Where to Stay in Copenhagen: A Local Ranks the Best Neighborhoods

Picking accommodation in Copenhagen is not an easy task, and I can attest to this as both a local and a tourist. Before moving to the Danish capital in 2020, I visited seven times and stayed in a number of hotels, hostels, and other types of accommodation. Even since moving to Copenhagen, I have done various “staycations” and tried some more of the city’s hotels. 

Now that I live in Copenhagen, I also have the luxury of exploring all of the Danish capital’s neighborhoods in more detail. Besides knowing the types of accommodation on offer, I know precisely who should and should not stay in each of these locations—based on their needs and travel style. 

Finding a place to stay for your trip will come down to multiple factors. These include your budget, whether you’re traveling with kids, and how far you’re willing to travel into the city. To help you make the best choice, I’m using my first-hand experiences to rank the best places to stay in Copenhagen for you—based on the parameters you’ll care about. 

Places to Stay in Copenhagen: An Overview

Neighbourhood	Pros	Cons	Places to Stay
Nordhavn	Modern rooms Close to the Oslo ferry terminal Easy to reach the city center	Can feel bland Quite expensive	Charlottehaven | Fairfield by Marriott
Vesterbro	Close to most of Copenhagen’s nightlife Lots of accommodation options	Some parts are quite noisy	Scandic Kødbyen | Villa Copenhagen
Ofelia Plads & Nyhavn	Charming hotels Right in the center of everything	Expensive	71 Nyhavn Hotel | Admiral Hotel Copenhagen
Indre By	Lots of hotel options Close to main tourist attractions	Some hotels are in very busy areas	25hours Hotel Indre By | Copenhagen Downtown Hostel
Christianshavn	Charming hotels Beautiful neighborhood Close to the water	Not so many accommodation options	NH Collection Copenhagen | Kanalhuset
Amager Øst & Islands Brygge	Nice in the summer More authentic neighborhoods	Feels disconnected from the city center	STAY Bryggen | Scandic Strandpark
Ørestad	Quiet Modern hotels Often good value for money	Not much to do in the neighborhood	AC Hotel Bella Sky Copenhagen | Crowne Plaza Copenhagen Towers
Sydhavn	Metro links to the city center Relatively affordable	Not a huge amount of accommodation Feels isolated from Copenhagen	Scandic Sydhavnen | Scandic Sluseholmen
Nørrebro	Lively neighborhood Not many tourists Great food options	Not many accommodation choices Huge quality differences in places to stay	Hotel Nora | Nørrebrogade 209
North of Copenhagen	Luxury spa hotels in beautiful settings	Far from the city center Very expensive	Skovshoved Hotel | Marienlyst Strand Hotel

Nordhavn

Nordhavn has been repurposed from an industrial area into a modern district with some of the city’s most sought-after apartments. Having lived in nearby Østerbro and Indre By, I have spent *a lot* of time here. In addition to places that people live, you’ll find a surprising number of hotels here. 

The hotels and vacation rentals here tend to be more modern, with many of them being apartment hotels. If you’re self-catering, Nordhavn has a number of grocery stores. The neighborhood is where the Copenhagen – Oslo ferry arrives and departs, making it a handy stop if you’re on a bigger Scandinavian adventure. As a side note, you can check out my tips for things to do in Oslo if you are. 

Nordhavn is mainly home to families, and it’s a quiet neighborhood that will give you an idea of what it’s like to live in Copenhagen. There are a handful of bars and restaurants, but not as many as in the likes of Vesterbro. The district is connected to the city center by the S-Train, Metro, and Harbor Bus—and it doesn’t take long to get into town. You’re also close to some of Copenhagen’s top sights, such as the Kastellet fortress. 

• Location: 3/5 
• Affordability: 2/5
• Accommodation Options: 3/5
• Neighborhood Fun Level: 3/5
• Ease of Getting Around: 4/5 

What’s Good

Since most of the places to stay in Nordhavn are new, you don’t need to worry about outdated rooms. The neighborhood itself is off the tourist trail, too, meaning you can retreat back to your hotel after a day of exploring the city. Being able to do so is, in my opinion, quite nice if you get easily overwhelmed. 

Nordhavn is also quiet most of the time. Besides the main street on the outer edges of the district, there isn’t a huge amount of traffic. So, you can expect a good night’s sleep. It’s perfect if you’re traveling with kids, as a couple, or if you’re a solo traveler who values time alone. 

