35 Brilliant Things to do in Copenhagen

Cool, understated and oozing with Scandi-chic, it’s little wonder that Copenhagen is one of the city breaks du jour. Discover the best things to do in Copenhagen with this insider’s guide. 

Oh Copenhagen… Denmark’s capital is the city that really is too cool for school.

I’m thinking back on my trips to Copenhagen in Denmark and to be honest, I’m ready to pack up my bags, bid adieu to friends and family and go and live in what has started to feel like my second home. My first trip in 2014 was to go and hangout with a friend who grew up in the city (hey Anna) and from there, I was smitten. 

This isn’t about me though, it’s about you. Although Copenhagen might not be on the same scale as say London or Paris, it’s large enough that it’s hard to know where to start right?

Fear not – that’s why I’ve created this step-by-step guide, covering the best things to do and places to see in Copenhagen for foodies, culture vultures, night owls or those of you who just love to head out and explore. Let’s go!

Best Things to do in Copenhagen

Visit Christiansborg Palace

Copenhagen isn’t short on a palace or two but I would put Christiansborg Palace at the top of your itinerary. Why?

How about the chance to take a journey through Danish regal and political history in a setting so opulent that it verges on the bizarre? 

Situated on the tiny island of Slotsholmen, the palace serves as the seat of the Danish Parliament, Prime Minister’s Office and the Supreme Court – in fact, it’s the only building in the world that’s home to all three of a country’s branches of government. 

Bag yourself a ticket to the Royal Reception rooms and wander through the opulent series of vast rooms, dining halls and receptions – each seemingly more elegant than the last.

Keep an eye out for the Great Hall, the home of the Queen’s Tapestries – a series of tapestries depicting 1,000 years of Danish history that were gifted to Queen Margrethe II on her 50th birthday in 1990. 

You can also buy tickets to explore the Christiansborg Palace stables and kitchen – if you do want to go to all of them, you should buy a combination ticket, which costs 150 DKK.

Grab Some Food and Craft Beer in the Kødbyens Meatpacking District

The Kødbyens Meatpacking District has emerged in recent years as one of Copenhagen’s coolest (dare I say it, hipster) districts. Once the buzzing epicentre of the city’s meat industry, its warehouses have been transformed into some of Copenhagen’s best restaurants, bars, galleries and clubs.

Fridays and Saturdays are particularly good times to visit, when locals descend on the area, filling it with the sound of lively chatter and music. 

So what should you do when you get there? I’m yet to have a bad meal in Kødbyens (as the locals call it), but my absolute favourite is Kødbyens Fiskebar. Their seafood dishes are some of the best I’ve had. 

I’d also recommend heading to Warpigs Brewpub for a large and ever-changing selection of craft beers. Nab a table and work your way through the kegs on tap (as well as the hella tasty American-Danish barbeque).

Love art? Make a beeline for Galleri Bo Bjeggaard for contemporary art in a uniquely industrial setting.

Take a Canal Tour

Yes, it’s touristy but you can’t come to Copenhagen and not take a canal tour.

They’re one of the best ways to see Copenhagen and the guides provide great information about what you are seeing along the way.

The trip usually lasts an hour and starts from Nyhavn, the picturesque 17th-century waterfront that’s brimming with brightly coloured townhouses. As you set sail, the captain regales you with stories of the city’s maritime heritage and iconic sights. 

Keep a close eye out for The Little Mermaid (which is featured in more detail later in this article) and the modern architectural marvel that is the Black Diamond Library.

Visit the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek

Visually, I think the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek is an absolute must! I only got around to visiting the Glyptotek on my third visit to Copenhagen and I really regret not going sooner.

The Glyptotek was opened in 1888, built around the personal collection of Carl Jacobsen – son of the founder of the Carlsberg brewery. 

It’s a treasure trove of ancient and modern art in an impressive building that warrants a visit in itself. The two main departments focus on Egyptian, Roman, Greek and other antiquities and Danish and French art of the 19th and 20th centuries, with a particular focus on sculpture. 

Sure, it’s an art gallery, but not quite like you’ve seen it before. Works by Rodin and Danish sculptors like Thorvaldsen sit in richly-coloured spaces that help bring the pieces to life. Thoughtful curation, brilliant presentation and informative exhibitions combine to make this into one of Europe’s best art spaces (believe me, I don’t say that lightly).

Don’t miss the Winter Garden either: a huge palm-filled atrium at the centre that is just beautiful.

