Copenhagen, the little capital with more bikes than vehicles, is a vibrant contemporary city ideal for weekend trips. Copenhagen is also regarded as one of the world’s happiest cities, with an abundance of green spaces, great museums, and a vibrant nightlife. Known for having routes suited to cyclists, this area has more bikes than cars—in fact, more bikes than people. I’ve been going to the city on and off for almost four years and have always had a great time. This place offers almost the best quality of life anywhere. Even if the city is pricey, it is still feasible to visit without going over budget. To help you plan your vacation, here’s my selection of the top hotels in the best area to stay in Copenhagen:
THE 6 BEST HOTELS IN COPENHAGEN
1. Hotel Ottilia
Otilia, a four-star hotel converted from the former Carlsberg brewery, has received multiple architecture prizes for its renovation. Located in Vesterbro, a neighborhood famed for its great eateries and third-wave coffee shops, the basic rooms are trendy yet modest, with contrasting bright and dark colors. Rooms have Wi-Fi, flatscreen TVs with Netflix, coffee/tea makers, and comfortable seats. If you’re on a budget and traveling alone, they also offer smaller accommodations available.
Complimentary amenities are provided, and the bathrooms have stylish black tile. I adore that you can keep toasty warm even in the cold thanks to the heated bathroom flooring. The shower pressure is excellent as well, however be in mind that certain rooms have open bathroom layouts, which limits privacy.
It’s particularly satisfying because breakfast is entirely organic. The fresh spread is provided as you enjoy the view from the top level. The daily happy hour with free wine is another lovely touch.
2. Hotel Bethel
In the heart of Indre By, the best area to stay in Copenhagen, this three-star hotel is located directly on the canal. Comprising three old buildings, the hotel offers large, pleasant, and clean rooms with simple décor and a touch of vintage modernism. The carpeted rooms include complimentary Wi-Fi, a desk, a closet, and a flat-screen TV. While there’s no coffee or tea machine in the rooms, complimentary coffee and tea are always available in the lounge. The substantial and varied breakfast features mostly cold items like cereal, cold cuts, and pastries. The bathrooms are neat with good water pressure, though a bit small. Despite the lack of a gym or other amenities, the hotel’s larger rooms are perfect for families or groups. You can’t beat the location—it’s a low-cost, convenient, and basic option.
3. Hotel Sct. Thomas
The Tivoli Gardens theme park and Central Station are both conveniently close to this three-star hotel. Situated in the popular Vesterbro neighborhood, the rooms are small but perfectly practical, with a pleasant Danish-inspired décor that includes parquet or hardwood flooring paired with taupe and sage-green walls. The basic rooms include with free Wi-Fi, a clothes rack, a tiny desk, and a flatscreen TV. Although the restrooms are modest, the showers provide good water pressure. Every morning there’s also a delicious organic breakfast consisting of pastries, fresh fruit, and bread.
Additionally, there’s a stylish lobby bar and a rooftop terrace with a bar and sauna (usage requires reservations and payment). The hotel was entirely refurbished in 2024 and is now tidy, cozy, and ideal for guests on a tight budget.
4. Hotel Nora
Situated in the multicultural area of Nørrebro, the best area to stay in Copenhagen, this three-star hotel is housed in an elaborate 19th-century structure. There is a lot of natural light flowing through the spacious, bright rooms here. The rooms have vivid carpets that truly bring the area to life despite the basic décor. A work desk, minifridge, coffee/tea maker, flatscreen TV, and complimentary Wi-Fi are among the amenities. Although a touch outdated, the restrooms offer free amenities and strong water pressure. Every morning, there’s a freshly made Danish breakfast on offer, and you may order the night before to select what you’d want to eat. The fact that you check in with a beer and a bottle of water is something I really enjoy. Even a tiny rooftop patio is available for you to relax on and take in the cityscape.
