Where to actually go in Copenhagen

Reffen street food

Market · Refshaleøen

A big waterside street-food yard of containers, the cheapest way to eat well in Copenhagen.

Best for: a cheaper group dinner by the water

Best time: evening (seasonal)

Torvehallerne

Market · Nørreport

Two glass market halls of food stalls; try smørrebrød, the open-faced sandwiches.

Best for: a Danish lunch

Best time: lunch

Hija de Sanchez

Restaurant · Torvehallerne and Kødbyen

Proper tacos from a former Noma pastry chef.

Best for: a taco lunch

Best time: lunch

Gasoline Grill

Restaurant · several spots, first in a petrol station

Small menu of very good burgers, started in a petrol station.

Best for: a burger

Best time: lunch

Pølsevogn (hot-dog stands)

Restaurant · all over the centre

Danish hot-dog carts: the cheapest hot meal in the city.

Best for: a cheap snack

Best time: any time

Nyhavn

Walk · Indre By

The postcard canal of coloured houses and old ships. Look, don't eat — the restaurants are pricey.

Best for: the photo, a canal walk

Best time: late afternoon

Tivoli Gardens

Activity · Vesterbro / Centre

The 1843 amusement park in the city centre, gardens and lights; rides are paid on top of entry.

Best for: an evening out, the lights

Price: $ — entry roughly $26–31; rides extra

Best time: evening, when it lights up

Freetown Christiania

Area · Christianshavn

A self-governing hippie commune of murals, workshops and lakeside paths.

Best for: the most unusual walk in the city

Best time: afternoon

Heads up: No photos and no running on Pusher Street. Respect the signs.

The Round Tower (Rundetårn)

Viewpoint · Indre By

A 17th-century observatory with a spiral ramp instead of stairs and a view over the old roofs.

Best for: a cheap city view

Best time: afternoon

Rosenborg Castle and the King's Garden

Sight · Indre By

A Renaissance castle with the crown jewels, in a free park.

Best for: royal history

Best time: afternoon

CopenHill

Activity · Amager

A waste-to-energy plant with a ski slope, hiking trail and climbing wall on the roof.

Best for: the most Copenhagen thing to do

Best time: afternoon

The Little Mermaid

Sight · Langelinie

The small famous statue; combine with the Kastellet fortress walk.

Best for: a quick photo

Best time: morning

Strøget

Walk · Indre By

One of Europe's longest pedestrian shopping streets.

Best for: shopping

Best time: any time

Superkilen

Sight · Nørrebro

A colourful urban park of objects from around the world.

Best for: photos in Nørrebro

Best time: afternoon

Kødbyen (the Meatpacking District)

Area · Vesterbro

White-tiled former butchers' buildings turned into bars, restaurants and small clubs.

Best for: a bar and club night

Best time: from about 10 PM

Nørrebro (Jægersborggade and around)

Area · Nørrebro

The young, multicultural district with cheaper bars and cafés than the centre.

Best for: a local, cheaper night

Best time: evening

Culture Box

Club · Indre By (Kronprinsessegade)

The city's best-known electronic club.

Best for: a techno night

Best time: after 1 AM

Jolene

Bar · Kødbyen

A gritty bar with a small dance floor in the Meatpacking District.

Best for: dancing in Kødbyen

Best time: late

Vega

Live music · Vesterbro

A big concert venue in a 1950s workers' building, with club nights.

Best for: a gig

Best time: evening

Lidkoeb

Cocktail bar · Vesterbro

A cocktail bar over three floors of an old pharmacy building.

Best for: a special cocktail

Best time: evening

Ved Stranden 10

Bar · by the canal opposite Christiansborg

A natural-wine bar with canal-side seats.

Best for: a glass of wine by the water

Best time: early evening

Mikkeller Bar

Pub · Vesterbro (Viktoriagade)

The original bar of the famous Copenhagen craft brewery.

Best for: craft beer

Best time: evening

Studenterhuset

Bar · Indre By

The university student house: cheap drinks, bands and events.

Best for: the cheapest night out

Best time: evening