9 of the best things to do in Copenhagen

Caroline Sølver

Feb 5, 2024 • 7 min read

copenhagen main tourist attractions

Here are Copenhagen's unmissable experiences © Klaus Vedfelt / Getty Images

Copenhagen's flourishing food scene , world-renowned architecture and furniture design, and rich history make the Danish capital a popular city to explore, even if you're visiting on a budget .

To help you get the most from your time, here is our guide to the best experiences in Copenhagen , a surprisingly compact and easy-to-navigate capital city .

1. Wander the waterfront for classic Copenhagen views

One of Copenhagen's many charms is its harborside location and multitude of canals. The most iconic spot is Nyhavn , known for its colorful 18th-century buildings and tall ships. Grab a few photos and enjoy a stroll around the beautiful waterfront – it is absolutely free, which is a win in a city renowned for being expensive.

Planning tip: From Nyhavn, head to the Little Mermaid statue on the harbor, based on Hans Christian Andersen's famous fairy tale. Along the way, admire the impressive Opera House , the striking Gefion Fountain and the historic, 17th-century Kastellet fortress, which is open to the public and free to visit.

People relaxing in a park in front of a building with two towers

2. Get a taste of the grandeur of Royal Copenhagen

Denmark has a rich royal history, with a monarchy whose origins date back over 1000 years. In December 2023, Queen Margrethe II announced her abdication, handing the throne to her son, the Crown Prince who became King Frederik X in January 2024. When in Copenhagen, King Frederik and his wife, Queen Mary, make their home at Amalienborg . This elegant palace is made up of four buildings facing onto a central square, overlooked by the impressive dome of the Marmorkirken (Marble Church).

The Royal Life Guard are on watch at Amalienborg 24 hours a day, with the Changing of the Guard taking place daily at noon. The palace is also home to a small museum, with a focus on kings and queens from the 1800s to the present day; it includes a treasury featuring a collection of Fabergé jewels.

The Royal Reception Rooms in the working palace of Christiansborg include the ostentatious Throne Room and the elegant Great Hall, home to a collection of fascinating modern tapestries depicting over 1000 years of Danish history.

At Rosenborg , a former Royal castle built in 1606, rooms are packed with intriguing historical items, including Denmark's former coronation thrones, and the fantastic treasury includes the stunning Crown Jewels. Rosenborg Castle is located in the sweeping Kongens Have (the King's Garden), perhaps the most beloved green space in Copenhagen.

Boats on the canal in Copenhagen, Denmark

3. Go boating on Copenhagen's canals

Experience Copenhagen from the water with a boat tour or kayaking adventure along the city's harbor and canals. It's a great way to explore, and you'll pass one of the city's architectural gems, the Black Diamond at the Det Kongelige Bibliotek, on the charming Christianshavn canal.

Hey Captain offers a fantastic small-group experience, with each comfortable craft seating up to 12 passengers. Drinks are included in the cost of the tour, adding to the relaxed social atmosphere. GoBoat lets you be the captain of your own solar-powered boat and also does "sail-in" concerts and other events on the harbor.

Larger companies such as Stromma and Netto-Bådene offer one-hour canal tours on boats that can accommodate up to 150, which are a good-value way to get out on the water. And finally, GreenKayak loans out kayaks for free in exchange for picking up a bucketful of trash while you're out on the water, helping to keep the waterways healthy and clean.

Planning tip: Some of the boating services close for the winter months (between October and April), so check online in advance to see which are operating.

4. Take a dive into history at Copenhagen's best museums

Copenhagen's museums provide deep insights into the history of Denmark and its capital through incredible artifacts and engaging exhibits. Walk through thousands of years of Danish history at the Danish National Museum , with an incredible collection that includes finds such as a Bronze Age sun chariot and Viking rune stones. The fantastic Stories of Denmark exhibit provides an intriguing look at Danish history, life and traditions from the Renaissance to the present day.

The Museum of Copenhagen tells the story of the city with displays on buildings, people and culture, and interactive installations that bring history to life. At Designmuseum Danmark , discover works by Danish design greats such as Arne Jacobsen, creator of the iconic Swan and Egg chairs, and explore how design plays a role in everyday life, from cutlery to typefaces.

