Where to stay in Copenhagen

Copenhagen is Denmark’s capital city and offers a fun mix of eclectic art, a world-class dining scene with 15 Michelin stars, live music venues, and old-world history going back centuries.

As the home of the Danish royal family, there are also palaces dotted all over Copenhagen. And since Denmark is the birthplace of world-famous figures like author Hans Christian Anderson, you’ll find monuments and statues dedicated to them too.

Although Copenhagen is a relatively small city, especially when compared to other European capitals, there are still many varied districts within the city to choose from when deciding where to stay in Copenhagen. Luckily, Copenhagen is fairly compact, so getting around to other areas will be easy no matter where you stay.

There is certainly no shortage of things to do in Copenhagen so make sure to get your Copenhagen Card. It gives you free admission to over 73 attractions and activities!

So, the only thing you need to decide is where to stay in Copenhagen, Denmark. Some neighbourhoods and types of accommodation in Copenhagen will suit your budget and travel style more than others.

This guide includes all types of Copenhagen accommodation such as hotels, hostels, and apartments in Copenhagen, best places to stay whether you are travelling as a couple, with kids, or solo.

It covers all the top things to do in each neighbourhood near your accommodation Copenhagen and exactly where to stay in Copenhagen 2023, 2024, and beyond so you can have an amazing trip!

Indre By – Where To Stay in Copenhagen City Centre for First Timers

Indre By is Copenhagen’s Old Town and is the city centre of Copenhagen. Visitors who want to be in the centre of Copenhagen, with easy access to tourist attractions such as the Little Mermaid, Rosenborg Castle and Christiansborg Palace should consider staying in Indre By.

Attractions like The Round Tower and the food market are in city centre Copenhagen too. If you’re wondering where to stay Copenhagen if it’s your first time in the city, choose Indre By!

Stroget is the main shopping street of Copenhagen that runs through Indre By, meaning you’ll have lots of shops, cafes and bars to choose from within walking distance.

On the weekends, many of Copenhagen’s best nightclubs can be found in the inner city neighbourhood of Indre By too. You have plenty of choice of hotels in Copenhagen city centre as well as hostels and apartments so it’s ideal for all types of first-time travellers.

Wondering where to stay in Copenhagen before cruise? Copenhagen city centre is the best spot as its easy to catch the metro, get to the airport or a cruise departure point.

Best Places to Stay in Indre By

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Indre By:
Generator Copenhagen
Bedwood Hostel
Copenhagen Downtown Hostel
Danhostel Copenhagen City

Budget Hotels in Indre By:
Wakeup Copenhagen, Borgergade
Hotel Loeven
Hotel Windsor
Hotel Jorgensen

Mid-Range Hotels in Indre By:
First Hotel Twentyseven
Best Western Plus Hotel City Copenhagen
Next House Copenhagen
Wakeup Copenhagen – Bernstorffsgade

Family Friendly Hotels in Indre By:
Scandic Palace Hotel
Scandic Front
CitizenM Copenhagen Radhuspladsen
Cabinn Scandinavia

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Indre By:
Radisson Collection Royal Hotel
Copenhagen Admiral Hotel
SKT. PETRI
25hours Hotel Indre By

Self contained apartment/rentals in Indre By:
Apartment 1
Apartment 2
Apartment 3

Latin Quarter – Coolest Place to Stay in Copenhagen

Nestled in the middle of Indre By is Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter. This is another excellent central location for Copenhagen visitors. It’s only a 10-minute walk to neighbourhoods like Vesterbro where you’ll find Copenhagen’s Central Station.

The main reason why you’d stay in the small Latin Quarter over Indre By is that it’s a slightly cooler, more hipster neighbourhood full of boutique shops, vintage stores, old pubs, and craft beer bars. 

Some of the University of Copenhagen’s campuses are in this neighbourhood as well as the oldest bakery in Copenhagen, Sankt Peders Bageri.

You’ll find lots of cobbled streets with patchwork houses where you will want to stroll for hours and hours. And if it’s a nice day, you can save money if you buy food from one of the convenient supermarkets and have a picnic lunch or dinner in Ørstedsparken.

