My Solo Travel to Copenhagen was the BEST - My Complete Guide
Written by Hostelz| Last update: Aug 8, 2025
(First-Hand Travel Experience & Price Comparison)
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Stepping into the bright common room of my Copenhagen hostel, I felt instantly at home. Travelers from around the world were sprawled on cozy couches, swapping stories over drinks and board games. Within an hour of arriving, I was laughing with new friends and planning an impromptu street food dinner.
As a solo traveler, those friendly hostel vibes in Copenhagen made me feel like I had an immediate crew. I came to this city alone but never actually felt alone—even for a minute.
I ended up having the best time of my life in Copenhagen, and I want you to have the same amazing experience. In this guide, I’ll share everything I learned about solo travel in Copenhagen—from crafting a 2-3 day itinerary on your own, to picking a cool (and cheap) hostel, to staying safe and meeting awesome people along the way.
If you’re a backpacker looking to dive into Copenhagen’s charm with confidence, read on. This guide has you covered!
Top Picks: The Best Hostels in Copenhagen
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Hostel Price Statistics & Key Numbers in Copenhagen
| Total number of hostels | 15 |
| Typical dorm bed prices in Copenhagen | $12 |
| Private room costs in Copenhagen | $100 |
| Cheapest hostel in Copenhagen | Urban Camper Hostel & Bar for only $27 |
| Popular Party Hostel in Copenhagen | Next House (7 hostels for partying in total) |
| Where to stay in Copenhagen on a budget? | Nørrebro, Frederiksberg C, Indre By |
Why Copenhagen is Perfect for Solo Travelers
What makes Copenhagen such a gem for people traveling on their own? From my experience, Copenhagen checks all the boxes for a solo adventure:
Incredibly Safe: I walked around at all hours and felt completely at ease. Copenhagen’s low crime rate and friendly atmosphere mean you can explore without constant worry. As a woman traveling alone, I felt comfortable even at night—just use normal common sense like you would anywhere.
English is Everywhere: Almost everyone in Denmark speaks fluent English. I never once hit a language barrier, which made asking for directions or ordering food super easy. You’ll have zero trouble communicating, even if you don’t speak a word of Danish.
Walkable & Bike-Friendly: The city is compact and pedestrian-friendly. I strolled or biked to nearly every sight. Bike lanes are everywhere and drivers are used to cyclists, so renting a bike is a fun option if you’re comfortable. Public transport (buses, metro) is also efficient if you need it.
Social Hostels & Tours: Copenhagen has a bunch of cool hostels and free walking tours that attract fellow solo travelers. There’s a built-in community once you tap into these. I joined a free city walking tour on my first morning and ended up grabbing lunch with a few other solo backpackers I met there.
Chill Vibes: The overall vibe is laid-back and open-minded. Locals won’t bat an eye at someone eating alone in a café or wandering with a camera. In fact, they’re usually happy to give tips if you ask. It’s easy to blend in and do your own thing without feeling out of place.
Short and crisp: The Best Hostels in Copenhagen
- Hostel CPH Luftmadrassen
- Danhostel Copenhagen Amager - best for Digital Nomads, Family-Friendly Hostel, Groups (10+ people)
- YMCA Interpoint Hostel - best for Family-Friendly Hostel, Quiet Rest, Solo Traveller
- Generator Hostel Copenhagen - best for Party Hostel, Solo Traveller, Youth Hostel
- Danhostel Copenhagen City Hostel - best for Digital Nomads, Solo Traveller
A 2–3 Day Itinerary on Your Own
Day 1
Morning
Kick off your first day with an overview of the city. I joined a free walking tour that started at City Hall Square around 10 AM. It was a fantastic intro to Copenhagen’s history and hotspots.
We wandered through the old town, past the colorful houses of Nyhavn, and even watched the royal guards march at Amalienborg Palace. By late morning, I already had my bearings and a few new friends from the tour.
