Green urban gardens, canal tours, cycling culture and sophisticated design. Mention Copenhagen and these are probably the first things that spring to mind. And yes, it is all these things – Denmark’s capital is, in fact, a unique city. With similar vibes to cities like Amsterdam, this city is perfect for a weekend break. Whether this is your first, second, or fifteenth visit, there is no shortage of entertainment here. You will be spoilt for choice with so many beautiful places to visit. We did the hard part for you and crafted a list of the top things to do in Copenhagen.
There is more to Copenhagen than the colourful buildings of Nyhavn.
Top things to do in Copenhagen for the best views
1. Canal tours
It is easy to see why joining a canal tour is one of the top things to do in Copenhagen. Not only you will learn about the top attractions, but it is a perfect way to see this city. The classic and original canal tours are an excellent way to experience Denmark’s capital. During your tour, your guide will tell you about the beautiful churches, castles of the Danish royal family and other famous sights. And yes, you will also spot the Little Mermaid statue, and your guide will tell you more about it.
Joining a canal tour is one of the best things if you want to see the city from a different perspective. The canal tour lasts approximately an hour, and you will see the main harbour and adjoining canals.
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You don’t need to pay for your canal tour if you have a Copenhagen Card. Otherwise, expect to pay about 99 DKK (adult) for a canal tour.
2. Round Tower
It is also worth visiting the Round Tower, which you can find in the city centre. Why, you may ask? Because the Round Tower is one of the best places to visit for scenic views. This tower is 36 metres high, and it’s one of the landmarks in the city, built during King Christian IV’s reign. This unusual building from the 17th century is today one of the most famous buildings in Denmark. The Round Tower is unique because it has a spiralling walkway right to the top. Apart from that, the Round Tower offers beautiful views and is also the oldest observatory tower in Europe. Amateur astronomers still use the observatory today – you can find it right at the top.
Visiting the Round Tower should be on your bucket list because it is one of the most famous attractions in the city. The Round Tower offers some of the best panoramic views over the city. It also serves as an astronomical observatory and is home to the Library Hall.
GOOD TO KNOW:
The Round Tower is part of the Copenhagen City Card. Otherwise, the entry to the Round Tower is 40 DKK.
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Don’t miss the Bell Loft and the exhibitions in the Round Tower.
3. Church of Our Saviour
If you have any energy left, visit the Church of Our Saviour in Christianshavn. This unusual baroque building from the 17th century is one of the most famous churches in the country. What makes the Church of Our Saviour unique are the views from the top and its impressive spiral staircase. Yes, there are about 400 steps, but the last 150 steps are outside the building. The unusual black and golden serpentine spire with an external staircase makes the Church of Our Saviour one of the best places to visit in this city.
The biggest draw is the view from its spire – no wonder the locals voted this church to have the best city views. As a result, climbing to the viewing platform of the Church of Our Saviour is one of the top things to do in Denmark’s capital. Make sure you do not miss this unusual attraction which is one of the national treasures of Denmark.
GOOD TO KNOW:
It is not possible to climb the world-famous spiral spire during the winter months and in case of bad weather.
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Don’t forget to book your tickets in advance as there is a time slot. The entrance fee to climb the Church of Our Saviour in Copenhagen is 65 DKK, free with Copenhagen Card.
Top things to do in Copenhagen for museum lovers
Museum lovers looking for the best things to do have plenty of options. The city is home to numerous world-class museums that draws visitors from around the world.
4. National Museum of Denmark
If you want to soak up the country’s rich past, the National Museum of Denmark is one of the best places to visit in Copenhagen. You might not know it, but the National Museum of Denmark is considered, by many, one of the best museums in Europe. The National Museum of Denmark is, in fact, the largest museum of cultural history in the country. Because of that, exploring the National Museum of Denmark is one of the top things to do in Copenhagen.
Here’s where it gets juicy: the National Museum of Denmark covers approximately 14,000 years of Danish history – as far as the Ice Age. Fascinating, right? The Vikings are also well-covered here – there is a new “Meet the Vikings” exposition. This unique exhibition displays treasures from the Viking age, such as their jewellery, weapons, and even coins. Also, you can see the world’s largest Viking ship – it has over 37 metres.
