Where to Stay in Copenhagen in 2024 ✔️ 6 TOP Areas & Hotels

Planning a visit to the Danish capital? Copenhagen is the perfect destination if you’re looking for historic buildings and castles, interesting cuisine, and streets lined with shops and pubs. Once you have a flight book (or even before that), it’s time to make an important decision – where to stay in Copenhagen, of course!

Well, I can make this decision much easier for you! I made a comparison of all Copenhagen areas and hotels and created a list of the very best ones. I can now tell you that the ultimate spot for your stay is Indre By, Copenhagen’s historic centre, as this is where you’ll find all the main sights, trendy restaurants, and amazing boutique hotels.

Besides Indre By, I’ll also be recommending 5 other amazing areas for all types of travelers, so I’m confident you’ll find something to match your travel preference. But before we dive into the specific recommendations, I have to tell you that Copenhagen is not a cheap destination; in fact, it’s one of the most expensive cities in Europe. 

Worry not! I included plenty of budget and mid-range options in my guide, but I have to remind you to book your accommodation as far in advance as you can to make sure you get the best deals on the very best hotels!

If you are in a hurry

These are the top hotels in Indre By, the best spot for first-time visitors to the Danish capital:

• Best luxury hotel: Hotel Sanders
• Best mid-range hotel: Hotel Bethel
• Best budget hotel: Steel House Copenhagen

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Watch my video for a visual explanation of all the areas:

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First of all, here’s a map of all 6 Copenhagen neighborhoods I’ll be talking about in this post:

Copenhagen is divided into 10 districts, which are then broken down into smaller neighborhoods, each of them with its own vibe and advantages. If you find yourself wondering how to choose the one that’s right for you, take a look at my personalized list below:

• Best place to stay in Copenhagen for first-time visitors: Indre By and Vesterbro
• Where to stay in Copenhagen for luxury: Østerbro and Indre By
• Best area to stay in Copenhagen for budget travelers: Nørrebro and Vesterbro
• Where to stay in Copenhagen for nightlife: Vesterbro and Indre By
• Top spots for a family stay in Copenhagen: Østerbro and Frederiksberg

1. Indre By / Old Town – where to stay in Copenhagen for the first time

Are you visiting Copenhagen for the first time? If so, you’ll definitely want to stay in the city centre, where all the main attractions are located. Well, Indre By is the place for you!

Indre By literally translates to ‘Inner City’ – you can’t be more centrally situated in the Danish capital!

Indre By is regarded as the Copenhagen city centre, but it’s known as Old Town, as this is the city’s oldest neighborhood. As you walk along the cobbled streets, you can experience the medieval vibe and visit all the main sights, including famous castles, museums, and churches, which is the main reason why I recommend it to first-time visitors.

The first thing to add to your ‘to-visit’ list is Rosenborg Castle, a Renaissance palace that houses the Crown jewels. As part of the castle complex, you’ll also find the King’s Garden (map) and the Botanical Garden, which is part of the National Museum of Natural History – I highly recommend visiting both of these gardens. 

Then, it’s time to move on to Amalienborg Castle and Christiansborg Palace, 2 of the most important historic buildings in the city. I also suggest you check out The Round Tower and take a short walk to City Hall Square (map). 

If you’re the type of tourist who likes visiting museums and art galleries, I would advise you not to skip the Designmuseum Denmark and the National Museum of Denmark. Besides the National Museum, you should also visit the National Gallery or SMK (Statens Museum for Kunst), home to many Danish and international art collections.   

Besides being the best area to stay in Copenhagen for first-timers, Indre By is the ultimate place for shopping.

Strøget, the longest pedestrian street in the world(!), is lined with designer stores and great restaurants. 

PRO TIP: if you want the best Copenhagen experience, venture into the side streets of Strøget. You’ll find plenty of cute shops and authentic pubs – the best way to get that ‘Inner City’ feeling!

Another street worth exploring is Borgergade, situated in central Copenhagen and boasting more modern architecture. The TorvehallerneKBH (map) market definitely warrants a visit, too, and lastly, you absolutely have to explore Nyhavn! 

Nyhavn is possibly the most iconic spot in Copenhagen, recognizable for the colorful houses lining the waterfront – the perfect backdrop for a photo! Also, the area once was home to author Hans Christian Andersen, and this is where you’ll see the famous Little Mermaid statue (map), inspired by one of the author’s fairytales.

Luxury (€180 and up)

• Hotel Sanders – The Hotel Sanders is an elegant boutique hotel with stylish rooms, a rooftop conservatory garden, a bar, a restaurant, concierge services, and friendly staff.
• Hotel Skt. Annæ – One of the best luxury hotels in downtown Copenhagen, housed in historic buildings from the 17th century, with a rooftop terrace and modern rooms

Mid-range (from €140 to €180)

• Hotel Bethel – This 3-star hotel is within walking distance of many famous attractions and offers a 24-hour desk, luggage storage, and rooms equipped with a desk and flat-screen TV. 
• Ibsens Hotel – This family-run boutique hotel offers free Wi-Fi and an outdoor terrace, serves a delicious Nordic breakfast, and is super close to a metro station.

