Denmark’s capital is filled with as much to see and do as there is to eat and drink—no room for boredom! Copenhagen can be perfect for a weekend getaway, but also if you have a chance to stay longer, do stay!
Copenhagen, Denmark’s capital, sits on the coastal islands of Zealand and Amager. It’s linked to Malmo in southern Sweden by the Öresund Bridge. Copenhagen is large enough to have plenty of museums, attractions, shops, restaurants and small enough to have them all easily accessible.
I have been there three times now by now, and I absolutely love the city. It's vibrant, spacious, with so many coffee shops, design stores, art museums, a good city and nature balance. Read more to check on what is there to do and see. Please note, that I have listed the major activities in the city. However, Copenhagen have many more museums and galleries that you can explore!
HOW TO GET AROUND?
Getting to Copenhagen from Airport is fairly quick and easy, as there is a straight underground that connects the airport and the city. It takes about half an hour (depending on where is your hotel) and a one-way ticket costs approximately 36 DKK.
Depending on where your hotel is located, you can either use public transport to get around or just walk everywhere. Since Copenhagen city is fairly small, you can easily get around on foot. If you are planning to visit many tourist attractions, you may want to consider checking Copenhagen Card for discounted admission fees.
Did you know that in Copenhagen almost one-third of all journeys across the city is done on a bike? People love to bike everywhere, very much like in the Netherlands. You will find bike lanes, bike parking spaces everywhere. therefore an alternative way to get around is to hire a bike and bike around like a Danish.
WHAT TO DO & SEE?
1. Nyhavn
Nyhavn is a 17th-century waterfront, canal and entertainment district in Copenhagen, Denmark. Stretching from Kongens Nytorv to the harbour front just south of the Royal Playhouse, it is lined by brightly coloured 17th and early 18th century townhouses and bars, cafes and restaurants. Very much like in Amsterdam, this is the icon of Copenhagen city. You can just spend days chilling around here or take on canal cruise trips to wander around and see the city from the water.
2. Rosenborg Castle
Rosenborg Castle is a renaissance castle built by one of the most famous Danish kings, Christian IV, in the 17th century. The beautiful castle features 400 years of royal treasures, and the Crown Jewels and Royal Regalia. The castle is situated in Kongens Have ("The King's Garden"), also known as "Rosenborg Castle Garden". The Rosenborg Castle Garden is the country's oldest royal garden and was embellished in the Renaissance style by Christian IV shortly before the construction of the main castle.
Adult ticket fee: 125 DKK (gardens are free to visit)
3. The Little Mermaid
The Little Mermaid is a bronze statue by Edvard Eriksen, depicting a mermaid becoming human. The sculpture is displayed on a rock by the waterside at the Langelinie promenade in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Based on the 1837 fairy tale of the same name by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen, the small and unimposing statue is a Copenhagen icon and has been a major tourist attraction since its unveiling in 1913.
4. Tivoli Gardens
Tivoli, also known as Tivoli Gardens, is an amusement park and pleasure garden in Copenhagen open to everyone, both families and individuals. The park opened on 15 August 1843 and is the third-oldest operating amusement park in the world, after Dyrehavsbakken in nearby Klampenborg, also in Denmark, and Wurstelprater in Vienna, Austria.
Adult ticket fee: 145 DKK
5. Christiansborg palace
Christiansborg Palace is a palace and government building on the islet of Slotsholmen in central Copenhagen, Denmark. It is the seat of the Danish Parliament, the Danish Prime Minister's Office, and the Supreme Court of Denmark. Apart from the beautiful rooms of the palace, you can explore the underground ruins, where you'll find the remnants of an older castle.
Did you know that you can get to the tower for a view over the city for free?
Adult ticket fee: 160 DKK (for the palace)
6. Amalienborg
At Amalienborg Palace in the heart of Copenhagen, you can visit the seat of one of the world's oldest monarchies and go behind the scenes in a real royal palace. The palace consists of four identical classical palace façades with rococo interiors around an octagonal courtyard and in the centre of the square is a monumental equestrian statue of Amalienborg's founder, King Frederick V. Make sure to come around here at noon so you can witness and watch the changing of the guards as they march from their barracks by Rosenborg Castle through the streets of Copenhagen to Amalienborg, often accompanied by music.
Adult ticket fee: 125 DKK
7. Round Tower
The Round Tower, formerly Stellaburgis Hafniens, is a 17th-century tower located in central Copenhagen, Denmark, and one of the many architectural projects of Christian IV of Denmark, built as an astronomical observatory. Now you can visit the tower to get city views.
Adult ticket fee: 40 DKK
8. Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
Glyptotek is an art gallery located near the City Hall. Primarily a sculpture museum, as indicated by the name, the focal point of the museum is antique sculptures from the ancient cultures around the Mediterranean, including Egypt, Rome and Greece, as well as more modern sculptures such as a collection of Auguste Rodin's works, considered to be the most important outside France. However, the museum is equally noted for its collection of paintings that includes an extensive collection of French impressionists and Post-impressionists as well as Danish Golden Age paintings.