Apart from that, the museum showcases exhibit from all eras of Denmark’s past. This museum also houses displays from the Danish Renaissance up to modern Danish history. Don’t miss a sun chariot – it is a Bronze Age statue, which is more than 3,600 years old.
The Nationalmuseet also covers some expositions from ancient Rome, Greece and Egypt.
Exploring the National Museum of Denmark is one of the top attractions for anyone interested in Danish history. Why, you may ask? Because this world-class museum is Denmark’s largest museum. Copenhagen’s National Museum gives you insights into the lives of the Vikings and helps to understand rich Danish history.
GOOD TO KNOW:
The entry fee to the National Museum of Denmark is 110 DKK, and kids under 18 go free. You do not need to pay anything if you have a Copenhagen card. The museum is perfect for those travelling with kids because it has interactive activities where the little ones can learn more about Denmark’s past. The National Museum of Denmark is not open on Mondays.
5. Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
It is easy to see why many visitors put the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek high on their bucket lists. The Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, or Glyptoteket as the locals call it, is one of the most famous museums in the city. This art museum opened its door to the public more than 125 years ago. The museum has a massive collection of art and artefacts. In fact, they were once a private collection of the son of the founder of the Carlsberg Breweries.
The Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek is one of the most important landmarks in the city.
The Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek houses one of the world’s largest collections of Mediterranean antiquities and 19th-century art. This art museum, with over 10,000 pieces, has an excellent collection of Egyptian, Greek and Roman art.
When exploring the museum, do not miss the exhibition of ancient Egypt. It’s the museum’s underground area that resembles an Egyptian tomb and displays more than 300 works. Yes, that is right, you will see everything from sculptures of Egyptian gods and mummies to sarcophagi which are thousands of years old. The Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek also has an eye-catching winter garden with palm trees, statues and a fountain. You can find it in the central courtyard of the museum.
Visiting the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek is one of the top attractions in Copenhagen for museum lovers. It’s because this art museum, with high ceilings, houses thousands of marble sculptures and has a beautiful winter garden.
GOOD TO KNOW:
The entry to the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek costs 125 DKK (about 17 €). Entrance to the museum is free on Tuesdays – hence, expect to be busy. The Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek museum is not open on Mondays.
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The entrance to the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek is free with a Copenhagen card.
6. Amalienborg Museum
If you have a spare hour (or two) while visiting the Amalienborg Palace, stop at Amalienborg Museum. Visiting Amalienborg Museum is one of the best things to do in Copenhagen for any royal fans. When you visit the museum, you can access the private interiors of the former kings and queens. Also, you can learn more about the history of the monarchy in the last 150 years. Apart from that, you can see the special exhibition on Queen’s jewellery, the Gala Hall and other magnificent rooms. Also, visit the Faberge chamber, which has one of the world’s most important collections of Russian jewellery.
GOOD TO KNOW:
You do not need to pay an entry fee if you have your Copenhagen Card.
Top attractions in Copenhagen for castle lovers
7. Rosenborg Castle
If you find yourself in the centre of the city, make time to visit Rosenborg Castle. This seventeenth-century royal palace was once a royal summer house for Christian IV. It was one of the most famous Scandinavian kings who left a strong mark on Danish history. Today it is easy to see why this Danish palace became Christian IV’s favourite castle. You can find it in one of the oldest royal parks in the city – the King’s Gardens.
Take a tour of the castle and its grounds and see how the royals lived in the past. Walk the halls as Danish royalty once did – the interior of this Renaissance castle has hardly changed in centuries. Visit the beautiful Marble Room, a Baroque reception room and the Great Hall, where you can see the coronation thrones.
Visiting Rosenborg Castle is one of the top things to do in Copenhagen because this fairy-tale castle offers a glimpse into the city’s history.
For years, the kings placed their finest and rarest objects in this old palace. You are right to think that Rosenborg Castle is home to the Danish crown jewels. You can find the Danish crown jewels, the crowns and the royal treasury in the basement cellars of the castle.
Rosenborg castle is home to some of Denmark’s greatest cultural treasures, such as crown jewels, coronation chairs and the Danish crowns.
GOOD TO KNOW:
A Copenhagen Card includes a visit to Rosenborg Castle. Otherwise, expect to pay 125 DKK for an entrance. Also, you need to book a timeslot before you visit Rosenborg Castle.
