My Photography & Travel Guide to Copenhagen
I was photographing Nyhavn at sunrise when a group of young Copenhageners appeared at the end of the canal, coming home from a night out. They stopped when they saw the camera, walked over, and asked what I was doing. I started showing them photos on the back of the camera. They gathered around, genuinely delighted. We stood there for twenty minutes at five in the morning at one of the most beautiful canals in Europe, laughing at the images. Then they continued home, and I continued shooting.
That is Copenhagen. A city that works beautifully at every hour, where the people are warm and curious and completely comfortable starting a conversation with a stranger, pointing a camera at their waterfront.
I have been here more than half a dozen times, and it remains one of my favorite cities in the world. I have walked every neighborhood, in summer light and in winter grey, and photographed everything from the candy-colored houses of Nyhavn to the modern architecture of the Ørestad district. I have walked the cobblestone streets of the old city until my feet argued with me. I have taken the morning train to Malmö for coffee and come back in time for lunch. I have eaten at Geranium, which is the best restaurant we have encountered anywhere, and I have eaten a hot dog from Døp at a street stand, and both meals were exactly right for the moment.
Sunrise on the Nyhavn
Copenhagen has a quality of life that you feel as a visitor. Everything works. The bikes, the transit, the food, the design. People swim in the harbor in summer. The city is clean without being sterile. The food culture that Noma built over the years before it closed its dining room in December 2023 shaped an entire generation of Copenhagen chefs, and the restaurants they have opened since are among the finest in northern Europe.
In this Photography Guide to Copenhagen, I share what more than half a dozen visits have taught me: the photography locations, the two hotels where I have personally stayed, the restaurants that have made every trip memorable, and the timing and composition advice that makes this city as rewarding to photograph as it is to walk.
Best Time to Go
The best time to visit Copenhagen is when the weather is warmer and the days are longer, from April to September. If you go in April, May, or September, there are smaller crowds than you find during the peak summer months.
How to Get Around
The best way to explore Copenhagen is to walk. It is not a big city, and it's very flat. Just be careful not to walk into the bike lanes because the bikers will run you over. Seriously, they will! The public transportation (metro, trains, buses) system in Copenhagen is not only super easy to understand, but it's also clean and very efficient. The same ticket can be used on the metro and harbor buses. and trains. I usually just buy tickets on the DOT Mobilbilletter app or online.
Taxis: Taxis are a very reliable mode of transport in Copenhagen. If you need a cab, there are several companies, like Dantaxi, that you can contact directly. Please note that taxis in Northern Europe typically only accept credit cards for payment, as cash is being phased out.
How Long Should You Stay?
If you're wondering how long to spend in Copenhagen, 3-4 days is the perfect amount of time. However, if you plan to venture out of Copenhagen to the surrounding areas, such as Malmö, you could easily stay for a week.
Where should you stay?
It is very important to stay in an area where it is easy to walk to restaurants and the best photography locations. I would recommend staying in the Nyhavn area because you will have access to lots of sites that you can walk to on foot. There are also lots of restaurants and shopping opportunities in this area. And it's a direct 1 train connection from the airport, about 8 stops.
Hotel Angleterre
While I have been to Copenhagen a half dozen times, I have only stayed in 2 hotels. There are lots of good ones so I am by no means telling anyone that these are the only 2 options to consider.
Hotel d'Angleterre: We have stayed at Hotel d'Angleterre on multiple visits, and the location is simply the finest of any hotel in the city. The hotel has been standing on Kongens Nytorv, at the top of Nyhavn, since 1755, which makes it one of the oldest hotels in Scandinavia. The interiors are warm and elegantly traditional without being stuffy, the service is at the level you would expect from a 265-year-old institution that has hosted royalty and heads of state, and the Michelin-starred restaurant, Marchal, is worth a dinner even if you are not staying. Views of Kongens Nytorv and direct access to Nyhavn make the morning walk to the canal entirely too easy to delay. A classic choice and consistently one of the best in Copenhagen.
This is my favorite hotel in Copenhagen and the one I recommend without reservation. Hotel Sanders was founded in 2017 by Danish Royal Ballet principal dancer Alexander Kølpin in a historic building in the Nyhavn neighborhood, and the property carries his artistic sensibility throughout: warm, personal, beautifully curated, and intimate in the way that only a 53-room hotel can be. The rooftop breakfast is one of the finest hotel morning experiences in Scandinavia. Sunny terrace, good food, good coffee, and views over the Copenhagen rooftops before the day starts in earnest. The service is genuinely friendly rather than formally correct, and the restaurant, Tata, is worth a dinner reservation. Stay here if you can.
