Copenhagen is one of the ideal city break destinations, no matter what time of the year you decide to go there.
In the winter, you can spend your time sipping mulled wine at one of the city’s world-famous Christmas markets. If you’re lucky, you might even get a chance to see the New Year’s fireworks show at Tivoli, the oldest amusement park of its kind in Europe.
In the summer, on the other hand, nothing beats a walk along the Danish capital’s many canals, admiring architectural wonders, such as the Rosenborg Castle or the Danish Parliament.
The nightlife is also exceptional (albeit a little expensive). It is also home to many renowned art galleries, live music venues, and organic eateries.
Whatever you’re looking for on your getaway, there are more than enough attractions in Copenhagen to keep you occupied! Let's explore some of the attractions:
1- Tivoli Gardens
In the middle of Copenhagen, you’ll find the amusement park Tivoli, which has around 1.4 million visitors a year and is likely the most popular tourist attraction in the city.
Tivoli Gardens is a historic amusement park and pleasure garden in Copenhagen, Denmark. Opened in 1843, it is the second-oldest amusement park in the world still in operation, after Dyrehavsbakken in Denmark. Tivoli Gardens is renowned for its picturesque gardens, charming atmosphere, and exciting rides.
The gardens are a major draw for visitors, with over 800,000 flowers planted annually (The Travelling Gardener). The park is divided into several themed areas, each with its unique beauty. The Moorish Quarter features colourful buildings and lush vegetation, while the Pantomime Theatre Garden offers a whimsical setting with statues and fountains.
Tivoli Gardens is not just about rides and gardens. The park also offers a variety of live entertainment, from pantomimes and ballet to concerts and musical performances. There are also several restaurants and cafes serving up delicious food and drinks.
Tivoli Gardens hosts several special events throughout the year, including Halloween and Christmas celebrations. During these times, the park is decorated with festive lights and displays, and there are additional special events and attractions.
2- Strøget
Strøget, a 1.1-kilometre car-free zone in the heart of Copenhagen, is more than just a shopping street. It's a vibrant cultural artery pulsating with history, architecture, and delightful attractions.
Strøget is a shopper's paradise, offering a delightful mix of international luxury brands like Gucci and Louis Vuitton, alongside Danish design powerhouses like Royal Copenhagen and Illums Bolighus. Budget-friendly chains like H&M and Zara cater to diverse tastes. Whether you're hunting for designer duds or unique souvenirs, Strøget has something for everyone.
Strolling down Strøget, you'll be serenaded by street musicians, captivated by impromptu dance performances, and mesmerized by live art installations. Keep an eye out for the iconic Stork Fountain (Storkespringvandet) at Amagertorv Square, a symbol of Copenhagen's good luck.
From Michelin-starred restaurants to cosy cafes and bustling food halls, Strøget offers a smorgasbord of culinary delights. Savour traditional Danish Smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches), indulge in melt-in-your-mouth pastries or grab a quick bite from a street vendor.
3-Christiana
Christiania is a neighbourhood in central Copenhagen that had previously been a military facility for the Danish Marines but was shut down in 1971 and occupied by hippies. These hippies declared Christiana as a free state and took over the entire area. The reason that they chose Christiana specifically was primarily because they wanted to take over something that used to belong to the military and then make it into a peaceful place. The Danish authorities tried to get rid of the hippies at first, but they eventually gave up since there was a constant stream of people coming in.
There have been many attempts to close down Christiania over the years, but the neighbourhood is still there today and acts as a safe haven for people with alternative lifestyles. The neighbourhood has also become a big tourist attraction that is visited by thousands of tourists annually. You can go on a guided tour inside Christiania.Things to See and Do in Christiania
- Christianiasøen (Christiania Lake): A beautiful lake surrounded by lush greenery, perfect for a peaceful stroll or picnic.
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Den Grå Hal (The Grey Hall): A former military training hall now converted into a cultural centre hosting concerts, exhibitions, and events.
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Christiania Art Gallery: Showcasing local and international art, this gallery offers a glimpse into the creative spirit of the community.
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Bicycle Workshops: Christiania is known for its love of bicycles, and several workshops offer repair services and unique custom bikes.
