When people hear “Copenhagen” they think of beer, tall people, canals, chic dressers, and Hans Christian Andersen. These are true but a drop in the bucket of reasons why you should put Copenhagen on your over 50 single travel bucket list and use this Copenhagen Solo Travel Guide to plan it.
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- Copenhagen Solo Travel Resources
- What is Copenhagen Known For?
- Best Time to Visit Copenhagen
- How to Get to Copenhagen
- How to Travel Around Copenhagen
- Is Copenhagen Safe for Solo Travel?
- Best Area to Stay in Copenhagen Solo
- Things to Do Alone in Copenhagen Over 50
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What is Copenhagen Known For?
Situated on the southern island of Zealand, Copenhagen (København in Danish), became the capital Denmark and the residence of the Danish royal family in 1445. It has experienced religious and civil conflicts, established a stock exchange, wared with Sweden and Britain, and destroyed by fires – twice.
For the past couple of centuries, Copenhagen has flourished and expanded with manufacturing, finance, trade and education. The University of Copenhagen was established in 1479 and is the second oldest university in Scandinavia.
Carlsberg Beer is also an institution in Copenhagen. Founded in Copenhagen in 1847, Carlsberg’s famous pilsner style beer is a classic, if not sustainable, choice to pair with Danish cuisine.
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Copenhagen was Hans Christian Andersen’s home town. H.C. Andersen is famous for his 156 fairy tales, such as The Little Mermaid, Thumbelina, The Emperor’s New Clothes, and The Ugly Duckling. The Little Mermaid statue, erected in 1913, has served as one of Denmark’s national symbols.
On the Copenhagen Harbor, the city includes canals and waterways for boating activities, food and entertainment like iconic Nyhavn (“New Harbour”), a popular hangout.
Copenhagen is also flat, making it perfect for bicycling, a popular mode of Copenhagen transportation.
The city’s location also opens up to travel from mainland Europe to other Scandinavian countries. Hamburg, Germany to Copenhagen is less than 5 hours by train. A bridge and tunnel service makes entering Sweden less than an hour away.
In fact, this largest city in Scandinavia can be considered Scandinavia’s beautiful ‘welcome mat’.
Is Copenhagen worth visiting?
You’re going to hit you from all sides on your Copenhagen solo trip. What does this city not offer?
Copenhagen is a city of history, art, royalty, castles and palaces, children’s fairy tales, baroque and contemporary architecture, bicycles, counterculture, a university, canals, beer, and more.
If you haven’t been, Copenhagen solo travel is a must. Keep reading my Copenhagen travel guide and my Denmark Travel Guide for more travel tips. Then pop over from your Germany solo travel and see for yourself why people love Copenhagen.
Copenhagen Solo Travel Essentials
Best Time to Visit Copenhagen
When to visit Copenhagen may be subjective, but mostly relies on weather, costs, and activities offered.
Copenhagen Weather & Costs
Personally, I prefer warm weather for mature solo travel. If you do, too, then the summer months (June to August) are when to go to Copenhagen.
The weather in Copenhagen averages in the 50°s F to the low 70°s F in the summer. Outdoor activities and strolling the city’s Old Town is best in the summer, but more crowded.
The winter months (December through February) are the coldest and rainiest, but also come with lower costs and fewer tourists.
Is Copenhagen expensive?
Copenhagen ranks 29 out of 578 cities in cost of living (at time of writing), putting it in league with major cities in California, Isreal, Switzerland and France.
Still, if you plan and book ahead, and use this Copenhagen Solo Travel Guide, you can bring your costs considerably down for your solo travel in Copenhagen.
For example, instead of summer, go to Copenhagen in the shoulder season months (April, May, September and October) for lower airline and hotel costs. You’ll still experience longer day light hours, less tourists, and warmer weather than in winter. Dress in layers and bring an eco-friendly travel umbrella and you’re good to go.
What is the best month to visit Copenhagen?
For this solo guide to Copenhagen Denmark, I highly recommend September to visit Copenhagen, which is when I was there last year. I was in Copenhagen in May over 26 years ago, and it was still nice but a little chillier.
As you’ll see from my beautiful photos, there were far fewer tourists in September and the weather was lovely.