Best Places to Stay in Latin Quarter

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in the Latin Quarter:
Steel House Copenhagen
Urban House Copenhagen

Budget Hotels in the Latin Quarter:
Cabinn City Hotel
Go Saga Hotel

Mid-Range Hotels in the Latin Quarter:
Hotel SP34
Ascot Hotel
Ibsens Hotel
ProfilHotels Richmond Hotel

Family Friendly Hotels in the Latin Quarter:
Manon Les Suites – Guldsmeden Hotels
Hotel Christian IV
Absalon Hotel
Good Morning Copenhagen Star

Affordable Luxury Hotels in the Latin Quarter:
Copenhagen Marriott Hotel
Nimb Hotel
Nobis Hotel Copenhagen

Self contained apartment/rentals in Latin Quarter:
Apartment 1
Apartment 2

Nyhavn – Best Place To Stay in Copenhagen for Tourists

Nyhavn is probably the most photographed neighbourhood in Copenhagen and is considered one of the best areas to stay in Copenhagen. Cute, colourful buildings, fronted by sidewalk cafes, nestled along a harbour filled with sailboats.

It’s adorable. It’s also a great place to stay in Copenhagen if you’ve never visited before. Nyhavn is perfect as it’s a short walk from Hans Christian Andersen’s very famous fairytale character… the Little Mermaid statue. It’s one of the most photographed statues in Denmark.

Nyhavn, or New Harbour, is one of Copenhagen’s premier entertainment districts, so you’re never far from excellent restaurants and live music venues. This is also where you’ll find the Royal Theater. Many of Nyhavn’s better hotels will have excellent harbour views to admire.

The sidewalk cafes and 17th-century waterfront buildings make this area such a unique neighbourhood to stay in. It makes you feel like you’re in Europe on vacation, rather than in your hometown. Wondering where to stay in Copenhagen for a weekend city break or a once-in-a-lifetime trip, then Nyhavn is perfect.

Best Places to Stay in Nyhavn

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Nyhavn:
Generator Copenhagen
Hotel 9 Smaa Hjem

Budget Hotels in Nyhavn:
Hotel Nebo
Hotel Amager

Mid-Range Hotels in Nyhavn:
Hotel SKT. Annae
Copenhagen Strand

Family Friendly Hotels in Nyhavn:
Scandic Front
Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Nyhavn:
Copenhagen Admiral Hotel
Phoenix Copenhagen
71 Nyhavn Hotel

Self contained apartment/rentals in Nyhavn:
Apartment 1
Apartment 2

Vesterbro – Where To Stay in Copenhagen for Nightlife

For a more hipster vibe, consider staying in Vesterbro, Copenhagen’s Meatpacking district. Located just behind Tivoli Gardens, Vesterbro has become a creative hotspot in recent years, as artists, designers, filmmakers and photographers move in.

As the neighbourhood grows, more and more options pop up. Wondering where to stay in Copenhagen for nightlife? This is the best neighbourhood in Copenhagen!

You’ll find new bars and restaurants, trendy hotels, organic markets and vintage boutiques. Old warehouses and processing plants are quickly converting into food halls, art galleries, and nightclubs. Vesterbro is still very central in Copenhagen, so you’ll have no trouble getting around to other parts of town.

Vesterbro used to be Copenhagen’s red light district however nowadays it’s more of a hip and trendy neighbourhood. You’ll also be super close to Copenhagen Central Station too.

Best Places to Stay in Vesterbro

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Vesterbro:
Woodah-Hostel
Copenhagen Backpackers
Urban House Copenhagen

Budget Hotels in Vesterbro:
Wakeup Copenhagen Carsten Niebuhrs Gade
Go Saga Hotel
Cabinn City Hotel

Mid-Range Hotels in Vesterbro:
Copenhagen Plaza Hotel
Hotel Astoria
Go Hotel Ansgar

Family Friendly Hotels in Vesterbro:
66 Guldsmeden – Guldsmeden Hotels
Hotel Copenhagen Crown
Copenhagen Island Hotel
Hotel Tiffany

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Vesterbro:
Nobis Hotel Copenhagen
Scandic Kodbyen

Self contained apartment/rentals in Vesterbro:
Apartment 1
Apartment 2

Nørrebro – Best Area To Stay in Copenhagen On a Budget

For a multicultural experience in Copenhagen, head to Nørrebro. Just north of The Lakes, Nørrebro is a melting pot of fun Copenhagen attractions.

Amongst a full street of antique stores and multiple microbreweries, you’ll also find kebab shops, street food, and street art murals.

The Nørrebro Theater shows popular musicals and plays, as well as experimental theatre productions. And you don’t want to miss walking through Assistens Cemetery where you’ll find the graves of author Hand Christian Anderson, physicist Niels Bohr and philosopher Søren Kierkegaard.