The Danish Architecture Center , located in the harborside Blox building, has great exhibitions on the connections between Danish culture and the country's celebrated architecture and design traditions.

5. Taste the flavors of Copenhagen's Nordic cuisine

Since spearheading the New Nordic cuisine movement in the early 2000s, Copenhagen has gained a reputation worldwide for its food scene, with incredible dining opportunities around every corner. Today, there are 15 Michelin-starred restaurants in central Copenhagen and a multitude of Michelin-recommended options for enjoying this quintessentially Nordic cooking style.

The must-try lunch dish in Copenhagen is smørrebrød (slices of sourdough rye bread piled high with a variety of toppings such as meats, pickles and cheese). Visit Restaurant Kronborg for a taste of tradition or Aamanns 1921 for a more modern take on this classic dish. Other essential foodie experiences include sampling artisanal baked goods from the historic Sankt Peders Bakery , browsing the wonderful Torvehallerne Market , and stopping by a neighborhood pølsevogn (sausage wagon) for a Danish-style hot dog.

6. Shop for Danish design

There are many superb shops to visit in Copenhagen. Strøget is one of the longest pedestrian shopping streets in the world, stretching for close to a mile, and options here range from souvenir stalls and high street chains to international designer brands. Strøget is also a haven for lovers of Danish design, with iconic names such as Royal Copenhagen and Georg Jensen , alongside superb design shops such as HAY House and Stilleben . Head to Illums Bolighus to browse a range of Danish design brands and pick up high-quality mementos.

Local tip: For something a little different, head to Værnedamsvej and Gammel Kongevej at the border of the Vesterbro and Frederiksberg neighborhoods – two streets brimming with independent shops, studios and Danish fashion brands such as Wood Wood and Ganni .

Cyclists ride through the hip streets of a city neighborhood, with independent shops and street art murals

7. Linger in Copenhagen's coolest neighborhoods, Refshaleøen and Nørrebro

While Copenhagen has plenty of historical sights worth seeing, the capital also has modern, cool spots that Copenhageners take great pride in. Set aside some time to enjoy the hipster vibes of the Refshaleøen and Nørrebro neighborhoods.

Head to Refshaleøen by bike, have your coffee and croissant at La Banchina , and finish off the morning with a dip in the ocean, just like the Danes do. Continue to Lille Bakery or Øens Have , an urban garden, for a locally produced vegetable-based lunch or snack. Head back to Nørrebro and go shopping along the local's favorite street, Jægersborggade, then take another break at Coffee Collective , which serves the best coffee in Copenhagen, or a beer in the park from Mikkeller & Friends , which brews its own craft beer.

While you're here, take a stroll through Assistens Kirkegård , which is actually a cemetery but also a favorite spot for a walk for Nørrebro locals. Finish off your day with dinner at the fancy but budget-friendly Oysters and Grill , renowned for fresh seafood and steak. Then start the night with bottled beer at a bodega, a traditional, Danish dive bar – recommendations include Nørre Bodega , Understellet and Diligencen .

8. Let your inner child run free at Tivoli Gardens

Few capitals can pull off a whimsical amusement park right in the heart of the city, but Copenhagen can. Open for 175 years, Tivoli Gardens is Copenhagen's favorite intergenerational playground, an escapist fantasy of fairy-tale pavilions, romantic gardens and funfair rides. Kids will be transported to new lands by the Chinese lake, the Moorish palace, and futuristic creations like something out of the imagination of HG Wells. Add to this a busy schedule of fireworks displays, a pantomime theater, children's shows, and live shows running from ballet and classical music to rock acts. It's no surprise that this is one of the city's top distractions.

Two people with bikes in front of colourful walls covered in graffiti

9. Experience the counterculture of Christiania

A utopian commune founded by militant squatters in 1971, ramshackle Christiania remains one of Copenhagen's most distinctive corners. While opinions about its relevance in 21st-century Europe vary, the city's marijuana-scented "Freetown" continues to exude an almost surreal atmosphere – part shambolic circus, part makeshift architectural expo, part urban oasis.

