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Where to Stay in Copenhagen – 5 Best Areas to Stay in Copenhagen

Are you looking for the best places to stay in Copenhagen? You just found them!

In this article I have listed all the best neighbourhoods to stay in Copenhagen, outlining for what type of traveller each area is best suited.

Whether you’re on a romantic weekend getaway, or on a family adventure, there is a lovely hotel or apartment waiting for you in Copenhagen. Copenhagen is such a varied city, it has something to offer for everyone!

The Danish capital is a beautiful city, with loads of fun things to do, and a vibrant atmosphere. Each area has a different vibe, so make sure to pick the neighbourhood that best fits you and your travel style.

So what are you waiting for, let’s dive in and discover where to stay in Copenhagen!

The iconic coloured houses and canal boats of Nyhavn, Copenhagen

The iconic coloured houses and canal boats of Nyhavn, Copenhagen

Best areas to stay in Copenhagen at a glance

Before I take you through the best hotels and places to stay in Copenhagen, it’s a good idea to know a little bit about the different districts of the city.

So without further ado, here’s a round-up of the best neighbourhoods Copenhagen has to offer.

Indre By / Old Town – best area for first-time visitors – Ideal for first-time visitors, Indre By (literally “Inner City”) is packed full of top sights, tourist attractions and great transport links.

If you’re wondering where to stay in Copenhagen for the first time, Indre By is definitely worth considering.

Discovering Frederik’s Church in Copenhagen, Denmark

Discovering Frederik’s Church in Copenhagen, Denmark

Osterbro – where to stay for couples & families – This family-friendly part of Copenhagen is more of a quiet option, with many green spaces to stroll around and cosy eateries to explore.

Norrebro – best for budget travellers – This colourful slice of town is one of the best areas to stay in Copenhagen for those looking for an alternative to the tourist trail.

Think vintage shops, a multicultural atmosphere and cool cafes.

Vesterbro – where to stay for nightlife – Once a red-light district, but now full of galleries, bars and shops, Vesterbro (meaning “Western Bridge”), and it lies just outside the city centre. 

Christianshavn – unique & really cool area – Made up of a group of small islands, this waterside neighbourhood is a charming place to base yourself on a trip to Copenhagen.

My mum wandering through the rose gardens of Rosenborg Castle in Copenhagen

My mum wandering through the rose gardens of Rosenborg Castle in Copenhagen

Indre By / Old Town – best area for first-time visitors

Possibly the best place to stay in Copenhagen if you’ve never been before, this is the old city centre and a good place to start your trip.

Specifically, staying here means you’ll be close to Nyhavn: the harbourside area with colourful houses, places to eat and cobbled streets to explore.

It’s the historic centre, and was once fortified by city walls. You can’t see those anymore, but street names around Indre By provide hints as to where they would have been once upon a time. 

The Old Town centre of Copenhagen is full of bars, restaurants, shops and many of the famous attractions of Copenhagen. If you have three days in Copenhagen or less, it’s the perfect place to stay.

You’ll be close to all the main sights, meaning you can easily walk everywhere and not waste time on your Copenhagen itinerary.

Exploring Indre By in Copenhagen - one of the best areas to stay in Copenhagen

Exploring Indre By in Copenhagen

The iconic coloured houses and canal boats of Nyhavn, Copenhagen - my favourite place to stay in Copenhagen

The iconic coloured houses and canal boats of Nyhavn, Copenhagen

And if you’re wondering just where to stay in Copenhagen city centre, here are a few options.

Budget – Copenhagen Strand HotelBright and modern, this harbourside hotel provides an affordable accommodation option – all just a five-minute walk from the main thoroughfare in Copenhagen.

Taking up space inside a warehouse dating to 1869, guest rooms here are decorated with contemporary furnishings and boast private bathrooms and seating areas.

Click here to see prices and availability at Copenhagen Strand Hotel!

Mid-range – 25hours Hotel Indre ByA fun and fashionable mid-range hotel, 25-hours Hotel Indre By is situated super close to a number of top sights.

Rooms here are decorated with a mix of eclectic decor, with a cool, quirky vibe throughout the property. You’ll feel very welcome and comfortable from the moment you arrive.

Check out prices and availability at 25hours Hotel Indre By here!

Luxury – Hotel SandersPlaces to stay in Copenhagen city centre don’t get much smarter or more elegant than this luxurious option.

Boasting a rooftop garden and a high-end restaurant to match, rooms here are decked out with designer furnishings and chic design features.

Click here to book your stay at Hotel Sanders in Copenhagen!

