Essential Tips for Visiting Denmark: Everything You Need to Know
Denmark looks hilariously easy on Instagram. Bikes. Cinnamon buns the size of your head. Sunsets over pastel houses. Then you land and suddenly you’re juggling three transport apps, a card-only café, and the realisation that “quick” museum visits become “how is it already 4pm?” 😅
The good news: In my opinion, Denmark is genuinely simple once you know the local rhythm. It’s safe, organised, and first-timer friendly. The annoying bits are mostly admin stuff like border changes, cashless life, and how tickets work.
This guide is your calm, practical checklist put in a simple way. You’ll learn how to arrive prepared, spend smarter, get around Copenhagen and beyond without stress, and dodge the classic rookie mistakes that quietly drain your budget. Think Denmark travel tips with a side of “save your money for the good pastries”.
Denmark Tips: Quick Facts at a Glance
| Thing | What you need to know |
|---|---|
| Currency | Danish Krone (DKK). Most places prefer card. Some spots are fully cashless. 💳 |
| Entry basics (UK) | Denmark is in Schengen. Short stays follow the 90/180 rule. Passport must meet Schengen validity rules. 🛂 |
| Border changes (2026-2027) | EES is rolling out across Schengen, meaning more digital border checks for non-EU travellers. ETIAS is expected later in 2026 / 2027. 📸 |
| Getting around | Brilliant public transport + cycling culture. Copenhagen is easy without a car. 🚇 |
| Big transport gotcha | The physical Rejsekort is being phased out from 2026, so apps matter. 📱 |
| Costs | Denmark can be pricey, but it’s very “hackable” with smart choices (supermarkets, free days, picnic culture). 🥪 |
| Best time to visit | Summer for long daylight and coastal vibes. Spring and early autumn for fewer crowds. 🌞 |
| Plugs | Denmark uses Type K (often compatible with Type C/E plugs). 230V, 50Hz. 🔌 |
| Tipping | Not expected like the US. Rounding up is fine but keep it chill. 🍽️ |
| Classic surprises | Bike lanes have rules, many places are card-only, and Sunday hours can be shorter outside city centres. 🗓️ |
💡 Fact: Denmark runs on MobilePay and contactless vibes. If your phone wallet isn’t set up before you arrive, you’ll notice it fast.
🔥 My Recommended Tour to get you started in Denmark: Denmark: The Norma Effect – Nordic food and culture tour
Quick Denmark Q&As
What are the top tips for visiting Denmark for first-timers?
Go card-first, sort your transport apps before you arrive, and plan for higher day-to-day costs than you expect.
Do I need a visa to visit Denmark from the UK?
Not for short trips, but Schengen’s 90/180 rule applies and your passport must meet Schengen validity rules.
Do they use euros in Denmark?
No. Denmark uses DKK. A few touristy places might accept euros, but it’s not standard and the rate is rarely kind.
Is Denmark basically cashless now?
A lot of it is. Cards are king, and some places are cashless, especially in bigger cities.
What’s the easiest way to use public transport in Copenhagen?
Use apps. The Rejsekort app (check-in/out style) and Rejsebillet (buy tickets) are the big ones as the physical Rejsekort phases out.
Do I need to tip in Denmark?
Not really. Service is typically included. If you loved it, rounding up is enough. 🙂
Is Copenhagen Card worth it?
It can be, if you’re doing multiple paid attractions in 1–3 days and you’ll use public transport a lot.
🔹 Tinker’s Tip: Screenshot your 90/180 count (or note the dates) before you travel. If border queues get slow with EES checks, you won’t be stress-scrolling trying to remember your last Schengen trip. 🛂
Tips for visiting Denmark: the 10-second version (what surprises people most)
Denmark is easy… once you stop trying to do it like every other European city break. The surprises are small but sneaky: you’ll meet fully cashless cafés, museums that sell out at peak times, and a bike lane system that runs like a tiny polite motorway. 🚲
Expect prices to feel punchier than many parts of Europe. The upside is that quality is high across the board, so your “budget” choices can still feel nice. Also, Denmark rewards slow travel. A packed itinerary can feel like sprinting through a design showroom.
If you’re visiting Denmark for the first time, the best move is to do a little setup: payments, transport apps, and a rough plan for day trips. Then you can relax into the good stuff: harbour walks, bakeries, and that oddly soothing Danish efficiency.