Nørrebro is a great neighbourhood to stay in on a budget because it has lots of cheap eateries, hostels, and other budget accommodations. Lots of students and young professionals live in this neighbourhood so it’s cool yet won’t hurt your wallet.

Best Places to Stay in Nørrebro

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Nørrebro:
Sleep in Heaven
a&o Copenhagen Norrebro
Globalhagen Hostel

Budget Hotels in Nørrebro:
Urban camper hostel & bar

Mid-Range Hotels in Nørrebro:
Hotel Nora Copenhagen
M18 Copenhagen
Avenue Hotel Copenhagen

Self contained apartment/rentals in Nørrebro:
Apartment 1
Apartment 2
Apartment 3
Apartment 4

Østerbro – Where To Stay in Copenhagen With Family

Østerbro is the large neighbourhood to the northwest of Copenhagen city centre, just above Nørrebro that encompasses the old warehouse and harbour district in the north.

This neighbourhood is well known for being an upscale, family-friendly neighbourhood as well as being the location for Copenhagen’s sports stadium, Parken, and the huge surrounding park. You’ll also find lots of nice bakeries and trendy boutique Danish designer stores here.

The area around Sortedam Lake is popular with cyclists, joggers, and families who want to go for a leisurely walk. If you need to get into central Copenhagen then there are lots of metro stops for your convenience.

It’s a fantastic place to stay in Copenhagen for young families because of the open, green spaces and the wealth of accommodation options suited for families including apartments and large hotel suites.

Best Places to Stay in Østerbro

Mid range Hotels in Østerbro
Hotel Østerport
Rye115 Hotel
Comwell Copenhagen Portside Dolce by Wyndham

Family Friendly Hotels in Østerbro
Adina Apartment Hotel Copenhagen
STUDIO1A Hotel Apartments
STAY Nordhavn
Stay Seaport

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Østerbro
Charlottehaven
The Audo

Self Contained Apartments in Østerbro
Apartment 1
Apartment 2
Apartment 3

Christianshavn – Best Place to Stay in Copenhagen for Couples

Christianshavn is one of the most overlooked neighbourhoods to stay in while travellers are in Copenhagen but it’s arguably one of the quietest and most picturesque.

It sits on the eastern side of the harbour opposite Indre By and Nvhavn so it’s very close to all of Copenhagen’s main attractions but has a more sophisticated vibe. There are lots of canals running through this neighbourhood so you’ll find lots of pleasure boats and along the water and you’ll generally find it quite pretty.

There are no less than two huge street food markets in Christianshavn, along with the Opera House and the Church of Our Saviour which has a staircase around the outside of the tower that you can climb up. One of the most famous places in Christianshavn is Freetown Christiania.

This is a commune inside of Denmark that does not recognise itself as being part of the country or the EU. You’re very welcome to go instead but be mindful of where you take photographs as there is liberal drug use within the neighbourhood boundaries. 

All this being said, along with the bars that line the canals in Christianshavn, that’s why it’s a great place to stay while visiting Copenhagen with a friend or a partner.

Best Places to Stay in Christianshavn

Budget Hotels in Christianshavn
Central Canal Apartments
Sankt Annæ b & b
Hotel Maritime

Mid range Hotels in Christianshavn
Kanalhuset
The Huxley Copenhagen

Family Friendly Hotels in Christianshavn
Hotel NH Collection Copenhagen
Copenhagen Strand

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Christianshavn
Hotel Sanders

Self Contained Apartments in Christianshavn
Apartment 1

Frederiksberg – Best Place To Stay Near Copenhagen Zoo

Frederiksberg is another great neighbourhood to stay in Copenhagen if you are travelling with your young family but also if you are visiting Copenhagen Zoo. It’s a huge neighbourhood to the south of Nørrebro and to the east of Vesterbro so you’re close to Copenhagen Central Station. 

Frederiksberg has tons of cool cafes where you can spend a relaxing morning with your little ones. The zoo is huge and somewhere where you could spend an entire day. There are also lots of other fun attractions if you have older kids like the old underground cisterns and the Storm P. Museum.

It’s not a regular museum because he was a cartoonist and pipe collector, so it’s unusual and fun. There are fewer hotels in this neighbourhood because it’s more residential but there are plenty of metro stations so you can easily explore other places in the city.

