Where to Stay in Copenhagen for the First Time: A Complete Guide

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Find your Perfect Hostel in Copenhagen

Every time I touch down in Copenhagen, it feels like greeting an old friend. I’ve visited this city more than once, and each trip taught me something new about the best places to stay. On my very first solo visit, I booked a place almost at random and learned the hard way how much a neighborhood can shape your experience.

That’s why I’m writing this guide – to help you figure out where to stay in Copenhagen so your first time in this magical city is as awesome as mine have become.

Choosing the right neighborhood matters, especially when you’re a solo traveler. Copenhagen is compact and super walkable, but each district has its own personality. The vibe on one side of town can be totally different from another. If you’re a backpacker on a budget (like me), you’ll want an area that’s friendly, affordable, safe, and close to the action.

I’m a female traveler myself, so I always look for places that feel secure at night and have people around. In this guide, I’ll break down the top budget-friendly, walkable neighborhoods in Copenhagen and give you a feel for each – like a friend who’s been there, done that, and is spilling the deets. Let’s dive in!

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Top Neighborhoods to Stay in Copenhagen

First-time in Copenhagen and wondering where to stay in Copenhagen without blowing your budget? Don’t worry – I’ve got you covered. Here are my favorite centrally-located, walkable neighborhoods that are perfect for solo travelers (including us ladies flying solo!).

Each area has its own charm, so you can pick the vibe that suits you best:

Indre By (City Center)

Indre By is Copenhagen’s historic heart – think cobblestone streets, colorful 17th-century townhouses, and famous sights on every corner. This is the downtown core, so you’ll be within walking distance of almost all the big attractions. Want to see the postcard-perfect Nyhavn harbor with its rainbow of buildings? It’s right here.

Rosenborg Castle and the King’s Garden, the royal Amalienborg Palace, the Round Tower, and even the start of Strøget (Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping street) are all in Indre By. The vibe is lively and touristy: street performers on the squares, cyclists zipping by, and a mix of locals and visitors shopping or grabbing smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches) for lunch.

I love wandering Indre By’s streets early in the morning before the crowds hit – it feels like I have the city to myself. However, keep in mind Indre By accommodation Copenhagen offers tends to be on the pricier side. You’re paying a premium to stay in the middle of everything.

As a budget traveler, I usually opt for a hostel here to save money while still enjoying the killer location. It’s worth it to step out your door and instantly be in the hustle and bustle.

Indre By is best for first-time travelers who want ultimate convenience and don’t mind a more touristy atmosphere. If you’ve only got a few days in Copenhagen and want to maximize sightseeing by foot, this is your spot.

Vesterbro

If you’re after something a little edgier and trendier, Vesterbro is the place to be. Located just west of the city center (a quick walk from Indre By and right behind the Central Station), Vesterbro used to be Copenhagen’s red-light district.

These days, it’s been totally transformed into a hip neighborhood packed with urban art galleries, cool coffee shops, and some of the best cheap eats in town. I always hit up the Meatpacking District (Kødbyen) in Vesterbro – it’s a cluster of former slaughterhouse buildings now filled with trendy restaurants, craft beer bars, and nightclubs.

By day you can check out quirky boutiques along Istedgade and Vesterbrogade, and by night the area comes alive with an eclectic mix of locals, expats, and travelers enjoying the nightlife.

The first time I stayed in Vesterbro, I was blown away by how convenient it was. Tivoli Gardens (the famous amusement park) is on the edge of Vesterbro, and even the big sights of downtown were only a 15-20 minute walk or a few minutes by bike.

Vesterbro accommodation Copenhagen offers is great for backpackers – you can find several hostels and budget hotels tucked in among the bars and cafés. As a solo female traveler, I felt safe here, though I’d use the usual big-city common sense at night (the streets right around the train station can still be a little gritty late in the evening, but I never had any issues).

This area is perfect if you’re a night owl, foodie, or just want a young, dynamic vibe. It’s easy to meet other travelers here too – there’s always something going on.

Nørrebro

Nørrebro is my personal favorite when I’m traveling on a shoestring and want to experience a more “local” side of Copenhagen. This district sits north of the city center, just across the lakes (you can literally walk over the Dronning Louises Bro bridge from Indre By and you’re in Nørrebro). The vibe here is super diverse and hipster-friendly. You’ll see street art, hear a dozen different languages on the streets, and find cuisines from all over the world.

One minute you’re passing a trendy Nordic café, the next you’re in front of a mom-and-pop falafel joint with a line of students and creative types. Key attractions in Nørrebro include Assistens Cemetery (the beautiful park-like resting place of Hans Christian Andersen – yes, a cemetery that doubles as a park for sunny picnics, very Copenhagen-ish) and Superkilen Park, an Instagrammable urban park filled with funky art installations.

What I adore about Nørrebro is its authentic feel. It’s the kind of area where I can blend in and pretend I’m a local student or digital nomad for a while. The area is packed with vintage shops and second-hand stores, perfect for thrift shopping afternoons. At night, there are casual bars and music venues with a laid-back vibe – great places to chat with locals or fellow travelers.

Nørrebro accommodation Copenhagen offers is generally more affordable than in the city center, which is a huge plus. I’ve stayed in a hostel here that had a real community feel, and there are also some budget hotels and plenty of Airbnb rooms around.

This neighborhood is best for travelers who want to save money and don’t mind being a tad outside the touristy core. It’s still walkable (I often walked 20-30 minutes to get to downtown spots, or just hopped on a bike), and you get a truly diverse, young, and creative atmosphere. Solo female travelers: I’ve felt very safe in Nørrebro, as the main streets are usually busy with people even after dark – just stick to the lively areas and normal precautions.