🔹 Tinker’s Tip: Do your “boring setup” on the plane or train (apps, cards, bookings). You’ll save money and avoid that first-day faff.
🗺️ Packing Guide to get you started: Carry-On Only: How to Ditch the Luggage Drama and Travel Like a Pro
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Entry requirements for Denmark (non-EU travellers, including the UK): passport rules + Schengen 90/180
Denmark is in the Schengen area, so non-EU travellers (including UK passport holders) follow the Schengen rules for short stays. In plain terms: you can stay for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period across the whole Schengen zone, not “90 days per country”. So if you’ve already had a cheeky long weekend in Spain or France recently, those days still count towards your total. 📅
Passport rules matter too. Your passport should be valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave Schengen, and it must be less than 10 years old on the day you enter. That second bit catches loads of people out, especially if you renewed early and got extra months added on an older passport.
Some airports and crossings may take longer than you’re used to due to the border crossing changes that are happening. Build in a bit of buffer time for travel days, especially at busy hubs. 🛂
👉 Good to know: Faroe Islands and Greenland are part of the Kingdom of Denmark, but they have separate entry rules and are not in Schengen. 🌍
🗺️ Use our entry requirement checker: The Travel Tinker Entry Requirement Checker
Money in Denmark: DKK, card culture, and when cash still helps
Denmark uses Danish Krone (DKK), and it’s extremely card-friendly. In Copenhagen especially, you can glide through a whole trip tapping your card or phone without seeing a single coin. Some venues are cashless, so don’t rely on cash as your “just in case”. 💳
For UK and European travellers, the real money win is your card setup. Use a card that keeps fees low and gives you a decent exchange rate, and always pay in DKK when given the choice. Letting a terminal convert into GBP/EUR can add sneaky extra cost.
💳 Recommended No Fee Card: Monzo Bank – earn £50 when you sign up
Cash still has a tiny role. It can help for small markets, tips for tour guides (if you feel like it), or places that simply run faster with coins. But it’s not essential.
Rough conversions used in this guide: 1 DKK ≈ £0.12 / €0.13 / $0.16
💡 Fact: Denmark is one of Europe’s most card-heavy countries, so card-first planning is the norm, not a “travel hack”.
Costs and budgeting: how to do Denmark without haemorrhaging money
Denmark can feel expensive fast, mostly because the “small” stuff adds up: coffees, quick lunches, museum tickets, and transport. The trick is not skipping everything fun. It’s choosing where to spend. ☕🧾
A few easy wins:
- Make supermarkets your best mate. Grab breakfast bits, picnic lunches, and snacks. Even in Copenhagen, a simple picnic by the water feels like a main character moment.
- Aim for one paid “big thing” per day, then pad it with free beauty: neighbourhood walks, harbour fronts, parks, beaches.
- Book stays with kitchen access if you’re travelling as a couple or family. One or two simple meals cooked at “home” can fund a nicer meal out later.
- Use free museum days and city events (Copenhagen has loads).
And yes, the Danish hot dog stands are your budget MVP. No shame. Only mustard.
🔹 Tinker’s Tip: Plan a “cheap day” every 3rd day (free sights + supermarket picnic). It keeps your budget from quietly melting.
🚕 Airport Transfer just in case: Welcome Pickups Copenhagen
🗺️ Recommended Read: NEW Europe Entry Rules You Need to Know (Non-EU Travellers)
Recommended Tours from GetYourGuide
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Getting around Copenhagen: tickets, apps, and what’s changing
Copenhagen public transport is excellent, but 2026 / 2027 is a transition year, so the biggest win is knowing what system you’re using.
The headline change: the physical Rejsekort is being phased out from 2026, so travellers should get comfortable with app-based options. The two big players you’ll hear about:
-
Rejsekort app: check-in/out style travel (think “tap-in” logic, but on your phone).
-
Rejsebillet app: buy tickets and commuter passes in advance.
Some older regional ticket apps are being retired as Denmark pushes towards nationwide solutions, so if you’ve read old blogs recommending a specific local app, sanity-check it.
