Copenhagen Cruise Port: 10 Unique Things To Explore in Denmark
Welcome to Copenhagen cruise port!
Conveniently nestled in the Baltic Sea, Denmark’s capital city is considered the coziest country in Northern Europe and has been ranked as one of the happiest cities in the world.
The city is renowned for its fairytale historic castles, modern architecture, delectable cuisine, and a variety of things do to.
Copenhagen has three cruise ship terminals, all conveniently located within walking distance or a short drive from the city center.
In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know about Copenhagen cruise port, including details on the terminals, getting around, and helpful tips.
You’ll also discover the top 10 things to do in Copenhagen port and the best shore excursions to make the most of your visit.
Visit also our cruise port guides to Helsinki, Tallinn, Oslo, Stockholm, Dover, Dublin, Cork/Cobh, Glasgow (Greenock)
Copenhagen Cruise Port
Copenhagen cruise port РCopenhagen Malm̦ Port (CMP), consists of three cruise ship terminals: Ocean Quay (Oceankaj), Langelinie and Nordre Toldbod.
1. Ocean Quay
Ocean Quay is located in the north of Copenhagen, approximately 8 km/5 miles (a 20-minute drive) from the city center.
This harbor is the furthest one from the city center and the busiest one as it has 4 berths (Ocean Quay 331-334) that are normally used for turnarounds or larger cruise ships.
Depending on the berth assigned to your ship, you will find a Tourist information center where you can pick up some free city maps, luggage check-in and waiting areas, a few souvenir shops, restrooms, and if you are lucky free Wi-Fi as well.
2. Langelinie Pier
Langelinie Pier 190-198 is located only 3.5 km/2.2 miles away from the city center and it’s normally used by smaller cruise ships.
There is no cruise terminal building here but there are several souvenir shops, a few cafes, and a Tourist information center.
From this pier, you can take a pleasant 30-minute walk along the scenic Langelinie promenade to the city center.
The promenade is lined with shops and cafes, and here you can see the iconic bronze Little Mermaid statue, inspired by the main character from H.C. Andersen’s fairytale, a work of sculptor Edvard Eriksen.
3. Nordre Toldbod
Also known as Københavns Havn, this terminal is located a 15-minute walk from the Lingelinie pier and a 10-15 minute walk from the main city attractions.
It is located in a beautiful waterfront area backed by the 17th-century Kastellet fortress overlooking the old harbor. Smaller ships, luxury megayachts, and ferries normally dock here.
Getting Around & Local Transportation
- Cruise lines normally offer a convenient shuttle service to downtown for a nominal fee and it’s recommended to purchase the tickets in advance onboard the ship.
- The official currency in Denmark is the Danish Crown (Danish Krona – DKK). 1 DKK equals 0.13€. Euros and US dollars are only accepted in a few souvenir stores. Credit cards are widely accepted. See the currency converter
- The cruise terminals are well connected to Copenhagen downtown. Public transport is very convenient and the cheapest option to get around the city. Tickets are valid for all forms of Copenhagen transportation (buses, metro trains, trains, harbor boat buses) and allow unlimited transfers during the period of validity. A two-zone ticket covers the transportation from all cruise terminals to the city center and vice versa. Tickets can be purchased directly at ticket machines at stations (cash or credit card) or from bus drivers (cash only).
- From Oceankaj terminal (Ocean Quay), you can take bus line 27 to Østerport Station. This bus runs two to four times per hour. The return bus departs from the east side of Østerport train station. Make sure you catch a bus displaying Oceankaj as the final destination because only these buses stop at the passenger cruise terminal. During summer, bus line 25 is usually available from Oceanskaj to Nørreport Station, which is the best option if you want to walk into the city or catch a connecting transfer to other locations. Make sure you purchase the tickets at the ticket machine in the terminal before boarding a bus.
- From Langelinie pier you take a pleasant 5-minute walk along the promenade to the Little Mermaid statue, another 10 minutes to Nordre Toldbod, and then 10 minutes more to the city center – a beautiful walk along the waterfront or through the Kastellet fortress. Østerport station is located a 20-minute walk from Langelinie dock.
- If you want to take a bus, there is bus line 27 that takes you from Langeliniekaj to the Østerport station. This bus runs every 20 minutes, and the bus ride lasts 10 minutes. On the way back, make sure you catch bus line 27 with Færgeterminal Søndre Frihavn as the final destination (if you take the one displaying Oceankaj, that will take you to the Oceankaj terminal). Always double-check with a driver, though, because some buses might stop at Indiakaj, located a few blocks away from the cruise terminal.
