Welcome to Copenhagen, one of the most vibrant and charming cities in Europe! As a local company deeply rooted in Danish culture and humor, we at Copenhagen Show are thrilled to help you make the most of your visit. Whether you’re here for a quick weekend getaway or an extended stay, this guide is designed to give every tourist in Copenhagen the inside scoop on how to truly experience our beloved city. Forget generic guidebooks – we’re here to share the real Copenhagen, with a healthy dose of Danish wit.
We know you’re eager to explore, so let’s dive into what makes Copenhagen unique, how to navigate our quirky customs, and, of course, how to have a laugh while you’re at it. As a tourist in Copenhagen, you’ll quickly discover that Danes have a special way of doing things, and understanding a bit about our culture will enhance your experience significantly.
You’ve probably heard of ‘hygge’ – that cozy, comfortable feeling that Danes are famous for. It’s real, and it’s wonderful, but there’s so much more to Danish culture than just candles and blankets. Danes have a unique take on life, often characterized by a dry sense of humor, a strong sense of community, and an appreciation for quality over quantity.
As a tourist in Copenhagen, you’ll encounter these traits daily. We value punctuality, directness (which can sometimes be mistaken for rudeness, but it’s usually just efficiency!), and a certain humility. Don’t be surprised if locals are generally reserved at first; a warm smile and an attempt at Danish (even just “hej”!) can go a long way.
Want to understand what ‘hygge’ truly means to us? Check out our blog post: What is Hygge?
Copenhagen is an incredibly walkable and bike-friendly city. You’ll see locals zipping around on two wheels everywhere, and we highly recommend giving it a try if you’re comfortable. Many hotels offer bike rentals, or you can find numerous rental shops throughout the city. If cycling isn’t your thing, our public transportation system is efficient and easy to use.
Walking: Many of Copenhagen’s main attractions are within walking distance of each other, especially in the city center.
Biking: Rent a bike! It’s the most authentic Danish way to explore. Just remember to use hand signals and obey traffic rules.
Public Transport: Buses, S-trains, and the Metro cover the entire city. Consider a Copenhagen Card for unlimited travel and free access to many attractions.
Navigating our city as a tourist in Copenhagen is generally stress-free. Most signs are in Danish and English, and almost everyone you encounter will speak excellent English.
Copenhagen is brimming with iconic sights and exciting experiences. While you’ll definitely want to visit the classics, we also encourage you to seek out some of the lesser-known spots that give Copenhagen its unique character. Here’s a quick overview of what we recommend:
Tivoli Gardens: An iconic amusement park and pleasure garden that’s magical for all ages.
Nyhavn: The picturesque harbor with colorful townhouses, perfect for a canal tour or a leisurely meal.
The Little Mermaid: Our famous statue, a quintessential photo stop.
Rosenborg Castle: A beautiful Renaissance castle housing the Danish Crown Jewels.
Christiansborg Palace: The seat of the Danish Parliament, with stunning royal reception rooms.
To truly experience life as a tourist in Copenhagen, venture beyond the mainstream. Explore the vibrant Vesterbro district, known for its trendy eateries and nightlife, or wander through the charming streets of Christiania, a unique self-proclaimed autonomous neighborhood. The Lakes (Søerne) offer beautiful walking and cycling paths, and the Royal Library’s Black Diamond building is an architectural marvel worth visiting.
For more ideas on where to go, check out our blog post about places to visit when in Copenhagen. We constantly update it with fresh ideas and local insights tailored for the curious tourist in Copenhagen.
Danish cuisine is much more than just open-faced sandwiches (smørrebrød), though they are delicious! Copenhagen is a culinary hotspot, from Michelin-starred restaurants to cozy cafes and bustling street food markets. Don’t be shy – try everything!
Smørrebrød: Our famous open-faced sandwiches with various toppings. A must-try for any tourist in Copenhagen.
Pølser: Danish hot dogs, often found at street vendors (pølsevogne).
Rødgrød med fløde: A traditional berry compote with cream.
Danish pastries (wienerbrød): Absolutely essential with your morning coffee.
Craft Beer: Copenhagen has a thriving craft beer scene.