Afternoon
After grabbing lunch (I couldn’t resist a classic Danish smørrebrød open-faced sandwich), spend your afternoon exploring on your own. I recommend climbing the Rundetårn (Round Tower) for a panoramic view of the city – the climb is an easy spiral ramp and the view from the top is so worth it. Then, make your way back to Nyhavn and treat yourself to a relaxing canal boat tour.
Drifting along Copenhagen’s canals was surprisingly fun and gave me a unique vantage point of sights like the Opera House and the famous Little Mermaid statue (yes, she’s small, but seeing her from the water is neat!).
Evening
For dinner, head to the vibrant Torvehallerne food hall or a budget-friendly street food market to sample local eats. As night falls, you have two great options: If it’s open, spend the evening in the magical Tivoli Gardens amusement park.
I strolled under Tivoli’s twinkling lights, rode a couple of vintage rides, and even caught a live music performance – it felt like a fairy-tale ending to my first day. Not into amusement parks? No problem.
Instead, join a hostel pub crawl or venture to the Meatpacking District (Kødbyen) in Vesterbro with some fellow travelers. I ended my Day 1 clinking pints at a hip bar in Vesterbro, swapping stories with new friends long past midnight.
Day 2
Morning
After a full first day, give yourself a relaxed start on Day 2. I slept in a bit and then headed out for coffee and a Danish pastry (try a cinnamon roll, known as a kanelsnegle) at a cozy café. If you’re up for some culture, the late morning is a great time to visit a museum like the National Museum (to dive into Viking history) or tour the lavish rooms of Rosenborg Castle and its King’s Garden.
Prefer something outdoorsy? Rent a bike and cruise around the tranquil lakes (Søerne) that curve through the city – a perfect way to see local life waking up for the day.
Afternoon
For a dose of Copenhagen’s alternative scene, spend your afternoon in Christianshavn. I took the metro to Freetown Christiania, the famous hippie commune. Wandering its colorful, mural-covered streets felt like stepping into a different world – there are art installations, quirky houses, and stands selling homemade snacks.
It’s perfectly fine to visit during daylight (I found it laid-back and welcoming), just remember to be respectful (especially about taking photos inside Christiania). After soaking up the bohemian vibes, consider climbing the spiral stairs of Our Saviour’s Church nearby for another amazing city view and a bit of a thrill.
Evening
On my final night, I decided to explore the foodie scene in Nørrebro, a vibrant neighborhood known for its multicultural eats and nightlife. I grabbed a budget-friendly dinner (delicious falafel from a little street joint) and then spent the evening hopping between cozy bars and cafés along Nørrebrogade.
Nørrebro has a young, local crowd and a fun vibe – think craft beer pubs, live music, and candlelit cafes where people chat for hours. It was a more mellow night out than Vesterbro, but just as enjoyable. Walking back to my hostel, I realized how much I’d seen in two days – from royal palaces to hippie havens – and it felt so rewarding.
Day 3 (Optional)
If you have a third day in Copenhagen, you can dig deeper or take a little adventure out of town. One option is a day trip north to the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art – a fantastic seaside art museum (easy to reach by train) that combines culture with a beautiful coastal view. Alternatively, head to Kronborg Castle in Helsingør (yes, Hamlet’s castle!) to get your dose of Danish history.
If you’d rather stay in the city, spend Day 3 checking out any spots you missed or just enjoy Copenhagen at a slower pace: wander the funky shops of Vesterbro, have a picnic in the Kings Garden, or even take a quick train over the Øresund Bridge to Malmö, Sweden for a bonus country in your trip. The possibilities are endless!
Looking for a specific district?
Check out hostels near the following landmarks
Hostels in Copenhagen
Hostels are the way to go in Copenhagen – not just for the budget, but for the experience. I was honestly blown away by how cool and clean Copenhagen hostels are. Think modern Scandinavian design, comfy bunks (often with privacy curtains or “pod” style beds), and common areas that feel like trendy cafes.
