Things to do in Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a charming city in Denmark, which is one of the most popular tourist destinations for travelers in Europe. It’s very helpful to know about the things to do in Copenhagen before heading to the city. It may save time in finding the top attractions to visit. You may miss any must-visit sights if you don’t plan before your arrival. This article is special for those planning to visit Copenhagen for the very first time.

A Short Introduction to Copenhagen

Copenhagen is the city where you can explore both historical gems and modern structures. It’s the Capital City of Denmark, known for its vibrant tourist locations, canals, royal attractions, and much more. People in the city are welcoming and friendly to tourists, and you feel no issue here, even if you are alone or with family. Many historical buildings, skyscrapers, and modern structures attract millions of tourists every year.

The ideal geographic location of Copenhagen also makes it a hot spot for tourism. It’s located on the eastern side of the island of Zealand. Beaches are clean, sandy, and attractive. The headquarters of many multinational and local companies are also located in the city, and it won’t be wrong to say that Copenhagen is the cultural, economic, and business hub of Denmark.

Best Time to Explore Copenhagen

It is important to choose the best time to explore any place without any hassle. If you want to explore Copenhagen well, choose the summer to come here. There are a lot of travelers here in the summer, but you can still find hotels easily. Airport to hotel transfer is also easy. To explore Copenhagen well, you should come for 4 to 6 days. 

Winters are bitterly cold, and the days are very short. Temperatures can drop below zero, and there may be light snowfall. So, it’s best to come in the summer to explore the hidden gems of Copenhagen.

40 Best Things to Do in Copenhagen

There are a lot of things to do in Copenhagen, and you only need to manage your time. It would be best to prepare a schedule before arriving here. Check the list of things to do in Copenhagen described below and plan your schedule accordingly.

1- Explore the City by Cycle

Copenhagen is famous for its cycling culture. Locals prefer to do their daily routine work on bicycles. You can visit the city within a few hours of cycling in Copenhagen. While cycling, you will see many historical and charming buildings on your right and left. Renting a cycle is very easy in Copenhagen. Even your hotel may provide you with a bike or a cycle to explore the city at very low charges. You can use online rental apps like Bycyklen and Donkey Republic.

Before going for a cycle in the city, be aware of the rules on the roads because they are strictly followed. Here are some important tips for cycling on the streets of Copenhagen:

• Keep your cycle in dedicated lanes.
• Stay on the right end of the lane
• Use hand signals when you’re turning
• Reduce the speed when crossing bus stops

2- Sailing in the Canal

There are many canals in the center of the city, and you can enjoy exploring the city by sailing on the canals. These canals were constructed in the 17th century and run through the center of Copenhagen. Sightseeing by water could be a memorable experience because many historical buildings are situated on the banks of these canals. Below is the list of tourist attractions that can be seen by boat:

• Royal Danish Opera House
• The Little Mermaid Statue
• The Royal Danish Playhouse
• Amalienborg Palace Museum
• The National Bank
• Christiansburg Palace

Many tour companies are here to provide guided tour services through sailing. The guides speak both Dutch and English and share information about every sightseeing attraction you pass. Sailing through tour companies might be slow, and you would have to spend extra time exploring the city. So, it’s better to rent a speedboat and visit the city by yourself. There is no need for a permit to sail in the canal.

3- Tivoli Gardens

The Tivoli Gardens is one of the oldest amusement parks in the world, established in 1843. It’s located in the heart of Copenhagen, and there are a lot of things to do here. Tivoli Park is not only known for its swings and rides but also for its beautiful lakes, shops, and restaurants. Music festivals are held here on a regular basis, which attract young people. The colorful lights in the evening make the park even more beautiful and charming. Not only visiting, but also enjoying the light show at night is also one of the best things to do in Copenhagen.

You will need to purchase a ticket to enter Tivoli Parks, which you can purchase online. Prices of tickets may vary depending on the season and any festivals on the day of your entry. The Tivoli Parks are a must-visit place in Copenhagen, and you’ll definitely enjoy there.