As for Nordhavn itself, you’ll find a couple of cool off-the-beaten-path things to do here. Swimming in the harbor is possible, and you can go to the rooftop at Konditaget Lüders for views of the surrounding areas. ÅBEN Brewery is worth visiting, too, if you like craft beer. 

What’s Not So Good

Nordhavn is one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Copenhagen to live in, and accommodation isn’t cheap here, either. If you’re visiting the city on a budget, I would recommend looking elsewhere; Vesterbro has some affordable places to stay, for example.  

While it’s nice that Nordhavn’s hotels are new, you may find them a bit stale. They lack the character that you’ll find in some of Copenhagen’s older and more unique hotels, such as 71 Nyhavn in the city center. If you’re looking for something with more character, the area around Ofelia Plads and Nyhavn will better meet your needs. 

If your primary reason for visiting Copenhagen is nightlife, you’ll also be quite detached if you stay in Nordhavn. While you can take the Metro, you may also want to base yourself closer to the center of action instead. 

Nordhavn also doesn’t have as many accommodation options as the rest of Copenhagen, in general. 

Who Is Nordhavn Best For?

Nordhavn is a good place to stay if you want something more modern. If you plan to take the ferry to Oslo, basing yourself in this part of the city is also ideal. 

If you want somewhere quiet to stay, or you’re visiting Copenhagen with kids, you should also consider looking at Nordhavn. 

Vesterbro

Vesterbro is another neighborhood I’m very familiar with; when I lived in Sydhavn, I spent about 80% of my time here. Even though I now live in another part of Copenhagen, I’d still say that Vesterbro is my favorite district. 

As a tourist, you will also love Vesterbro and want to spend a lot of your time here. Most of Copenhagen’s best nightlife is in this district, and you’ll also find a number of really good restaurants. Conveniently, the bulk of Copenhagen’s hotels are also in this neighborhood. 

Personally, I divide Vesterbro into three parts. First, there’s the area close to Copenhagen Central Station and Tivoli Gardens—which I’d say also includes Kødbyen, also known as the Meatpacking District. There’s a pretty large collection of hotels in this area, including Scandic Kødbyen and the luxurious Villa Copenhagen hotel. 

The second part is newer. It’s around Dybbølsbro Station, the Fisketorvet shopping mall, the Kaktus Towers, and the new IKEA store. You will find a handful of hotels here, many of which are close to the waterfront. 

The third part of Vesterbro includes Kødbyen, also known as the Meatpacking District. I also group the likes of Enghave Plads in this part of the city. Like the others, you’ll find a number of hotels here. 

• Location: 4/5 
• Affordability: 3.5/5
• Accommodation Options: 5/5
• Neighborhood Fun Level: 5/5
• Ease of Getting Around: 5/5

What’s Good

Vesterbro has Copenhagen’s best range of hotels, and you will find something for all budgets. The district has some more upscale places to stay, but you can also get more affordable accommodation. 

Most of Vesterbro is walkable or close to Copenhagen Central Station, making it very easy to get around the city. You’re also close to many of the main attractions, such as Tivoli and the Glyptoteket museum. Moreover, you have access to the main nightlife and dining options in Copenhagen. Compared to the likes of Nordhavn, you’re still very much in the action.

What’s Not So Good

The only part of Vesterbro I would suggest not staying in is the area of Istedgade closest to Copenhagen Central Station. This is pretty much one of the city’s only few sketchy parts, and while not dangerous, I don’t like walking around here. You should also keep in mind that there’s a large drug use center in this area. 

Vesterbro can also be a bit too noisy for some, especially if you were looking for a quiet weekend. In these instances, the modern part of this district closer to Fisketorvet is a better choice than, say, Kødbyen. You will, however, need to accept the trade-off in that public transport is more scarce here; thankfully, it’s easy to walk or cycle into Copenhagen. 