Spend an Evening in the Tivoli Gardens

Can I be honest? I’m not a huge fan of the Tivoli Gardens, I’ve been a couple of times and while it’s nice enough, the last time I visited it was so packed I could barely move. However, I know that lots of people love it and it’s one of the city’s “must-see spots” so I’ll leave you to make up your own mind.

A whimsical blend of amusement park and history, which opened in 1843, Tivoli is actually the second oldest amusement park in the world! So much so that it provided the inspiration for Disneyland.

The rides are pretty cool. Before I visited, I was a bit blasé about how exciting they would be, seeing as it’s right in the middle of the city.  But be warned, there are a few (including a crazy Demon roller coaster) that really aren’t for the faint-hearted!

If you’re less about hair-raising thrills, the assortment of boutiques, cafes and restaurants provide entertainment enough, particularly when combined with a gentle carousel ride or two. 

Although it is open in the summer, I think the best time to visit the Tivoli is in the winter months when the lights really come into their own. As if you needed an excuse to sip on mulled wine and watch the Tivoli lit up at night.

Visit The Little Mermaid

Sure, it’s just a statue but The Little Mermaid by Edvard Eriksen is one of Copenhagen’s most iconic sights. 

The Mermaid, created by local author and fairytale weaver Hans Christian Andersen, and brought to life by Eriksen in 1913,  sits on the waterside at the Langelinie promenade.

The statue was commissioned by Carl Jacobsen (he of Carlsberg fame) and sits at just over a metre tall, perfectly capturing the longing of the mermaid who wishes to become a part of the human world. 

It’s a little way out of town, but still easily walkable and the walk has great harbour views.

Sip on Cocktails at 1656

Love a good cocktail bar? You are 100% in the right city – Copenhagen has a thriving mixology scene that is guaranteed to wet your whistle.

Just around the corner from the Kødbyens District, 1656 is one of my favourite cocktail spots in Copenhagen.

You’ll find a few classics on the menu, but I’d advise you to be adventurous and try something a little different – pretty sure you won’t be disappointed.

Explore Colourful Nyhavn

You know all the pretty pictures you’ve seen of the colourful houses next to the water in Copenhagen? That’s Nyhavn. Cool culture – check, Instagrammable AF – check – it’s guaranteed a spot in any Copenhagen guide. 

I love strolling around Nyhavn all through the year, but it really does come to life during the summer, when everyone spills out onto the pavements to soak up the sun and the views.

Dating back to the 17th century, it used to be a busy commercial port, but those days are long past – traces of them remain though, whether it’s in the well-preserved townhouses or the historic sailing vessels bobbing on the water. 

This waterfront district is charming, thanks to the pretty facades, al fresco bars and laid-back cafe culture it’s cultivated over the years.

There’s so much to cover in the area that it deserves a guide of its own, but these are my top picks: 

• Restaurants: Cap Horn for traditional Danish dishes with a contemporary twist, Færgekroen Bryghus – a brewery come restaurant serving hearty meals. 
• Bars: Nyhavn 17 for drinks in a lively atmosphere. 

Hang Out in Freetown Christiania

Slightly seedy but cool in its own special way, Freetown Christiania is a distinctive and somewhat controversial part of Copenhagen that’s well worth a visit. 

The Freetown is a blueprint for an alternative way of life – locals have handbuilt houses out of unique materials. There are also organic shops and cafes with home-grown produce, alternative music bars and skate parks. It’s hippy with a capital H, a joyful place that balances artistic expression and the practicalities of modern life. 

Pop in for a coffee and see what’s on at the Månefiskeren cafe – set in a pretty old building, everything’s organic and they also host a range of cool cultural events. Combine it with a visit to the Christiania Art Gallery where you can see works by local artists. 

Until recently, Christiania was also known for its so-called “Green Street” where people would sell marijuana, but this has largely disappeared in the past few years as it’s caused trouble within the community.

Explore the City by Bike

Wondering what to do in Copenhagen? Hop on a bike – hands down the preferred mode of transport in Copenhagen. 

The first time I visited the city to stay with my friend Anna, I was really nervous about hopping onto her spare bike so we could cycle our way around all the millions of things to see in Copenhagen I had on my list.

Guess what? 

Two days later and I was a complete convert. Copenhagen is not a large city, and there are bike lanes pretty much everywhere (there’s a reason for its reputation as one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world), so it’s a great way to get about while you are in town.

Cycle Around Lille Mølle

Speaking of riding around Copenhagen, the area around the Lille Mølle (Little Mill) is a little known biking gem in the city. 

This picturesque area, with its quaint streets and canals, is an idyllic backdrop for a leisurely bike ride (or even racing along with the locals if you’re up to it).

