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Are you contemplating traveling solo to Copenhagen? Let me say it’s one of the best cities I’ve ever been to alone!
I’d even go as far as to say it’s one of my all-time favorite cities in Europe! There are so many reasons you will love this city, I can’t wait to tell you about it!
Having visited five times over the past few years, I have self-proclaimed myself an expert on traveling to Copenhagen!
What you can expect in this post is an honest overview of the city, the best tips on what to do, and where to stay, and an epic guide on where to eat!
If this is your first solo trip to Copenhagen, let this guide be your roadmap to explore this female-friendly destination!
If You Are Hesitant to Travel Solo To Copenhagen…
Are you feeling anxious or jittery about going to a foreign country alone? If so, I get it.
There were so many emotions for me when I first started traveling alone.
Will it be safe? Won’t I be bored? Isn’t traveling solo lonely?
Truthfully, yes, you will likely have moments of feeling sad or stressed, but take it one step at a time.
Copenhagen is a very safe city, safer than the city I live in. Knowing I was going someplace so safe helped ease my mind a lot.
Just remember to take things one day at a time, and I promise you that you will come out the other side stronger and more confident!
Is Copenhagen Safe for Solo Female Travelers?
As far as cities go, Copenhagen is one of the safest and best solo travel destinations for women.
Specifically speaking, the city has a very low crime rate, and digital security is a priority in the city.
It is a walkable city safe to explore alone, even at night. I have felt safer at night in Copenhagen than I did when I was living in Seattle and Chicago.
It’s also no surprise Denmark is named a country with one of the best quality of life.
While Copenhagen is considered one of the safest cities for solo female travelers, it’s still important to stay alert and vigilant at all times. Areas around Nørrebro and parts of Vesterbro can feel rougher at night, so I’d suggest staying elsewhere if possible and just visiting during the day.
Although less common, pickpocketing does happen in Copenhagen, especially in more touristy areas and around transit stations.
Pay attention when moving through crowds, avoid strangers offering you drinks, and stay out of dangerous situations.
Also, be aware of bikes as you walk around and drive in Copenhagen!
Biking is a primary form of transportation for most locals, and you don’t want to get in their way.
My Go-to Resources
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Emergency Number in Europe: Dial 112 &
Emergency Number in the United States: Dial 911
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Where is Copenhagen, & How Many Days Do I Need?
Situated on the islands of Zealand and Amager on the country’s eastern edge, Copenhagen is just a short bridge away from Malmö in Sweden.
It’s one of the most visited Scandinavian travel destinations, especially for solo travelers.
When planning your trip to Copenhagen, I recommend a 3 day itinerary to fully experience all this city has to offer! Anything less than 3 nights, I think you are going to regret it.
Want a Three-Day Itinerary for Copenhagen? I’ve got you covered with this detailed guide!
How To Get To & Around Copenhagen
If you are flying into Copenhagen Airport, skip the taxi since it is expensive and not necessary if you are staying in the city center.
From Terminal 3, you can take the train, which gets you to Central Station in about 15 minutes, or the Metro, which takes around 25 minutes to Kongens Nytorv with easy M3 connections.
👉 Tickets can be bought on your phone through the DOT app for extra convenience.
Once you are in the city itself, you’ll find it walkable for 90% of what you want to see!
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Solo Trip To Copenhagen: Budgeting Tips
There are definitely better cities to visit in Europe if you are on a budget. Copenhagen, while stunning, is often considered one of the most expensive cities for travelers.
From my own experiences, I’ve found that accommodations and dining are the main expenses that can stretch your budget.
However, with a few smart choices, you can still enjoy your visit without overspending.
Here are some tips to help keep your costs low in Copenhagen:
- Accommodations: Search for highly rated hotels and hostels in neighborhoods like Nørrebro and Vesterbro, which are both trendy and more affordable. But check the ratings, these areas can feel a little rough in certain sections.