This is the city's counterculture heart, home to highly principled environmentalists, craftspeople, old-school hippies and, admittedly, a fair number of people with drug and alcohol issues. Explore beyond its shabby main drag, and you'll be rewarded by a beguiling jumble of craft studios, tranquil trails and Copenhagen's kookiest, most imaginative dwellings.

Detour: When in Christiania, pay a visit to the nearby neighborhood of Christianshavn. Here you'll find picturesque canals with tiny, very old and crooked townhouses, sidewalk cafes such as Parterre and overall good vibes.

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Copenhagen   Travel Guide

copenhagen main tourist attractions

19 Best Things to Do in Copenhagen, Denmark

copenhagen main tourist attractions

Although you won't hear about Copenhagen as often compared to cities like Paris or London , the Danish capital is full of wonderful sights and experiences to treasure. Beyond the traditional tourist sights   –   Tivoli Gardens ,  The Little Mermaid and

  • All Things To Do

copenhagen main tourist attractions

Nyhavn Nyhavn free

Situated in the central Indre By neighborhood, this bustling area once served as Copenhagen's commercial port. Today, the region features a variety of eateries inside its restored homes, some of which were built in the late 1600s. In fact, a few famous artists and writers formerly lived in Nyhavn, including Heinrich Gustav Ferdinand Holm (a painter and engraver best known for his Copenhagen depictions) and Hans Christian Andersen (who penned fairy tales like "The Little Mermaid" and "The Ugly Duckling").

Previous visitors loved grabbing a drink or bite to eat in Nyhavn, although some cautioned that prices here are high and that it was touristy. Additionally, several raved about the Copenhagen Jazz Festival, which takes place in Nyhavn every July. Many past travelers also recommended signing up for one of the area's canal tours with Stromma Denmark or Netto-Badene . Both operators' tours are available in English, last about an hour and depart daily from Nyhavn. Stromma Danmark's tours cost 129 Danish kroner (roughly $19) for adults and 60 kroner (approximately $9) for kids ages 6 to 15, while Netto-Badene's tours will set you back 8 euros (about $10) per adult and 3 euros (less than $4) for each child.

copenhagen main tourist attractions

Kronborg Castle (Kronborg Slot) Kronborg Castle (Kronborg Slot)

U.S. News Insider Tip: Grab a bite at the neighboring Elsinore Street Food Market, where you can enjoy Moroccan tagine, Mexican tacos, Argentinian empanadas and more. – Leilani Osmundson, Digital Producer

Though you'll have to trek 30 miles north of Copenhagen to reach Kronborg Castle, this UNESCO World Heritage-listed structure in Helsingør can't be missed. Built in 1574, this Renaissance-style castle played a strategic role in Danish politics and commerce thanks to its location by the Sound Dues. The property also famously served as the setting for Shakespeare's "Hamlet." Unique features you'll find here include a 197-foot-long ballroom, a collection of 16th-century tapestries and the casemates, underground passages once used to protect soldiers and horses during wars.

copenhagen main tourist attractions

Christiansborg Palace (Christiansborg Slot) Christiansborg Palace (Christiansborg Slot)

Located on Castle Island in Copenhagen's Indre By neighborhood, Christiansborg Palace houses offices for Denmark's queen, Parliament and prime minister. Rebuilt in 1928 after the two former palaces burned down, the current structure sits atop ruins from the original palace. Rooms inside the present-day palace include the Royal Stables, a 19th-century chapel, the Throne Room and a dining hall.

