Copenhagen is a harbour city spread across the islands of Zealand and Amager, with a compact, walkable centre and a waterfront that shapes much of its character. Bridges connect the various districts, and the cityscape is defined by parks, promenades and water rather than by a single monumental core.
For a visitor, the practical question is which side of the harbour or which quarter of the centre to base yourself in, since most of the landmarks and museums sit within or just outside the old centre. This guide covers the areas the sources identify as places to sleep, what each is like, and who each suits, so you can match a neighbourhood to your trip rather than a specific property.
Best areas to stay in Copenhagen
1. Indre By
Indre By is the historic centre, home to the main concentration of hotels alongside Vesterbro. It puts you within walking distance of the principal sights, including Tivoli Gardens, the Amalienborg and Christiansborg palaces, Rosenborg Castle, Frederik's Church and Børsen, as well as many museums, restaurants and nightclubs.
It suits first-time visitors who want to walk to the sights and to the arty cocktail lounges of the area. Expect the widest choice of accommodation in the city, from the centre-based hostels of the national hostel system to the timeless five-star classics. Prices are high, as they are throughout Denmark, so book well ahead rather than at the last minute.
2. Vesterbro
Vesterbro is the other main hotel district, alongside Indre By. The main street of Vesterbrogade runs through it, roughly 500 m from Tivoli, and the area holds a mix of fairly priced hotels and some of the cheapest hostels in the city, including summer-only ones.
It suits budget travellers and anyone who wants to be close to the central station and Tivoli without paying centre prices. The trade-off is noise: some of the cheaper places, including a youth hostel on a side street off Vesterbrogade, are described as quite noisy.
3. Christianshavn
Christianshavn was developed east of the old city with canals and ramparts, and it is where you can stay right on the water, including on a floating houseboat hotel moored in the district.
It suits travellers who want a quieter, canal-side base while remaining close to the centre. The district's canals and ramparts give it a distinct feel from the dense old town.
4. Nørrebro
Nørrebro lies within the city proper and has a summer-only camping ground in its outer part, along with two sleep-in hostels that are slightly more expensive than the cheapest Vesterbro options but still a bargain by local standards.
It suits budget travellers who want a central neighbourhood rather than a suburban one. The area is described as central and is known as a lively quarter, so it works for those who prioritise price and atmosphere over proximity to the palaces and museums.
5. Frederiksberg
Frederiksberg is where two of the three hotels of the budget Cab Inn chain are located, with the third a short walk from Tivoli and København H. Rooms in this chain are small but come with televisions and private showers and toilets.
It suits travellers who want a straightforward, low-priced base with basic in-room comforts and are content to be a little outside the historic core.
6. Amager and Dragør
Amager, the smaller island portion of the city, holds the Dragør Fort and, in the same area, an old and historic beachfront hotel in a classic building with views over the Øresund and a nearby beach. It is close to the airport but involves a fair deal of transportation time to the sights in the city centre.
It suits travellers who value water views, a beach and airport access over proximity to the centre, and who do not mind the journey in and out.
7. Islands Brygge
Islands Brygge is a waterfront area with hip accommodation options, including a design-oriented stay on its waterfront.
It suits travellers who want a modern, waterside base and are happy to be slightly removed from the historic centre while staying within the city.
8. Northern suburbs and the sound
Beyond the city, the northern suburbs hold a historic beach hotel with views and a restaurant, and the sound itself holds an old fort on its own island with stylish rooms integrated into the fort's environs. Staying on the fort excludes spending your evenings in the city, since the last ferry leaves in the late afternoon.
These suit travellers who want something out of the ordinary and are willing to accept the transport time and the loss of easy evening access to the city.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: camping grounds, including free basic sites along the Mølleå river and commercial sites; hospitality exchange networks; hostels, with the cheapest being summer-only dormitory hostels in Vesterbro and sleep-in hostels in Nørrebro; and small low-priced chain hotels with limited service and facilities.
- Mid-range: the sources note a general dearth of mid-range hotels in Copenhagen, as properties tend either to limit service and facilities to the minimum or to position themselves as luxurious. Expect to look harder at this level.
- Splurge: timeless five-star classics in the centre, and high-end business hotels run by the local Scandinavian chains that are well represented across the region. Note that even many high-end properties show signs of age, as low competition and high labour costs affect upkeep.
Best area for a first visit
Indre By is the best base for a first visit, because it holds most hotels and puts the main landmarks, museums, restaurants and nightclubs within walking distance. You can reach Tivoli Gardens, the Amalienborg and Christiansborg palaces, Rosenborg Castle and Børsen without depending on transport. Book well ahead, since prices are high and the centre is where most visitors want to be.
Frequently asked questions
Which areas have the most hotels?
Most hotels are in Indre By and Vesterbro. Those two districts are where you should look first if choice of property matters to you.
Is Copenhagen expensive for accommodation?
Yes. Prices are high, as they are across Denmark. Special rates are often available on the internet or from travel agencies, so look around well ahead of time rather than booking at the last minute.
Should I consider staying in Malmö instead?
You can head across the Øresund bridge to Malmö and other localities in Scania for a wider variety of options, often at lower prices and comparable quality. You will need to factor in the cost of the crossing and the travel time, though in most cases a return fare can still be much lower than the rate differences between comparable hotels on both sides.
Are there unusual places to stay outside the centre?
Yes. Options include an old fort on its own island in the sound, a fort on Amager, historic beachfront hotels in the Dragør area and the northern suburbs, and a floating houseboat hotel moored in Christianshavn. Most of these come with longer transport times to the city sights, and the island fort rules out evenings in the city because the last ferry leaves in the late afternoon.
Compare live prices for the areas that suit you using the booking tools on this page.