8. Christiansborg Palace
Christiansborg Palace was the primary residence of the Danish royal family until 1794.
If there is one more castle you should visit when exploring the city, make sure it is Christiansborg Palace. For centuries, Christiansborg Palace was home to kings and queens. Today it houses the Danish Parliament. Also, the government and royal family use it for official events. In fact, it is the only building in the world that houses all three of the country’s branches of government. Yes, that is right, Christiansborg Palace is home to the Parliament, the Prime Minister’s office and also to the Supreme Court. Christiansborg Palace is open to visitors when it is not in use.
Christiansborg Palace is only about 100 years old. The current building sits atop the ruins of the original castle, which is more than 850 years old.
Christiansborg Palace is one of the largest castles in Scandinavia. Apart from that, Christiansborg Palace is one of the most beautiful buildings and one of the best things to see in this city.
Highlights are the Royal Kitchen, Royal Stables, the Palace Chapel and Royal Reception Rooms. Do not miss the 40-metre Great Hall, which provides a setting for the Queen’s official events. If possible, visit the ruins of Copenhagen Castle, where King Christian IV’s daughter was imprisoned for almost 22 years for her husband’s crimes.
GOOD TO KNOW:
The entrance to Christiansborg Palace is again free with a Copenhagen Card. Otherwise, a combined ticket (the ruins, the royal reception rooms, the royal stables and the kitchen) costs 160 DKK (21 EUR).
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The tower in Christiansborg Palace is the tallest in the city – it offers stunning views of the palace. Christiansborg Palace tower is free to enter.
9. Amalienborg Palace
We would also recommend that you check out Amalienborg Palace. Amalienborg Palace is the current residence of the Danish royal family. The palace dates back to the 1700s and consists of four similar buildings. Originally, those buildings should have been homes for the nobility. After the fire at Christiansborg in 1794, the Royal Family decided to move here. Even though buildings look identical, they are not. One of the buildings has five chimneys – it is home to the Queen. Other buildings are home to the Crown Prince family, a guest residence and a guest palace for the prince and princess. In one of those buildings, you can also find Amalienborg Museum.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Christian VII’s Palace and Christian VIII’s Palace are the only buildings you can visit.
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Don’t forget to see the changing of the Guards – it’s one of the popular attractions. Arrive at noon and witness the changing of the Royal Guards in the courtyard between the palaces. The guards march from their barracks by Rosenborg Castle and walk the city streets to Amalienborg Palace, accompanied by music.
Top things to do in Copenhagen for nature lovers
10. Copenhagen Botanical Garden
If you are looking for an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, Copenhagen Botanical Garden is a place to go. Did you know that this Botanical Garden is home to more than 13,000 plant species? Yes, that is right, the garden holds the largest collection of living plants in Denmark.
Copenhagen Botanical Garden is a part of the Natural History Museum at the University of Copenhagen. The gardens are perfect for a leisurely stroll when you want to escape the crowds. Along with lush gardens, and 27 historic glasshouses, the Botanical Garden has three gene banks.
The cast-iron spiral staircase in the 16-metre tall Palm House will bring you to a walkway above the treetops. From there, you can experience the rainforest from above and see all the beautiful fauna.
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During the summer months, you can also visit the butterfly house, where you can see thousands of butterflies. There is also a small shop where you can buy plants and seeds.
GOOD TO KNOW:
A visit to the Botanical Garden is included in your Copenhagen Card. Otherwise, entry to the Palm House and the Butterfly House is 60 DKK for an adult. Access to the garden is free.
Other places to visit in Copenhagen
11. Nyhavn
One of the first places most people head to is Nyhavn, and there is a reason for that. This 17th-century harbour is one of the best places to visit because it is a popular tourist area. Some say it is a tourist trap, but very pretty one and is well worth a visit.
This charming part of the city often features in images. 18th-century pastel-hued merchant’s houses, wooden ships and modern boats are perhaps the most iconic sight in the city. The colourful townhouses on both sides of the canal house bars, restaurants and cafes on the ground floors. Eateries with outdoor seating are perfect if you want to stop for tasty bites in the restaurant or enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.
