Where to Stay in Copenhagen – Best Areas and Hotels

Explore the best areas to stay in Copenhagen with our comprehensive guide. Find the perfect neighborhood offering unique attractions, vibrant nightlife, and convenient accommodations for every traveler.
Where to Stay in Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a city that has it all for your trip. From theme parks and zoos to historic buildings, monuments, museums, and shopping centers.

You’re guaranteed to have a fantastic time in capital of Denmark. However, choosing the right area and accommodation is crucial, as Copenhagen can be quite expensive.

Here are two tips for you: First, read through the following list of the best areas to stay in. Second, book your hotel as early as possible.

1. Indre By, best area to stay in Copenhagen for first time

Nyhavn harbor
Nyhavn harbor

Indre By, also known as Copenhagen Center, encircles the picturesque Nyhavn harbor. It was once a fortified city with four gates, dismantled in 1856.

This area is the heart of the city’s shopping scene, famously called Strøget. Here, you’ll find designer boutiques, popular brand stores, cozy cafes, diverse restaurants, local pubs, and charming bistros.

Stroll through the cobblestone pedestrian streets to soak in the relaxing ambiance and discover some of the following attractions:

  • Amalienborg Palace, the royal family’s winter residence
  • The Danish Parliament
  • The Supreme Court
  • Rosenborg Castle and Gardens
  • The Botanical Garden with its grand glasshouses
  • The Marble Church
  • Copenhagen Museum
  • The Royal Danish Library
  • The Jewish Museum
  • Kunstforeningen GL Strand art foundation
Amalienborg Palace
Amalienborg Palace

Don’t miss the Tivoli Gardens, a fantastic theme park perfect for families, and Østre Anlæg Park, a popular open space adorned with statues, fountains, and the Hirschsprung Collection.

Without a doubt, Indre By is the best area to stay in Copenhagen. It combines numerous attractions with vibrant nightlife and an excellent variety of accommodations.

Best Hotels in Indre By

2. Vesterbro, best area to stay in Copenhagen for nightlife

Vesterbro, Copenhagen
Vesterbro, Copenhagen

Vesterbro, right next to Indre By and along the river, has transformed from a rundown area into one of Copenhagen’s most vibrant, trendy and creative neighborhoods.

This area uniquely blends residential spaces and businesses with strip clubs and tattoo studios, giving it a distinctive character.

Along the waterfront, you’ll find tall buildings with cafes, bars, restaurants, and boutiques on the ground floor, their outdoor seating spilling out beside the river.

For shopping and exploring the city market, head to Istedgade Street and Sønder Boulevard. These streets showcase the latest in interior design and fashion shops.

For nightlife, the Meatpacking District is the place to be, brimming with bars and restaurants. Some Michelin-starred eateries and stylish cocktail bars and clubs await you here for late-night fun.

Vesterbro offers a satisfying range of accommodations at more affordable prices than Indre By.

Best Hotels in Vesterbro

  • (€€€) Absalon Hotela 4-star hotel with breakfast, 5 minutes walk from Central Train Station
  • (€) Go Hotel Sagaa 2-star hotel with breakfast, 150m from Central Train Station
  • (€) CityHub Copenhagena hub hotel with breakfast, 1.3km from Tivoli Gardens

3. Christianshavn, the most beautiful area to stay in Copenhagen

Christianshavn, Copenhagen
Christianshavn, Copenhagen

Across from the city center, on the banks of the inner harbor, lies Christianshavn, an artificial island constructed in the 1600s between the islands of Amager and Zealand.

Originally designed for wealthy merchants, it gradually became home to the Danish Navy, with barracks until the 20th century. Since then, it’s been revitalized into a prosperous residential area.

Christianshavn is linked to the city by two bridges spanning the canal and a metro system. A highlight of this area is its largely car-free environment, with most people getting around on foot or by bike.

Key spots to visit include Wilders Square and Christianshavns Square, surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and shops. Other notable attractions are the Knippelsbro Bridge, Vor Frelsers Church, and the Church of Our Saviour.

Another draw is “Freetown Christiania,” established in 1971 by a group of hippie squatters as a place for buying and selling cannabis.

Over the years, Christianshavn has blossomed with bars, restaurants, and cafes, with music adding to the lively atmosphere.

Accommodation options in Christianshavn include a few hotels but primarily rental apartments, often with higher price tags.

Best Hotels in Christianshavn

4. Østerbro, stay in Copenhagen close to Little Mermaid Statue

Little Mermaid Statue, Copenhagen

Østerbro is one of the city’s affluent neighborhoods. Located in the northern part of Copenhagen, it boasts a coastline and docks on its eastern edge.

This primarily residential area is home to well-off residents and young entrepreneurs. It’s renowned for its parks, lakes, and the iconic Little Mermaid statue, a symbol of Denmark.

The Little Mermaid, a bronze statue perched on a rock at Langelinie Pier, depicts a mermaid becoming human. It has been a Copenhagen landmark since 1913.

