If you asked me which city I could actually picture myself living in outside of the US, Copenhagen would be at the top of my list. I’ve visited several times now since we have family friends here and every trip reminds me why I love it so much. It’s effortlessly beautiful, incredibly walkable, and full of thoughtful design, not to mention the incredible food.
There are so many amazing things to do in Copenhagen, from biking around the city and exploring colorful neighborhoods to visiting historic castles, eating at some of the best restaurants in Scandinavia, and simply enjoying life like a local. It’s a destinations where the attractions are worth seeing, but the real magic is slowing down and experiencing the city’s everyday charm.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or planning a longer stay, this travel guide covers the best things to do in Copenhagen, including the top attractions, free things to do, where to eat, where to stay, and my favorite travel tips to help you make the most of your trip. All based on my personal experiences in the city!
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Copenhagen at a Glance
If you are short on time, here are my top recommendations in Copenhagen
My Top 3 Things to Do in Copenhagen
- Visit Nyhavn on a Guided Walking Tour – if it’s your first visit, you shouldn’t miss Nyhavn and a great way to experiences it is on a Copenhagen walking tour so you get all of the history behind it.
- Private Guided Boat Tour along the Canals – I always recommend getting on the water and this is a great way to do it. You will never regret the boat day!
- Copenhagen Food Tour – this city is MADE for foodies! A food tour is a great idea here to make sure you don’t miss any of the local specialties from cardamom buns to hot dogs.
Where to Stay in Copenhagen
- Indre By – this is the city center and is perfect for first time visitors so you can easily walk or bike to all of the top sights.
- Vesterbro – this area is great to easily explore Copenhagen’s food scene and nightlife.
We’ve stayed in both!
Best Hotels in in Indre By
- Hotel Sanders – we’ve stayed at this hotel several times and love it especially for a couples trip. It’s very hygge and romantic and we love the cocktail bar here!
Best Hotels in Vesterbro
- Villa Copenhagen – we’ve stayed here several times as well and it’s our favorite option with kids. It’s right across from Tivoli and easy to get around, walk to the harbor, etc. We love the sauna and rooftop pool!
Pro Tip
👉 Purchase the Copenhagen Card before your trip. It includes admission to dozens of attractions plus unlimited public transportation, making it one of the best values if you plan to visit museums, major sights and use the metro!
Can’t Miss Dining in Copenhagen
- Selma for traditional open-faced sandwiches
- Admiralgade 26 for fresh local seafood in an intimate spot
- Hart Bageri for traditional pastries like a cardamom bun
Best Things to Do in Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen is a beautiful city full of art, culture and architecture that will captivate you! If you are looking to make the most of yout 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.
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.
1. Visit 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. My husband and I listened to music and enjoyed a beer one afternoon and it was a lot of fun. We didn’t even do any of the rides.
There is also an amphitheater so it is fun for a summer concert too! Check out the full calendar on the Tivoli website.
✅ Grab tickets to Tivoli Gardens in advance to avoid the line!
2. See the Little Mermaid Statue
The Little Mermaid Statue is one of the most iconic tourist attractions in Copenhagen, albeit quiteeee touristy. No first trip to Copenhagen would be complete without catching a glimpse of The Little Mermaid though. The iconic bronze sculpture that has become a symbol of the city. However, I wouldn’t plan your day around it.
My recommendation is to 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. Then, you can explore Kastellet and its grounds. It’s such a nice place for a quiet walk in the mornings!
I also like this area for a morning walk or run to see it the way a local would (sans tourists with their selfie sticks).
3. Tour the Famous Castles
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 Castle to see the crown jewels. Here are all the castles to see:
- Rosenborg Castle – crown jewels, stunning castle with gardens
- Amalienborg Palace & Museum – 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, which is why I think it’s cool to see. If you really want to learn more about the royal family, grab entry tickets to the museum.
- Christiansborg Palace – 800 years old! Once home to kings and queens. Now houses the parliament, supreme court, and ministry of state. I don’t think you need to go inside, but it’s really beautiful and worth walking or biking past it. If you want to tour, you can get entry tickets in advance or do a guided tour. The inside is really stunning and you can tour the royal stables, kitchen, and grand halls.
