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There are so many things to do in Copenhagen, the only question is where to start. All of our guides, reviews and itineraries are independent. We don’t work with, for or through the tourism board. Our mission is to not just give you the good and the bad, but to give you the honest and the objective. Our goal is also to make sure you have the information you need in one place to plan and book the things you want to do.
Whether you are in Copenhagen for a day or a week, here are some resources to get started on your adventure in wonderful Copenhagen!
Copenhagen has plenty to offer any visitor to the city, but there are a few things you must check out while you are here (and one famous statue you can totally skip).
These stops will give you a flavor of Copenhagen, and on a short visit, all can be done in a single day.
In the middle of Copenhagen, sandwiched between City Hall and the Central Station lies one of the magical gems in the world. Tivoli Gardens is an entire, modern amusement park set in one of the most charming settings imaginable. There are so many reasons why we love living in Copenhagen, but Tivoli might top the list.
While the park is over 175 years old, the rides remain modern and thrilling. With a lack of space, the park offer vertical thrills like a drop tower and a swings that fly 80 meters (260 feet) above the city. But even the older rides, like a century-old wooden roller coaster, provide a wonderful mix of fun and nostalgia.
The best time to visit is in the evening. First you will see the park in daylight, and then it will transform into an illuminated wonder in the evening. Fridays in the summer can be quite crowded, as they offer “Fredagsrock,” weekly concerts from both Danish and some international artists. Saturdays offer a fireworks show, and Mondays can be busier as this is one of the few attractions open.
Entrance Included with Copenhagen Card; rides extra
If there is one iconic photo spot in Copenhagen, it is the colorful buildings and sailboats of Nyhavn. Nyhavn is the place for Instagram photos to prove to your friends that you were in Copenhagen, but it is also a great piece of the city’s history.
Built in the late 17th century by Swedish prisoners of war, the Nyhavn was built to extend part of the main harbor into the city center. This was a working harbor for centuries, with all the seedy elements that usually accompany such a place. Since the 1980’s the harbor has undergone a major cleanup, and today it is perhaps the tourist center in Copenhagen.
Along the sunny Northern side of the harbor, you will find a number of bars and restaurants catering to tourists. Prices tend to be high and quality mediocre, but it is a fantastic spot for people-watching. A budget options (that we frequently will do) is to get some take-away food and drinks and sit along the edge of the harbor. This will let you experience the beauty and fun of Nyhavn without draining your wallet!
Free
Copenhagen truly is a maritime city, as even its name literally translates to “Merchant’s Harbor.” And while you will spend a lot of time walking around the city, it is an entirely different experience to view it from the water.
You can either take public tour or hire a boat for a private tour. There are several public tour operators, but we recommend taking Stromma from their launch on Gammel Strand (near Christianborg Palace) to get the best and most-comprehensive tour. Canal tours are also offered as part of some hop-on/hop-off tour companies.
For a private tour, you can hire a guided tour or simply rent a boat for your own tour. Hey Captain offers private or semi-private guided tours (up to 12 people). Our favorite is to rent an electric boat from GoBoat and take our own tour around the city. They offer a pre-selected route to follow, and the boats are perfect for a picnic on the water.
Stromma tour included with Copenhagen Card
Copenhagen has been a global leader in city planning since World War II. Today it is one of the most livable cities in the world, even looking to be the first carbon-neutral capital by 2025. One example of this is the car-free street Strøget.
Strøget is the main walking artery of Copenhagen, running from Kongens Nytorv in the north to City Hall in the south. The wide pedestrian boulevard is lined with stores, ranging from luxury retailers to souvenir shops. To explore local shops and boutiques, we recommend walking a block or two off the street, as Strøget itself is dominated by global chains like H&M.
Especially as you walk from Nyhavn to Tivoli, Strøget will have you pass a number of important sights. As you pass through Amagertorv square, you will see Christianborg Palace, home to the Danish parliament. At Gammeltorv square you can see old City Hall. And during Christmas season, several Christmas Markets can been seen along the way.
Free
Danish society has long taken a “live and let live” approach to social behavior. But the commune of Freetown Christiania might be the most unique neighborhood in the world.