Nyhavn or New Harbour in English is a picture postcard of Copenhagen at its finest.
Today visiting Nyhavn is one of the top things to do in Copenhagen because this bustling area is one of the most picturesque parts of the city. It is a perfect place to join a classic canal tour or catamaran service to Sweden. Among the former residents of this pretty area is Hans Christian Andersen. This famous Danish writer penned several of his fairy tales behind the door on number 20. Hans Christian Andersen also lived in the numbers 18 and 67 (marked with a plague) at different times.
Did you know?
It is hard to believe that this popular tourist area was once famous for beer, sailors and prostitution. Swedish prisoners of war from the Dano-Swedish War dug this canal during the reign of King Christian V. After that, Nyhavn became a gateway from the sea to the inner city. It served as Copenhagen’s commercial port where ships from all over the world would dock.
12. Christiania
If you are more interested in unique places, visit Christiania. Christiania is a self-governing free town in the Christianshavn neighbourhood. This alternative community originally sprang up in the 1970s. A group of homeless cut a hole in the fence to an abandoned military barracks and established a hippie settlement there. The hippie community still thrives here, and around 1000 residents call this place home. Some of the original settlers still live in this collectively controlled village.
Believe it or not, Christiania operates as a Freetown and has its own rules and regulations. You might be surprised to hear that accepted norms simply don’t apply here. They do things differently in Christiania: bicycles are the main mode of transport here, and the community does not allow guns and knives. Also, photography is a big no-no here. Denmark’s hippie paradise with colourful self-built homes is, in fact, a place where you can buy drugs freely. Smoking marijuana is a big part of the lifestyle here – even though it’s illegal in Denmark. Hard drugs are, fortunately, banned in Christiania.
Although Christiania may not be to everyone’s taste, visiting Christiania is one of the top things to do in Copenhagen. This controversial place is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Denmark because this area was once a social experiment. The Freetown Christiania has an unusual architectural feel, and people live by their own rules.
GOOD TO KNOW:
It is easy to see why many people consider Christiania quite rough and dodgy. However, if you follow Freetown Christiania rules (strict no photo policy) and visit during the day, you will be fine.
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After visiting the famous Pusher Street, grab a bite in one of the cosy cafes or buy souvenirs from the local shops. Don’t forget to stroll along a lake to see the tranquil site of the neighbourhood.
13. Frederik’s Church
Before leaving the city centre, check out Frederik’s Church. Frederik’s Church, or Marble church – as the locals call it, is one of the most gorgeous places to visit in Copenhagen.
If you think that house of prayer reminds you of something, you are quite right. Frederik’s Church, with its copper green dome, took its inspiration from St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. Today visiting Frederik’s Church is one of the top things because this gorgeous church has the largest church dome in Scandinavia. The inner dome of the marble church has a span of 31 metres.
Moreover, Frederik’s Church is one of the most impressive churches in the city. Once inside, pay attention to the eye-catching artwork and a cupola with angels and 12 apostles placed in each section.
FUN FACT:
Even though this house of God has the nickname Marble Church, it is not made entirely from marble. It was the original plan, but they decided to use limestone due to a tight budget.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Admission to Frederik’s Church is free. During the summer months, you can take the tower tour.
14. Little Mermaid statue
Let’s face it – you cannot take a trip to Copenhagen without seeing the Little Mermaid statue. Some tourists find this famous statue a little underwhelming to see. It is because the Little Mermaid statue is small – it has only 1.25 metres (4.1 ft). Also, for some reason, the Little Mermaid statue has been subject to vandalism. She lost her head and arm a few times. This famous landmark in the city even has had paint poured over it several times.
The Danish brewer Carl Jacobsen donated this bronze sculpture to the city. The sculptor created the Little Mermaid statue as a tribute to the author Hans Christian Andersen. The statue represents a moment when the mermaid gives up everything to be united with the prince she has fallen in love with on land. Nowadays Little Mermaid statue on the rock is one of the popular places to visit. Even though many boat tours pass by the statue, the best views of this statue are from the land.
GOOD TO KNOW:
You can find the Little Mermaid statue on a rock at the Langelinie promenade. Expect to spend here only a few minutes.
15. Kastellet
Visit Kastellet if you like to spend time in nature.