The good thing is that Copenhagen is a relatively small city, and it's very walkable.
Food Recommendations
Noma shaped Copenhagen's restaurant culture over more than a decade before closing its dining room in December 2023, pivoting to a food research project. Its legacy continues through the many restaurants opened by former Noma chefs across the city, and the commitment to fresh, seasonal, locally sourced ingredients that Noma made famous is now the baseline standard rather than the exception. We have always found that the food in Denmark has one secret recipe: super fresh ingredients. The list below covers just a few of the restaurants we have tried. There are many more excellent options.
Døp—“DOP, the best hotdog in the world.” Yup, it's a hot dog stand, but not just any hot dog stand. They truly have the best hotdogs in the world. They even have a vegetarian option.
Gasoline Grill—the owner of the Gasoline Grill went to college in the US. After returning to Denmark, he decided he wanted to make great burgers. So he took over a former Gas Station and started the restaurant. Always busy and delicious.
Baest—named the 7th best pizza restaurant in the world. Enough said!! Who does not like pizza? We tried Baest in March 2020 at 2:30 in the afternoon and could only find a place at the bar. So Yes, it’s delicious.
Aamanns (Sandwiches) -Located in what used to serve as a WWII bunker, Aamanns is named after owner Adam Aamanns, otherwise known as the king of smørrebrød. These open-faced sandwiches are a classic Danish "must-eat" while you're in Copenhagen.
Nimb Brasserie- French favorites served for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a breathtaking view of Tivoli. The Nimb Hotel is also a very good hotel, but we have not tried it yet.
Mirabelle Bakery & Cafe is a bakery and cafe. A delicious spot right next to Baest is a perfect place to stop for a coffee, cake, or sandwich. They also have Pasta, and who does not like a good plate of pasta? It's just simple - yet delicious!!
Restaurants
Geranium—If you get the chance to go to Geranium, go. It holds three Michelin stars and was ranked the number one restaurant in the world by the World's 50 Best in 2022. We have eaten in remarkable restaurants across 75 countries, and this is the best restaurant we have ever tried. Chef Rasmus Kofoed's tasting menu draws on the landscapes, seasons, and ingredients of Scandinavia in ways that produce a meal you will still be thinking about a year later. It is expensive, and it requires advance reservation. It is worth every aspect of both. Just incredible.
Il Buco-Hotel Sanders buys its croissants from Il Buco. We did not try the restaurant/bakery, but their croissants may be the best ones I have ever tasted.
Restaurant Barr: An outstanding fish restaurant just over the walking bridge from Nyhavn. In the summer, you will see people swimming in the water just outside the restaurant. The menu draws on Nordic and North Sea traditions. One of the finest fish restaurants in the city.
Llama — (Mexican) We did not know what to expect at Llama. We were very pleasantly surprised. They have great service and delicious food.
Hija de Sanchez was founded by another Noma disciple, Rosio Sanchéz. You will not find better Mexican food.
Torvehallern—one of the best food halls in Europe. This is a must-visit in Copenhagen. They have dozens and dozens of food stalls, from Sushi to Pizza. It’s a covered marketplace featuring stalls with local produce, gourmet foods, beverages & desserts. The one restaurant we love is GRØD. Grød has the best oatmeal we have ever tasted. So it’s a great place for breakfast.
Kødbyens Fiskebar – Seafood and minimalist vibes in the trendy Meatpacking District.
Coffee Shops:
Prolog Coffee Bar – Tucked in the Meatpacking District, great for edits and people-watching.
Coffee Collective (Jægersborggade) – Specialty roasts with a loyal local following.
Atelier September – Light-filled and photogenic, perfect for breakfast or a mid-shoot break.
Original Coffee – Great city views from their rooftop location at Illum.
Photography Gear Recommendations
For Copenhagen, I would bring my Standard Photography Travel Kit, as detailed below.
Canon EOS R5 Mark II, Sony A7R V, or Nikon Z8. Any of these full-frame mirrorless bodies handles the soft northern light and high-contrast canal reflections of Copenhagen with excellent results.
