Hop on Hop off Bus Tours in Copenhagen

Get to know “Wonderful Copenhagen” on a hop on hop off bus tour. The city’s red and green bus lines take you to the best of Denmark’s capital while giving you the backstory of all you see.

With ticket packages that cover travel from one to three days and even a boat trip, hop on hop off bus tours in Copenhagen are affordable and fun.

Check out what you need to know about hop on hop off bus tours, one of the most convenient sightseeing tours in Copenhagen.

Which hop on hop off bus tour in Copenhagen should you choose?

24-hour bus passes

Perfect for a short stay in Copenhagen, hop on hop off bus tours familiarize you with the city, inform you about landmarks and give you a chance to leave the bus at any time to spend time at any of the sites.

48-hour bus passes

Only slightly more expensive than 24-hour passes, 48-hour bus tickets allow you to take the first day to get to know Copenhagen and the second to investigate the spots that piqued your interest on day one.

72-hour bus passes

Cover your city travel for your first 3 days in Copenhagen with a 72-hour hop on hop off bus ticket. Learn the layout of the city, hear highlights about the Danish capital and have plenty of time to pause and enjoy what you see.

Bus and boat passes

Copenhagen’s harbor and canals are best explored by boat. A hop on hop off bus ticket that includes a boat tour is the icing on the cake. Absorb colorful Nyhavn by water and snap photos of the Little Mermaid without the crowds you’ll compete with on land.

Which places will you visit in Copenhagen?

The 25 stops made on a Copenhagen hop on hop off bus tour may seem overwhelming. There are shopping areas, museums galore, castles and attractions you’ll see nowhere else in the world. Take in the sights and decide for yourself what you want to explore, but certainly check out the must-see locales on the routes.

Nyhavn Canal

One of Copenhagen’s most popular areas for tourists and locals alike is Nyhavn, a vibrant corner of town with an equally vibrant past. Now an entertainment and dining hotspot, Nyhavn was once the haunt of sailors looking for a good time as well as the unassuming home for native son Hans Christian Anderson.

Nyhavn has since had a facelift and is one of the most picturesque sites in town. The neighborhood’s colorful buildings and canal lined with boats make a quintessential Danish backdrop for sipping a Carlsberg at one of the many outdoor eateries. Its central location makes it easy to reach for a rest after touring nearby Rosenborg Castle or Amalienborg Palace.

Castles

Copenhagen and nearby towns house numerous castles, and some of the most spectacular are within the city limits. The city’s castles range from medieval fortresses to fairytale palaces, and three of Denmark’s most famous sit only a few kilometers from Copenhagen Central Station.

Christiansborg Palace is the seat of the Danish government. Although the current structure was completed in 1928, it was built over the ruins of the original 12th century royal castle. You can purchase tickets to see inside the impressive structure or just absorb its sturdy beauty from outside.

Nearby Rosenborg Castle dates to the 1600s and is surrounded by the oldest gardens in Denmark. Marvel at its red brick walls and turrets adorned with sandstone ornamentation. Come back for a visit inside the castle to witness perfectly-preserved 17th and 18th century rooms and glimpse the Danish crown jewels.

Pass by the Queen’s residence, Amalienborg Palace, for a look at its stately dome and wings. Pause here at noon and you’ll spot the changing of the guards as the fur-hatted soldiers march between their barracks and the palace.

Museums

Along the bus routes are some of Copenhagen’s most enticing museums. Pass by venues showcasing history, design, art through the ages and more. Drop by the Statens Museum for Kunst to see classic art or the Designmuseum of Denmark for modern works. Check out 17th-century weapons at the Danish War museum and the archives at the Danish Film Institute.

Tivoli Gardens

Copenhagen’s famed amusement park is more than just thrill rides. Take a break here to experience a European institution that offers everything from roller coasters to tranquil flower gardens. Tivoli Gardens host musical performances, summer fireworks and holiday events year-round.

Christiania Freetown

Copenhagen’s enclave of unconventional folk, Christiania, dates to the 1970s. Make a stop here to wander the lanes filled with eco restaurants, art galleries and houses cobbled together by their residents. The self-governing town is famous for its permissive marijuana laws and other alternative social mores.

The Little Mermaid

Top on most tourists’ lists when coming to Copenhagen is to see the legendary statue of Hans Christian Andersen’s “Little Mermaid.” The statue depicts the mermaid’s transformation into a human perched on a rock next to the sea.

Lesser known is the neighboring “Genetically Modified Little Mermaid,” a sculpture of a woman with grossly misshapen features.

What are the prices for Copenhagen hop on hop off bus tour tickets?

Hop on hop off bus tours in Copenhagen cost from €25 per person to €40 per person. Lower-cost tickets give you 24-hour access to buses or themed tours. For about €35 per person, you can purchase 24-hour hop on hop off bus and boat combo tickets or 48-hour tickets. A €40 ticket covers the full bus line and is valid for 72-hours.

What is included?

A ticket for a Copenhagen hop on hop off bus tour provides you with a live host, multilingual audio guides and headphones and access to up to 25 points in the city for 24, 48 or 72 hours. Some ticket packages include a boat tour. Your hop on hop off bus ticket also gives you discounts at designated restaurants, cafes and attractions in town.

Where do they start?

Although you can start a hop on hop off bus tour at any of the 25 stops in Copenhagen, it’s recommended to start at Ved Stranden. Make a full circuit of the city, or hop off when a spot strikes your fancy. Stops are scattered along a path that encircles central Copenhagen and are close to must-see sites.

How long do they last?

For the full tour of Copenhagen on the hop on hop off bus, expect to spend about 90 minutes. The Classic Copenhagen tour hits all the major landmarks while hearing the history and insider tips in your choice of language.

You can also purchase tickets for a tour that follows a theme. Spend 45 minutes taking in Copenhagen’s sustainable innovations on an Urban Green tour. A 55-minute Colorful Copenhagen tour introduces you to the contrasts of this medieval yet modern city.

For ticket packages that include boat tours, expect to spend 1 hour cruising Copenhagen’s waterways.

When is the best time for a hop on hop off bus tours in Copenhagen?

Hop on hop off bus tours are an ideal way to start off your stay in Copenhagen. Learn the layout of the city, hear the story behind the sights and discover places you’d like to explore.

Any time of year can be great for hop on hop off bus tours. Some lines or tours only operate in the summer or run on a weekend-only schedule in the winter.

Double decker buses have open tops that are pleasant in fine weather, and the lower level is fully heated. Some single-level buses feature retractable roofs for nice days and keep you toasty in winter.

Travel tips

• For the best value, purchase hop on hop off bus tickets that give you access to both the green and red line.
• Green line buses only operate on Fridays through Sundays.
• Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to hop off the bus and explore the city on foot before hoping back in.