Copenhagen has long been committed to a compact, sustainable regional urban form. Under the Finger Plan, its future the growth was set along five designated 'fingers' following train and major road routes, with open space between. Residential nodes are located around local stations, like mini Garden Cities.

Residents now have large amounts of green space within a short walk or cycle ride, and good access to public transport. However, although car use has been discouraged in Denmark, population growth and pressure to accommodate cars has brought ring motorways to the outskirts, putting pressure on the plan. Urban expansion has brought the fingers within touching distance of nearby towns.

Key to Copenhagen's ongoing urban planning is its transport network. There are three rail networks — long distance trains, the S-Train suburban network and the new Metro — and a comprehensive bus system. Integrated with these are the cycle network and the city-centre pedestrianisation programme. Nearly 40% of journeys to work are made by bicycle.

The Finger Plan is still the major guildeline for the city's development. More recent master plans have looked at minimising traffic and nuisance, culminating in the 1993 Municipal Plan, the main focus of which is a compact urban structure based on public transport.