The capital of Denmark, Copenhagen, is a timeless city that will appeal to every traveller. The charming streets are filled with artisanal shops, historic buildings and cafes that embody hygge. But, as with any trip, your first challenge is figuring out the best place to stay in Copenhagen.
In this article, we provide helpful insight into where to stay in Copenhagen that will suit a variety of travel needs. We provide a detailed description of the best places to stay in Copenhagen for first-timers, families, couples and those looking for nightlife. For each area in Copenhagen, we provide recommendations for hotels and accommodation, ranging from affordable to luxury.
So if you’re thinking about visiting this Scandinavian standout, read on to discover where to stay in Copenhagen for the perfect trip.
If it’s your first time visiting Copenhagen, you’re likely overwhelmed by the different districts and neighbourhoods. For your first visit, you want to make sure that you’re close to the top attractions in Copenhagen and will have easy access to the best things to do. With this in mind, the best place to stay in Copenhagen for the first time is undoubtedly Indre By.
Translated in English as ‘inner city’, Indre By is the very centre of Copenhagen and provides visitors with easy access to the top things to do in the city. Whether you want to visit historical landmarks like the Round Tower or explore the exquisite shopping at Strøget, Indre By offers the very best experience for first-time visitors to Copenhagen.
Being in the centre of Copenhagen means you can access many of the main attractions on foot. The city is very walkable and if you’re visiting in summer, we highly recommend renting a bike and using the well-organised cycling lanes to traverse the city. As you’re in the centre of the city you likely won’t need to use the metro, but it is very convenient if you’re looking to fulfil a packed itinerary.
The benefit of staying in Indre By is that the best things to do in Copenhagen are just footsteps away. We suggest a trip to the iconic Tivoli Gardens which is one of the oldest theme parks in Europe, complete with stunning architecture. Alternatively, if you’re more taken by culture and history you can enjoy wandering the exhibitions of the Glyptotek and Royal Palace at Amalienborg.
It’s worth noting that Tivoli can get very busy, so it’s best to purchase your tickets in advance. Likewise, the park closes for a few days in November in the lead-up to Christmas, so be sure to check opening times on the park website.
There are a variety of hotels in the centre of Copenhagen, which makes it a great place for first-time visitors. Below, we provide some recommendations for where to stay in Indre By that will suit different travel budgets.
Travellers seeking budget hotels in Copenhagen will find that Cabinn City meets all their needs. This budget hotel in Copenhagen is just 5 minutes away from Copenhagen Central Station and Tivoli Gardens. With a delightful breakfast buffet and a 24-hour reception desk, Cabin City has everything you could need for your first time in Copenhagen.
Another great hotel for your first visit to Copenhagen is the Hotel Kong Arthur. Conveniently located just 10 minutes from Nørreport Station and 15 minutes from Strøget, this historic hotel offers stylish rooms and a 24-hour bar. There is also an onsite spa where you can relax after a long day of exploring Copenhagen.
If you prefer to travel in style, then Best Western Hotel Hebron is an excellent choice. This lavish hotel is just a 5-minute walk from Copenhagen Central Station and also offers bike rentals. The friendly staff are happy to provide recommendations for your visit and can even get you special discounts at nearby restaurants.
With some amazing attractions and thrilling activities, Copenhagen is a great place to visit with family. While the bustling centre may be slightly too loud for young families, you can take full advantage of the well-connected transport links and stay further afield, for a more tranquil setting. While there are many places in Copenhagen that are great for families, Østerbro is the top contender.
Situated in the northern part of the city, Østerbro is much more residential and enjoys a family-friendly atmosphere. There are plenty of parks and open spaces for children to explore and you can reach other Copenhagen hotspots by hopping on the metro. While Copenhagen is a safe city generally, you can rest assured that this neighbourhood is very peaceful and secure.
