Solo travel to Copenhagen: your ultimate guide updated for 2024

From nautical charm and cozy cafes to off-the-grid arts spaces with an industrial edge, Copenhagen seems to have everything a traveler could ask for and then some. But as you plan your solo trip to Denmark’s capital, some very real questions may pop up. Is Copenhagen safe for solo female travel? What are some great things to do alone in Copenhagen? I’ve traveled solo to Copenhagen and tried it all, from pedaling on a superhighway built for bikes to attending a psychedelic music festival at an artist’s commune. I’ve got you boo! Get ready for my ultimate guide to solo travel to Copenhagen, Denmark.

faq about solo travel to Copenhagen

Street art in Copenhagen

Is Copenhagen safe for solo female travelers?

Ja, absolutely! As a seasoned solo female traveler who has visited dozens of European cities and had an amazing time alone, Copenhagen has all of the things I look for in a solo travel destination. A low crime rate, very well integrated public transportation and a variety of cultural attractions. Copenhagen is listed as one of the top 5 cities in Europe for women to travel alone, making solo travel to Copenhagen an ideal getaway. As always, you should trust your gut and follow my tips for safe and fun solo female travel.

Is Copenhagen good for singles?

Again, ja! Copenhagen can be the best of both worlds. If you’re looking to be independent, I found it very easy to spend time by myself there. The locals are reserved and won’t bother you. It’s an easy place to blend in as a woman alone. However, if you’re looking to have fun and meet people, there are plenty of very social hostels for you to stay at that offer pub crawls game nights and other options to connect while you solo travel in Copenhagen.

Is one night enough in Copenhagen?

I’d say absolutely not! To get a good feel for what Copenhagen has to offer, I’d spend two to three nights there at a minimum.

getting around Copenhagen

Interactive street art in Copenhagen

As I said before, well-integrated public transit is definitely one of my top criteria when I’m picking a solo travel destination. There’s a variety of ways to get around Copenhagen.

Walking in copenhagen

Copenhagen is a compact city and walking is an ideal way to get around. Make sure you wear very sturdy walking shoes and bring a waterproof outer layer. Copenhagen is a port city and Nordic weather can be damp.

public transportation in copenhagen

Copenhagen’s metro runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! You can purchase tickets at the airport or the train station and they last 24, 48, 72, 96, or 120 hours! If you plan to make regular use of the metro while in Copenhagen, I suggest purchasing a Copenhagen Card. You can even download the App on your phone. Having your public transit ticket topped up and ready is one of my favorite solo travel safety tips and luckily, it’s so easy to do this solo traveling to Copenhagen!

cycling

Copenhagen has some of the best bicycle infrastructure in the world and it’s worth taking advantage of this on your solo travel journey to Copenhagen. The vast network of bike lanes, cycle routes and bike bridges can feel like a lot to navigate if you come from a city with puny bike infrastructure so I suggest checking out this guide to biking in Copenhagen.

interactive map of Copenhagen

I made you a little interactive map with all of the places listed in this guide. Click on the pins to learn more about each destination including directions, opening times, phone number, web address, contact info, reviews, and more. Enjoy!

The best hotels for solo travelers to copenhagen

Hostels

My very chic hostel room at Urban House, Copenhagen

As a solo female traveler in her 40s, hostels are no longer my go-to. However, hostels in Europe are now a far cry from the grungy hangouts we remember from our early 2000s backpacker days. Modern hostels can be clean, comfortable, and trendy, offering similar amenities to a mid-budget hotel. Many hostels now offer private rooms as well! Copenhagen can be an expensive city and I tend to travel on a teacher’s budget, so I’m always looking for ways to save cash without sacrificing comfort and style. I’m happy to share with you a few of my favorite options for a truly elevated hosteling experience in Copenhagen.

urban house hostel

Is it a hotel? Is it a tattoo shop? Is it a bar and music venue? Is it a laid-back cafe? A laundromat? Your kitchen away from home? Yes. Urban House Hostel is hands down the best hostel I’ve ever stayed in. Clean, safe, and convenient but never sterile.

