Flights from South Africa to Copenhagen (CPH)

Discover Copenhagen

Discover Copenhagen

Why visit Copenhagen?

Copenhagen combines waterfront charm, cutting-edge design, and a relaxed cycling culture in a compact city. You will find grand royal landmarks, colourful harbours, and modern neighbourhoods side by side.

What to expect

Expect a walkable, bike-friendly city with distinct districts, from historic Nyhavn and Christiansborg Palace to hip Vesterbro and regenerated harbourfronts. Cafes, galleries, and green spaces are never far away.

Plan your trip

Copenhagen works well for a city break or as a starting point for exploring the rest of Denmark and southern Scandinavia. The city is efficiently connected by rail, road, and ferry to nearby Nordic capitals.

Top sights in Copenhagen

Nyhavn harbour

Stroll along the 17th-century waterfront lined with colourful townhouses and historic wooden ships, and soak in one of Copenhagen's most iconic views.

Tivoli Gardens

Visit this classic city-centre amusement park and garden for nostalgic rides, landscaped paths, and an atmospheric evening light display.

The Little Mermaid statue

Walk the waterfront promenade to see the famous bronze statue inspired by the Hans Christian Andersen tale, set on a rock overlooking the harbour.

Christiansborg Palace

Explore this grand palace on Slotsholmen island, with its impressive halls, tower views, and layers of royal and political history.

Rosenborg Castle and the King’s Garden

Discover a fairy-tale castle housing the crown jewels, then relax in the surrounding landscaped park, a favourite spot with locals on sunny days.

Designmuseum Danmark

Trace the evolution of Danish design, from iconic chairs to contemporary objects, in a museum that highlights the country’s strong design heritage.

Øresund waterfront and Islands Brygge

Join locals along the harbourfront promenades and urban bathing areas, where modern architecture meets open water views across the Øresund.

Experience Copenhagen’s everyday rhythm

Getting around

Use the efficient metro and S-train network for longer journeys, then switch to buses or hire a bicycle for shorter hops. Walking is ideal in the compact centre, and a harbour bus ride offers a scenic way to cross the city.

Local life & culture

Copenhagen life flows at a calm pace, with people commuting by bike, gathering in neighbourhood squares, and enjoying culture in small galleries and performance spaces. Distinct districts offer their own character, from creative areas to elegant historic streets.

Where to unwind

Relax in the King’s Garden, Fælledparken, or along the leafy lakes that frame the inner city, best enjoyed in the soft evening light. On bright days, head to the beaches at Amager Strandpark or the harbour baths for fresh air and open views.

A taste of Copenhagen

Street food & local specialties

Sample open-faced smørrebrød sandwiches, fresh seafood, and seasonal Nordic bites in casual market halls and food courts clustered near the city centre and harbourfront.

Casual & modern dining hubs

Explore converted warehouses and mixed-use districts where informal eateries serve everything from Nordic-inspired dishes to global flavours, with small plates that make it easy to try several options.

Signature & scenic dining

Book a table at waterfront venues or rooftop restaurants that overlook canals, harbours, or the city skyline, pairing refined Nordic cuisine with memorable views.

Retail therapy in Copenhagen

Malls & lifestyle hubs

Browse central shopping centres and lifestyle complexes that bring together international brands, Danish design labels, and dining options, turning shopping into a relaxed social outing.

Markets & local crafts

Seek out compact neighbourhood streets and small design shops in areas such as the historic centre, Vesterbro, and Nørrebro for handmade crafts, ceramics, fashion, and homeware by local makers.

Evening retail scene

Købmagergade and the Strøget walking streets stay lively into the evening with illuminated windows, cafes, and bars nearby, and you can reach these central areas easily by metro, bus, or bike.

Best time to visit Copenhagen

Summer (June to August, peak season) brings mild, pleasant weather, with average temperatures around 18–22°C (64–72°F) and long daylight hours that are ideal for outdoor exploration. Spring and early autumn (April to May and September to October, shoulder season) are cooler at around 10–16°C (50–61°F), with fewer crowds and changing foliage in parks and gardens. Winter (November to March, low season) is cold, typically around 0–5°C (32–41°F), with short days, cosy interiors, and a quieter, more atmospheric feel.

Frequently Asked Questions