Budget (up to €140)

• Steel House Copenhagen – In a central location, this modern hostel offers both private rooms and dormitories, an indoor pool, a cafe, and a bar, as well as bike rentals. 
• Copenhagen Downtown Hostel – Guests at this property will enjoy the simple, clean rooms, and they can join one of the free walking tours organized by the hostel.

2. Vesterbro – where to stay in Copenhagen for nightlife

Vesterbro is the artistic part of the city, the place where artists, designers, filmmakers, and photographers live. Located South of the city centre, West of the Central Station, and super close to Tivoli Gardens, the Vesterbro district is renowned for its vibrant nightlife scene. 

Formerly Copenhagen’s red-light district, Vesterbro abounds with hipster bars and restaurants, nightclubs, vintage shops, street art and galleries, and food halls, making it the perfect place if you’re in the city for a weekend and want to have some fun.

TIP: if you’re traveling to Copenhagen with kids, don’t stay near the Central Station in Vesterbro. The area around the station and Istedgade Street was the center of the red-light district, and the area can still be a bit so-and-so at night. It’s completely safe for adults but maybe not very child-appropriate. P.S. Don’t get me wrong, the whole of Vesterbro is very family-friendly, but only the part around the Central Station I would avoid with kids. 

Even though the district is at its liveliest at night, there’s plenty to do during the day. You should start by planning a visit to one of the top sights of the Danish capital, Tivoli Gardens, a 19th-century amusement park where you can hitch a ride on an antique rollercoaster. 

Once you’re done enjoying the amusement park, it’s time to head to the Meatpacking District, a former industrial area transformed into a hipster haven. There are plenty of spots to visit in the Meatpacking District, but my favorite is Warpigs Brewpub, the perfect spot for craft beers and slow-cooked barbecue. 

During the day, take the time to wander around Sonder Boulevard, and at night, head to Vega, an amazing live music venue.  

And in case you’re wondering where to stay in Copenhagen for Christmas markets, I’d also suggest Vesterbro. The city’s main Christmas market is held at Tivoli Garden, so you’ll be super close to it while keeping a distance from the crowds in the city centre.

Luxury (€160 and up)

• Villa Copenhagen – Guests at the Villa Copenhagen can use facilities such as a fitness centre and a rooftop pool and enjoy the uniquely decorated spacious rooms.   
• Hotel Mayfair – Just a short walk from Tivoli Gardens and Copenhagen Central Station, the hotel features a 24/7 fitness centre and an amazing breakfast buffet.

Mid-range (from €100 to €160)

• Hotel Tiffany – This 3-star hotel provides free Wi-Fi access, rooms with a kitchenette, in-room breakfast, and is close to both the Central Station and Tivoli Gardens.
• Best Western Hotel Hebron – The hotel has compact rooms, a lobby lounge, and bicycle rentals and serves an amazing Scandinavian breakfast buffet.

Budget (up to €100)

• CityHub Copenhagen – If you’re on the search for cheap hotels in Copenhagen, this is a great option, with a sauna, a bar, and air-conditioned rooms.  
• Woodah Boutique Hostel – The hostel features an in-house bar and cafe, luggage storage space, and offers a daily organic breakfast.

3. Nørrebro – where to stay in Copenhagen on a budget

Traveling on a tight budget? No worries, Nørrebro is the place for all pockets! Situated 3 km (1.8 miles) northwest of Central Copenhagen, it is only 20 min away by public transportation. The multicultural Nørrebro offers everything from fancy hotels and Michelin-star restaurants to budget hostels and food courts! 

FUN FACT: you may have noticed that the names of several neighborhoods I recommend here end in -bro. Well, this has nothing to do with the word ‘bro’ (‘bridge’ in Danish)! Actually, it stems from the word ‘brolagt’, which means ‘paved’ and refers to the cobbled streets that once led to the city gates!

Nørrebro is full of young, creative, and adventurous people, and best of all, it still hasn’t been overtaken by tourists. There are plenty of ways to spend your time here and dine out at affordable prices, which is why it’s one of the best places to stay in Copenhagen on a budget. 

I would also call it a very “instagrammable” district thanks to its colorful streets like Magstræde, Gråbrødretorv, and Krusemyntegade. 

Need some inspiration for this area? Well, if you’re looking for places to eat, head over to Jægersborggade – a street that offers all kinds of delicious food, including lots of plant-based dishes! Over 50 nationalities live in the area so restaurants around here are a melting pot of different cuisines from all over!

