What to do in Copenhagen, Denmark, from your cruise ship

At a glance

• Copenhagen Port has three main terminals, which are some distance away from each other
• This Scandi capital has several key advantages: it’s relatively safe, easy to navigate and full of shops, services and attractions
• Expect to discover a Viking village turned ultra-trendy capital at the forefront of Scandinavian design, art and food scenes
• Our top recommendations are: Plan based on which terminal you’re landing at, don’t overstretch yourself and don’t be late to rejoin your ship

Welcome to Copenhagen. Your ship has just sailed up Øresund, the strait that separates Denmark and Sweden, to reach this Scandi capital famed for fairytales, design and boundary-pushing cuisine.

With only a few hours ashore, you’ll want to make them count. Beyond pausing for a hygge break – complete with a still-warm cardamom bun – you could wander in the footsteps of Hans Christian Andersen, take a bracing dip in the harbour baths, or look to the city’s boutiques and museums for inspiration in all things design, from furniture to fashion.

Here’s our guide to help you plan your perfect day on shore.

Copenhagen cruise port and town

Once a Viking village battered by the elements, over the centuries, Copenhagen has grown into Denmark’s distinctly modern capital. Today, it feels a world away from its humble beginnings, and in 2025, it was even named the happiest city in the world by the Happy City Index.

The city is especially in demand in summertime, as travellers increasingly look for “coolcation” alternatives to Mediterranean heatwaves. With July and August highs in the low 20s, it’s a city where you can spend your time ashore cycling, swimming and sightseeing without feeling like you’re about to melt, Wicked Witch of the West-style, at any moment.

In colder, darker months, sailings stopping here are few and far apart, which is unsurprising given the near-freezing temperatures. That said, if you do find yourself sailing icy waters towards this Nordic destination, you'll find plenty to do still, from cosy cafés and internationally lauded restaurants to lively museums and festive markets.

Where do ships dock in Copenhagen?

Cruise ships dock at one of three terminals, which are all part of Copenhagen port, despite being some distance from each other.

Ocean Quay (Oceankaj): This is the largest terminal, purpose-built to accommodate today’s largest cruise ships. Vessels from Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Princess, Disney Cruise Line and Holland America Line have all docked here. Reaching central Copenhagen typically means catching a bus and then the metro. It takes around 35 minutes. A taxi is quicker at about 20 minutes.

Langelinie: This terminal is closer to the city centre and often hosts mid-sized and smaller ships. Vessels from Viking, Saga, Regent Seven Seas and Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines have all docked here. It takes about 10 minutes by taxi to reach the city centre, 15 minutes by public transport or about a 30-minute walk.

Nordre Toldbod: This is the most central terminal, used by the smallest ships. Vessels from Scenic, SeaDream Yacht Club, Ponant and Atlas Ocean Voyages have all docked here. A 20-minute walk or a five-minute car journey will take you into the city centre.

Note that just because your cruise line used a terminal in the past doesn’t mean they necessarily will on your voyage. For up-to-date information, check the CM Port website before you arrive. Tendering is rarely required at any of these three terminals.

For public transport, download the Rejsebillet app to plan routes and buy tickets without needing cash. A journey to the city centre typically costs DKK 24-30 (about £2.80-3.50 at the time of writing).

If you prefer a cab, Uber is available in Copenhagen and partners with local taxi companies. From Ocean Quay, you can expect to pay around DKK 170 (£20), or DKK 145-155 (about £17) from Langelinie or Nordre Toldbod.

Keep in mind that journey times and fares can shift with traffic, time of day and the season, so allow some flexibility.

Once you’re in the city centre proper, you’ll find Copenhagen easy to explore on foot, with famously cycle-friendly streets if you’d like to hire a bike.

Shops and services at the port

Copenhagen welcomes hundreds of thousands of cruise visitors each year, so you can expect the usual amenities, particularly at Ocean Quay.

There’s no terminal building at Langelinie or Nordre Toldbod, but you’ll still find ATMs, shops, cafés and currency exchanges close by. Given how near you are to the city centre, though, you might want to take advantage of the wider choice once you’re properly in town.

Shops and services in town

You won’t struggle to find shops and services in central Copenhagen. You’ll find a wide selection of supermarket chains, such as 7-Eleven, Netto, SPAR and Føtex. The Danish word for pharmacy is apoteker, and they’re common in the city.

