Book Flights to Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen — the world's most livable city and Scandinavia's cultural capital — combines Hans Christian Andersen's Nyhavn canal, Walt Disney's Tivoli inspiration, the global New Nordic cuisine revolution, Kronborg's Hamlet associations, Danish design excellence, and the most comprehensive cycling infrastructure on Earth — all wrapped in the Danish concept of hygge.
SAS operates nonstop from New York and Chicago; United from Newark. Icelandair via Reykjavik offers competitive West Coast fares with a free Iceland stopover option. No US visa required. FareOptic finds the best fares to CPH.
Cheap Flight Deals to Copenhagen
*All above fares are one way/round trip. Fares incl. all fuel surcharges, taxes & fees and our service fees. Displayed fares are subject to change and cannot be guaranteed at the time of booking. See all booking terms and conditions.
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Why Visit Copenhagen, Denmark?
From Nyhavn's photogenic coloured canal to Tivoli's enchanting gardens, Kronborg Castle's Shakespearean drama, the world's most concentrated Michelin-starred dining scene, and the universal cosiness of Danish hygge, Copenhagen offers Scandinavia's most multidimensional and rewarding city break.
Nyhavn — The Iconic Coloured Harbourfront
Copenhagen's Most Photographed Canal — Hans Christian Andersen's HomeNyhavn (New Harbour) — a 17th-century waterway canal lined with 17th and 18th-century timber-framed coloured townhouses, anchored sailing ships, and outdoor restaurant terraces — is Copenhagen's most iconic image and the heart of the city's social life. Hans Christian Andersen (Denmark's greatest writer: The Little Mermaid, The Ugly Duckling, Thumbelina) lived in three different Nyhavn houses (numbers 18, 20, and 67 — plaques mark each) during his Copenhagen years.
Hans Christian Andersen's Nyhavn Houses
Hans Christian Andersen (1805-1875) — one of history's most widely-translated authors — lived at Nyhavn 18 (1834-1838), Nyhavn 20 (1848-1865), and Nyhavn 67 (1871-1875). His apartment at Nyhavn 18 is where he wrote some of his most celebrated tales, including The Little Mermaid (1837). The canal, with its ships and coloured buildings, provided constant inspiration. Today a small plaque at each address marks Andersen's residence. The Hans Christian Andersen Museum (reopened 2021 in Odense, 2 hrs from Copenhagen) is the premier Andersen heritage experience.
Tivoli Gardens
The World's Second-Oldest Amusement Park — Walt Disney's InspirationTivoli Gardens — opened August 15, 1843, making it the second-oldest operating amusement park in the world (after Dyrehavsbakken, also in Copenhagen) — is a 8.3-hectare pleasure garden in central Copenhagen combining fairground rides, outdoor concerts, restaurants, pantomime theatre, and luminous gardens in a seamlessly curated environment that influenced Walt Disney's design of Disneyland (Disney visited Tivoli in 1951 while planning Disneyland).
Disney's Tivoli Inspiration
Walt Disney visited Tivoli Gardens on August 31, 1951 — the year he was finalizing plans for Disneyland. Disney reportedly said: 'Tivoli was so clean and so attractive, and people were obviously having a good time. I was so impressed that I even brought some of my staff over... I thought, if I could build something even a fraction as good as Tivoli, I would be happy.' Tivoli's combination of themed areas, landscaped gardens, food, entertainment, and immaculate cleanliness directly influenced Disneyland's design philosophy (opened 1955). Tivoli receives 4+ million annual visitors.
Noma and the New Nordic Food Revolution
The Restaurant That Redefined Global GastronomyCopenhagen is the capital of the global New Nordic cuisine movement — a culinary philosophy emphasizing local, seasonal, and foraged Scandinavian ingredients, traditional preservation techniques (fermentation, smoking, curing), and intensely technical, ingredient-focused cooking. Noma (Rene Redzepi, opened 2003, closed January 2024) was rated the world's best restaurant four times (2010, 2011, 2012, 2014) and was the most influential restaurant of the 21st century's first quarter — its philosophy diffused globally and transformed fine dining worldwide.
