Where to Stay in Østerbro & Nordhavn, Copenhagen: The 10 Best Hotels & Apartments

Our childhood neighbourhood

We both grew up in Østerbro, so this part of Copenhagen truly feels like home, and it will always have a special place in our hearts.

It’s a safe and peaceful area, yet full of life thanks to its many shops, restaurants and some of the city’s best bakeries.

Plenty of the Østerbro locals are families with children, and with its abundance of playgrounds, green spaces and family-friendly eateries, it’s a wonderful choice for staying in Copenhagen if you’re travelling with children.

And while it might not be the city’s main sightseeing hub, it’s just a lovely place to spend time. Some of our favourite spots for walks and relaxation include the Lakes and Fælledparken.

There are fewer Hotels in Østerbro than in the city centre (which is part of the charm), but the ones you’ll find are great options and cover all the essentials.

Nordhavn, the modern harbourfront district next door, also has stylish new hotels with beautiful waterfront views.

In this guide, we’ll share our selection of the best hotels in Østerbro and Nordhavn, from budget-friendly options to luxurious stays, so you’ll know exactly where to stay when visiting this wonderful part of Copenhagen.

Our favourites: Where to stay in Østerbro and Nordhavn

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• Luxury: Charlottehaven – Upscale apartments with full kitchens and leisure facilities, set in a quiet corner of Østerbro just steps from Nordhavn station.
• Value for money: Adina Apartment Hotel – Homely, modern apartments with all the essentials plus a pool, sauna, fitness centre and on-site restaurant.
• Value for money: STAY Nordhavn – Harbourfront aparthotel with kitchens, balconies and washing machines, perfect for longer stays and home-style comfort.
• Budget: Comwell Copenhagen Portside – Modern and practical place with air-conditioned rooms, work desks and sustainable dining options.

Search for the best value accommodation in Østerbro here.

The Østerbro and Nordhavn area

Where is Østerbro and Nordhavn?

Østerbro is a peaceful district in Copenhagen, located just north of the city centre.

Nordhavn, Copenhagen’s newest waterfront neighbourhood, is directly connected to Østerbro and has quickly become one of the city’s most modern and stylish districts.

Technically, Nordhavn is not part of Østerbro, but the two districts are often grouped together because of their close proximity, making them feel like one continuous neighbourhood for visitors.

The most interesting parts of Østerbro include Østerbrogade (the main shopping street), the lively area around Trianglen and Fælledparken – one of Copenhagen’s largest parks.

The Lakes (Søerne) mark Østerbro’s southern border and are perfect for walks, runs or simply hanging out.

Nordhavn, on the other hand, is all about architecture, harbour baths and a relaxed seaside atmosphere.

Map of Østerbro and Nordhavn

Geographically, Østerbro is bordered by Nørrebro and the Lakes to the west, Hellerup to the north, the harbour and Nordhavn to the east, and Indre By (the city centre) to the south.

Nordhavn stretches further east into the harbour, built on former industrial land that has been transformed into a modern waterfront district.

Who should stay in Østerbro or Nordhavn?

Østerbro and Nordhavn are perfect for travellers looking for a quieter, more tranquil (and residential) side of Copenhagen.

Families will love Østerbro for its tree-lined streets, playgrounds, parks and family-friendly cafés, while anyone who enjoys calm walks by the Lakes or a slower pace away from the busy city centre will feel at home here.

Nordhavn, with its modern waterfront, streamlined architecture and harbour baths, is ideal for those who want a contemporary vibe, scenic harbour views and easy access to Copenhagen’s popular swimming zones – especially in summer.

These areas are also a great base if you plan to explore further north of Copenhagen.

From here, it’s simple to reach Helsingør (home to Kronborg Castle, made famous as “Hamlet’s Castle”), Dyrehaven (a royal deer park and UNESCO World Heritage Site), the coastal suburb of Hellerup, or, if you’re heading even further, the traditional summerhouse areas along the North Zealand coast (such as Gilleleje, Tisvildeleje and Hornbæk).

Together, Østerbro and Nordhavn suit visitors who prefer comfort, safety and a mix of green spaces and modern city life over the bustling tourist districts.

Where to stay in Østerbro, Copenhagen

Østerbro has a peaceful, residential feel that makes it a lovely place to base yourself in Copenhagen.