Copenhagen Events
Still, you may wish to solo travel Copenhagen around a holiday or festival. I suggest checking the events in Copenhagen to help determine which month is best for your Copenhagen trip and budget.
Budget Travel Tip
Denmark is on the Krone, not the Euro. Manage your currency exchange wisely on your solo trip to Denmark from Europe.
How to Get to Copenhagen
Flying Into Copenhagen
Copenhagen has two airports, Copenhagen Airport (CPH) and Roskilde Airport (RKE/EKRK).
For ease, book your flight to Copenhagen to arrive at CPH. Copenhagen Airport is serviced by most major and European airlines. It is also the closest airport to Copenhagen. International flights to Copenhagen arrive in Terminal 3.
If you can’t fly into Copenhagen, you could fly into Malmo (MMX) or Helsingborg (AGH) and take a train to Copenhagen. Both airports are 52.4 km and 79 km from Copenhagen, respectively.
Eco Travel Tip
Skyscanner provides a ‘Greener flights’ filter highlighting flights that emit less CO2. Additionally, you can purchase carbon offsets through your airline to lower your carbon footprint.
Covid Travel Tip
If you are flying into Copenhagen from outside of Denmark, be sure to check all Denmark and Copenhagen travel restrictions through your airlines or your country’s embassy website to know whether Covid testing/and an entry form is required for entry to Denmark.
More Denmark COVID Travel Tips
How To Get to Copenhagen from the Airport
Copenhagen Airport is only 7 km outside of the Copenhagen city center and offers multiple transportation options.
You can travel to central Copenhagen by hotel shuttle, taxi, private transfer, bus, train, or metro. There is no need to rent a car in Copenhagen when you have the Copenhagen public transportation system.
If you do not have access to a free hotel shuttle, the quickest and cheapest way from Copenhagen Airport to Copenhagen is by train or metro, depending on where you’re staying in the city center.
Both the metro and train leave from Terminal 3. You walk easily from Terminal 2 to Terminal 3. There is a free airport shuttle that can take you from Terminal 1 to Terminal 3 in minutes.
Copenhagen Airport Train
There are direct trains to Copenhagen from the airport.
Like Paris, there are multiple Copenhagen travel zones. The Copenhagen Airport is in Zone 4 and Central Copenhagen is in Zone 1.
Once you pass through security, you can buy your Copenhagen train tickets at any of the red DSB ticket machines. You can use your credit card.
A one-way Copenhagen Airport to Copenhagen ticket across three zones costs around $6 USD (at time of writing).
There is no need to buy a train ticket before arriving Copenhagen. However, you could buy a Copenhagen Card, which does cover Copenhagen airport train transportation.
You can buy the Copenhagen Card from the app, or pre-order one in advance and pick it up at the airport. I’ll cover more on the Copenhagen Card later.
From Terminal 3, follow the signs for the train platform. Trains from Copenhagen Airport to Central Station leave from platform 2. Trains run 24/7 and take only 12 to 15 minutes to reach Copenhagen Central Station (København H).
Copenhagen Airport Metro
The Copenhagen Metro also goes direct to Central Station. You can walk to your hotel from there or switch metros to stop closer to your hotel.
Purchase your metro ticket at the same ticket machines. The cost of the metro is the same as the train.
Follow the signs for the metro station from Terminal 3.
The metro runs every 5 to 20 minutes, depending on time of day. Any metro from the airport can take you to central Copenhagen in approximately 20 minutes. Consult the metro map for the most convenient stop.
Note: if you’re only going to Central Station, I recommend taking the train.
Copenhagen Airport Bus
The bus is going to be the slowest method to get to Copenhagen (35 to 45 minutes, depending on time of day). With the train or metro, why bother?
Copenhagen Airport Taxi
Taxis can be hailed from Terminals 2 and 3.
Taxis are the most expensive way to get to central Copenhagen, which could cost upwards of 350 DKK and take the same amount of time as the metro. You can pay for a taxi by credit card. Tipping is not necessary.
I do not recommend a taxi for solo travel in Copenhagen.