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Wood Workshops: Explore the craftsmanship of local woodworkers and find unique furniture, sculptures, and other creations.
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Restaurants and Cafes: Savor delicious food and drinks at one of the many cafes and restaurants, each offering a unique atmosphere and culinary experience.
4- Den Lille Havfrue (Tribute to Hans Christian Andersen)
Visiting and seeing the statue Den Lille Havfrue at the harbour might be one of the biggest “musts” to experience in Copenhagen.
Den Lille Havfrue, or the Little Mermaid as it’s called in English, was created by the sculptor Edvard Eriksen and portrays the character from the book with the same name as the statue, which was written by the world-renowned Danish author H.C. Andersen.
Den Lille Havfrue is the most popular attraction together with Tivoli for tourists, and it’s visited by over a million people every year (alarabiya.net).
5- Carlsberg’s Brewery
Nestled in the heart of Copenhagen, lies a haven for beer lovers: the Carlsberg Brewery. Founded in 1847 by J.C. Jacobsen, this iconic brewery has become synonymous with quality and innovation, brewing some of the world's most beloved beers. But beyond the delicious suds, Carlsberg offers a fascinating glimpse into its history and brewing process through its engaging brewery tours.
Whether or not you’re a beer enthusiast, it might be fascinating to visit one of the most well-known breweries in the world: Carlsberg’s brewery in Copenhagen. You can go on a guided tour of the location and learn more about beer brewing and Carlsberg’s history. There’s also an opportunity to taste different kinds of beer during the tour for those who are interested. This brewery is one of the oldest in Scandinavia and was founded at the end of the 19th century.
The tour begins in the historic Jacobsen Brewhouse, a stunning building adorned with intricate brickwork and statues of mythological creatures. The tour isn't just about the technicalities; it's also about the unique ingredients and philosophies that set Carlsberg apart. You'll learn about the legendary yeast strain, Saccharomyces carlsbergensis, discovered by J.C. Jacobsen's son, and how it contributes to the distinct flavour of Carlsberg beers.
6- Nyhavn
Nyhavn might just be the most beautiful and cosiest neighbourhood in Copenhagen. This is a great place to take a break and just relax for a couple of hours amongst its colourful, beautiful buildings and the 18th-century harbour. There are plenty of nice restaurants, cafés and small shops to spend time in.
You can also be entertained by the different street artists around the harbour! Nyhavn is particularly beautiful when the sun is shining since the colours of the buildings and boats are illuminated and stand out beautifully.
7- Circus Show at Wallmans
Wallmans’ circus building in central Copenhagen can be likened to a circus tent due to its circular shape and dome. A few days a week, usually Thursdays and Saturdays, Wallmans’ popular circus show takes place—including for example world-class acrobatics. Visiting one of these shows is usually a successful all-nighter with food, drinks and entertainment.
Talented dancers, acrobats, and contortionists push the limits of human ability, leaving you breathless with their agility and grace. The show's narrative unfolds through a series of captivating acts, each woven together with stunning visuals, theatrical lighting, and original music. Whether you're awestruck by the death-defying drops of the trapeze artists, mesmerized by the fluidity of the silk aerialists, or captivated by the synchronized movements of the ensemble cast, Wallmans Copenhagen promises an unforgettable evening of entertainment and wonder.
8- Kastellet
This pentagon-shaped citadel is one of the oldest buildings of its kind in all of Europe. It is also a popular spot for tourists and Danes alike for afternoon walks. Placed near the waterfront, the Kastellet is a great place to take in the history of the Danish military. Certain army activities are still carried out there to this day, and soldiers can be frequently spotted going about their business within the Kastellet. It’s also a short walking distance away from the Little Mermaid statue, another popular tourist attraction. You might find the tribute to Hans Christian Andersen a little underwhelming due to the small size of the monument, but it’s a must-see as far as Copenhagen sights are concerned.9- The Area Around Frederiksberg Palace
Be sure not to miss this place when you explore Copenhagen. The parks and green areas around Frederiksberg Palace are a really nice place to visit after having wandered around the streets of Copenhagen.
