How to Experience Copenhagen Like a Local: 6 Tips

Denmark’s capital has gained significant attention worldwide for its sky-high quality of life, and experiencing Copenhagen like a local will help you get the most out of your trip. Unlike many cities, the activities that Copenhageners do aren’t *that* different from the tourists—so you may find that you unintentionally join the party anyway. 

Before moving to the Danish capital in 2020, I visited seven times. So, I’m well-versed in what it’s like to both live and travel here. Here are some of my top tips for experiencing Copenhagen like a local.  

Rent a Bike 

Cycling in Copenhagen is a huge deal, with many locals using their bikes to get around throughout the year. If you want to experience what makes this entire country tick, renting a bicycle is a good starting point. 

Many hotels and hostels in Copenhagen offer bike rentals, so you should start by asking at the reception. Donkey Republic has bright orange bicycles available throughout the city, and you’re never too far from a bike shop either. 

Some useful advice when you rent a bike in Copenhagen: 

• Double-lock your bike in the city centre. While Copenhagen is generally a safe city, tens of thousands of bikes are stolen each year. 
• Stick to the part of the bike lane that’s closest to the pavement. 
• Be careful when cycling over cobblestones, especially in Indre By and Christianshavn. Bits of broken glass can sometimes get stuck between these, which is bad news for your tires. 
• Don’t use your phone while cycling 🙂. 

Check out this beginner’s guide to cycling in Copenhagen if you want some background information before embarking on your adventure. 

Go for a Swim 

When I first moved to Copenhagen, one of my old roommates asked me if I wanted to go for a swim in the sea. That seems like no big deal, except for… 

… It was December, and the air temperature outside was 4ºC. 

Nonetheless, we cycled to Nordhavn for what would be my first taste of winter swimming. I won’t lie to you, I was a bit of a baby here—the water got up to my knees before I thought “fuck this” and got out. 

He stayed in for 10 minutes or so. And there was me thinking that my cold showers each morning required courage 🥴. 

Anyway, winter bathing is very popular in Denmark—and one perk of Copenhagen is that the water is clean enough to swim in. You’ll find plenty of places to go for a swim in the inner harbour, along with in the neighbourhoods of Nordhavn and Sydhavn. Just north of Copenhagen, you’ll also find various swimming spots; Hellerup Beach is one example. 

Swimming is free in most outdoor areas, but you may need a membership to use changing rooms and the like. You can also swim outside during the summer, and it’s particularly pleasant on a humid day as the water is normally still quite cold. 

Spend Some Time by the Waterfront

Copenhagen isn’t blessed with the mountains surrounding Oslo or Helsinki’s nearby islands, but it does benefit from an abundance of water. During the summer, one of the best ways to experience the city like a local is to soak in the atmosphere along these areas. 

Heading to the street food market at Reffen is one of the best things to do in Copenhagen during the summer. Besides being able to enjoy various cuisines, you’ll also find numerous craft beer stands and places to sit and admire the view towards Marmorkirken and Nordhavn. 

You can also take some food and drink to Islands Brygge, and Teglholmen in Sydhavn is a quieter alternative. 

If beaches are more your thing, go to Amager Strand instead. 

Hire a Boat

It’s hard to ignore the number of boats in Copenhagen’s inner harbour, especially if you visit during the summer. You can hire your own boat for you and your friends as well, and taking to the water is a fantastic way to sample the Danish capital from a new angle. 

GoBoat is one of the most popular choices for hiring a boat in Copenhagen, and you can rent one in the winter as well as the summer. The service is also available in Odense and Aarhus. 

Bakery-Hopping

Nothing is more satisfying than wandering the streets of Copenhagen on a chilly winter’s morning and smelling the fresh bread and pastries from the city’s many bakeries. And if you want to enjoy Copenhagen like a local, sampling some of these establishments is a must. 

The Danish capital has an impressive number of bakeries, which is a testament to the number of high-level chefs and food entrepreneurs that the city has produced. If I was going to recommend one to you, I’d choose either Meyers or Andersen Bakery. I’m very aware that’s two, but I’m making the rules around here 🙂. 

Andersen & Maillard is also worth trying, as is Østerbro’s Skipper Bageri. 

Go for a Walk 

Copenhageners are an active bunch, so you should spend as much time outside as possible if you want to do as the locals do. Most of the Danish capital is wonderful to walk around, and you never know where you’ll find a hidden courtyard or interesting street to photograph. 

Related Reading: 

• The Complete Guide to Architectural Photography in Copenhagen

The Lakes is my favourite walk in Copenhagen, and it’s just under six kilometres if you do one lap. Fælledparken in Østerbro and Frederiksberg Have in Frederiksberg are both great parks for a wander, as is Kongens Have—which is also where you’ll find Rosenborg Castle. 

Another worthwhile walk is the 13-kilometre Havneringen walk, which you can also cycle. And if you’re feeling adventurous, consider the seven-hour Amarminoen walk through Amager Fælled and down to picturesque Dragør. 

Wrapping Up

The best way to explore any city is to live through the lens of a local, and Copenhagen has plenty of fun experiences that make it a fantastic place to live. Being in the Danish capital is about appreciating each moment and living life more intentionally, whether you’re on your own or with good company. 

From bakery-hopping to exploring the Danish capital on two wheels, there’s plenty for you to enjoy.