Christiania was founded in 1971 as anti-capitalist squatters took over an abandoned military base in Christianhavn. While founded on communal governance and alternative living. it became known for its open drug trade along “Pusher Street.”
Today Christiania bans hard drugs, and has several other local rules, including a ban on photographs and weapons. Soft drugs like marijuana are still sold openly, though both are technically illegal in Denmark.
Christiania is worth a visit to walk through a number of eclectic shops and cafes, and to see that unique homes and gardens that are maintained throughout. Today guided tours are offered as well that can give a window into Christiania life.
Free
We need to warn you. The most iconic statue in Copenhagen is going to disappoint you. The Little Mermaid has been perched on a rock on Copenhagen harbor since 1913. She only stands 4 feet (1.25 meters) tall, which is why tourists often say “is that it?” after walking to see the statue.
The Little Mermaid is a 20 minute walk away from Nyhavn, the next-closest attraction, so it will require some time to go see. You can see her from behind on any canal tour, and from this view you can see tourists scrambling over the rocks to get as close to the statue as possible.
The way we would recommend seeing the statue is as part of a pleasant urban hike, bike ride, or run if you have time. You can take time to walk along the Langelinie Promenade, or enjoy a walk along the top of the ramparts of Kastellet fortress. But if you are pressed for time during your visit (or if the weather is poor), you really are not missing anything if you skip the Little Mermaid.
No matter how long you plan to stay in Copenhagen, our itineraries will give you a memorable experience. Copenhagen is our home, and we want to welcome you in! We believe that a visit to Copenhagen should be more than just a checklist to complete. Our itineraries try to add local flavor to help see why Copenhagen is one of the most livable cities in the world!
Introduction to Copenhagen, with an extensive walking and canal tours to cover all the must-see’s. Enjoy the world’s best porridge for breakfast, sample all kinds of street food for lunch, and end by rediscovering your inner child at Tivoli.
Covers the same attractions as the 1 Day tour, but gives time to enjoy attractions. Climb the Spiral Church to see Copenhagen from above, visit the National Museum to learn the history of Denmark, and enjoy a New Nordic meal.
Expands on the 2 Day tour by getting out of City Center. Take a day-trip to Hamlet’s castle in Helsingør, and spend some time in the Vesterbro neighborhood to sample some of the world’s best craft beers and see the revitalized meatpacking district.
These itineraries are a good starting point for any visit to Copenhagen, but your interests may vary! Below is a list of attractions that can help you mix and match to build your perfect Copenhagen visit. And for visits beyond 3 days, look to add some of the day trips outside of Copenhagen to get a good flavor for the entire region.
There are dozens of tours offered around Copenhagen. Below are some examples that we present as samples for you to enjoy, but we also recommend using GetYourGuide. They offer a wide range of options to find a tour tailored to your interests, and have a secure platform to reserve your tour. Note that tours listed here may change from time of publication
Classic 48-hour hop-on/hop-off bus tour. Various packages available, including a combo with a boat tour. Recorded audio tour in 10 languages. LINK
2-hour walking tour through the city center. Focus on the history of Copenhagen, including City Hall, the Round Tower, and Christiansborg Palace. LINK
A self-guided walking tour created by us! We show off our favorite sites and give you a overview of the city. Free to download by joining our mailing list!
Travel like a local on a guided biking tour! This 3-hour tour is the best way to see a number of sites, and see why two wheels are the best way to get around! LINK
Create your own tour by renting an electric boat! GoBoat offers a 2-hour self-guided tour that lets you see the city from the harbor and be your own captain!
Learn all about Danish cuisine with this tour. You will sample Danish foods and beers, learning about the history of Danish food and its modern revolution. LINK
Copenhagen certainly has plenty to offer, but there are some great day trips to experience if you are staying for more than a couple days. The greater Copenhagen area has a fantastic public transportation network, so all locations can easily be visited without needing to rent a car.
Strategically located at the narrowest point of the Øresund, Helsingør is most famous for being home to Kronborg Castle – known as Elsinore in Shakespeare’s Hamlet.
