The Danish city of Copenhagen is traversed by canals and harbors, and part of it — "Nyhavn" (New Harbor) — is well known for the colorful gabled houses along the water.

In the game Copenhagen, players must create new façades for these houses so that they fit seamlessly into this beautiful harbor setting. By using the cards on displays, players gain the corresponding façade polyomino tiles, with which they beautify their houses. Overbuilding certain spaces and floors gives additional skills for the rest of the game. Floors that consist of a pure window front are particularly rewarding and will bring the players many points.

The retail Deluxe edition does not come with the Missions and Abilities expansion nor is it packaged in a special box sleeve. It has the same content as the standard edition, but all facade tiles are made in acrylic instead of cardboard. The acrylic tiles have transparent windows that give a 3D effect.