CPH GUIDE
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Practical Guide

Copenhagen Tips

Everything you need to know before and during your visit – from cycling rules to emergency numbers.

Cycling Rules in Copenhagen

  • ·Always cycle on the right side of the dedicated red cycle lane (cykelsti).
  • ·Signal with your arm before turning: right arm out = right, left arm out = left.
  • ·Red lights apply to cyclists too – fines start at 700 DKK.
  • ·Helmets are not legally required for adults, but strongly recommended.
  • ·Cycling on the pavement (fortov) is illegal and can result in a fine.
  • ·The speed limit in cycle lanes is 30 km/h in the city centre.
  • ·You must have working lights front and back after dark – police do check.
  • ·Do not use your phone while cycling. Fine: 700 DKK.

Emergency Numbers

  • ·112 – Police, ambulance & fire brigade (all emergencies)
  • ·114 – Police non-emergency (general enquiries)
  • ·1813 – Medical helpline (akutlinjen): Call before going to A&E for non-life-threatening issues. Open 24/7. English-speaking staff available.
  • ·Nearest hospital A&E: Bispebjerg Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Hvidovre Hospital.
  • ·Pharmacy (apotek): Many open until 21:00. Steno Apotek near Central Station is open 24/7.
  • ·Dental emergency: Tandlægevagten, Oslo Plads 14 – open evenings and weekends.

Tipping in Copenhagen

  • ·Tipping is NOT expected or obligatory in Denmark – service is included in all prices by law.
  • ·Restaurants: Rounding up or leaving 5–10% is appreciated for good service, but entirely optional.
  • ·Cafés and bars: No tip expected for counter service.
  • ·Taxis: Rounding up to the nearest 10–20 DKK is polite but not required.
  • ·Hotels: No tipping culture for housekeeping or porters.
  • ·Tour guides: A tip of 50–100 DKK per person is a lovely gesture if you've had a great tour!

Money & Payments

  • ·Denmark uses the Danish Krone (DKK). 1 EUR ≈ 7.45 DKK.
  • ·Card payment is accepted almost everywhere – even at markets and small cafés. Copenhagen is nearly cashless.
  • ·Contactless payment (Visa/Mastercard/Apple Pay) works on all public transport validators.
  • ·ATMs (hæveautomat) are available at the airport, Central Station and most high streets.
  • ·MobilePay is the local payment app – not needed as a tourist, but useful to know about.

Weather & What to Wear

  • ·Copenhagen weather is unpredictable – pack layers year-round.
  • ·Summer (June–Aug): 18–25°C. Bright until 10pm. Light jacket in the evenings.
  • ·Autumn (Sep–Nov): 10–16°C. Rain likely – bring a waterproof.
  • ·Winter (Dec–Feb): 0–5°C. Can be icy. Warm coat, gloves and hat essential.
  • ·Spring (Mar–May): 8–15°C. Changeable but often beautiful sunny days.
  • ·Good walking/cycling shoes are important – cobblestones are common in the old city.

General Visitor Tips

  • ·Copenhagen Card: Gives free entry to 80+ museums and unlimited public transport. Worth it for stays of 2+ days.
  • ·Shops are generally open Mon–Fri 10–18, Sat 10–16. Many closed Sunday.
  • ·Tap water is excellent – bring a reusable bottle and drink straight from the tap.
  • ·Smoking is prohibited in restaurants, bars and public indoor spaces.
  • ·Danish people tend to be reserved at first but very helpful if asked. Speak English freely – almost everyone speaks it.
  • ·Queuing is taken seriously – always wait your turn.
  • ·Refund (pant): Return empty bottles/cans to supermarket machines for 1–3 DKK each.

Safety & Common Sense

  • ·Copenhagen is one of the safest capitals in Europe. Violent crime is very rare.
  • ·Pickpocketing can occur in busy tourist areas (Nyhavn, Strøget, Central Station) – keep valuables secure.
  • ·Pusher Street in Christiania: cannabis is sold openly but is technically illegal. Police do raid occasionally.
  • ·Do not walk in the cycle lanes – cyclists will ring their bell at you!
  • ·Swimming in the harbour is popular and clean – Copenhagen has several outdoor harbour baths.

Ready to explore?

Our local guides will take care of the navigation so you can focus on experiencing the city.