I’ve visited Copenhagen nearly every year for the past decade. We’ve stayed in multiple neighborhoods, tested hotels as both a couple and as a family with a toddler, and because we have close friends who live in the city, we’ve experienced Copenhagen well beyond the typical tourist itinerary.
If you’re wondering where to stay in Copenhagen for your first visit, I’m here to help. As someone who visits often and as a travel advisor, I’m always on the hunt for the best hotels and have explored all of the various neighborhoods in Copenhagen.
The good thing about Copenhagen is that it’s a fairly small city and it’s incredibly east to navigate. The city has all the right infrastructure for biking (and it’s a way of life here for locals) making it the best way to get around quickly. It’s also pretty easy to walk most places as well so no matter where you base, you’ll find everything pretty accessible.
In short, if you want to be in the most walkable part of Copenhagen near the famous Nyhavn and other sites, that’s Indre By and Hotel Sanders is my favorite there! If you want something more trendy, near the central station and near Tivoli Gardens, we also love Villa Copenhagen in Vesterbro. More on these hotels below.
If you want to hear more about the various neighborhoods, things to do in each, our favorite hotels, and how to book with my VIP perks, keep reading!
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Best Neighborhoods in Copenhagen at a Glance
If you don’t feel like reading all of my advice, here’s an overview for you with my reccomendations!
| If you’re looking for… | Stay in… | Why I recommend it |
|---|---|---|
| First time visiting Copenhagen | Indre By | The historic city center puts you within walking distance of Nyhavn, Rosenborg Castle, Strøget, and many of Copenhagen’s top attractions. |
| Luxury boutique hotels | Indre By | Home to some of Copenhagen’s most beautiful luxury hotels, including Hotel Sanders and D’Angleterre, plus incredible restaurants and shopping. |
| Families | Vesterbro | Wide sidewalks, Tivoli Gardens, excellent restaurants, and easy transportation make it a great base with kids. Villa Copenhagen is one of my favorite family friendly luxury hotels. |
| Trendy restaurants and nightlife | Vesterbro | Copenhagen’s coolest neighborhood, filled with cocktail bars, bakeries, coffee shops, and the Meatpacking District. |
| Local cafés and creative atmosphere | Nørrebro | A diverse neighborhood known for independent boutiques, great coffee, parks, and a more local feel. |
| Quiet, upscale stay | Østerbro | Leafy streets, waterfront walks, and a relaxed atmosphere that’s perfect if you prefer somewhere peaceful. |
| Parks and a residential feel | Frederiksberg | Elegant, green, and family friendly with beautiful parks, Frederiksberg Gardens, and a slow pace. |
| Splurge worthy luxury | Indre By | If your budget allows, this is where I’d book. You’ll be close to everything while staying at Copenhagen’s most iconic hotels. |
My recommendation: If it’s your first trip to Copenhagen, I’d stay in Indre By. It’s the most walkable neighborhood and puts you close to many of the city’s best restaurants, attractions, and luxury hotels. If you’ve already visited Copenhagen and want a more local experience, I’d choose Vesterbro or Nørrebro.
My Favorite Places to Stay in Copenhagen
These are the two places my husband and I have stayed at in Copenhagen each multiple times and keep going back to!
As a luxury travel advisor, I typically recommend hotels based on walkability, overall atmosphere, service, dining, and whether they’ll actually fit the type of trip you’re planning, rather than simply choosing the most expensive property.
Indre by at Hotel Sanders
Indre by is the main city center of Copenhagen with most of the hotels, sightseeing and so many great restaurants.
We love to stay at Hotel Sanders in Copenhagen’s city center. It’s a luxury, boutique property that feels super “hygge” (cozy in Danish) and is in the best location. It’s tucked away on a quiet street so your just steps from Nyhavn, but it is always quieter.
If you like a design-forward hotel with great onsite dining and bar, with great service and plus an intimate feel, you will love Sanders!
This hotel is great for couples and feels more romantic.
✅ Check rates for Hotel Sanders: Booking.com | Expedia | TripAdvisor
Vesterbro at Villa Copenhagen
We also love staying at Villa Copenhagen in Vesterbro. This area is a great place to stay in Copenhagen is just beyond the city center where you will find Tivoli Gardens, the meatpacking district, and the Central Station. The location is fantastic and we always bike or walk everywhere easily.