There are some incredible attractions in and around Østerbro which make it a great place to stay in Copenhagen for families. The Experimentarium is an interactive science museum spread across three floors with an exciting rooftop playground. Some other Copenhagen attractions that are easily accessible from Østerbro are the Little Mermaid Statue and, as previously mentioned, Tivoli Gardens.
The Little Mermaid statue is an icon of Copenhagen and will delight children who are familiar with Disney’s adaptation of Anderson’s legendary fairytale. Likewise, Tivoli will thrill children of all ages with its exciting rides and colourful atmosphere.
Østerbro also has some lovely parks like Fælledparken, which is filled with playgrounds and open spaces which are perfect for an afternoon picnic. Likewise, Copenhagen Lakes is not far away and offers scenic walks and bike rides in a natural setting away from the busy city.
Some of the best hotels in Copenhagen can be found in Østerbro, with facilities that make them perfect for visiting families. You can find some of our recommendations for family hotels in Østerbro below.
Families travelling to Copenhagen on a lighter budget will be blown away by Hotel Østerport. The hotel has family rooms as well as lounge areas with views of passing trains which will be a treat for younger travellers. You can get a 5-minute train or take a 15-minute walk to reach Copenhagen city centre from this lovely hotel.
Another great hotel in Østerbro is Adina Apartment Hotel Copenhagen, which features apartment-style rooms suitable for families. The rooms include kitchens for self-catering but you can also enjoy a meal at the onsite restaurant. There is also a heated indoor pool where you can relax and the kids can play.
Families who want to experience a luxury stay in Copenhagen should book into STAY Nordhavn. Like our previous recommendation, this aparthotel offers spacious rooms that are ideal for larger groups. Some rooms have a balcony while others enjoy sea views, offering a tranquil setting away from the bustling centre.
Though it is famous for many things, Copenhagen is a great place to visit for couples seeking a romantic city break. There is a delightful dining scene where you can enjoy quaint evenings together as well as cosy neighbourhoods that are extremely enchanting. You can have a delightful couples getaway in any area of Copenhagen, but there is a certain magic that makes Christianshavn the best place for couples.
Found just south of the centre of Copenhagen, Christianshavn is a charming neighbourhood with waterfront views and historic buildings. Christianshavns Kanal runs right through the area and is lined with colourful houses and quaint cafes, making it perfect for a romantic stroll.
While not technically in Christianshavn, Nyhavn is within walking distance of this area and is a great place to spend the evening. Nyhavn is known for its waterfront restaurants and sumptuous dining which makes it an extremely romantic place in Copenhagen. Whether you want to sample Danish delicacies or enjoy international cuisine, you will find that Nyhavn meets all your desires.
Some of the best places to visit in Copenhagen can be found in Christianshavn which makes it ideal for couples who want to sightsee. For the best views of Copenhagen and a thrilling experience, take your loved one to the Church of Our Saviour. This golden spire offers panoramic views of the city and will certainly bring couples together with its imposing height and low railings.
Couples seeking cultural immersion on a trip to Copenhagen should visit Freetown Christiania. This part of Christianshavn is renowned for its artistic and free-spirited community. You can take in the exciting ambience and note the curious houses and eye-catching murals. Just be sure not to take any photographs as this is prohibited within Christiania.
There are some amazing places to stay in Christianshavn that are ideal for couples looking for a romantic retreat. Below, you can find some of our suggestions for hotels in Copenhagen that will keep you in the vicinity of Christianshavn. Christianshavn is a very popular area in Copenhagen, so expect slightly higher prices than other districts.
Couples looking for an affordable stay will love Kanalhuset. This hotel is perfectly placed on the canal and offers an intimate setting. Top sites like the Church of Our Saviour are just 300 metres away so you and your partner can jump straight into sightseeing.
Couples who want a more private stay should consider Carolinas Boutique Apartments. These apartments are very close to top attractions in Copenhagen like The National Museum of Denmark and the Round Tower. The complex also features a garden where you can unwind and enjoy self-catered meals.