The hostel I stayed in had a huge lounge with a bar and even hosted events at night. One evening, they brought in a live band for salsa dancing – imagine a bunch of backpackers (me included) awkwardly learning salsa steps and laughing together.
It was a blast, and it set the tone for an incredibly social trip.
While Copenhagen’s hostels are cheaper than hotels, they’re a bit pricier than elsewhere in Europe (nothing in Denmark is super cheap). A dorm bed might cost around $30-50 per night, but you get what you pay for: lockers for your stuff, free Wi-Fi, clean facilities, and often free city maps or walking tours.
Many hostels have fully equipped kitchens, which helped me save money by cooking the occasional meal or at least storing snacks. If you’re a solo female traveler, look out for hostels that offer female-only dorms – I opted for one and it felt very safe and comfortable.
My tips for hosteling in Copenhagen: book early (especially for summer) because the best spots fill up fast. Also, consider location. Staying in or near the city center (Indre By) or hip areas like Vesterbro means you can walk to most attractions or take a short metro ride, which is super convenient. I loved that I could easily pop back to my hostel in the afternoon for a quick break before heading out again.
Overall, Copenhagen’s hostels have a friendly vibe that makes it so easy to meet people – by the end of my stay, the hostel common room felt like a second home.
Still not sure? Pick my Favorite Hostel in Copenhagen
#1 Top Hostel in Copenhagen: Next House
This is the overall best rated hostel in Next House. The overall rating is 9.0. You cannot go wrong here.
It is your safest bet in case you are not sure which hostel to pick.
The price for a dorm at Next House starts from $13.20.
Is Copenhagen Safe for Solo Travelers?
In a word, yes. Copenhagen felt extremely safe to me throughout my trip. It consistently ranks among the world’s safest cities, and as a solo traveler (and a woman at that), I never felt threatened or uncomfortable. I wandered through busy areas and quiet side streets, even at night, and nobody bothered me.
One evening I walked half an hour back to my hostel around midnight, and the streets were calm and well-lit – I passed a few locals on bikes and couples strolling, and it all felt very secure. There’s a refreshing sense of trust and order in Denmark (you’ll even see people leave baby strollers unattended outside cafes – that’s how safe it is!).
Of course, “safe” doesn’t mean you should throw caution to the wind. Petty crime can happen anywhere, so keep an eye on your belongings in crowded spots like Nyhavn or on public transit. I kept my purse zipped and wore it cross-body, especially in tourist-heavy areas, just out of habit.
When out at night, normal precautions apply: I always kept my drink in sight and stuck to well-lit main streets when walking. Copenhagen’s red-light district area (around Istedgade near the central station) can feel a bit sketchy late at night, but I only walked through in the early evening and it was fine – just a few dive bars and odd characters, nothing too crazy.
If you ever do feel uneasy or it’s very late, you can always grab a taxi or use the 24/7 metro to get back to your accommodation. Overall, I’d rank Copenhagen as one of the safest places I’ve traveled, which is a huge relief when you’re solo.
How to Meet People?
Traveling solo doesn’t mean being alone all the time – far from it! Copenhagen has plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow travelers and even locals. Here are some of my go-to ways to meet people on the road:
Stay in a Social Hostel: This is the easiest way. Hang out in the common room or hostel bar, and I guarantee you’ll strike up a conversation. I met people just by chilling in the lounge – someone will inevitably ask “Where are you from?” or comment on the book you’re reading. Many Copenhagen hostels also organize group activities (like the pub crawl I joined or game nights) which make breaking the ice super easy.
Join Free Tours and Events: Those free walking tours I mentioned aren’t just for sightseeing – they’re friend-making opportunities! After my tour, a bunch of us solo travelers went for lunch together. You can also look for bike tours, food tours, or pub crawls in the city; they’re all great for chatting with other travelers. Copenhagen even has nightly pub crawls open to anyone (not just hostel guests), which I found through a flyer at my hostel.