Beyond the essentials, the Danish capital is an excellent place for shopping. In the centre, you’ll find plenty of places to pick up keepsakes, including souvenir shops selling magnets, tote bags and postcards.

If you have space in your luggage, you may also want to have a look at the world-class homeware on offer. HAY has become an institution for interior design, while Louise Roe Gallery is worth visiting for the café alone, even if you’re not looking to drop £1,000 on a lamp.

Studio Arhoj, meanwhile, is an independent pottery studio where you can pick up small, colourful ceramics that slip easily into your suitcase. Posterland has a great selection of affordable illustrated prints that pay homage to Denmark and its cultural legacy.

How to pay for things in Copenhagen

Despite being in the EU, Denmark does not use the euro. Instead, it uses the Danish krone.

Pretty much everywhere, from small vendors to large shops, takes card. In fact, you’ll find quite a lot of places are card-only. We didn’t use cash once while there, though it can be fun to seek out (the coins are distinctive, especially the holed ones).

If you do need cash, ATMs are still common and you’re unlikely to struggle to find one, even if they are slightly less ubiquitous than in decades past.

As usual, when travelling, consider using a card from an app-based digital bank such as Monzo, Revolut or Starling. These neobanks often offer a better currency exchange rate than traditional options.

How safe is Copenhagen?

Copenhagen is considered a very safe city to visit, according to Travel Safe - Abroad, even compared with other European capitals. Muggings and scams are relatively rare, and women travellers, including those travelling solo, generally report feeling comfortable.

That said, it is still a relatively large city, so it pays to have your wits about you. While the city is by no means crawling with pickpockets, there is still a small chance you’ll encounter one. If you do, it will most likely be on public transport or in tourist hotspots.

What to do in Copenhagen

Our ideal day in Copenhagen from Langelinie

Hours in port: 8:00-18:00 (around eight to 10 hours is fairly typical of a stop in Copenhagen)

• 8:00 Disembark and stroll the 12 minutes to the Little Mermaid statue, before beginning the half-hour walk into the centre of town.
• 9:15 Stop at the Roe Bar at the Louise Roe Gallery for coffee and a cardamom bun (these are delivered fresh from Juno the Bakery).
• 10:00 Walk five minutes to the Round Tower, which opens at 10 am. An hour and a half visit means plenty of time to slowly ascend, check out the exhibition, enjoy views of the cityscape and pick up a keepsake.
• 11:30 Window shop and pick up small pieces of Danish homeware from nearby shops. By foot, Studio Arhoj is two minutes away, HAY is five and Posterland is six.
• 13:00 Walk 15 minutes to Vækst for lunch; we made sure to pre-book. This is a great place to experience Copenhagen’s legendary food scene without needing to remortgage your house.
• 15:00 Hop in a 10-minute taxi to the Design Museum. Make sure to leave some time to visit the garden if the weather is good.
• 17:00 Walk the 25 minutes back to the ship.

For everyone

The Little Mermaid Statue

• What is it? A bronze statue by Edvard Eriksen, inspired by the fairytale by Hans Christian Andersen. Since it was unveiled in 1913, it has become a symbol of Copenhagen.
• Distance to port: It’s a 12-minute walk from Langelinie, a seven-minute walk from Nordre Toldbod, or a 15-minute drive from Ocean Quay.
• How to get there: From Langelinie or Nordre Toldbod, it’s an easy walk. From Ocean Quay, you’ll want to grab a cab or allow around 40 minutes by public transport.
• Price: Free.
• DIY or with a tour: You can certainly go the DIY route, but it will also feature on many city tours. Going it alone is the cheaper option, but a cruise excursion may give you extra insight.
• Worth doing? Opinions vary. Some travellers are surprised by how small the Little Mermaid really is, and if you’re hoping for something grand and ostentatious, this is not that. That said, many people find it worth seeing for its connection to Andersen’s famous tale and its understated beauty. If you’re disembarking at a port that’s walking distance, it makes sense to take a quick look.