A beautiful place to get lost in, with great special exhibitions, a museum shop and a cafe in their winter garden. If you happen to be around on Tuesday, make sure to pop in as they have free admissions every Tuesday's!
Adult ticket fee: 115 DKK
9. SMK – Statens Museum for Kunst
The National Gallery of Denmark is the Danish national gallery, located in the centre of Copenhagen. The museum collects, registers, maintains, researches and handles Danish and foreign art dating from the 14th century to the present day.
Adult ticket fee: 120 DKK
10. Strøget
Strøget is a pedestrian, car-free shopping area in Copenhagen, Denmark. This popular tourist attraction in the centre of town is one of the longest pedestrian shopping streets in Europe at 1.1 km. It is not only the main shopping street of Copenhagen, but you'll find here many bars and places to eat as well.
11. Frederik's Church
The church lies beautifully in line with Amalienborg palace and the Opera in the middle of the elegant area of Frederiksstaden in central Copenhagen. While the official name of the church is Frederik's Church, it is commonly called the Marble Church. The story behind the Marble Church is interesting – it's not made from marble, for a start, although that was the original plan. The visit to the church is free - it is stunning!
12. Church of Our Saviour
The Church of Our Saviour is a baroque church in Copenhagen, Denmark, most famous for the external spiral winding staircase that can be climbed to the top
Adult ticket fee: 65 DKK
13. Botanical Garden
The University of Copenhagen Botanical Garden, usually referred to simply as Copenhagen Botanical Garden, is a botanical garden located in the centre of Copenhagen, Denmark. It covers an area of 10 hectares and is particularly noted for its extensive complex of historical glasshouses dating from 1874. It’s a free public green space to roam and relax filled with rare trees, shrubs and herbs.
Adult ticket fee: 60 DKK (to the palm house)
14. National Aquarium Denmark
The National Aquarium Denmark or also called Den Blå Planet, is northern Europe's largest aquarium, offering a round-the-world journey under the sea for children and adults alike. Not only it is spectacular inside, but the architecture of the building is amazing too!
Adult ticket fee: 185 DKK
15. Superkilen Park
Superkilen is a park that supports diversity. It is a world exhibition of furniture and everyday objects from all over the world. Superkilen is a public park in the Nørrebro district of Copenhagen, Denmark. The park is designed to bring refugees and locals together, promoting tolerance and unity in one of Denmark's most ethnically-diverse and socially-challenged communities.
16. City Hall Square
One of Copenhagen’s main squares, City Hall Square or Rådhuspladsen is in front of the City Hall. It marks the start of the shopping street Strøget and is a key location for events and demonstrations.
17. Charlottenborg Palace
Charlottenborg Palace is a large town mansion located on the corner of Kongens Nytorv and Nyhavn in Copenhagen. it has served as the base of the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts since its foundation in 1754. Today it also houses Kunsthal Charlottenborg, an institution for contemporary art, and Danmarks Kunstbibliotek, the Royal Art Library. Did you know that they have free admission on Wednesdays after 5pm?
Adult ticket fee: 90 DKK
18. Christiania
Freetown Christiania, also known as Christiania, is an intentional community and commune of about 850 to 1,000 residents, covering 7.7 hectares in the borough of Christianshavn in the Danish capital city of Copenhagen on the island of Amager.
19. Louisana Museum of Modern Art
The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art is an art museum located on the shore of the Øresund Sound in Humlebæk, 35 km north of Copenhagen. It is a great half a day or even a day trip to explore art in the beautiful surrounding. It is the most visited art museum in Denmark, and has an extensive permanent collection of modern and contemporary art, dating from World War II to the present day; in addition, it has a comprehensive programme of special exhibitions
Adult ticket fee: 145 DKK
20. Canal tours
Enjoy a classic canal tour around Copenhagen's harbour and the idyllic canals and views of Copenhagen from the water. The tour usually lasts for an hour and the departure usually is from Nyhavn or Gammel Strand. During the tour, you will see The Copenhagen Opera House, Amalienborg Palace, Christiansborg Palace, the impressive Black Diamond Library, and, of course, the Little Mermaid and more!
21. Magstraede
Snaregade and Magstræde are two of the oldest streets in the Old Town of Copenhagen, linking Gammel Strand at their eastern end with Rådhusstræde to the west. Snaregade extends from the small square at the Gammel Strand metro station to Knabrostræde where it turns into Magstræde. The streets are among the few streets in the Old Town of Copenhagen which still feature their original cobbling.
22. Grundtvig's Church
Grundtvig's Church is located in the Bispebjerg district of Copenhagen, Denmark. It is a rare example of expressionist church architecture. Due to its unusual appearance, it is one of the best-known churches in the city.