Here’s the quick “which one should I use?” table:
| You are… | Best option | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Doing lots of rides daily | Rejsekort app | Easy check-in/out feel |
| Doing occasional rides | Rejsebillet | Simple ticket purchase |
| Not using smartphones | Basiskort | Physical alternative |
| Planning routes | Rejseplanen | Best for journey planning |
💡 Fact: Denmark’s rail network makes “sleep in Copenhagen, explore elsewhere” a very realistic first-timer plan.
Trains, day trips, and how to plan routes without headaches
Denmark is brilliant for day trips. You can do castles, beaches, modern art museums, and cute towns without hiring a car. The main “don’t overthink it” rule is: plan around departures, not distances. A place can look close on a map but take longer via connections.
For planning, use a proper journey planner and sanity-check the last return train, especially in quieter seasons. If your day trip involves a museum that closes early, go there first, then wander after. Denmark’s daylight can also mess with your rhythm depending on season, so don’t assume summer-style evenings in winter.
Popular easy wins from Copenhagen include:
Kronborg Castle (Hamlet vibes)
Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
Roskilde (Viking and cathedral energy)
If you’re doing a summer coastal trip, trains plus local buses usually get you there, but check timetables in advance.
🗺️ Fany a European Road trip: Fairytale Europe Road Trip: Turrets, Timber & Alpine Backdrops 🚗
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Ready to spark your next adventure with unique travel gadgets and essentials? Head over to The Travel Tinker Shop now and discover your perfect companion!
Cycling in Denmark: bike lanes, etiquette, and how not to get silently yelled at
Cycling is a lifestyle here, not an activity. In Copenhagen, bike lanes have flow, etiquette, and the quiet intensity of people who are late for work but still polite about it.
A few rules that will save your dignity:
- Don’t wander into bike lanes while taking photos. It’s not personal, but you’ll get The Look.
- Keep right, overtake left, and signal turns if you can.
- Don’t stop dead in the lane to check Google Maps. Pull over like you would on a road.
- If you rent a bike, check how the lock works before you roll off confidently into the sunset like a film montage.
Also, cycling in windy weather by the harbour is… character-building. Bring a light layer and accept the hair situation.
🔹 Tinker’s Tip: If you’re nervous, start with park paths or quiet neighbourhood streets before tackling peak-hour city lanes.
Where to stay: best bases for first-timers (Copenhagen + beyond)
For most first-timers, Copenhagen is the easiest base. It’s compact, well-connected, and lets you do day trips without moving luggage every other day.
Neighbourhood vibes (very broadly):
- Indre By: central, walkable, pricier, great for short stays.
- Vesterbro: cafés, food spots, a bit trendier, good transport links.
- Nørrebro: more local feel, great food, good if you like exploring beyond the postcard.
- Østerbro: calmer, leafy, still close enough for easy city days.
Outside Copenhagen, consider Aarhus for a second-city vibe, or a coastal base in summer if you want beach time and slow evenings.
For mid-range budgets, the earlier you book, the less you’ll pay for location. If you want to browse options quickly, check Booking.com and filter for “public transport nearby” and “breakfast included”.
🏨 Recommended hotels: Booking.com Copenhagen
🛌 Recommended Hostels: Hostelworld Copenhagen
🏩 Accommodation from Hotels.com Copenhagen
🗺️ Useful Guide: Direct vs Third-Party Travel: Your Ultimate Booking Decision Guide
What to book in advance (and what you can wing)
Denmark is organised, but popular places still sell out. Book ahead if it would ruin your day to miss it.
Book in advance:
- Big museums and special exhibitions (especially weekends).
- Tivoli Gardens on peak dates.
- Popular harbour tours and day tours in summer.
- Any specific restaurant you’ve built your whole personality around.
You can wing:
- Most neighbourhood exploring.
- Many smaller museums outside peak periods.
- Food halls and casual spots.
If you’re only in Copenhagen for 2–3 days, pre-booking one or two “anchor activities” is enough. Then leave breathing room for wandering, coffee breaks, and the inevitable “wait, this street is cute, let’s detour”.
For easy planning, browsing tours can help you see what’s popular and what time slots vanish first.
🔹 Tinker’s Tip: Book anything timed for the morning. If your afternoon goes sideways, you’ll still feel like you “did the thing”.
🗺️ More guides: Sightseeing Smarter: Why GetYourGuide Outshines the Rest for Booking Tours
Copenhagen Card and attraction passes: when they’re worth it
The Copenhagen Card can be excellent, but only if you use it properly. The Copenhagen Card – DISCOVER includes entry to lots of attractions and unlimited public transport in the Capital Region, including transport to and from the airport. There’s also a HOP version that bundles hop-on hop-off buses and fewer attractions.