- Kronborg Castle – a UNESCO World Heritage site dating back to 1420. Shakespeare used this castle when he wrote about Hamlet! This is great to visit with breathtaking views from the ramparts.
4. Stroll around 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.
5. Visit 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! It won’t be the best food of your trip, but worth a quick stop to enjoy it.
6. Visit a Museum
Copenhagen is home to some excellent museums, whether you’re interested in art, history, or Scandinavian design. Even if you don’t typically seek out museums while traveling, these two are well worth adding to your itinerary.
SMK (National Gallery of Denmark)
If you enjoy art, don’t miss SMK, Denmark’s largest art museum. The collection spans more than 700 years and includes works by Danish artists alongside renowned painters like Matisse, Picasso, and Rubens. You will enjoy the bright, modern galleries and the mix of classic and contemporary exhibitions. Even if you’re not an art expert, it’s an easy museum to explore for a couple of hours.
Designmuseum Danmark
Design lovers will feel right at home at Designmuseum Danmark. I personally really love Scandinavian decor and have implemented a lot in my own home!
As the birthplace of iconic Scandinavian design, Copenhagen is the perfect place to learn about the furniture, architecture, fashion, and everyday objects that have influenced homes around the world. The museum features pieces by famous Danish designers, rotating exhibitions, and beautifully curated displays that showcase why Danish design is known for its simplicity, functionality, and timeless style.
7. Climb the Round Tower
One of the best viewpoints in Copenhagen is the Round Tower. Instead of climbing steep stairs, you’ll walk up a unique spiral ramp that winds all the way to the top. Time your visit for golden hour for beautiful views over Copenhagen’s colorful rooftops and church spires. It’s one of the best photo spots in the city and a great place to get your bearings after arriving.
8. Spend an Afternoon in the Botanical Garden
One of my favorite surprises in Copenhagen was the Botanical Garden. We visited in May when everything was in bloom and it ended up being one of my favorite afternoons of the trip. The gardens are peaceful, beautifully maintained, and a welcome escape from the busier parts of the city. Be sure to step inside the historic Palm House, a stunning glass greenhouse filled with tropical plants.
9. Shopping on Strøget
Whether you’re looking to shop or simply people watch, Strøget is worth exploring. One of Europe‘s longest pedestrian shopping streets, it stretches through the heart of Copenhagen and is lined with everything from Danish design icons to international luxury brands.
Some of my favorite stops include Georg Jensen for timeless silver and home goods, Royal Copenhagen for its iconic porcelain, Illums Bolighus for beautiful Scandinavian furniture and home décor, Pilgrim for affordable Danish jewelry, and the flagship LEGO Store.
You’ll also find familiar brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Zara, and many more along the way. Even if shopping isn’t on your agenda, it’s a lively street that’s fun to wander while soaking up the atmosphere.
10. Swim & Sauna at La Banchina
No trip to Copenhagen is complete without a visit to La Banchina for me! 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! It is so Danish.
11. Boat Cruise the Canals
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! I mean, you can if you want. But, I would instead opt for a less-touristy choice and more authentic experience.
The city has a company called Go Boats that lets you rent a small boat to take through the canals yourself. It is super easy and anyone could drive these. We did it and had a fun afternoon. 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).
Alternatively, I also love the idea of a private cruise with a captain so you can relax and enjoy! This boat cruise is on a super cute wooden boat named ‘hygge’ and comes with a bilingual guide so you can learn as you sail.
12. 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
13. 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.
14. Taste the Local Flavors
Lastly, eating your way around Copenhagen is easily one of the best things to do. No visit to Copenhagen is complete without tasting the local flavors. Be sure to try my favorite which is a smørrebrød, or open faced sandwich – a Danish classic!
Copenhagen is a foodie town with multiple Michelin starred restaurants and is home to the legendary restaurant, Noma.
These are some of my favorite Copenhagen restaurants from my visits over the years.
15. Take a Food Tour
On a similar note, you can also take a food tour. I love this one because it takes you to places you would probably miss on your own and let’s you try so much! It’s a small group walking tour where you learn about the culture while tasting everything from a cardamom bun to a hot dog. All of the tastings are included so it’s a great offer!
16. Visit Torvehallerne Market
If you only visit one food market in Copenhagen, make it Torvehallerne. It’s the perfect place to sample smørrebrød, fresh seafood, pastries, coffee, and other Danish specialties all in one stop.