Accommodation options are somewhat limited, but you’ll find a good mix: from boutique hotels with lots of character to serviced apartments with all the practical amenities that feel like a real Copenhagen home.

We like that you can choose whether you want the independence of your own kitchen and living space, or the convenience of a hotel with everything taken care of.

The best hotels in Østerbro:

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• Luxury: Charlottehaven – Upscale apartments with full kitchens and leisure facilities, set in a quiet corner of Østerbro just steps from Nordhavn station.
• Value for money: Adina Apartment Hotel – Homely, modern apartments with all the essentials plus a pool, sauna, fitness centre and on-site restaurant.
• Value for money: Rye115 Hotel – A homely boutique stay in a grand old apartment on charming Ryesgade, right by the Lakes and Fælledparken.
• Budget: Go Hotel Østerport – Affordable and straightforward hotel right by the station within easy reach of both the city’s landmarks and Østerbro’s cosy cafés.
• Budget: 9 Små Hjem – A practical, affordable choice with both hotel rooms and apartments, giving a local apartment vibe in Østerbro.

Search for the cheapest and best hotels in Østerbro here (adlink).

Luxury: Charlottehaven

Victoria grew up just a stone’s throw from Charlottehaven and still remembers when the complex was built in 2004.

It’s located in a calm, residential corner of Østerbro, but only 300 metres from Nordhavn train station, making it easy to get into the city centre or to explore other neighbourhoods by bus or train.

Nordhavn is right on the other side of the tracks, so you’re close to both areas.

You’ll find Thunberg’s Kreative Hjørne (a vegan and gluten-free bakery) just down the road, and the high-end plant-based Bistro Lupa is another favourite we highly recommend.

The nearby Nordre Frihavnsgade is full of cafés, restaurants, supermarkets, cute shops and Danish design brands.

Charlottehaven offers large, upscale suites and fully furnished apartments with a focus on Danish design.

Each has a living area, a fully equipped kitchen with an oven, a dishwasher, tea and coffee facilities, plus a washer and dryer.

Facilities include an on-site café, terrace, garden, and a fitness centre complete with swimming pool and sauna.

A couple of things to keep in mind: daily housekeeping isn’t included (cleaning is weekly), and only the penthouse apartments have air-conditioning. In summer, the standard units can feel warm.

We like that the property is Green Key certified, meaning it meets strict international standards for environmental responsibility and sustainability. You can read about the best sustainable hotels in Copenhagen in our guide here.

Check prices and availability at Charlottehaven (adlink).

Family-friendly amenities

Charlottehaven is well set up for families – especially if you’re travelling with a baby or toddler.

Beyond the spacious two-bedroom units with living areas and fully equipped kitchens, there’s a small playground in the courtyard.

Children’s gear is available on request, including highchairs, cots, diaper-changing mats, baby baths, toys, games and puzzles.

The on-site restaurant offers kids’ menus, and the hotel can also organise rentals of strollers, pushchairs and cargo bikes to make it easy for families to get around in Copenhagen.

Value for money: Adina Apartment Hotel

Østerbro is great if you’re looking for a homely, apartment-style stay, and Adina Apartment Hotel is another solid option (that’s Green Key certified, too).

The apartments are spacious and modern, feeling more like home than a typical hotel room.

Each comes with a fully equipped kitchen (oven, dishwasher, kettle, microwave, toaster, etc.), plus a washer, private balcony, dining area and a lounge with a flat-screen TV.

Air-conditioning is included, which can be nice if you’re visiting in July or August.

There’s also an on-site restaurant, heated indoor pool, sauna and fitness centre, making it really appealing for longer stays or families.

The location is close to the train tracks in a part of Østerbro where there isn’t a lot happening (apart from a supermarket and a bakery), but that comes with its own charm – and you can reach Østerport station with trains and metro in about 15 minutes.

From the apartment hotel, you’re also within walking distance of the lovely star-shaped citadel called Kastellet and the famous Little Mermaid.

The old yellow houses of Nyboder and the royal residence at Amalienborg are also reachable in 20-30 minutes on foot.

Check prices and availability at Adina Apartment Hotel (adlink).

Family-friendly amenities

Adina Apartment Hotel is one of the best hotels for families in Østerbro, offering spacious units with full kitchens, washers/dryers and living areas.