We love staying at Villa Copenhagen. It’s a bit more affordable than Sanders given the location, but still delivers a great Danish experience. It’s a bit trendier with a spacious lobby with a bar and bakery that brings in a community feel. You’ll find locals having a coffee or gin & tonic here.
The rooms are pretty compact, but always so comfortable. We did stay here with our 11 month old and they had a nice crib for her, but I will say it made the room pretty tight so a larger room would be ideal if you have a child or they have a family suite.
The highlight though is the rooftop pool which has a great view of Tivoli. We like staying here when we know we’ll use the pool (like with kids!). They even had a toddler sized robe for our little one which was just so cute and thoughtful!
There’s also a fitness center and sauna here which is great too!
✅ Check rates for Villa Copenhagen: Booking.com | Expedia | TripAdvisor
Where to Stay in Copenhagen, Denmark
Your guide to each of Copenhagen’s neighborhoods and where they are in relation to the best things to see and do in Copenhagen!
The Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Copenhagen
I like to think of visualizing Copenhagen like a clamshell (or semi-circle). You’ve got Indre By (Copenahgen city center) right at the middle and all of the other Copenhagen neighborhoods border it into a half circle. See the image below to make more sense of this. The point is, even when you stay in a bordering neighborhood, you still have easy access to reach the main areas of Copenhagen and all the sites!
Please note, this is not a perfectly to scale map, but gives you a good visualization of each area and how the city is laid out.
1. Indre By: The Best Area to Stay in Copenhagen for First Timers & Sightseeing
If it’s your first time in Copenhagen, this is exactly where I would stay in Copenhagen, Denmark to be close to attractions. Indre By (translates to inner city) is the most walkable part of the city and you’ll be right in the middle of everything you came to see. It’s also the prettiest part of Copenhagen to stay in if you ask me!
You’ll have easy access to iconic spots like Nyhavn, plus some of my favorite landmarks including Rosenborg Castle, Strøget, Kastellet, and The Little Mermaid. It’s the kind of place where you can step outside and start exploring without overthinking your Copenhagen itinerary.
This area is also home to some of the best restaurants in Copenhagen. You’ll find everything from world-famous dining like Noma to more casual, local favorites like Reffen. A few of my go-to spots nearby: La Banchina, Admiralgade 26, Esmee, and Broens Gadekøkken.
You’re also within easy reach of Christianshavn and Freetown Christiania, which are worth exploring while you’re in town.
Best Hotels in Indre By:
Most of the hotels in Copenhagen are centered in Indre By so you have lots of great choices!
- Hotel Sanders – My go-to as a couple. It feels intimate, romantic, and very hygge with a true boutique luxury hotel feel.
- 1 Hotel Copenhagen – A newer option I’m excited about trying on our next visit to Copenhagne. Rooms look a bit more spacious, which is ideal if you’re traveling with kids (like us).
- Manon Les Suites – Adults-only with a dreamy, almost Bali-like aesthetic. The hotel is right on the border or Nørrebro so not quite as central.
- Hotel d’Angleterre – Classic, traditional luxury in the best location (and fun fact, Reese Witherspoon has stayed here).
- Hotel Bella Grande – A newer, design-forward option closer to the Tivoli Gardens side of the city. The restaurant looks amazing here and is a great community space.
If you want to be able to walk everywhere, eat incredibly well, and see the highlights without overplanning, this is the area I always come back to. Indre by is easily the best place to stay in Copenhagen for a first timer.
⭐️ BOOK YOUR HOTEL WITH MY VIPS PERKS!
As a travel advisor, I can help book your hotel in Copenhagen with access to VIP status at no extra cost to you. Yes, really. Hotels offer my clients perks like complimentary upgrades, free breakfast, $100 resort credit and more. If you’d like to inquire or hear how this works, visit our inquiry page.
2. Vesterbro: The Best Area to Stay in Copenhagen for Couples and Families
If you want something a little more relaxed (and often a bit more affordable) but still incredibly convenient, I always recommend staying in Vesterbro. We’ve stayed here as a couple and came back with our 11-month-old, and it worked so well for both trips. It is definitely one of the best neighborhoods in Copenhagen.
You’re just outside the main city center, but everything still feels easy. You can walk to the Meatpacking District, stroll over the harbor, or hop over to Tivoli Gardens and Copenhagen Central Station in minutes. It’s slightly less hectic than Indre By, which I personally love, especially with kids.