Best Places to Stay in Frederiksberg

Budget Hotels in Frederiksberg
Cabinn Scandinavia
Hotel Euroglobe
Cabinn Express

Mid range Hotels in Frederiksberg
Scandic Falkoner
Calton Guldsmeden
Hotel Sct. Thomas

Family Friendly Hotels in Frederiksberg
Lovely apartment in central Copenhagen
Avenue Hotel Copenhagen
CityHub

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Frederiksberg
Avenue Hotel Copenhagen
Hotel Ottilia – By Brøchner Hotels

Self Contained Apartments in Frederiksberg
Apartment 1
Apartment 2

Amager East – Best Copenhagen Neighbourhood to Live Like a Local

Amager East is a more residential neighbourhood to the east of Christianshavn across the harbour. It’s a huge spot next to the ocean and it even boasts 4 km of manmade sandy beach as well as the Kastrup Søbad off-shore public swimming pool.

There aren’t many other attractions here, but it might be ideal for you if you are a digital nomad or staying in Copenhagen for a longer period of time and don’t want to be surrounded by tourists all day every day.

There are lots of metro stations for you to easily reach the city centre with all the great bars and restaurants there. And while there are some great accommodation choices in Amager East, you will find lots of affordable apartment options too.

Best Places to Stay in Amager East

Budget Hotels in Amager East
SleepCph
Go Hotel City
Lavilla Guesthouse
Best Western Plus Airport Hotel Copenhagen

Mid range Hotels in Amager East
CPH Studio Hotel
Guesthouse Copenhagen Beach

Family Friendly Hotels in Amager East
Nord Hotel Apartments
Hotel Amager
Comfort Hotel Copenhagen Airport

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Amager East
Park Inn By Radisson Copenhagen Airport
Clarion Hotel Copenhagen Airport

Self Contained Apartments in Amager East
Apartment 1
Apartment 2
Apartment 3

Islands Brygge – Where To Stay Near The University of Copenhagen 

Islands Brygge is a very small part of the Havnestad neighbourhood opposite Vesterbro and Copenhagen Central Station across the harbour. Here, you’ll find some nice inner city parks, cheap eateries, and budget accommodation options close to most of the University of Copenhagen buildings. 

This is an ideal place to stay in Copenhagen if you are a visiting student or professor at the University of Copenhagen or you are taking a short course or summer school course. Because it’s a popular student area, it’s also an ideal place to stay on a budget as well as backpackers who would prefer to stay closer to the train station to continue their journey elsewhere.

Best Places to Stay in Islands Brygge

Budget Hotels in Islands Brygge
Hotel Copenhagen

Mid range Hotels in Islands Brygge
STAY Bryggen
Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel Copenhagen

Family Friendly Hotels in Islands Brygge
Islands Brygge

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Islands Brygge
Bryggen Guldsmeden – Urban Eco Resort
By The Pier apartments

Self Contained Apartments in Islands Brygge
Apartment 1
Apartment 2

Copenhagen International Airport – Best Area for Business Travel or Stopovers

Do you need to catch an early flight or do you arrive at Copenhagen International Airport late at night? Then stopping in a hotel Copenhagen airport might be the best option for you. That way, you don’t have to attempt to get transport in and out of the city centre in the wee hours!

Luckily, there are lots of hotels around the airport that are perfect for one-night stays. Many of them are chain hotels so you might even be able to collect points or get a membership discount.

Best Places to Stay near Copenhagen Airport

Budget Hotels near Copenhagen International Airport
Zleep Hotel Copenhagen
Copenhagen GO Hotel
CABINN Metro Hotel

Mid range Hotels near Copenhagen International Airport
Dragør Badehotel / Copenhagen Airport Hotel
Zleep Hotel Copenhagen Arena

Family Friendly Hotels near Copenhagen International Airport
Dragør Hotel & Apartments
Crowne Plaza Copenhagen Towers

Affordable Luxury Hotels near Copenhagen International Airport
AC Hotel by Marriott Bella Sky Copenhagen
Clarion Hotel Copenhagen

Self Contained Apartments near Copenhagen International Airport
Apartment 1
Apartment 2

Added Extra: Areas to Avoid in Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a very safe city for all types of travellers and is safer than the average European city. Danish citizens have high levels of trust in their neighbours.

But you should still use your common sense in popular tourist spots just in case there are pickpockets. And the only inner city area you should avoid booking accommodation is the Blågårds Plads area of Nørrebro. There is some gang activity here so you don’t want to walk around that area at night after a couple of drinks.

But most of the areas where not to stay in Copenhagen aren’t because of crime rates, but either because there isn’t much there to do or they are too far out. For example, Amager West is much more sparse and less densely populated than Amager East, so don’t accidentally book accommodation there. 

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