Visitors praise this palace's interesting exhibits and stunning architecture, adding that the property's tower offers breathtaking city vistas. To make the most of your visit, travelers recommend getting a ticket that allows access to all four entry points: the castle, ruins, Royal Kitchen and stables.

copenhagen main tourist attractions

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copenhagen main tourist attractions

Vesterbro Vesterbro free

U.S. News Insider Tip: When the weather permits, take a swim at Islands Brygge Harbour Bath. This open air swimming spot is popular with both locals and visitors. It's just over the canal from Vesterbro, easily accessible by foot or cycle. - Sarah Lempa

Hip and happening Vesterbro was formerly known as Copenhagen's red light district. Today, visitors can enjoy an eclectic mix of a classy restaurant scene, unique boutiques, buzzy nightlife venues – and a few lingering adult shops and strip bars. Vesterbro's Meatpacking District is notorious for throwing a good party, a place where you'll find everything from chill breweries to thumping clubs, plus a range of cuisine from food stands to fancy eateries with impressively designed dishes. It's a place to see and be seen, where the event calendar is full and the socialites frequent. If you're in the mood to stay out until sunrise, this is the place for you.

copenhagen main tourist attractions

Rosenborg Castle Rosenborg Castle

Located west of Frederiksstaden, Rosenborg Castle was constructed during the Dutch Renaissance and completed in 1633 by King Christian IV. Today, visitors can see how the royal lived during that time, including the speaking tubes (the medieval version of intercom systems), the dining halls and the chamber where the king died in 1648. 

A favorite of past visitors was the castle's collection of Danish crown jewels. Many also raved about the property's superb architecture, though some wished there was more information displayed in each exhibit. Others suggested saving time for relaxing in the on-site garden. 

copenhagen main tourist attractions

Amalienborg Palace Amalienborg Palace

Right in the heart of Copenhagen lies Amalienborg Palace: a rich piece of Danish history where you can explore the royal grounds and learn about past decades in the on-site Amalienborg Museum. Every day, visitors can witness the changing of the royal guards at noon as they return from the barracks near Rosenborg Castle back to the palace. It's a sight to see, and so is the actual palace. Four ornately designed buildings – Christian VII's Palace, Frederik VIII's Palace, Christian IX's Palace, and Christian VIII's Palace – make up the grounds. In Christian VIII's Palace, you'll find the Amalienborg Museum which allows you to view the interior, more private rooms of the palace.

Amalienborg Palace remains the official residence for Denmark's royal family to this day, which makes it quite an interesting visit – a place where both centuries past and present moment collide. History buffs will particularly adore this attraction, not to mention everyone else who will more than likely enjoy a stroll around the stately grounds. Recent visitors had positive things to say about the changing of the guards, along with the architecture and overall palace presentation.

copenhagen main tourist attractions

Copenhagen Walking Tours Copenhagen Walking Tours

U.S. News Insider Tip:  If your legs tire, rent a GoBoat and become the captain of your own canal cruise. I'd highly recommend packing a picnic for the ride with a few friends.– Sarah Lempa

Copenhagen's relatively small size and concentration of noteworthy sights in the central Indre By district make it easy to explore on foot. Available walking tours range from food-focused experiences with tastings to traditional walks that delve into the city's history.

copenhagen main tourist attractions

National Museum of Denmark (Nationalmuseet) National Museum of Denmark (Nationalmuseet)

The National Museum of Denmark is considered one of Europe's best museums. It presents the broad spectrum of the country's history – from the days of the Vikings to the Danish Renaissance to the welfare state of the late 20th century. The museum's immense collection also includes artifacts from Danish pre-history, Egyptian mummies and coin exhibits from ancient Greece and Rome. It also features a separate children's museum that offers interactive exhibits for little ones, plus other sites throughout Denmark, including the Museum of Danish Resistance, located just north of Amalienborg Palace .

Past travelers described this museum as well-organized and informative, with an impressive amount of artifacts from around the globe. They found it to be well-maintained and easy to navigate.

copenhagen main tourist attractions

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copenhagen main tourist attractions

Tivoli Gardens Tivoli Gardens

Located just inside Indre By's southwestern boundary – a short walk from  Strøget  – is Tivoli Gardens. First opened in 1843, this property is now one of Europe's most visited theme parks, featuring an assortment of restaurants, theaters and dance halls. Younger children will enjoy the rides, games and shows in Rasmus Klumps World, but there are plenty more attractions for kids of all ages, including a restored roller coaster that was originally built in 1914. When you're not getting your thrills on the rides, stroll through a Chinese-inspired bamboo forest or the Nimb water fountains to admire the marine animals in the aquarium and more. The property also hosts ballets, concerts and other live performances.