If walking and exploring historical sites are your things, there is also the 17th- century Kastellet. Kastellet, or the citadel in English, is one of the best-preserved fortresses in Northern Europe. This fortress, with bastions at its corners, was once part of the ramparts built to protect the city. This star fortress with an unusual landscape is an important military base in the city. It is also a public park, where you can see a row of red barracks, a prison and a Powder house, where the military used to store black powder. When exploring the park, do not miss picture perfect windmill.
16. Stroget
If shopping is your thing, there is Stroget – a pedestrian, car-free shopping area in the city. Many people put Stroget on their bucket lists because it is the largest shopping area in the city.
But why is Stroget so famous? It is because Stroget is one of the longest pedestrian streets in Europe. It is more than 1 km long and runs from City Hall Square to Kongens Nytorv. However, you should know that Stroget is not just one street. It contains a series of interconnected roads. Yes, that is right Several roads crisscross one another and together create the bustling shopping area. Here you can find numerous cafes, boutiques and expensive brands like Prada. Stroget is also a popular hangout for street performers.
FUN FACT:
Until 1962, all streets and squares in the centre of the city were full of cars.
Did you know that the pedestrianization of Copenhagen’s main street was an experiment? Back in the 1960s, the pedestrianization of Stroget was a huge success. The locals found out that a traffic-free environment increased financial revenue. The pedestrianization of the street created a peaceful public space, which gave Danes the opportunity for outdoor public life in Denmark.
17. Tivoli Gardens
Are you not scared of heights, and do you love dizzying twists and turns? Then, you are in luck! There is one attraction in the city, perfect for anyone who is after thrills and spills.
Did you know that this city is home to one of Europe’s most visited theme parks? Yes, that is right, there is an amusement park, which opened its doors in 1843. Tivoli Gardens, with manicured gardens and roller coasters, were, in fact, the inspiration for Walt Disney to create Disneyland itself. Fortunately, Tivoli Gardens is not an overwhelming tourist trap like the other theme parks have become. These gardens offers fun for the family for kids of all ages with its endless rides. Make sure you ride the 100 years old wooden rollercoaster – it is the oldest operating roller coaster in the world.
Tivoli Gardens are one of the best places to visit for everyone who loves amusement parks.
If rides are not your thing, stroll through a Chinese-inspired bamboo forest, see the water fountain and enjoy some peace and quiet in the gardens. Also, do not miss the Alley with old-fashioned shop signs where you can buy anything from pretzels to gloves. If you have time, watch one of the daily shows in the Pantomime theatre and visit the aquarium. At night, thousands of twinkling lights turn Tivoli Gardens into a fairy tale.
Spending a few hours in the Tivoli Gardens is one of the top things to do in Copenhagen if you want some fun in the city. It is because Tivoli Gardens is not only one of the city’s top attractions but also the second oldest operating amusement park in the world.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Book your tickets before your arrival to avoid long entrance lines.
18. Copenhagen Cathedral
Another historical sight to witness in the city centre is Copenhagen Cathedral. Though you may not find the Church of Our Lady on the cover of a tourism magazine, Copenhagen Cathedral is also one of the best things to see in this city. The site of the present cathedral housed several churches, and its current cathedral has been rebuilt several times. The highlights are the twelve Apostles and the statue of Christ at the altar.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Many important events throughout Danish history took place here. The wedding of nine years old princess Margaret, later Queen Margrethe I, took place here in the 14th century when King Valdemar gave his daughter away.
19. Grundtvig’s Church
If you have spare time, there is one more house of God you should find time to visit. Grundtvig’s Church is one of the unusual places to see because it is a fine piece of expressionist architecture. Grundtvig’s Church is, in fact, different from other buildings in the city. It is hard to believe that six million yellow bricks, plain windows and no frescoes make Grundtvig’s Church one of the most beautiful churches in the city.
The construction of this unusual building lasted only 19 years and was completed in 1940. Like Gothic cathedrals, Grundtvig’s Church has eye-catching massive columns, arches, a triple nave and a choir. The design is simple, and the light from the windows illuminates this fine piece of architecture.
GOOD TO KNOW:
You can find Grundtvig’s Church in the Bispebjerg district of the city.
Now you know what are the top things to do in Copenhagen!
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Last updated: 05/05/2024