Christmas in Copenhagen arrives quietly and unveils itself gradually. Although all of the city’s markets all open around the same time at the end of November, there isn’t any singular moment when the winter season begins in earnest, rather a gradual shift as daylight shortens to just a few grey hours, and the cold weather starts to settle in.
I walk the city wrapped in layers, the condensation from my breath clouding in the cold, drawn instinctively towards the flickering of lights and the smell of spice. Somewhere nearby, gløgg is being poured. Cinnamon and cardamom hang in the air, mingling with roasted almonds and wood smoke. With this, the cold weather and chill in the air feels less like something to endure and more like something to embrace.
I tell myself to do as the Danes do and embrace these bleak, winter months. As the nights grow cold, candles appear in windows, cafés grow warmer and more inviting, and people gather in traditional restaurants or fireside to enjoy hearty, festive meals. In Denmark, it seems,the chilliest part of the year is shaped by tradition, routine and a collective response to the darkest months.
At the heart of Danish Christmas is the idea of togetherness. Families gather for julefrokost, which are long, convivial meals built around shared plates and company, while friends meet after work for gløgg, Denmark’s spiced mulled wine, marking the slow countdown to Christmas Eve. Many of the country’s traditions are tied to light: advent candles burned week by week, decorated windows glow in some streets, and festive processions that symbolise hope and warmth wind through the streets and waterways in mid-December.
The city’s Christmas markets play a central role in this seasonal shift. Although not as flashy or as expansive as those seen in other European capitals, their simplicity only adds to the charm. Rather than being confined to a single location, they are spread across Copenhagen’s squares, streets and harbours, encouraging you to explore different neighbourhoods.
Wooden stalls sell simple, warming food, handcrafted gifts and seasonal decorations, while mugs of mulled wine and hot chocolate provide a reason to hang around with friends . Tivoli Gardens stands at the centre of it all, transforming into a winter fairytale each year, but smaller markets in places like Nyhavn, Højbro Plads and Christianshavn offer a more local, everyday perspective on the season.
This is Christmas in Copenhagen: Atmospheric, magical, and embodying idea of hygge. While the celebrations here aren’t brash, they are bound to impress with their subdued beauty: the way fairy lights reflect on dark water in Nyhavn, the stalls that line the walkways of Tivoli Gardens, and the cosy bakeries dishing out festive bakes.
This guide explores Christmas in Copenhagen through its markets, food and traditions, offering a practical and atmospheric introduction to the season. From where to find the city’s best festive stalls to understanding the customs that shape Danish Christmas.
Why Visit Copenhagen at Christmas?
Christmas in Copenhagen isn’t really about making your way around the capital’s sights, but more about its atmosphere. Build time into your days for warm cafés, candlelit dinners and unhurried walks through decorated streets. Embracing hygge, a sense of comfort, warmth and togetherness, is the key to truly experiencing the city at its most charming.
Perhaps the most important tip is to just slow down and make the most of the city’s festive charm. Hygge (pronounced hoo-gah) is the Danish concept of experiencing everyday life, and nowhere does it feel more natural than in Copenhagen at Christmas. Loosely translated as a sense of cosiness, comfort and wellbeing, hygge is about creating warmth during the darkest months of the year.
As daylight shortens and temperatures drop, Danes lean into small pleasures: mood lighting, woollen blankets draped over café chairs, and hands wrapped around a hot drink. Rather than retreating from the cold, hygge encourages finding contentment in simple pleasures, such as in-depth conversation and shared meals.
In Copenhagen at Christmas, hygge is everywhere. Candlelit cafes and bars are filled with the scent of baked treats and brewing coffee, while restaurants serve hearty seasonal dishes. In most bars and traditional pubs, you will find warming gløgg and winter beers. Even outdoors, hygge is ever-present: fire pits at Christmas markets, sheepskins on benches, and fairy lights strung low to soften the winter darkness.
Hygge also has a strong social element. It’s about togetherness: meeting friends for an unplanned drink, sharing small plates, or group visits to the Christmas markets.