A tiny cost example (adult prices): a 24-hour DISCOVER is DKK 589 (about £69 / €79 / $93), and 48-hour is DKK 859 (about £101 / €115 / $136). Prices correct as of 2026.
It tends to be worth it if you’re doing:
- Multiple paid attractions per day, plus
- Frequent transport, plus
- You’re happy to structure your day around “getting value”.
It’s less worth it if you’re mainly doing neighbourhood wandering, parks, food markets, and one big paid museum.
Pickup your card on the Official Website.
Food and drink: what to try, how to eat well on a budget, and tipping
Denmark eats well. You can do fancy Nordic tasting menus, but you can also eat brilliantly on a normal-person budget.
Budget-friendly Denmark food ideas:
- Smørrebrød (open sandwiches): try it once properly, then you’ll want it daily.
- Hot dogs from a stand: cheap, classic, weirdly satisfying.
- Bakeries: the pastry game is not optional. ☕
- Food halls: good for groups and picky eaters.
Money-saving move: make lunch your “nice meal” and keep dinner simpler. Lots of places have better-value lunch menus.
Tipping is simple: it’s not expected like in the US. Service is generally included, and rounding up is fine if you feel like it. No pressure, no awkward maths at the table.
👉 Good to know: Tap water is safe and normal to drink, so refill your bottle and save your money for pastries instead.
Best time to visit Denmark: weather, daylight, and what each season feels like
Denmark changes personality by season.
Spring (March–May): Crisp air, lighter crowds, and that “city waking up” energy. Pack layers and expect mixed weather.
Summer (June–August): Long daylight, outdoor swimming, festivals, coastal trips, and peak prices. Copenhagen feels alive late into the evening because the sun basically refuses bedtime. 🌞
Autumn (September–October): Cosy cafés, golden light, fewer crowds, still pleasant for city breaks. A favourite for people who want “nice but not hectic”.
Winter (November–February): Short daylight, hygge season, Christmas markets, and lots of indoor culture. It can be windy, so it’s less about beaches and more about warm layers and candles.
For first-timers, late spring or early autumn is the sweet spot: easier bookings, calmer streets, and still plenty to do.
What to pack: shoes, layers, and the plug adaptor situation
Denmark packing is mostly about comfort and weather-proofing.
Shoes: Copenhagen is walkable, but you’ll do more steps than you think. Bring trainers or comfy boots that can handle rain. If you plan to cycle, shoes with decent grip help.
Layers: even summer evenings can cool down near the water. A light jacket or overshirt goes a long way. In winter, a windproof outer layer is the difference between “cute city stroll” and “why is my face numb”.
Plug adaptors: Denmark uses Type K sockets, and you’ll often see compatibility with Type C/E plugs too. Electricity is 230V, 50Hz, so UK travellers will need an adaptor for sure.
Also, an eSIM is handy if you’re hopping between Denmark and other countries and want data working the second you land.
Driving in Denmark (optional but useful): speed limits, bridges, and parking reality
You can do Denmark without a car, but a car helps if you want small coastal towns, remote beaches, or a proper road trip across islands.
Basic rules: Denmark drives on the right, and speed limits are generally 50 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h outside urban areas, and 110–130 km/h on motorways (posted). Phones while driving are heavily restricted unless you have a proper built-in handsfree system.
Bridge tolls: if you road trip across islands, the big ones can add cost.
Storebælt (Great Belt Bridge) standard car is DKK 205 one way (about £24 / €27 / $32). Prices correct as of 2026.
Øresund Bridge (Copenhagen–Malmö) standard car is DKK 470 one way (about £55 / €63 / $74). Prices correct as of 2026.
Parking in Copenhagen can be pricey and limited, so most visitors skip driving in the city and use transport instead.
Get Your Car Rental:
Safety and emergencies: who to call and what tourists should know
Denmark is one of those places where you generally feel safe walking around, even in cities. Still, tourist common sense applies: keep an eye on your stuff in busy areas, and don’t leave bags unattended in cafés.
Emergency numbers are straightforward:
- 112 for emergencies (ambulance, fire, police).
- 114 for non-emergency police.