Trains to Copenhagen
Copenhagen receives many regional Denmark trains and from outside Denmark. The trains can be an inexpensive way to travel to Copenhagen. Most trains will arrive at Central Station.
Buses to Copenhagen
Same goes for regional and international buses. There are variety of buses to take you to central Copenhagen. The Flixbus Copenhagen stop is at Central Station.
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How to Travel Around Copenhagen
Is Copenhagen a Walkable City?
That’s a firm YES. Not only is Copenhagen flat, a large portion of Copenhagen attractions are within walking distance of each other. Even walking between different districts is doable. City sidewalks and pedestrian streets are extensive in Copenhagen.
Of course, you can do like the Danes and rent a bike to save time getting around. Copenhagen streets are perfect for biking. Another option for quick transport is to rent an electric scooter. Have some fun!
Walking, biking or an electric scooter is ideal so you can see more of the city.
If you are planning on a short solo trip to Copenhagen, I would plan activities in sections of the city center that are closer to each other before moving to another section.
If you want to slow it down and learn more about the city, consider a walking tour of Copenhagen. In addition to Copenhagen free walking tours, you could see Copenhagen like a local on a private tour, take a self-guided tour, or perhaps meet others traveling in Copenhagen alone on a group walking tour.
Copenhagen Public Transportation
If you want to cover more ground quicker but use the options above, you can always take the metro. You do miss out on sites, though.
Don’t discount the bus, though. Both metro and buses are available 24 hours a day. These could also help those on short Copenhagen travel itinerary.
Getting a single or unlimited Copenhagen travel card is an option, depending on the amount of time you’re traveling in Copenhagen.
Again, there is the Copenhagen Card, which not only covers unlimited public transportation (including to and from the Copenhagen Airport), it also provides entry to over 80 Copenhagen attractions, discounts on tours, cruises, restaurants, and more. Purchase a card for 24, 48, 72, 96 or 120 hours.
I was pleased with my 72-hour card. Read the details of the card benefits before you purchase.
Copenhagen Boat Cruises
A solo trip to Copenhagen would not be complete without a harbor and canal cruise. Not only one of the prettiest ways to see, and learn about, the city, but kicking back for an hour cruise can rest the weary feet for a decent price.
More options include a jazz boat cruise, if you like live jazz, or a hop-on, hop-off bus and boat cruise.
Most boat cruises depart from Gammal Strand or Nyhavn.
Is there Uber service in Copenhagen?
No, there is no Uber or Bolt rideshare service in Copenhagen. The above transportation methods should do you plenty in Copenhagen.
Even if you wish to explore beyond Copenhagen, the train or organized day trips from Copenhagen make for great Denmark exploration.
Is Copenhagen Safe for Solo Travel?
Copenhagen is considered one of the safest cities in the world due to many factors, including its low crime rate. I never felt unsafe as a Copenhagen solo female traveler.
Yes, it is even safe to walk around Copenhagen at night. I walked a lot at night by myself and always felt comfortable traveling in Copenhagen alone over 50, even around Central Station.
As a general precaution, of course, I never really veered away from the city center or Christianhavn area, and I stayed on well-lit streets at night.
As always in crowded or touristy areas, I recommend using safe, travel day-bag keep your belongings with you at all times, and be watchful of pickpockets.
If you normally feel uncomfortable being out at night by yourself, you may want to do your lone trip to Copenhagen in the summer months when daylight hours are longest giving you more time to explore Copenhagen, Denmark.
Note: Christiana, is dubbed the ‘hippy counter culture’ area of Copenhagen. This area has seen some crime, mostly around drug use (marijuana is illegal in Denmark). If you go to Christiana and the Green Light District, I would recommend go during the day.
Best Area to Stay in Copenhagen Solo
Whether you’re staying a week or a weekend in Copenhagen, the best area to stay in Copenhagen is north of Bernstorffsgade to any part of Old Town (city center) west of the harbor as noted on the map below.
This area, especially Old Town itself, is also a pricier area to stay, but it’s also the best area to stay in Copenhagen for sightseeing, especially for first-time solo travel.
Having safe, walkable Copenhagen attractions is worth the higher hotel cost for solo female travel, in my humble opinion.
