Top things to do in Copenhagen

Looking for a city with a unique style and fascinating energy? Consider a direct trip to Copenhagen, Denmark. The perfect travel destination for curious explorers, foodies, art lovers, and anyone seeking an unforgettable vacation with a loving partner, friends, or family. We will lead you to the top things to do in Copenhagen; ensuring you make the most of your visit to this incredible Nordic city.

Copenhagen’s principal tourist attractions

Exploring Nyhavn port in Denmark

If you've seen any photos or postcards of Copenhagen, maybe you have seen colorful houses and boats along a canal named Nyhavn. This port is surrounded by 17th century buildings, considered one of the most emblematic places in Copenhagen. There you can find different shops with local food, drinks, and souvenirs, among others. Plus, you can explore it on a low budget, like the locals do, buying a hot dog from a cart along with a beer to spend time admiring the canal. 

One of the most popular attractions to sightseeing in Copenhagen is the monument at the entrance to the canal. Which is an anchor called Mindeankeret placed in honor the nearly 2,000 Danish sailors who lost their lives during World War II. Also, you can see the houses (18 and 20) where the famous writer Hans Christian Andersen lived and wrote the famous tale The Princess and the Pea. But if you want to plan a more fun experience, you can take a boat ride along the canal or go on an excursion to the nearby islands, finding a boat tour in this port. So, get there with the Copenhagen metro line M3 to Kongens Nytorv station, or using bus lines 1A, 26, 40 and 350S.

Experience the Tivoli Gardens

If you are looking for a unique place to spend the day, especially for fans of amusement parks, explore the old Tivoli Gardens. It opened in 1843 and is one of the oldest in the world, offering different attractions such as roller coasters, gardens and live shows. So if you are looking for some adrenaline or a quiet walk through beautiful gardens, this is the perfect place for you. It’s a must-see in the city center next to our NH Copenhagen Grand Joanne hotel and the København H central train station (metro lines M1 and M2).

The attractions are only open between April and September, for climatic reasons, but from November to December one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe is set up. In addition, at the entrance to the park you can see the statue of George Carstensen, and see some very interesting buildings such as the Pagoda, a Chinese-style building that houses a restaurant. Also the Frigate of St. George, which is a ship with a floating restaurant, and the Pantomina Theatre. Moreover, the main gate to the park on Vesterbrogade, is an architectural spectacle and the perfect place for unforgettable photos.

“The Little Mermaid” in the center of Copenhagen

This is one of the most famous and touristy top things to do in Copenhagen, it involves visiting the bronze statue of “The Little Mermaid” in the Langelinie harbour. This is a 1.50m bronze statue inspired by the fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen. It is one of the main tourist attractions in the city, and from there you can take a little walk to Kastellet, the famous Copenhagen fortress. Where you can have picnics, ride your bicycle, and enjoy beautiful views of the sea on a quiet day in the heart of the city. 

The statue is located in a strategic point of the city and is accessible both on foot and by public transport. So if you want to get there from the metro you can do so via lines M1 or M2 to Kongens Nytorv station. Or by using bus lines 23, 30, 40, 50S and 190 which leave you about 5 minutes from the statue.

Visiting the Rosenborg Castle

Rosenborg Castle is one of the places to see in Copenhagen, located in the city center, built at the beginning of the 17th century. There you can learn about the history of the Danish monarchies and walk through the halls of the palace. Seeing pieces like jewels, clothes, amulets, and weapons that are still intact from the 15th and 19th centuries. Also, entering places like the Long Hall, where you can see very impressive paintings, sculptures, and tapestries. 

The great attraction of this castle is that it houses an invaluable collection of royal jewels, including the royal crown. But another of the great attractions are its gardens because they are a true paradise to enjoy the sun and the landscapes and summer. To get there you must go to Øster Voldgade 4A, taking the metro lines M1 and M2 to the Nørreport Station.

Cultural experiences in Copenhagen

Statens Museum for Kunst

Another great plan to do in Copenhagen is to visit the most important exhibition of Nordic culture in Europe in the Statens Museum for Kunst. Because it has a special Matisse collection, and centuries of Danish art history with artists such as Mantegna, Nolde, Anna Ancher, Derain, Rubens, Matisse, Hammershøi, Munch, Abramovic. You can also go to the museum cafeteria for a nice breakfast, lunch or glass of wine. To get to this museum in the center of Copenhagen, located exactly at Sankt Annæ Plads 113, you can use the metro lines M3 and M4 to the Kongens Nytorv station. Or via bus lines 2A, 26, 150S, and 350S.

National Museum

Other places to see in Copenhagen that you can't miss on your visit is the National Museum of Denmark. There you can learn about different periods of Danish history and from other parts of the world. With a large collection of artifacts from the Viking era, and it even has collections of Egyptian, Greco-Roman and Japanese art. 

So if you want to learn about Viking culture, here you will find monuments such as the "Jelling Stone", declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. As well as other symbols of local culture at 10 minutes walk from the Kongens Nytorv metro station (lines M1 and M2). Also, you can also get there using bus lines 26, 350S and 5C to the Kongens Nytorv or Rådhuspladsen stop.