For visitors, understanding hygge helps explain why Christmas in Copenhagen feels magical rather than overtly spectacular. The city’s festivities aren’t as spectacular or overwhelming as in other parts of Europe, but are rather all about comfort and embracing the winter chill. To experience hygge as locals do, plan fewer activities, spend more time in cafés and markets, and allow space to take in the festive atmosphere.
The Best Christmas Markets in Copenhagen
Copenhagen’s Christmas markets are spread across historic squares, fairytale theme parks, and picturesque waterfronts, with each having its own theme, style and atmosphere. Most open from early to mid-November through late December, with Tivoli Gardens extending its season into January.
Tivoli Gardens Christmas Market
Mid-November to early January (closed 24 December)
Best time to visit: It’s easy enough to spend all day in Tivoli Gardens. I recommend visiting during the afternoon to see the park in the daylight, and staying until dusk when daylight fades, and the lights come alive
Since opening in 1843, this historic amusement park has been one of Copenhagen’s most enduring cultural institutions. Few entertainment attractions anywhere in the world have remained so central to a capital’s identity for so long.
Founded by Georg Carstensen, Tivoli was conceived as a public pleasure garden inspired by European parks and pleasure grounds, offering music, theatre, restaurants and landscaped gardens alongside early rides and amusements. From the outset, it was designed not simply as entertainment, but as a meeting space, where people from all walks of life could gather, stroll and be inspired. Its philosophy was famously summed up in the idea that “when people are amusing themselves, they do not think about politics,” a sentiment that helped secure royal support for its creation.
Architecturally and aesthetically, Tivoli reflects Denmark’s deep commitment to design and storytelling. Its exotic pavilions, historic theatres and carefully curated gardens draw inspiration from Europe, Asia and the Middle East. This balance of fantasy and order has influenced designers far beyond Copenhagen, most famously Walt Disney, who visited Tivoli repeatedly and cited it as a key inspiration for Disneyland’s concept of immersive, meticulously maintained worlds.
The gardens are particularly significant during Christmas, when Tivoli becomes the emotional centre of the city’s festive celebrations. The gardens are transformed with thousands of lights, snow-dusted decorations and wooden market stalls, creating a festive landscape that is incredibly whimsical and nostalgic. For many Copenhageners, a visit to Tivoli in December is a tradition that is firmly fixed in their calendars and something that every tourist to the city in December should experience.
Nyhavn Christmas Market
Mid-November to 21 December
Best time to visit: Dusk and early evening for harbour reflections and lights
Nyhavn is one of Copenhagen’s most iconic sights, and because of this, its Christmas market is among the city’s most picturesque and a must-visit. Wooden stalls stretch along one side of the waterfront, framed by the canal’s colourful 17th-century townhouses, while the docked boats have fairy lights illuminating their masts, creating a postcard-perfect festive scene. Compared to Tivoli, the market is relatively small, but its setting more than compensates.
Here, the focus is on food and crafts. Gløgg stalls sell glasses of wine that can be sipped beside the water, sausages are grilled to order, and stands sell traditional ornaments, candles and woollen accessories. It’s best to visit at night or in the early evening when reflections of the Christmas lights shimmer across the canal, making it particularly atmospheric. It’s an ideal stop after skating at Kongens Nytorv or viewing the Hotel d’Angleterre Christmas Displays.
Højbro Plads Christmas Market
Early November to 21 December
Best time to visit: Weekday afternoons for fewer crowds; early evening for atmosphere
Located just behind Strøget, Højbro Plads hosts one of Copenhagen’s most traditional Christmas markets. With its classic red-and-white stalls and central location, this market attracts a lively mix of locals and tourists.
Stalls specialise in Danish crafts, decorations and seasonal food, while the square often fills with the sound of Christmas music and clinking of gløgg glasses as people gather to warm up with a drink or two. Its proximity to major shopping streets makes it an easy and rewarding detour, offering a more authentic glimpse into how Copenhageners celebrate the season amid their daily routines.