Places to Stay in Vesterbro

• Scandic Kødbyen: Close to the Meatpacking District, this new hotel has comfortable rooms, a nice fitness center, and reasonable facilities. It’s also not far from Copenhagen Central Station. Book on Booking.com | Hotels.com | Agoda | Expedia
• Tivoli Hotel: Slightly further away from the main part of Vesterbro, but close to the new long-distance bus terminal. Book on Booking.com | Hotels.com | Agoda | Expedia
• Nimb Hotel Copenhagen: A five-star hotel located right in the middle of Tivoli Gardens. Book on Booking.com | Hotels.com | Agoda | Expedia
• Villa Copenhagen: One of Copenhagen’s most luxurious hotels, featuring a rooftop pool. It’s right next to Copenhagen Central Station, has a beautiful interior design, and has handicap and allergy-friendly rooms. Book on Booking.com | Hotels.com | Agoda | Expedia

I would recommend Vesterbro for most people visiting Copenhagen. If you’re mainly visiting the city for nightlife, you should definitely base yourself here; likewise, if you plan to try some of the Danish capital’s various restaurants.

Vesterbro has noisy and quiet parts, so you’ll find something that meets your needs if you’re sensitive to noise. If this is the case, look for hotels away from Vesterbrogade—the district’s main street—and Kødbyen. 

If you’re visiting Copenhagen as a couple, Vesterbro is an excellent place to base yourself. From here, exploring the city is incredibly easy. 

Indre By: Ofelia Plads and Nyhavn

Indre By has a lot of different areas, and a large variety of hotels, so I’m going to break it down into two sections. The main reason is that the hotels in these different parts are very different; I kept everything in Vesterbro under a single section, as there isn’t as much of a variation. 

The first part I will talk about covers Ofelia Plads and Nyhavn. These parts of town are the city’s main tourist spots, and as you can imagine, you’ll find some characterful—albeit pricey—hotels. 

Many of the buildings around these parts of town are repurposed warehouses and similar types of architecture, meaning they have a lot of charm. If you want to connect with Copenhagen’s maritime history, these hotels might be for you. 

• Location: 5/5 
• Affordability: 1/5
• Accommodation Options: 3/5
• Neighborhood Fun Level: 4/5
• Ease of Getting Around: 5/5 

What’s Good

Staying around Ofelia Plads or Nyhavn means that you are basically free to get everywhere around Copenhagen with minimal friction. You’re within walking distance of most tourist attractions, and as a result, you can visit them outside of peak times when the crowds are not there. 

Even if you want to reach other districts, it’s easy to walk, cycle, or take the Metro. Moreover, you’ll have no issues getting to your hotel from the airport. 

If you stay close to Ofelia Plads, you’ll enjoy a quieter stay than if you go to Nyhavn. Moreover, you get nice water views; Langelinie is a nice morning walk.

What’s Not So Good

Since these hotels are in the most touristy parts of Copenhagen, you’ll more often than not pay a premium. The good news is that the standards are very high, but you will need to factor that into your budget. 

While being in the middle of everything is a benefit for some people, others may find it exhausting. If you’d prefer to retreat somewhere quieter, I’d suggest picking an alternative district. 

Another thing worth noting is that this part of Indre By doesn’t have so many good restaurants. In my opinion, most of the ones along Nyhavn are tourist traps. You’ll therefore need to keep this in mind if you want to sample Copenhagen’s food scene. 

Who Is This Neighborhood Best For?

Stay in this part of Copenhagen if you have a bigger budget and want to be located centrally. The hotels here often have very good customer service, and you can also benefit from unique designs that you won’t really find in other areas. 

Ofelia Plads and Nyhavn are ideal spots to base yourself if you would rather walk everywhere, too. 

Places to Stay Around Ofelia Plads and Nyhavn

• Admiral Hotel Copenhagen: A nice restaurant, fancy rooms, and top-level service close to Ofelia Plads. You can choose from a number of rooms and lofts, along with getting a private boat or buggy driver to show you around Copenhagen. Book on Booking.com | Hotels.com | Agoda | Expedia
• 71 Nyhavn Hotel: A charming hotel toward the end of the Nyhavn canal. You’ll find a number of suites and rooms, and the hotel is also dog-friendly. Book on Booking.com | Hotels.com | Agoda | Expedia

Other Parts of Indre By

Indre By, as Copenhagen’s most central district, is where you will find most of the main museums and shops. You’ll also find a large range of accommodation at different price points. I have spent a significant amount of time exploring Indre By as a local, and while many of the city’s businesses and tourist spots are here, you will find people who live in this part of town. 