4- Sightseeing by Hop-on Hop-Off Bus

Enjoy the sights of Copenhagen city with the Hop-on Hop-off bus and make your trip memorable. It’s one of the best things to do in Copenhagen if you’re traveling with your family, especially kids. These buses run on various routes in the city, and the ticket price for every route is different. The good thing is that you can get off the bus at any tourist point and catch the next bus to continue your sightseeing journey. The open roof of the bus provides you with a wonderful sightseeing experience.

5- Visit Nyhavn

Nyhavn is a popular tourist spot in Copenhagen, built in the 17th Century. This place was built to connect the city to the sea and was initially known for commercial activities, but today it has been transformed into a beautiful tourist destination. If you are staying in the central area of Copenhagen, you can get here on foot.

This place is famous for its waterfront restaurants, cafes, and colorful buildings. If you want to see the city by boat, you can get a boat from here. You can explore this place anytime, whether it’s day or night. During the day, you can take pictures in front of the colorful buildings here and enjoy boating, while at night, you can enjoy a meal at a restaurant by the water.

6- Rosenborg Castle

As we know, there are many historical buildings located in Copenhagen, and Rosenborg Castle is one of them. This magnificent castle was built in the early 17th century by King Christian IV of Denmark as his residence and recreation. This castle is a magnificent example of Copenhagen’s history, royal glory, and architectural style. The area around the castle is known as the King’s Garden, where locals and tourists spend some time relaxing.

Rosenborg Castle has now been converted into a museum, where the Danish crown and items used by the royal family are on display. The paintings and royal jewelry in the palace’s rooms and basement are particularly worth seeing. This castle is open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, and tickets are required to enter.

7- Amalienborg Castle

Consisting of four beautiful buildings, it is used as the official residence of the royal family of Denmark. A beautiful square separates all four buildings of the castle, and each building has its own historical value. A museum is also here for tourists, where royal clothes and antiques are kept. Another attraction of this place is the ceremony of changing of the Queen’s Guards that takes place every day at 12:00 pm.

If you are interested in observing Denmark’s royal tradition up close, you must include a visit to Amalienborg Castle in your list of things to do in Copenhagen. You need a ticket to enter Amalienborg Castle, which costs around 75 DKK to 125 DKK.

8- Frederik’s Church (The Marble Church)

Frederik’s Church is a beautiful, historical place of worship located just a few steps away from Amalienborg Castle. The church is famous for its green dome, which can be seen all over Copenhagen. Its construction began in 1749, and you will be surprised to know that it was completed in 150 years. A large amount of marble is used in the construction of this church, due to which it’s also known as The Marble Church. This church attracts tourists because of its magnificent architecture.

9- Church of Our Saviours

It’s also a historic church located in the Christianshavn District of Copenhagen. The church was constructed in 1695, but got its spiral spire in 1752. The tower features six large bells and an iconic carillon comprising approximately 48 bells. People in the nearby areas enjoy the melodious ringing bells every day. Must include climbing the tower of Saviour’s Church in your list of things to do in Copenhagen if you love adventure and challenge.

More than 20 million tourists visit this church every year to climb 400 steps to the top of its spiral tower. Around 150 steps are outside the spire to offer a 360-degree view of the city and harbor while climbing. Narrow stairs and the rush of tourists can make the climb difficult, but the views from the top are worth it all.

10- Christiansborg Palace

It also has a significant importance in the royal and political history of Denmark. This building has seen many ups and downs in the past, and has been burned down and rebuilt several times. The current structure of the building was built after a fire in 1884 and was completed in 1928. Today, Christiansborg Palace is the home of important Danish institutions such as the Parliament (Folketinget), the Prime Minister’s Office, and the Supreme Court.