Decor at Urban House Hostel

Although it does feature a hangover room replete with floor pillows and gentle lighting, it’s not a hardcore party hostel. The vibe was just right for me. The staff is friendly and helpful, the clientele is a nice mix of young backpackers, families and aging pseudo-hipsters like myself. This place gets high points from a solo female traveller’s point of view as well.

generator hostel Copenhagen

Another great choice for solo travel to Copenhagen is Generator Hostel. Generator is a chain hostel with locations in various European hot spots. They’re known for having excellent amenities such as 24 hour front desk, personal safes and luggage storage. Like Urban House, you can opt to stay in a dorm-style room or a private room with your own king-sized bed, TV, shower, and more!

hotels

motel one Copenhagen

If you are a regular at this blog you know that I am a major fan of this trendy European budget hotel chain. So chic! So affordable! How do they do it? We don’t know! Motel One is an excellent option for solo travel to Copenhagen.

grand joanne Copenhagen

Looking for something a little bit different? Located in the trendy Vesterbro district a stone’s throw from Tivoli Gardens and the Central train station, Grand Joanne Copenhagen is a distinctive choice. Each room is designed to be completely unique and the hotel offers some unusual amenities such as board games, yoga classes and soundproof rooms. If you’re looking to add a little extra comfort and style to your solo travel to Copenhagen, this could be just the ticket.

things to do alone in Copenhagen

People, I am not a fan of bucket-list travel. It doesn’t matter whether I’m in the heart of Europe kicking it in Zürich or closer to home discovering new places in my adopted home of Edinburgh, I am all about giving that generic bucket list the boot! So I am super pleased to share with you this curated list of my favorite things to do alone in Copenhagen. May it help you bring all of your dreams of solo travel to Copenhagen to life!

stroll along nyhavan canal

Colorful homes along Nyhavn Canal

Soak up some serious nautical charm along Nyhavn Canal. This 17th-century waterfront area is one of Copenhagen’s most iconic spots and the perfect place to grab a beer and watch the sunset. The colorful townhouses and canal lined with antique sailing ships give Nyhvan a distinctly old-world feel.

If you’re a lover of history, you should know that the inner section of Nyhavn, between the Nyhavn Bridge and Kongens Nytorv are reserved for ships owned by the Danish National Museum. As you stroll along the canal checking out boats, you’re actually in an open-air museum! A walk along Nyhavn Canal is truly one of the best things to do alone in Copenhagen on your first day in the city.

visit reffen food market

This trendy street food market located right along the waterfront offers over 50 different food stalls in their enormous 6,000 square meter indoor food market. With a focus on sustainability, Reffen Market is committed to reducing foodwaste, using organic ingredients and recycling. This lively market is a great place for people-watching. In addition to a plethora of food and drink options, Reffen Market also hosts a packed events calendar of concerts, workshops and more, making a visit to Reffen Market an ideal thing to do alone in Copenhagen.

A typical waterfront area in Copenhagen

copenhagan canal tour

Photo credit: Clement Percher via Pexels

Get a completely different perspective on Copenhagen with a canal tour! This Social Sailing Copenhagen Canal Tour promises a personalized touch taking you in small groups to see all the hidden gems of Copenhagen and even allows you to take part in any local festivals that happen to be taking place along the way. The social sailing canal tour could be just the ticket for those looking to meet people on their solo travel to Copenhagen!

be a kid again at Tivoli gardens

One of Tivoli’s many beautiful gardens

Stumble headlong into the Wonderful World of Oz with a visit to the delightful Tivoli Gardens. This historic amusement park opened its gates in 1843. Over 150 years later, this beautifully preserved delight attracts visitors from around the world all year long.

Even if you don’t love carnival rides, spending an afternoon at Tivoli Gardens is still worth the price of admission in my book. Tivoli is lined with stunning gardens and charming Victorian open air venues featuring live entertainment. I couldn’t help feeling like I was wandering in a fairy land. Who doesn’t love that?

