Amager stretches south-east from central Copenhagen and feels more suburban and shoreline-focused than the old town. The western side has newer developments and metro stops; head to Amager Strandpark for the long sandy beach, promenades and watersports.
The area also hosts National Aquarium Denmark and the Kastrupgård art collection, while the old harbour town of Dragør is a short ride away. By day it’s a mix of families on the beach, museum visitors and commuters; evenings are relaxed, with hotel bars and a handful of craft-beer and waterfront cafés.
Amager at a Glance
Beaches, aquarium, airport access and relaxed waterfront dining.
- Best for: Beach time and easy airport access
- Vibe: Laid-back seaside neighbourhood with pockets of new development
- Nearest station: Amager Strand station (metro M2)
- Price level: Mostly $-$$ for eating and staying
- To the main sights: 10-20 minutes to central Copenhagen by metro
- Safety: Generally very safe; watch cyclists and busy roads
Who's Amager For?
Great for:
- Beach days
- Families with children
- Travellers needing airport access
- People who like quiet waterfront walks
Maybe skip it if:
- You want lively nightlife every night
- You need central Copenhagen cafés on your doorstep
Getting Your Bearings in Amager
Amager runs south-east from Christianshavn; the main beach is Amager Strandpark and Kastrup/airport lie at the island’s south-eastern end.
Plan Your Visit to Amager
- Bring swimwear: Amager Strandpark is perfect for swimming and sunbathing in summer.
- Respect cycle lanes: Cyclists are fast and frequent; stay out of bike lanes on pavements.
- Allow extra time for flights: If staying near the airport, check metro times early morning for transfers.
- Visit Dragør by day: The picturesque town is best explored on a day trip for cafés and harbour views.
Things to Do in Amager
- Amager Strandpark: Long sandy beach with promenades, swimming areas and windsurfing options; great for a sunny afternoon or a long waterfront walk.
- National Aquarium Denmark: National Aquarium Denmark is a large, family-friendly attraction showcasing Nordic marine life and interactive exhibits.
- Kastrupgård Collection: Kastrupgård Collection offers modern Danish art in a relaxed museum setting near Kastrup.
- Dragør: Picturesque old harbour town with cobbled streets and traditional houses, a short trip for a very different, historic seaside atmosphere.
How to Get to Amager
- Copenhagen Airport (CPH): Take the M2 metro from the airport; it serves Amager stops and reaches central Copenhagen in about 12-15 minutes. A taxi or ride-hail is simplest with luggage and takes roughly 10-20 minutes to central Amager, costing around DKK 200-400 depending on traffic.
- From the main sights: From central Copenhagen use the M2 metro (or bus services) to reach Amager stations in 10-20 minutes. Taxis are readily available and typically take 10-20 minutes from the centre.
Getting Around Amager
- Metro: The M2 metro links the airport, Ørestad and Amager Strand with the city centre; services are frequent and useful for reaching beaches and museums.
- Buses and bikes: Local buses fill gaps between metro stops; Copenhagen’s cycle lanes make biking an excellent way to explore the shoreline and quieter streets.
- Taxi and ride-hail: Taxis and ride-hail work well for luggage or late-night returns; journey times are short but depend on peak traffic.
Where to Stay in Amager
Amager’s accommodation ranges from airport hotels to seaside guesthouses. Most hotels cluster near Ørestad and Kastrup, making them convenient for flights and the beach. Prices tend to run $-$$, with the odd more upmarket option along the waterfront. Dragør offers smaller boutique and guesthouse options a short drive away.
Luxury
- Clarion Hotel Copenhagen Airport: Large, modern hotel adjacent to the airport and a short metro ride from Amager Strand; good for business travellers and those with early flights.
- Scandic CPH Strandpark: Waterside hotel close to Amager Strandpark offering comfortable rooms and easy beach access, within easy reach of metro stops.
Mid-range
- Best Western Plus Airport Hotel Copenhagen: Reliable three-star hotel within a short drive of the airport; practical for transits and short stays.
- Comfort Hotel Copenhagen Airport: Simple, practical lodging close to airport facilities and metro connections, useful for budget-conscious travellers with flights.
- Dragør Badehotel: Traditional coastal hotel in Dragør for a quieter, scenic stay by the old harbour, best if you don’t mind the short trip from central Amager.
Budget
- Cottage Farm: Guesthouse-style option away from the main bustle, suited for travellers seeking simpler accommodation near green areas.
- Strandhotellet: Basic hotel near the shoreline and Dragør area for travellers who prioritise seaside setting over central location.
- Dragør Hotel & Apartments: Apartment-style rooms in Dragør providing affordable, self-catering stays in a historic seaside town.
Where to Eat in Amager
Amager’s eating scene is focused on casual cafés, seafood and hotel restaurants with a few speciality outlets near the airport and along the beach. Head to the waterfront, Kastrup harbour and Amagerbrogade for most options. Prices are mainly $-$$, with some mid-range choices by the water.
- Menzies Eventyr Lounge: Casual café space good for coffee and light bites; convenient if you’re near the airport or metro.
- Joe & The Juice: Popular chain for quick juices, sandwiches and coffee; cheap and reliable for grab-and-go.
- Espresso House Denmark: Chain coffee shop offering pastries and coffees; an inexpensive option near transport hubs.
- Copenhagen Coffee Lab Fing B: Independent-style coffee shop serving quality brews and simple snacks; a good stop before a beach walk.
- Allé Kroen: Traditional Danish restaurant offering local dishes in a relaxed setting; a mid-range choice for a proper meal.
- Ramen To Bíiru Copenhagen Airport: Casual ramen spot near airport terminals, suitable for a warm, mid-priced meal before travel.
- Kystens Perle: Harbour-side café with sea views; a pleasant place for seafood-focused light meals and drinks.
Nightlife in Amager
Nightlife on Amager is low-key and spread between craft-beer bars, hotel bars and a few pubs. Most venues cluster near Ørestad, Kastrup and the larger hotels, so expect relaxed evenings rather than clubbing. Prices are typically $-$$ and many places close earlier than in the city centre.
- Mikkeller: Well-known Danish craft-beer bar offering a wide tap selection; good for tasting local brews in a relaxed setting.
- Åben: Pub-style venue with pizza and drinks; informal and popular with locals.
- Barception: Hotel-adjacent bar serving cocktails and beers; handy for travellers staying nearby.
- Bar With A View: Waterside bar with pleasant views, best for pre-dinner drinks close to the waterfront.
- Seanery: Hotel bar offering a calm atmosphere and straightforward drinks selection inside a larger hotel.
- Café Bredager: Local pub for casual evenings and a neighbourhood crowd; simple and unpretentious.
Shopping in Amager
Amager isn’t a major shopping district but offers local markets, small independent shops and convenience stores along Amagerbrogade and near the harbour. For full-scale shopping head into central Copenhagen by metro. You’ll find weekend markets and local produce stalls seasonally near the beach and Kastrup area.