Recent visitors said the rides and light installations (which are available every winter) are not to be missed, but some were disappointed with the high prices (rides require extra fees). Others noted that if you plan to visit in winter, do so during Christmastime, as the park and rides close from January to March.

copenhagen main tourist attractions

Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek

If you're a fan of art and archaeology, then you'll love perusing Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek's exhibits. Founded in 1888, this museum and research institute houses more than 10,000 pieces, including portrait heads from ancient Greece and 19th-century French sculptures. Famous artists represented here range from post-impressionist painter Paul Gauguin to sculptor Auguste Rodin.

According to past visitors, Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek offers an impressive collection that you can easily spend hours viewing. Previous museumgoers also enjoyed grabbing a coffee or bite to eat at the on-site cafe, citing its charming location by the property's Winter Garden as one of the main reasons to return.

copenhagen main tourist attractions

Church of Our Saviour (Vor Frelsers Kirke) Church of Our Saviour (Vor Frelsers Kirke) free

One of Denmark's most iconic religious sites is the Church of Our Saviour in Christianshavn. Built in the 1680s and opened in 1696, this Palladian-style church was designed by Danish architect Lambert van Haven. Inside, you'll find a carillon with 48 bells, an organ built in 1698 and an altar that depicts a scene from the New Testament. But the church's standout detail is its oak spire. Created by Danish architect Lauritz de Thurah, the impressive spire features an outdoor spiral staircase, gilded iron rails and a gilded statue of Christ on a globe.

Travelers rave about the Church of Our Saviour's architecture, with many saying that the property's biggest draw is the view from its spire. If you want to climb the spire's staircase, time your visit on a calm, sunny day between late February and mid-December, since the spire closes every winter and on windy, snowy or rainy days. Visitors also suggest arriving early to enjoy more elbow room during your climb.

copenhagen main tourist attractions

Round Tower (Rundetaarn) Round Tower (Rundetaarn)

Located a few blocks north of  Strøget  in downtown Copenhagen, the Round Tower, completed in 1642, is one of the city's many landmarks built during King Christian IV's reign in the 17th century. Designed as an astronomy observatory, the tower still serves that function in some capacity but is best known for its spectacular city views. The building also features the Library Hall, an exhibition space and event venue.

Visitors say this tower is an architectural marvel, adding that its sunset panoramas are especially breathtaking. But if you're out of shape, some caution that the climb to the top might be a little strenuous.

copenhagen main tourist attractions

Botanical Garden - University of Copenhagen Botanical Garden - University of Copenhagen free

Relaxing and well-kept, the Botanical Garden at the University of Copenhagen is a welcoming place of respite in the heart of the city. As a part of the Natural History Museum, it holds the largest collection of living plants in all of Denmark. The Palm House, a Victorian-style building in the center of the garden, houses subtropical and tropical plants. There's also the Butterfly House within Palm House, which lives up to its namesake with butterflies of all types from chrysalis to flying in the air.

The winding paths of the gardens make it a formidable place to take a walk, read a book, or just hang out in the quiet. Well-shaded and lined with plant life of all types, there's always something new to stop and take a look at. Recent viewers praised the calming atmosphere of the garden, urging fellow travelers to take a break from the city life to enjoy some greenery. They raved about visiting on a sunny summer's day, but also encouraged year-round visits to take in the indoor plant life that stays vibrant even in the winter.

copenhagen main tourist attractions

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copenhagen main tourist attractions

Refshaleøen Refshaleøen free

For more than a century, Refshaleøen was merely a shipyard. Nowadays, the former industrial zone is a trendy area home to creative arts, cuisine of all backgrounds, and leisure areas to enjoy the outdoors. Makeover is an understatement – this district has now become a major social area, drawing both locals and travelers. The landmass of Refshaleøen is actually an island just northeast of Copenhagen's city center, jutting out onto the water across from the Langelinie pier.