Children under 12 stay free in existing bedding, and cots or rollaway beds are available for a small fee.

The indoor pool is a big hit with kids, and the on-site restaurant also caters to younger tastes if you don’t feel like cooking yourself.

Value for money: Rye115 Hotel

We really like Ryesgade with its cosy cafés, bakeries and little boutiques – the long street runs all the way from Østerbro into Nørrebro, and it’s such a pleasant place to stay in Copenhagen.

Rye115 is tucked at the Østerbro end, close to lively Trianglen, the entrance to the big green Fælledparken and, of course, the Lakes just around the corner.

The boutique hotel is set in a grand 1905 apartment building and feels more like staying in someone’s beautifully decorated home than a hotel.

Its 20 individually styled rooms come with vintage Nordic furniture, colourful wallpapers and plenty of charm.

Bathrooms are shared rather than en-suite, but they’re kept clean and well-maintained, and guests appreciate the friendly, homely atmosphere.

There’s no lift, and the rooms are quite simple, lacking extras such as kettles or kitchen facilities (like the other two we have mentioned). However, you do get free tea and coffee all day, plus an organic breakfast with homemade bread (for a fee).

Check prices and availability at Rye115 Hotel (adlink).

Budget: Go Hotel Østerport

Go Hotel Østerport is one of those places where practicality wins – it’s affordable, straightforward and perfectly located if convenience is your top priority.

The rooms are on the simple side but comfortable with private bathrooms, blackout curtains, work desks, flat-screen TVs as well as tea and coffee facilities.

You’ll also find a bar, shared lounge areas and even a small fitness centre, which is a nice bonus for this price range.

One thing to be aware of: many rooms overlook the railway tracks, so train noise is part of the experience. Most travellers say they get used to it quickly (and the hotel provides earplugs).

There’s no lift either, so if you’re on the upper floors, be prepared for the stairs.

The location is right by Østerport Station, which makes reaching other neighbourhoods or the airport effortless.

Also, Go Hotel Østerport is just on the border of the city centre, with green spaces like Kastellet and Østre Anlæg minutes away, and many of Copenhagen’s highlights (like the Little Mermaid, Rosenborg, Amalienborg, Nyhavn Harbour, the Lakes and Strøget) can be reached on foot.

For a taste of local life, the cosy cafés and shops of Østerbro are also close by.

Check prices and availability at Go Hotel Østerport (adlink).

Budget: Hotel 9 Små Hjem

Hotel 9 Små Hjem (literally “9 small homes”) offers 60 units ranging from simple one-room hotel rooms to larger three-room apartments that can comfortably fit four to six people.

The apartments come with private kitchens, bathrooms and toilets, while still providing hotel-style conveniences like cleaning, bed linen, towels and access to a shared laundry.

The budget rooms are very simple, but if all you need is a place to sleep, they do the job nicely.

Many of the rooms are on the fifth floor (some with lovely views over Copenhagen!), but there’s no lift, so you’ll need to be able to manage the stairs.

Rooms can also get quite warm in summer, as there’s no air-conditioning.

Part of the charm is that you get a genuine feel of staying in an old Østerbro apartment – it actually reminds us of some of our friends’ flats!

The hotel is in a quiet, residential part of Østerbro, where we have often wandered, and we particularly enjoy the hidden gem of Classens Have (a small park) and the nearby excellent bakeries.

Østerport Station, with trains and metro, is about a 10-minute walk, while the Lakes, Trianglen and other cosy parts of Østerbro are all within easy walking distance.

Check prices and availability at Hotel 9 Små Hjem (adlink).

Family-friendly amenities

Families looking for an affordable, homely option will like the variety of units, from studios to three-room apartments for four to six people.

For children under 3, a free extra bed can be provided.

Kitchens and private bathrooms make daily life easier, and though there’s no special children’s amenities, nearby parks, playgrounds (there’s one in Classens Have) and a quiet residential street create a pleasant environment for family stays.

There’s also a sandbox with toys in the courtyard.

Where to stay in Nordhavn, Copenhagen

As a relatively new neighbourhood, staying in Nordhavn feels calmer than the busy city centre, yet you’re still only a few minutes away by metro.

The area is known for its modern architecture, harbour views and waterside promenades, and many of the hotels and apartments make the most of the location with terraces, balconies and big windows overlooking the water.