Three lakes mark the border with Indre By, providing a 6 km park area. On weekends, locals flock here for walking, jogging, and cycling. Faelledparken is another open space with trails for hiking and biking, picnic spots, skateboarding areas, chess tables, and cafes.

Østerbro offers various accommodations, generally more affordable than in other districts.

Best Hotels in Østerbro

5. Nørrebro, where to stay in Copenhagen on a budget

Norrebro Copenhagen
Norrebro, Copenhagen

If you enjoy vibrant nightlife and supporting small, independent businesses rather than big chains, then Nørrebro is your place. Situated north of the center and west of Østerbro, this multicultural neighborhood has a unique charm.

You’ll find restaurants, bars, and cafes offering food and drinks from around the world, along with local products. There are shops with ethnic clothing and accessories, and as you walk through the streets, you’ll often hear musicians performing.

The area is dotted with streets filled with dining options, like Jægersborggade and the pedestrian-only Blågårdsgade, as well as streets lined with bars and cafes, such as the main thoroughfare Nørrebrogade.

Nørrebro is an excellent place to stay. It offers a lively nightlife scene and some of the most affordable accommodations in the city.

Best Hotels in Nørrebro

  • (€€) Hotel Nora Copenhagena 3-star hotel with breakfast, 10 minutes walk from Norreport metro station
  • (€) Sleep in Heavenhostel with breakfast and bar, 2km from Central Train Station
  • (€) Globalhagen Hostelhostel with private and dormitory rooms, 1.8km from Tivoli Gardens

6. Frederiksberg, a quiet place to stay in Copenhagen

Frederiksberg Park, Copenhagen
Frederiksberg Park, Copenhagen

Frederiksberg is a peaceful, stylish area that feels like a village yet is just minutes away from the city’s main attractions. It’s an elegant district with tree-lined boulevards, upscale shopping centers, and cobblestone streets filled with charming cafes, bistros, and bars.

Take a stroll through Frederiksberg Park, a sprawling 160-acre garden. In the summer, enjoy a boat ride along the canal for stunning views of Frederiksberg Palace and its many bridges.

For shopping, head to the main shopping center on Falkoner Allé 21, just 10 minutes from the city center, featuring over 100 stores.

Throughout Frederiksberg, you’ll find delightful cafes, restaurants, bistros, and bars, perfect for sampling local cuisine or enjoying a cocktail.

Accommodations in Frederiksberg are limited and fill up quickly. If this area interests you, I recommend booking well in advance.

Best Hotels in Frederiksberg

7. Amager East, best area to stay in Copenhagen for families and kids

Amager Strandpark, Copenhagen
Amager Strandpark

Amager is Copenhagen’s most populated island and home to the International Airport. It’s well-connected to the city by bridge, metro, and trains, ensuring quick and easy access to both the city center and the airport.

Amager East is a popular spot for relaxation and water activities. Just 15 minutes from Amager East, you can enjoy various seaside facilities like Amager Strandpark and Amager Heligoland, or visit Europe’s largest aquarium, Den Blå Planet.

The area also offers cultural activities, including music and theater, along with numerous ice cream shops, cafes, and restaurants. For shopping, head to Amagerbrogade, the main street in the area.

Staying on Amager is a great choice, with its proximity to both the city center and the airport, and it offers plenty of good accommodations.

Best Hotels in Amager East

  • (€€) NORD Hotel Apartmentsapartments with fully-equipped kitchen, 1km from Amager Strandpark beach
  • (€) CPH Studio Hotela 3-star hotel with breakfast, 10 minutes walk from Amager Strand beach
  • (€) Go Hotel Citya 2-star hotel with breakfast, close to Amager Beach Park

8. Islands Brygge, best area to stay in Copenhagen for waterfront park

Islands Brygge
Islands Brygge

Islands Brygge, located across from Tivoli, is a popular area known for its waterfront baths and city docks. You’ll find boats and canoes here, and the water is perfect for swimming, boasting a Blue Flag designation.

There are five baths in total: two for children, one for men, one for women, and one mixed. If the weather is nice, you might even take a dip in the winter. Otherwise, the sauna will have to suffice.

Surrounding the baths are numerous cafes, restaurants, and snack bars, as well as a cultural center offering concerts and children’s performances.

Despite its popularity, accommodation options in Islands Brygge are limited.

Best Hotels in Islands Brygge

9. Stay close to Copenhagen Airport Kastrup

Copenhagen Airport Kastrup
Copenhagen Airport Kastrup

Staying near Copenhagen Kastrup Airport is a fantastic choice if your flight arrives late at night and you want to relax with a bath or a drink as soon as possible. It’s also ideal if your departure is early in the morning and you want to be as close to the airport as possible.

From the airport area, you can reach the city center in just a few minutes by metro or taxi.

The hotels around the airport offer all the amenities you could need, including saunas, hot tubs, and restaurants. You’ll have everything you need for a comfortable stay.

Best Hotels close to Copenhagen Airport Kastrup

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