When staying in Indre By, you’ll have access to several restaurants and bars. Some are tourist traps, but others are worth visiting, and you’ll also see locals in them. While the main streets can be quite noisy, there are also numerous quiet spots if you’d rather stay away from the crowds. 

If you’re only staying in Copenhagen for three days or less, you’ll probably spend the bulk of your time in Indre By—especially if it’s your first visit. 

• Location: 5/5 
• Affordability: 3/5
• Accommodation Options: 5/5
• Neighborhood Fun Level: 5/5
• Ease of Getting Around: 5/5 

What’s Good

Being in Indre By means you’re close to everything, and as a result, you may not need to even use public transport for the duration of your trip. You can easily walk to Rosenborg Castle, Kastellet, and numerous other attractions. By walking, you’ll see more of Copenhagen in general, too. 

Even if you’re visiting Copenhagen on a budget, Indre By has both budget hotels and hostels. So, you don’t necessarily have to sacrifice location for the sake of saving money. 

When staying in Indre By, you’ll be close to the starting point for many tours, too. So, you won’t need to worry about getting up earlier if you’ve booked them. Moreover, you can get out and explore the central parts of Copenhagen before the crowds arrive. 

What’s Not So Good

I do think that visiting other parts of Copenhagen is a good idea when you stay here, especially if you have longer (and particularly if you’re here for four days or more). Basing yourself right in Indre By is convenient, for sure, but it may also disincentivize you from going elsewhere. 

Some parts of Indre By can also be noisy, which is not ideal if you want to stay somewhere quiet. For example, Gothersgade is full of partygoers on Friday and Saturday nights, and anywhere near Strøget and Rådhuspladsen will similarly be busy. If you don’t want to be somewhere noisy, steer clear of: 

• Gothersgade
• HC Andersens Boulevard (there’s a lot of traffic here) 
• Vestergade

Places to Stay in Indre By

• Copenhagen Downtown Hostel: I stayed here multiple times before moving to the city, and it’s good fun if you’re a solo traveler. The bar downstairs is a great place to meet people, and you’ll also get some good happy hour deals. Book on Booking.com | Agoda | Expedia | Hostelworld
• 25hours Hotel Indre By: A child-friendly hotel close to the Round Tower, Rosenborg Castle, and other attractions. It’s quite secluded, making it ideal if you want to be away from the main streets of Copenhagen’s inner city. Book on Booking.com | Hotels.com | Agoda | Expedia
• Wakeup Copenhagen Borgergade: A budget-friendly hotel right in the city center. It’s very close to Gothersgade, so keep this in mind if you would rather be away from the main party streets. Otherwise, it’s fine. Book on Booking.com | Hotels.com | Agoda | Expedia
• 1 Hotel Copenhagen: A luxury hotel in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter. It’s close to Sankt Petri Kirke, Vor Frue Kirke, and various cafés and shops. Book on Booking.com | Hotels.com

Who Is This Neighborhood Best For?

Indre By is well-suited to a large range of travelers, with accommodation types for everyone. Moreover, you’ll find something that fits your needs—regardless of whether you’re traveling alone, with kids, as part of a group, or with your partner. 

Christianshavn

Christianshavn is one of Copenhagen’s smallest districts, but it’s also one of the coolest. This bohemian neighborhood, with canals inspired by those that you’ll find in Amsterdam, has plenty of picturesque streets and a number of bodegas. 

The neighborhood is also home to the rebellious Freetown Christiania, which is worth seeing for yourself. On top of that, you’ll find a handful of cafés and restaurants. The Church of Our Savior, which has one of the best views in Copenhagen, is also located in Christianshavn. 

Christianshavn is close to Indre By and Amager, and you’ll find mostly locals here—though it is still on the tourist trail.

• Location: 5/5 
• Affordability: 2/5
• Accommodation Options: 2/5
• Neighborhood Fun Level: 4/5
• Ease of Getting Around: 5/5 

What’s Good

Christianshavn is close to many key sights in Copenhagen, including Nyhavn and Christiansborg Palace. It’s also well-connected via Christianshavn Metro Station, which is also ideal for getting direct trains to the airport. If you’re only in Copenhagen for a short period (like 36 hours), it’s not the worst place to base yourself. 

When staying in Christianshavn, you will also be in one of Copenhagen’s most charming districts. The city’s maritime history is evident here, and I would argue that the buildings here are even prettier than in Nyhavn. 

