What to do in Copenhagen
Discover the royal highlights, smart parking spots and hotels with parking facilities in Copenhagen. This guide helps you experience the Danish capital as the perfect ‘last stop’ before you cross the Øresund Bridge.
The ideal stopover for the big crossing
You are on your way to Sweden, the suitcases are in the back and the sat nav is set for the Øresund Bridge. But why rush? Copenhagen is literally on your route. It is the last chance to taste that bustling, continental atmosphere before you drive into the calm of Scandinavia.
Copenhagen is grand, but the centre is surprisingly walkable. Whether you stop for two hours for lunch in Nyhavn or stay the night to start your Swedish adventure well-rested: this is the place where your holiday feeling gets a golden edge.
About the route:
- Distance to the Øresund Bridge: From the centre of Copenhagen, it is only a 15-minute drive to the tunnel that turns into the bridge. You really are on the threshold of Sweden.
- Atmosphere: Copenhagen breathes hygge (cosiness) and royal allure. Old warehouses, modern architecture and cyclists everywhere.
- Contrast: Where Malmö is quiet and spacious, Copenhagen feels like a true world city full of life.
Top 7 Sights: What to do during a stopover?
If you are passing through, you don’t want to stand in queues for hours. As an expert in this region, I recommend focusing on places you can easily visit and that immediately give you that Danish feeling.
1. Nyhavn (The New Harbour)
The picture-perfect image of Copenhagen. The colourful facades and old wooden ships are beautiful. Yes, it is touristy, but for a quick lunch, it is unbeatable. Order a Smørrebrød (richly topped rye bread) on a terrace and people-watch.
2. The Little Mermaid (Den Lille Havfrue)
Let’s be honest: she is small. But she is located very strategically on your route along the harbourside (Langelinie). You can often park relatively easily here, get a breath of fresh air by the water, take a photo of the city’s icon and drive on.
3. Tivoli Gardens
Are you staying until the evening or staying overnight? Then Tivoli is a must. It is one of the oldest amusement parks in the world (opened in 1843) and is located right in the middle of the city. It is not a loud fairground, but a stylish park with lights, flowers and nostalgic attractions.
4. Amalienborg Palace
The residence of the royal family. If you are there around 12:00, you can catch the changing of the guard. The square itself is beautifully symmetrical and gives you a moment of royal history.
5. Strøget
Do you need to stretch your legs after the long drive? Strøget is one of the longest pedestrian shopping streets in Europe. Here you find everything: from expensive design brands to street performers and the LEGO store.
6. Torvehallerne (Food Halls)
A personal favourite for a tasty appetite. Two large glass halls full of stalls selling fresh fish, Danish pastries, coffee and local specialities. Perfect for stocking up on goodies for the road.
7. Christiania
The famous Freetown. A unique, autonomous district with self-built houses and an alternative lifestyle. It is a striking contrast to the rest of the neat city and certainly worth walking through.
Practical information for drivers in Copenhagen
Copenhagen is a cycling city, but it is also doable by car if you know where to go.
Parking in Copenhagen
Parking in the centre is pricey and divided into colour zones (Red is the most expensive, Green cheaper).
- Car parks: Choose certainty and drive into a car park, for example from Q-Park or APCOA. The car park at Israels Plads is central and spacious.
- Park & Ride: Want to save costs? Park at the edge of the city at a metro station and take the metro into the centre.
Motorhomes in the city
Note: The centre of Copenhagen is not suitable for driving through with a large motorhome. The streets are narrow and parking is difficult.
- CityCamp: There are special places like CityCamp where you can park safely.
- Parking before the crossing: Looking for a place to wait or spend the night with your motorhome before going onto the bridge? Read our extensive guide specifically for campers: View everything about travelling to Sweden with a Motorhome or Caravan via the bridge here.
Where to stay in Copenhagen? (With parking options)
A night in Copenhagen breaks the journey perfectly. Because you are travelling by car, I have selected hotels that are not located in the narrowest alleys, but are easily accessible and offer parking facilities.
| Traveller Type | Hotel Suggestion | Why? |
| Comfort & Car | AC Hotel Bella Sky | Located close to the motorway and the airport (so close to the bridge). Iconic architecture, ample parking and just a short metro ride to the centre. |
| Family & Fun | Tivoli Hotel | A large, modern hotel with its own car park and a swimming pool. As the name suggests: Tivoli themed and very child-friendly. |
| Budget & Design | Wakeup Copenhagen (Bernstorffsgade) | Affordable, sleek Danish design and efficient. Centrally located and has a car park in the basement (fee applies). |
Ready for the crossing?
Have you seen Copenhagen and are you ready for the highlight of the trip? From the city, you drive onto the E20 within minutes, towards Malmö / Lufthavn. That is where your drive through the tunnel begins, followed by the spectacular drive over the Øresund Bridge.
On this page
After you have made the crossing to Denmark, you will naturally want to continue to Sweden as quickly as possible. On MalmoBridge.com we show you exactly which routes are most convenient and how to get to the Copenhagen and Malmo bridge without detours. On the page about the crossing to Denmark, you can read step-by-step how to drive from the UK or Germany towards Copenhagen and then easily cross via the bridge towards Malmö and the rest of Sweden.
Destinations in Sweden
The Øresund Bridge is the starting point of a larger tour for many travellers. Popular destinations after the bridge include Stockholm, the island of Bornholm, the coastal city of Gothenburg and the Kalmar and Öland region.
From Malmö you can drive to these places in a single day, making the bridge the ideal gateway for your complete Swedish trip.
Discover Malmö
As soon as you cross the bridge you are almost immediately in Malmö. This city is perfect for a first stop in Sweden, with sights such as the Turning Torso, the historic centre around Lilla Torg and the promenade at Ribersborg beach. You can easily walk around here for a few hours or stay the night before driving further inland.
Copenhagen as a stopover
Before you drive onto the Malmo bridge, you pass Copenhagen. Many travellers choose to stay here for one or two days. You can visit Nyhavn, Tivoli, the Little Mermaid and the lively food markets while your car is parked in or near the city. Afterwards, you drive on to Sweden via the Øresund Bridge in no time.