Copenhagen has become one of my favorite cities. I have visited twice now and absolutely love it. There are so many amazing things to do in Copenhagen from biking around the city, indulging in their world-class culinary scene, castle hunting, and wandering the cobblestone streets. It’s an incredible city for locals and visitors alike – it’s one city I could actually see myself living in if I left the US.
I’m sharing all the top things to add to your list from famous Copenhagen attractions to free things to do in Copenhagen.
This site participates in affiliate programs. That means, when you click any of these links to make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at NO additional cost to you. Thank you SO much to anyone who uses these links and supports my blog in this way. I appreciate you more than you know. ☺️
Best Things to Do in Copenhagen
Copenhagen is a beautiful city full of art, culture and architecture that will captivate any visitor. For those looking to make the most of their time in Copenhagen, there are countless exciting activities to explore. From strolling through historic parks and sampling local delicacies to exploring the old cobblestones streets, here’s our guide to the top things to do in Copenhagen.
Top Copenhagen Attractions
These are some of the top must see things to do in Copenhagen. If it is your first visit, you’ll definitely want to check off a few of these.
Tivoli Gardens
Tivoli Gardens is one of the oldest theme parks in the world! It opened in 1843 and still has that old world charm from the historic buildings, lush scenery, and nostalgic rides. It is a true fairytale kind of place. So much so that it inspired Hans Christian Anderson and Walt Disney himself! Whether you have kids or not, you HAVE to visit for a little while. There is also an amphitheater so it would be fun for a summer concert too.
Little Mermaid Statue
The Little Mermaid Statue is one of the most iconic tourist attractions in Copenhagen. No trip to Copenhagen would be complete without catching a glimpse of The Little Mermaid – the iconic bronze sculpture that has become a symbol of the city. As a first time visitor, swing by on your bike to see this statue inspired by Hans Christian Anderson’s famous story. It is touristy and can be crowded with people taking photos, but is cool to see once. Would even be a great area for a morning walk or run.
Castle Hunting
Castle hunting is one of the most fun activities for a first timer. You will want to bike around the city making stops at each one. If you like, you can go inside for a tour, but the outside holds the real beauty in my opinion. If you do a castle tour, I suggest going to Rosenborg to see the crown jewels. Here are all the castles to see:
- Rosenborg Castle – crown jewels, stunning castle with gardens
- Amalienborg Palace – famous for the changing of the royal guard. The royal family lives here and is one of the oldest monarchies in the world. You can literally ride your bike right up to the middle of the palace square. There’s nowhere else in the world that would allow this.
- Christiansborg Palace – 800 years old! Once home to kings and queens. Now houses the parliament, supreme court, and ministry of state.
- Kronborg Castle – a UNESCO World Heritage site dating back to 1420. Shakespeare used this castle when he wrote about Hamlet.
Kastellet
Kastellet is a fortress in Copenhagen – one of the best preserved in all of Europe. Today, it houses military offices, but is mainly used as a public park and historic site. It’s a great place to bike, walk, or jog in Copenhagen. You will see the five bastions around the pentagon shaped structure, historic gates, commander’s house, old church, and windmill.
Have a drink in Nyhavn
Nyhavn is one of the most photogenic areas in Copenhagen and it’s definitely worth taking a few snaps to capture the charm of this canal-side neighbourhood. From colorful buildings lining the water’s edge to vintage wooden boats, you won’t be disappointed with both the sightseeing opportunities and photo opportunities here.
Leisurely tip: If it is your first visit, be sure to have snacks and drinks at one of the many restaurants along Nyhavn to take it all in!
Unique Things to Do in Copenhagen
Non-touristy things to do in Copenhagen!
Swim & Sauna at La Banchina
No trip to Copenhagen is complete without a visit to La Banchina. It’s a great spot for lunch or drinks and you can swim off of their dock in the quiet lagoon. They also have a sauna that you should pre-book so you can go back and forth between the water and the warmth!
Shopping on Strøget
Strøget is one of Europe’s largest pedestrian streets home to amazing shops like Hermés, Louis Vuitton, Prada, H&M, Zara, George Jensen, and more. It is a popular area for street performers so you are sure to be entertained.
