9 must-sees in Copenhagen!
All capitals have their classic sights – the things you just have to see and do – and Copenhagen is no different. We will guide you to some of Copenhagen’s most iconic attractions and experiences, from Nyhavn to Tivoli, Strøget and Amalienborg, so you can tick them off on your list.
1. Tivoli Gardens: A world-class amusement park
Tivoli is the most popular attraction in all of Denmark for a reason. Over 4 million visit the park every year and it is not surprising considering how much Tivoli has to offer. Come for the wonderful atmosphere, the wild rides, the restaurants and the concerts. Tivoli is also open during Halloween and autumn holidays, Christmas and New Year and their new winter season in February.
They must know, then, that the above-named gentleman whenever he was at leisure (which was mostly all the year round) gave himself up to reading books of chivalry with such ardour and avidity that he almost entirely neglected the pursuit of his field-sports, and even the management of his property; and to such a pitch did his eagerness and infatuation go that he sold many an acre of tillageland to buy books of chivalry to read, and brought home as many of them as he could get.
2. Nyhavn: A Danish Classic
The name Copenhagen comes from the words for “Merchant Harbor” for a reason. Nyhavn used to be one of the hubs for the ship merchants of yesteryear. With its colorful facades, Nyhavn is a compulsory stop on the classic list. Although it may be busy with tourists from all corners of the world, finding a place on one of the many outdoor dining venues is usually easy. Sit down and enjoy a sandwich and a cold beer and indulge in some primo people-watching. Christmas time opens with a cozy Christmas market in Nyhavn, the epitome of hygge.
But of all there were none he liked so well as those of the famous Feliciano de Silva’s composition, for their lucidity of style and complicated conceits were as pearls in his sight, particularly when in his reading he came upon courtships and cartels, where he often found passages like “the reason of the unreason with which my reason is afflicted so weakens my reason that with reason I murmur at your beauty;” or again, “the high heavens render you deserving of the desert your greatness deserves.”
3. Amalienborg: The Queen’s palace
Amalienborg Palace is the Queen’s residence in Copenhagen. The palace consists of four separate rococo palaces around a square, two of which are open to the public. One houses a museum where you can view almost 400 years of royal history in the form of paintings and other objects, and in the second you can get a close look at what the Danish royal residence is like on the inside. Do not miss the changing of the guard that happens every day at 12 noon.
4. Strøget: Copenhagen’s shopping street
Strøget is the central pedestrian street at the center of Copenhagen’s major shopping area. There’s everything you could want nearby, from budget options and small independent shops to some of the world’s most exclusive brands. The stretches and the many small side streets are full of shops, cafes and restaurants with something for all tastes. If you want to shop for classic Danish design, you can visit Georg Jensen, Royal Copenhagen or Illums Bolighus.
5. Canal tour: See the city from the water
When the weather is nice, a canal tour is a great way to see iconic sights around Copenhagen. Jump on at Nyhavn or near Christiansborg and follow a tour that takes you past the Opera House, The Black Diamond library and The Little Mermaid sitting on its rock. You continue through Christianshavn’s cozy canals, full of houseboats and lined with charming old buildings.
6. The Round Tower: Copenhagen’s historic vantage point
The Round Tower, built in the 17th century, is Europe’s oldest functioning observatory and is used extensively by amateur astronomers. Once you get to the top via the spiral ramp, you’ll see a striking view of Copenhagen from a viewing platform running around the tower. Horses used to drag carts loaded with books up to the university library at the top, hence the spiral ramp instead of stairs.
7. Rosenborg Castle: A Renaissance gem in the middle of town
Rosenborg Castle is a 400-year-old Renaissance castle located in the center of Copenhagen. In addition to the beautiful exterior and the royal palace park, there is a lot to discover inside the castle. Inside, you can see three life-size silver lions keeping watch, and do not miss the Danish crown jewels that can only be worn by the Queen and only when they are within the borders of the country.
8. Canal tour: See the city from the water
Christiania is a colorful and controversial area in Copenhagen that is definitely worth a visit. The sanctuary was started as a social experiment in the 70’s but has survived and is today a popular excursion destination for both tourists and Copenhageners. There are several good cafes and restaurants where you hang for a while and look at the people’s life after a walk among the hilarious and odd houses of Christiania.Please note that some visitors may find Christiania, particularly the area around Pusher Street, to be rough. For your own safety, we recommend that follow the Do’s and Don’ts signs up at the entrances and refrain yourself from taking any photos or videos.
9. Smørrebrød: Classic Danish Food
We finish this list with a dish that is as iconic as Tivoli or The Little Mermaid, namely the smørrebrød (sounds kind of like “smuurreh-bruuldt”). Try this delicious open-faced sandwich at one of Copenhagen’s restaurants for the perfect end to your trip. The hardest part might be choosing where to eat, like the popular Aamanns or at Schønnemanns, one of Copenhagen’s oldest restaurants.
Be charmed by Copenhagen
Get to know Denmark’s capital like the palm of your hand
Come and be charmed by Copenhagen, Northern Europe’s cosiest capital, packed with cafés, shops, and the best restaurants in Scandinavia.9 must-sees in CopenhagenAll capitals have their classic sights – the things you just have to see and do – and Copenhagen is no different. We will guide you to some of Copenhagen’s most iconic attractions and experiences, from Nyhavn to Tivoli, Strøget and Amalienborg, so you can tick them off on your list.How to spend a week in CopenhagenA long weekend just isn’t long enough. Here’s how the locals recommend spending a week in Denmark’s capital. Nørrebro
What to do in Copenhagen
Whether it’s your first visit or one of many, here are some things to do when you’re in Copenhagen. Discover places the locals love, beautiful parks, and more of Copenhagen’s top spots.7 floating experiences you ought to try in CopenhagenTry these unusual experiences that are literally floating around in our capital’s clean harbour.Copenhagen’s best hidden gemsShhhh! Don’t tell anyone else about these hidden gems in Copenhagen!Things to do in Copenhagen on a rainy dayWe hate to break it to you, but it does rain in Copenhagen sometimes. However, we got you covered!Eat with the localsHead to Reffen Street Food and have your taste buds tickled by the scrumptious food and drinks!The world-famous Tivoli GardensSpend a fun-filled day in Copenhagen’s iconic fairground!The Little MermaidSee the statue made famous by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale.Walk through ChristianiaVisit the famous and controversial freetown of Christiania in the heart of Copenhagen.
Explore Copenhagen on two wheels
Copenhagen is one of the world’s best cycle cities. So, go with the flow and explore the city by bike, Copenhagen-style. It’s not only healthy, it’s also eco-friendly and fun!8 reasons why you’ll love biking in CopenhagenNeed a little push to get started? Don’t worry we’ll help you!
Did you know that Copenhageners cycle the equivalent to 35 times around the world every day?10 ways to act sustainably while you’re here10 concrete eco-friendly ideas for getting the most out of Copenhagen and looking after it at the same time! Tisvilde Beach
Let Copenhagen’s locals guide you to their favourite spots
Did you know? Since 2020, Copenhagen has boasted municipal fruit trees, where everyone can pick blueberries, blackberries, and apples for free.
Why is Copenhagen the best city to visit?
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