The city of Copenhagen is a blend of fairy tale and modern culture.
Located on the eastern coast of the Danish island of Zealand, it is the capital city and serves as a gateway into the Scandinavian territories.
One of the landmarks that draws travelers to Copenhagen is the Øresund Bridge, which connects the island with Sweden.
This city is known for its cobblestone streets and 17th-century townhouses.
Residents tend to get around mostly on bicycles, which adds to the charm.
It is what many would consider an urban utopia, complete with the Amalienborg Palace, the Tivoli Gardens, and sleek Nordic design.
Regardless of what draws you to the City of Spires, you might wonder if it is safe to travel there.
Warnings & Dangers in Copenhagen
OVERALL RISK: LOW
Copenhagen is typically ranked among the world's safest cities. It features a stable political landscape and a focus on social equality, so the risk to travelers is low. Most visitors experience no real threats during their stay, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take precautions, such as traveling with others. Overall, though, Copenhagen offers an atmosphere of security.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
The public transport system in Copenhagen consists of trains, the metro (subway), and buses, all considered safe to use. Since they operate 24/7, they are also a reliable way to travel at night. Taxis are also an option when moving around Copenhagen. The industry is regulated, so most are both safe and honest. It is better to use official taxi apps when ordering rides, though, and avoid gypsy cabs that may overcharge.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
Copenhagen is a typical European capital city, so pickpocketing is common in high-tourist, crowded areas. For example, Central Station and Strøget shopping street are at-risk areas in the city. The street thieves tend to work in pairs there. One will distract a person while the other picks their pocket. It is best to keep your valuables at the hotel and to carry the necessities in a zipped bag or travel pouch. Don’t leave bags hanging on the back of chairs when stopping at local cafés.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
Denmark is geologically stable, so natural disasters such as earthquakes are not a big concern. Localized flooding can occur during heavy rainstorms and high winds. Travelers should check the weather before heading out and avoid crossing large bridges or going to coastal areas when a high wind warning is in effect.
MUGGING RISK: LOW
Violent crime and muggings rarely happen in the city of Copenhagen. The streets are well-lit and tend to be heavily populated even at night, making them safer to travel on. Although one should always be alert to the possibility of a robbery, tourists are not typical crime targets there. It is safer than many cities in Europe.
TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
There is a significant risk of terrorism in Copenhagen, according to the Danish Security and Intelligence Service (PET). In recent years, there have been very few incidents of concern, but Danish authorities remind tourists to stay vigilant. For this reason, there may be an increased police presence on common tourist landmarks and transportation hubs. This is common in Europe because of the high rate of tourism.
SCAMS RISK: LOW
There are very few of the classic scams that travelers see there. It is a high-tourist area, though, so the prices may feel that way. The biggest concern is fake charities. They may approach you while you are out, asking for a signature or money. It is easy to ignore them and walk on, though.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Copenhagen is an ideal destination for women who want to travel solo. The culture makes sexual harassment very uncommon. The transit system allows for safe movement throughout the city, even at night. A little common sense is always practical when on the road alone, though.
TAP WATER RISK: LOW
The tap water in Copenhagen is among the highest-quality in the world. It comes from deep underground reservoirs and undergoes daily testing. As a result, there is no need to rely on bottled water while traveling there. You can bring a reusable bottle with you and fill it up anywhere in the city.
Safest Places to Visit in Copenhagen
The city is overall safe for tourists, but if you are looking for peace of mind, some options are better than others.
Frederiksberg, for example, is an excellent choice.
This neighborhood is an independent municipality within Copenhagen.
It features wide roads and beautiful gardens.
Another option is Østerbro.
This is a safe, family-oriented district home to Fælledparken and the iconic Little Mermaid statue.
The historic city center, known as Indre By, is secure and often crowded, with police frequently present there.
This is home to the Latin Quarter and the streets surrounding the Amalienborg Palace.
Feel free to enjoy the harbor areas, like Islands Brygge, too.