The palace and its surroundings can be likened to an oasis, which is visited mainly during the spring and summer by both Copenhagen locals and tourists to picnic, sunbathe, walk around or just relax. If you’d like to, there’s also an excellent opportunity to take a closer look at the palace, which was made in the Italian Baroque design between the years 1699 and 1703.
10- Smørrebrød at Schønnemann
If you’re interested in trying out the traditional Danish rye bread smørrebrød, you should visit Restaurant Schønnemann. This restaurant was founded in 1871 and has been one of the most popular places to eat smørrebrød among Copenhagen locals for a long time.
You can choose from a long list of different smørrebrød, with everything from mushrooms to spicy pickled herring. The price is around 50 DKK and up. Schønnemann is a traditional Danish restaurant and well worth a visit for anyone wanting to explore Danish cuisine.
11- Design museum Danmark
Danish design is world-renowned and has long been extremely important for Danish exports. A piece of Danish design history is displayed at the Designmuseum Denmark in the shape of classic works from famous Danish form creators Kaare Klint, Poul Henningsen and Arne Jacobsen. In addition to Danish design, the museum also has a large collection of various historic design objects from other countries in Europe and Asia. Housed in a beautifully renovated former hospital, the museum offers a captivating journey through iconic furniture pieces, innovative objects, and captivating textiles, all woven together with captivating exhibitions that explore themes like sustainability, social impact, and the future of design.12- Den Blå Planet
Den Blå Planet is a freshwater and saltwater aquarium and is a nice place to visit for those who are fascinated by life in seas, oceans, lakes and rainforest ecosystems. There are 53 different exhibits in total, with over 20,000 fish from all corners of the world. Seals, sharks, rays, eels, crocodiles, snakes and piranhas are just a few examples of animals that are living at Den Blå Planet. The largest aquarium is eight metres deep and allows visitors to walk through a passageway so that they’re able to watch the fish from all angles. A visit to Den Blå Planet is a great trip for the whole family and will certainly improve your knowledge of the fantastic ocean and sea wildlife.13- See the Guard Changing at Amalienborg (Home of the Danish Royal Family)
Amalienborg is Denmark’s Royal Palace, and this is where the Danish royal family live when they’re not out on different engagements. You can go here to watch a traditional changing of the guard every day at lunch, exactly like at Buckingham Palace.
Much of the ceremony taking place is similar to the one in London, but there are some differences. In particular, the environment is completely different, and the guards also wear the traditional busby. The entire guard changing takes about thirty minutes, but it’s alright to come and go as you please.
14- Glyptotek
The Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek is a big art museum in Copenhagen with paintings and sculptures from several countries. The museum was founded at the end of the 1800s by the Carlsberg founder Carl Jacobsen, who had managed to build one of the world’s greatest art collections at the time. A lot of the art is ancient and comes from Egypt, Greece, the Near East and Italy.
The museum is partially divided, featuring art from different parts of the world. For example, there is a French section of paintings from renowned French painters. The museum also has different exhibits with photographs—and much more. The displayed exhibits are constantly changing, so if you want to find out what’s available during your visit, you can visit Glypoteket’s website for more information. What’s special about Glypoteket is the large winter garden conservatory, which is perfectly suited for those who want to get some greenery and warmth during the cold Danish winter days. There’s also a cafe in a beautiful setting in the middle of the winter garden.15- The Underground Cisterne Museum
Cisterne is a museum of modern glass art situated underneath the streets of Copenhagen. The museum is located down in the old drinking water tanks of Copenhagen, which used to house several million litres of water. Just visiting the underground premises is an experience in itself and the different environment is truly something special. Modern art is fascinating and something that most people appreciate, whether they are interested in art or not. The glass art on display was made by several well-known Danish designers, such as Robert Jacobsen, Carl-Henning Pedersen, Peter Brandes and Tróndur Patursson. The selection of exhibitions is constantly changing with different artists and themes. If you want to explore more of Copenhagen’s underground, you should also take the canal tour.16- The Indoor Flea Market at Remisen
There’s a great opportunity to get your hands on some bargains at one of the city’s flea markets if you’re in Copenhagen during the weekend. If you’re lucky, you might be able to find Danish designs, cool clothes or other things at a really low price.
