where to stay in copenhagen
Copenhagen, Denmark’s capital, is a city where hygge, design innovation, and cycling culture collide. Whether you have a week to explore the Tivoli Gardens, stroll the cobbled lanes of Nyhavn, or dive into the nation’s culinary scene, choosing the right place to stay can make all the difference. Below is a complete, practical guide to finding accommodation in Copenhagen – from luxury hotels that hide behind designer facades to budget hostels in hip neighborhoods that feel like a local’s morning stretch.
1. Choosing Your Neighborhood
A quick street in Copenhagen can change your entire trip. Think about what you want to be close to: a museum, restaurants, nightlife, or a green park.
| Neighborhood | Highlights | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| City Centre (Indre By) | Tivoli, Nyhavn, Strøget, 5 Points by Jewelry | First‑time visitors, shopping, central public transport |
| Vesterbro | Rådhusstræde, Meatpacking District, bike‑friendly streets | Nightlife, restaurants, nightlife |
| Nørrebro | Mangold, man from Café, diverse food scene | Trendy, multicultural vibe, good for budgets |
| Østerbro | Østre Anlæg, H.C. Andersen Museum | Family‑friendly, lots of green space |
| Frederiksberg | Frederiksberg Palace, Princess Mary’s Garden | Parks, quieter, somewhat upscale |
| Christianshavn | Refugium, Church of the Holy Trinity, canal tours | Bohemian, canal views, a mix of old and new |
| Amager | Amager Strandpark, Absalon, fashionable co‑ops | Beach lovers, more affordable |
TL;DR:
If you want to be in the thick of it all, stay in the City Centre.
If you crave a quieter, greener vibe, go to Østerbro or Frederiksberg.
If you’re on a tight budget but still want fun and food, check out Nørrebro or Vesterbro.
2. Accommodation Types: What Fits Your Style?
a. Luxury Hotels
| Hotel | Price Range (per night) | Why Stay? |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel d’Angleterre | $400‑$600 | Iconic, classic, right at Købmændsgade |
| The Skt. Annex (Hof & Hof) | $300‑$500 | Tranquil courtyard, spa, historic charm |
| The 5 Hotel | $250‑$450 | Rooftop bar, minimalist décor, great Wi‑Fi |
| The House at Blue Square | $350‑$550 | Modern, central, excellent restaurants |
Tip: Book early for a better rate, especially if you’re visiting during the summer season (June‑August) or around the popular holiday markets.
b. Boutique/Design Hotels
| Hotel | Price Range | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel Astoria | $120‑$180 | Art deco, terrace roof garden |
| Alles & Anders | $140‑$200 | Hip, creative interior, raw industrial vibes |
| Slick Hotel | $100‑$170 | Located on Vesterbrogade, charismatic design |
These hotels strike a balance between style and cost, often offering unique décor that reflects Copenhagen’s design ethos.
c. Mid‑Range Hotels and Chains
| Hotel | Price Range | Strong Points |
|---|---|---|
| Scandic Palace | $120‑$170 | Central location, pool, balconies |
| Radisson Blu Royal Hotel | $130‑$180 | Newly refurbished, budget‑friendly |
| Clarion Hotel & Congress | $100‑$150 | Near Tivoli, modern and affordable |
Mid‑range options give you a comfortable stay without breaking the bank. They’re typically in the heart of the city and have reliable Wi‑Fi and meal options.
d. Budget / Hostel
| Hostel | Price Range | Pros & Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Urban House Copenhagen – Vesterbro | $20‑$35 | Free breakfast, vibrant social scene |
| Anna Karenina Hostel | $25‑$40 | Rooftop bar, classic Danish décor |
| The Cold Harbour | $18‑$30 | Affordable, limited amenities, well‑organized, slightly more distant |
A hostel is ideal if you’re traveling solo, love meeting others, or just want to save money for food, bikes, or tickets.
e. Apartments / Airbnb
- Copenhagen City Apartments – well‑furnished, fully‑equipped kitchens, aged Royal “old city” feel.
- Nyhavn Cottages – think of a small house right by the canal, good for families.
- Modern Loft in Vesterbro – open‑plan loft, creative studios, often include laundry and bike storage.
Tip: Reserve long‑term stays (7+ days) for a discount. Check for “No‑check‑in‑Late” policies, because you can tell from the reviews whether the host is flexible.
f. Serviced Apartments
| Property | Typical Cost | Why Choose? |
|---|---|---|
| Apex Academy | $250‑$350 | Luxury, gym, 24‑hrs concierge |
| Clarion Apartments | $140‑$200 | B2B travelers, perks like free Wi‑Fi |
These are great for working breaks or longer stays, providing home‑like comforts plus hotel‑style service.