Medical care can be a bit different from what some travellers expect. In the Copenhagen region, you’re often asked to call a medical helpline before turning up at emergency care. In the Capital Region, that helpline is 1813 for injuries or sudden illness that isn’t life-threatening.
And yes, it’s worth sorting travel insurance before you go. If something goes wrong, you want it to be an admin problem, not a money problem. travel insurance = boring hero energy.
Your Denmark pre-trip checklist (save this to Notes)
✅ Passport checked against Schengen validity rules
✅ Schengen 90/180 days checked (especially if you’ve travelled recently)
✅ Card that works abroad, fees understood, pay-in-DKK habit locked in 💳
✅ Downloaded: Rejseplanen + (Rejsekort app or Rejsebillet) 📱
✅ Any must-do attractions booked (Tivoli, big museums, day tours) 🎟️
✅ Accommodation booked in a transport-friendly area (Copenhagen first-timer move) 🛏️
✅ Rough daily budget set (with one “cheap day” planned) 💰
✅ Plug adaptor packed (Type K compatible) 🔌
✅ Windproof layer packed (seriously) 🌬️
✅ If using data: Airalo eSIM set up
✅ Emergency numbers saved: 112, 114, plus local medical helpline if relevant 🚑
✅ Travel insurance sorted: travel insurance
✅ A “nice” activity planned that isn’t a museum (harbour walk, sauna, beach, bakery crawl) 🌊🥐
FAQs about Visiting Denmark
Do I need cash for Denmark at all?
Not much. A small amount can help in niche situations, but lots of travellers do Denmark fully card-only, especially in Copenhagen.
Is Copenhagen expensive compared to London?
It can be, especially for eating out and attractions, but it depends on your habits. If you do supermarkets, free sights, and one paid “big thing” per day, it can feel similar to a sensible London weekend.
What’s the biggest mistake first-timers make in Copenhagen?
Trying to speed-run it. Denmark rewards slower days, and you’ll enjoy it more (and spend less) if you don’t cram everything into 48 hours.
Are shops and attractions open on Sundays?
Many are, but hours can be shorter and smaller towns can feel quieter. Always check opening times for specific attractions, especially outside peak season.
Can I do Denmark without a car?
Absolutely. Copenhagen is easy without one, and trains plus buses can cover a lot of the country. A car is only really needed for very specific rural or coastal plans.
Ready for Denmark?
Where are you heading in Denmark? Copenhagen city break, coastal summer, Legoland mission, or a little island-hopping road trip? Drop a comment with your route and the one thing you’re most unsure about, and I’ll point you in the right direction. 🇩🇰✨
For more Denmark and Scandinavia planning help, have a nose around TheTravelTinker.com. And if you’re still in setup mode, don’t forget the boring-but-brilliant stuff like travel insurance and a reliable eSIM so your maps work the second you land.👇🗣️
Adventure on,
The Travel Tinker Crew 🌍✨
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Recommended Websites and Resources:
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Book Your Flights: Kick off your travel planning by finding the best flight deals on Trip.com. Our years of experience with them confirm they offer the most competitive prices.
Book Your Hotel: For the best hotel rates, use Booking.com . For the best and safest hostels, HostelWorld.com is your go-to resource. Best for overall Hotel ratings and bargains, use TripAdvisor.com!
Find Apartment Rentals: For affordable apartment rentals, check out VRBO. They consistently offer the best prices.
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Travel Insurance: Never travel without insurance. Here are our top recommendations:
- EKTA for Travel Insurance for all areas!
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Book Your Activities: Discover walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more on Get Your Guide. They have a vast selection of activities to enhance your trip. There is also Tiqets.com for instant mobile tickets.
Book The Best Trains: Use Trainline to find the most affordable trains or Rail Europe for rail passes!
Travel E-SIMS: Airalo Worldwide! Use your mobile phone anywhere!
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Author
Logan Riley
Hey there, I'm Logan, a wandering soul with a passion for uncovering the world's hidden gems. From sipping coffee in cozy Parisian cafés to hiking rugged trails in Patagonia, I chase experiences that spark joy and curiosity. My blog is a scrapbook of adventures, filled with tips, stories, and photos from off-the-beaten-path destinations. Whether it's savoring street food in Bangkok or stargazing in the Sahara, I’m here to inspire your next journey.
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