There are plenty of places to stop and enjoy a coffee or a bite to eat. It’s the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of downtown Copenhagen.

Climb the Round Tower for Stunning Views

Of all the fun things you can do here, climbing up Rundetaarn (The Round Tower) is easily one of my fave activities in Copenhagen.

The tower was built in the 17th century by King Christian IV and has been used as an astronomical observatory, library and a lookout point at various points in history. 

It’s best known for the curious Equestrian Staircase that winds its way to the top of the tower. As the name suggests it was originally designed so a horse and carriage could ascend the tower! 

Visit the Amalienborg Palace

The Amalienborg Palace is a real eye-opener – a glimpse into the life of a truly contemporary royal family. It’s the winter home of the Danish royal family – comprising four identical rococo palaces set around a stately octagonal courtyard. 

I was pleasantly surprised by the Amalienborg: The palace’s exterior is all the usual pomp and glory you’d expect, but inside, you get up, close and personal with the past few generations of the Danish Royal family – seeing their lounges, studies, libraries and dining rooms.

It gets better. Head to the second floor to be immersed into the artistic world of the current ruler Margrethe II. 

The palace contains an exhibition of the set pieces, costumes and storybooks she has created since childhood. The Queen spends one day per week dedicated to artistic pursuits and has opened up this part of the palace to display the end results. 

I can’t imagine the Queen of England doing anything half as cool, could you?

See the Crown Jewels at the Rosenborg Castle

Hands up who wants to check out the Danish Crown Jewels?! Thought so.

Rosenborg Castle was built in the 17th Century at the behest of Christian IV. His goal? To create a “pleasure palace” outside of old Copenhagen.

The end result is a fairytale castle that’s a higgledy-piggledy trove of elaborate rooms, royal portraits tapestried walls and err… mirrored bedrooms next to which the King kept his porn collection.

Anyway, I digress.

Those rooms chronicle the lives of the Danish monarchs from Christian IV to Frederik IV. Keep an eye out for the Knight’s Hall, which is home to the coronation thrones, along with three life-sized silver lions that symbolise the strength of the Danish monarchy. 

Once you’ve finished with seeing Rosenborg Castle’s upper floors, descend into the basement, behind several impenetrable security doors to see the star of the show, the Crown Jewels.

Christian IV’s Crown dates back to 1596 and is a rather dazzling array of diamonds, gold and general glitziness.

See the Star Fortress of Kastellet

Kastellet is an old medieval fortress perched on the edge of the city. This well-preserved castle was built to protect Copenhagen from attack. 

Interestingly, it’s one of the best-preserved star fortresses you can still see in Northern Europe today. The pentagonal fortress includes ramparts, moats and bastions – the ramparts in particular are a great spot for grabbing some cool views of the city from above. 

It’s more than just a castle though – inside Kastellet is filled with barracks, a chapel and one of the last remaining windmills in the city – not to mention no end of colourful buildings. I really couldn’t resist taking a cheeky shot or two in front of one!

It’s also really close to The Little Mermaid, so if you are visiting one, make sure you swing by the other too.

Visit Norreport: The First Art Nouveau Train Station in Europe

I never knew this before my most recent visit to Copenhagen but Norreport station is widely regarded as Denmark’s first piece of art nouveau architecture and the first Art Nouveau station in Europe! 

Built in 1907, it’s definitely worth a quick peek if you are passing through – keep a particular eye on the art nouveau facades that are decorated with floral patterns and organic shapes in line with the style.

Take a Peek at the Clock Face on Bispebjerg Kirke

I discovered Bispebjerg Kirke on one of my many walks through Copenhagen.

The church also boasts an absolutely stunning clock face that was designed by Poul Henningsen, a world-famous Danish architect and designer. At night, the clock is illuminated and its beautiful design can be seen from far away.

See the Royal Danish Opera House

Opera. Love it or hate it? 

If you think that opera prompts some strong opinions from people, wait until you talk about the Royal Danish Opera House.

The futuristic architecture  of the Opera house (which was one of the most expensive Opera Houses in the world) is pretty divisive – I personally love it.

Opera lovers should check ahead to see what’s on the schedule. Everyone else should at least catch a water bus over to Dokøen to see it up close.

Head to Statens Museum for Kunst: Denmark’s National Gallery

Denmark’s National Gallery is the largest art museum in Denmark. 

Browse works of art in the museum’s vast collection, which includes works by diverse artists such as Munch, Matisse and Mantegna.

I wasn’t blown away by SMK, but it’s a nice enough gallery to spend a couple of hours. 

I’d say that if you only have time to visit one or two galleries, you’d be better off heading to the Glyptotek, which really is wonderful.