Many parts of the building are open to the public, including the parliament and government offices, and the guided tour facility is also available here. It’s better to buy tickets for a guided tour to explore each part of the palace. Must include a visit to Christiansborg Palace in your list of things to do in Copenhagen if you come here for tourism.

11- Kronborg Castle

The Kronborg Castle is one of the oldest places in Denmark, which was constructed in the 16th century. It’s a beautiful castle located in the city of Helsingør. The high towers of this castle and the beautiful rooms within the closed walls are worth seeing. The basements of this castle are also worth visiting, where the statue of the famous warrior Holger Danske is also fixed.

This castle is also famous worldwide as the castle of Elsinore in Shakespeare’s play Hamlet. It is located an hour’s drive from Copenhagen, due to which many tourists do not come here. Must include a visit to Kronborg Castle in your things to do in Copenhagen list if you are here for a long time. Otherwise, you can skip this place.

12- Visit Refshaleøen

Refshaleøen is a unique and important cultural place in Copenhagen, which was once an industrial zone. There was a shipyard in the past, but it’s now known for its cafes, restaurants, and music festivals. Refshaleøen is located near Central Copenhagen, and you can get here by bike in just 10 to 15 minutes. You can also come here by bus number 9A and enjoy the places along the way. Be sure to try the street food if you come here.

13- Rundetaarn (The Round Tower)

Rundetaarn, also known as “The Round Tower”, is a 41.5-meter (136 ft) high tower built by the Danish king Christian IV in 1642. It was a landmark construction of the 17th century and was used for the space observatory. It hosted many astronauts for space research for more than 200 years, but now it’s only a tourist spot. Visitors can climb the tower to explore a wide area of Copenhagen from the top, because it’s located in the center of Copenhagen. Buy a ticket and enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the city.

14- Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek

The Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek is one of the world’s famous museums preserving 6000 years old artworks. It attracts art-loving tourists with a collection of more than ten thousand antique artworks. It’s a place where you can feel like you’re living in the ancient world. Initially, in 1888, it was a place of preserving collections of the ancient collector, Carl Jacobsen. Later in 1899, he donated his ancient collection to the public, and a museum came into being.

Visiting this art museum is very easy because it’s also located in Central Copenhagen. The Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek is surrounded by many other tourist spots, including the National Museum of Denmark, Christiansborg Palace, Tivoli Gardens, and many more. All the places can be visited in a single day.

15- The National Museum of Denmark

Explore Denmark’s history by visiting the National Museum of Denmark. It’s located in central Copenhagen and preserves the long history of the country. It exhibits everything from the Viking treasures to the ancient Egyptian mummies and the Egtved girl’s grave. More than 3000 years old Sun Chariot, Egtved Girl’s grave, and other archaeological discoveries are placed in the museum for exhibition.

Not only exhibits, but also the building of the museum itself is a landmark constructed in 1744. The interesting thing about the museum is its special section for little visitors. So, you must add a visit to the museum to your list of things to do in Copenhagen if you’re visiting Copenhagen with kids.

16- Botanical Garden

It’s a great place to visit for people who love gardening. Copenhagen’s Botanical Garden is part of the National History Museum, preserving more than 13000 plant species. You require 2 to 3 hours to explore the whole garden, and the good thing is that no ticket is required. The garden is divided into many sections, such as the Palm House, Danish Plants, Mountain Plants, Butterfly House, etc. Don’t forget to visit the cafe and the flower shop inside the garden. It’s located just a 5-minute walk away from the Nørreport Station.

17- Copenhagen’s Royal Opera House

Experience symphonic music and live opera in the Royal Danish Opera House. The opera house is a gift to the public from the A.P. Moller and Chastine McKinney Moller foundation, and was designed by Danish architect Henning Larsen and others. It’s a modern architecture inaugurated in 2005, and it looks amazing with a glass front. It consists of five stages, and the main stage has a seating capacity of around 1400.