It’s the kind of place where you can grab a coffee downstairs, walk to the bathing zone for a quick swim or relax on a sun terrace after exploring the city.

Whether you prefer a stylish stay, a modern aparthotel with a kitchen, or something more practical and family-friendly, we have picked something for you here.

The best hotels in Nordhavn:

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• Luxury: Audo House – Terracotta-coloured, soundproofed rooms with wooden beams and close to the metro, plus a café, courtyard and family-friendly restaurant.
• Value for money: STAY Nordhavn – Harbourfront aparthotel with kitchens, balconies and washing machines, perfect for longer stays and home-style comfort.
• Value for money: Residence Inn by Marriott – Practical and comfortable waterside apartments with kitchenettes, dining areas and a fitness centre.
• Value for money: Nordhus Guest Apartments – Functional apartments with kitchens right by the metro, cafés and the harbour + social events and communal meals.
• Budget: Comwell Copenhagen Portside – Modern and practical place with air-conditioned rooms, work desks and sustainable dining options.

Luxury: Audo House

We really like the look of Audo House – it stands out with its aesthetic, terracotta-coloured rooms and wooden beams, and there’s a real warmth to the space.

The rooms are spacious, soundproofed and come with a (simple) complimentary minibar, so you can relax without worrying about the city noise.

It’s quiet here, yet it’s just across from the metro, making it easy to pop into the city centre.

We like the mix of options on-site: a terrace, an outdoor courtyard, Wulff & Konstali café, and a family-friendly restaurant for brunch or lunch.

A MENY supermarket sits across the street, and bakeries, restaurants and take-away spots are only minutes away.

One small thing to note: you do need to climb a few steps to reach the elevator, which could be a hassle with heavy luggage or mobility issues.

Check prices and availability at Audo House (adlink).

Value for money: STAY Nordhavn

STAY Nordhavn has that aparthotel charm we always look for on a longer city break.

The harbourfront modern and homely apartments come in one, two or three bedrooms – all with kitchens, private bathrooms, balconies and work desks.

There’s even a washing machine and dishwasher in every unit, which is handy if you like a bit of home comfort while travelling.

Some rooms have harbour views, and the design furniture plus highly-rated beds make it feel really comfortable.

There’s also a gym, a garden and a bar on-site.

It’s definitely the type of place we would look for ourselves when travelling for more than a couple of days, as we like making breakfast at home (and maybe cooking a day or two ourselves to keep the food budget down).

P.S. You can grab amazing coffee from Original Coffee on the ground floor.

There’s also a STAY Bryggen (adlink) on Islands Brygge. If that’s a neighbourhood you want to check out, you can read our guide to where to stay in Islands Brygge here.

Check prices and availability at STAY Nordhavn (adlink).

Family-friendly amenities

The apartment-style living makes STAY Nordhavn particularly appealing to families visiting Copenhagen.

With fully equipped kitchens, laundry facilities and separate living areas, it’s easy to prepare meals, do laundry and relax together.

A practical and child-friendly choice for longer stays!

Value for money: Residence Inn by Marriott

If you’re after something practical, Residence Inn by Marriott ticks a lot of boxes.

The rooms have air-conditioning, small (but well-equipped) kitchenettes, a dining area, private bathrooms and a work desk.

Plus, the free washing machines on every floor are a small but brilliant touch, especially for longer visits.

There’s also a fitness centre, terrace, bar and outdoor seating, and the water views here are a nice bonus if you’re a fan of a scenic backdrop!

A lift makes getting around easy if you have heavy luggage or want to spare your legs after a long day of walking.

Residence Inn is located by the water and a ten-minute walk from the metro to the apartments, but you’re still close to supermarkets, restaurants and the harbour’s bathing zone.

Check prices and availability at Residence Inn by Marriott (adlink).

Family-friendly amenities

Ideal for family stays, the aparthotel features family rooms with kitchens, living areas and dining spaces. And the laundry facilities might be needed if you stay more than a couple of nights.

Children up to 12 stay free in existing bedding (no cribs or rollaway beds), and the breakfast buffet is kid-friendly.

Though Residence Inn by Marriott lacks a dedicated pool or play area, it gets excellent reviews from families.