Christiania Christmas Market
Usually mid-December (dates vary annually)
Best time to visit: Afternoon or early evening, before weekend crowds build
Christiania is one of Copenhagen’s most distinctive districts, but is also one of Europe’s most unique and often misunderstood neighbourhoods. This alternative community and social experiment has existed for more than half a century as a place that challenges conventional ideas of ownership, governance and urban life, while sitting right in the heart of the city.
Christiania was founded in 1971, when a group of locals and squatters occupied abandoned military barracks and land that had been left unused by the Danish state. What began as an informal takeover quickly evolved into a self-governing community built on shared responsibility, collective decision-making and a rejection of mainstream consumer culture. From the beginning, Christiania declared itself a “free town,” guided by principles of communal ownership, sustainability and creative expression.
Nowadays, Christiania is a hub for creativity. Workshops, music venues, breweries, galleries and cafés are scattered throughout the area, many housed in self-built structures that reflect the community’s emphasis on craftsmanship and reuse.
Fitting the area’s ethos, Christiania’s Christmas market offers a slightly alternative festive experience, centred on handmade goods, artwork and locally produced gifts. Held indoors, it’s essentially a maker’s market focused on the community’s creative spirit. While it’s less polished than other markets, it perfectly exemplifies Christiania’s character and is one of the most distinctive places to shop for something truly unique.
Kongens Nytorv & Hotel D’Angleterre
Mid-November to early January
Best time to visit: Early evening around sunset. I found that the area becomes very crowded after 6pm and can be difficult to navigate
While this bustling square is the heart of Copenhagen and surrounded by institutions such as the Royal Theatre and Kunsthal Charlottenborg, it’s not a traditional market in the classic sense. However, Kongens Nytorv deserves mention for its festive spectacle. Each year, the legendary Hotel d’Angleterre unveils its elaborate Christmas advent calendar, transforming the building’s façade into a focal point for seasonal celebrations. Huge crowds gather nightly to watch windows reveal festive scenes.
In the square itself, an ice-skating rink sits at the heart, encircling the equestrian statue of Christian V on horseback while a smattering of stalls dish out Danish biscuits and steaming cups of mulled wine. It feels more of a festive hub than an expansive market, but Kongens Nytorv still deserves a mention for its winter magic, as it is a fantastic starting point for exploring the other markets in the centre of the city. Just be warned, it gets incredibly crowded here thanks to the convenient Metro station and the square’s proximity to Nyhavn.
Hans Christian Andersen Christmas Market
Mid-November to late December
Best time to visit: Late afternoon to early evening. We visited at around 8 – 9pm. Although this meant the market was relatively quiet, some of the stalls were already beginning to close.
Celebrating Denmark’s beloved storyteller, this central, fairy-tale themed market near Nytorv and Gammeltorv blends festive charm with a family-friendly touches. It’s relatively small but the cluster of wooden pavilions sell crafts, gifts and seasonal treats like cheeses and baked goods. Alongside this, appearances from Santa add to the atmosphere. It’s a cheerful and relatively quiet market that works well as an early-evening stop before dinner.
What to Eat and Drink at Copenhagen’s Christmas Markets
With Copenhagen having a reputation as one of Europe’s premier culinary destinations, it makes sense that food is central to the experience of Christmas in Copenhagen, and the city’s Christmas markets offer a warming introduction to Danish winter flavours. Rather than novelty snacks or oversized portions, market food here reflects the principles of Danish cooking, where simple ingredients, careful preparation and dishes designed to sustain you through cold evenings outdoors are the stars of the show.
Gløgg & Mulled Wine
Gløgg is the essential starting point. Denmark’s version of mulled wine is deeper and more aromatic than that served elsewhere in Europe, spiced with cinnamon, cloves and cardamom and often fortified with rum or aquavit. It’s served piping hot and garnished with raisins and blanched almonds, intended to be sipped slowly while standing in the cold. Non-alcoholic versions are widely available, but the classic gløgg delivers the most authentic market experience and can reach incredibly high strengths.