What’s Not So Good

You won’t find as many accommodation options in Christianshavn compared to other parts of Copenhagen. The ones that you do find also tend to be very expensive. 

Another thing to keep in mind is that while Christianshavn is relatively centrally located, it’s not as much as Indre By or Vesterbro. For some parts of the city, you may need to cycle or take the Metro. 

Places to Stay in Christianshavn

• NH Collection Copenhagen: One of my favorite hotels in the city. The soundproofing is excellent, despite the hotel being on one of Copenhagen’s main streets. The beds are also comfortable, and being close to the waterfront is nice. Book on Booking.com | Hotels.com | Agoda | Expedia
• Kanalhuset: An elegant stay right next to Christianshavns Kanal. The design is quirky and upscale in equal measure. Book on Booking.com | Hotels.com | Agoda

Who Should Stay in Christianshavn?

Christianshavn is ideal for couples looking for an extra-special stay in Copenhagen. 

Amager Øst and Islands Brygge

Amager Øst consists of Amagerbro and the parts closer to the Amager Strand beach. Ørestad is on the island of Amager, but I have included it in a different section since the vibe is different. Islands Brygge, meanwhile, is also on Amager but slightly closer to the city center. 

Islands Brygge is popular with locals in the summer, who mainly come here to sunbathe. It’s a relatively small area but has some quite nice apartments, along with being within easy reach of the main sights and the airport. 

Amager Øst, meanwhile, has a mixture of old and new apartments. Amager Strand is also popular during the summer, but not so much year-round. That said, there is a nice running route along the beach. 

• Location: 3/5 
• Affordability: 3/5
• Accommodation Options: 3/5
• Neighborhood Fun Level: 3/5
• Ease of Getting Around: 4/5 

What’s Good

Islands Brygge and Amager Øst are both close to the airport, and it’s easy to get around Copenhagen via their Metro stations. Amagerbro, in my opinion, is one of the city’s most underrated neighborhoods; the architecture is slightly different here, and it is way away from the tourist trail. 

If you’re visiting Copenhagen during the summer, Amager Strand is really nice, in particular. The route along the waterfront is great for walking, and it’s the perfect place to stay if you don’t want to be right in the city center. 

What’s Not So Good

Much of Amager feels disconnected from the city center, even though you can get into town via the Metro. If you want to be in the heart of Copenhagen, this isn’t really the place. 

Also worth keeping in mind is that you won’t find a huge amount of accommodation in these parts of the city. 

Who Are Amager Øst and Islands Brygge Best For?

These parts of Copenhagen are ideal if you’re visiting in the summer and want to be closer to the water. They’re also suitable if you need easy access to the airport because you aren’t staying too long, along with if you want to see what life in Copenhagen is like outside the central districts. 

Ørestad

Ørestad is one of Copenhagen’s newer districts, and most of the places to stay here are new builds. The district is a mixture of families and young people, and it’s located on the island of Amager. 

You won’t spend a huge amount of time in Ørestad; it’s more a place to sleep rather than a major tourist spot. However, going somewhere more interesting—which is pretty much anywhere in Copenhagen—is simple. 

Since you’ll find a decent amount of accommodation in Ørestad, I felt like it was worth including as a “good place to stay”. Just… as long as it’s to “stay” and not to “explore”. 

• Location: 3/5 
• Affordability: 4/5
• Accommodation Options: 4/5
• Neighborhood Fun Level: 0/5
• Ease of Getting Around: 4/5 

What’s Good

Ørestad has good Metro links to Copenhagen and is also very close to the airport. As a result, you won’t have too many problems getting around. It can feel far away if you cycle, but it’s still pretty doable. 

While Ørestad itself isn’t very interesting (I mentioned the district as a place to skip when visiting Copenhagen from a sightseer’s perspective), it does have a nice nature park nearby. Moreover, it’s quiet and good for families. 

What’s Not So Good

Ørestad has definitely become more fun since I moved to Copenhagen in 2020, with some new restaurants and bakeries, but there isn’t really anything to do here. It’s fine for staying, but don’t expect lots of fun things to do in your hotel’s immediate vicinity.

I also believe that Ørestad is pretty soulless and can feel desolate during the winter months. It’s good for finding some decent hotels, but you probably won’t spend much—if any—time around here. 

