Book cheap flights to Copenhagen

The coastal capital of Copenhagen serves as a sophisticated gateway to the Nordic region, where maritime heritage meets contemporary design. Positioned on the eastern edge of Zealand, this destination provides a seamless transition from the air to a city defined by its network of canals and cycling culture.

Historic architecture and modern innovation coexist across diverse districts, ranging from the colourful 17th-century waterfront of Nyhavn to the regal presence of Amalienborg Palace. Travellers often gravitate towards the artistic treasures within the Statens Museum for Kunst or explore the intricate corkscrew spire of the Church of Our Saviour that punctuates the skyline. The well-known Little Mermaid statue remains a focal point for those tracing the city’s literary and coastal history.

The atmosphere is one of refined leisure, balancing a world-renowned culinary scene with a commitment to sustainable urban living. Whether visiting for the historic charm of the Tivoli Gardens or the avant-garde spirit of Vesterbro, the city rewards exploration at a slow, cycling pace.

The high season in Copenhagen

When the Scandinavian summer arrives, Copenhagen sheds its winter coat and transitions into a city defined by light and outdoor living. Between June and August, the sun lingers well into the evening, with temperatures often reaching a comfortable 22°C. Visitors arriving at Copenhagen Airport (CPH) are met with a lively atmosphere where the harbour becomes a communal swimming pool and the streets hum with the energy of cyclists and open-air cafes. This period is the peak of the city’s social calendar, marked by major events like the Roskilde Festival and the Copenhagen Jazz Festival, which draw international crowds to the capital’s parks and squares.

The lifestyle during these warmer months is distinctly centred around the waterfront and green spaces like Kongens Have. The pace is lively yet relaxed, as locals take advantage of the 17 hours of daylight to enjoy picnics and boat tours through the historic canals. The city feels expansive and welcoming, offering a seamless blend of modern urban design and natural beauty. For those landing during the high season, the immediate impression is one of a maritime capital that has fully embraced the sun, making it the ideal time for exploring the city’s architectural landmarks under clear, bright skies.

The low season in Copenhagen

As the days shorten and the temperature drops towards 0°C, the city retreats into the celebrated Danish concept of "hygge". From November to March, the atmosphere shifts from outward energy to an intimate, cosy charm. The arrival experience during these months is defined by the glow of candlelight in window frames and the scent of roasted almonds drifting through the air. While the weather can be crisp and overcast, the city remains remarkably photogenic, especially when the historic timbered houses of Nyhavn are dusted with a light layer of snow.

Cultural life moves indoors during the low season, focusing on world-class museums, galleries, and the festive transformation of Tivoli Gardens. The winter months offer a quieter, more contemplative perspective of the city, allowing for a deeper connection with its history and design without the summer bustle. The social rhythm slows down, centring on warm gatherings in wood-panelled bars and the seasonal markets that appear in December. Landing in the winter provides a unique opportunity to witness the city’s resilience and its mastery of creating warmth and comfort against a cool, Nordic backdrop.

A single primary international gateway handles the vast majority of air traffic for the region, positioned efficiently between the coast and the urban centre. Most passengers on a flight to Copenhagen will land at this major hub, which is celebrated for its Scandinavian design and seamless integration with the national rail network.

Copenhagen Airport (CPH)

Copenhagen Airport (CPH), often referred to as Kastrup, is located approximately 8 km south-east of the city centre in the municipality of Tårnby. As the busiest airport in Scandinavia, it serves as the primary hub for Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) and a major base for Norwegian Air Shuttle, offering a vast network of flights to Copenhagen from across Europe, North America, and Asia. The airport consists of two main active terminals, Terminal 2 and Terminal 3, which are connected within a single walkable complex that facilitates quick transfers.

The quickest run into town is the Copenhagen Metro M2 line, which runs directly from Terminal 3 and reaches Kongens Nytorv in about 15 minutes. Alternatively, regional trains depart frequently from the station located beneath Terminal 3, providing a 13-minute journey to Copenhagen Central Station (København H) and continuing towards western Denmark or across the Øresund Bridge to Malmö in Sweden. For those heading to specific districts not covered by the rail network, the 5C bus offers a 24-hour service to the city, while taxis and ride-hailing services are readily available outside the arrivals area for a direct transfer of approximately 20 minutes to most central locations.

• Nyhavn serves as the recognisable face of the waterfront, where brightly coloured 17th-century townhouses reflect in the canal waters alongside vintage wooden ships. This historic harbour district captures the essence of Danish maritime history and remains the perfect spot to observe the local pace of life.
• Tivoli Gardens offers an enchanting escape in the heart of the city, blending lush greenery and vintage architecture with a sense of nostalgic wonder. As one of the oldest amusement parks in the world, it provides a unique cultural atmosphere that transforms with the seasons through elaborate light displays and floral arrangements.
• The Little Mermaid statue sits perched on a rock at Langelinie pier, acting as a quiet tribute to the fairy-tale legacy of Hans Christian Andersen. This bronze figure has become a global symbol of the city’s literary soul and its deep connection to the waters of the Øresund.
• Amalienborg Palace provides a grand look into royal life, consisting of four identical classicist palaces surrounding an octagonal courtyard. The presence of the Royal Guard and the elegant architecture offer a dignified contrast to the city’s more modern, minimalist districts.
• Freetown Christiania represents the alternative heart of the capital, a self-governing community known for its lively street art, hand-built houses, and fiercely independent spirit. Walking through its greenery reveals a creative side of urban living that prioritises community and unconventional beauty.
• Strøget stands as one of the longest pedestrian streets in Europe, linking the squares of the historic centre and lined with high-end boutiques and local design houses. Exploring this artery allows visitors to feel the city’s commercial pulse while admiring the grand fountains and squares that dot the route.

Booking your seat to the harbourside capital of Denmark is simple once the search filters have compared airlines and departure times and served up the most convenient itinerary. Frequent flyers might find even more value by joining Opodo Prime, which unlocks additional savings and tailored benefits on every journey. Once your booking is confirmed, all that remains is the anticipation of your arrival and the many discoveries waiting for you in Copenhagen.