The food scene here is such a highlight. Some of our go-to spots: Mother for casual Italian, Hart Bageri for the best pastries, Sanchez for something a little different, and Kødbyens Fiskebar for a great dinner in the Meatpacking District.
Best Hotels in Vesterbro:
- Villa Copenhagen – This is where we stay in this neighborhood of Copenhagen. The rooftop pool is such a win (especially with kids), and I love the lobby bars and the bakery in the mornings. It feels fun, social, and still elevated.
- Nimb Hotel – Right next to Tivoli. It’s more of a splurge, but such a special stay if you want something romantic and unique.
- Copenhagen Marriott Hotel – A great option if you want more space and a waterfront location.
If you want a neighborhood that feels a little more local but still close to everything, this is such a good choice!
3. Nørrebro: A Trendy, Hip Area to Stay in Copenhagen for Younger Crowd
If you’re looking for something a little more creative and local for a stay in Copenhagen, I’d point you to Nørrebro. This area has a younger energy and is especially popular with students, creatives, and anyone who wants to experience a different side of Copenhagen.
It’s known for spots like Jægersborggade, where you’ll find indie boutiques, galleries, coffee shops, and some really great food. There’s also plenty of nightlife here, from casual wine bars to late-night hangouts.
One of my favorite things about this area is Assistens Cemetery. It’s not just a cemetery, it feels like a peaceful park where locals hang out and it’s the final resting place of Hans Christian Andersen.
You’re just across the lakes from Indre By, so you’re still close to some of my favorite spots like Botanical Gardens, Torvehallerne (massive food court), and restaurants like Høst and Vækst.
Best Hotels in Nørrebro:
- Hotel Nora Copenhagen – A cute, more low-key option with a rooftop.
- Manon Les Suites (adults only) – Technically right on the edge, but such a fun stay if you want that Bali-inspired pool vibe in the middle of the city.
If you want something that feels more “local Copenhagen,” this is such a fun area to base yourself and you can probably find some good airbnbs here!
4. Østerbro: The Best Area in Copenhagen for a Residential, Quiet Stay
If you want to a place to stay in Copenhagen that is calmer and more residential, I’d look at Østerbro. This area feels a bit more upscale and local, with a strong family-friendly vibe. It’s not where you stay for nightlife, but that’s kind of the point.
It’s right along the waterfront so many of the hotels have great views! It still very close to the sights especially Kastellet and the Little Mermaid statue since they are right on the border and Rosenberg Castle, too!
You’ll find wide streets, green spaces, and a slower pace that’s really nice to come back to at the end of the day. It still feels connected to the city, just without the crowds you’ll get in Indre By.
One spot I always recommend here is Juno the Bakery. It’s one of the best bakeries in the city and worth going out of your way for the cardamom buns!
Best Hotels in Østerbro:
- Hotel Frihavnen – A solid, comfortable option in a quieter part of the city.
- Comwell Copenhagen Portside Dolce by Wyndham – Modern, spacious, and great if you want something a little removed from the center.
- Residence Inn by Marriott Copenhagen Nordhavn – A really good pick for longer stays or if you want extra space and apartment-style amenities.
If you’re traveling with kids or just want a more peaceful home base, this area feels easy and relaxed while still being close enough to everything you want to see.
5. Frederiksberg: Charming Area to Stay Outside of Copenhagen
Frederiksberg is technically its own municipality, but it’s so close that it absolutely deserves a spot on this list for the best areas to stay in Copenhagen.
I’ll be honest that this is usually more of a place I recommend visiting for a day rather than basing your entire stay. But if you want something quieter, more local, and very family-friendly, it can be a really lovely option.
It reminds me a bit of Le Marais in Paris because in the sense that it feels like its own little city within the city, with beautiful streets, local shops, and a slower pace.
There’s so much green space here, which is why it works so well with kids. You have Frederiksberg Gardens, the Copenhagen Zoo, and unique spots like Cisterns (an underground art space that’s very cool and different). You can also visit Frederiksberg Palace or wander around Sankt Thomas Plads.
And, there’s even a Hart Bageri here, which is always a good idea!
Best Hotels in Frederiksberg:
- Hotel Hans by Brøchner Hotels – A stylish, boutique option with a more local feel. Such a good Danish design at this one!
- Hotel Sct. Thomas – A cozy, well-located stay that’s easy and comfortable. It’s right on the line between Vesterbro and Frederiksberg (technically Vesterbro, though).