The island of Christianshavn (west part of Freetown Christianshavn) is also nice, with trendy restaurants and shops along the canal, so possibly consider this area if you have a longer stay in Copenhagen.
Copenhagen Hotels and More
There are multiple Copenhagen accommodations across all budget types to choose from. Going in the off season, or booking well in advance, will get you the best Copenhagen prices.
Consider booking at a property that either is eco-friendly or sustainably rated, or at least employs these methods into their business to reduce your travel carbon footprint.
Copenhagen Hotels
Hotels in Copenhagen will range from budget to posh.
For location, price, amenities (including free-cancellation), eco-friendly and sustainable operations, and customer reviews and ratings, here are my Copenhagen Solo Travel Guide recommendations (i.e., where I would stay):
- Wakeup Bernstorffsgade
- Hotel Skt Petri
- The Square
- Radisson Collection Royal Hotel, Copenhagen
- Andersen Boutique Hotel
I booked at Wakeup Bernstorffsgade for my last Copenhagen stay. The rooms are small, but the hotel has everything single travelers need, including great location, amazing breakfast and dining setting, friendly staff, and it’s a top-notch sustainable hotel.
Wakeup Copenhagen hotels have been awarded Green Key status for is sustainable operations. Booking in advance can make this a budget-friendly option.
Eco Travel Tips
In addition to Booking.com’s Copenhagen’s Travel Sustainable properties, Green Globe and Green Key Global also have eco-friendly certified lodging options.
CORR Travel Tips
Have WhatsApp on your mobile device(s). Many smaller establishments and activities offices use this as a method of communication making it easier to make inquiries or booking and learn, or notify, of any scheduling changes.
Get the T-Mobile International Plan or something similar in price and features. I no longer work on WiFi only on international travel. I’ll use it when it’s there, but having access to roaming when needed for GPS and Google Maps is a game changer.
Copenhagen Hostels
A hostel can be a budget accommodation in Copenhagen for solo travel over 50. Using the same conditions above, and the ability to get a private room, here are my Copenhagen recommendations for a hostel stay:
Things to Do Alone in Copenhagen Over 50
What would a Copenhagen Solo Travel Guide be without providing what to do in Copenhagen? Don’t worry, Copenhagen has tons to do for over 50 solo travel, and all within a fairly close proximity for a capital city.
Now that you also know about the Copenhagen Card, pick what you want to see and do in Copenhagen on your upcoming solo trip.
Landmarks and Points of Interest
Copenhagen landmarks are plentiful and can be free things to do in Copenhagen.
- Strøget – long pedestrian street full of shopping, dining and charm since 1962
- The Little Mermaid statue – 1913 national symbol of Denmark
- Hans Christian Andersen statue – Copenhagen City Hall Square (there’s more than one)
- Cirkelbroen (Five Circles Pedestrian Bridge) – unique bridge in Christianhavn
- Gefionspringvandet (Gefion Fountain) – imposing fountain in Langelinie Park
- Storkespringvandet (Stork Fountain) – in Strøget center
- Dragespringvandet (Dragon Fountain) – Copenhagen City Hall Square
Churches, Cathedrals and Castles
- Rosenborg Slot (Rosenborg Castle) – Renaissance-era castle that houses the crown jewels
- Frederiksberg Slot (Frederiskberg Castle) – 17th century royal residence for King Christian VI
- Christiansborg Slot (Christiansborg Palace) – Denmark royal residence with trippy tapestries
- Our Saviour’s Church – spired church with Baroque interior
- Frederiks Kirke (Frederik’s Church) – 18th century Lutheran church
History and Architecture
- Nyhavn (New Harbor) – iconic, lively Copenhagen harbor with colorful buildings
- Rundetårn (Round Tower) – 17th century astronomical observatory with circular “staircase” to city views
- Kastellet (The Citadel) – well preserved 17th century fortress
- Københavns Rådhus (Copenhagen Town Hall) – 1905 building on Rådhuspladsen (Town Hall Square) with clock tower and more city views
- Copenhagen Opera House – national opera house of Denmark on the island of Holmen
- Børsen (the “Exchange”) – 17th century stock exchange with distinct spire
Museums and Aquariums
Note, many museums may be closed on Monday. Check the day and hours of operation in advance.
- Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek (aka “Glyptoteket”) – Scandinavia’s top art museum
- Amalienborg Palace & Museum – the palace is home to the Danish royal family. Catch the changing of the royal guard at noon.
- National Museum of Denmark – Denmark’s largest museum of cultural history.
- Museum of Copenhagen – underrated museum telling Copenhagen’s history in a creative way.
- Cisternerne – contemporary art exhibition space.
- Danish Music Museum – holds musical instruments from around the world.
- Designmuseum Danmark – museum of international design and crafts.
- Davids Samling (The David Collection) – all things Davids Samling.
- Open Air Museum – located 16 km north of the city center.
- Statens Museum for Kunst (SMK) – the National Gallery of Denmark
- Thorvaldsen’s Museum – all things Bertel Thorvaldsen, the Danish sculptor.
- Danish Jewish Museum – 400 years of history of Danish Jews in a building by Daniel Libeskind.
Parks, Gardens, Plazas and Promenades
- Sondermarketn – park in Frederiksberg area
- Kongens Have (Kings Garden) – Rosenborg Castle
- Haveselskabs Have – Fredericksberg Castle
- Landbohøjskolens Have – a university park
- Botanical Gardens – part of the Natural History Museum of Denmark
- Det Kongelige Biblioteks Have (Garden of the Royal Library)
- Bølgen afslapningsanlæg – riverfront boardwalk and park with harbor and Christianhavn views
- Langelinieparken (Langelinie Park)
Copenhagen Restaurants, Nightlife & Shopping
From restaurants and bars, to theme parks and musical entertainment, Copenhagen has plenty to keep you satiated in between the above attractions.
Solo travel in Copenhagen would not be complete without sampling the local Copenhagen food and drink.
Some traditional Danish food to try on solo dining Copenhagen are:
- Stegt flæsk med persillesovs – (the “national dish of Denmark”), crispy pork, potatoes, and parsley sauce.
- Frikadeller – savory pork meatball often served with brown sauce, potatoes, and cabbage.
- Flæskesteg – roast pork with red cabbage and caramelized potatoes with boiled potatoes and gravy.
- Forloren hare – (“mock hare”), Danish meatloaf wrapped in bacon and served with a jelly sauce.
- Wienerbrød – croissant-like puff pastry served with chocolate, sugar pearls or glacé icing topping.
- Koldskål (“cold bowl”) – summer dessert of cold buttermilk soup, biscuits, and fruit.
- Smørrebrød – open faced sandwich on rugbrød (rye bread) topped with meats, cheeses, and garnishes.
- Pølser – a kind of gourmet hot dog made with a red sausage, bun, and various toppings – the ultimate Copenhagen street food.
Grab-and-go or budget-friendly options are:
- Torvehallerne – outdoor market full of vendors for fresh food, sandwiches, pastries and more.
- Reffen – multiple street food options.
- Pølser food stands – they are everywhere.
Copenhagen Travel Tips
Copenhagen has open container laws so no reason why you can’t grab a bite and a beer while exploring Copenhagen. I enjoyed a Carlsberg on my canal cruise.
Eco Travel Tips
Avoid using single-use plastics when dining and shopping to reduce trash. Bring your own collapsible travel bags, water bottle, and travel utensils so you’re prepared.
Copenhagen Things to Do at Night
- Tivoli Gardens – amusement park, with rides, live music, restaurants and bars and great option for night time fun on solo travel. This is a must do in Copenhagen.
- Nyhavn – full of fun hangouts for locals and tourists alike.
- Strøget – too many places to eat to list with option for drinking and live music.
Beyond Copenhagen
If you have time or want to explore more of Denmark on your Copenhagen travel, try a day trip from Copenhagen.
Catch one of the many trains from Copenhagen to Malmo or a train to Kronborg Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Of course, there are organized day trips from Copenhagen, which are a great way to meet other solo travelers.
Let Me Hear From You
I would love to hear if my ultimate Copenhagen Solo Travel Guide was helpful in planning your solo travel over 50. Post me your thoughts or questions in the Comments section below. Thank you!
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