Visit the Designmuseum Danmark

Copenhagen is a byword for good design, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the Designmuseum Danmark is a must. 

Browse works by designers, local and international from the Middle Ages right up to the present day.

Take a Free Copenhagen Walking Tour

Arguably one of the best (and cheapest) ways to see the city is on a free walking tour.

Copenhagen Free Walking Tours are a fantastic option – with several different routes in English and Spanish, these are great ways to orient yourself to the city. All the guides request is a tip of your choosing at the end of the tour – it’s customary to tip 50-100+ DKK per person, depending on the tour length.

The Grand Tour hits most of the main sights in a three-hour whirlwind walk around the city, including:

• Copenhagen City Hall
• Christiansborg palace
• The old City Center
• Nyhavn
• Royal Opera
• Royal Palace of Amalienborg

Other fantastic options for getting to know the city of Copenhagen include walking tours of Christiania and Norrebro.

Catch a Bird’s Eye View from the Church of Our Savior

As with many cities, the best views of the skyline are from above. There are a few places where you can catch a view of the city.

In Christianshavn, visitors can climb over 400 steps to the top of the steeple at the Church of Our Savior (40 DKK). This is a fairly difficult ascent, and the whole tower shakes when the bells ring, but the views from above are out of this world.

Find the Forgotten Giants

The Forgotten Giants is one of Copenhagen’s quirkiest art installations.

These are large, wooden statues that reside in wooded areas around the city, encouraging residents and visitors alike to search for them.

All in all, there are six statues scattered around the city’s edges. If you have a car or a bike, it’s a fun day-long adventure to explore and try to find all of them.

Pick up Lunch in Torvehallerne  

There are few things I like more than heading to food markets and picking up a few small bites from different stalls for a mishmash of wonderful foods and flavours.

Torvehallerne is a bustling food market gastronomic wonderland in the centre of town and near Norreport station. There are over 60 stalls, all selling the highest quality food and drink in town.

I’m fully obsessed with Smorrebrod – Danish open sandwiches on rye and I haven’t found any that are better than those at Hallernes Smorrebrod. 

Take your pick – there are certainly enough to choose from.

Feast on Street Food at Reffen Island

I was really sad to hear that one of my favourite street food spots in Copenhagen, Paper Island, had closed down. But, when the same people went and opened another street food haven called Reffen Island, I knew that I had to explore.

Reffen is a cool mishmash of street food stalls, indie shops and bars: in short, everything you need for a cool afternoon or evening kicking back on your Copenhagen trip.

Don’t miss Thriller in Manila for some utterly scrumptious Filipino dishes.

Catch a Concert at Vega

Whether you’re heading to the smalller Little Vega or the much larger Vega downstairs, catching some live music at Vega is highly recommended.

I pretty much booked last week’s trip so I could see Honne (who I’d missed in London) and it was a revelation.

Held in the cosy Little Vega, it was such a memorable experience – the intimate venue worked so well and the crowd were wonderful.

Drink Wine at Ved Stranden 10

There are plenty of wine bars dotted around Copenhagen but Ved Stranden 10 is a little different.

Rather than you browsing the wine menu and picking what you want, you describe what kind of wine you like and they find you the perfect sip to suit. They do a really quite stellar job of it too.

Rooftop Drinks at Nimb Roof

I’m a huge fan of rooftop bars and when I stumbled across Nimb Roof, it became one of my favourite places to drink in Copenhagen.

Ny, which is a rooftop bar at the Nimb Hotel, is a relatively new addition to the hotel but the views from the bar are spectacular. Best of all, you can enjoy a cocktail or a glass of wine while taking in the view.

Party It Up in Vesterbro

Vesterbro is home to the (in)famous Meatpacking District, which is one of Copenhagen’s premier nightlife hotspots.In addition to the wild nights of the nightclubs, Vesterbro is also home to some laid-back bars, such as Lidkoeb, as well. If you’ve got the time and energy, go for a night on the town in this hopping district.

Shopping on Stroget

One of Europe’s longest pedestrian streets, Stroget is the lifeblood of Copenhagen’s shopping scene.

Of course, you’ll find the same international brands that pop up on every high street these days but Stroget has a few treasures of its own.

HAY House, the flagship store of Danish brand House of HAY, is a must do in Copenhagen if you’re looking for some cool interior gems to bring home with you.

Check Out the Indie Shops on Gronnegade

Gronnegade is a treasure trove of independent shops and boutiques.

There aren’t really any big-name brands, instead you will find cool interiors shops, vintage clothing stores, cafes, coffee makers, perfumers – well worth a trip if you’re looking to do a spot of shopping while you are in the city.