- Taxis in Copenhagen are metered and can be paid in local currency or by credit card. Make sure to confirm your payment method in advance.
- Copenhagen is a bike-friendly city and if you want to feel like a local it is very easy to rent a bicycle and explore the city on two wheels.
- When the passenger cruise ships are in port, Copenhagen Hop on Hop off sightseeing buses are normally available at the terminals. Upon booking you can choose which route you would like to take (Classic Tour, All Lines Tour, Colorful Copenhagen Route, Urban Copenhagen Route). The tickets are usually valid for 72 hours and include stops at around 30 points of interest. Check out Copenhagen Hop on Hop off bus tours on Viator and Get Your Guide
- Copenhagen Card will give you access to 80 different attractions and museums as well as free transport in the city. Book a Copenhagen card
- Strøget pedestrian street located in the heart of Copenhagen is the main shopping area – from local souvenir shops, high-end stores, and small boutiques, you will find something for everyone here! Strøget is located approximately 20 minutes walk from Østerport station and a 25-minute walk from the Nordre Toldbod terminal.
- Staying in Copenhagen for a few days? Have a look at the best hotels in Copenhagen!
- Copenhagen Airport is located 15 km/9 miles (a 30-minute drive) south of the port of Copenhagen.
- Book a private transfer to/from Copenhagen port
- Explore Copenhagen tours and activities
10 Best Things to Do in Copenhagen Cruise Port
This charming city offers many things to do, so if you get the chance, staying at least 3 days in Copenhagen would be a great option!
However, if you are coming on a cruise ship and staying only for a day, the good news is that the major attractions are within walking distance from the city center and can be easily reached on foot.
1. The Little Mermaid
The Little Mermaid is one of Copenhagen’s most iconic landmarks, sitting gracefully on a rock by the Langelinie promenade.
Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s famous fairy tale, the bronze statue was unveiled in 1913 and has since become a symbol of the city.
Though petite in size, this beloved attraction draws visitors from around the world, offering a picturesque spot to admire both the sculpture and the surrounding harbor.
Explore the Little Mermaid tours and activities
2. Nyhavn
Take a stroll down Nyhavn, Copenhagen’s most famous street, located in the heart of the city. This picturesque area is lined with colorful 17th and 18th-century townhouses, often featured on postcards and travel guides.
Be sure to look for building No. 9, the canal’s oldest house that remains unrenovated since its construction in 1681, and building No. 17, home to the world’s oldest operating tattoo shop, established in 1884.
Once a bustling red-light district, Nyhavn has transformed into a vibrant hub filled with cafes, bars, and restaurants, making it one of the most expensive streets in Copenhagen today.
Explore Nyhavn tours and activities
3. Tivoli Garden
Founded in 1843, Tivoli Gardens is one of the world’s oldest amusement parks, attracting around 4 million visitors annually.
This enchanting park features beautifully themed gardens, Northern Europe’s longest saltwater aquarium, and the historic wooden rollercoaster, Rutschebanen, which has been thrilling visitors since 1914.
Whether you’re seeking entertainment, relaxation, or a bit of both, Tivoli offers a magical experience for all ages.
Tivoli Gardens are located a few minutes walk from Copenhagen Central Station. If you are in the city, you can take the S-train from Nørreport Station (Lines A, B, C, E, H) or bus 1A from Kongens Nytorv.
Tivoli Gardens are open during the spring and summer months. Tickets can be purchased in advance to avoid waiting at the entrance booth. Find more information at https://www.tivoli.dk/en/
4. Christiansborg Palace
Home to the Danish Parliament, the Supreme Court, and the Ministry of State, Christiansborg Palace is located on Slotsholmen, a small islet filled with historic buildings, only a 10-minute walk from Nyhavn. This palace was once home to the Royal family and is still used by the Queen for official events.
Explore the Royal reception rooms, the Royal Kitchen and Christianborg Church, and do not miss the opportunity to climb up the Christianborg Tower, the highest tower in Copenhagen where you will be able to get magnificent views of the city and even enjoy meal at the tower’s restaurant.
Access to the tower is free of charge, however, tickets are required to visit some attractions inside the palace. The palace tower is not open on Mondays.
Explore Christiansborg Palace tours and activities
5. Amalienborg Palace
Located in the heart of Copenhagen, Amalienborg is the official residence of the Danish Royal Family and a stunning example of 18th-century Rococo architecture. The royal complex consists of four palaces, two of which are open to the public.
Levetzau’s Palace (Christian VIII’s Palace) is home to the Amalienborg Museum, where visitors can explore the ground floor, the Piano Nobile, and the impressive Fabergé Chamber.
