Copenhagen City Guide

New Nordic cuisine is popular, with local dishes like Smørrebrød and Frikadeller. International options are plentiful. Vegetarian and vegan food is easy to find. Late-night food exists but is limited.

Nightlife is lively and varied with pubs, cocktail bars, clubs, and live music. Key neighborhoods are Nørrebro, Vesterbro, and the city center.

Strong coffee culture focused on quality. Many specialty cafes and independent roasters.

Tipping is not expected. You can round up or leave small tips (5-10%) for great service, but it’s not required.

SIM cards are available at the airport, phone shops, and supermarkets. Providers include TDC, Telia, Telenor, and 3. ID is usually needed to activate.

The city is clean with good waste management and recycling practices.

Limited 24/7 options. Some late-night pharmacies and kiosks (7-Eleven) are open late, but few places operate round-the-clock.

Supermarkets offer international products. Common chains include Netto, Rema 1000, Føtex, Kvickly, and Irma. Most open early and close around 9 or 10 PM on weekdays and Saturdays. Sundays and holidays have reduced hours.

Card payments and mobile apps like MobilePay are accepted everywhere, even in small shops and taxis.

ATMs are common at banks and supermarkets like Danske Bank and Nordea. Check your bank for fees on foreign card withdrawals.

International schools like Copenhagen International School and Rygaards offer IB and British curricula. Local schools teach in Danish. Popular schools may have waitlists.

The digital nomad community is growing with meetups and plenty of friendly cafes. Co-working spaces support remote work.

Many parks and green areas like Fælledparken and Frederiksberg Gardens provide shaded spots for walking and relaxing.

Safe, runner-friendly city with routes by the harbor, parks, and lakes. Active running groups exist.

Several gym chains and smaller studios offer memberships and classes, including CrossFit and yoga.

Courts are widely available with options to book online. Coaching and equipment rental are offered at many clubs.

Padel courts exist and can be booked at sports clubs. Surfaces vary, and coaching is available.

Many yoga studios offer various styles and drop-in classes. English-speaking instructors are common.

Various martial arts like BJJ, Muay Thai, Judo, and Karate are taught. Many gyms have English-speaking instructors.

No natural ski resorts nearby. CopenHill offers an artificial ski slope open year-round.

Popular water sports include kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, and windsurfing. Rentals and guided tours are common.

Limited surf spots nearby. Best surfing is on the west coast of Jutland, several hours away. Water is cold outside summer.

Diving is possible in coastal areas and the Øresund strait, suitable for beginners and advanced divers. Water clarity varies.

Healthcare is high quality with good English-speaking staff at public hospitals like Rigshospitalet and Bispebjerg. Private clinics offer faster access for some needs.

Tap water is safe and of high quality to drink.

The city is family-friendly with many playgrounds, kid-friendly cafes, and baby supplies. Attractions like Tivoli Gardens and The Blue Planet aquarium are favorite spots.

Very LGBTQ+ friendly with many safe spaces and annual Pride events. Low risk of discrimination.

Pet-friendly with parks, cafes, and good vet care. Strict pet import rules apply.