Use Meetup Apps or Facebook Groups: There are travel meetups and events in Copenhagen geared towards backpackers and expats. I checked out a Couchsurfing meetup one evening, which was basically a mix of travelers and locals having beers and sharing stories. It was a fun way to connect outside the typical tourist bubble. Keep an eye on local event listings – sometimes you’ll find a language exchange, live music night, or street festival where you can mingle.
Be Friendly and Say Hello: Sounds obvious, but it works. Whether you’re in a café, a brewery, or waiting in line at an attraction, don’t be afraid to spark up a chat. Danes can be a bit reserved at first, but they’re polite and many will chat if you approach them. I complimented a local on her bike’s cute basket at a stoplight, and we ended up talking about Copenhagen’s best bakeries for a few minutes! Little interactions like that can make your day and remind you that friendly connections are everywhere.
Best Neighborhoods to Stay Solo in Copenhagen
Copenhagen is a city of neighborhoods, each with its own flavor. From my experience, here are some areas that are ideal for solo travelers (I’ve bolded the neighborhood names for easy reference):
- Indre By (City Center): The heart of Copenhagen. Staying here means you’re walking distance from major sights (Nyhavn, Strøget, museums) and tons of cafes and restaurants. It’s very safe and busy with tourists and locals alike, so you’ll never feel isolated. Downsides? It can be a bit pricey and crowded, but the convenience is unbeatable. I loved stepping out of my hostel and immediately being in the middle of the action.
- Vesterbro: The hip, creative neighborhood just west of the center. Vesterbro has the famous Meatpacking District (full of bars and clubs), trendy coffee shops, street art, and a young vibe. I stayed right on the edge of Vesterbro and found it awesome for nightlife – I could walk to bars and live music venues easily. The area around the Central Station (which is in Vesterbro) can look a little gritty (it was historically a red-light district), but it’s generally safe – I had no issues walking around, just lots of character. If you want a mix of edgy and convenient, Vesterbro is great.
- Nørrebro: A bit further from the tourist sites but totally worth it for the atmosphere. Nørrebro is super popular with students and expats. It’s multicultural, with tons of cheap eateries (Middle Eastern, Asian, you name it) and cool bars. I found Nørrebro to be very welcoming and more budget-friendly.
- Christianshavn: A picturesque quarter across the harbor from Indre By. It’s known for its pretty canals (it feels a bit like “Little Amsterdam”) and the famous Freetown Christiania. I’d say Christianshavn is great if you want a chill environment with scenic views.
Where to Eat and Drink in Copenhagen
Street Food and Markets: Copenhagen has embraced the street food scene, which is perfect for solo travelers. I loved wandering around Torvehallerne, the glass-covered market halls near Nørreport, where you can graze on everything from open-faced sandwiches to sushi. In the summer, check out Reffen (a huge outdoor street food market by the water) for a fun dinner – tons of international stalls and a great social vibe (grab a picnic table and you’ll likely end up chatting with others).
Markets are great because you can sample a bunch of different things in one place and they’re generally affordable by Danish standards.
Danish Must-Try Foods: There are a few local specialties you shouldn’t miss. First, the famous smørrebrød – these are the decorative open-faced rye bread sandwiches piled with toppings. You can get them at casual cafes or food stalls for lunch (herring, roast beef, egg salad, all kinds of varieties). They look like art and taste delicious. Also, don’t leave without indulging in Danish pastries.
The “Danish” really does come from Denmark, and bakeries here are next-level. I lost count of how many freshly baked kanelsnegle (cinnamon rolls) I devoured for breakfast. Lastly, try a pølser (Danish hot dog) from a street cart. They’re cheap, surprisingly tasty, and come loaded with crispy onions and pickles – the perfect late-night snack after a few beers.
Budget Bites: As a backpacker, I was always on the lookout for affordable eats. Besides street food markets, Copenhagen has a bunch of kebab and falafel shops (especially in areas like Nørrebro) where you can fill up for under 50 DKK.
