A solo female traveler's guide to Copenhagen

Solo female travel in Copenhagen

Hej! Welcome to the home of Hygge, Copenhagen! The fairy tale capital of The Nordic countries, the land of the Vikings, and home to the delicious Danish pastry should be a must-see on any traveler's list. Solo travel in Copenhagen is a great way to experience all the sights and culture the Danish capital has to offer, as well as fully absorb the mystical and magical atmosphere.

We’ll hopefully answer some important questions, like ‘Is Copenhagen safe for solo female travelers?’, and advise on how to make the most of this gorgeous, glorious, green city. So, dust off those bike helmets, find your best wooly hat, and let’s take a solo trip to Copenhagen together…

Best time to visit Copenhagen

This will completely depend on how well you deal with the cold. If you’re a hardcore heroine who isn’t bothered by a bit of bluster and icy snaps, Copenhagen is arguably the most beautiful in winter. Whilst December brings the joys of festivities and cozy fireside chats, January and February set the city into a frozen winter wonderland world. You’re most likely to see snow and the canal frozen over in the winter months, which makes the city center look like it’s made from fairy-tale gingerbread.

If you’d prefer to walk around without thermals on, summer is a lovely time to see the city. Although it’ll never quite beat the Caribbean when it comes to sunshine, temperatures average at around 20°C / 75°F with a low chance of rain, making it ideal for walking and canal tours. 

Must-see places in Copenhagen

Copenhagen is beautiful - that’s a fact - so the city as a whole is a must-see. Don’t worry, we’re not going to get out of this section so easily, but it was a tricky task to select the top places to go to. Anyway here’s what you shouldn’t miss out on when traveling to Copenhagen.

The Botanical Garden

Built-in 1874 in the city center of Copenhagen, these magnificent Botanical Gardens are located on 10 hectares of land as part of the city’s Museum of Natural History. The ornate glass greenhouses are reminiscent of the time it was built, with a 19th-century metal structure and original clear-cut glass. If you fancy a leisurely walk amongst some tropical plants in Scandinavia, this is worth a few hours of your time.

Visit The Little Mermaid AKA Hans Christian Andersen’s statue

The statue of The Little Mermaid found along the Langelinie Pier, is perhaps Copenhagen’s most famous attraction. Dedicated to the author of the titular fairy tale, Hans Chrisitan Andersen, this monument has been an iconic piece of Danish art since 1913. 

Rosenborg Castle - Home to the Danish crown jewels

If you’re in the mood for some splendor and sparkles, you must visit Rosenborg Castle, the home to the Danish crown jewels. Although this is what the castle is most famous for, it’s a wonderful piece of Danish history and architecture worth seeing, even if you’re not a royalist.  

Tivoli Gardens

Continuing on the 19th Century theme, the Tivoli Gardens hosts an array of antique (but perfectly safe) rollercoasters, as well as being a hot spot to catch live entertainment. Spend the day rattling around in an ancient coaster cart and enjoy the evening with some Danish ballet or music. Also set in Copenhagen’s city center, it’s a must-see for any newcomers to Denmark.

Things to do in Copenhagen

Canal tour

The Stromma Canal is another iconic landmark in Copenhagen - the still, sheltered waters surrounded by the tall, colorful, imposing houses around its banks are a hallmark of Danish postcards. Of course, you can easily do a canal tour with a variety of different companies and travel experiences. Whilst some offer a low-key drift up and down the canal, others allow you to eat and drink whilst you take in the view.

Spend a day in the city center

As you probably saw in our ‘must-see’ section, the city center has a huge amount to offer. If you love things from the 19th Century, you’re going to love this part of town! The 1800s theme park, stunning 150-year-old greenhouse, and festive markets will make you feel as if you’ve flown back in time.

See the Viking Ship Museum

The Danish are very proud of their Viking heritage, and the Viking Ship Museum is one of the few places on the planet where you can see the remnants of a real Viking ship. We won’t say too much, but if you’re keen to history-up your solo trip to Copenhagen, this is an ideal place to start.