As a bonus, I always felt totally safe wandering here – it has a friendly neighborhood vibe.

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Top 10 tips for your first time in Copenhagen

1. Get a bike or walk everywhere: Copenhagen is extremely walkable and bike-friendly. You can rent a bike cheaply or use the city bikes – it’s often faster than public transit and a fun way to explore. If biking isn’t your thing, no worries: the city center and neighborhoods like Vesterbro and Nørrebro are very pedestrian-friendly.
2. Take advantage of free attractions: Many of Copenhagen’s best experiences are free or low-cost. Stroll around Nyhavn, check out the changing of the guard at Amalienborg Palace, relax in the Kings Garden or Assistens Cemetery, and wander the streets of Christiania. You don’t need to spend a fortune to soak up the atmosphere.
3. Use public transport smartly: When you do need to go farther, Copenhagen’s buses, metro, and trains are efficient and safe. Consider buying a City Pass or Rejsekort if you’ll be moving around a lot. And remember, from the airport you can take the metro straight into the city – super easy!
4. Eat like a local on a budget: To save money on food, hit up budget-friendly spots. Try street food markets like Reffen (in the warmer months) or Broens Gadekøkken near Nyhavn for a variety of cheap eats. Hot dog stands (pølsevogn) are all over – the Danish hot dogs are surprisingly good! Also, supermarkets (Netto, Lidl, etc.) have ready-to-eat options if you want a picnic.
5. Carry a reusable water bottle: The tap water in Denmark is clean and delicious. No need to buy bottled water – just refill your bottle at the hostel or any tap. It saves you money and it’s eco-friendly.
6. Embrace the local culture: Danes are generally friendly and almost everyone speaks excellent English, so don’t be shy about striking up a conversation. A little Danish goes a long way too – saying “Tak” (thanks) with a smile will usually get you an even warmer response.
7. Stay safe but confident: Copenhagen is one of the safest capitals in the world, and I’ve always felt comfortable, even at night. Still, keep an eye on your belongings in busy areas like Nyhavn or on packed buses (petty theft can happen in any big city). If you’re out late, stick to well-lit streets – the central areas usually have people around at most hours.
8. Pack for the weather: Copenhagen’s weather can be unpredictable. Even in summer there might be a chilly breeze or sudden shower. Bring layers and a light rain jacket or umbrella so you’re prepared. In winter, bundle up – but hey, that’s what the cozy cafes are for, warming up with a hot coffee and pastry!
9. Make use of hostel resources: Good hostels often organize walking tours, pub crawls, or have common areas to meet other travelers. Join these activities! It’s a fantastic way to make friends if you’re solo. I’ve met some of the coolest people at Copenhagen hostel events – from sightseeing buddies to future travel partners.
10. Plan a loose itinerary: It helps to have a rough idea of what you want to see (Tivoli, Little Mermaid, etc.), but don’t cram your schedule. Leave room for spontaneous adventures, like discovering a hidden street market or joining new friends for a canal swim at Islands Brygge. Copenhagen is a city that rewards wandering and flexibility.

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 $12.22.

Check out Next House here

Hostels in Copenhagen are the best option – Here’s why

I’m a huge fan of hostels in Copenhagen, especially for solo travelers. For one, they’re budget-friendly in a city that’s known to be pricey – you’ll save a lot by sleeping in a dorm versus a hotel. But beyond the money, Copenhagen’s hostels are just awesome places to stay. They’re clean, modern, and often feel more like cozy cafés or stylish co-working spaces than just a place to crash.

The best part, though, is the social vibe. As a solo backpacker, I love that I can walk into the common room and find someone to chat with or explore the city together. Many hostels here organize movie nights, bike tours, or family dinners, making it so easy to meet people.

Also, if you’re a female solo traveler, you’ll be happy to know most hostels offer female-only dorms and take security seriously (keycard access, lockers, etc.). In short, hostels in Copenhagen give you a ready-made community and a safe, friendly home base – perfect when you’re far from home.

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Final Recommendations

Whether you choose the historic charm of Indre By, the hip streets of Vesterbro, the artsy vibes of Nørrebro, or the laid-back canals of Christianshavn, you really can’t go wrong. Each of these neighborhoods will give you a memorable taste of Copenhagen life, and they’re all excellent for solo travelers on a budget.

Think about what kind of atmosphere you want – do you crave the instant access to sights downtown, or do you want a more local neighborhood feel? Trust your travel style and pick a spot that speaks to you.

My final bit of advice: book your accommodation once you’ve got that gut feeling about an area, and then get excited! Copenhagen is an incredible city that’s just waiting for you to explore it. No matter where you stay, you’ll find friendly people, beautiful sights, and that special hygge coziness around every corner.

So pack your bags, grab that guidebook (or this guide on your phone), and get ready for the adventure. I promise, your first time in Copenhagen won’t be your last!

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About the author: Anna Kiefer

My travels have taken me from the vibrant streets of Vietnam to the tranquil beauty of Spain, each destination adding a new chapter to my journey. For me, travel isn’t about counting countries or ticking off lists; it’s about the freedom it brings and the stories that unfold with each new adventure. At Hostelgeeks, my goal is to infuse our brand with this sense of freedom and discovery.

Whether it’s finding the perfect 5 Star Hostel or sharing a hidden gem in a bustling city, I’m here to ensure that our travelers get more than just a journey – they get an experience that resonates with the joy of exploration and the freedom of the open road.