Hang Out in Copenhagen’s Botanical Gardens

Copenhagen’s Botanical Gardens don’t get a lot of press, which is a shame – but not for you as you get to discover one of the city’s hidden gems.

Covering 10 hectares in the heart of the city, the gardens were established in the 1600s and relocated to their current location in 1874. Tempting as it is to just see them as an Insta-friendly destination, they’ve played a central role in botanical history, housing over 13,000 species from destinations from around the world. To this end, they’re a part of the Natural History Museum of Denmark, preserving plant species and playing their part in scientific exploration and environmental stewardship. 

Pretty as the gardens are, the star attraction is the Victorian-era Palm House. Climb the intricate cast-iron spiral staircase to grab a view of the tropical paradise (which includes a butterfly sanctuary too) within. 

Spend Time in Norrebro

Multicultural Norrebro can feel like it’s a little off the beaten track… despite the fact that it’s only a ten minute cycle from the heart of the city.

There aren’t many big “Copenhagen tourist attractions” in Norrebro per se (though Hans Christian Andersen is buried in Assistens Cemetery). 

Instead, much of Norrebro’s appeal is hanging out at urban spaces like Superkilen – a skatepark come cool hangout that’s always buzzing in the summer.Exploring Copenhagen through the maze of Norrebro’s streets, you’ll also find some of the city’s hottest restaurants – Oysters & Grill is well worth the trip alone.

Spend Time in Søerne (The Lakes) 

Søerne (The Lakes) is the perfect way to spend a day in Copenhagen. There are plenty of activities to do, like biking or rowing around the lakes but you can also just relax and watch the world go by on one of their many terraces.

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If you have a little more time, I’d include a few day trips from Copenhagen to a few spots nearby.

Louisiana Museum of Modern Art

An expansive collection of modern art 25 miles north of Copenhagen.

Frederiksborg Castle

A gorgeous castle a short train ride away from the centre that also doubles up as the National Museum of History.

Kronborg Castle

Once one of the biggest castles in Medieval Europe, Kronborg is also famous for being the setting for Shakespeare’s famous play Hamlet.

Practical Tips for Your Copenhagen Trip 

Top Tips for Your Visit 

• Embrace Cycling Culture: Rent a bike to explore the city like a local. 
• Use the Copenhagen Card: It gives you free admission to many museums and attractions as well as unlimited public transport. 
• Go Beyond the City Centre: Although the centre is cool, neighbourhoods like Vesterbro, Nørrebro and Christianshavn offer a more local experience and plunge you into the city’s diverse culture. 
• Travel Sustainably: Copenhagen has a strong focus on sustainability – follow recycling rules, support local businesses and be mindful of your environmental impact during your visit. 

How Long to Spend in Copenhagen? 

You can see many of Copenhagen’s top sights in 2-3 days, but it will be rushed. Plan to spend 4 or 5 to take things at a slower pace and include a day trip to somewhere like Kronborg Castle. 

Best Time to Visit

Traditionally, the best time to visit is in the summer (June to August) as this is when you get the best weather, lots of events and longest days, but it’s also the busiest time too. 

Consider visiting in Spring or Autumn when there are fewer crowds – but it is also beautiful in the winter months, particularly in the run up to Christmas. 

Getting Around Copenhagen

Getting around Copenhagen is really manageable by bike (rentals around 90 DKK per day) or by foot. It’s really easy to end up walking several miles a day because of just how walkable it is!

However, the bus and train system in Copenhagen is also fantastic for getting to farther neighbourhoods or destinations. You can purchase a 24-hour pass for unlimited rides on all public transit in the city (including to the airport) for just 80 DKK.

Where to Stay 

Copenhagen has no shortage of places for you to lay your head – from urban-chic hostels to bright and airy boutique hotels.

Generator Copenhagen

A cool hostel that blurs the line between hostel and hotel, Generator attracts a young crowd with its comfortable and affordably-priced rooms, great location and friendly atmosphere (aided by a lively late-night bar).

Check Rates and Availability

Hotel SP34

One of the hottest rooms in the city, Hotel SP34 offers organic breakfasts, complimentary wine between 5-6pm and impossibly chic rooms – all in the heart of the city.

Check Rates and Availability

Things to do in Copenhagen: Map

Read more Copenhagen Travel Guides and Tips

• Copenhagen in Winter
• Plan the Perfect 3 Days in Copenhagen with this Itinerary 
• The Best Food Markets in Copenhagen
• Is the Copenhagen Card Worth it?
• Dreamy Castles and Palaces in Copenhagen

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