Kids enjoying a ride in Tivoli Gardens

explore Freetown christiania

Take a wander through Copenhagen’s famed Hippie Commune, Freetown Christiania. This independent, self-governing community began as a squat on a military base in 1971.

Much is made of this ramshackle village with its own set of rules and customs. Yes, pushers openly sell weed here and the cops (mostly) look the other way. But there’s so much more to it than that. Beyond Pusher Street, this is a living breathing community. Eat in a funky organic cafe. Wander the narrow wooded paths to see colorful DIY architecture and overrun gardens.

Locals want you to remember that Christania is a car-free zone!

There’s art to see around every bend here. Christianians love to adorn their buildings with murals, some with social messages. The DIY spirit is alive and well here. People build and decorate their homes in whatever way they see fit, so there is no uniform style to their dwellings. It is a complete departure from Copenhagen’s grand and orderly feel.

A typical unusual home in Christania Freetown, Copenhagen

It’s OK to wander through Christania and admire all the unique houses. However, don’t forget to be respectful. This is a real community where people live and you should be mindful to not intrude on the privacy of the residents while you snap a photo or two.

Mural in Christania Freetown

freetown christiania after dark

After dark, the gawking tourists dissipate, and Christiania plays hostess to locals looking to enjoy the chilled-out vibe. It should be noted that there are no street lights in Christiania, nor are there any cars allowed. If you plan to visit after dark take care as you walk!

Christiana is also home to four totally unique music venues, ranging in size from a massive warehouse to an inmate jazz club. I was lucky enough to get to visit each one of them during the Copenhagen Psychedelic Music Festival! 

 A Norse/Goth/Psychedelic band with two drummers and a frontman channeling a Swedish Jim Morrison. It all went down in a ramshackle cinema that doubles as a music venue…Because Christiania. 

Is freetown christiania safe for solo female travellers?

I’d say it depends on your general comfort level with a little bit of grit. I felt secure there on my own. However, I tend to have a fairly high tolerance for things that seem a bit shady if I think I’m going to get an authentic arts or cultural experience out of it.

I attended the music festival late into the night by myself and even made conversation with a few other music lovers. I did not feel threatened at any time.

Here’s a few things that made me feel safer in Freetown christiania as a solo female traveller

I arrived in daylight and got to know my way around the compound when it was busy

When chatting with strangers, I didn’t mention I was travelling solo to Copenhagen

I had no shame about using the torch feature on my phone after dark

I went nowhere near Pusher Street after dark

I had my exit strategy planned. I knew exactly where the nearest Metro stop to me was and how to walk there.

In my opinion, a visit to Freetown Christiania is one of the coolest things to do alone in Copenhagen during the day or at night. But as always, trust your gut and exercise caution. Stick to the main thoroughfares near the bars and venues after dark, as Christiania has no street lights it’s easy to get lost in the dark!

take a bike tour

As I mentioned before, there’s no better way to explore Copenhagen’s beautiful scenery than by bike. Braving the city’s bike superhighways may not be for the faint of heart though. That’s why I suggest taking a bike tour! This small group guided bike tour will lead you through all of Copenhagen’s main attractions and hidden gems  including Copenhagen King’s Square, the Little Mermaid statue, Nyhavn, and the Latin Quarter. There’s plenty of time to take its slow and stop for photos as well!

Fact: This picture was taken because I’m a geek about bike infrastructure. 

the Louisiana museum of art

Who wouldn’t want to play on a Ziggurat in a massive seaside sculpture garden? 

If you love art, it is worth the 30-minute train ride outside the city to pay a visit to the Louisiana Museum of Contemporary Art. Human-made art and nature interact beautifully here. Once you’re done discovering the massive multimedia offerings indoors, pop outside and play like a child in the seaside sculpture gardens, or take a peaceful wander on the wooded paths.

Art instillation or primo makeout room? I’m not telling. 