17. Visit Reffen Street Food Market
Reffen has a completely different vibe. Think waterfront views, live music, and food stalls from around the world. It’s especially fun on a warm summer evening.
18. Explore Superkilen Park
Superkilen is one of Copenhagen’s coolest public spaces and a favorite for design lovers. The bright red square, quirky installations, and mix of cultures make it feel very different from the historic center.
19. Take a Swim in the Harbor
Yes, people really swim in the middle of the city. The harbor is surprisingly clean and spots like Islands Brygge are incredibly popular with locals in the summer. You will see TONS of people sun bathing and swimming from the docks.
20. Take a Day Trip to the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
This is one of my absolute favorite museums in the world. The combination of modern art, sculpture gardens, and views of the Øresund Strait is worth the short train ride from Copenhagen.
21. Take a Day Trip to Kronborg Castle
Kronborg Castle is the famous setting of Hamlet and feels like a true fairytale fortress. It’s an easy day trip from Copenhagen and one of the most impressive castles in Denmark.
22. Visit Dyrehaven (The Deer Park)
We did this with kids and honestly had the best time. We rode the horse drawn trolley through the park and saw hundreds of deer up close. We have plenty of deer where I live, but this felt completely different and was such a memorable family activity.
23. Picnic in the King’s Garden
The King’s Garden is the park surrounding Rosenborg Castle, but it deserves its own spot on this list. We love coming here to relax, have a picnic, or simply sit with a coffee and enjoy the atmosphere. It is by far my favorite green space in Copenhagen.
24. Explore Freetown Christiania
Christiania is one of Copenhagen’s most unique neighborhoods for sure. Founded in 1971 by a group of squatters, this former military area became a self proclaimed autonomous community known for its colorful street art, creative spaces, alternative lifestyle, and strong sense of community. If you visit, note that this a real community where people live and not a tourist attraction.
25. Visit Assistens Cemetery
This may sound like an unusual recommendation, but Assistens Cemetery is one of the city’s most beautiful green spaces. It’s peaceful, full of towering trees, and also the final resting place of famous Hans Christian Andersen.
26. Visit Copenhagen Zoo with Kids
If you’re traveling with children, the Copenhagen Zoo is an excellent option. It’s beautifully designed, easy to navigate, and has a great mix of animals and play areas that make it enjoyable for both kids and adults.
27. Visit the Copenhagen Opera House
The Copenhagen Opera House is one of the city’s most impressive modern landmarks and a must see for architecture lovers. Located right on the waterfront, its sleek design and massive roof stretching toward the harbor make it one of the most recognizable buildings in Copenhagen. Even if you don’t attend a performance, it’s worth walking across the water for the incredible views back toward the city and Amalienborg Palace!
28. Dine at a Michelin Star Restaurant
I’m a pretty big foodie and honestly don’t always think Michelin star restaurants live up to the hype (I like 50 Best Recs better), but some of the VERY best ones are in Copenhagen. Here are a few I recommend:
- Noma
- Geranium
- Alchemist
- Kadeau
- Koan
*Make reservations well in advance of your trip or get on waitlists! We’ve had luck with wait lists.
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 (free aside from the bike rental)
- 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
- Watch Sunset at Ofelia Plads
- Swim at Islands Brygge Harbour Bath
- Visit Assistens Cemetery
Copenhagen Travel Tips
How Many Days Do You Need in Copenhagen?
I recommend spending at least three days in Copenhagen if it’s your first visit. The city is compact enough that you can see the highlights in a weekend, but staying a little longer allows you to slow down and experience the relaxed lifestyle that makes Copenhagen so special.
2 Days: Perfect for seeing the major attractions like Nyhavn, Tivoli Gardens, Rosenborg Castle, and a canal cruise.
3 Days: My ideal recommendation. You’ll have time to explore different neighborhoods, enjoy Copenhagen’s incredible food scene, visit a museum, and experience the city at a more leisurely pace.
4 to 5 Days: Perfect if you’d like to add a day trip to places like the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, Kronborg Castle, or Dyrehaven.
3 Day Copenhagen Itinerary
A sample itinerary of how to plan your trip!
