Where to Stay in Copenhagen in 2024 | Best Areas & Hotels

Considered the happiest city in the world, Copenhagen attracts visitors from all over to its sprawling neighborhoods of coastal islands. Here’s what you should know about the city and its main districts when trying to decide where to stay when you visit. Let us be your guide!

The Best Places to Stay in Copenhagen

Here are some of the best areas to stay and explore in Copenhagen. It’s a good idea to try visiting at least a few of these places to truly get to know the city:

1. Indre By: Best for first-timers and history buffs
2. Vesterbro: Best for nightlife
3. Amager: Best for watersports and a laid-back vibe
4. Østerbro: Best for families and luxury travelers
5. Nørrebro: Best for budget travelers

Where to Stay in Copenhagen: Best Areas & Hotels

Whether you’re looking for low-cost lodging, luxury hotels, or the best place to party, there’s something for everyone in this wonderful city. Here’s a detailed look at the top neighborhoods in Copenhagen, including what to see and do and where to sleep and eat.

1. Indre By

Indre By (Inner City) is the center of Copenhagen and where you’ll find the most famous historic sites. It’s a bustling area that covers Nyhavn harbor and the medieval center of the city.

Most tourists start their tour of Copenhagen near the harbor and the rows of colorful buildings that make up the city’s skyline. This area also includes the city’s highest tower, which is found in the Christiansborg Palace, giving you a sweeping view of downtown Copenhagen.

The inner city is also a great place to explore for shopping and drinking. Strøget is the longest pedestrian street in the world and a popular shopping area. If you’re looking for beer, wine, or cocktails, head to Gothersgade. It’s a major street that runs through the inner city and it’s where you’ll find the most bars.

The inner city has a lot to offer, but it’s also the most touristy. If you prefer smaller crowds, you’ll likely want to stay in one of the neighboring districts.

Indre By Budget Hotels

• Hotel Christian IV. This budget hotel is right in the heart of the historic inner city. The rooms are relatively small but brightly lit and comfortably furnished.
• Wakeup Copenhagen. This small hotel is a short walk from the harbor and the main shopping street in neighboring Vesterbro. Breakfast is included, along with access to an onsite bar and restaurant for lunch and dinner.

Indre By Mid-Range Hotels

• Hotel Maritime. Located near Christiansborg Palace and several other historic attractions, this hotel is a convenient place to stay for history buffs. It’s also within walking distance of the harbor and provides comfy rooms with elegant furnishings.
• 25Hours Hotel Indre By. This hotel includes great views of the city and a long list of amenities, including a minibar, bicycle rentals, and access to a fitness center and onsite restaurant. Some of the rooms also have private terraces, so you can enjoy the fresh air as you look out over the inner city.

Indre By Luxury Hotels

• Copenhagen Admiral Hotel. This luxury waterfront hotel was built from a set of 1780s buildings, giving you a view of the canal or the bustling city streets. It even has a tower suite with panoramic views of the harbor.
• Hotel Sanders. Featuring luxurious décor and a rooftop conservatory, this charming boutique hotel caters to the discerning traveler that only wants the best. It’s a stylish, sophisticated place to stay with an onsite restaurant and bar.

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2. Vesterbro

Vesterbro is widely considered the best part of Copenhagen for nightlife and partying, as it’s home to the city’s former red-light district. It’s the hippest neighborhood, with many galleries and bars and a younger-skewing demographic.

On the weekends, the main streets of Vesterbro are often crowded with locals and tourists. While it’s not the most family-friendly place, it’s where you’ll want to go for a night on the town.

The Meatpacking District is also part of Vesterbro. The area includes many large 18th-century slaughterhouses that were later converted into bars and restaurants. Some of the most popular establishments are in this part of the city.

Along with drinking and dining, Vesterbro also offers shopping and culture. You can explore the area’s main shopping area, which is mostly found around Istedgade. This street has many boutiques and the city’s infamous adult shops.

Vesterbro is also close to the inner city, which is just on the other side of the Meatpacking District. To the north is Frederiksberg, another popular Copenhagen neighborhood known for its large residences and sprawling public parks.

