Is Copenhagen Safe for travellers?
Is Copenhagen safe for travellers?
In general, yes! Copenhagen is a safe city for travellers.
Like all cities, you do need to have your “wits about you” and exercise caution and common sense.
However, Copenhagen has a low crime rate, violent crimes are rare and the locals very friendly.
But, let’s have a look at everything you need to know about the safety of Copenhagen and what you can do to stay safe in Copenahgen.
Is Copenhagen safe for tourists?
Yes, Copenhagen is very safe for tourists. Copenhagen has been named the safest cities in the world and this means for both locals and tourists.
Copenhagen is a very clean, well laid out and easy to navigate city.
The locals are very friendly (Denmark is the happiest country in the world) and although Danish is the main language in Copenhagen, you will find that English is widely spoken and it spoken very well.
How safe are tourists from violent crime?
When travelling, you may wonder how often violent crimes occur. This can impact the way you view a city or the way you travel around a city.
As Copenhagen is the largest city in Denmark it is where a majority of the crimes (including violent) crimes are likely to occur, but this is the same as every country.
Luckily, in Copenhagen violent crime rates are around 1 in 100,000 and in most cases, the victim was known to their attacker.
This means, that as a tourist you are relatively safe from violent crime.
How safe is Copenhagen?
In 2021, the Safe Cities Index classified Copenhagen as the safest city in the world.
According to Go Visa Free Copenhagen has retained this title in 2022.
Copenhagen has a low crime rate and a low risk for Natural disasters.
As a traveller you are also safe from scams such as taxis increasing the price, restaurants ripping you off and other tourist traps that you might see in places such as London and Paris.
Copenhagen Crime rate
Although crime has increased slightly over the last few years many locals do not have concerns about people selling drugs, stealing personal belongings or cars, breaking into houses or being mugged or attacked.
The crime rate, including violent crimes is very low in Copenhagen but you still need to be mindful of petty crime such as pickpockets.
What makes Copenhagen so safe?
As we have already highlighted Copenhagen is a very safe city for locals and travellers. There are three main reasons why Copenhagen is considered a safe city.
Copenhagen is a city where cleaning assistants and CEOs have their children in the same schools and you often see members of the Royal Family taking their children to public schools and childcare by bike.
High levels of trust
The Danish culture would not be if it were not for the high levels of trust the people have with each other and with their government.
Danish people do not look at each other with distrust or as if they don’t have the best intentions, it is expected that if someone says they will do something they will do it.
This is also what makes Denmark one of the happiest countries in the world.
In Copenhagen, people tend to look out for each other, if you are in trouble you can ask for help, if you are lost you can ask for help and people will help you.
Low income inequality
In Copenhagen, generally speaking, citizens earn high salaries no matter the job you are working in.
The income tax is also very high between 37 and 53% depending on how much you earn.
This means that there is a large working middle with a narrow wealth gap. There are very few people that are disproportionately rich and poor.
In most cases, crime occurs in places where there are many deprived communities and because Copenhagen has less of these area the crime rate is low.
Liberal Country
Denmark is also a very liberal country where you are free to be who you are and walk with every body else no matter whether you are male, female, part of a minority group.
Everyone is treated equally and included.
How safe is Copenhagen at night?
Copenhagen is considered to be very safe at night time.
The comes to life at night time with bars, restaurants, buskers, street vendors and there are plenty of people around enjoying the night life in Copenhagen.
As with every where you do need to be a little more aware of your surrounding at night time as it is dark (less dark in the summer) and this often the times when people may have consumed too many substances or alcohol and this can lead them to act differently to how the normally would.
Is the Copenhagen metro safe at night?
Yes, the metro is safe at night. Many people use the metro at night time and there are some staff around the at stations, especially those checking tickets.
Again, night time is often when you will find people who have consumed substances or alcohol so you may feel safe if you move away from these people.
In order to be as safe as possible, avoid stations that are empty and avoid areas of the train that are empty … safety in numbers.
Is it safe to walk around Copenhagen at night?
Yes, Copenhagen is safe to walk around at night. The streets are well lit, there are plenty of people around and the roads and paths are well designed.
As with everything, make sure you feel safe and you feel comfortable. If you gut is telling you otherwise, you should listen to it.
Is Copenhagen safe to travel alone?
Yes, Copenhagen is very safe to travel alone.
It is an easy city to navigate, people will not hassle you for taxi rides, to buy souvenirs or to eat in certain restaurants.
English is widely spoken and the city has a fantastic police force and health system.
Is Copenhagen safe for female travellers?
Yes, Copenhagen is safe for female travellers.
Even at night time you will feel safe as a solo female traveller in Copenhagen.
I have travelled to Copenhagen on my own and I did not feel unsafe during the day or the night.
Are there any dangerous parts of Copenhagen that should be avoided?
There are a few areas in Copenhagen that should be avoided, especially at night time.
