel Insurance: Learn how to buy the best travel insurance for you. This isn’t something you want to travel without.

  • HeyMondo – Popular insurance provider for frequent travelers and comes with great coverage and special perks. By booking through our link to get a 15% discount (from June 19-29)!
  • RATESDOTCA – Search engine Canadians looking for the cheapest insurance including multi-trip annual policies.
  • SafetyWing – A perfect fit for long-term nomads.
  • Medjet – Global air medical transportation.
  • InsureMyTrip – Best for seniors, families, and those with pre-existing conditions.

If you need more help planning your trip, make sure to check out our Travel Toolbox where we highlight all of the gear, resources, and tools we use when traveling.

William Tang of Going Awesome Places
About The Author

Will Tang

Will Tang, founder of Going Awesome Places, has traveled to 51 countries. He shares his insanely detailed itineraries, travel guides, and packing lists. Will’s travels have been featured on Huffington Post, Men’s Journal, and Entrepreneur.

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The Discussion

  1. Was in Copenhagen a few years ago and really loved it, but the weather wasn’t good enough for a bike ride. Maybe next time! Thanks for the tour idea!

    1. Sorry to hear the weather wasn’t that good in CPH but hope you still had a great time. What was your favorite there?

  2. That Thai restaurant sounds awesome Will, as does the entire bike tour.

    Fab pictures here.

    Thanks for the roundup!

    Ryan