Street Art in Vesterbro

On the other hand, if you like street art and want to sightseeing in Copenhagen, we recommend taking a graffiti walk tour in Vesterbro. This is one of the coolest neighborhoods in Copenhagen because it’s full of murals and street art on every corner. So keep your eyes open because they are usually hidden, and it’s easy to miss them. But if you want to go to a special street to the local scene, don’t hesitate and go to Westend. It has a constantly changing street gallery so you can find surprises like pieces by artists like the Spanish Malakkai. 

You can also connect this walk with your visit to Tivoli Gardens or leave it for the last day that you spend in the city. Because there you can admire the beauty and charm of the city in the Eliaskirken church, the Hercules fountain, and Vesterbros Torv Square. Even do some last-minute shopping on Istedgade and Sønder Boulevard, getting to Vesterbro metro station on the M1 and M2 lines. Or taking the bus lines 6A, 7A, 10 and 30.

Outdoor Activities in Copenhagen

Cycling in Denmark's Capital

Copenhagen will be your dream place if you and your family are bike lovers as this is a very bike-friendly city, with over 390 kilometers of lanes to easily navigate. By visiting the city in summer, you'll have warm weather for cycling and experience the city like the locals. Don’t hesitate and rent a bike from one of the companies Baisikeli, Donkey Republic, Bycyklen, and Copenhagen Bikes. There are many famous landmarks in the middle of the city, such as the Bicycle Snake a bridge crossing Gasværkshavnen from Kalvebod Brygge. Or the Inner Harbour Bridge and the Circle Bridge, which can be ideal places to take a photo that you won't be able to replicate anywhere else in the world. So take advantage of your trip and take a ride through one of the cities with the most cyclists and bicycle culture in the world.

The Lakes: The perfect place for a picnic

If you like walking and enjoying the tranquility of a sunny day, having a picnic at Copenhagen's lakes called "Søerne" or The Lakes is one of the top things to do in Copenhagen. This is a very beautiful place in the middle of the city, ideal for relaxing, exercising or enjoying a picnic with your loving partner, friends or family. It’s one of the favorites of locals because it consists of three artificial lakes: Sankt Jørgens Sø, Peblinge Sø and Sortedams Sø. Which is used as meeting point for picnics, dates, having a coffee or eating nearby in the restaurants in the Norrebro and Osterbro neighborhoods. A curious fact is these lakes were built as drainage system but today they are one of the most relaxing areas of Copenhagen. Its water is no longer for consumption, but it remains as a very important recreational space in the city center. Located near the Nørreport metro station (lines M1 or M2), and you can get there via bus line 5A.

Amager Beach Park: A Day at the beach

Another thing to sightseeing in Copenhagen is to visit the island of Amager. This island is very close to the center of the city and has a park called Amager Beach Park. Where you will find spaces to sunbathe, swim or simply relax close to the water. Which makes it the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a quiet day in nature. So if you want to get to know the Baltic Sea, and even do kitesurfing, paddle surfing and sailing, put this on your travel itinerary. In fact, you can rent a bike and take the route from the center of Copenhagen to enhance your experience. Since it’s located just a few minutes from the main avenues of the city, and you can get there on foot, or using the M2 metro line to Amager Strand.

Culinary Delights in Copenhagen

Danish Pastries and Smørrebrød

For food lovers, please try the delicacies of local bakeries, such as “kanelsnegl” (cinnamon rolls), or the classic "wienerbrød" (Danish pastries) and the traditional "smørrebrød" (rye bread sandwich with a variety of toppings). Since Danish pastries are known for giving a fresh twist to the classic cinnamon roll, or its delicate puff pastry with sweet and savory fillings.

So, to find the best Danish pastries you should go to places like Lagkagehuset (The Danish Bakery). This is one of the most famous bakery chains in the city at Købmagergade 9 and Bredgade 14. Also, to find a good “smørrebrød” we recommend you try many of the versions with herring, salmon, roast meat or vegetables. In places like Det Lille Smørrebrødssted at Gothersgade 13, or at the Aamanns restaurant at Store Kongensgade 66.

Food markets: Best places to try local cuisine

Another of the top things to do in Copenhagen is trying and enjoying its gastronomic vibe, you should know that local markets have a wide range of unique products that you can’t miss. One of them is the Torvehallerne market, one of the best known for its cheeses and fresh seafood, including gourmet fast food ideal for lunch or a snack. To get to this market you can take bus line 26, or take metro lines M1 and M2 to Nørreport station.

But if you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere with a more street-style food offering, you can't miss Reffen Market located in Refshaleøen. There you will find everything from gourmet burgers to international delicacies, with a focus on organic and sustainable products in a very accessible place from bus lines 9A and 26. 

You can also visit the iconic Nørrebro Bryghus & Food Market, a special market of the brewery that bears its name. It offers a wide variety of local specialties, located at Ryesgade 3, near Nørrebro metro station (line M2). Where you should try the Pølse med brød (Danish hot dog) and pair it with craft beers, as well as other authentic Danish pub food.