Islands Brygge Harbour Bath

• What is it? You’ll find five pools offering open-air swimming with a view of Copenhagen’s skyline. Two are shallow enough for younger children, while others include diving boards at different heights. There’s also space for sunbathing and picnics. Water quality is checked daily, and lifeguards are on duty from 10 am to 6 pm between June and August.
• Distance to port: By car, it’s 15 minutes from Nordre Toldbod, 20 from Langelinie and 30 from Ocean Quay.
• How to get there: From Ocean Quay, it’s a 30-minute taxi or around 50 minutes by public transport. From Langelinie, it’s a 20-minute taxi or 40 minutes by public transport, while from Nordre Toldbod it’s a 15-minute taxi or about 30 minutes by public transport.
• Price: Free.
• DIY or with a tour: This one is best done independently.
• Worth doing? If you catch Copenhagen when it's sunny and warm, then the answer is absolutely. The thing is that summers here are short and fickle. Even if you travel in August, you may be cursed with a windy, overcast day, meaning the water feels uncomfortably cold. That said, locals do swim year-round, come sleet and snow, so cold-water swimming clearly has some appeal. Just ensure you're adequately prepared.

For families

Tivoli Gardens

• What is it? Also known simply as Tivoli, this is a historic amusement park and pleasure garden dating back to 1843, making it the second-oldest working amusement park in the world.
• Distance to port: By car, it’s about 20 minutes from Ocean Quay, 15 from Langelinie or 10 from Nordre Toldbod.
• How to get there: From Ocean Quay, it’s around 35 minutes by public transport or 20 minutes by taxi. From Langelinie, it’s 30 minutes by public transport or 15 minutes by taxi. From Nordre Toldbod, it’s 20 minutes by public transport, 10 minutes by taxi or, if you’re keen, a 40-minute walk.
• Price: Entry fares vary depending on the season and whether you’re visiting on a weekday or weekend. In summer, tickets for ages eight and above cost DKK 170 (around £20) on weekdays and DKK 190 (around £22) on weekends. Children under three go free, while those aged three to seven pay half price.
• DIY or with a tour: You can visit Tivoli independently or as part of an organised excursion. Going solo is more affordable, but a cruise-organised tour adds the convenience of transport, especially from Ocean Quay.
• Worth doing? Yes, especially for families. Along with rides for a range of age groups, there are exquisite gardens, a food hall, bars (including a microbrewery), a small aquarium and a general fairytale-esque atmosphere. The entertainment ranges from ballet and concerts (past acts include Take That and Rick Astley) to illuminations over the lake and fireworks.

The Planetarium

• What is it? This planetarium’s impressive dome is the largest of its kind in Northern Europe. Inside, IMAX-style films are shown, on subjects like Apollo 11, volcanoes, the stars and the origins of life on Earth. Interactive exhibitions and workshops bring science and art together, making it hands-on and engaging for children and adults alike.
• Distance to port: By car, it’s about 25 minutes from Ocean Quay, 20 from Langelinie and 15 from Nordre Toldbod.
• How to get there: From Ocean Quay, expect a 25-minute taxi or around 40 minutes by public transport. From Langelinie, it’s a 20-minute taxi or about half an hour on public transport. From Nordre Toldbod, it’s a 15-minute taxi or 25 minutes by public transport.
• Price: Entry, which includes a film screening, is DKK 125 (around £15) for children aged three to 11, and DKK 195 (around £25) for ages 12 and up.
• DIY or with a tour: This is best done independently.
• Worth doing? Yes, it’s a worthwhile stop for many families. A standout exhibit is the lunar rock on display, which is the largest outside of the US. However, note that not every film is suitable for all ages, with ratings clearly posted on the website.

Best for art and design fans

Design Museum Danmark

• What is it? This museum is dedicated to Danish and international design, with a collection that spans everything from futuristic 1980s furniture to Danish chairs of every conceivable style, displayed from floor to ceiling. You’ll also find a tablescape that traces design through time, plus temporary exhibits that mix art, craft and textile.
• Distance to port: It’s about a 25-minute walk from Langelinie, an eight-minute walk from Nordre Toldbod and a 35-minute walk from Ocean Quay.
• How to get there: From Nordre Toldbod, it’s an easy eight-minute walk. From Langelinie, you can walk about 25 minutes or take a 10-minute taxi. From Ocean Quay, it’s roughly 35 minutes on foot or a 15-minute cab ride.
• Price: Tickets for adults are DKK 140 (around £16). Under-27s and students pay DKK 90 (around £10), while children and teens under 18 go free.
• DIY or with a tour: This is an easy one to visit independently. If you’d like extra insight and happen to be there on a Sunday, you may be able to join a free guided tour.
• Worth doing? For anyone interested in design, this is a well-curated museum to visit. The café and garden are particularly pleasant in warm weather. Families will also find workshops and interactive activities on the schedule, from ceramics to shibori.