For those seeking an opulent couples getaway, NH Collection Copenhagen is the ultimate choice. This 5-star hotel in Copenhagen offers stylish rooms as well as an onsite restaurant and bar. It is just 600 metres from Christiansborg Palace and a stone’s throw away from other major attractions.
Most people visit Copenhagen for its exceptional museums and immaculate palaces, but there is something to be said about the energetic nightlife that can be experienced here. The city centre has a great choice of bars but the best evening atmosphere can be found in Vesterbro.
If you’re looking for cool places to stay in Copenhagen and want to dive into the nightlife, then Vesterbro is a great option. There is a diverse selection of venues in this area of Copenhagen, including bars, clubs and pubs. Vesterbro is the hub for nightlife in Copenhagen but its proximity to the city centre gives you more freedom to explore in the evenings.
What makes Vesterbro a great place to stay in Copenhagen is the Meatpacking District, also known as Kødbyen. It was once an industrial area but has since become one of the trendiest nightlife districts in Copenhagen. You will find both upscale restaurants and vibrant bars in Kødbyen, so you are certain to have a memorable evening.
One of the best things to do in Vesterbro is to visit the Copenhagen Distillery. This local distillery is a great place to take a tour and attend tastings of fine Danish Spirits. It’s an excellent place to start an evening in Copenhagen with its extensive selection of whiskey, gin and aquavit.
You will find a range of establishments in Vesterbro, which makes it ideal for those looking to sample nightlife in Copenhagen. There are trendy cocktail bars where expert mixologists craft the most tantalising beverages and even the streets of this district are alive with activity. You will see tourists and locals alike spilling out of bars and revelling in the social atmosphere.
There are a variety of hotels in Vesterbro which make it ideal for travellers who want to enjoy Copenhagen’s nightlife. Many of these hotels have onsite bars where you can start your evening and you can find some of our suggestions below.
An affordable option in Vesterbro is Comfort Hotel Vesterbro, which is just 5 minutes away from Copenhagen Central Station. Its central location means you can explore Vesterbro as much as you’d like and the helpful staff can offer suggestions for your evenings out.
Those who want to enjoy a lavish stay at an agreeable price should consider the Axel Guldsmeden. This trendy hotel fuses Nordic and Balinese styles and also has a rejuvenating spa on site. The hotel is just minutes away from Copenhagen Central Station and about 10 minutes from the Meatpacking District.
Travellers who enjoy luxury will find Scandic Kødbyen to be the perfect hotel. The modern interior provides a sense of opulence and there is an incredible wine bar onsite. What’s more, the Meatpacking District is right on the doorstep, so you can enjoy the very best of Copenhagen’s nightlife.
Copenhagen appeals to many travellers with its exceptional variety and this even extends to its accommodations. There are so many places to stay in Copenhagen that will meet your needs and cater to a range of different budgets, so figuring out where to stay will largely depend on your preferences.
First-time visitors should opt for Indre By, where they can get the best Copenhagen experience. Couples and families will find the tranquil settings of Østerbro and Christianshavn delightful and filled with charm. Those who want to sample Copenhagen’s nightlife are best off staying in the vibrant hub of Vesterbro.
No matter where you choose to stay in Copenhagen, this marvellous city is guaranteed to give you the trip of a lifetime. With stunning streets and so much to do, you’ll find yourself wishing you could stay longer.
Thinking about a dazzling trip to Denmark? Check out our other posts like What to Do for 3 Days in Copenhagen for some helpful travel tips and advice.
Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means we can earn a small commission when our visitors click on them. This helps us to keep our content free and accessible for everyone, but you’ll never be charged for engaging with them.
© 2009-2025 – BACKPACKERBOY
WEBSITE DESIGN BY SEO TRAVEL
Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means we can earn a small commission when our visitors click on them. This helps us to keep our content free and accessible for everyone, but you’ll never be charged for engaging with them.
A Guide to Visiting Rosenborg Castle, Copenhagen 