Cruise the Canals on your own boat
I love seeing a destination from the water as it provide such a different perspective. There are tons of touristy boats holding hundreds of people with a tour guide – DO NOT DO THOSE! Instead opt for a less-touristy choice. The city has a company called Go Boats that lets you rent a small boat to take through the canals. It is super easy and anyone could drive these. They go a slow 4 knots and there is a specific route you must follow. You can go for an hour and they will even offer you alcoholic beverages (2 max).
Bike Everywhere
The best way to get around in Copenhagen is via bike. The city is super bike friendly featuring biking lanes with their own stoplights. There are bike rentals all around the city and the hotels even offer bikes to guests.
You can bike literally everywhere. I would hit all of the major sites that I am going to mention below on bikes
Experience Carlsberg Brewery Tour
For any beer-lovers visiting Copenhagen, taking a tour of the historic Carlsberg Brewery is an absolute must. During the two-hour guided tour, you’ll be taken around the brewery and learn all about how Carlsberg produces their world famous beers. You’ll even get to sample some of their beer too.
Free Things to Do in Copenhagen
A list of all the best free things you can do in the city!
- Bike around to all of the castles
- Swim at La Banchina (you need to buy lunch there though)
- Stroll around Nyhavn
- See the Little Mermaid Statue
- Wander around Kastellet
- See the Royal Palace and Guards – you can bike/walk right through it!
- Window Shop on Strøget
Where to Eat in Copenhagen
No visit to Copenhagen is complete without tasting the local flavors. Be sure to try a smørrebrød, or open faced sandwich – a Danish classic!
Copenhagen is a foodie town with multiple Michelin starred restaurants and is home to the #1 restaurant in the world. Twice, actually. Noma was named #1 in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants awards and Geranium was named #1 recently in 2022.
These are some of my favorite Copenhagen restaurants from my visits over the years. Check it out:
Weather in Copenhagen and Packing List
The weather in Copenhagen varies throughout the year depending on when you visit. In the summertime, they experience long hours of daylight and warmer temperatures. You can count on it being comfortable during the summer, usually in the 70s. This is the best time of year to visit in my opinion since you can maximize your days and enjoy the nice weather.
However, it can rain out of nowhere in Copenhagen so always pack a raincoat. We have definitely been caught in a downpour before.
Packing List for Summer
- 2 pairs of jeans (denim, white, or black) or trousers
- 3-4 short sleeve tops
- 3-4 Dresses for dinners
- 2-3 Casual daytime dresses, jumpsuits, skirts
- 1 Sandals
- 1 Wedges or heels
- 1 Comfortable white sneakers
- Rain coat/umbrella
- Light sweater or denim jacket
- Puffer coat optional
- Clutch or crossbody purse
- 1 Swimsuit
- Be sure you have all of my favorite travel essentials too!
Copenhagen Map
Use this map to get a lay of the land as you plan your Copenhagen itinerary.
Copenhagen FAQ
Answering all your questions!
You could spend endless days enjoying Copenhagen. At minimum for a relaxing vacation, I think 4-5 nights is enough. This will allow plenty of time to see all of the major sights and take it slow for your first visit. However, if you are stopping through and it is not the priority of your trip, 2 days is enough to get a taste.
The best way to get around in Copenhagen is via bike. The city is super bike friendly featuring biking lanes with their own stoplights. There are bike rentals all around the city and the hotels even offer bikes to guests.
I suggest downloading the Lime app before you get there so you will be ready to go. It seemed to be the best for finding bikes that were available and had the best functioning app.
Copenhagen does not have uber and lyft. They do have DanTaxi which is great! The drivers are always so friendly and the cars are clean. I would download the app in advance, but the hotels can always schedule for you. We had the hotel schedule one for us at 6am and he was there waiting so it is super reliable.
Yes! They do speak English quite proficiently in Copenhagen. The official language is Danish, but everyone learns English too.
Yes, Copenhagen is very walkable. The city is flat and built around canals in a compact area. You can walk pretty much everywhere and if not, then you can definitely bike there!
Leave a Reply