Vesterbro Budget Hotels

• Urban House Copenhagen. This self-service hotel has small rooms with private bathrooms, along with less expensive rooms with shared facilities. It’s one of the most affordable places to stay in the district and within walking distance of the main attractions.
• City Hotel Nebo. Located next to the train station, this budget hotel is a convenient place to stay, especially if you plan on spending most of your time exploring the city. It has limited amenities but includes a free breakfast buffet.

Vesterbro Mid-Range Hotels

• Best Western Hotel Hebron. With large, spacious rooms, this hotel gives you plenty of room to spread out and get comfortable. It’s also a short walk from a planetarium and includes a free breakfast buffet.
• Axel Guldsmeden. This eco-friendly hotel is in the heart of the Vesterbro district and a short distance from many of the most popular sites, including Tivoli Gardens. The hotel has a relaxing atmosphere, along with an onsite restaurant and bar.

Vesterbro Luxury Hotels

• Coco Hotel. This fashionable hotel includes a large courtyard with outdoor seating where you can enjoy your meals, along with spacious rooms that offer views of the courtyard or city. It’s also a short walk from Tivoli Gardens and the train station.
• CPH Hotel. Located closer to the canal, this charming hotel is a popular place to stay for couples. The rooms feature Scandinavian-style décor, with wooden floors and lots of natural lighting.

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3. Amager

Amager is part of the island that sits to the south of the city’s center and is connected by several bridges, making it easy to travel to and from nearby neighborhoods on the mainland.

If you don’t mind staying further from the center of the city and its main sites, Amager is a great place to explore. In the past, it was used as a dump for the city’s sewage. However, after a significant investment in cleaning up the island, it’s become a popular place to live and visit, thanks to its unique features.

For example, Amager has more beaches and access to water sports compared to other areas of the city. It’s also a little less hectic compared to the busier neighborhoods to the north. However, if you’re hoping to see the famous landmarks of Copenhagen, you may want to stick to the previous picks.

If you stay in Amager, you’ll also pass through Christianshavn, which is the manmade island separating Amager from the inner city of Copenhagen. This small neighborhood is lined with bright homes and narrow alleys. It’s also home to Freetown Christiania, which started as a hippie community and is now an eclectic mix of boutique shops and cafes.

Amager Budget Hotels

• Go Hotel City. While it’s not near any of the major attractions, this hotel is affordable and quiet. It’s the perfect place to get away from other tourists and relax after spending the day touring Copenhagen.
• Sleepcph. This budget hotel has minimal décor for a simple, clean look that helps make the spacious rooms look even bigger. It’s also near the metro station, making it easy to explore the rest of the city.

Amager Mid-Range Hotels

• Zoku Copenhagen. Located on the western side of the district, this mid-range hotel has 160 lofts in a variety of configurations, including rooms for two and four travelers. Other highlights include views of the street or park and free breakfast.
• Clarion Hotel Copenhagen Airport. This hotel is connected to one of the airport terminals, which saves you time checking in after arriving in Copenhagen. The rooms also offer great views of the surrounding area, thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows.

Amager Luxury Hotels

• Ibis Styles Copenhagen Orestad. Despite the eclectic décor and vibrant colors, this hotel offers a luxurious stay, thanks to its large rooms with family areas and private bathrooms. It also has an onsite restaurant and a variety of rooms to suit almost any budget.
• Scandic CPH Strandpark. Located a short distance from the beach and airport, this hotel is a popular choice due to its convenient location. It also has a restaurant, terraces, and a large fitness center.

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4. Østerbro

Østerbro is an upscale residential neighborhood east of the inner city. The area near the water is where you’ll find most of the restaurants, bars, and shops. It’s also near the city’s soccer stadium and a large outdoor gym.

This sprawling neighborhood has the city’s largest park. Fælledparken has several children’s playgrounds, sports grounds, and other features for visitors of all ages.

It’s also a popular place to stay in Copenhagen to spend time on the beach. The eastern portion of the neighborhood borders the sea and includes a long stretch of sand.

Østerbro may not be the best place to stay if you want to see more of the city. It’s the northernmost district in Copenhagen, placing you further from the historic sites and landmarks. However, you’ll also find fewer tourists and trendier stores.

