Is Copenhagen safe to visit? A comprehensive safety guide
Copenhagen is Denmark's capital city and is said to be like a link between the cultures of both Europe and Scandinavia. The entire country is calm, beautiful and secure, with Copenhagen being one of the best places to go to experience everything. The city boasts stunning modern architecture, a fantastic music scene and an undeniably magical atmosphere that is reminiscent of traditional Scandinavian fairytales.
There are plenty of hidden gems that keep people coming back to Copenhagen again and again. In general, the city can see around 3.20 million visitors in a year. Peak tourism season lasts between May and August since travelers like to enjoy the long, sunny days and festivals that are put on. Copenhagen also has a population of nearly 1.4 million citizens.
Vacationers will be happy to hear that Copenhagen is a very safe city, but that doesn't mean that you can let loose completely. You should always be cautious when in a new city and it is important to protect yourself and your belongings. For a secure place to keep your things in Copenhagen, use Bounce. With a 24/7 customer support team and plenty of locations around the world, Bounce makes storing your stuff easy.
Is Copenhagen safe to visit right now?
Before you book a trip, your first step should be to look at travel restrictions for that country. Denmark currently has no safety advisories in place and, as it is listed 3rd on the 2021 Global Peace Index, it is one of the safest countries in the world. We still recommend taking the advice of your own government when it comes to traveling somewhere new but as long as you follow regular security precautions you'll not be in any danger in Copenhagen.
Safe or not, every time that you're visiting a new city you should do some research beforehand. Even if you're an experienced traveler we suggest looking at safety guides to be as prepared as possible before your trip. The petty crime rates in Copenhagen are very low and you'll not be at risk for much, but it is still good to get in the habit of being aware of pickpockets and scammers no matter where you go. Below we'll tell you Copenhagen safety tips that can make your vacation in Denmark's capital completely safe.
Top petty crimes and scams in Copenhagen affecting tourists
Given that Denmark is such a safe country, tourists in Copenhagen don't have very much to worry about. However, you should still be aware of your surroundings and use common sense when exploring a new city. Here are some things to look out for.
Pickpocketing
Petty thievery is present in even the safest cities, including Copenhagen. Stay vigilant when using the public transport network since that is where items are usually stolen. Crowded areas make it easier for pickpockets to snatch your things while you're unaware. Smart tourists should have a cross-body bag that can't be snatched from them as well as somewhere secure and hard to reach where they can keep passports, wallets and smartphones. Keep your personal belongings as safe as possible with a Bounce luggage locker and tour this pretty city worry free.
Scams
Although Copenhagen is not known to have any scams, as the largest city in the country it is safe to assume that the tourist areas will have at least some form of this crime going on. As a general rule, always be wary of strangers approaching you, especially if they are trying to distract you, offering help with your luggage, or making any other strange requests.
To have the best personal security, never give your bags to somebody that you don't know, and try to pay attention to what is happening around you at all times. As long as you're careful it is easy to stay safe in Copenhagen.
Muggings
Muggings are really not a threat in Copenhagen and its low crime rate makes it a great place for anyone to visit. That being said, it is a good idea to get into the habit of protecting yourself and your valuables from muggers no matter where you go.
Some safety tips that you can use include avoiding small areas and low-lit streets at night, especially when you're walking alone, and being on guard if a strange person approaches you. When exploring any city you should consider keeping your most expensive items back at the hotel, inside your bag, or in a suitcase locker. Avoid being a bigger target for muggers.
Is Copenhagen safe to travel alone
A safe city like Copenhagen is one of the best places for solo travelers to explore, and there is nothing holding you back from vacationing here alone. It is easy to navigate and has so much to offer in terms of entertainment, plus a whole new culture that you can discover. All of the tourist locations are easy to get to and you can feel safe exploring them, even by yourself. Of course, you should always use your common sense when visiting a new city and be aware of your surroundings when making your way around town at night.
Solo female travelers will also find Copenhagen to be a safe city and you'll probably spot other people vacationing alone here as well. Women will not be in any more danger than a man who is spending time in the Danish capital alone, and we recommend that you just take the same security precautions as you would back in your home country.
Safest neighborhoods in Copenhagen
Generally speaking, the vast majority of the city center and beyond are safe in Copenhagen. Listed below are a few neighborhoods that are known to be exceptionally friendly and welcoming to tourists; take some time to visit them during your trip!
Indre By
If it is your first time visiting Copenhagen you'll definitely want to spend some time in this neighborhood. It is safe and has lots of landmarks for sightseeing. Stroll along Strøget and try a restaurant.
Vestebro
This hip neighborhood has plenty of unique cafes and restaurants that everyone, both foreign and local residents, love. It is also close to the incredible Tivoli Gardens.
Frederiksberg
We hope that you've packed some extra spending money since you'll never be far from a main shopping street in this Copenhagen neighborhood. It is the best place for fashionistas and is safe, too.
It is hard to find bad neighborhoods in Copenhagen, although there are a few other areas that you can skip for a few reasons. Whether it is for gang violence, a narrow wealth gap or another statistic, visit Glostrup and Mjolnerparken with friends as the areas are said to have social insecurity and unemployment.
Is Copenhagen public transportation safe?
Copenhagen has a very good public transit system that is clean, reliable, affordable and efficient. Staying safe while using these services is easy since the only thing that you'll have to look out for are potential pickpockets. If a thief is going to take your things it will probably be on the trains since they are usually busy and people are distracted, meaning that the victim might not notice right away. This is common in other European capitals as well, so it is a good idea to be in the habit of being alert while using any public transportation service.
Anytime that you're on the bus, a train, or just walking around the central station you should be aware of where your things are and try to not look too lost either, since pickpockets will think of you as an easy target. Keep a close hold on your bags at all times and never leave them just sitting on the seat next to you. Remember that your most valuable items are safest stowed away in a locker or left back at your accommodation.
Important emergency numbers in Copenhagen
When traveling in any new city your health, security, and well-being are important. Copenhagen has plenty of resources available if you need help, so write them down somewhere handy in case you need them in a hurry. You should also take note of your embassy number.
- Medical Emergency: 112
- The Capital Region of Denmark Medical Assistance: 1813
- Police Department: 114
How to be safe in Copenhagen
Copenhagen is a beautiful, fun, and culturally rich city with a laid-back atmosphere. It is a great place to visit, especially since it is probably one of the safest cities that you'll ever travel to. Before you set off on your trip you should read up more on the city. These articles, How to Get Around Copenhagen and Where to Stay in Copenhagen: The Ultimate Guide will help you get more comfortable with the city and where everything is.