- Transport: A single ride transit pass in Copenhagen covering two zones costs 24 DKK (about $3.60 USD) and is valid for 75 minutes. If you’re planning to explore extensively, consider a 24-hour pass for 90 DKK (about $12.60 USD), which is cost-effective if you take more than three rides in a day. For even more value, a 72-hour pass costs only 220 DKK (about $32.80 USD), offering unlimited travel and becoming an excellent choice if you plan to use public transportation frequently over several days. Get this online on the App! Ride that rail for FREE with the Copenhagen Card.
- Transport and Attractions: Consider a combo pass that includes public transit (including airport) and access to the 80+ museums and major attractions (including entrance to Tivoli Gardens, Canal Tours, Kronborg, Rosenborg Castle). It can save you a significant amount on transportation and entry fees. Details on the pass here.
- Dining: Opt for street food vendors over sit-down restaurants. The street food in Copenhagen is exceptional and will give you a taste of genuine local flavors without the high restaurant prices. For more detailed recommendations on where to eat, refer to the tips I’ve compiled below in this post.
🌎 BUDGET DESTINATIONS: For those looking to explore Europe further without breaking the bank, there are several other cities where you can stretch your dollar further. Cities like Lisbon, Porto, and more that I included in my full guide here!
Things to Do in Copenhagen Alone
Wondering what to do alone in Copenhagen? There are seriously so many ways to keep busy, I promise you’ll never be bored.
SAVE Money in Copenhagen on 80 + attractions & access to FREE public transport with the Copenhagen Card!
Wander around Tivoli Gardens.
Tivoli Gardens is the third-oldest amusement park that still operates today. It is home to one of the oldest wooden roller coasters and is even said to have inspired the creation of Disneyland.
This is one of the most famous sites in Copenhagen, so it’s worth a visit to bring out the kid in you! Even if you don’t frequent theme parks, there is something special to see here at Tivoli!
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Pay tribute to the Little Mermaid Statue.
When you visit Copenhagen, you must visit the Little Mermaid statue, an icon of Copenhagen. Crafted by artist Edvard Eriksen, the statue is inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s Little Mermaid story. Andersen lived in Copenhagen for most of his life.
Today, the bronze statue stands atop a rock in the water by Langelinie Pier. Many boat tours will take you past the statue which lets you catch a glimpse from a far.
I joined the hop-on hop-off bus tour in Copenhagen and got off at the stop for the Little Mermaid (#5) on the Green Buses (red line).
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View the iconic colorful houses along Nyhavn.
A row of colorful houses alongside a canal is the postcard-perfect image of Copenhagen. While stunning architecture can be found throughout the city, Nyhavn is the number one destination.
This harbor houses a collection of 18th and 19th-century townhouses. You can now find several tasty restaurants and cafes in the area, perfect for a quick bite.
Visit Christiansborg Palace.
Christiansborg Palace is now the seat of the Danish Parliament, but it has 800 years of royal history in its halls. Although still in use, you can tour many of the areas of the palace. There are even ruins underneath the palace you can explore!
Join a Bike Tour.
Copenhagen is one of the most cyclist-friendly places in the world. On my first trip to Copenhagen solo, I joined a bike tour.
Biking is incredibly commonplace as a mode of transportation for locals. While visiting, you may want to give it a try! Many hostels, hotels, and vendors offer bike rentals.
While biking may be a change of pace for you, remember that this is everyday life for most Copenhagen citizens. Follow the cycling rules and pay attention to the road!
❤︎ 1.5 Hour Bike Tour of Copenhagen – Check Rates & Availability
Smell the roses in the Botanical Garden.
You don’t have to have a green thumb to appreciate Copenhagen’s beautiful Botanical Garden. This free public green space features 10 hectares of gardens, including a butterfly house and a tropical palm collection.
The historic glass houses date back to the 1870s and make for a magical afternoon of exploration.
Christiania
Christiania is Copenhagen’s famous free-spirited commune, once known for its “Green Light District.” Today, it’s more about colorful street art, cafes, and live music. It’s safe to visit during the day, and strolling around car-free streets can be a fun way to see a different side of the city.
Explore Rosenborg Castle.