Østerbro Budget Hotels

• Seaview and Swimming. This budget hotel is just a couple of blocks from the beach. It also has outdoor seating, a dining area, and a complete kitchen with an oven and a microwave.
• Hotel Østerport. Located near the Kastellet, this affordable hotel offers guests bicycle rentals, an onsite bar, and convenient access to the train. It’s also a short walk from other attractions around the harbor, such as the Little Mermaid statue.

Østerbro Mid-Range Hotels

• Rye115 Hotel. With views of the canal, this charming little hotel shouldn’t be overlooked. It’s near several cafes and restaurants and is a short walk from some of the canal tours.
• Comwell Copenhagen Portside Dolce by Wyndham. This four-star hotel is located at the harbor and comes with a long list of amenities to help you feel at home. Enjoy a large seating area, continental breakfast, family rooms, a restaurant, and a fitness center.

Østerbro Luxury Hotels

• Charlottehaven. This hotel features modern apartments and suites for rent in one of the most luxurious areas of Copenhagen. Enjoy the high life, with fantastic views of the canal from your private balcony, along with a long list of first-class amenities.
• Audo Copenhagen. Located right on the harbor, this luxury hotel offers free bicycles to help you get around town. Other special features include an onsite bar, restaurant, and private terraces with wonderful views.

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5. Nørrebro

Located north of the city’s center, across the canal, Nørrebro is the most diverse neighborhood in Copenhagen. People from dozens of nations have settled into this enclave, giving it a unique atmosphere unlike what you’ll find in other parts of the city.

The diversity of the neighborhood means that you’ll find a wide variety of international cuisine at local restaurants and cafes. Middle Eastern, West African, and Asian establishments are found throughout the area.

Along with diversity, Nørrebro offers affordability. It’s one of the best places to stay in Copenhagen for budget travelers, as things tend to cost a little less at the local markets and restaurants. For the best deals, visit the farmer’s market, which is held monthly at Guldbergs Plads.

Some areas also rival Vesterbro when it comes to the nightlife scene. The main streets include many bars and lounges that become quite active in the evening. However, you’ll want to spend time exploring during the day so you can try to spot the unique street art decorating some of the buildings.

Nørrebro Budget Hotels

• Cabinn Scandinavia. This affordable hotel offers daily breakfast in a little café on the ground floor. It’s also near the metro station and the planetarium but doesn’t offer a lot of extra features or amenities.
• M18. As one of the few hotels in the center of the Nørrebro neighborhood, this hotel may appeal to those that want to spend most of their trip in this immediate area. It’s also a mostly self-serviced hotel, which means that you can check in and out without interacting with the staff.

Nørrebro Mid-Range Hotels

• Hotel Nora Copenhagen. Stay near the canal and one of the main shopping streets in the area. This hotel has a variety of room types to fit your budget and group size, whether you’re traveling solo or with a large group.
• Scandic Falkoner. This hotel is located on the outskirts of the district but is a short walk from one of the metro entrances. You can easily get around the city while enjoying rest in a spacious room with all the modern amenities you could need.

Nørrebro Luxury Hotels

• NABO Hotel Apartments. As this neighborhood doesn’t have a lot of luxury hotels, you may need to consider this high-end hotel apartment, which offers all the conveniences of condo living. You get two bedrooms, a living room, a full kitchen, and a dining area.
• Manon Les Suites Guldsmeden. This hotel is located across the canal from the Nørrebro neighborhood, but it’s still within walking distance of the main sites. However, it offers a more luxurious stay compared to what you’ll find in the center of the district, with an indoor swimming pool and onsite restaurant.

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So, Where Should You Stay in Copenhagen?

Over 20% of Denmark’s population lives in Copenhagen, making it the largest city in the country. It’s also divided into many neighborhoods. Let’s recap our favorites:

🏆 Best for First-Timers	Indre By
🎉 Best for Nightlife	Vesterbro
🛥️ Best for Watersports	Amager
🥂 Most Luxurious	Østerbro
💲 Best for Budget Travel	Nørrebro

As each neighborhood is unique, you shouldn’t have a problem finding one that matches your travel needs. So, with so much to see and do, what are you waiting for — book your trip today and experience for yourself all that Copenhagen has to offer!