Hot Chocolate
Alongside gløgg, hot chocolate is taken seriously, particularly at stalls associated with bakeries or chocolate makers. Expect thick, dark drinking chocolate rather than sweet cocoa, sometimes finished with whipped cream or a dusting of spice. It’s a popular alternative for families and an excellent way to warm up during daytime market visits, and can often be topped up with a shot of Baileys or rum if you’re feeling adventurous.
æbleskiver
Among the most recognisable Danish Christmas treats are æbleskiver. These small, spherical pancakes are cooked in special pans and served hot with a dusting of icing sugar and a spoonful of jam. Crispy on the outside byt light and fluffy inside, they’re easy to eat while wandering and are one of the most nostalgic flavours of the season for Danes. Equally tempting are roasted almonds, caramelised in butter and sugar and cooked in large open pans.
flæskesteg
Roast pork sandwiches are a winter staple, typically layered with crackling, red cabbage and mustard, while sausages, both typical Danish hotdogs often served with pickles, or traditional German bratwurst, provide quick, filling snacks throughout the evening. Some stalls offer flæskesteg, Denmark’s delicious roast pork with crisp skin, adapted for street food and eaten standing with gloved hands.
Danish Christmas pastries
Sweet stalls go beyond pancakes and almonds. Look out for Danish Christmas pastries, marzipan sweets and seasonal biscuits, often beautifully packaged and perfect for gifting to friends and family back home. Rice pudding (risalamande), is a Danish Christmas dessert flavoured with vanilla and almonds, often topped with a cherry compote and sometimes appears in takeaway form, offering a taste of what many Danes eat at home on Christmas Eve.
Festive Things to Do in Copenhagen Beyond the Markets
While Copenhagen’s Christmas markets draw much of the attention, some of the city’s most rewarding festive experiences take place away from the stalls and the main squares. From candlelit dinners and seasonal food halls to centuries-old traditions and historic wine bars, here are some of the best things to do in Copenhagen at Christmas beyond the main markets.
Experience a Traditional Danish Christmas Menu
December is the season of julefrokost, which is the traditional Danish Christmas meal, and many of Copenhagen’s classic or historic restaurants serve seasonal menus that reflect centuries of culinary tradition. Expect generous, warming dishes often accompanied by snaps and Christmas beer.
At Restaurant Schønnemann, one of the city’s most revered smørrebrød institutions, the Christmas menu features pickled herring, liver pâté, roast pork with crackling and rice pudding, served in a wood-panelled dining room that feels perfect for a winter afternoon. Kanal Caféen, overlooking Christianshavn’s canals, offers a similarly traditional experience, with festive lunches and dinners over multiple courses. For a slightly more refined but no less traditional setting, Restaurant Kronborg blends classic Danish Christmas dishes with a warm, old-world atmosphere popular with locals throughout December.
Reservations are essential, particularly at weekends, as these restaurants are central to Copenhagen’s Christmas social calendar. Places book up months in advance.
Explore Copenhagen’s Food Markets
Food markets take on a distinctly festive character in December. Torvehallerne, the city’s flagship indoor market, is especially inviting in winter, with stalls offering seasonal pastries, Christmas chocolates, warming soups and Danish delicacies ideal for grazing between sightseeing stops. It’s also an excellent place to pick up edible gifts, from artisan cheese, spice-infused spirits, to locally made sweets.
Reffen, one of Copenhagen’s coolest and most popular street food markets, often scales back in winter, but when open, it has fire pits, covered seating and an ice rink that brings a casual, outdoor twist to seasonal eating.
Attend the Lucia Kayak Parade
Santa Lucia Day, or Saint Lucy’s Day, is a Christian feast day on December 13th honouring Saint Lucia of Syracuse, a 4th-century martyr, celebrated as a festival of lights in Scandinavia and Italy to bring hope during the darkest part of winter, featuring processions with girls in white robes wearing candle crowns and eating saffron buns (lussekatter).