A wide-angle lens, 15-35mm, to be able to photograph the City Streets
A medium telephoto, such as 70-200mm. This will come in handy when you need to zoom in on the subject.
You could also use a 24-105mm or 24-240mm or something similar if you want to travel with just 1 lens.
A good sturdy tripod so you can take photos at sunrise and sunset. It is also great for long exposures.
Neutral-density filters (3, 6, and 10). You will be shooting near water a lot. So I like shooting longer exposures, so having an ND filter is a good idea.
Photography Tips
Take a tripod for long exposure shots of the waterways - One of the main features of Copenhagen is its canals. Long-exposure shots of canals and waterways create some beautiful shots.
Take photos at night - Copenhagen looks completely different at night. Photos of the canals are fantastic early in the morning before the crowds. But they are even better when the lights come on.
Be careful of bicycles and pedestrians - Copenhagen is full of bicycles –
What to Photograph
There are plenty of photography options in Copenhagen. I will provide some classic locations that should not be missed, but I will try to concentrate on certain subjects such as Design Museums, Waterways & Canals, Bicycles, Street Photography, and Parks. Here are a few suggestions:
Nyhavn
There are many, many photo opportunities in Nyhavn. This is my favorite area to photograph. So walk around and find your angles. My best advice is to go very early in the morning before the crowds.
There are a lot of different compositions here
Amalienborg
It is the official residence of the Danish royal family, and I love to take photos of the changing of the guard every day.
The Royal guard protecting the entrance to the residences.
At noon you can watch the change of the guard
71 Nyhavn Hotel
The front of the hotel has excellent symmetry of the windows, which makes for a great location.
Frederik's Church
Frederik's Church, popularly known as The Marble Church for its rococo architecture, is an Evangelical Lutheran church located right next to Amalienborg
You can also take the photo from the Royal Palace
Designmuseum Denmark
The Designmuseum Denmark is a museum dedicated to Danish and international design and crafts. It features works of famous Danish designers like Arne Jacobsen, Jacob Jensen, and Kaare Klint. It is definitely worth a visit.
Amalie Garden
It is a small park located between Amalienborg Palace and the waterfront in the Frederiksstaden neighborhood.
St Alban's Church
St. Alban's Church, locally often referred to simply as the English Church, is an Anglican church. It was built from 1885 to 1887 for the benefit of the growing English congregation in the city. It is right next to the Military Barracks and on the way to the Little Mermaid.
Gefion Fountain
Right next to St. Alban’s Church is a large fountain on the harbor front. It features a large-scale group of oxen
Kastellet
The windmill near St. Alban’s Church is a citadel. It is one of the best-preserved fortresses in Northern Europe.
Military Barracks
The beautiful red colors of these former barracks. This is a fun area to take photos of the red-brick buildings.
There are a number of beautiful buildings in this area
The Little Mermaid
One of the most iconic shots in Copenhagen. It is a bronze statue by Edvard Eriksen, depicting a mermaid becoming human. The sculpture is displayed on a rock by the waterside at the Langelinie promenade. It will be packed with people climbing all over it.
It is 1.25 meters (4.1 ft) tall and weighs 175 kilograms (385 lb). It is much smaller than you would think.
Sculpture Man Thinking
I love this Sculpture by the waterfront--you will pass it on the way to the Little Mermaid. There is a nice cafe right next to it.
The Opera House
The Copenhagen Opera House is the national opera house of Denmark and among the most modern opera houses in the world.
Inderhavnsbroen
The bridge from Nyhavn to Christiania is wonderful in the early morning and at sunset. You will see so many bicyclists coming across the bridge.
Freetown Christiania
The first time I went into Christinia I did not realize you are not allowed to take photos—Oops!!! Also known as Christiania, it is an intentional community, commune, and micronation in the Christianshavn neighborhood of Copenhagen, Denmark's capital city. It began in 1971 as a squatted military base.
Church of Our Savior
The best photo is from the very top, where only one person can stand at a time, and you can see Sweden from up there. The external spiral staircase winds counterclockwise around the tower four times before reaching the 90-meter summit — not recommended for anyone with vertigo, but extraordinary for everyone else.