3. Seasonal and Price‑Driving Factors
| Season | What Happens? | How to Save? |
|---|---|---|
| June‑August | Peak tourist season, summer street festivals, warm nights | Book 3–6 months ahead, lock in early, watch for special apartment deals |
| Late September‑October | Mild weather, off‑peak for schools, ~40% price drop | Take advantage of “airport‑to‑city” deals on major OTAs |
| November‑December | Christmas markets, holiday lights, winter holiday traffic | Secure a city center place early; prices climb rapidly when holiday markets burst |
| January‑March | Dull weather, no crowds, cold, still great for city cycling | Get decent discounts; hostels often offer “Dont Miss our winter cooling programs” |
4. Essentials When Booking
| Checklist | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Transfer & transport | Check if there’s free public transport pass or a nearby station. Copenhagen’s city bus and metro cover almost everything, but not the far‑off suburbs. |
| Wi‑Fi & Workspaces | If you’re traveling for work, ask about a reliable, fast connection. Check if there is a quiet work zone or a small café nearby. |
| Flying to Copenhagen Airport (Cph) | City centre hotels often rent bikes to you on arrival. Look for hostels offering check‑in from midnight. |
| Pet‑friendly | Many hotels in the City Centre have a strict pet policy. Apartments on Airbnb are now more pet‑friendly (filter “Pets allowed”). |
| Wardrobe | Copenhagen is stylish but modest, especially in cultural spaces. Pack jackets for any indoor venues. |
| Tap water | Denmark has some of the best tap water. Even if you buy bottled, you can safely fill a bottle with tap water and keep it in your fridge. |
| Domestic Currency | The Danish krone (DKK). Credit cards are accepted everywhere, but it’s handy to have a small amount of cash for small markets or African islands far across the harbor. |
5. Top Recommendations by Travel Style
| Traveler Type | Pick a Stay |
|---|---|
| Luxury/Romance | Hotel d’Angleterre or Færden Hotel (not in Copenhagen but a modern hotel near the harbor). |
| & Culture | Select a boutique hotel like Alles & Anders in Vesterbro or a modern apartment near the Designmuseum. |
| Backpack & Budget | Stay at the Urban House Hostel or the budget B&B "The Gammel Mellag" (in the old Tøjhuset area). |
| Family | Frederiksberg Marriott or a serviced apartment that has a kitchen and a dedicated kids’ corner. |
| Adventure / Cycling | “Bike Loft” in Christianshavn – a loft with proximity to bike rental stations and half‑toll ways. |
6. Timeless Copenhagen Accommodation Gems
There are old stone lodgings that are practically as historic as the city itself. Here are two iconic, heritage‑branded places you should consider:
A. Hotel d’Angleterre – The Old‑World Themed Luxury
Built in 1885, this great‑old‑hotel sits on the iconic flag‑pole street. The flagpole may look small, but it commands a 5‑star reputation. The marbled staircase and glass‑roof dining area add unparalleled Scandinavia vibes.
B. Copenhagen Harbour Hotel – Harbor‑Enjoyment
A newly opened hotel beside the harbor, 13‑stairs old design features 12‑century gears. Great for ocean lovers and thanks to its 18th‑century atrium, it offers an entire day in its storied walls.
7. Insider Tips: How to Get the Best Deal
-
Start Early or Book Late
Early – March to April, the holiday market?
*Late – week days, i.e., Monday‑Wednesday, rarely have reservations.
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Use Multiple Platforms
While Booking.com and AirBnB can show a free price, apps such as Skyscanner for Hotels or Google Hotels give a side‑by‑side comparison.
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Explore “Last‑Minute” Options
Hostels often rush off last‑minute stays. If you can be flexible, check their websites for offers.
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Check the “No‑Refund” Policy
That makes you two times smaller. But look into a “free cancellation” policy while booking early; both better for back‑to‑back travel.
- Look for “Buy early, pay late”
At the HolidayShop Tour staff will tell you early booking and more beneficial.
8. “Nightlife & Hospitality” – Some Notable Night‑awkward Incidents Brought up
Copenhagen, known for its open brasserie and wide‑space pubs, also has adult experiences. For example, “Game UP A Fedor’s”, it’s a small motorcycle bar in Nørrebro, established 1994 and later became a cult hotspot for downtown travellers. Each night or any given evening, a bike strap displays a famous statement about you. Plus, the Energy Level One -1, a local brand, was born from a recording of bikers (the best part!).
How we magnetically changed everything into a real infernal place for you who lived or you had to find stone over a raw cocktail stall.
If you want to plan to walk or to usual daily aroma, for a purely “summer day taste” occupied with proper city cars.
Remember that even 8‑10 bars committed to that polar day.
9. Bottom Line
- You’ll probably decide by your budget and what you want to be near.
- Staying outside the City Centre can save money, but with stronger public transport helps you step to all the main spots.
- Don’t forget to think about bike rental – i.e., if you’re staying in a neighbourhood where you can rent bikes easily, you may not need a car.
- Book your place early for indices season’s October to November or for a free cheapest days for Travel.
Happy travels – Copenhagen’s giggles