Louisiana Museum of Modern Art

• What is it? Scandinavia’s most visited museum for modern and contemporary art, the Louisiana sits a short distance outside of Copenhagen. Its coastal views and sculpture garden are as much of a draw as the art hanging on the walls inside.
• Distance to port: It’s around 35 minutes by car from Langelinie, Nordre Toldbod or Ocean Quay.
• How to get there: From Langelinie, it’s about a 35-minute taxi ride or roughly 70 minutes by public transport. The journey from Nordre Toldbod is a similar length, with the public transport trek just over an hour. From Ocean Quay, it’s a similar taxi journey, but the public transport journey is an hour and 20 minutes.
• Price: Adults pay DKK 145 (about £17), while students pay DKK 125 (around £15). Children and teens under 18 enter for free.
• DIY or with a tour: Visiting independently is the more affordable choice, though an organised tour may save you the effort of navigating connections and provide expert commentary along the way.
• Worth doing? Absolutely, though it will take up most of your day ashore. It’s a great option if you’re staying overnight or have been to Copenhagen before. The museum offers big-name artists and rotating exhibits, a children’s wing, a sculpture park and coastal views. It also opens directly onto a small pebble beach where you can swim in warm weather.

Best for history buffs

The Round Tower

• What is it? Built around 400 years ago, the Round Tower is one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks. Its spiral ramp winds gently upwards to a platform with 360° views of the city’s spires and rooftops. Along your ascent, you’ll see a bell tower and the library hall where exhibitions are held. At the top, you’ll find Europe’s oldest working observatory.
• Distance to port: By car, it’s about 20 minutes from Ocean Quay or 10 from Langelinie and Nordre Toldbod.
• How to get there: From Ocean Quay, expect a 20-minute taxi ride or around 35 minutes by public transport. From Langelinie, it’s 10 minutes by taxi or about 20 minutes on public transport. From Nordre Toldbod, cab and public transport times are similar, or you can walk in around 30 minutes.
• Price: Entry is DKK 60 (about £7) for adults or DKK 40 (about £5) for students. It’s free for children and teens under 18.
• DIY or with a tour: This is easy to do independently, though a tour can be more informative. If you go it alone, be sure to scan the QR codes on the way up for extra insight.
• Worth doing? Yes. The tower is both historic and atmospheric, with stories to uncover as you climb. The spiral upwards is a gentle slope, so you likely won’t be out of breath by the time you reach the top. However, note that prams cannot access the final flight of stairs to the viewing platform, though they can be pushed up most of the way.

Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek

• What is it? Known simply as Glyptotek, this museum was founded in 1897 by Carl Jacobsen, the brewer behind Carlsberg. Its collection includes antiquities and art, from the marble sculptures of ancient civilisations and Egyptian mummies to Danish Golden Age paintings and French masterpieces.
• Distance to port: By car, it’s about 25 minutes from Ocean Quay, 20 from Langelinie and 10 from Nordre Toldbod.
• How to get there: From Ocean Quay, it’s around 25 minutes by taxi or roughly 30 minutes by public transport. From Langelinie, expect a 20-minute taxi or about 25 minutes on public transport. From Nordre Toldbod, it’s a 10-minute cab ride or a 25-minute trip on public transport.
• Price: Book online for cheaper tickets. Adults pay DKK 135 (around £16), students and under-27s pay DKK 108 (around £13) and children under 18 go free. Walk-up prices are slightly higher.
• DIY or with a tour: It’s easy to do on your own, though a guided tour can add context.
• Worth doing? Yes. As well as art and historical treasures, you’ll find The Winter Garden at the museum’s centre. With an impressive dome, lush greenery and a fountain, it feels like an oasis in the middle of the city. There’s also Picnic, a café by a Michelin-starred chef, and a well-curated museum shop.