Must avail the opportunity to entertain yourself by enjoying the Opera if you come to Copenhagen. You can buy tickets online for the chorus and solo performances.

18- Shopping in Stroget

Every tourist who is visiting Copenhagen must go to Stroget, where all local and international brands, restaurants, and pubs are located. It’s a 1.1 km-long commercial street in the heart of Copenhagen. Stroget is one of the most popular areas in the city and always remains crowded. Every tourist comes here for shopping, exploration, and to spend some quality time. The visit to Stroget must be included in your list of things to do in Copenhagen.

19- Visit Kastellet

The Kastellet was built by King Christian IV for defence purposes in the 17th century. The star-shaped fortresses are also known as “Citadels” and have been used by the military for a long time. Kastellet is covered by grassy plots on each side, making it beautiful. It shows you the past of Denmark’s military and other defence authorities. Red buildings, barracks, a windmill, and Kastellet bridge are the top attractions for tourists here.

20- Little Mermaid Statue

Just a few minutes’ walk away from the Kastellet, you can see the little mermaid statue sitting on the rock. It’s a bronze statue of a mermaid inspired by a fairy tale of the famous Danish author Hans Christian Anderson. It’s one of the most visited places in the city by tourists. The Little Mermaid Statue can be seen from the Harbor and is surrounded by many other tourist attractions. This iconic landmark of Copenhagen has been attracting tourists since 1913.

21- Dragor Havn

Plan a half-day trip to a UNESCO-praised old town, “Dragør Havn”, situated 12 km southeast of Copenhagen on Amager Island. You can experience the village life of Denmark in this village. Dragor was developed in the 1100s near the beach for fishing purposes. It’s now a beautiful place for tourists and peaceful compared to the city life of Copenhagen. Watch airplanes landing and taking off from here because it’s located near the airport. You should enjoy swimming if you come here in the summer.

22- Charlottenlund Beach Park

It’s a beautiful beach located in the northern suburb of Copenhagen. Initially, it was declared a part of Royal Deer Park in the past, and later in the 19th century, a marine defence fort was also constructed here. Make a day trip to the beach to spend some time away from the city’s noise. Enjoy swimming, seaside walk, sunbathing, and a picnic on the soft, white sand of the beach. Must enjoy the eye-catching view of the sunset from the beach.

23- Ofelia Beach

It’s a beautiful beach in the urban area of Copenhagen. The lovely wooden work on the waterfront, instead of sand, makes it unique among all other beaches in the world. Ofelia Plads is located between Amalienborg and Nyhavn. It’s a place to host concerts, music and cultural festivals, and water sports events. It was once an industrial zone, but has now been turned into a beautiful tourist spot.

24- Bellevue Beach

Bellevue is an advanced living area by the sea where many luxury villas and houses are located. It’s home to many celebrities and wealthy Copenhageners. The 700-meter-long sandy beach is the best picnic destination for locals and international tourists. Despite its location 10 km north of Copenhagen, it’s one of the most visited beaches in the city. According to reports, more than 500,000 tourists visit Bellevue Beach every year.

This place was developed in the 1860s, but it was later modernized in its current shape in the 1930s. It’s a free place to visit, but seaside resorts and some other places on the beach are paid for. Include a visit to Bellevue Beach in your things to do in Copenhagen list to experience the modern lifestyle of the city.

25- Shopping in Torvehallerne

Torvehallerne is one of the most popular shopping places in Copenhagen, and every tourist must come here to enjoy indoor and outdoor shopping. It’s basically a food market where fresh vegetables and other quality food items can be bought. The specialties from all around the world are available here. A flower market is also located here, from where you can buy flowers for your loved one.