They are safe for late-evening strolls and swimming.
One nice thing about Copenhagen is its compactness, which is why there are so many bikes.
You can walk from place to place easily and safely.
Places to Avoid in Copenhagen
Dangerous locations are rare in Denmark, but there are a few areas in Copenhagen that warrant a few more precautions.
Pusher Street is found within the self-governing district of Christiania.
It has historically been a site of tension due to the illegal cannabis trade among gangs.
While the community is generally peaceful, tourists should pay attention to the “no photography” signs and not travel through this area at night.
Parts of Vesterbro, a working-class area of the city, are a bit rougher, particularly the streets immediately surrounding Central Station.
This region is full of drug users and sex workers.
It is not dangerous but can be uncomfortable for some.
Areas that rarely see tourists, like Nørrebro and the outer suburb of Brønshøj, can also have gang activity; tourists tend to stay clear of them.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Copenhagen
- Watch out for Lanes: This is a primary safety concern when walking in the city. Bike lanes are essentially car lanes in Copenhagen. You should avoid stepping into them without looking first, and never walk in them. You will be hit, or at the very least, yelled at.
- Use the “Rejseplanen” App: This app is a Danish Journey Planner that allows you to navigate safely and efficiently in Copenhagen. It will provide you with real-time updates on all public transport, so you won’t be left waiting in unfamiliar areas.
- Be alert at transport hubs: Nørreport Station is the largest in Denmark and a prime spot for pickpockets. Keep your backpack or bag in front of you at all times and hold it tightly when boarding trains.
- Drink responsibly: The nightlife of Vesterbro, the trendy hub for hip restaurants and bars, is vibrant, but drinking too much can make you a target. Stay with your group when enjoying this area and avoid leaving any establishment alone.
- Avoid Taking Photos in Christiania: The locals of Copenhagen are sensitive to cameras, especially in certain areas, like the Green Light District. It is better to keep your camera and phone in your bag and avoid taking photos.
- Secure your rental bike: Biking is a way of life in Copenhagen, so there are plenty of rental shops around. When renting a bike, always use the built-in frame lock and a second chain lock to secure it. Given that bikes are such an integral part of the culture, bike theft is the most common crime.
- Drink the tap water: This is one place in the world where you can safely drink the tap water while traveling. So, don’t waste money on bottled water. Feel free to refill at your hotel or public fountains.
- Leave your passport safely in the hotel: It is always a good idea to keep a digital copy of your passport on your phone and carry a driver’s license or ID card with you. Leave your actual passport in the hotel safe to avoid losing it.
- Ignore unmarked taxis: Only get into taxis that have a sign on the roof and a visible license number inside. You’ll pay more if you let an unofficial driver take you around. In some cases, three times as much.
- Dress in layers: The weather in Copenhagen can change frequently. Dressing in layers ensures you are ready for whatever the weather throws your way.
So... How Safe Is Copenhagen Really?
Of all the possible places you might choose to travel to, Copenhagen is likely one of the safest.
The 2025 Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) Safe City Index lists it as one of the top.
It states that Copenhagen has a low crime rate.
Crimes reported by travelers tend to be petty theft.
It also has an infrastructure and security system designed to keep both tourists and residents safe.
What really makes Copenhagen stand out, though, is the social fabric.
The people there genuinely look out for each other.
There is a significant threat of terrorism in all of Western Europe, but it isn’t enough to keep people from visiting Copenhagen.
The biggest concern tourists face is avoiding the bike traffic.
Check both ways when you cross a bike lane the same way you would look up and down the street before crossing in New York City.
If you can remember to do that, your trip to Copenhagen will likely be enjoyable and safe.
How Does Copenhagen Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
 Copenhagen |
88 |
| Aalborg |
95 |
 Lynn | 74 |
| Llano | 83 |
| Findlay | 78 |
| La Crosse | 87 |
 Wollongong | 55 |
| Ventura | 76 |
Useful Information
Visas
Denmark is one of the 29 European countries that make up the Schengen Area. These countries do not have internal border controls. For travelers, this means that citizens of the US, Canada, and the UK can enter without a visa if staying for 90 days or less. Other countries would need to obtain a Schengen Visa through VFS Global or the Danish Embassy at least 15 days before leaving their homes. Each person traveling to Copenhagen should have a passport valid for at least three months before going to Copenhagen.