Post-Noma Copenhagen — The Legacy
After Noma's closure in January 2024, the Copenhagen food scene remains extraordinarily concentrated: Geranium (3 Michelin stars, Rasmus Kofoed — first Danish chef to win the Bocuse d'Or), Alchemist (2 Michelin stars, Rasmus Munk — the most theatrical and conceptually challenging restaurant in the world), Kadeau (2 Michelin stars, Bornholm island ingredients), Restaurant AOC, Studio, and Jordnær are among Copenhagen's remaining elite addresses. The city has 20+ Michelin-starred restaurants — an extraordinary concentration for a city of 800,000.
Kronborg Castle (Elsinore) — Hamlet's Castle
Shakespeare's Setting, UNESCO Heritage, 40 km from CopenhagenKronborg Castle — at Helsingør (Elsinore), 40 km north of Copenhagen at the narrowest point of the Øresund strait — is one of the most important Renaissance castles in northern Europe and the setting for William Shakespeare's Hamlet (written c. 1600-1601). Shakespeare never visited Denmark but used Kronborg's historical reputation as a powerful fortification controlling Øresund Sound tolls as the setting for Hamlet's Elsinore. The castle was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.
Shakespeare Never Visited — But Hamlet Lives Here
Shakespeare's Hamlet is set at Elsinore (the anglicisation of Helsingør) and references Kronborg's defences, the ghost on the battlements, and the Danish court — but Shakespeare drew entirely from secondary sources (primarily the 12th-century Norse saga Saxo Grammaticus and a 16th-century French adaptation). The historical 'Amleth' (proto-Hamlet character) in Saxo predates Kronborg by 300+ years. Despite this, Kronborg's association with Hamlet is so powerful that the castle hosts Shakespeare's Hamlet performed in its courtyards each August.
Danish Design and the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
The World's Most Beautifully Situated Modern Art MuseumDenmark is one of the world's great design cultures: a tradition of functional beauty expressed in furniture (Hans Wegner's CH24 Wishbone Chair, 1950; Arne Jacobsen's Egg Chair and Series 7 Chair), architecture (Jørn Utzon's Sydney Opera House, 1973), industrial design, and graphic design. The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art (35 km north of Copenhagen on the Øresund coast) is widely regarded as one of the world's most beautifully situated art museums: a low-profile building complex integrated into a sloping coastal landscape, with artworks visible against the sea.
Louisiana's Architecture and Setting
Louisiana Museum of Modern Art (founded 1958, Humlebæk, 35 km north of Copenhagen) combines a historic 19th-century villa with three glass-and-brick pavilion wings that step down a sloping coastal park to the Øresund — the strait between Denmark and Sweden. The building complex (architects Jørgen Bo and Vilhelm Wohlert) integrates sculpture garden, indoor galleries, and the sea view in a seamless promenade. The permanent collection includes Henry Moore, Alexander Calder, Alberto Giacometti, COBRA movement (Asger Jorn), and Yoko Ono; temporary exhibitions are world-class.
Copenhagen Cycling Culture and Hygge
The World's Most Livable City — Cycling, Canals, and CosinessCopenhagen consistently ranks as the world's most livable city (Economist Intelligence Unit, Mercer, Monocle quality of life surveys) and the world's best cycling city: 400+ km of dedicated cycle lanes, 62% of residents cycling to work or school daily, and a cycling infrastructure so sophisticated that the city has a Cycling Ambassador to advise other cities. 'Hygge' (roughly: cosy conviviality, the pleasure of being together in warmth and comfort) is the defining Danish cultural concept — present in the candlelit cafes, the Nyhavn terraces, and the pastry-filled bakeries.
Hygge — The Untranslatable Danish Concept
'Hygge' (pronounced approximately 'hoo-ga') describes a quality of cosiness, conviviality, and contented togetherness that the Danish consider essential to wellbeing — particularly in winter. Hygge is experienced in candlelit rooms (Danes are the world's highest per-capita candle consumers), shared meals, casual gatherings with friends, warm drinks on cold afternoons, and the comfort of familiar places. The concept entered global popular culture around 2016 (The Little Book of Hygge became an international bestseller) but has been central to Danish culture for centuries.