26- Enjoy Street Food in Copenhagen

A must-do thing in Copenhagen is enjoying local street food. Every city or country has some special things to eat, and a tourist loves to enjoy those special foods or drinks. Copenhagen is a haven for foodies and offers many traditional and modern food varieties. Many food markets like Torvehallerne are located in the city to offer local food to the public. Below is the list of some famous Danish food items you should try during your visit to Copenhagen:

• Spandauer (A creamy, buttery pastry with jam or custard)
• æbleskiver (Danish pancake balls)
• Glögg (Gluhwein)
• Hot Dogs
• Local Cheeseburgers

27- Copenhagen Zoo

Traveling to Copenhagen with your family? Your kids will love to explore the Copenhagen Zoo. It’s located in the heart of the city and is easily accessible. The zoo is known as one of the oldest zoos in Europe. More than 4000 animals from 250+ species are here to welcome you. All birds and animals are brought from all around the world. You can buy food and gifts from the zoo shops and restaurants. You can buy zoo tickets online to avoid the rush and save time. You’ll definitely include a visit to Copenhagen Zoo in your things to do in Copenhagen list if you’re coming with your kids.

28- Visit Assistens Cemetery

It’s a graveyard in Nørrebro known for its relaxing environment and historic value. It was built in the 1760s to provide more space for burials, but was converted into green land with the passage of time. Many well-known personalities, including Søren Kierkegaard and Hans Christian Andersen, are buried in this graveyard. Enjoy the serene and lush green atmosphere and charming birds by visiting this Danish cultural landmark.

29- Go to Freetown Christiania

The Freetown Christiania was founded in 1971 by a group of people who entered into an abandoned military base and declared the land a separate community from Denmark. It was operated under its own laws for many years. It’s one of the top attractions for tourists due to its handmade buildings, art galleries, and festivals. You can hire a local for a guided tour of the area.

30- Explore the BaneGarden

Tourists should explore the hidden gems of Copenhagen, and the BaneGarden is one of them. Not many people know about this place and its attractions. It’s located between Sydhavnen and Vesterbro and is a good place for shopping, eating, and roaming around. You can find many drinking corners and open-air sitting spaces. If you are a drink lover, you must add a visit to BaneGarden to your list of things to do in Copenhagen.

31- Enjoy a Dinner at Absalon

Absalon is a great place to interact with locals and gain social experience. It’s a place where you can enjoy a community dinner and drink at an affordable price. You should book your seat for dinner a few weeks before your visit due to the limited seating capacity. You’ll see that many locals are foreigners communicating with each other here. So, mention a visit to Absalon in your things to do in Copenhagen list and get to interact with locals.

32- Adventurous Hiking in Kalvebod Fælled

Visit Kalvebod Fælled for hiking and discover the natural beauty of Copenhagen. It’s a beautiful area located on Amager Island. More than 28 big and small hiking trails are here, 4 out of them are main trails for your adventure. You can choose a small trail to save your time; otherwise, you should go on a big trail for hiking to explore the scenic beauty of Copenhagen. It’s a must-visit place in Copenhagen for adventure lovers.

33- Must try Local Desserts

Desserts and other bakery items are very famous among locals and tourists in Copenhagen. Cinnamon Buns, Hindbærsnitte, Cookies, Pastries, and Blend Butter are some of Copenhagen’s special desserts. There are many well-known bakeries serving customers with their delightful desserts. Below is the list of popular bakeries in the city, and you should include a visit to at least one of them in your things to do in Copenhagen list.

• Perron (BaneGarden)
• Andersen Bakery (Thorshavnsgade, Ørestads Boulevard)
• HART Holmen (Galionsvej)
• Collective Bakery (Nørrebrogade)
• Condetori La Glace (Skoubogade)
• Juno the Bakery (Århusgade)

34- Go to Carlsberg Byen

It’s a good place to explore restaurants, bars, and cafes. Carlsberg Byen is a district in the neighborhood of Copenhagen, becoming a modern commercial hub of the city. Denmark’s famous landmark, “The Elephant Gate”, is also located here. It’s a must-visit place in Copenhagen if you are interested in exploring food and desserts in the city.