Pizza slices and shawarma wraps became my go-to for quick lunches on the cheap. Supermarkets like Netto or Føtex also sell ready-made sandwiches and salads.
Pro tip: hit up the bakery section of any supermarket in the morning – you can get a warm roll or pastry for a fraction of the price of a cafe. I often grabbed fruit and yogurt from the grocery store too, to keep in the hostel fridge for easy breakfasts.
Drinks & Nightlife: For coffee, you’re spoiled for choice – Copenhagen has excellent coffee shops on almost every corner, perfect for a cozy afternoon pick-me-up (and a spot of people-watching). When it comes to nightlife, you’ve got options for every mood. Danes love their beer, and you can find everything from historic pubs to modern craft beer bars.
I spent one evening sampling local microbrews at a tiny bar lit with candles, and another night dancing to 80s music at a club in the Meatpacking District. If you’re not into clubs, don’t worry – a classic Copenhagen experience is grabbing a couple of beers from a convenience store and heading to Queen Louise’s Bridge or Islands Brygge harborfront to drink outdoors.
On warm evenings, these spots turn into impromptu social gatherings of young people. It’s totally legal to drink in public, and as a solo traveler, it was nice to just join the crowd by the water, watching the city lights and maybe striking up a conversation or two.
Final Tips and Surprises
Before I wrap up, here are a few extra tips and interesting tidbits I learned during my Copenhagen solo adventure:
- Cards Over Cash: Copenhagen is virtually cashless. I was amazed that I didn’t need local currency at all – my credit card worked for everything, even a coffee or bus ticket. Many places actually prefer card or contactless payments, so don’t worry about exchanging a ton of cash.
- Tap Water is Top-Notch: You can drink the tap water everywhere, and it’s delicious. Bring a reusable water bottle and refill it to save money (and plastic). I never bought bottled water once – one of those little perks of traveling in Scandinavia.
- Biking Rules the Road: Danes bike everywhere, and the cycling culture is strong. If you decide to rent a bike (which is a fantastic way to get around), remember to follow the bike lane rules and use hand signals – locals appreciate it. And if you’re walking, be mindful of those bike lanes! I nearly got run over by a speedy cyclist because I absentmindedly stepped into a bike lane while taking a photo. Lesson learned.
- Weather Whiplash: The weather can be unpredictable, even in summer. I had a sunny morning, a rainy afternoon, and a chilly windy evening all in one day. Pack layers and a lightweight rain jacket so you’re prepared for anything. In winter, Copenhagen gets cold and daylight hours are short, but the city becomes super cozy with holiday markets and all the hygge (think candles and warm drinks).
- Effortless Transportation: Public transport is excellent. The metro is driverless, runs 24/7, and got me from the airport to the city center in 15 minutes. Buses and trains are easy to use too. As a solo traveler, I appreciated how straightforward it was to navigate – I never felt the need to take a pricey taxi. Bonus: many signs/announcements are in English as well.
- Enjoy the Hygge: Lastly, embrace the Danish concept of hygge, or coziness. I found it in the soft glow of street lamps at dusk, the candle on my cafe table, and the friendly warmth of people sharing a communal space. Copenhagen has a way of making you feel snug and welcome, even when you’re far from home. Savor those moments – they’re what solo travel is all about!
From thrilling bike rides to quiet moments by the canal, Copenhagen proved to be an unforgettable solo trip for me. It’s a place where you can feel totally at ease on your own, yet never actually alone unless you want to be. I hope this guide helps you plan your own Copenhagen adventure.
Trust me, once you experience the city’s charm and community spirit, you’ll understand why solo travel in Copenhagen is so special. Safe travels and happy exploring!
Backpacking Copenhagen? Here's What You Need to Know
These are the guides I wish I had before visiting. I've been there, had fun, did some minor mistakes, and now I'm passing the best tips on to you. Safe travels!
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