Places to Stay in Ørestad

• Crowne Plaza Copenhagen Towers: Catering more to a business crowd, this hotel is clean with stylish rooms. It’s very close to Ørestad’s Metro and train station, making it easy to reach from Copenhagen Airport. Book on Booking.com | Hotels.com | Agoda | Expedia
• Cabinn Metro: A no-fuss budget hotel chain with a variety of rooms. It’s a good place to stay if you’re visiting Copenhagen as a family. Book on Booking.com | Hotels.com | Agoda | Expedia
• AC Hotel Bella Sky Copenhagen: Located in the Bella Center, this hotel has cool views from the upper floors and well-maintained rooms. It’s close to the Bella Center Metro station, too. Book on Booking.com | Hotels.com | Agoda | Expedia

Who Is Ørestad Best For?

Staying in Ørestad is ideal for people who don’t mind being outside the city center and aren’t too bothered about being in a district with lots to do. The neighborhood is peaceful, too, making it a good choice if you want somewhere to put your head down without hearing loud music or lots of people. 

Sydhavn

I lived in Sydhavn for two years, and I enjoyed being there more than almost anywhere else in Copenhagen. The modern waterfront was nice during the summer, though admittedly a bit dull in the colder months. Still, it was nice to go for morning walks here and sometimes take the Harbor Bus into the city center. 

Sydhavn is split into two parts: The old part and the new part. Virtually all of the district’s hotels are in the newer area. I actually stayed in Sydhavn on my first visit to Copenhagen in 2016, too, at one of the Scandic hotels here. 

As a neighborhood, Sydhavn is very much a place where people live rather than somewhere that tourists tend to visit. Since 2024, getting into Copenhagen’s city center has become much easier thanks to the opening of some new Metro stations here. 

• Location: 3/5 
• Affordability: 4/5
• Accommodation Options: 3/5
• Neighborhood Fun Level: 2/5
• Ease of Getting Around: 3/5 

What’s Good

Sydhavn has some affordable places to stay, and you can take the Metro into the main parts of Copenhagen with minimal effort. It’s a peaceful district and one that mostly locals live in. The neighborhood is a mixture of families, young people, and expats. 

What’s Not So Good

While it is easier to get into Copenhagen now, Sydhavn still feels detached. Eventually, as someone living here, this was why I moved closer to the city center. This can be a pro or con, depending on your own preferences. 

Sydhavn also doesn’t have a huge amount of things to do. You will find a growing number of places to eat here, but it’s largely residential. That said, you can go swimming here during the summer, which is nice. 

One of my biggest annoyances about Sydhavn is that it’s still not the easiest place to reach from the airport. Yes, it’s easier now thanks to the new Metro line—but it still feels more irritating than other parts of Copenhagen, in my opinion. 

Places to Stay in Sydhavn

• Scandic Sluseholmen: A family-friendly hotel with basic rooms. You can also gain access to a sauna here. Book on Booking.com | Hotels.com | Agoda | Expedia
• Scandic Sydhavnen: Another Scandic hotel; this one is close to Sydhavn station, where you can get the S-Train. The rooms here are no-frills, and the breakfast is good. This was the first place I stayed in when visiting Copenhagen. Book on Booking.com | Hotels.com | Agoda | Expedia

Who Is Sydhavn Best For?

Sydhavn is best-suited for families and budget travelers. You won’t find a huge amount of accommodation options here, but they’ll suit your needs if you don’t want anything crazy. If you’re a solo traveler who wants time to themselves and is on a budget, Sydhavn is also a decent place to stay.

Nørrebro

Nørrebro is Copenhagen’s most diverse district, and it has been previously named one of the world’s coolest neighborhoods. “Hip” is the precise word I would use to describe it, and you’ll find various great places to eat and drink here—such as BRUS, BÆST, and the Kaf (a vegan café). 

Aside from Vesterbro, Nørrebro is my favorite place in Copenhagen for nightlife. Léanowski Bar is a cozy place to spend the evening with friends, for example. 

In Nørrebro, you’ll also find Assistens Kirkegård—the resting place for many Danes, including Hans Christian Andersen and Søren Kierkegaard. Meanwhile, Stefansgade and Jægersborggde are two of my favorite streets in Copenhagen. 