Visit The National Museum of Denmark

Another major Danish monument and a great way to spend the day, The National Museum of Denmark is a tantalizing experience offering exhibitions on Danish history, local culture, and, of course, more Viking stuff. The breathtaking building could equally be admired for half a day too. 

Getting around Copenhagen

Public transportation is a big deal in Copenhagen - it’s used by the majority of the locals, it’s green, clean, convenient and it’s relatively cheap. The is a train station in each of the city’s districts with a metro service that runs 24/7 with only a 3-6 minute waiting time. If you want to stay above ground, regular buses are running at all hours of the day. The train, metro, and bus services can be used by purchasing a Copenhagen Card online and downloading the app.

Alternatively, Copenhagen is one of the most cycle-friendly cities in the world, so hiring a bike could be a great way to see the city. Similarly, the Danish capital is also very walkable, particularly on clear, sunny days.

Weather in Copenhagen

As we mentioned above, summers in Copenhagen are pleasant and mild with the lowest expectancy for rain. On the flip side, winter temperatures average around 0°C / 32°F with a high chance of snow and ice.

Spring and autumn are relatively similar with the most amount of rain falling during this time, but with a few sunny spells in between. Do bear in mind, that temperatures will never rise above 17°C / 63°F, even in late spring.

Accommodation for solo female travelers in Copenhagen

We say this every time (you know what we’re like!), but house sitting is the best option when traveling to Copenhagen. Experience local life in the company of a new pet friend to show you the ropes around town. It also grants a rare opportunity for foreigners to see inside real Copenhagen houses - it’s very difficult to obtain citizenship in Denmark, so this is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

If no seats are available for when you plan your solo trip to Copenhagen, the city is very tourist-friendly with loads of hostels and hotels available. The former is a great way to meet fellow travelers and people and can help you save those krona with in-hostel kitchens and cooking.

Is Copenhagen safe for solo female travelers?

In 2021, The Economist’s Safe Index rated Copenhagen as the safest city in the world. Since then, it has remained in the top five safest cities across the globe. So, is Copenhagen safe for solo female travelers? We can quite confidently say ‘yes’. With the lowest crime rate in the world, ranked the second happiest country in the world, and with a culture known for its gender equality policies (men are allowed to take as much paternity leave as women, for example), Copenhagen is as safe as it can be for you solo female travelers.

Tips from a local

• The Danish love their coffee, but don’t go to Starbucks! If you want to experience the unique cafe lifestyle of the locals, you’ll be spoilt for choice with independent cafes covering almost every street.
• Yes, Denmark (like the other Scandinavian countries) is expensive. However, you can easily live on a budget by using local supermarkets, like Aldi. If your accommodation is equipped with a kitchen, try cooking at home in your house sit or hostel.
• Chat with the locals, they’re very friendly and love to talk! Small talk, big talk, medium talk, the natives of Copenhagen are very open and approachable people. If you’ve ever lost or unsure about something, most passers-by will be happy to help.
• Hire a bike, at least for one afternoon, if not your whole trip. It’s the best way to see the city!

Copenhagen for solo female pet sitters

Copenhagen is a great place to be a pet person. The city is covered in dog and cat parents, all within a space that is accommodating and friendly towards animals. Dog walking rules are a little more strict in Denmark than in other European places, so be sure to look up where you can and can’t unleash a dog. 

Things to do with dogs in Copenhagen

Dogs can go barking mad in Copenhagen. Although some of the more upmarket restaurants and cafes may be more reluctant to let your fellow furry friend inside, there are loads of dog-friendly eatery choices to hang out in. Do always check beforehand, just in case.

The city is scattered in green spaces, all of which are dog-walking friendly. Meet other dog-crazy pet parents and create new friendships. As an overall walkable city, it’s easy to have many a doggy day out with your new pup pal.

House and pet sit

Have we tempted you to travel to Copenhagen? Why not have a cheeky look at potential pet and house sits in the Danish capital looking for a lovely sitter, like yourself? If you’re keen to look further afield to explore more of Denmark, check out these real homes of Danish pets outside the city.