Currency
The currency in Denmark is the Danish Krone (DKK). Unlike many other European countries, Denmark does not use the Euro. The city is primarily cashless. You can pay for everything from your hotel to the hot dog you buy off a street vendor with a credit card or through a mobile payment system. For those who do need cash, it is available at bank ATMs. You can get it from other places, but ATMs offer the best rates.
Weather
The weather is another great reason to visit Copenhagen. The temperature is predictable for most of the year. In the summer, temperatures stay around 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius). In winter, it gets a little chilly, with temperatures hovering around freezing. Travelers will want to pack a waterproof jacket for the frequent rains there, preferably one that is also windproof, as the breeze coming off the Baltic Sea can be bracing at times.
Airports
The primary travel hub is the Copenhagen Airport, Kastrup (CPH). It is 8km from the city center and serves international flights. From the airport, the most cost-effective way to travel to your hotel is the metro. It will take just about 15 minutes and cost less than a taxi.
Travel Insurance
Choose travel insurance that will cover unforeseen issues such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and theft of high-value items like laptops or cameras. Bring your insurance card with you in case of an emergency. For EU residents, that would be the EHIC/GHIC card. For the US, bring your private insurance card.
Copenhagen Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C |
2 | 2 | 5 | 10 | 15 | 19 | 20 | 20 | 17 | 12 | 7 | 4 |
| Low °C |
-3 | -2 | -1 | 2 | 7 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 10 | 7 | 3 | 0 |
| High °F |
36 | 36 | 41 | 50 | 59 | 66 | 68 | 68 | 63 | 54 | 45 | 39 |
| Low °F |
27 | 28 | 30 | 36 | 45 | 52 | 55 | 55 | 50 | 45 | 37 | 32 |
Denmark - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Aalborg | 95 |
| Copenhagen | 88 |
IMPECABLE
Esta ciudad te enseña sobre todo para los latinos, que puedes caminar sin pensar que te asaltaran de un momento a otro. su cultura, seguridad, sus calles, sus idiosincrasia.. todo y mucho mas hace de esta uno de mis paises favoritos e inolvidables.
Wow
Felt extremely safe when I stayed for a week. Lovely people, great drugs and beautiful city.
Stop gangs in CPH
A lot has changed in Copenhagen the past few years. Gang violence and immigrant groups (mostly arabs) have risen a insane amount with stabbings, drugs and sometimes shootings in the many ghettos. Denmark is becoming like London or Sweden with the immigrants and it is causing problems.
I recommend women to not carry expensive purses or for men to not display their expensive watches. We experienced an attempted robbery/mugging by 3 Arabic men, this was around Inderhamsbroen area. Overall a very safe city but walk around with a lot of awareness at night.
The only bad thing are the high prices
The Tivoli Gardens are so beautiful at night! We’ve also enjoyed the Rosenburg Castle and the National Museum of Denmark. Copenhagen is a wonderful place for visiting with plenty of fine restaurants and bars that are welcoming, although expensive.
Very cool and nice
Denmark is an incredibly safe and great place to visit! Do be wary of people who look like they are up to no good: they probably aren’t but common sense goes a long way. Hope to see you in the streets of Copenhagen!
Denmark IS NO LONGER SAFE TO TRAVEL.
Update this page IMMEADIATELY: 03/07/2022 Shooting has taken place at shopping centre in Co penhagen. Many dead and many severely injured. Denmark IS NO LONGER SAFE TO TRAVEL.
Wrong
Bro this happend once not one shooting has taken place after
Stumbling upon those cobblestone streets felt like stepping into a storybook, and I can’t believe how many bikes I dodged in a single day!