This famous castle in the center of Copenhagen is home to the Danish crown jewels. Rosenborg Castle was originally built as a country summer home for the royal family. The castle was built in the Dutch Renaissance style in the 17th century.
Today, you can tour the castle and grounds. Step into the shoes of royalty and walk around the wonderfully preserved royal rooms. Throughout the castle, there are also beautiful displays of art.
❤︎ Day Trip– Guided tour of Roskilde Cathedral, Frederiksborg Palace, and Kronborg Castle- Get Tickets
Visit the National Museum of Denmark.
Copenhagen has many extraordinary museums, including the National Museum of Denmark. Here you can travel back in time and learn about the entire course of Danish history.
From old runic stones to the present day, you can immerse yourself in Denmark’s history during an hour-long self-guided tour.
Tour the Copenhagen canals by boat.
Give your feet a break and explore Copenhagen by water! There are many options for boat tours through the canals of Copenhagen.
Stop by famous and picturesque sights, or take in the beautiful quotidian life in Copenhagen.
❤︎ Hidden Gems Canal Tour– Likely to Sell Out. Check Rates & Availability HERE
Tour the Carlsberg Brewery.
Did you know that Copenhagen is home to Carlsberg? This world-famous Carlsberg beer first began in the 19th century, when J.C. Jacobsen named his new brewery after his son Carl and the Danish word for hill – “bjerg.” Check out the Brewery here!
❤︎ PUB CRAWL: See the best Copenhagen offers with this pub crawl.
Climb the Church of Our Savior.
Church of Our Savior is a famous church in Copenhagen. The baroque-style church is probably best known for its spiral staircase around the central tower.
Climbing a church tower may not be unique, but in this case, the staircase winds around the outside of the tower, offering stunning views of Copenhagen wherever you look!
✈️ Are You Ready to Travel Alone?: Take The Solo Travel Readiness Quiz!
Shop on Strøget
Strøget is a long pedestrian street that’s home to the most famous shopping area in Copenhagen. From designer brands to budget chain stores, the street has it all!
It’s perfect for window shopping or just taking a stroll in Copenhagen.
Get a panoramic view of Copenhagen from the Round Tower.
The Round Tower is exactly as it sounds – a round tower in the middle of Copenhagen. Originally built in the early 17th century, you can now walk up the tower for sweeping views of the city.
I enjoyed the fairly easy climb of the wide spiral path for the best views of Copenhagen.
Visit Kronborg Castle.
Kronborg Castle is located 1 hour north of Copenhagen by train. Although not technically in Copenhagen, this castle is worth the visit. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this castle was fictionalized as Elsinore in Shakespeare’s Hamlet.
There are three different tours of different lengths you can take to choose your own adventure!
❤︎ Kronborg Castle Guided Tour Info here
Watch the changing of the guard at Amalienborg Palace.
Amalienborg Palace is home to the Danish Royal Family today. A visit here offers tourists a chance to see what royal life is like both in the present era and the past.
What the palace is most famous for, however, is the Royal Life Guard. At noon every day, you can watch the changing of the guard here.
Grab a snack at Torvehallerne.
Every time I go to Copenhagen, I go to Torvehallerne. It’s my go-to spot for a quick bite with plenty of options, and they also have wine tasting.
As one of Copenhagen’s most popular marketplaces, you can expect a vibrant, bustling food market with over 80 shops.
You’ll also find local produce and other stores selling things like tea, coffee, and chocolate!
❤︎ Copenhagen Travel Guide– Culinary Experience Tour
Admire the art at Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek.
Among Copenhagen’s many museums is the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek. This museum is one of many art museums in the city. It represents the private collections of Carl Jacobsen, the son of the founder of Carlsberg Breweries. Ancient and modern art combine in this museum for a rewarding experience.
Where to Eat Alone in Copenhagen
Solo dining doesn’t have to be awkward or intimidating. I know it can feel at first like everyone’s watching you, but give it a little time and you might actually start to love it. Below are some of the places I ate in Copenhagen that are perfect for solo travelers.