Important practical note: Tower access now requires advance booking. Walk-in entry to the tower is no longer reliable during peak hours. Book at vorfrelserskirke.dk before your visit. The fee is 69 DKK per person and is included with the Copenhagen Card. Open daily 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Black Diamond Library
This is an incredible Library that I highly recommend visiting. Royal Danish Library's buildings on Slotsholmen, better known as The Black Diamond, are more than just a library.
Magstræde
A colorful, picturesque street with lots of Instagrammers. Snaregade and Magstræde are two of the oldest streets in the Old Town of Copenhagen, Denmark, linking Gammel Strand at their eastern end with Rådhusstræde to the west.
There are different angles you can find
The Round Tower
The best photo options for the round tower are photos inside the tower. This 17th-century tower and observatory is one of Copenhagen's most iconic buildings. There is nothing to photograph at the top, so the interiors are fun to photograph.
Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store
Since 1911, Royal Copenhagen Flagship Store has been centrally located in Copenhagen at Amagertorv 6 in one of the city's most historic Renaissance buildings. It is located on the main shopping street of Copenhagen.
Street Photography
Yes, street photography in Copenhagen is absolutely allowed—and it's a fantastic city for it.
Street Photography Hotspots in Copenhagen
Vesterbro – Gritty, artsy, and full of stories. Great for urban textures and portraits.
Nørrebro – Vibrant and multicultural, with murals, street art, and busy local markets.
Strøget – One of Europe’s longest pedestrian streets, perfect for capturing people, movement, and Copenhagen fashion.
Christianshavn – Canals, bikes, bohemian vibes.
Superkilen Park – A modern and colorful space full of geometric lines and diverse subjects.
The Bicycles of Copenhagen
Day Trips from Copenhagen
There are many locations you can reach from Copenhagen for the day. The one that we have done many times is a day trip to Malmö, Sweden. Malmö is only about 30 minutes away from downtown Copenhagen. Usually, we take the Metro (from Kongens Nytorv) directly to the airport from our hotel. At the airport, you will need to switch trains and take the one that goes to Sweden. You will need to bring your passport. It’s a fun ride over the Bridge, and you get great views. Malmö is a city where you can walk around for 3 hours or so, grab a coffee, and then head back in time for lunch in Copenhagen. Here is a list of things to do from Culture Trip of things to do in Malmö
The second great day trip, especially on a nice day, is to the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art. It will take you about 35 minutes by Metro from Copenhagen’s Central Train Station, Nørreport, to reach the museum. You want to get off at the Humlebæk Station. From Humlebæk Station, it is a 10-minute walk to the museum. There are lots of signs, so you cannot miss it. The Museum has a lot of interesting exhibits that are both inside and outside. It’s located right on the sea and you can see Sweden from the Museum Restaurant, which is quite good.
Festivals & Events in Copenhagen
Copenhagen Photo Festival (June) – Dedicated to visual storytelling across the city.
Roskilde Festival (late June–early July) – Iconic music and culture, an hour away.
Christmas Markets (Late Nov–Dec) – Tivoli and Nyhavn sparkle with festive scenes.
Copenhagen Light Festival (February) – Illuminated art installations throughout the city.
Final Thoughts
Copenhagen feels intentional. Clean lines. Thoughtful design. Water is always nearby. It is a city that understands balance, between old and new, minimalism and warmth, movement and stillness.
What I love most is how livable it feels. People bike everywhere. Locals swim in the harbor. Cafés spill onto sidewalks even when the weather is cool. There is beauty here, but it never feels staged. It feels authentic.
For photographers, Copenhagen rewards simplicity. Lean into negative space. Use the geometry of modern architecture to create strong compositions. At Nyhavn, wake up early and photograph the colorful facades before the crowds arrive. At blue hour, the harbor reflections become silky and calm. In neighborhoods like Christianshavn, look for symmetry along the canals. In the newer districts, focus on clean lines and contrast.
The light in Copenhagen can be soft and diffused, especially outside of summer. That works in your favor. It flatters architecture and portraits alike. Bring a versatile lens and be ready to shift quickly from wide cityscapes to intimate street moments.
If you enjoyed this Photography and Travel Guide to Copenhagen, you can explore my other Photography and Travel Guides here, including my guide to Malmö, Sweden , which makes the perfect morning trip from the city.
If you are interested in joining one of my photography workshops, you can find the details through the link. You can also follow along on Instagram, Facebook, or subscribe to my newsletter for more travel photography tips and behind-the-scenes insight.
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