Flight to Copenhagen (CPH)

Flying to Copenhagen: tips and information for your trip

Copenhagen is the ideal of a European city. Regularly voted top in the most liveable cities of Europe, the capital of Denmark is a tight maze of cobbled streets and quaint architecture. Originally established as a Viking fishing village in the 10th century, Copenhagen is about as far east in Denmark as you can go.

But in everything other than location, it is the centre of Danish life. The Copenhagen Stock Exchange dictates the finances of Denmark, while the University of Copenhagen is the oldest in Denmark. Add to this the beautiful Øresund Bridge that connects Copenhagen to the Swedish city of Malmö, and Copenhagen is awash with everything you could want from a European city break.

So, book your tickets via Brussels Airlines today!

What to do in Copenhagen?

1. Copenhagen was originally built as a riverside city. The oldest building, the Kunstforeningen at Number 48 Gammel Strand, is a picturesque exhibition space worth stopping at, as you walk along the Slotsholmskanal (Slotsholmens Canal).
   
   
2. In the east of the city the Nyhavn district is the most happening part of town. The multicoloured façades of the buildings that line the harbourfront are a must see for visitors Across the river you can find Paper Island (Papirøen) where there are plenty of bars and cafés from which to sit and watch the water.
   
   
3. North of Nyhavn is the most famous statue in Copenhagen, based upon one of the city’s most famous stories. The Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Andersen inspired sculptor Edvard Eriksen to design the lovely statue of the same name. It is a symbol of the city, and every year tourists flock to the site.
4. Inland you can tour the romantic Tivoli Gardens. A pleasure ground of amusement rides, rollercoasters and shows, Tivoli Gardens is the most visited amusement park in Scandinavia. Its most famous attraction is the Rutschebanen, a manually operated roller coaster that is among the oldest operational wooden coasters in the world. In the summer, they host live bands in the evening, while also boasting an aquarium and several theatres.
   
   
5. If regular tourist traps are not your thing, head south of the river to Freetown Christiania. Established in the early 1970s as a hippie commune, Christiania has become a bohemian paradise. Step off of the main street and you will find a world replete with cool beer gardens, places to relax, and some excellent Copenhagen street food.
   
   
6. If art or history are more interesting to you, the Nationalmuseet comes highly recommended as one of the finest Copenhagen attractions. Inside you will find plenty of Viking history and lore. Just north of the city is the fabulous Louisiana Museum of Modern Art. So thorough is their art collection that displays are rotated regularly, so each visit is sure to host a new surprise.

Practical information for your trip

Flights to Copenhagen via Brussels Airlines land at Copenhagen Airport (CPH). Located in the south of the city, the airport is spread over several terminals, and runs a free bus service that connects them all. The drive into Copenhagen city centre takes about 25 minutes, and taxis run from outside terminal 3. It is recommended that you pre-book, or order an Uber for the cheapest prices. Buses and trains also run from terminal 3. The airport itself is part of the Copenhagen metro service, on line M2. Trains run every 4-6 minutes during the day, and roughly every 15 minutes in the evening. A single ticket costs 24 DKK, while longer day and weekly passes are available.

• Currency: The Copenhagen currency is the Danish Krone.
• Country Dialling Code: +45.
• Electric Sockets: Plug type C and type F (two round pins) suitable for appliances of 230 V - 50 Hz.
• Travel information: Denmark is part of the Schengen zone, meaning that under normal circumstances, EU citizens may travel without a passport. Non-EU citizens must have a valid passport. Citizens of the following countries may enter Denmark without a visa: Countries of the European Union, the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Citizens of other countries require a visa.

Dos and Don’ts in Copenhagen

Copenhagen is an extremely friendly city filled with very respectful people. Make sure you don't shy away from public situations where people like to talk. Copenhagen nightlife is loud and busy.

• Restaurants and bars in the city fill up quickly, so make sure you have booked a table to avoid disappointment.
• The best way to see the city is either on your two feet or on two wheels. However, if you need to take a train, the metro map is incredibly clear, and the City Pass is well priced. Cycling is a major hobby in the city, with most streets having cycle pathways. Ensure that you are visible - particularly at night - and avoid walking on the paths. If you want to rent bikes, make sure you are completely confident in the do’s and don’ts of bike riding.
• Perhaps the standout feature of Copenhagen’s residents is their efficiency. Timing is everything in this city, so make sure you aren’t a minute late to anything, or you may risk missing it. So orderly are they that in markets and shops where queues are likely, a ticketing system is often in place to keep everything running smoothly.
• Most importantly of all, don’t be afraid to get lost. The streets and riverside walks were made for meandering. The best adventure is often the one you do not expect.

Local phrases & essential vocabulary

• Velkommen (pronounced: vel-komm-en) or hej are the general greetings that you will hear in the city.
• Tak, ja and nej (thanks, yes and no) are all easy to remember.
• The refrain of skål (ska-ol) – cheers – will be heard often.
• Other polite phrases include undskyld – sorry (pronounced: un-skool-d), and undskyld mig, excuse me (pronounced: un-skool-d my).

Cultural events

• March - NatFilm Festival, a series of screenings held over 10 days. Each year over 100 international films are shown in various locations around the city.
• June - Sankt Hans Aften (Midsummer Eve). This holy holiday festival is celebrated with bonfires all around the city. Particularly remarkable are the boats set aflame on the river, in the Viking tradition.
• July - Roskilde Festival. Held about 30 minutes’ drive southwest of Copenhagen, this is one of the largest music festivals in Europe. The music and performances last for four days. Sales for tickets start in December and often sell out.
• August - Hamlet summer plays. Come and celebrate the most famous fictional Danish prince. Shakespeare's play is hosted in the castle at Kronborg.

When to go to Copenhagen?

Like most of Europe, the weather in Copenhagen can be variable even in the summer months, so be sure to bring an extra jacket, just in case. The temperature can often get below 0 degrees Celsius in winter. As a city break, Copenhagen is excellent all year round. In the summer, the seaside and riverside walks make for spectacular views, while the Copenhagen Christmas markets make it a wonderfully cosy winter destination. Accommodation and flights are normally cheapest in autumn when the bigger tourist attractions are winding down operations, and the Christmas festivities have yet to start.

What to eat?

The Torvehallerne food market should be the first stop of any foodie travelling to Copenhagen. This venue features two halls full of some of the most delectable eats the city has to offer. The Meatpacking District is another excellent place to stop for casual eats. While in Copenhagen, be sure to try some pickled herring, a Scandinavian classic.

Copenhagen treats you must try:

• Smørrebrød – open faced sandwiches.
• Gløgg – mulled wine with various spices.
• Noma – not a specific type of food, but a world-famous restaurant.