This is another district where you’ll have plenty of interesting places to visit! For example, Nørrebro Theater is located in this area, and it hosts some of the best musicals and plays in the city. 

And if you’re not uncomfortable, another cultural point to visit here is Assistens Cemetery (map), the place where the author Hans Christian Andersen and philosopher Søren Kierkegaard are buried.

There are not a lot of luxury hotels in the area, but there are some, but if you are traveling on budget, you will find plenty of options!

Luxury (€150 and up)

• NABO Hotel Apartments – A spacious aparthotel with 2 bedrooms, a bathroom, and a full kitchen that also provides bicycle rentals, a children’s playground, and free Wi-Fi. 
• Aaboulevard Apartment – If you want some relaxed luxury, this apartment is the ultimate choice, with a bright and modern living room, a spacious dining area, and 2 bathrooms.

Mid-range (from €110 to €150)

• Hotel Nora Copenhagen – This 3-star hotel has free WiFi and clean rooms and provides complimentary beer and a water bottle upon arrival. 
• Central Apartment in Copenhagen – Staying at this apartment means you’ll get access to free private parking, a balcony, and an on-site snack bar.

Budget (up to €110)

• Urban Camper Copenhagen  – The hostel offers comfortable dorm rooms – are in the form of indoor tents – shared bathroom facilities, and a large common area. 
• Sleep in Heaven – This hostel has an onsite restaurant that serves delicious breakfast, and there’s a happy hour that takes place each day in the bar or beer garden.

4. Christianshavn – where to stay for a couples’ getaway

Christianshavn is a special part of the city – it’s a man-made island constructed in the 1600s, full of beautiful canals and colorful houses, and a must-visit when you’re exploring Copenhagen. Just 1 km (0.6 miles) away from Indre By, you can enjoy the charming and romantic atmosphere of Christianshavn. 

While walking around this area, you’ll be surrounded by some of the most interesting restaurants in the city, as well as boutique shops and cool cafes – all great spots for a romantic night out with your significant other. But one of the best things about this area is that it has some amazing, modern hotels and they’re more affordable than the ones in the city centre.

Christianshavn is a relatively small area, so there aren’t as many tourist attractions. Luckily, you can easily walk to some points of importance along the waterfront, such as Copenhagen Opera House, the Islands Brygge, a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing, and Freetown Christiania, a unique area of the city with wonderful street art, unusual stores, and music bars. 

Even though the area is small, you can venture outside its borders and walk along the waterfront to explore more of the city, and you can even stay in one of the waterfront hotels. 

Some of the recommended hotels are outside the neighborhood border technically, but the whole waterfront area is so extremely charming, I absolutely recommend staying around there!

Luxury (€220 and up)

• NH Collection Copenhagen – Guests at the NH Collection Copenhagen will enjoy modern rooms, a delicious breakfast buffet, a restaurant, and a bar.  
• Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel – This upscale hotel has an on-site casino, as well as designer stores, 2 restaurants, 2 bars, and a car rental service.

Mid-range (from €150 to €220)

• Hotel CPH Living – One of the most unique hotels in Copenhagen, this boat hotel has a furnished sun deck and rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning views. 
• Kanalhuset – This fantastic hotel features several non-smoking rooms with private bathrooms, a restaurant, and free Wi-Fi.

Budget (up to €150)

• Danhostel Copenhagen City – This cute and clean hostel offers comfortable beds, city views, an onsite bar, and there’s even a book exchange program.

5. Østerbro – where to stay in Copenhagen with family

If you walk a bit to the North of Indre By, you’ll reach the cute neighborhood of Østerbro. It’s the perfect spot if you want to get away from the busy Inner City while still being very close to the action. 

Østerbro is my recommendation for people traveling with their family and children, as this is a more laid-back area of the city while still being within walking distance away from the main attractions. One of the top attractions in the area is the Experimentarium, a modern science museum with a rooftop playground – perfect for a day out with your kids. 

If you choose to have your base here, you can rest assured that you’ll be surrounded by tons of great restaurants, cafes, and bars, as well as green parks and independent shops. I’d personally recommend paying a visit to Fælledparken (map), where the little ones can enjoy the playground or the whole family can head to the water sports area. 

The Østerbro neighborhood is also the best place to stay if you’re boarding a cruise from Copenhagen, as all the cruise ports are located nearby. However, if you travel on a budget, Østerbro may not be the neighborhood for you –  it’s nearly impossible to find budget options here. That being said, you’ll find great options around the historic centre and in Christianshavn.

Now, let’s take a look at some of the amazing luxury and mid-range hotels in Østerbro!

Luxury (€230 and up)

• Stay Seaport – The Stay Seaport Hotel is one of the most amazing luxury hotels in the city and offers accommodation in the beautifully decorated Seaport apartments. 
• Comwell Copenhagen Portside Dolce by Wyndham – A 4-star hotel offering air-conditioned rooms, room service, a sun terrace, and an on-site restaurant.