Warpigs – $$
Warpigs is a brewpub and barbecue joint in the heart of Copenhagen. It’s one of my favorite restaurants in the city! It’s got that casual vibe, so you can blend right in when eating alone.
Located in the Meatpacking District, the restaurant has warm and charming wooden picnic tables and a lovely patio.
Mother – $$$
Mother is a simple yet delicious pizza place in Copenhagen. Known for their sourdough pizzas, Mother serves seasonal, organic pizza creations that are finger-licking good! Another good spot if you want to be in a hip place that doesn’t feel very formal.
Bistro Lupa – $$$
One of the best vegan restaurants in Copenhagen. Bistro Lupa is a zero-waste restaurant that focuses on sustainability. The menu will frequently change based on the season. Even if you are not following a vegan diet, you will enjoy this experience! I was alone, so I sat at the bar and chatted up the bartender.
Høst – $$$
If you’re looking for a unique Nordic dining experience, Høst is the place to go. With prix-fixe menus and wine pairings, you’ll get an incredible sample of contemporary Nordic cuisine. It was the best dinner of my trip!
Yaffa – $$
Yaffa is a modern Middle Eastern Cuisine that will delight your tastebuds. A la carte or course menus are available.
I would highly recommend the hummus and Yaffa bread (shown below).
Aamanns 1921 – $$$
The entirety of Aamanns 1921 is a nod to Danish cuisine and is home to the open faced sandwich. From the tall ceilings and modern white interior design to the innovative Danish menu, the entire dining experience is a delight.
Visit at lunch to try the famous smørrebrød or try their modern menu at dinnertime.
Cafe Atelier September – $
Atelier September is a vegetarian brunch spot with a bohemian vibe. Set in a former gallery, the cafe is located just off the main square of Copenhagen.
They’re most known for their artistic takes on avocado toast which is definitely worth a try!
Pro Tip: Get here when they OPEN, or be prepared to wait in line!
Mad & Kaffe – $$
Mad & Kaffe is a gorgeous, airy cafe in the trendy Vesterbro neighborhood of Copenhagen.
They serve food as a selection of 3, 5, or 7 items to make up your “board.” The cinnamon buns are a must!
I also found this a great place to hunker down and work on my laptop (weekdays only).
BRUS – $$ Get Directions
Tapperiet BRUS is another favorite brewpub of mine in Copenhagen. The trendy, industrial restaurant serves elevated bar food, comfort food classics, and local craft beer.
Tapperiet Brus is a great place to go when exploring the Nørreboro neighborhood.
Where I Stayed Solo in Copenhagen
I’ve visited Copenhagen a number of times staying in different areas and hotels each time. All of the hotels before are places I felt safe and secure as a solo female traveler.
Each hotel has a different vibe and a great location, so you can’t go wrong. Just go with what is best for your budget.
Hotel SP34
I loved staying at Hotel SP34 for the location! The room was comfortable but small.
The vibe that dominates is Bohemian and Scandinavian at the Hotel SP34.
The on-site bar was great, and when I stayed, they were doing complimentary wine hour at 5 p.m.
Hotel Skt. Petri
Hotel Skt, Petri is located in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, just off of the Strøget.
I stayed at this hotel twice, back when it was being renovated in 2017 and again in 2022! It exudes laidback luxury.
With an on-site restaurant and room service available, you’ll be spoiled for dining options. Comfortable amenities and a central location round out the benefits of this hotel.
Bertrams Guldsmeden
On my second trip to Copenhagen, I stayed in the Vesterbro neighborhood. I’d say if you’re looking for a quiet stay, check out Bertrams Guldsmeden.
This adults-only boutique hotel is stylish, cozy, and comfortable. Located in Inner Vesterbro, you have many delicious restaurants within walking distance and a bus stop right outside your door.
Hostels I Can Recommend
Generator Copenhagen
On my trip, I met a girl staying at the Generator hostel. She said it’s known for its urban, fun hostels all across Europe.
It was her favorite hostel since it has an on-site restaurant and bar, shuffleboard, and rooftop petanque.
