Plan a CruiseCopenhagen Cruise Port Guide
Copenhagen is a charming capital city, renowned for its 17th- and 18th-century architecture, beautiful parks, picturesque canals, and ancient streets perfect for walking and biking. During the summer months, visitors can enjoy longer days and warmer weather. The city is celebrated for its blend of historical elegance and modern Danish design.
Cruise ships typically dock at one of three main terminals: Oceankaj, Langelinie, or Nordre Toldbod. Oceankaj, located 7 km from the city center in Ydre Nordhavn, is the busiest with four terminal buildings, accommodating most turnaround ships and handling over 5,000 passengers per call. Langelinie, 3 km from the city center, is favored by smaller visiting ships. Nordre Toldbod, just 2 km from the city center, usually hosts smaller vessels, luxury megayachts, and ferries. Consider purchasing a Copenhagen Card for free entry to 60 museums and attractions, plus complimentary public transport, including to and from the airport. Be aware that Denmark has a high 25% VAT rate on all goods.
Getting Around from the Port
Copenhagen's terminals offer various transport options, with different proximity to the city center:
- Oceankaj (7 km from city center): This terminal is not within walking distance of the city center.
- Public Transport: A free cruise bus takes you from Oceankaj to the Orientkaj Metro station. From there, take Metro Line M4 to Kongens Nytorv, then change to Metro Line M2. Ticket machines offer an English language option and accept credit cards.
- Hop-on/off Buses: CitySightseeing buses are available directly at the terminal, offering three tours.
- Taxis: Readily available.
- Langelinie (3 km from city center):
- Walking: A pleasant 30-minute walk leads directly to the city center. The iconic Little Mermaid statue and Amalienborg Palace are just a short walk from the pier.
- Public Transport: Langelinie is a 15-minute walk from Østerport Station. From Copenhagen Airport (11 km from the port), take the Metro to Nørreport Station, then an S-train (A, B, C, or E-line) one stop to Østerport Station.
- Hop-on/off Buses: Available at the terminal.
- Harbor Water Bus (901/902): From Nordre Toldbod (a short walk from Langelinie) to the Royal Library ("Black Diamond") for the price of a regular bus ticket. This 15-minute tour runs every 20 minutes, offering scenic views of waterfront highlights.
- Nordre Toldbod (2 km from city center):
- Walking: This terminal is the closest to the city center, offering easy walking access.
- Public Transport: A 15-minute walk from Østerport Station. Same airport connection as Langelinie.
- Hop-on/off Buses: Available at the terminal.
- Harbor Water Bus (901/902): Board directly from Nordre Toldbod for a scenic 15-minute tour to the Royal Library.
General Transport:
- Taxis: Taxis are available at all cruise terminals. The airport is approximately 11 km from the cruise port.
- Public Transportation: Copenhagen boasts an excellent public transport system (Metro, S-trains, buses). The Copenhagen Card includes unlimited free travel.
- City Bikes: Rent a city bike for free by depositing 20 Kroner (refundable), and drop it off at any designated point when finished.
Attractions and Activities
With 8-10 hours in Copenhagen, you can explore the city's main highlights and even venture a bit further afield:
- Iconic Landmarks (Walking/Short Transit):
- The Little Mermaid: This famous statue is a must-see, located near the Langelinie and Nordre Toldbod piers. It's often described as smaller than visitors expect.
- Nyhavn: A vibrant 17th-century waterfront, canal, and entertainment district lined with colorful townhouses, cafes, bars, and restaurants. Perfect for a picturesque stroll or a meal.
- Amalienborg Palace: The official residence of the Danish Royal Family, located close to Langelinie. You can witness the changing of the guard.
- Christiansborg Palace: Home to the Danish Parliament, the Supreme Court, and the Ministry of State.
- Tivoli Gardens: One of the world's oldest and most enchanting amusement parks, offering rides, beautiful gardens, and diverse entertainment. Check seasonal opening hours as it's not open year-round.
- Canal Tours: Experience Copenhagen from the water. Many organized boat tours are available, though open-air vessels are not recommended in bad weather. Alternatively, the Harbor Water Bus (901/902) offers a 15-minute scenic tour of waterfront highlights between Nordre Toldbod and the Royal Library for the cost of a regular bus ticket.
- Copenhagen Card: For extensive sightseeing, consider purchasing the Copenhagen Card online via the tourist office. It grants free entry to 60 museums and attractions, free public transport (including airport transfers), and discounts. Note that some museums offer free admission on Wednesdays or are always free.
- Louisiana Museum of Modern Art (Day Trip): Located 35 km north of Copenhagen on the North Zealand coast, this renowned museum is set in a spacious park with views towards Sweden. Allow ample travel time.
- Malmö, Sweden (Day Trip): Take a 35-minute train ride over the impressive Øresund Bridge to visit Malmö, Sweden. This offers a unique opportunity to experience two countries in one day.
Dining
Eating and drinking out in Copenhagen can be quite expensive, but the culinary scene is diverse.
- Local Specialties: Don't miss trying 'frikadeller' (Danish meatballs) or 'smørrebrød,' traditional open-faced sandwiches with a variety of savory toppings like boiled egg and dill, beetroot, mackerel, roast onions, and cold meats. Takeaway smørrebrød kiosks are common in the city center for a quicker bite.
- Nyhavn: This area is packed with cafes, bars, and restaurants, offering a lively atmosphere to enjoy a meal.
- Strøget Area: The pedestrian streets of Strøget also host numerous cafes and restaurants.
Shopping
- Strøget Area: This is Copenhagen's main shopping district, a network of pedestrian streets (between Kogens Nytorv and Radhuspladsen) filled with shops, from international brands to local boutiques. While you won't find "Strøget" on street signs, any local can direct you.
- Fields Shopping Mall: For a large shopping mall experience, head to Fields, which has its own Metro Station (Ørestad, on the Vestamager line).
- VAT: Be aware that Denmark has the highest Value Added Tax (VAT) rate in Europe at 25% on all goods.
- Opening Hours: Shops are generally open Mon-Fri 10 am-7 pm and Sat 10 am-4 pm. Most ordinary shops are closed on Sundays, though some department stores and malls may open during the cruise season or on the first Sunday of each month (unless it falls on a public holiday or Constitution Day, June 5th). Shops are also closed on major public holidays, including Christmas Eve (December 24th). Kiosks, bakeries, and station shops typically have extended hours on Saturday evenings and Sundays.
Safety
Copenhagen is a very safe city for tourists. Standard precautions against pickpocketing in crowded tourist areas are always advisable.
Currency and Language
Currency: The local currency is the Danish Kroner (DKK). Denmark is not part of the Eurozone, but major shops may display prices in both DKK and EUR for convenience. Credit Cards: Major international credit cards are widely accepted throughout Denmark. However, be aware that a surcharge of 2-4% is often added to credit card transactions, which is legal outside the USA. Language: Danish is the official language, but English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas and by younger generations. Emergency Number: Dial 112 for all emergencies (police, fire, ambulance).