Exploring the food scene is a fantastic way for a tourist in Copenhagen to experience our culture. Don’t miss Torvehallerne, a popular food market with an incredible selection of fresh produce, gourmet foods, and street food stalls.
After all that sightseeing and cultural immersion, you might be ready for a good laugh. That’s where we come in! At Copenhagen Show, we offer a unique and hilarious introduction to Danish culture with our live comedy show, “The Truth About Denmark in 60 Minutes of Fun.”
This isn’t a history lecture or a walking tour – it’s an entertaining and educational stand-up comedy experience designed specifically for tourists, expats, and anyone curious about Danish habits and quirks. Hosted by Martin, occasionally joined by mystery guests, we’ll dive into everything from ‘hygge’ to our famously unique sense of humor, offering local insider tips along the way.
It’s in English: So you won’t miss a single punchline!
It’s Free: That’s right, free! We just recommend booking in advance because it can get quite popular.
It’s Fun & Informative: Learn about Denmark in the most entertaining way possible.
Central Location: We’re conveniently located at Next House, Bernstorffsgade 27, 1577 Copenhagen.
Adult Humor: Recommended for ages 16+, our show features adult themes and witty observations.
Join us on Saturdays at 5 pm for 60 minutes of side-splitting observations about Danish life. It’s the perfect way to spend an evening and get a truly local, humorous perspective as a tourist in Copenhagen. Find out more about our live comedy show.
Beyond our live show, we also maintain a vibrant blog where we share more insights into Danish culture, humor, and stand-up comedy. It’s a great resource for any tourist in Copenhagen looking to delve deeper into our unique way of life.
Funny things about Denmark: Discover our quirks
The Danish stand-up scene: Comedy Shows in Copenhagen
What is stand-up comedy: An introduction
Having fun in Copenhagen: Your guide to entertainment
As you plan your adventures as a tourist in Copenhagen, here are a few final pointers to make your trip as smooth and enjoyable as possible:
Cash vs. Card: Denmark is largely cashless. Cards are widely accepted everywhere, even for small purchases.
Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory in Denmark as service charges are included in prices. However, a small tip for exceptional service is always appreciated.
Weather: Copenhagen weather can be unpredictable. Pack layers, and always have a rain jacket or umbrella handy, even in summer.
Emergencies: For any emergency, dial 112.
Enjoy the Outdoors: Danes love being outside. Embrace the weather, good or bad, and enjoy our parks, waterfronts, and outdoor cafes.
We hope this guide helps you feel more prepared and excited for your visit. Copenhagen is a fantastic city, full of charm, history, and a really good sense of humor. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us at info@copenhagen.show if you have any questions before or during your trip. We’re here to ensure every tourist in Copenhagen has an unforgettable experience!
The best way to get around Copenhagen is often by walking or cycling. The city center is very compact and bike friendly. For longer distances, public transportation such as the Metro, S trains and buses is efficient and easy to use. A Copenhagen Card can provide unlimited public transport and free entry to many attractions.
Yes, almost everyone in Copenhagen speaks excellent English, especially in tourist areas, shops and restaurants. You will have no problem communicating in English during your visit.
You absolutely must try smørrebrød, which are traditional open faced sandwiches, pølser or Danish hot dogs, and Danish pastries known as wienerbrød. Visiting a food market like Torvehallerne is also highly recommended if you want to sample a wide range of local specialties in one place.
Copenhagen can be perceived as an expensive city compared to many other European capitals. However, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the city on a budget. You can visit free attractions, enjoy affordable street food and take advantage of free events like our comedy show.
Copenhagen Show offers a unique, free, 60 minute live comedy show called The Truth About Denmark. It is an entertaining and humorous take on Danish culture and habits, created specifically for an international audience. It is neither a traditional tour nor a lecture, but a fun and insightful way to get insider tips and enjoy a good laugh about Danish life. The show takes place every Saturday at 5 pm in central Copenhagen.
In addition to attending our live show, you can explore the blog on copenhagen.show, where you will find articles about Danish humor, hygge, popular comedy shows and local attractions. Following our social media channels on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok is also a great way to get daily insights, fun facts and cultural perspectives on Denmark.