On Saturdays and Sundays, you can hop around to several different indoor flea markets in Copenhagen. One of these indoor flea markets is Remisen, which is located next to Trianglen in Østerbro. The good thing about this flea market is that it’s never cancelled due to bad weather, but it’s only open on selected Saturdays and Sundays, so it’s best to check in advance if they’re open or not.
Whether it’s decorative art or vintage clothes you’re after, be sure to stop by the Remisen market during your visit to Copenhagen.
17- Den Blå Hal
Den Blå Hal (The Blue Hall). Originally a rickety old shed dating back to the 1950s, this massive indoor flea market sprawls across 2,000 square meters, its blue corrugated metal exterior and vibrant signage hinting at the eclectic world within.
Another indoor flea market that you can visit during your Copenhagen stay is Den Blå Hal. All year round, on Saturdays and Sundays between 10-4, this big “hall” is open, and it’s always crammed with goods.
Den Blå Hal isn't just about finding bargains; it's about the experience. The atmosphere is lively and infectious, with vendors swapping stories with customers, live music filling the air, and the thrill of the hunt adding to the excitement. Whether you leave with a vintage suitcase brimming with treasures or simply with a smile and a renewed appreciation for the past, Den Blå Hal promises an unforgettable Copenhagen adventure.
18- Dragør
If you have plenty of time on your hands and you’re prepared to get out of the Copenhagen city centre, a small excursion to Dragør might be a good experience. Dragør is a small village located south of the Øresund Bridge, and it’s a great place to visit to get some rest from the pulse of the big city.
What’s fascinating about Dragør is the preserved architecture from the 1700s and 1800s, and as a visitor, it’s not difficult to feel at peace when walking around the quaint cobbled streets and alleys of the city among all the yellow-painted houses with their red roofs.
19- Tårnet
Tårnet, or Tower of Christiansborg Palace, was opened to the public as recently as 2014. It’s free to climb up the tower, and once you’re up there, you get a fantastic view overlooking Copenhagen.
The tower is the tallest in the city, and when you gaze out over the rooftops, you will most likely see the streets, buildings and other details of the cityscape that you had not previously noticed.
20- The Church Tower in Vor Frelsers Kirke
Another place that offers a really good view of the central parts of Copenhagen is the church tower in Vor Frelseres Kirke. The church tower is located in a different part of town, so you’ll have a slightly different view compared to the top of the Christanborg Palace.
The road up to the church square consists of a long swirling staircase, and at the top, just like at Christianborg Palace, you’ll see new and interesting parts of the cityscape that you hadn’t been able to see from the ground.
21- Bibliotekshaven
An excellent place to visit to quickly get away from the lively city centre and relax for a moment is Det Kongelige Biblioteks Have (The Garden of the Royal Library). You can sit down at one of the garden’s banks or walk around amongst the beautiful plants, flowers, fountains and birds singing. You can also look at different gorgeous sculptures, with the statue by Søren Kierkegaard front and centre. There’s also the possibility of sitting down at the Café Funder to grab something to eat or drink.
22- Dansk Jødisk Museum
Dansk Jødisk Museum is a museum that lets visitors enjoy and learn more about the Danish Jews and how they’ve made their mark on Danish society and culture. With interesting exhibitions consisting of photos, art, and various objects, you’ll get a good summary of the Jews’ 400-year history in Denmark.
In addition to the permanent exhibitions, the museum also has different themes that are constantly changing. There are guided tours of Copenhagen, for instance, where you’ll get to see places that had played an important role in the persecution of Jews when the Nazis occupied Denmark.
23- DDC (Danish Design Centre)
Nestled in Copenhagen's vibrant BLOX complex, the Danish Design Centre (DDC) pulsates with the spirit of design innovation. Much more than just a museum, DDC functions as Denmark's national centre for design, championing its role as a vital tool for problem-solving and societal progress. Its dynamic exhibitions showcase both iconic Danish design pieces and the cutting-edge creations of rising stars, weaving together a narrative of timeless elegance and audacious experimentation.
