Hop-on Hop-off Copenhagen Bus Tours

What is a hop-on hop-off tour?

Copenhagen hop-on hop-off bus tours are a flexible, fun way to explore the city’s top sights entirely on your terms. With multiple routes and over 20 stops like Nyhavn, Tivoli Gardens, The Little Mermaid, and even Carlsberg, you’re free to jump on and off as much as you like. Enjoy lively audio commentary in several languages, soak up panoramic views from the open-top buses, and embrace the freedom to discover Copenhagen’s neighborhoods, museums, and landmarks at your own pace.

How to choose the best Hop-on Hop-off tour?

While all Copenhagen’s hop-on hop-off bus operators offer comfortable rides and lively commentary, the real difference comes down to the details like route options, ticket prices, and those enticing extras that make your sightseeing experience even better. Here’s a guide on how to choose the tour that truly fits your travel style.

• Premium experience Both tours offer a standard hop-on hop-off experience, but City Sightseeing Copenhagen edges ahead with its well-established brand reputation, modern buses, and reliable service. RED Sightseeing is functional if you’re looking to just use it to hop on and off at your bucket list sights. If you prefer a slightly more polished experience with trusted operators, City Sightseeing is the better pick.
• Budget-friendly
  RED Sightseeing is the more budget-friendly option, often priced lower than City Sightseeing while covering nearly the same route. City Sightseeing justifies its slightly higher cost with better audio guides, bus frequency, and premium service. If saving money is a priority, RED Sightseeing Copenhagen delivers solid value without major compromises.
• Access to many attractions While both tours cover Copenhagen's iconic landmarks, City Sightseeing Copenhagen delivers a superior experience with three better-planned routes and more consistent bus frequency, meaning less waiting and more exploring. Their stops are strategically timed to maximize sightseeing efficiency, ensuring you spend more time at attractions like the Little Mermaid and Nyhavn rather than at bus stops. RED Sightseeing matches the red route but doesn’t quite compete with City Sightseeing’s optimized scheduling and reliability, making it the smarter choice for travelers who value seamless navigation.
• Unique experiences City Sightseeing wins on core tour quality, but RED Sightseeing Copenhagen’s optional boat tour adds novelty. If you're in Copenhagen for a short while, Copenhagen’s canals are best explored via boat tours. If uniqueness is a priority, pick the Red Sightseeing tour and upgrade to a boat tour to get the full feel of the city.

Finding the perfect Hop-on Hop-off pass duration

• 24-hour pass The 24-hour hop-on hop-off pass, offered by both City Sightseeing Copenhagen and RED Sightseeing Copenhagen, is perfect for travelers with limited time who want to see Copenhagen’s top attractions in a single, action-packed day. It allows you to efficiently visit highlights like the Little Mermaid, Nyhavn, and Tivoli Gardens, hopping on and off at your own pace without worrying about transport logistics. This pass is great for short visits, first-time visitors, or those wanting a quick city overview.
• 48-hour pass A 48-hour pass gives you two full days to explore, making it ideal for visitors who want to enjoy Copenhagen’s sights at a more relaxed pace. With this pass, you can dive deeper into neighborhoods, spend more time at museums, and even explore less-visited areas like Frederiksberg or Christiania. You can revisit favorite spots or discover hidden gems without feeling rushed. Both City Sightseeing Copenhagen and RED Sightseeing Copenhagen offer a 48-hour pass. 
• 72-hour pass The 72-hour pass by City Sightseeing Copenhagen is designed for those who want the most comprehensive Copenhagen sightseeing experience. In three days, you can explore all three City Sightseeing routes, which are Classic, Green, and Colourful, covering up to 25 stops, from royal palaces and parks to vibrant neighborhoods and the waterfront. This pass is perfect for families, slow travelers, or anyone who wants to truly immerse themselves in the city, revisit favorite places, and enjoy a flexible itinerary.
• 24-hour pass + boat tour The 24-hour pass + boat tour by RED Sightseeing is ideal for travelers who want to experience Copenhagen’s top sights from both land and water in a single day. This pass lets you hop on and off at major attractions such as Nyhavn, Tivoli Gardens, and the Little Mermaid, while also enjoying a scenic 1-hour guided canal tour. The boat tour offers a unique perspective of the city’s historic harbor, colorful waterfronts, and iconic architecture, including Amalienborg Palace and the Opera House. This pass is great for anyone with limited time, wanting a comprehensive overview of Copenhagen’s highlights.

Tips to make the best of your Hop-on Hop-off Copenhagen tour

• Start your hop-on hop-off tour early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds at popular stops like Nyhavn and The Little Mermaid.
• Visit the Little Mermaid statue early or combine it with a stroll through Kastellet and the Gefion Fountain for a quieter, more scenic experience.
• Hop off at Nørreport and head to Torvehallerne food market for fresh smørrebrød, pastries, and local delicacies, perfect for a quick, authentic lunch.
• Jump off near Refshaleøen and explore Reffen, Copenhagen’s coolest street food market, with global eats and harbor views.
• Combine your bus ticket with a boat tour for a new perspective. Locals love the sunny canal rides, especially with a cold beer in hand.
• Copenhagen is made for bikes, pair your bus pass with a bike at any Donkey Republic station to explore neighborhoods like Nørrebro or Vesterbro after your bus ride.
• Hop off in Nørrebro for indie shops, multicultural eats, and Superkilen Park, or in Vesterbro for hip bars and the Meatpacking District’s nightlife.
• Copenhagen’s weather changes fast. Bring layers and a rain jacket, even in summer. Spring and autumn are the best times for fewer crowds and pleasant temperatures.
• Try Danish pastries at a real bakery! Skip the touristy chains and find a local bakery for fresh, flaky wienerbrød or kanelsnegle. Your taste buds will thank you.
• Look for street festivals, flea markets, or pop-up food events; there’s always something happening, especially in summer.