Exploring the famous Nyhavn in Copenhagen, Denmark

Exploring the famous Nyhavn in Copenhagen, Denmark

Osterbro – where to stay for couples & families 

This leafy part of the city is perfect for families on vacation in Copenhagen. It’s here that you’ll find Denmark’s largest park, Fælledparken, as well as the iconic Little Mermaid statue.

You’ll also find some of the best hotels in Copenhagen dotted around the harbour area, with plenty of opportunities to get out hiking or on a Copenhagen cycling tour in the vicinity.

It’s the perfect place to stay in Copenhagen if you’re looking for a relaxing stay, surrounded by greenery. You can easily walk into the town centre and Nyhavn, but without being right in the heart of it.

Especially for families and couples, who might want something away from the main hustle and bustle of central Copenhagen, Osterbro will make for the perfect getaway.

The Little Mermaid in Copenhagen, Denmark

The Little Mermaid in Copenhagen, Denmark

Here are some great places to stay in Osterbro for every budget.

Budget – Comwell Copenhagen Portside Dolce by WyndhamThis modern hotel offers great value for money, and a range of different room sizes to suit a variety of travellers.

The interiors are contemporary and polished, while guests can also make full use of a good selection of amenities including a fitness centre, a bar and a breakfast buffet.

Click here to book your stay at Comwell Copenhagen Portside Dolce!

Mid-range – CharlottehavenThese are fully serviced apartments for those looking for more of a home away from home on their trip to Copenhagen.

Each apartment is bright and spacious, with large windows overlooking the city; each one has a well-equipped kitchen and seating area. 

Check out prices and availability at Charlottehaven here!

Luxury – The Old Coal CraneOne of the best places to stay in Copenhagen for sheer uniqueness, this accommodation is what you think it is: an old coal crane that’s been repurposed as a super stylish, sleek waterside apartment.

It comes with its own deck, steam room and an amazing bathroom that overlooks the water.

Don’t miss out, book your unique stay at The Old Coal Crane here!

The exterior of The Old Coal Crane in Copenhagen - photo by Plum Guide.jpg copy

The exterior of The Old Coal Crane in Copenhagen – photo by Plum Guide

The bedroom at The Old Coal Crane in Copenhagen - photo by Plum Guide - one of the most unique hotels in Copenhagen

The bedroom at The Old Coal Crane in Copenhagen – photo by Plum Guide

Norrebro – best for budget travellers 

Wondering where to stay in Copenhagen on a budget? Look no further than Norrebro.

Often described as a melting pot, this multicultural part of the city is a diverse neighbourhood with a fantastic food scene that reflects the local culture.

Staying here means shopping at independent stores, catching a gig at a live music venue, or simply kicking back at Superkilen Park.

It may not be overly central, but it’s still close enough to everything that you won’t ever feel far from the centre of town. Prices for hotels and apartments are also considerably cheaper.

The entrance to Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, Denmark

The entrance to Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, Denmark

Gefion Fountain in Copenhagen, Denmark

Gefion Fountain in Copenhagen, Denmark

I have listed below some cool places to stay in Norrebro for every budget.

Budget – Globalhagen HostelGlobalhagen Hostel is a non-profit hostel that’s run by volunteers, reflecting the neighbourhood’s green ethos.

On-site you can purchase organic snacks from the bakery, and enjoy a good night’s sleep in the clean, well designed dorm rooms.

It’s easy to explore the city from here; the friendly staff will be on hand with tips on what to do, and will help your trip run smoothly.

Click here to book your stay at Globalhagen Hostel!

Mid-range – Sleep in HeavenA modern hostel, located just 10 minutes walk from the metro station, Sleep in Heaven provides a cute and cosy place to stay in Copenhagen.

The well maintained accommodation boasts its own bar, beer garden and the dorms are fresh and modern. Private rooms are also on offer for a little more luxury.

Check out prices and availability at Sleep in Heaven here!

Luxury – Hotel Nora CopenhagenFor a high-end option in Norrebro, look no further than Hotel Nora Copenhagen.

Situated inside a large landmark building, the hotel makes full use of its period features in the form of spacious rooms with high ceilings and huge windows overlooking the city.

Top sights nearby include Copenhagen Botanical Garden and the National Library of Denmark.

Click here to see prices and availability at Hotel Nora Copenhagen!

My mum cycling through the park next to Rosenborg Castle in Copenhagen

My mum cycling through the park next to Rosenborg Castle in Copenhagen

Vesterbro – where to stay for nightlife

This residential, local area is not overly touristy – and it comes with plenty of bars and nightclubs in its Meat Packing District that makes it a nightlife haven.