Beyond showcasing iconic Danish furniture and contemporary creations in its exhibitions, the DDC empowers businesses and individuals through workshops, consulting, and open-source resources. Here, designers and entrepreneurs converge to brainstorm solutions for pressing challenges, from climate change to social inclusion, all fueled by the Danish design philosophy of functionality, beauty, and human-centred solutions.
The centre is located in a beautiful building with several floors, designed by Henning Larsen. Unfortunately, only one of the floors is open to the public, but this is also the one where the DDC’s museum is located. At the museum, you’ll find a 900-square-metre area full of cool design objects from some of the most successful designers.
24- Torvehallerne (City halls)
Most European cities have halls with a history going back several centuries, but in Copenhagen, it’s a little different. Torvehallerne, which is the city hall, was built as recently as 2011. The total surface is about 7,000 square metres, and you’ll find good food and various delicacies everywhere. With all the goodies available here, Torvehallerne is a great place to visit for a good lunch or to buy some nice Danish delicacies to take home.
25- Roskilde
About twenty minutes by train from Copenhagen is the city of Roskilde. In addition to the large area where the classic Roskilde Festival is held annually, there are several other sights and attractions. For example, you’ll find Vikingeskibsmuseet (Viking Ship Museum) there, which is one of the main Viking museums in Scandinavia.
There are remains of five original ships in total, but other objects from the Viking period are presented as well. Roskilde is also known for the city’s Cathedral—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There’s also the port where you’ll get a beautiful view of the Roskilde Fjord, making it a very pleasant place to visit. Roskilde is not all about history, though. It’s an eclectic mix of Viking history and a youthful party town. Roskilde Festival aside, it is also home to Roskilde University and its vibrant student community. Head over to its campus to feel like a uni student again by partying in the ever-welcoming RUC Bar, or just take in the sights of the picturesque campus site located just near a swan-inhabited lake. All in all, Roskilde is one of the best day trips from Copenhagen - it’s affordable, not too far away, and has the perfect mix of Middle Ages history, independent shops, and entertainment venues.26- Warpigs Brewpub (Excellent Street Food)
Named after War Pigs, the iconic Black Sabbath song, this pub has everything you’d want in a place like this. With high-quality street food and an overwhelming choice of locally brewed beers, Warpigs Brewpub is the optimal pitstop for when you’re exploring Copenhagen, at any time of day or night. While it’s by no means one of the crown jewels of Denmark’s capital, Warpigs is nonetheless a wonderful Copenhagen hotspot that many locals frequent to blow off some steam after work or on the weekends.
It’s located in the Meatpacking District, about a 7-minute walk from Copenhagen Central Station. Hop over there for a pint of excellent craft beer, a top-notch BBQ, and a taste of the laidback Copenhagen nightlife.27- Davids Samling (The David Collection)
If you visit different travel and review websites, you’ll discover fairly quickly that one of the museums that is usually ranked very highly by former Copenhagen visitors is Davids Samling.
Davids Samling is a large art collection consisting of art from 1700s Europe, the Danish Golden Age and the Islamic world between the years 600 and the 1800s. It’s different from most other art museums that we are accustomed to seeing in Scandinavia, particularly Islamic art.
Davids Samling is one of Northern Europe’s biggest collections of Islamic art, and what is displayed is certainly fascinating.
28- Hirschsprungske Samling (Hirschsprung Collection)
If you’re still interested in taking in the historic art collections, you’ll also find Hirschsprungske Samling in the park Østre Anlæg.
Hirschsprungske Samling derives from the Danish tobacco industrialist Heinrich Hirschsprung, who, in 1902, along with his wife, donated his art to the Danish state. It predominantly has art from the Danish Golden Age in the 1800s in the form of oil paintings, watercolours, pastels, drawings and sculptures.
The collection also includes works of art by Anna Ancher, Michael Ancher and PS Krøyer, who all belonged to the artist group Skagenmålarna.