Value for money: Nordhus Guest Apartments

Right by the metro station, you’ll find Nordhus Guest Apartments, which is another aparthotel-style accommodation in the area.

The location is super convenient if you want to reach the city centre within 10 minutes.

We like that it’s right next to MENY supermarket, the ÅBEN bar with speciality beers on tap and several cosy cafés – and the harbour bathing zone is just a short walk away.

With 11 modern apartments, you can pick a studio if you’re solo, or a one- or two-bedroom if travelling as a couple or family.

Every unit has a private bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen and a dining area.

On-site, you’ll find a terrace, a restaurant serving organic lunch on weekdays, a bar and coffee shop, plus they arrange communal meals during the week and sometimes also jazz nights, cooking courses, workshops or art events, which give the place a friendly, social vibe.

Check prices and availability at Nordhus Guest Apartments (adlink).

Family-friendly amenities

Although Nordhus Guest Apartments is a practical and child-friendly choice, it’s worth noting that the place is not a typical hotel; it’s a very lively place with a communal atmosphere which may be most suitable for social families.

Apartments come with full kitchens, living areas and flexible sleeping arrangements.

The 1‑bedroom units have a sofa bed that can sleep two children, while the 2‑bedroom apartments include a double bed plus a bunk bed for kids.

Cots are available on request at no extra cost.

There’s no pool or large indoor play area, but the harbour and nearby playgrounds give children plenty of space to stretch their legs.

Budget: Comwell Copenhagen Portside

Comwell Copenhagen Portside is clean, polished and modern – the kind of place that feels functional rather than cosy, if we have to be honest.

It’s also a bit more affordable (though nothing in Copenhagen is cheap!) compared with other options in the area.

The rooms come with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, work desks and soundproofing, so you have all the essentials without any fuss.

Facilities include a fitness centre, sun terrace, co-working space and garden patio, and you can add breakfast for a fee.

It’s slightly further out in Nordhavn but still walkable to the metro, supermarkets and restaurants.

We like that it’s Green Key certified and has the Danish Organic Cuisine Bronze Label, which means that 30-60% of all the food and beverage purchases are organic – a nice touch for anyone wanting to travel more sustainably.

You can read about the best sustainable hotels in Copenhagen in our guide here.

Check prices and availability at Comwell Copenhagen Portside (adlink).

Family-friendly amenities

Spacious rooms and connecting options make Comwell Copenhagen Portside a great family-friendly hotel choice for those travelling with children.

Cots and rollaway beds are available on request, and children under 12 eat at half price in the on-site restaurant.

The garden patio provides a bit of outdoor play space, and while there’s no dedicated playroom or pool, the room layouts and dining setup make it one of the best hotels for families in the Nordhavn area if you’re travelling on a budget.

The best hotels in Østerbro and Nordhavn for families

Østerbro and Nordhavn are popular with families visiting Copenhagen, and their quiet, residential atmosphere makes both areas perfect for a short or longer stay with children.

Wherever you choose to stay, you’ll be within walking distance of playgrounds, parks and supermarkets.

If you’re travelling with kids, Konditaget Lüders in Nordhavn is a must-see: a red rooftop playground and outdoor training space with trampolines, climbing structures, swings, and fantastic views.

Fælledparken is another favourite, packed with activities for children: a “sensory playground”, a skate park, the Tower Playground with mini versions of Copenhagen’s famous towers, and the “traffic playground” where kids can practice cycling and learn road rules. We’ve spent so many hours there ourselves!

While none of the hotels or apartments listed in this guide to where to stay in Østerbro and Nordhavn are traditional family hotels with large playgrounds or kids’ clubs, most are very welcoming to children, and several provide helpful amenities.

Below, we’ve summarised the most family-friendly features of each place to help you plan your stay.