• Location: 4/5 
• Affordability: 3/5
• Accommodation Options: 3/5
• Neighborhood Fun Level: 5/5
• Ease of Getting Around: 3/5 

What’s Good

If you’re looking for fun, Nørrebro will certainly deliver. You certainly will not go hungry here, and you’ll find various bars—from craft beer breweries to more down-to-earth places. You could easily spend an entire weekend in Copenhagen without leaving Nørrebro at all. 

Nørrebro has fewer tourists than Indre By and Vesterbro, along with a close-knit community feel. It’s well-connected to other parts of Copenhagen, too, with multiple Metro stations. 

What’s Not So Good

While I enjoy spending time in Nørrebro, I do feel like it’s one of the noisier districts in Copenhagen. If you’re looking for somewhere quieter, you may want to look elsewhere—especially when many of the main accommodation choices are on busy streets. 

Nørrebro also doesn’t have as many places to stay for tourists as other parts of Copenhagen. The quality differs significantly, too, so make sure you read the reviews before booking a place. 

Places to Stay in Nørrebro

• Hotel Nora: Close to The Lakes and within walking distance of both Indre By and other parts of Nørrebro. Cots are available if you’re traveling with a baby. Book on Booking.com | Agoda
• Nørrebrogade 209: Apartments with cooking facilities, washing machines, and a terrace area. Book on Booking.com  

Who Is Nørrebro Best For?

Nørrebro is best for young people and couples who want to experience a non-touristy part of Copenhagen. If you’re interested in nightlife and also want to sample various cuisines, you should also consider basing yourself in this part of the city. 

North of Copenhagen

The neighborhoods, towns, and villages just north of Copenhagen—such as Klampenborg and Hellerup—are some of the richest in Denmark. You can definitely feel that when you come here and see the massive villas, many of which are blessed with sea views. 

The entire coastline stretching north of Copenhagen has a number of gems; Helsingør is a nice day or weekend trip from the city, for example. You’re also connected to the city by train. 

• Location: 2/5 
• Affordability: 1/5
• Accommodation Options: 3/5
• Neighborhood Fun Level: 3/5
• Ease of Getting Around: 3/5 

What’s Good

Copenhagen’s northern suburbs are very close to nature, such as the Dyrehaven deer park. You can also reach the city via the S-Train in less than an hour. If you want a relaxing trip and plan to be in and around the city a little longer, you may want to consider staying in these parts of Sjælland. 

What’s Not So Good

If you’re only visiting Copenhagen for the weekend, you will be quite far from the city center. Moreover, the journey to the airport is quite long. The accommodation here is also more about relaxation rather than places to base yourself when exploring Copenhagen itself. 

Places to Stay North of Copenhagen

• Skovshoved Hotel: Another one of my favorite hotels in Denmark as a whole. You’ll find a luxurious spa, and the afternoon tea is also well worth paying for. Book on Booking.com | Hotels.com | Expedia
• Marienlyst Strandhotel: A luxury hotel close to Helsingør and the sea. You can choose whether you want access to the spa or not. Book on Booking.com | Hotels.com | Agoda | Expedia

Who Are Copenhagen’s Northern Suburbs Best For?

Copenhagen’s northern suburbs are best for couples looking for a luxury stay. I would recommend staying in these parts of Sjælland if you are not solely visiting Copenhagen and will be in Denmark for a longer trip. 

Is It Worth Staying in Malmö and Taking the Train to Copenhagen?

With direct trains to Copenhagen, Malmö is a popular day trip. It’s significantly cheaper than Copenhagen, generally speaking, so you may be wondering if you should consider staying here and then taking the train into the Danish capital. 

You *can* do this, but you need to keep the trade-offs in mind. Firstly, the train between Copenhagen and Malmö is pretty expensive; if you’re staying for three days or more, this will add up. You also must consider that the journey can sometimes take up to an hour, which naturally will eat into the amount of time you have to explore Copenhagen. 

I stayed in Malmö once when visiting Copenhagen, and since moving to the Danish capital, I have stayed in multiple hotels for weekend trips. From a budget perspective, I think it’s better to stay in Copenhagen if you’re specifically visiting Copenhagen. You can then take a day trip over to Sweden; it’s very easy to see both cities in one weekend.  

If you do still choose to stay in Malmö, I suggest staying either at MJ’s or Clarion Malmö Live. 

I Don’t Recommend Staying in These Areas…

Frederiksberg is one of Copenhagen’s nicest neighborhoods, but I wouldn’t recommend staying in either because there simply isn’t a decent range of accommodation. 