But it’s not just a place to party. Here you can find an array of trendy brunch spots and boutique shopping to fill your days with.

It’s the ideal place to be if you like your days chilled and your nights packed with a potential array of venues to spend your time.

Trying Smørrebrød, a traditional Scandinavian open-faced sandwich

Trying Smørrebrød, a traditional Scandinavian open-faced sandwich

Here are some cool places to stay in Vesterbro for every budget.

Budget – CityHub CopenhagenCityHub is a fashionable hotel that is all about its funky, cleverly designed spaces; guests can opt to sleep in pod-style rooms, for example, allowing you to save on money and maximise on fun. There are plenty of shared spaces, including a lively bar and a communal kitchen.

Click here to book your stay at CityHub Copenhagen!

Mid-range – Good Morning City Copenhagen StarSituated close to Copenhagen’s central station, this hotel is set in a historic building and boasts streamlined interiors.

Rooms may be fairly basic, but they’re clean and make it an easy base from which you can explore the city.

Check out prices and availability at Good Morning City Copenhagen Star here!

Luxury – Twentieth CenturyFor a real treat while you’re staying in Copenhagen, you could opt for this sumptuous apartment.

All the spaces have been carefully curated by the host and feature an array of objects and artworks collected from Japan and beyond.

Click here to see prices and availability at Twentieth Century!

The lounge at Twentieth Century in Copenhagen - photo by Plum Guide.jpg copy

The lounge at Twentieth Century in Copenhagen – photo by Plum Guide

The outdoors area at Twentieth Century in Copenhagen - photo by Plum Guide.jpg copy

The outdoors area at Twentieth Century in Copenhagen – photo by Plum Guide

Christianshavn – unique & really cool area

Last, but not least, allow me to introduce Christianshavn.

This is where you’ll find the unique Free Town of Christiania – a surprisingly liberal hotspot in the city – as well as houseboat-lined canals, cool coffee shops and an array of street food waiting to be discovered.

There are also galleries and live music venues, as well as community initiatives to get stuck into. Christianshavn isn’t too far from Nyhavn, so that you can still easily venture out to explore Copenhagen.

It’s the perfect place to stay if you’re looking for a really unique experience, and for an neighbourhood where you can easily spend time without worrying about sightseeing.

Exploring the Freetown of Christiania

Exploring the Freetown of Christiania

Entering the Freetown of Christiania in Copenhagen, Denmark

Entering the Freetown of Christiania in Copenhagen, Denmark

Here are some cool places to stay in Christianshavn for every budget.

Budget – KanalhusetThis place offers good value for money in a waterside location.

Rooms at this fashionable hotel are spacious, though simple, and boast large beds and period features. The location puts this hotel within walking distance of a number of locations.

Click here to book your stay at Kanalhuset in Copenhagen!

Mid-range – NH Collection CopenhagenA polished hotel right on the water’s edge, rooms at NH Collection Copenhagen are airy with contemporary furniture and large, comfortable beds.

There’s a long list of amenities to make use of, too, including a gym, bar and dining area.

Check out prices and availability at NH Collection Copenhagen!

Luxury – Light & GraceThis place definitely ranks among the best apartments and Airbnbs in Copenhagen.

From its sun-trap of a balcony to its modern interiors mixing with period features, this apartment is all about open-plan living in stylish surroundings.

Click here to see prices and availabilities at Light & Grace in Copenhagen!

The kitchen and dining area at Light & Grace in Copenhagen - photo by Plum Guide.jpeg copy

The kitchen and dining area at Light & Grace in Copenhagen – photo by Plum Guide

The rooftop terrace at Light & Grace in Copenhagen - photo by Plum Guide.jpeg copy

The rooftop terrace at Light & Grace in Copenhagen – photo by Plum Guide

Final thoughts on the best places to stay in Copenhagen

There you have it, the ultimate guide on the best areas to stay in Copenhagen! Have you been to Copenhagen before? How did you find it? Let me know in the comments below!

I have visited Copenhagen multiple times, but could easily visit again. It’s a really interesting city, with loads of things to do and a friendly vibe.

Each neighbourhood in Copenhagen has its own vibe and price range, and is best suited for different types of travellers. In this guide I tried to give you an overview of each, to help you pick the best one for you.

Whether you choose to stay in a unique crane, or a stylish modern apartment, you’re sure to have a great time in Copenhagen.

I hope you found this guide on where to stay in Copenhagen useful! If you have any questions, just let me know in the comments below!

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Photo collage of The Little Mermaid and Nyhavn with text overlay saying "5 best areas to stay in Copenhagen"

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