How to Find Cheap Flights to Copenhagen
Book SAS or United Nonstop — Copenhagen Is a Simple Direct Flight from US East Coast
SAS operates nonstop from New York JFK and Chicago ORD to Copenhagen CPH (approximately 8-9 hours). United flies nonstop from Newark EWR. These direct flights are the most convenient. For US West Coast cities, connect via London, Amsterdam, or via Icelandair through Reykjavik (which allows a free Iceland stopover).
Consider Icelandair with Iceland Stopover — Best Value from West Coast
Icelandair allows a free stopover in Iceland (up to 7 days) on transatlantic fares from US cities to Copenhagen with no extra flight cost. This turns a Copenhagen trip into a two-destination journey. Icelandair's Reykjavik–Copenhagen leg is approximately 3 hours; the US–Reykjavik leg ranges from 5-7 hours depending on departure city.
Summer (June–August) Is Peak — Spring and Autumn Offer Better Value
Copenhagen's peak season is June-August (long daylight hours, Tivoli summer season, outdoor restaurant terraces). Prices peak in July. May and September offer excellent weather (15-20°C), lower prices, and fewer crowds. December's Tivoli Christmas Market (late November through December 31) is magical but expensive — book early.
Schengen Visa-Free Entry — 90 Days for US Citizens
Denmark is a Schengen country. US citizens can visit for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. The EU ETIAS electronic travel authorization may be required from — check requirements before travel. A valid US passport is required; passport should have 3+ months validity beyond planned departure from Europe.
Airlines Flying to Copenhagen (CPH)
SAS Scandinavian Airlines
National Carrier of Denmark, Sweden & Norway — Direct from USSAS (Scandinavian Airlines System) — the joint national carrier of Denmark, Sweden, and Norway — operates nonstop service to Copenhagen (CPH) from New York JFK and Chicago ORD. Copenhagen CPH is SAS's main hub. SAS also provides extensive onward connections within Scandinavia and northern Europe from CPH. After restructuring through Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings (2022-2024), SAS has re-emerged as a competitive carrier.
Key Routes
SAS nonstop from New York JFK to Copenhagen CPH (approximately 8 hrs); SAS nonstop from Chicago ORD to CPH (approximately 9 hrs); SAS from Los Angeles LAX via Reykjavik or London; SAS extensive CPH connections throughout Scandinavia and Europe
United Airlines & Delta Air Lines
US Major Carrier Connections to CPHUnited Airlines operates nonstop from Newark (EWR) to Copenhagen CPH. Delta Air Lines connects via Amsterdam, London, and other European hubs. Both airlines provide broad US connectivity to CPH through their respective networks. Norwegian Air Shuttle (restructured) provides budget long-haul options when available.
Key Routes
United Airlines nonstop Newark EWR to Copenhagen CPH; Delta via Amsterdam AMS or London LHR to CPH; American Airlines via London LHR to CPH; Norwegian Air from various US cities (check current nonstop availability)
Finnair & Icelandair
Nordic Carrier Alternatives via Helsinki and ReykjavikFinnair (Helsinki hub) provides excellent one-stop connections from US cities through Helsinki HEL to Copenhagen CPH — with some of the most punctual and comfortable service on transatlantic routes. Icelandair (Reykjavik KEF hub) offers competitive one-stop fares from US cities via Reykjavik, often allowing a free Iceland stopover. Both are excellent alternatives to direct SAS or United service.
Key Routes
Finnair from New York JFK, Boston BOS, Los Angeles LAX, Miami MIA, Dallas DFW to Helsinki HEL then CPH; Icelandair from Boston BOS, New York JFK, Seattle SEA, San Francisco SFO, Minneapolis MSP, Denver DEN via Reykjavik KEF to CPH
Things to Do in Copenhagen, Denmark
Important Information Before You Fly to Copenhagen
Currency
Danish Krone (DKK, kr) — EU member but NOT euro; highly cashless society
Language
Danish — English is universally spoken throughout Copenhagen
Time Zone
CET (UTC+1) / CEST (UTC+2) in summer — 6-7 hrs ahead of US Eastern
Country Code
+45 (Denmark)
Airport Code
CPH — Copenhagen Airport Kastrup (8 km SE of centre; Metro 15 min)
US Visa Required
No — Schengen 90-day visa-free; ETIAS may apply (check before travel)
Power Plugs
Type K (3-pin Danish) — 230V / 50Hz; adapter required for US plugs
Emergency Number
112 (EU standard)
Most Popular Airlines
Best Airlines for Domestic & International Routes
Frequently Asked Questions on Travel to Copenhagen
Everything you need to know about booking cheap flights to Copenhagen, Denmark
What airport serves Copenhagen?