Scandic Falkoner is fine, but besides that, you won’t find a huge number of places to stay in this neighborhood. You’re better off staying in Vesterbro and walking, cycling, or taking the Metro here. 

I also wouldn’t recommend staying in Valby unless you find a private rental. It’s easy to reach the city center thanks to the S-Train, but it’s hardly known for having hotels and hostels. And to be honest, there isn’t a huge amount to do in Valby anyway. 

If I Were Going to Pick One Place to Stay in Copenhagen, This Is Where It Would Be

Having stayed in multiple hotels throughout Copenhagen, I would recommend NH Collection Copenhagen as my top choice. It’s relatively close to the city, but still away from the crowds. In my opinion, it’s an ideal place to retreat to after a long day exploring the Danish capital. 

While more expensive than some of the city’s other accommodation choices, I do think NH Collection Copenhagen offers reasonable value for money. It’s easy to get to from Christianshavn Metro Station, too. 

I also liked the soundproofing, which for me is huge; I’m pretty sensitive to noise, and it was nice to hear nothing from the streets outside. 

What Are the Main Hotel Chains in Copenhagen?

Copenhagen has a number of hotel chains, some of which are Danish and others that you will find in other countries. Knowing these can help you narrow down your search if you already trust a certain brand; for example, I like Radisson Blu.

Below are some of the main hotel chains in Copenhagen. 

Wakeup

Wakeup is a budget hotel brand with accommodation in Copenhagen and Aarhus. You will find three hotels in Copenhagen: One on Borgergade, another on Bernstoffsgade (close to Copenhagen Central Station), and a third on Carsten Neibuhrs Gade in Vesterbro. 

Wakeup has no-frills rooms at a lower rate than some of the hotel chains you’ll find elsewhere in Copenhagen. It’s effectively the Danish equivalent of Ibis. 

Radisson Blu

Radisson Blu is popular throughout Scandinavia, and Copenhagen is no exception. You will find two hotels in the Danish capital—the Radisson Collection Royal Hotel, close to the Central Station, and Radisson Blu Scandinavia Copenhagen near Islands Brygge. 

The Radisson Collection Royal Hotel has rooms designed by the celebrated Danish architect Arne Jacobsen. Like other Radisson hotels elsewhere, you get comfort and convenience included in the price. 

Scandic

Scandic is a middle-of-the-lane hotel chain that operates throughout Northern Europe. It has a number of hotels in Copenhagen, including one close to The Lakes and others in different parts of the city. 

I’ve stayed in Scandic hotels in Copenhagen, Oslo, and various other Northern European cities. They’re always reliable, with better-than-budget hotel rooms and a decent breakfast. If you’re looking for something no-fuss, I can recommend Scandic. 

Cabinn

Cabinn is another budget hotel brand operating throughout Denmark, and you will find a handful of hotels in Copenhagen. They’re pretty much a place to put your head down and get some sleep, and they’re fine if you’re visiting on a budget or as a family. 

One thing to keep in mind, however, is that I don’t—from personal experience—think that the beds are always the most comfortable. The rooms are also functional rather than aesthetically pleasing. 

CitizenM

CitizenM has a number of boutique hotels in various cities, including New York City and Amsterdam. You will find one in Copenhagen, too, which is right in the center and close to the city hall. 

Like in other cities, Copenhagen’s CitizenM Hotel features quirky designs. You’ll also find a bar and various other facilities. 

Marriott

Marriott has four hotels in Copenhagen. Besides the one at the Bella Center, you will find two hotels in Nordhavn—Fairfield by Marriott and Residence Inn by Marriott—and one on Kalvebod Brygge. 

While all of the Marriott establishments in Copenhagen are outside the city center, you’ll have nice views and comfort as a side benefit. 

Final Thoughts

Copenhagen has accommodation for all budgets, but knowing where to stay as a first-timer is difficult. Each neighborhood has its own unique vibe, and while some are good for visiting, you may not necessarily want to stay in them. Your choice will largely depend on what you want from your trip and the trade-offs you’re willing to deal with. 

From hostels to luxury hotels, you should now have a much better idea of what to choose, having read this guide. Knowing the pros and cons of each district will help significantly in making the right decision, as will knowing what to expect in terms of travel times and facilities. 

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