A compact capital with more bikes than cars, Copenhagen is a vibrant, modern city perfect for weekend getaways.
Also considered one of the happiest cities in the world, Copenhagen has tons of green spaces, cool museums, and a wild nightlife. Famous for its bike-friendly streets, there are not only more bikes than cars here, but actually more bikes than people!
I’ve been visiting the city on and off for over 16 years and have a great time every time. The quality of life here is practically unrivaled. And while the city is expensive, it’s definitely possible to visit without breaking the bank.
To help you plan your trip, here’s my list of the best hotels in Copenhagen:
1. Hotel Bethel
This three-star hotel is located right on the canal in the center of Indre By, the most picturesque neighborhood in the city. The hotel consists of three historic buildings with large and spacious rooms that are clean and comfortable. Decor is modern, if a little dated, and generally quite minimalist (don’t expect a lot of art or color). Carpeted rooms feature a flat-screen TV, desk, wardrobe, and free WiFi. There are no coffee/tea makers in the room, but I appreciate that there’s free coffee and tea available 24/7 in the lounge. Breakfast, while not included, is plentiful and offers plenty of variety, although it mostly consists of cold items like pastries, cold cuts, and cereals. Bathrooms are a little small, but clean, and showers have great water pressure.
While there’s no gym or other on-site facilities, the hotel has larger rooms that are perfect for families or groups. And the location really can’t be beat. It’s an affordable, central, no-frills choice.
2. Hotel Ottilia
Part of the former Carlsberg brewery, Otilia is a four-star hotel that has won several architecture awards for its conversion into a hotel. Located in Vesterbro, a neighborhood known for its excellent restaurants and third-wave cafes, the standard rooms are stylish but minimalistic, emphasizing contrasting light and dark tones. Rooms include WiFi, flat-screen TVs with Netflix, coffee/tea makers, and cozy chairs. If you’re on a budget and traveling alone, smaller rooms are also available. Bathrooms have chic dark tiles and complimentary toiletries. I love that the bathroom floors are heated, so you’ll be nice and warm even in winter. The shower pressure is also great, but be aware that some rooms have open bathrooms, so privacy is limited.
The breakfast is plentiful, and I especially like that it’s 100% organic. It’s served on the top floor, so you can enjoy the view while enjoying the fresh breakfast. Another nice touch is the daily happy hour with free wine.
3. Hotel Sct. Thomas
This three-star hotel is a short walk from the Central Station and Tivoli Gardens amusement park. Rooms in trendy Vesterbro are compact but functional, with a cozy Danish-inspired design, with taupe and sage green walls and hardwood or parquet floors. The simple rooms have a flat-screen TV, a small desk, a clothes rack, and free WiFi. The bathrooms are also quite small, but the showers have decent water pressure. A delicious organic breakfast is also offered every morning, with fresh bread, fruit, and pastries.
There’s also a chic lobby bar and a rooftop terrace for relaxing, complete with a bar and sauna (use must be booked and paid for, though). The hotel was completely renovated in 2024 and is clean, comfortable, and perfect for budget travelers.
4. Boutique Hotel Herman K
This 4-star hotel in Nyhavn is housed in a historic electrical substation, so the whole building has a chic industrial style. The lobby is particularly striking; it’s over two stories high and features a giant 3D-printed sculpture. I love that there’s a cool cocktail bar here too.
The large rooms are minimalist in decor and have large windows that let in plenty of natural light. Rooms feature plush beds, air conditioning, a Bose sound system, a flat-screen TV, comfy armchairs, a minibar, an electric kettle, and free WiFi. The marble bathrooms are bright and spacious, with free eco-friendly toiletries and excellent water pressure. Breakfast each morning has plenty of options (including vegetarian options) and can be ordered as a buffet, a la carte, or continental. There’s no gym or spa on-site, but the central location means you can walk to virtually all the major attractions from here. It’s a stylish, central choice.
5. Hotel Nora
This three-star hotel is housed in an ornate 19th-century building in the diverse Nørrebro neighborhood. Rooms are airy and bright, letting in plenty of natural light. Decor is minimalist, but rooms feature bright carpet that really makes the space pop. Amenities include a flat-screen TV, desk, mini-fridge, coffee/tea maker, and free WiFi. Bathrooms are a little dated, but they have good water pressure and free toiletries.
A fresh Danish breakfast is provided every morning, and you can choose what you want to eat in advance (you order the night before). I especially like that you get a bottle of water and a beer when you check in. There’s even a small rooftop terrace where you can relax and enjoy the views over the city.
6. Hotel Skt Petri
If you really want to splurge, this five-star hotel is located in Copenhagen’s old Latin Quarter, just minutes from the main shopping street. The stylish rooms are large and let in lots of natural light. They’re decorated in darker tones and lots of dark blue, which contrasts nicely with the wooden furniture and minimalist artwork. The beds are large and comfortable, and the rooms include a flat-screen TV, desk, minibar, coffee/tea maker, and parquet or hardwood floors. The large bathrooms are bright and offer free toiletries and fluffy bathrobes.
There’s a bar in the expansive lobby (the hotel even makes its own gin), an on-site fitness center, and parking is available for those arriving by car. The breakfast is particularly delicious and includes fresh waffles, eggs, pastries, fruit, cereal, and more. If you’re looking to splurge, stay here.
Copenhagen is one of my favorite cities in Europe. The quality of life here is contagious, and it quickly becomes clear why this city is considered one of the best and happiest in the world. And as long as you choose one of the hotels above, you’ll have a fantastic stay in this picturesque capital!