50 min from Central Station, via Øresund line (every 20 min)
Medieval Denmark’s capital, Roskilde give insight into the past. You can see Denmark’s Christian history at Roskilde Cathedral, and its Viking history at the Viking Ship Museum.
30 min from Central Station, via intercity trains (every 10-20 min)
Step away from the urban bustle and noise to visit a small, charming fishing village on Baltic Sea coast. Features small shops and cafes, and a picturesque harbor.
40 minutes from Central Station, via 250S bus (every 10-15 min weekdays, 20 min weekends)
Spend the day exploring Sweden, Denmark’s closest cultural neighbor. Malmö has a charming canal-ringed city center, and is experiencing a rebirth from an industrial past.
40 minutes from Central Station, via Øresund line (every 20 min). Bring passport for border check; not included with Copenhagen Card.
Looking to mix and match to build your own Copenhagen itinerary? Here we bundle attractions into different categories to help you build a perfect Copenhagen adventure.
The Round Tower (Rundetårn) has a unique spiral ramp that lets you ascend to 35 meters (114 ft) above the city. The tower is built onto the Trinitatis Church, and include some art exhibits and the astronomical history of the tower.
Free with Copenhagen Card
Iconic tower rising 90 meters (295 ft) above the Christianhavn neighborhood. Church of our Saviour (Vor Frelsers Kirke) has a unique gilded spiral staircase on the exterior of the tower, giving it the nickname “Spiral Church.”
Free with Copenhagen Card
Copenhagen City Hall (Rådhus) offers a beautiful interior and a tower modeled after Siena City Hall. The tower rises 105 meters (345 ft) and looks over Tivoli Gardens. Note visits are guided and offered only once daily in English.
Free with Copenhagen Card
At 106 meters (348 ft), the highest tower in Copenhagen. Christianborg is home to the Royal Reception Rooms and the Danish parliament. Visit is free and accessed by an elevator only. There is a restaurant in the tower as well.
Free; palace tour extra
One of the newest additions to the Copenhagen skyline, Copenhill is actually a trash incinerator that also has a year-round ski hill and climbing wall. Observation area 85 meters (280 ft) is free, and can be reached by stairs or elevator.
Free; ski pass extra
The Round Tower (Rundetårn) has a unique spiral ramp that lets you ascend to 35 meters (114 ft) above the city. The tower is built onto the Trinitatis Church, and include some art exhibits and the astronomical history of the tower.
Iconic tower rising 90 meters (295 ft) above the Christianhavn neighborhood. Church of our Saviour (Vor Frelsers Kirke) has a unique gilded spiral staircase on the exterior of the tower, giving it the nickname “Spiral Church.”
Copenhagen City Hall (Rådhus) offers a beautiful interior and a tower modeled after Siena City Hall. The tower rises 105 meters (345 ft) and looks over Tivoli Gardens. Note visits are guided and offered only once daily in English.
At 106 meters (348 ft), the highest tower in Copenhagen. Christianborg is home to the Royal Reception Rooms and the Danish parliament. Visit is free and accessed by an elevator only. There is a restaurant in the tower as well.
One of the newest additions to the Copenhagen skyline, Copenhill is actually a trash incinerator that also has a year-round ski hill and climbing wall. Observation area 85 meters (280 ft) is free, and can be reached by stairs or elevator.
Tivoli Gardens Christmas celebrations are truly one of a kind. Find out what makes Tivoli the best holiday destination in Copenhagen and how to see it. Complete with schedules, events, entertainment and what to expect – we give you all you need to know about Christmas in Tivoli.
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Tivoli Halloween is the best destination for Fall family fun in Copenhagen, Denmark. Check out the amazing decorations, hear about the spooky rides including a
Here is our complete guide to Copenhagen Christmas Market season. We review the best Christmas Markets in Copenhagen, and tell you how to enjoy them. Find out which ones to go to and what to shop for, eat and drink while you’re there.
If you think Copenhagen is only a special place to visit in the summer months, you’re wrong. There are so many things to do in Copenhagen in winter and it’s just as great as the peak tourist season! Read our guide on what to do in Copenhagen winter and find out for yourself.