In recent years, Copenhagen has had a very different take on this annual tradition. Rather than taking place on streets or inside churches, the unique Santa Lucia Kayak Parade unfolds on the water, as a procession of illuminated kayaks glides through the city’s historic canals, carrying light into the darkest weeks of the year. As night falls, dozens, and often hundreds, of kayakers decorate their boats with fairy lights, creating a softly glowing flotilla that moves slowly through the city’s waterways, including Nyhavn, Christianshavn and past landmarks such as BLOX and Højbro Plads.
The parade typically begins in the early evening at around 5pm with songs at Kayak Bar, often led by a choir travelling on a nearby boat, and the sound carries gently across the canals, echoing between old brick façades and waterfront houses. It then moves between different locations around the city, with carol stops along the way before ending with a huge party filled with music, dancing, mulled wine and æbleskiver back at the starting point, which usually goes on until midnight.
Watching the Santa Lucia Kayak Parade is free, and some of the most atmospheric viewing spots include Nyhavn, and the narrower canals of Christianshavn, which offer a more intimate perspective. Areas around Gl. Strand, BLOX and Højbro Plads also provide good vantage points. This is a very popular event and the canalside can get incredibly crowded, so arriving 30 to 60 minutes early is recommended, particularly in popular spots.
Warm Up with Gløgg at one of Copenhagen’s Historic Bars
It seems that Gløgg is a seasonal institution in Denmark. As soon as temperatures dip and Christmas lights appear, the scent of warm spices begins to drift from cafés, wine bars and market stalls across the city, signalling the start of the festive season.
For those that are unaware, gløgg is Denmark’s answer to mulled wine, but in practice it is richer, stronger and more ceremonial. Red wine is gently heated with spices such as cinnamon, cloves and cardamom, often fortified with aquavit or rum, then served with the traditional garnish of raisins and blanched almonds floating in the cup. The non-fortified version sits around the same ABV as a regular wine, but those laced with other spirits can have a lethal strength: I sampled a glass at Torvehallerne containing rum, brandy, and vodka that reached the dizzying heights of 30%.
You’ll encounter gløgg everywhere in December, from casual street stalls to some of the city’s most historic drinking spots. At Christmas markets, it’s served steaming hot in reusable cups, designed to be sipped outdoors while wandering between stalls, while indoors, traditional wine bars and cafés treat it as a seasonal speciality, often made to closely guarded house recipes.
The most famous place to drink gløgg in Copenhagen is Hviid’s Vinstue, one of the city’s oldest drinking spots, established in the 18th century. With its dark wood panelling, low ceilings and candlelit tables, Hviid’s feels purpose-built for winter evenings. Its house gløgg has achieved near-legendary status and is widely regarded as one of the best in the city. Their famous mulled wine was first served in 1945 and they now have an annual production of 11.000 liters, which is served from mid-November until their supplies run out.
Hviid’s importance to gløgg culture extends beyond its own bar. Each year, usually in early November, it hosts Copenhagen’s annual gløgg competition, an informal but fiercely respected event that brings together restaurants, bars and producers from across the city. Competitors submit their gløgg recipes to be blind-tasted by a jury, with awards given for the best traditional and creative interpretations. Winning the competition is a point of pride and often leads to increased demand throughout December, as Copenhageners seek out that year’s standout gløgg.
Practical Tips for Visiting Copenhagen at Christmas
Visiting Copenhagen at Christmas can be one of the most rewarding times of year to visit, but winter in northern Europe brings its issues and things to consider. The Christmas markets draw a huge number of fellow tourists, and the weather can be unpredictable. Thankfully, a little planning goes a long way in making the most of the city’s festive atmosphere, from timing market visits to dressing for long evenings outdoors.
When to go
The Christmas season in Copenhagen typically runs from mid-November until 23 December, with most Christmas markets closing shortly before Christmas Eve. Tivoli Gardens often extends its festive programme into early January, making late December a good option for travellers seeking lights and atmosphere without the peak crowds. Early to mid-December is the sweet spot, when all markets are open and the city feels fully dressed for the season.