- Scandic Falkoner – A larger, modern hotel right by Frederiksberg’s main area.
If you want a quieter, more neighborhood-style stay (or you’re traveling with kids and want more space and parks nearby), this is such a good area to stay in Copenhagen.
Best Luxury Hotels in Copenhagen
Copenhagen is home to some of Europe’s most stylish luxury hotels including some grand historic properties to more modern design forward hotels. These are the five hotels I recommend most often to clients, whether they’re planning a romantic getaway, celebrating a special occasion, or simply looking for an unforgettable stay.
1. Hotel Sanders
Best for: Couples and boutique hotel lovers
If I could only recommend one hotel in Copenhagen, it would be Hotel Sanders. I’ve stayed here multiple times and continue coming back because it perfectly captures everything I love about the city. The design is warm and intimate, the service is exceptional, and the location in Indre By makes it easy to walk almost anywhere. Don’t miss the rooftop conservatory for a cocktail before dinner, the downstairs lounge for late night drinks and the sidewalk cafe for breakfast to watch the city wake up!
Why I love it: Thoughtful service, beautiful design, and one of the most charming boutique hotels in Europe.
2. Hotel d’Angleterre
Best for: Classic luxury and special occasions
For travelers looking for Copenhagen’s most iconic luxury hotel, Hotel d’Angleterre is hard to beat. Overlooking Kongens Nytorv, this historic property has been welcoming guests for more than 250 years. Expect elegant rooms, impeccable service, a world class spa, and one of the city’s most prestigious addresses.
Fun fact: Reese Witherspoon stayed here when she visited.
Perfect for: Honeymoons, anniversaries, and travelers who appreciate timeless luxury.
3. Nimb Hotel
Best for: A truly unique luxury experience
Located inside Tivoli Gardens, Nimb Hotel offers one of the most distinctive stays in Copenhagen. Guests enjoy direct access to the famous amusement park along with beautifully designed rooms, exceptional dining, and an intimate atmosphere that feels worlds away from the busy city.
Perfect for: Couples, families with older children, and anyone celebrating a special occasion.
4. Villa Copenhagen
Best for: Families and first time visitors
I’ve also stayed at Villa Copenhagen multiple times and frequently recommend it to clients visiting the city for it’s quality a nd price point. Housed in Copenhagen’s former Central Post Office, the hotel does a cool job of blending the historic architecture with modern Scandinavian design (you’ll understand as soon as you step in the lobby!). Its rooftop pool, lovely rooms, and location next to Copenhagen Central Station make it especially convenient for families and travelers arriving by train.
Why I recommend it: Beautiful design, an excellent location, and one of the best rooftop pools in Copenhagen.
5. 1Hotel Copenhagen
Best for: Modern luxury and wellness
One of Copenhagen’s newest luxury hotels, 1Hotel Copenhagen brings the brand’s signature nature inspired design and wellness focused approach to the city. Expect beautiful Scandinavian interiors, sustainable touches, excellent dining, and thoughtfully designed spaces that make it easy to unwind after a day of exploring.
Perfect for: Design lovers, wellness travelers, and anyone looking for a fresh take on luxury hospitality.
Book with VIP Status!
If you’ve found the perfect hotel, I’d love to help you book it. I don’t charge a fee for hotel bookings, and many of my preferred hotel partners offer my clients complimentary perks like daily breakfast, hotel credits, room upgrades when available, and flexible check in or check out. Plus, you’ll have me as a resource before and throughout your trip if you need anything along the way.
If you’ve never worked with a travel advisor, this is a great way to try it because you enjoy a little extra luxury without paying anything extra!
Getting Around Copenhagen
Copenhagen Transportation at a Glance:
- 🚶 Most attractions are within walking distance if you stay in the city center.
- 🚇 The Metro connects Copenhagen Airport to downtown in about 15 minutes.
- 🚲 Renting a bike is one of the best ways to explore the city.
- 🚗 I don’t recommend renting a car unless you’re planning a road trip through Denmark.
- 🚆 Copenhagen Central Station makes day trips throughout Denmark simple.
One of the best things about Copenhagen is how easy it is to get around. I rarely recommend renting a car, especially if you’re staying in one of the central neighborhoods I mentioned. The city is incredibly walkable, has an excellent metro system and is one of the most bike friendly cities in the world.
