Tivoli / City Centre

Nimb Hotel

★★★★★

Nimb is the most enchanting hotel in Copenhagen, because it is inside Tivoli. It occupies the Moorish-style palace with domes and minarets that stands beside the gardens' main entrance on H.C. Andersens Boulevard, one of the most photographed buildings in the city, and it has direct access to the gardens themselves. The hotel opened after a complete renovation in 2008 and has just 38 rooms and suites, each individually decorated with a mix of antiques, art and contemporary Danish design, and many with views over the gardens, the lake and the lights of Tivoli at night; several suites have balconies and the hotel is known for its wood-burning fireplaces. The building also houses the Nimb Brasserie, an elegant all-day dining room overlooking the gardens, a well-stocked wine collection, the Vinotek, and a cosy bar, so guests can stay within the palace for dinner and a nightcap. On the roof, the Nimb Roof terrace has an emerald-green pool with a built-in current, an outdoor shower and a bar, with views over Tivoli and the copper spires of the city; it is one of the few rooftop pools in Copenhagen and a memorable place to swim on a summer evening. Downstairs, Nimb Wellness is a 300-square-metre spa with a hammam, a steam area, a relaxation room with complimentary refreshments, and a menu of massages and treatments. The hotel holds one Michelin Key and is part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World Finest Collection. Rates are at the top of the Copenhagen market, and in high season and at Christmas they can be very high. The location is superb for sightseeing: Central Station is across the road, City Hall Square, Stroget and the Glyptotek are a few minutes' walk, and the gardens are, of course, at the door, though remember that Tivoli itself is open only in its seasons.

Living the Nimb: the rooms are the real attraction, each one different, with high ceilings, soft colours, fine fabrics and bathrooms of marble and stone; the suites with balconies over the gardens are worth the premium, especially at Christmas, when the lights of Tivoli shine below. Service is warm and personal in the way that only a small hotel can manage, and the staff can arrange restaurant bookings, Tivoli tickets and concerts. Breakfast in the Nimb Brasserie, overlooking the gardens, is a lovely start to the day.

Eating, drinking and relaxing: the Nimb Brasserie serves classic French-inspired and Danish dishes throughout the day, and the Vinotek offers an extensive wine list. The rooftop pool and terrace are a highlight in summer, and the wellness area, with its hammam and treatments, is a welcome retreat after a day of walking, especially in winter. Tivoli is outside your door when it is open, and guests can stroll into the gardens in the evening, though entry and ride tickets are separate.

Who it suits: couples on a special trip, honeymooners and anyone who wants Copenhagen at its most magical will love Nimb. Families with older children will enjoy being next to Tivoli, though the small size of the hotel means fewer family room options. If you visit outside Tivoli's seasons, the hotel is still a wonderful, central base, but the view will be of a sleeping garden; Christmas in Tivoli, from 13 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, is the most popular time to stay.