Weather and What to Wear
December in Copenhagen is cold rather than extreme, with temperatures often hovering just above freezing. Rain and sleet are more common than snow, so waterproof footwear, a warm coat and layers are essential. Scarves, gloves and a hat make evening market visits far more comfortable, especially when standing outdoors with food and drink. Thermal layers are useful, but most indoor spaces are warm, making removable layers practical so that you don’t end up overheating as soon as you get inside.
Timing Your Christmas Market Visits
Christmas markets are typically at their busiest after dark and at weekends, particularly at Tivoli Gardens, Højbro Plads and Nyhavn. If you want to visit them at their quietest, head to the markets in the late morning or early afternoon on weekdays. Having said that, evening and nighttime visits provide the best atmosphere, with lights, music, and bustling crowds. Arriving shortly before sunset offers the best balance.
Food, Drink and Payments
Copenhagen is largely cashless, and cards are accepted at almost all market stalls, cafés and public transport points. Food and drink at Christmas markets can be expensive by European standards (expect to pay almost £10 for a mulled wine and even more if you want a shot of spirit added to your drink). Portions are often designed for grazing, so budgeting for several small bites rather than a full meal makes sense.
Opening Hours and Public Holidays
Shops, museums and attractions typically operate normally throughout December, but 24 December (Christmas Eve) is a major family holiday in Denmark. Many businesses close early or remain shut, and public transport runs on reduced schedules. Boxing Day is quieter, while New Year’s Eve brings its own celebrations and closures. It is also worth noting that some museums and attractions are closed on Mondays, so check opening times before planning your day.
Booking Ahead
December is a popular time to visit Copenhagen, particularly in the lead-up to Christmas. Booking accommodation, Tivoli tickets and special dining experiences in advance is strongly advised. I found that restaurants offering traditional Danish Christmas lunches (julefrokost) can fill up weeks or even months ahead of time, especially at weekends.
Is Christmas in Copenhagen Worth It?
Absolutely, particularly for travellers who value atmosphere over spectacle. This is not a city that competes with Europe’s largest Christmas markets in terms of size or scale; instead, it stands out by creating a specific mood that is intimate and perfectly comforting during the darkest weeks of the year.
The markets themselves feel woven into neighbourhoods rather than erected mainly to attract visitors, while cafés and bars invite you to get cosy and linger for a while over a few drinks rather than rushing. On top of this, the concept of hygge gives even cold evenings a sense of warmth. Tivoli Gardens delivers the closest thing to traditional festive grandeur, but elsewhere the experience is peaceful and quiet, with lights reflectingon canals, gløgg on offer in most of the city’s squares, and slow walks through tastefully decorated streets.
Copenhagen also rewards travellers who enjoy cultural depth. There is an abundance of museums, galleries and design shops that are uncrowded at this time of year, while seasonal menus showcase Danish comfort food and new Nordic cuisine at its best.
That said, Copenhagen at Christmas is not for everyone. Prices are high, especially for accommodation, food and drink, and December weather can be wet, dark and cold. Those seeking constant entertainment from large-scale markets or guaranteed snow may find the experience a little underwhelming. Christmas Eve in particular is very quiet, with many businesses closed as locals celebrate at home.
Where to Stay in Copenhagen at Christmas
Choosing the right place to stay means finding the perfect balance of an affordable location while still being close to the action in the centre of town. If you manage it, you’ll be perfectly placed to stroll through festive markets, sip hot drinks under twinkling lights, and return to comfort each evening in style. Below are three fantastic hotels that make magical bases for an unforgettable Christmas break.
Note: The Christmas season is peak travel time in the Danish capital, and many of the most festive and popular hotels, particularly the Nimb and D’Angleterre, sell out early. Booking ahead gives you the best rooms and the most flexible rates.
Hotel D'Angleterre
Where: Kongens Nytorv 34, 1050 København
Best for: Luxury seekers, classic style, and festive fine dining in a central location
This iconic hotel on Kongens Nytorv goes all out for Christmas with a dazzling display of exterior lights. Inside, its cosy lounges with roaring fireplaces, and special seasonal offerings like white gløgg on heated terraces add to the festive atmosphere.