If you’re flying into Copenhagen Airport (CPH), you can reach the city center in about 15 minutes by metro or train. The metro runs frequently throughout the day which makes it so easy to get from the airport to neighborhoods like Indre By, Vesterbro, and Nørrebro. Though, we have always just grabbed a taxi and that’s easy too!
If you’re planning to explore beyond Copenhagen with day trips to places like Kronborg Castle or Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, the train system is reliable and safe. Otherwise, you’ll likely spend most of your trip walking or biking between neighborhoods!
For most people, I recommend choosing a hotel based on the neighborhood you want to experience rather than worrying about transportation. I usually map the top things I want to see and do, then choose accommodations based on that.
Copenhagen is compact enough that you can easily walk or bike between many of the city’s best attractions, restaurants, and hotels. Staying in Indre By or Vesterbro will put you within walking distance of many of the places you’ll want to visit!
When I’m helping clients choose a hotel, I prioritize location over amenities. In a city as walkable as Copenhagen, staying in the right neighborhood means you’ll spend less time commuting and more time enjoying the city’s cafés, restaurants, and waterfront.
Frequently Asked Questions About Where to Stay in Copenhagen
Yes! Copenhagen is one of the most walkable cities I’ve visited. If you stay in neighborhoods like Indre By or Vesterbro, you can easily explore many of the city’s top attractions, restaurants, and waterfront areas on foot. The Metro is excellent if you want to venture a little farther, but you’ll likely spend most of your trip walking or biking.
Nyhavn is one of Copenhagen’s most famous landmarks, but I don’t necessarily recommend staying directly on the canal. While it’s beautiful and worth visiting, it can also be one of the busiest areas in the city. Instead, I suggest staying nearby in Indre By, where you’ll still be within a short walk of Nyhavn while enjoying a quieter atmosphere and more hotel options.
For families, I usually recommend Vesterbro. It’s close to Tivoli Gardens and Copenhagen Central Station, has excellent restaurants, wide sidewalks, and several family friendly hotels, including Villa Copenhagen. It’s also easy to walk to many of the city’s top attractions.
Yes. Vesterbro has transformed into one of Copenhagen’s trendiest neighborhoods and is a great place to stay. It’s filled with excellent restaurants, coffee shops, boutique hotels, and local boutiques. As with any city, it’s always wise to stay aware of your surroundings, but I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to friends or clients.
No, I don’t recommend renting a car if you’re only visiting Copenhagen. The city is easy to explore on foot, by bike, or using the Metro. If you’re planning to continue your trip with a road trip through the Danish countryside, that’s when renting a car makes more sense.
I recommend spending at minumum three days in Copenhagen. That gives you enough time to explore the city’s neighborhoods, visit its major attractions, enjoy the incredible food scene, and experience the relaxed Danish lifestyle. If you have four or five days, you can also take excellent day trips to places like Louisiana Museum of Modern Art or Kronborg Castle.
Without a doubt. I’ve visited Copenhagen nearly every year for the past decade and it’s one of the few cities I never get tired of returning to. Between the world class restaurants, beautiful design, bike friendly streets, waterfront setting, and relaxed atmosphere, it’s a destination I recommend again and again to both clients and friends!
The Wrap Up: Best Areas to Stay in Copenhagen
If it’s your first time in Copenhagen, I always recommend starting in Indre By. You’ll be right in the heart of the city with easy access to everything you came to see.
For couples, I personally love staying in Indre By or Vesterbro. You get that walkable, romantic feel with incredible dining and boutique hotels like Hotel Sanders or Nimb Hotel.
If you’re traveling with kids, Vesterbro and Frederiksberg are such good options. They feel a bit more relaxed and spacious, with easy access to parks and family-friendly spots. We’ve personally loved staying at Villa Copenhagen and the rooftop pool alone makes it a win.
And if you’re looking for something a little more local and design-forward, Nørrebro is such a fun area to base yourself in Copenhagen.
At the end of the day, Copenhagen is one of those cities where you really can’t go wrong. It’s incredibly walkable, easy to navigate, and each neighborhood offers something slightly different.
If you want help narrowing it down or booking one of the best hotels in Copenhagen with VIP perks, feel free to reach out. I’d love to help you plan a trip that feels seamless and really special!
Helpful Posts to Plan Your Copenhagen Trip:
- How to Spend 1 Day in Copenhagen
- My Ultimate Copenhagen Bucket List
- Bornholm, Denmark Travel Guide
- What to Pack for Copenhagen
- The Ultimate Travel Guide for Copenhagen
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