Senior travel: Copenhagen
An easier pace for an older traveller: how many stops fit in a day, which places are step-free, and what the guide says about getting around, medicines and stairs.
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Pace for a day
About 1 stop a day. 5 h out − 45 min rest, divided by an average visit of 114 min (from this city’s guide) + 30 min to move.
Places, easiest access first
- Design Museum DenmarkStep-free: yes · about 120 minLifts between floors; the historic building has a few thresholds.
- Ny Carlsberg GlyptotekStep-free: yes · about 120 minLifts and step-free routes to the main galleries; confirm the older wings with the museum.
- Tivoli GardensStep-free: yes · about 210 minFlat paths through the gardens; wheelchair users can ride some attractions with staff help — ask at the gate.
- The Round TowerStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 50 minThe ramp is long and gentle, which works for some wheelchair users and strollers; the top stair and the platform need steps. Confirm with the tower.
- Amalienborg PalaceStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 70 minThe square is step-free on cobbles; the museum has stairs and a lift on request (check).
- Rosenborg CastleStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 105 minA historic castle with stairs between floors; confirm lifts and the step-free route.
- Christiansborg PalaceStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 120 minCobbled courtyards and steps at some entrances; the tower lift is step-free.
Getting around in Copenhagen
The city is flat and the metro is fully step-free, but the old centre is cobbled and many older buildings and hotels have no lift.
- Streets:
- Flat but cobbled in the historic core; pavements are wide and shared with cycle lanes.
- Public transit:
- Metro stations are step-free with lifts; most buses are low-floor; S-trains have level boarding at most stations.
- Hotels:
- Newer hotels have lifts; older canal-house hotels may not; confirm before booking.
- Toilets:
- Accessible toilets in museums, stations and larger cafés.
Medicines and health on the ground
- Travel insurance or EHIC/GHIC · before flying: EU visitors bring the EHIC; UK visitors the GHIC; everyone else insurance with medical cover.
- Weather:
- Cool and damp in most months; a warm layer and a waterproof matter more than sun cream except in June to August.
- Water:
- Tap water is safe to drink.
- Walking:
- A lot of walking on cobbles adds up; comfortable shoes matter.
- Pharmacies:
- Apotek with a green sign; a night pharmacy rota is posted on the door.
- Travel insurance:
- EU citizens can use a European Health Insurance Card; everyone else needs travel insurance with medical cover.
More: how much medicine to pack, medicine times across time zones.
Ask your insurer
Age limits and prices differ by policy and the guides do not hold them, so put these to the insurer before you buy.
- What is the oldest age the policy covers, at purchase and on the last day of the trip?
- Does the price or the cover change after a certain age?
- Are existing conditions covered, and what must be declared?
- Does the cover include medical evacuation and trip interruption?
Not medical advice. This page does not know anyone’s health. Ask a doctor before the trip, and carry a list of medicines and conditions.