Inside, rooms are sumptuous and stylish, and the Michelin-style dining at Marchal is the perfect place for celebrating a special occasion or treating yourself after a day wandering Copenhagen’s light-draped streets and festive markets. Its central location also puts you within easy walking distance of Strøget’s Christmas shopping and the major city sights.
Nimb Hotel
Where: Bernstorffsgade 5, 1577 København
Best for: A romantic winter break with easy access to Tivoli’s Christmas magic
There’s no doubt that Tivoli Gardens is Copenhagen’s most festive setting, and there is no better place to stay in Copenhagen than Hotel Nimb if you want to experience its fairytale charm. Located within the park itself, the hotel is surrounded by glowing lights and fairground magic. Expect individually designed rooms with beautiful detailing and a sense of exclusivity, plus spectacular views over the park’s seasonal displays.
Scandic Kødbyen
Where: Skelbækgade 3A, 1717 København
Best for: People wanting to stay in the city’s coolest district
Once the industrial hub of Copenhagen, the Meatpacking District has reinvented itself over the past decade to become one of the city’s most vibrant and creative neighbourhoods.
Here, you’ll find Independent galleries, design studios and creative offices that sit alongside some of the city’s best bakeries, coffee spots and craft breweries, making it an ideal place to start your morning. As the afternoon turns to evening, Kødbyen comes alive: Former cold-storage units now house some of Copenhagen’s best restaurants, from nose-to-tail dining rooms and modern Nordic kitchens to international spots that reflect the city’s increasingly global palate.
Scandic Kødbyen is an ideal place to stay if you want to experience the area. Sitting right on the edge of this trendy district, the hotel offers contemporary Nordic-style rooms and a lively on-site restaurant and bar, perfect for warming up after exploring Christmas markets. Its location near bars, cafés, galleries and cycling routes makes it especially appealing.
Getting to Copenhagen
Copenhagen Airport (Kastrup) is located around eight kilometres from the centre and serves as Denmark’s main international gateway, with direct flights from major cities across Europe and regular long-haul services. If travelling from the UK, Jet2 have flights to Copenhagen from Leeds and Newcastle during November and December.
From the airport, the metro runs 24 hours a day and reaches the city centre in approximately 15 minutes. Regional trains also connect the airport to Copenhagen Central Station and other key hubs, while buses and taxis are readily available.
Train travel is a practical option for visitors arriving from neighbouring countries. International rail services link Copenhagen with Hamburg in under five hours, with onward connections across Germany and mainland Europe. From Sweden, frequent trains run from Malmö across the Øresund Bridge, taking around 35 minutes to reach Copenhagen Central Station. The city’s main stations are centrally located, making it straightforward to continue your journey.
Getting Around
Copenhagen’s metro operates 24 hours a day and is the fastest way to travel around the city centre, the airport and outlying neighbourhoods. Trains run every few minutes are clean, reliable and easy to use, while regular buses serve the areas that the metro doesn’t reach. Tickets are easily bought from machines at the station (including multi-day passes) or streetside kiosks and are valid across metro, train and bus services. Tickets can also be purchased digitally via the Rejsebillet app, the DSB app, or the dedicated Rejsekort app
If you would like to see more of the city while dashing between sights, cycling is one of the most popular and convenient ways to move around Copenhagen and is often the quickest option for short journeys. There’s an extensive network of clearly marked cycle lanes, and bike hire is widely available throughout the centre. Renting a bicycle for a day or two is an easy way to explore neighbourhoods on a deeper level, as well as see the waterfront areas and parks at your own pace.
During my visit, I found that walking was a fairly practical choice, particularly in the compact city centre. Many major sights are within easy reach of one another, and pedestrian-friendly streets make navigating on foot simple and pleasant. For going further afield, such as to Reffen, taxis are available throughout the city and can be hailed on the street, booked in advance or found at designated ranks, though they are relatively expensive compared to public transport. Uber is also widely available.