Day 1: Historic Copenhagen
Rent a bike and spend your first day exploring Copenhagen like a local. Tour Rosenborg Castle, then relax with a coffee or picnic in the King’s Garden. Head to La Banchina for lunch and, if the weather is nice, take a swim in the harbor. In the evening, experience the magic of Tivoli Gardens before ending the day with dinner nearby.
Day 2: Neighborhoods, Museums & Canals
Start your morning strolling along colorful Nyhavn before making your way through the Botanical Garden. Spend a few hours at one of Copenhagen’s excellent museums, then enjoy lunch at Selma followed by a visit to Torvehallerne Market. In the afternoon, take a canal cruise to see the city from the water before finishing the day with dinner at one of Copenhagen’s incredible restaurants.
Day 3: Bakeries, Shopping & Danish Design
Start your morning with breakfast at Hart Bageri before choosing between a day trip or another museum or castle. Spend the afternoon shopping and people watching along Strøget, then join a food tour in the early evening to sample some of Copenhagen’s best restaurants and local specialties before dinner.
See more of my Copenhagen Itineraries for more details and ideas!:
Where to Stay in Copenhagen
Copenhagen has several fantastic neighborhoods, but where you stay depends on the type of trip you’re planning. These are the two areas I recommend most often to clients. By the way, I’m a travel advisor if you need help with hotel bookings (free service) or a full itinerary (upgraded service)! Inquire here.
Indre By (City Center)
If it’s your first time visiting Copenhagen, Indre By is my top recommendation. You’ll be within walking distance of many of the city’s biggest attractions, beautiful squares, restaurants, and shopping.
My favorite hotels:
- Hotel Sanders – go to boutique hotel especially for couples, so romantic and one of my favorite hotel stays we’ve had!
- 1 Hotel Copenhagen – newly opened and first 1Hotel in Europe and very trendy brand with a wellness focus which we love!
- Hotel d’Angleterre – iconic luxury hotel with all the service of a 5 star hotel
Vesterbro
Vesterbro is a little trendier and has some of my favorite hotels in the city. It’s known for excellent restaurants, coffee shops, and nightlife while still being an easy walk or bike ride to the main attractions.
My favorite hotels:
- Villa Copenhagen – where we like to stay in this area. Lovely hotel with a rooftop pool!
- Nimb Hotel – luxury hotel right by Tivoli
- Copenhagen Marriott – right along the harbor with great views and location
- Hotel Bella Grande – super cute boutique hotel with amazing Italian restaurant on site
👉 I offer complimentary hotel-only bookings and you get access to my preferred rates and VIP perks like free breakfast, $100 hotel credit, and priority for upgrades! Reach out to me here to learn more and inquire.
How to Get Around Copenhagen
One of the best parts about Copenhagen is how easy it is to get around.
Metro
Copenhagen’s metro is clean, safe, efficient, and one of the easiest ways to travel between the airport and the city center or farther neighborhoods. Get the Copenhagen card if you plan to use the metro.
Walking
We walk almost everywhere when we’re in Copenhagen. The city is incredibly pedestrian friendly and wandering from neighborhood to neighborhood is one of the best ways to experience it.
Bike
If you really want to experience Copenhagen like a local, rent a bike. We usually use Lime bikes throughout the city and the dedicated bike lanes make cycling feel easy and safe, even for visitors.
Taxi
If you have luggage or are heading to the airport, taxis are readily available. We’ve used DanTaxi several times and you can either grab one at the airport or schedule a ride in advance.
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!
The Wrap Up: Best Things to Do in Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen is one of those cities that gets better every time I visit. Of course, it has the iconic attractions, beautiful architecture, and incredible restaurants, but what keeps drawing me back is the lifestyle. People bike everywhere, spend time outdoors, linger over meals, and genuinely seem to enjoy the slower pace of everyday life.
I think Copenhagen is a fantastic destination for couples, families, solo travelers, food lovers, and anyone who appreciates great design and walkable cities. Whether you’re exploring castles, eating your way through the city’s incredible restaurants, or simply enjoying a picnic in the King’s Garden, it’s a special place where you can really relax and enjoy without having to plan too much!
If you’re planning a trip to Denmark, I hope this guide helps you discover some of the best things to do in Copenhagen. It’s a city I’ll happily return to again and again and I have a feeling you’ll fall in love with it too. 🙂
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