Copenhagen Airport Kastrup (IATA: CPH) is located 8 km southeast of Copenhagen city centre on the island of Amager. CPH is the largest airport in Scandinavia and the hub of SAS Scandinavian Airlines. The Metro (M2, 15 min to central station, DKK 38) and S-train (12 min to Copenhagen Central Station) connect CPH to the city efficiently. CPH is also 20 minutes by train from Malmö, Sweden (Øresund Bridge).
What is Copenhagen famous for?
Copenhagen is famous for: Nyhavn (the coloured harbourfront where Hans Christian Andersen lived), Tivoli Gardens (Walt Disney's Disneyland inspiration, 1843), the New Nordic cuisine movement (Noma — world's best restaurant 4 times), Danish design culture (Arne Jacobsen, Hans Wegner, Jørn Utzon), Kronborg Castle (Shakespeare's Hamlet setting, UNESCO), cycling infrastructure (world's finest), and hygge — the Danish concept of cosy conviviality.
Do US citizens need a visa for Denmark?
No — Denmark is a Schengen country. US citizens can visit for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. A valid US passport is required. The EU ETIAS electronic travel authorization (similar to the US ESTA) is planned for introduction — check current requirements before travel, as implementation timelines have been repeatedly delayed.
What is hygge?
Hygge (approximately pronounced 'hoo-ga') is a Danish (and Norwegian) concept that describes a quality of cosiness, conviviality, and comfortable togetherness — the pleasure of being warm and comfortable, often shared with friends or family. Hygge is experienced in candlelit rooms, shared meals, casual gatherings, pastry in a warm café on a rainy afternoon, and the comfort of familiar social settings. Danes light more candles per capita than any other nation.
What is the New Nordic cuisine movement?
The New Nordic cuisine movement — originated at Noma (René Redzepi, Copenhagen, opened 2003) — is a culinary philosophy centring on local, seasonal, and foraged Nordic ingredients (sea buckthorn, ramson, dulse seaweed, reindeer, cloudberries) combined with traditional Scandinavian preservation techniques (fermentation, smoking, lacto-fermentation) and intensive technique. Noma was rated world's best restaurant four times. The movement transformed global fine dining.
What is Tivoli Gardens?
Tivoli Gardens (opened August 15, 1843) is the second-oldest operating amusement park in the world and one of the most beautifully designed public gardens in Europe: 8.3 hectares of rides, restaurants, pantomime theatre, open-air concerts, and gardens in central Copenhagen. Walt Disney visited in 1951 and acknowledged Tivoli as a key inspiration for Disneyland. Tivoli operates seasonally (summer season, Halloween, Christmas market). 4+ million visitors annually.
What currency is used in Denmark?
Danish Krone (DKK, kr). Note: Denmark is an EU member but has NOT adopted the Euro — DKK is the national currency. Cards are universally accepted (Denmark is one of the most cashless societies in the world — contactless and MobilePay are ubiquitous; many places no longer accept cash). ATMs are available if needed.
How do I get from Copenhagen to Malmö, Sweden?
Copenhagen and Malmö are connected by the Øresund Bridge — one of the world's most remarkable pieces of infrastructure: a 16 km combined road and rail link (bridge, artificial island, and tunnel) across the Øresund strait. The Øresundståg train (frequent, approximately every 20 min, 20 minutes, approximately DKK 100) connects Copenhagen Central Station and Malmö Central Station. The train is the most practical connection; no passport control between Denmark and Sweden (both Schengen).
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