Stop by Reffen , a well-loved street food market with plenty of options ranging from Danish to Nepalese, Greek, Mexican, and more. Art lovers will delight in Copenhagen Contemporary , a contemporary art museum with rotating exhibits. And for the adventurous souls: Copenhagen Cable Park offers an opportunity to try water sports in a safe environment.

copenhagen main tourist attractions

Strøget Strøget free

U.S. News Insider Tip: When you're ready for a break from the touristy areas, hang out in Superkilen , a creatively designed park in Nørrebro. With a concrete hill decorated by wavy white lines and plenty of space to hang out, it's worth a visit. - Sarah Lempa

Situated in Indre By between H. C. Andersens Boulevard and King's New Square (to the west and east, respectively), Strøget is one of the longest pedestrian streets in Europe and Copenhagen's largest shopping area. It contains a series of interconnected streets that are lined with numerous boutiques and cafes. You'll find upscale brands like Burberry, Gucci and Louis Vuitton here, so make sure to bring your credit card.

copenhagen main tourist attractions

The Little Mermaid (Den Lille Havfrue) The Little Mermaid (Den Lille Havfrue) free

One of Copenhagen's most iconic, yet petite, attractions is its Little Mermaid statue. Located just south of Langelinie pier in Østerbro, the statue is based on the fairy tale by Danish poet and author Hans Christian Andersen. It is made of bronze and granite, and has been a fixture on Copenhagen's waterfront since 1913.

Although some visitors say this statue is a bit underwhelming to see, others recommend making the trek to it, citing its harbor view as its best feature. Tourists regularly flock here, so if you're hoping for a photo op, consider arriving early or late in the day.

copenhagen main tourist attractions

ARKEN Museum of Modern Art ARKEN Museum of Modern Art

The ARKEN Museum of Modern Art sits right on the Køge Bay waterfront. This museum is surrounded by shorelines, and offers a tranquil break from the sidewalks and cycling paths of central Copenhagen. Not only is it full of unique exhibitions from both Danish and international artists, the building itself is a work of art. It was designed to mimic a ship, which is fitting considering Ishøj Beach is just steps away. The art exhibitions range from immersive installations to sculpture, video and digital art. Plus, rotating exhibits means there's always something new here.

Travelers loved the combination between modern art and nature, plus the on-site cafe and overall atmosphere of the museum. Many described it as a must-see when in Copenhagen, especially since it's quite easy to get to.

copenhagen main tourist attractions

Freetown Christiania Freetown Christiania free

Ever-so intriguing, Freetown Christiania is actually a controversial part of Copenhagen due to its completely different set of rules – resulting from the fact that it's completely independent of the Danish government. Within the hippie community that calls Christiania home, cannabis trade is abundant and accepted. You'll find a list of rules near the district's main entrance on Pusher Street, one of which is a zero-tolerance policy for violence.

The area was formerly a military base, which was abandoned, leading to it sitting empty for many years. In the early 1970s, people began squatting there – resulting in an entire community of around 1,000 with their own rules and regulations separate from the Danish government. Within Christiania's walls, you'll find plenty of creativity, art, community social gatherings, cafes, and restaurants. The buildings are colorful, often adorned with murals and other artwork.

copenhagen main tourist attractions

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copenhagen main tourist attractions

Kastellet Kastellet free

Copenhagen's citadel, Kastellet, is one of the better preserved fortresses in the northern part of Europe. This star-shaped landmass is easy to spot on the map, commonly inducing curiosity of most who see it online before visiting in person. This 17th century fortress is accompanied by barracks, a church, plus a museum – although walking around the grounds feels like an entire museum visit in and of itself. Between the architecture and the waterfront location, exploring the grounds by foot is the best way to experience Kastellet.

Visitors described Kastellet as even better in person, a worthwhile addition to any itinerary in Copenhagen. On the shoreline, you can also see the famous Den Lille Havfrue – The Little Mermaid sculpture created by Edvard Eriksen.  Just south lies Langelinieparken, an open grassy area right on the waterfront.

copenhagen main tourist attractions

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IMAGES

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