29- Frihedsmuseet (Burnt Down in 2013, a New Museum Opened in 2020)
Standing proudly on a hilltop in Copenhagen, the Frihedsmuseet (Museum of Freedom) is a poignant testament to Denmark's resilience in the face of adversity. Its brick walls, etched with bullet holes from the Nazi occupation, hold within them a powerful narrative of resistance and liberation.
Founded in 1946, the museum chronicles Denmark's struggle against Nazi occupation during World War II. Photographs, artefacts, and interactive exhibits tell the stories of ordinary Danes who defied tyranny through acts of courage and ingenuity. Visitors can explore secret bunkers, witness the replica of a clandestine radio station, and learn about the daring sabotage missions that disrupted Nazi operations.
Tragically, the Frihedsmuseet itself became a victim of arson in 2013. The fire, believed to be an act of political extremism, destroyed much of the museum's collection and archives. However, the Danish people rallied in support of their beloved museum. Donations poured in, and a massive rebuilding project was undertaken. In 2020, the Frihedsmuseet reopened its doors, not just rebuilt but revitalized.
Today, the Frihedsmuseet stands as a symbol of defiance, not just against past injustices but also against intolerance and hatred in any form. Its exhibits offer a stark reminder of the fragility of freedom and the importance of vigilance in protecting it. Beyond its historical significance, the Frihedsmuseet also serves as a platform for education and dialogue, hosting lectures, workshops, and events that promote tolerance and understanding.
30- Exploring Copenhagen With a 100% Free Walking Tour
To go on a guided walking tour of a city is probably the best way to quickly get a lot of information and learn about the city’s culture and history. It usually costs money to go on guided tours, and that can easily escalate for those who visit in larger groups or families and can be a big expense. However, what’s very positive about Copenhagen is that guided tours are organised with no fees. If you’re lucky with the guide, you’ll be able to learn about the many hidden gems of Copenhagen.
You can find free guided walking tours in Copenhagen, and what’s usually focused on is interesting stories about the Nazi occupation, the resistance movement, the history of Ströget, the Royal Family, the history of various squares and buildings and much more. More information can be found on the two websites.- https://freetourcommunity.com/tours/copenhagen/
- https://www.civitatis.com/en/copenhagen/free-renaissance-tour/
31- Tycho Brahe Planetarium
It’s said that “Films are best at the cinema”, but the question is whether or not this saying should be changed shortly to something like: “Films are best at the planetarium.” Anyway, planetarium films are something extraordinary, and at the Tycho Brahe Planetarium, you can sit back and see amazing films on a 1,000-square-metre “dome” surface.
The selection is quite varied, but most of the films that are shown in the dome have some connection to history or nature. For example, it has shown films about the Normandy invasion (D-Day) in the past and movies about the polar bears in the Arctic and also the Ice Age giants.
32- Café Tranquebar
There’s a café in the central part of the city that’s a little bit different; Café Tranquebar. The unique café is named after Denmark’s only colony in India (Tranaquebar in the state of Tamil Nadu) and what’s different from the classic coffee places is that Café Tranquebar is combined with a bookstore. Most of the books are travel books and guides but there’s also ordinary literature from different destinations and countries all over the world.
You can also find products such as textiles, art objects, beers, wines and other curiosities from several countries. If you like travelling, reading and drinking coffee you should definitely visit Café Tranquebar during your stay in Copenhagen.
33- Ordrupgaard
Ordrupgaard is an art museum located in the north of Copenhagen that focuses on French impressionism and the Danish Golden Age. Some of the world-renowned artists displayed there their works in museums like Monet, Gauguin and Hammershøi.
Apart from the art behind the museum doors, the entire area surrounding Ordrupgaard is an attraction in itself and well worth a visit. The architecture of the main building, combined with the beautiful surroundings, make Ordrupgaard a place you could visit only for relaxation—without any compulsion to go in and look at the art exhibitions.
References
- https://www.statista.com/statistics/709607/number-guests-tivoli-gardens-denmark/
- https://thetravelinggardener.com/2011/tivoli-gardens-yes-there-are-gardens-in-copehnagens-tivoli-gardens/
- https://english.alarabiya.net/life-style/art-and-culture/2022/02/09/Danish-court-ups-fine-on-newspaper-for-Little-Mermaid-copyright-violation