The 7 best family-friendly hotels in Østerbro and Nordhavn:

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• Charlottehaven (luxury) – Spacious two-bedroom units, fully equipped kitchens, a playground, children’s gear on request, and rentals of strollers, pushchairs and cargo bikes make it an easy choice for families if budget is less of a concern.
• Adina Apartment Hotel (value for money) – Spacious apartments with kitchens, laundry, indoor pool and kid-friendly dining make it ideal for longer family stays.
• Comwell Copenhagen Portside (budget) – Family rooms, connecting options, kids’ menus and a garden patio provide a practical and child-friendly stay.
• STAY Nordhavn (value for money) – Flexible 1-3 bedroom apartments with kitchens, living areas and balconies make it a convenient and home-like choice for families.
• Residence Inn by Marriott (value for money) – With well-equipped kitchenettes, living areas, dining spaces and laundry facilities, it’s a great option close to the bathing zone in the harbour.
• Nordhus Guest Apartments (value for money) – Apartments with kitchens, living areas, sofa/bunk beds, free cots and nearby playgrounds offer families a home-away-from-home experience.
• 9 Små Hjem (budget) – Budget-friendly apartments with kitchens (for up to six people), free extra beds for children under 3 and a sandbox in the courtyard provide a homely, child-friendly option for families – there’s no lift to the fifth floor, though.

How to get to Østerbro and Nordhavn from Copenhagen Airport CPH

Getting to Østerbro or Nordhavn from Copenhagen Airport is easy and relatively cheap with public transport.

The exact route obviously depends on where you’re staying, but generally you can either take the train or the metro from the airport.

The directions on Google Maps are usually pretty precise, or you could use the official public transport Journey Planner (Rejseplanen).

Both train and metro are frequent, reliable and ticket prices are the same.

The metro is often the easiest if you’re staying in Nordhavn, while the train is slightly quicker if your hotel is closer to central Østerbro.

Below, we outline the easiest ways to reach Østerbro and Nordhavn.

By train

From Copenhagen Airport, take a regional train towards Copenhagen Central Station (København H).

Get off at Østerport Station, which is right on the edge of Østerbro and connects easily to most parts of the area.

The train ride takes around 25 minutes.

From Østerport, you can either walk, hop on an S-train, or catch a bus to your accommodation.

By metro

The metro runs directly from the airport (M2 line).

To get to Østerbro, you can change at Kongens Nytorv to the M3 Cityringen line, which takes you straight to Østerport Station.

Even with the change, it takes around the same time as with the train, but the metro usually runs more frequently at night, so it’s worth comparing both routes before you travel.

From Østerport Station, you can reach much of Østerbro on foot or by bus or take the metro a stop further, if your accommodation is closer to Trianglen Station.

If you’re staying in Nordhavn, you’ll instead need to get on the M4 metro line to Nordhavn Station or the last stop, Orientkaj.

You can change to the M4 line on both Copenhagen Central Station (København H), Kongens Nytorv or Østerport Station.

Sustainable travel tips

To minimise your impact during your visit to Copenhagen, follow these guidelines:

• Walk whenever possible. The city is compact, calm and made for pedestrians.
• Cycle like a local. Rent a bike to explore and remember to follow local etiquette on the well-designed bike lanes.
• Use public transport. It’s clean, reliable and mostly electric; no car needed.
• Eat more plant-based meals. Copenhagen has excellent vegan and vegetarian food across all budgets.
• Drink tap water. It’s safe, clean and available everywhere, so bring a refillable bottle.
• Cut down on single-use plastics. Skip lids and straws and bring your own containers, cup and bag, when possible.
• Sort your waste. Follow the bin system for recycling and composting around the city.
• Return bottles for “pant”. Use the deposit system at supermarkets to recycle bottles and cans.
• Choose low-impact activities. Swim in the harbour, visit parks, museums or go on a solar-powered boat trip in the harbour.
• Shop second-hand or local. Find vintage treasures or buy from sustainable Danish brands.
• Use eco-friendly sunscreen. Protect the harbour and canals when swimming.
• Respect urban wildlife. Don’t feed animals, keep dogs leashed and avoid littering in green spaces.

Read our full guide for all the practical tips on travelling sustainably in Copenhagen.

What to bring to Copenhagen

• Travel insurance (adlink). Never travel without it!
• A good camera – here’s a guide to the gear we use.
• Sunscreen (adlink).
• Comfortable shoes.
• Swimwear and a towel if you plan to swim.
• Water and snacks.

Thanks for reading

Thank you for reading our travel guide about where to stay in Østerbro and Nordhavn.

What do you think about Copenhagen? If you’ve been to Østerbro or Nordhavn, hearing your best tips and tricks would be awesome. Where did you stay?

Feel free to share your experience in the comments below or ask any questions about staying in Copenhagen!