Moltke Palace (Christian VII’s Palace), renowned for its extravagant interiors and considered the most opulent of the four, was traditionally used for receptions and ceremonial events.
Guided tours of this palace are available when the Royal Family is not in residence.
Amalienborg Museum is wheelchair accessible. I strongly suggest you book your tickets ahead of time to secure your spot and avoid lines and waiting.
If your time in Copenhagen is limited, I suggest admiring this beautiful palace from the outside and not miss the change of guards happening every day at noon.
6. Rosenborg Castle
Located in the heart of the city, this romantic castle was built by Christian IV in the 17th century and is considered one of the prettiest castles in Copenhagen.
Built in the Dutch Renaissance style, the stunning castle is set in Kongens Have (King’s Garden), a magnificent garden filled with lime-tree-lined paths and pavilions, a popular spot for the locals.
The Castle is home to the museum exhibiting the Royal Collections from the late 16th to the 19th centuries and the Royal treasury displaying the Crown Jewels and the Danish Royal Regalia.
Of special interest to the visitors are the Throne Chair of Denmark and a Coronation Carpet that you can admire on your guided visit.
Guests with limited mobility can explore only the ground floor and the basement. I suggest you book online to secure your desired time slot.
Tickets can be purchased in the Castle Museum and the last ticket is sold 20 mins before closing time.
7. Kronborg
For those looking to explore beyond Copenhagen’s city center, a visit to Kronborg Castle is a must.
Located in Helsingør, about an hour’s drive from the Copenhagen cruise port, this impressive 15th-century Renaissance castle is Northern Europe’s largest of its kind and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Kronborg is famously known as the setting for William Shakespeare’s play Hamlet, making it a significant cultural and historical landmark.
To reach Kronborg you will need to take a train from Copenhagen Central Station to Helsingør (Elsinore) and then walk approximately 15-20 minutes to the Castle.
The trains run every 20 minutes and the ride takes approximately 45 minutes. The surrounding town offers other great options for sightseeing, museums, and local cuisine.
Guests with limited mobility can access the castle courtyard. However, it is not possible to access the interior.
You can purchase your tickets directly at the castle or in advance. Free entrance for any guest under 18 years old.
8. Christiania
Known as Freetown, Christiania is Denmark’s most alternative and artistic district, located about a 20-minute drive from the Copenhagen cruise port.
Once a military base, this unique community is now home to nearly 900 residents and operates under its own set of rules, independent of the Danish government, making it a fascinating and unconventional spot to explore.
You can stroll the colorful streets full of graffiti and enjoy a live performance in one of the many music venues here. Jazz lovers should check out Jazzclubben, where you will find professional and amateur musicians.
Stop at ALIS Wonderland, one of Copenhagen’s most famous skateparks. You will find restaurants, cafes and souvenir shops as well.
Freetown is located in the Christianshavn area, only a 10-15 minute walk from Nyhavn. There is no direct public bus from the cruise ship pier so the best option is to walk or take a taxi.
9. The National Gallery of Denmark (SMK)
The Danish National Gallery is the largest art museum in Denmark that features a large collection of Danish and international art from the past seven centuries.
This museum is especially famous for the amazing collection of Danish Golden Age and contemporary art as well as one of the world’s best Matisse collections.
The SMK is located in the center of Copenhagen, close to Nørreport station. Entrance tickets can be purchased ahead of time or directly at the museum. Guests with walking difficulties and wheelchair users can access the museum.
10. Bakken Amusement Park
Constructed in 1583, Bakken is the oldest amusement park in the world, set in a lush Jægersborg Dyrehave, a deer park spreading over 1.000 acres of woodland.
In the park, you will find 31 different rides, both carousels and thrill rides for all ages including an 82-year wooden rollercoaster. This is a popular weekend spot for Danish families.
To get here, you can take an S-train (or Sound-train) from Copenhagen, and the ride takes only 20 minutes.
Entrance to the park is free, but tickets are necessary for the rides.
The distance between Bakken and Copenhagen cruise port is a 25-minute drive (approximately 12 km/8 miles), so a taxi might be an alternative option.
To Wrap Up
Copenhagen is a vibrant city filled with history, charm, and plenty to explore.
Be sure to visit the magnificent palaces, stroll along the colorful Nyhavn waterfront, and experience the magic of Tivoli Gardens. Enjoy your time in this delightful Danish port! 🙂
You may also like our cruise port guides to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Northern Europe, USA & Canada, Australia & New Zealand
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