Copenhagen Downtown Hostel
I didn’t stay here, but I visited the Copenhagen Downtown Hostel since it has such good reviews. It has been named the most popular hostel in Copenhagen several times.
Smack dab in the middle of historic Copenhagen, it’s easy to understand why.
Exclusive Solo Traveling Tips to Copenhagen
Here are a few of my best tips for visiting Copenhagen!
Ditch the taxi.
Between the public transportation system and the flat walkable streets of Copenhagen, you probably won’t need to call for a taxi during your visit! There are buses and trains nearly everywhere you could need to go outside of the city center.
Inside the city, you’ll find everything easy to get to by walking or biking. You can also stumble on lovely little corners of Copenhagen by walking!
Tipping in Copenhagen
Wondering how much to tip in Copenhagen? You are expected to tip from 5-10% in bars, restaurants, hotels and taxis. I typically leave 10%.
Expect to pay a little bit more.
Copenhagen is one of the most expensive cities in the world, so don’t be surprised if your food and drink cost a bit more than you expected. Familiarize yourself with the exchange rate of the Danish kroner before you go.
That being said, it is absolutely possible to budget your travel to Copenhagen. Splurge on the things that matter to you and save everywhere else!
English is widely spoken.
Danish is the official language of Denmark, but English is also widely spoken.
Especially in the capital city of Copenhagen, you’ll find many people comfortable speaking English. It’s always a good idea to learn a few phrases ahead of time though!
Leave room in your itinerary to explore.
Some of the best parts of Copenhagen can’t be planned or scheduled. In planning your visit to Copenhagen, be sure to leave wiggle room to explore the meandering streets of beautiful architecture or sit and enjoy a cup of coffee at one of Copenhagen’s many cafes.
Part of the beauty of solo traveling is getting to set your own schedule, so take advantage of it!
Stay in a hostel to connect with other solo travelers.
If you like connecting with other people during your travels like I do, plan to stay in a hostel. Many of the hostels in Copenhagen are quite nice and have a variety of activities meant to bring people together.
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Solo travel can get expensive! So don’t waste anytime on educating yourself how you can actually stay for FREE by utilitzing credit card points!
Example: On my recent 2-night stay in Berlin, I only had to pay the hotel tax because I was taking advantage of the points I had from my card.
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Planning a Trip to Denmark
Conclusion: Copenhagen is a dream destination for solo female travelers.
With a thriving foodie scene, history and culture on every corner, and plenty of things to explore, Copenhagen is a great city to visit as a solo traveler. A walkable downtown makes it even better!
I hope these travel tips will help you get the most out of your visit to Copenhagen. It is my favorite European city and one I return to again and again!
For more solo travel tips, check out the blog, and follow me on Instagram for more behind-the-scenes of my travels!
FAQs For Solo Travel in Copenhagen
Copenhagen is rated as one of the safest cities in the world. You can feel safe walking in Copenhagen but remain vigilant of your surroundings.
While Copenhagen is an expensive city to visit, there are always ways to save money. A tip to save money when traveling alone is taking public transportation. Taxis are very costly, and the transit system is reliable and cheap.
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Copenhagen looks lovely and it’s great to know it’s a lovely place for a solo traveller, and those tips are useful, especially the day trip to Sweden and ditching the taxi as it’s very walkable.
This is a lot of great information for planning a visit to Copenhagen, I enjoyed reading this post!
We enjoyed our first visit to Copenhagen. But jet lag slowed us down and we did not see as much as we wanted. Glad to know this is a safe spot for solo travel – if common sense is used. We are sad we missed spending some time at Tivoli Gardens. I like the idea of renting a bike to explore. But hubby would make sure he finally got to the Carlsburg Brewery. All good reasons to go back. A great guide for travel to Copenhagen – solo or not!
Your photos have a really unique perspective; they made me want to travel to Copenhagen, even if I’m not a solo traveler, and I always travel with my yard monsters.
I have always considered visiting Copenhagen. I really enjoyed this post. Great to read about all the fun things to do in the city. I would 100% do a bike tour. Would love to do a boat ride through the canals, as well.