5. Hotel Skt Petri
If you want to go all out, this five-star hotel is located in Copenhagen’s ancient Latin Quarter, just a few minutes from the major shopping strip. The spacious, elegant rooms let in a plenty of natural light. They have a lot of dark blue and deeper tones, which go well with the wooden furniture and simple artwork. The mattresses are large and comfortable, and the rooms have a flatscreen TV, desk, minibar, coffee/tea maker, and parquet or hardwood flooring. Bright and spacious, the bathrooms have luxurious bathrobes and free amenities.
There is a bar in the vast lobby (the hotel even makes its own gin), a fitness facility on-site, and parking for those commuting by vehicle. Breakfast is exceptionally delicious, with fresh waffles, eggs, pastries, fruit, granola, and more. If you want to indulge, stay here.
6. Boutique Hotel Herman K
The whole four-star hotel in Nyhavn has an elegant industrial feel to it, as it is housed in a former transformer station. The foyer, which stands more than two floors high and has a massive 3D-printed sculpture, is particularly impressive. I appreciate that this place also has a hip cocktail bar.
The huge rooms have basic décor and large windows that let in plenty of natural light. The rooms have soft mattresses, air conditioning, a Bose sound system, a flatscreen TV, comfortable armchairs, a minibar, a kettle, and complimentary Wi-Fi. The marble bathrooms are bright and spacious, with complementary eco-friendly products and great water pressure. Each morning’s breakfast features a variety of alternatives (including vegetarian options) and can be ordered buffet, a la carte, or continental. There is no gym or spa on-site, but because to its central position, you can easily stroll to all of the main attractions. It’s a classy, central option.
FAQs About Staying in Copenhagen
Where to stay in Copenhagen?
The best area for you depends on your travel style and budget. Here’s a breakdown of some popular options:
- City Center (Indre By): Lively and walkable, with major attractions, shops, and restaurants. Great for sightseeing and convenience, but pricier.
- Vesterbro: Trendy and up-and-coming, with cafes, bars, and a mix of budget and boutique hotels. Offers a good balance of nightlife and accessibility.
- Østerbro: Family-friendly with parks, museums, and a relaxed atmosphere. Good for those seeking a quieter stay close to the city center.
- Nørrebro: Multicultural and vibrant, with a mix of vintage shops, ethnic restaurants, and budget-friendly options. Ideal for experiencing local life.
- Christianshavn: Picturesque canal district with colorful houses and a charming atmosphere. Offers a unique stay with some great restaurants.
What is the best area of Copenhagen to stay in?
There’s no single “best” area. Consider your priorities:
- Sightseeing and convenience: City Center (Indre By)
- Nightlife and trendy vibes: Vesterbro
- Quiet and family-friendly: Østerbro
- Local experience: Nørrebro
- Charming canal views: Christianshavn
What is the prettiest area in Copenhagen?
Copenhagen is full of charm! Here are some contenders for prettiest:
- Nyhavn: Harbor area with colorful 17th-century houses, a popular tourist spot.
- Christianshavn: Picturesque canal district with narrow streets and unique architecture.
- Østerbro: Green and spacious, with parks like Kastellet and Fælledparken.
Are there any areas to avoid in Copenhagen?
Copenhagen is generally very safe. However, some areas like certain parts of Sydhavnen (south harbor) might feel less lively. Consider your comfort level and research specific neighborhoods before booking.
Which area is best to live in Copenhagen?
This depends on your lifestyle preferences:
- Young and social: Vesterbro, Nørrebro
- Family-friendly: Østerbro, Frederiksberg
- Walkable and central: City Center (Indre By)
- Quiet and residential: Østerbro, Amager
For specific hotel recommendations, using reputable travel websites like TripAdvisor can be helpful. They allow you to filter by area, price range, and amenities to find the perfect fit.
Conclusion
Copenhagen is one of my favorite European cities. The quality of life here is contagious, and it’s easy to see why this city is regarded as one of the greatest and happiest in the world. And as long as you choose one of the hotels listed above in the best area to stay in Copenhagen, you’ll have a fantastic visit to this gorgeous city.
Pictures were taken from Booking.com