35- Visit Svanemølle Beach

It’s one of the most popular beaches among locals in summer. Enjoy a sunbath on the sandy beach located in the Østerbro district of Copenhagen. Changing rooms, bathrooms, and other facilities are available at the beach. A long wooden pier makes it a top attraction for locals and tourists. Svanemølle Beach is the best place for swimming and sunbathing. Calm water and a family environment make it a perfect beach to visit with kids.

36- Superkilen Park

Another tourist attraction in the Nørrebro district of Copenhagen is Superkilen Park. It’s a public place divided into three sections: Green Park, Black Market, and Red Square. Each part of the park is enjoyable and offers multiple activities to do.

Green Park is equipped with fitness equipment to help you take care of your fitness in a green space. The Black Market is equipped with chess tables, benches, and many other things around the world. It’s a good place for a get-together. The Red Square is heaven for sports lovers. Basketball courts, skateboarding area, and other sports-related facilities are available. This area is also famous for its eye-catching red surface.

37- Go to Dyrehaven

Spend some time in the relaxing atmosphere of Dyrehaven and explore the natural beauty of the deer park. It’s a nice place in the north of the city where you can go to relax, far away from the hustle and bustle. You should include the horse ride in Dyrehaven in your things to do in Copenhagen list. You can buy a coffee or anything else from the cafe located near the station. You can reach here easily by taking the S-train from the central station of Copenhagen.

38- Museum of Illusions

It’s the most interesting place in the center of Copenhagen, where you can experience, learn, and entertain yourself with a blend of science, arts, and physics. You can experience the real illusions and learn the amazing methodology of science and the arts. Infinity Room, Vortex Tunnel, Walk-in Kaledioscope, and Ames Room are the top attractions of the museum. It’s a great place to surprise your family with photography. Must include this place in your things to do in Copenhagen list if you’re travelling with your kids.

39- Design Museum

The Design Museum is also a must-visit place located in central Copenhagen. Many local and international premium designs are placed here for exhibition. The building of the museum itself has a unique history, which served as a hospital in the past. This museum is a place to explore the creativity of famous Danish designers, including Verner Panton, Hans J. Wegener, and Arne Jacobsen. Must include the Design Museum in your list of things to do in Copenhagen to promote creativity in your kids.

40- Visit Den Blå Planet

Take your family to Northern Europe’s biggest aquarium, “Den Blå Planet”. It’s also known as the National Aquarium of Denmark and Blue Planet. You can discover thousands of sea creatures from all around the world. The aquarium is divided into different zones, such as the Ocean Tank and the Amazon. Here is also a separate area for cold-water creatures like pangolins. You can go very close to sharks, rays, and other sea creatures using the transparent tunnel of the ocean tank. A visit to Den Blå Planet should be part of your list of things to do in Copenhagen.

Tips to make your Trip to Copenhagen Memorable

It’s important to get some know-how about the location before traveling. Copenhagen welcomes millions of tourists every year, and there is always something to do, experience, and enjoy for them. Although you won’t have any hurdles here, you should still take care of some steps to make your Copenhagen visit memorable. Some important instructions for visiting Copenhagen are listed below:

• Make sure to book a room at the hotel in advance.
• Be aware of the weather in the city.
• Use a well-reputed cab ride from Copenhagen airport to the hotel.
• Try to get a Copenhagen card for free entry to many famous locations.
• Hire a guide from a well-reputed company.
• Visit Tivoli Gardens in the evening to watch the colorful lights.
• Must try traditional food in the city.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

Copenhagen is an international city and is known for its historical landmarks. It’s the capital city and cultural hub of Denmark. Millions of tourists come to explore the hidden gems of the city. There are a lot of things to do in Copenhagen for tourists besides the ones mentioned above. It’s included among the best destinations for tourists in summer. It’s a safe place to visit with family, but be aware of pocket-pickers in the streets. Overall, you’ll not be bored here and will enjoy your trip to Copenhagen.