23. Copenhagen Contemporary
Copenhagen Contemporary is a large-scale art & avant-garde installation are displayed in a spacious factory a-like venue.
Adult ticket fee: 120 DKK
24. Christiansborg Slot
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK?
Ø12 is a gem of a cafe located in the Østerbro neighbourhood. A great place for brunch and coffee!
2. Buka bakery
Relaxed eatery featuring an all-day menu & classic baked goods and coffee. Buka has a couple of branches around Copenhagen. Make sure to get the yummy cinnamon buns!
3. Popl Burger
POPL is a neighborhood restaurant located on an iconic corner by the water in the Copenhagen neighborhood of Christianshavn Elevated burger joint serving organic beef & handmade veggie patties alongside local wine & beer.
4. Beau Marche Cafe a Vins
Beau Marche is a cosy french place offering great coffee and wines. This cafe provides you with nice food and a place to rest after a long walk or a place to gather with your friends.
A great place to seat in or grab some Vietnamese food. They have three locations across Copenhagen for you to choose from.
The Coffee Collective is much more than just great coffee. From their slick, modernist, yet Scandinavian "hyggelige" coffee shops. The Coffee Collective is a micro roastery with a few coffee shops around the city and a coffee school.
7. Selma
Selma is the only smørrebrød restaurant in Copenhagen that has been awarded a Bib Gourmand in the Nordic Guide Michelin, which it got for the first time in 2019. They serve a rotating a la carte smørrebrød-menu at Selma that changes daily and with the seasons. You can pair your smørrebrød of choice with one of the 12 rotating Mikkeller beers on tap.
8. Host
Høst is located in a classic Copenhagen building on the corner of Nørre Farimagsgade and Ahlefeldtsgade. Host has a stylish dining room with white walls & rustic wooden tables, serving contemporary Nordic cuisine.
9. Gro Eatery
A unique organic dining experience on a green rooftop in the heart of Copenhagen, where you can eat in the open air. Gro Eatery serves organic and local food.
Delphine brings the food and atmosphere of the Greek archipelago and southern Italy to the heart of Vesterbro.
11. Lille Bakery
Lille Bakery is an artisanal bakery located in the old industrial area Refshaleøen, but it is very much worth venturing across the harbour to taste one of their baked goods.
12. La Banchina
La Banchina is a 16 seat farm to table vegetarian and seafood restaurant, offering thirst-quenching natural wines and a possibility to exhale by the water. A perfect spot to spend your sunny days here!
13. Noma
Noma is a three-Michelin-star restaurant run by chef René Redzepi in Copenhagen. Opened in 2003, the restaurant is known for its focus on foraging, invention and interpretation of New Nordic Cuisine. The cuisine of Noma is Nordic/Scandinavian; the restaurant's founders René Redzepi and Claus Meyer have attempted to redefine this Nordic cuisine. Its cuisine can be considered more an interpretation of Nordic food than classical Nordic food itself.
14. Illum Rooftop
After an exhausting shopping, you can visit Illum - a 5 storey mall where on the rooftop you can explore their food court. In ILLUM you will find a wide selection of wonderful restaurants, cafés, and takeaway. Visit Illum Rooftop and enjoy romantic meals with the best view, looking over the historical architecture of Copenhagen.
15. Torvehallerne
Urban, covered marketplace featuring stalls with local produce, gourmet foods, beverages & desserts. Torvehallerne is situated right by Nørreport Station, and offers more than 80 shops.
WHERE TO STAY?
Hotel Kong Arthur is nestled in a small cobblestone nook, just off the road that runs around Copenhagen’s historic lakes. The now modernized building was originally built in 1882 as a residence for apprentices in the Nansensgade Quarter, a neighborhood that looks like a metropolis and feels like a village. It is close to Torvehallerne – Copenhagen’s finest food marketplace – close to scenic Ørsted Park, and close to Nørreport, Denmark’s busiest train and bus station.
Villa Copenhagen is a new social scene in Copenhagen allowing the past, present and future to come together in an inspiring and playful ambience. Set within a grand former office building dating from 1912, this high-end hotel is 3 minutes' walk from Tivoli Gardens, a 19th-century amusement park,.
Axel Guldsmeden is situated just a stone’s throw from Tivoli Gardens and Copenhagen Central Station. The hotel is a cozy and magical universe, with a unique atmosphere in the signature Guldsmeden Nordic-Balinese design. Axel Guldsmeden features a relaxing spa and jungle-like courtyard. The hotel also offers a restaurant, bar, and conference facilities.
This homely hotel offers a great opportunity to experience lively and charming neighbourhoods just outside Copenhagen's city centre. Housed in a classic 19th-century building, this boutique design hotel is a 5-minute walk from Forum Metro Station.
Airbnb is always a good option for a variety range of budgets for travellers. It is also a great option for those who want their own space or kitchen space, especially if you are travelling for a longer period of time and want to save money by eating in.
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