Mid-range (from €150 to €230)

• Rye115 Hotel – A charming hotel that offers family rooms, a terrace, a cozy garden, free Wi-Fi, and a buffet breakfast where you can try their delicious homemade bread. 
• Hotel 9 små hjem – Even though this hotel is rated a little lower, it’s a solid option offering family rooms and dry cleaning services, and there’s a lovely garden, too.

6. Frederiksberg – where to stay for a local vibe

And finally, Frederiksberg. This is a largely residential neighborhood a bit further away from the Copenhagen city centre, 6 km (3.5 miles) West, which is 15 min by car or 30 min by public transportation. This is the best place to experience the residential local atmosphere and have a relaxing holiday.

Frederiksberg is a sprawling area full of green spaces and a great spot if you want to get around on your bike. It’s also a great place to taste some local cuisine and sit down for a relaxing drink; be sure to try Carlsberg, the most popular beer in the country. 

NOTE: cycling is the most popular mode of transportation among the residents of the Danish capital, but the bike traffic in the center can become very hectic, so it can be difficult to get around if you’re not used to it. 

During your time here, you have to stop by the Frederiksberg Gardens (map); here, you’ll see the Frederiksberg Palace, and you can even visit the Copenhagen Zoo. 

What might surprise you is the fact that Frederiksberg is an excellent destination for shopping. Gammel Kongevej is the main shopping street here, abounding with both local shops and well-known brands. I’d also advise you to spend your time around Værnedamsvej, another charming shopping street, and visit the Frederiksberg Centret shopping mall. 

Luxury (€200 and up)

• Manon Les Suites – Guests at this upscale hotel will enjoy the indoor pool surrounded by a lush garden, a fitness room, and an amazing rooftop restaurant.   
• Scandic Falkoner – This hotel has spacious rooms with city views, private parking, 2 on-site restaurants, and 2 breakfast options – buffet and continental.

Mid-range (from €120 to €200)

• Carlton 66 Guldsmeden – The rooms at this charming hotel are decorated with Persian rugs and original artwork, and each bathroom is stocked with organic toiletries. 
• Hotel Sct Thomas – Within walking distance of City Hall Square, this hotel boasts a rooftop terrace, a bar, a conference space, and an on-site art gallery.

Budget (up to €120)

NOTE: Both of the hotels recommended in this category are rated slightly lower than what I usually pick, but they are still good options if you’re traveling on a budget and want to stay in Frederiksberg. 

• CABINN Scandinavia Hotel – At this property, you can use the terrace and the conference space, order laundry services, and grab a meal at the snack/deli bar. 
• Rooms in quiet Yellow Courtyard -This guesthouse has private rooms and provides free Wi-Fi, access to a shared bathroom, and private parking for a small additional charge

👑 Luxury price:	€250
💵 Mid-range:	€170
🛏️ Budget:	€130
📍 Best neighborhood:	Indre By
🛎️ Best luxury hotel:	Hotel Sanders
🧳 Mid-range hotel:	Hotel Bethel
👛 Best budget hotel:	Steel House Copenhagen

BONUS: Best hotels near Copenhagen International Airport

Copenhagen Kastrup International Airport (CPH) is the main airport of the city, and it’s located only 8 km (5 miles) away from the center. In case you’re visiting Copenhagen on business or have a very early/late flight, booking your stay as close to the airport as possible might be a wise choice, as you’ll get to save some precious sleep!

If you want to do so, here are the best Copenhagen hotels near the airport: 

• Clarion Hotel Copenhagen Airport – This 4-star hotel is directly connected to Terminal 3, offers facilities like a gym and a sauna, and has rooms with panoramic views. 
• Zleep Hotel Copenhagen Airport – Just a 6-minute drive from the airport, this comfortable hotel provides access to a business center, a gym, and free Wi-Fi. 
• Go Hotel City – Located 6 km (3.7 miles) from the airport, the hotel features a rooftop terrace, snack/deli bar, offers laundry facilities, and has super-friendly staff.

FAQs about where to stay in Copenhagen

Conclusion

That’s it! You’ve reached the end of my super-detailed Copenhagen neighborhood guide, and you’ve probably already chosen where to stay in Copenhagen. 

In case you haven’t reached a decision yet, here are my top 2 choices:  

• Hotel Sanders – A luxury hotel with a rooftop garden and a complimentary minibar
• Hotel Bethel – This affordable hotel is in a great location and offers amazing breakfast

Whatever you choose, make a reservation in advance – Copenhagen is super popular, and hotels are in high demand year-round. 

In case you have further questions, make sure to let me know in the comments below!

Happy travels,

Hristina

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