Yes, this is a famous infinity room, designed by artist Yayoi Kusama. The experience of standing within a space lit by hundreds of lamps with slowly oscillating color was out of this world and definitely worth the queue I had to wait in to do it! A visit to the Louisiana Museum is an absolute do-not-miss for any art lover looking for things to do alone in Copenhagen.

take a food tour

Photo credit: Valeria Miller via Pexels

If you want to really get to know a culture, you’ve got to try their food, at least that’s what I always say. Copenhagen is truly a foodie’s paradise and there are lots of fun ways to get up close and personal with Danish cuisine, including some super fun food tours!

Why not become an expert in the art of Danish pastry with a lesson in hand-crafted pastry from a local chef? If flaky treats aren’t your thing, then why not give a three-hour culinary bike tour a try? It’s a great excuse to pedal around seeing the sights of a city while you eat like a local.

check out some street art

Street art in Vesterbro, Copenhagen

One of the best things to do alone in Copenhagen is check out some street art! Copenhagen is a city under construction and street art is abundant. No need to pay a museum admission when artists are creating a constantly evolving dialogue with urban residents. Strolling around aimlessly and photographing street art is without a doubt one of my favorite things to do alone in Copenhagen.

experience danish hygee in a cozy cafe

Cafe culture is alive and well in Copenhagen, and you won’t lack places to sit back with a java and watch the world go by. Lots of these places do a weekend brunch buffet too.

Typical cozy cafe vibes in Copenhagen

nordic roasting co.

Uplandsgade 70a, 2300 København S

Coffee lovers, you’ve found your Valhalla at last! Part cafe, part roastery, at Nordic Roasting Co. you can even learn more about the coffee-making process by taking a tour of the roastery. This is the perfect activity for coffee snobs looking for things to do alone in Copenhagen.

rist kaffe bar

Værnedamsvej 4B, 1619 København V

This charming and atmospheric coffee bar features exposed brick and shabby vintage furniture. Sample some coffee prepared by one of their skilled baristas or order from their drink and snack menu.

take a day trip from Copenhagen

If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you understand that I’m a big fan of the humble day trip. So much so that I am building my own collection of car-free day trips from my home away from home, Edinburgh. Copenhagen’s excellent transit makes it possible to take interesting day trips from there as well. Adding a day trip is an amazing way to make the most of your solo travel to Copenhagen so why not put one to your itinerary?

Forgotten Giants and forest toweR day trip

Photo credit: Kakob Jin via Pexels

Hiding playfully in the forests of suburban Copenhagen, the six forgotten giants are strange and magnificent large wooden sculptures that need to be seen to be believed. This tour also takes you to the architectural wonder of the Forest Tower, a 45-meter-high observation deck overlooking the forest canopy. The Forest Tower and Forgotten Giants Tour allows you to experience both of these unique places in a day, without the hassle of renting a car. Sometimes it’s just better to let the pros take care of transit for you!

visit malmo, sweden

Photo credit: Efrem Efre via Pexels

One of the most fun things to do alone in Copenhagen is actually in Sweden!

Did you know that Copenhagen is only 30km from Malmo, Sweden? Malmo and Copenhagen are connected by a long bridge. Trains leave for Malmo from Copenhagen Central Station every 20 minutes or so. Once in Malmo you can check out the city’s interesting architecture, explore the concept of Swedish fika (afternoon coffee and sweet cakes) or indulge in some shopping!

get ready to book your solo trip to Copenhagen!

In case you’re not already convinced, I’m here to remind you one more time that Copenhagen is a mecca for solo travelers looking for something a little offbeat to do. Copenhagen is safe for solo female travellers and there are so many unique things to do alone in Copenhagen that even the most seasoned solo traveller will have a blast there.

Why not book yourself a free-cancel hotel room in Copenhagen now and sort out the details later?

What was your solo travel to Copenhagen experience like? Did you find any more awesome things to do alone in Copenhagen that I missed? Let us know in the comments!

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