The meat packing district, Blågårds Plads and Mjølnerparken are all known for their higher crime rates and you should avoid staying in these areas:
The meat packing district is a fun place to visit as it is home to many cool bars and restaurants but as a solo traveller walking back to your accommodation at night time it can be quite intimidating with many drunk party goers hanging around.
The main train and bus stations can also attract unwanted people with a lot of time and not much to do looking for trouble.
Blågårds Plads is not a safe place to stay as it is home to an infamous gang, Loyal To Familia
Mjølnerparken can also be unsafe as it is Loyal To Familia rivals territory.
Is Christiania Copenhagen safe?
One of the most popular things to do in Copenhagen is to visit Christiania, Copenhagen’s Freetown.
This is a community of people that have their own rules independent to Copenhagen.
One of the most well known things about Christiania is that the sale and use of drugs is more tolerated than in other areas of Copenhagen.
They have their own set of rules such as no running as this causes panic and no photos, especially of the people in Christiania.
It is also not the most populated area and not as touristy as other areas of Copenhagen.
Despite this, Christiania is usually safe. However, where there are drugs there are higher chances of things to being less safe.
As a solo female traveller I would avoid the area at night and not linger too long during the day.
Is it safe to ride a bike in Copenhagen?
In Copenhagen, around half of the local population use bikes as their main form of transport to work and school etc.
Copenhagens roads are set up very well for bicycles and bike lines are very well marked.
Cars are mindful of bikes and other cyclists are courteous towards one another.
If you would like to experience cycling like a local but you are unsure or you want some help, take a bike tour of the city.
You will learn the road rules and get to see the sites and learn about Copenhagen from a local.
How safe is Copenhagen tap water?
The tap water in Copenhagen is perfectly safe to drink. The water undergoes strict daily quality testing.
The tap water is very clean and has a pleasant taste (well pleasant for water!)
Copenhagen travel safety tips
Even though Copenhagen is a safe city and you will feel safe when you are travelling around Copenhagen it is always a good idea to be mindful of a few safety tips:
- Keep your belongings such as your bag close to you when you are moving around in a crowd
- When you are out at night time, stick to well lit areas where there are plenty of people
- If you are staying in a hotel, carry a card from the hotel with you at all times so you can show it to a taxi driver or authorities if you get lost
- Make sure someone from home knows where you will be and for how long. It is always a good idea to give some one your travel itinerary
- Avoid travelling with expensive (or expensive looking) items as this can attract attention from pickpockets
- Avoid travelling with large wads of cash – try to break up where you keep your cash
- Always travel with travel insurance
- If you are out enjoying the night life be mindful of how much alcohol you consume and preplan how you are getting back to your accommodation
- Learn a few Danish phrases
- Always be aware of your surroundings
- If you feel unsafe, remove yourself from the situation
- Trust you gut, if you feel as though shouldn’t be some where or doing something …. don’t do it
If you need help, seek out the local police, someone from your accommodation or your countries embassy.
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FAQS: Is Copenhagen safe?
How can I stay safe in Copenhagen?
To stay safe in Copenhagen, be mindful of your belongings when you are in crowded areas, avoid travelling with expensive items, and be aware of your surroundings.
If you feel unsafe, remove yourself from the situation.
If you need help, seek out the local police or someone from your accommodation.
Are there pickpockets in Copenhagen?
There are pickpockets in Copenhagen, so it is important to be aware of your belongings and stay vigilant when you are travelling around the city.
Pickpockets will often use distraction techniques such as asking if you’ve lost a ring.
As one person shows you the ring their accomplice will reach into your bag.
If someone stops to ask you a question or show you a map etc it is good common practice to place one hand discretely on your bag.
Is Copenhagen tourist friendly?
Yes, Copenhagen is tourist friendly. The locals are used to tourists and are very welcoming.
The city is set up well for tourists with plenty of signage in English and ample maps available.
There are also a number of tourist information centers throughout the city.
Copenhagen is a safe city and you will feel safe when you are travelling around Copenhagen.
Why is crime so low in Copenhagen?
Copenhagen is one of the safest cities in the world with a low crime rate.
There are a number of reasons for this, including the fact that the city is well-lit and there are plenty of people around.
The police are also very proactive in preventing and solving crime, and there is a strong sense of community in Copenhagen.
People in Copenhagen also assume people have the best intentions and will look out for on another.
Also, most people in Copenhagen are well paid and there are few people that are disproportionally rich or poor.
Wrap Up: Is Copenhagen Safe?
Copenhagen is one of the safest cities in the world, and you will feel safe when travelling around the city.
The locals are used to tourists and are very welcoming.
The city is set up well for tourists with plenty of signage in English and ample maps available. There are also a number of tourist information centers throughout the city.
To stay safe in Copenhagen, be mindful of your belongings when you are in crowded areas, avoid travelling with expensive items and be aware of your surroundings.
If you feel unsafe, remove yourself from the situation. If you need help, seek out the local police or someone from your accommodation.
With a few precautions, you can enjoy an amazing visit to Copenhagen
