How many days are enough for Copenhagen?+
2 days cover Nyhavn, Tivoli, Amalienborg, Christiansborg and Christiania at an easy pace, since everything lies within 2 kilometres of each other and it's all walkable. 3 days let you add 1 day trip — Kronborg in Helsingør, Roskilde, or a hop over the bridge to Malmö. More than 4 days only makes sense as a base for exploring the whole of Zealand.
Is the Copenhagen Card worth it?+
It pays off for anyone who fits Tivoli plus 2 more paid attractions into a day and uses public transport — the card covers over 80 museums, transport including the airport, and Tivoli admission. Anyone mainly wanting to walk the city, photograph Nyhavn and visit 1 palace will lose money on it. Work out your specific list: individual entries cost DKK 40–175.
Can I pay with euros or card in Copenhagen?+
Denmark has its own currency and most places don't accept euros; where they do, change comes back in kroner at a poor rate. Cards work practically everywhere, including hot dog stands and ticket machines, so cash is barely needed. At the terminal, always choose to pay in Danish kroner, not your home currency — dynamic currency conversion costs 5–10% more.
Should I rent a bike in Copenhagen?+
Yes, more so than in any other European city: 400 kilometres of separated cycle lanes, flat terrain and rental points on every corner. The rules are enforced, though — keep to the right-hand lane, raise a hand before stopping, stop at red lights even on a bike, and lights are compulsory at night under a DKK 700 fine. Anyone unsure about riding in heavy traffic will get around just as well on foot.
When is Tivoli open?+
It's not open year-round. The main season runs from early April to the end of September, then around 3 weeks over Halloween, and a Christmas market from mid-November to early January. Between January and March it's closed completely, which is the most common disappointment among winter visitors. The Christmas opening is the loveliest part of the year and worth planning a trip around.
Can you swim right in the city in Copenhagen?+
Yes, and it's one of the few things you won't experience elsewhere. The harbour baths at Islands Brygge, Sluseholmen and Fisketorvet are freely accessible and free, the water is tested daily and is clean. The season runs from early June to the end of August, and in July there are queues for the pools; before 10am it's empty. Even in summer the water sits around 18°C.
Is food in Copenhagen really that expensive?+
Yes, dinner at an ordinary restaurant comes to DKK 250–350 per person without drinks, and a half-litre of beer costs around 60. You can save money 3 ways: lunch menus, which tend to be half the evening price; the covered markets Torvehallerne and Reffen; and supermarkets — Netto and Fakta sell ready meals and sandwiches. Tap water is free and excellent.
How do I get from Kastrup Airport to the centre?+
By the M2 metro line direct from Terminal 3 to Kongens Nytorv by Nyhavn in 13 minutes; a ticket costs DKK 36 and the metro runs around the clock. The DSB train takes the same time and price to the Central Station and continues to Malmö. A taxi takes 20–30 minutes and costs from DKK 300, so it's only worth it for 3 or more people with heavy luggage.