Where to go shopping in Copenhagen?

Another of the places to see in Copenhagen, especially if you want to find a gift, is their local stores and markets. So if you want to take a souvenir or a piece of the city home with you, you should go to Strøget Street. There you will find stores like Royal Copenhagen, famous for its porcelain, also the Muuto store, famous for its interior design proposal, and jewelry stores like Georg Jensen. But you will also find typical souvenirs from the area like Little Mermaid figurines, postcards, posters, Danish flags, fridge magnets, and mugs. And even edible souvenirs like marzipan sweets and Sømods Bolcher Candy.

Family Activities in Copenhagen

Copenhagen Zoo: A day with exotic animals

If you like visiting zoos with your family, you should schedule your visit to this one, especially if you use the Copenhagen Card for its free entrance. Also, Copenhagen Zoo is a beautiful place located in Frederiksberg, and houses an exotic variety of animals like pandas, polar bears, elephants, and giraffes. Also, it has playgrounds designed for the little ones where they can learn about the animals they are seeing. Not to mention the gastronomic offer and access to the tower to enjoy the panoramic view of the place The zoo is easily accessible from the center of Copenhagen and you can get there from the Frederiksberg metro station (line M1). Or using bus lines 2A or 31 to the Frederiksberg Runddel stop, next to the entrance to the zoo.

The Experimentarium: Science and fun for everyone

Another places to see in Copenhagen with your family is The Experimentarium, a science museum for all ages where you guys can have fun for hours. The good thing about this place is that it has attractions for children as young as 1 year old, such as The Miniverse (a game of mirrors and lights that will amaze them). Also, you will find attractions for teenagers and adults like The Beach, which are water games to learn about the force and movements of water. Or The Port, an area to learn about commerce while having fun playing. This science center is located at Tuborg Havnevej 7, and you can get there by train from the central station or by using the M3 metro line to Hellerup station.

How is Copenhagen's nightlife?

At night, Copenhagen takes on a magical aura with the lighting of the most emblematic buildings, so you can't miss that experience. There are plenty of options, such as bars and clubs, but you can find other activities if you have other tastes. For example, you can take a guided tour of the Danish parliament at Christiansborg Palace, located on the island of Slotsholmen. Here you can tour the Great Audience Hall, the Throne Room, the Royal Library, and the Chapel, while they explain the history and culture of Denmark. To get there you can walk about 10 minutes from Nyhavn, or use the metro lines M1 or M2 to Christiansborg station, or with the bus lines 1A, 26, and 350S. 

Another thing to sightseeing in Copenhagen at night is to walk around the Nørrebro neighborhood to find live music. For example, there are pubs like Stengade and Rust which are small but very cozy places to listen to rock, punk rock, pop, indie, hip hop, metal surf, electronic, dance, and more. It is located in the north of the city center, and you can get there with the M1 and M2 metro lines to the Nørrebro or Nuuks Plads stations.

But if you are a lover of jazz and blues music, you must visit the Vesterbro neighborhood. This is a very touristy area of the city with very emblematic clubs like The Librery bar in Bernstorffsgade 4. It has a very impressive and comfortable decoration to spend time with friends or with your partner enjoying a very interesting mixology of alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks. To get there you must take the M1 or M2 metro line to København H station, or take bus lines 2A, 26, and 5C.

Wait no more and come to Copenhagen

As you can read, this city has a lot of proposals for tourists who dare to visit it. So be sure that traveling to Denmark is a very nice experience, and come here to know the local culture, the human quality of its people, and how comfortable their architecture is… We hope this list of top things to do in Copenhagen has excited you to put some of these in your travel itinerary. Because it doesn't matter if it's cycling through its streets, enjoying its art, or tasting delicious dishes, this city has everything to make your trip unforgettable. We recommend you check out our hotels in Copenhagen to find the best accommodation in the city.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Copenhagen best known for?

Copenhagen is known for being the most ecological, clean, and fresh capital in Europe. So if you want to get to know a destination with a sustainable approach, this is the perfect city to visit on your vacation.

What to do in Copenhagen for the first time?

If it's your first time in the city, you have to visit the port of Nyhav. There you would be sightseeing in Copenhagen at the center of the city, and you could connect with different tourist attractions. Such as the Little Mermaid statue, the castles, among others.

Is Copenhagen a walkable city?

Yes, Copenhagen is a city that can be walked without problems. In fact, most of the most important tourist spots are just a few minutes from each other, so you can walk or bike to save time.

What transport options are available in Copenhagen?

To sightseeing in Copenhagen you have to know there is a very efficient public transport system. This includes the metro, trains, buses, and taxis at very good prices. However, we recommend you travel by metro because there are stations in almost all the tourist spots in the city, and you can get to each destination in a short time.

Which month is best to visit Copenhagen?

The best months to sightseeing in Copenhagen are from May to September because they are the spring and summer months with a very pleasant climate between 15° C and 20° C. But if you want to visit it in autumn or winter and enjoy the cold and tranquility of the low season, you can visit it in the months of October and April.