All the things to do and see in Copenhagen

Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, is a city both historic and modern, where royal architecture rubs shoulders with trendy, innovative districts. Its picturesque canals, verdant parks and ubiquitous bicycle paths make it a pleasant city to explore on foot or by bike.

Here’s a list of the 25 best things to do in Copenhagen.

Top 25 places to visit and things to do


Tivoli Copenhagen by night

1. Tivoli Gardens

Tivoli Gardens, open since 1843, is a must-see. Nestled in the heart of the city, this park offers the perfect escape for a relaxing stroll.

It’s also a historic amusement park featuring roller coasters, traditional rides and a variety of shows. The gardens are illuminated at night, creating a magical atmosphere ideal for an evening out in Copenhagen.

👉 Find out more about the different tickets and book your tickets for Tivoli Gardens – 🧒 Family


nyhavn copenhagen district

2. The colorful Nyhavn district

Nyhavn is the district not to be missed, the picture postcard of Copenhagen. It’s famous for its colorful houses and historic boats lining the canal.

Stroll along its quays, sample local specialties in the many restaurants and cafés, and enjoy the lively, picturesque atmosphere of the district.

🎨 More information on Nyhavn.


boat copenhagen

3. A canal boat cruise

This is the activity to do on your vacation in Copenhagen. A boat cruise on Copenhagen’s canals offers a unique perspective on the city from the water. You’ll pass iconic landmarks such as the Little Mermaid statue, Christiansborg Palace and the royal residence of Amalienborg.

👉 Information and reservations to book the best boat cruise in Copenhagen. 🧒 Family


Little Mermaid Copenhagen

4. Admire the Little Mermaid

The Little Mermaid statue, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale, is an iconic symbol of Copenhagen. Located on the waterfront, it attracts thousands of visitors every year.

🌟 Our advice: Go early in the morning to avoid the crowds and enjoy the peace and quiet.

Find out more about Copenhagen’s Little Mermaid.


Rosenborg Castle copenhagen

5. Discover Rosenborg Castle

Located in the heart of the capital, it houses Denmark’s royal treasures, including crowns and jewels. The castle’s Renaissance architecture and magnificent gardens make it a must for a leisurely stroll in Copenhagen.

👑 Find out more about Rosenborg Castle.


Christiania The Giants The Trolls by Thomas Dambo Copenhagen

6. Explore the self-managed district of Christiania

Christiania is a unique self-managed community known for its free spirit and alternative culture. Stroll its colorful streets and discover original artworks and buildings.

🌿Find out more about the Christiania district.


Christiansborg palace Copenhagen

7. Christiansborg Palace: the Danish parliament

Located on the island of Slotsholmen in Copenhagen, it is a historic building and an important political center in Denmark. The palace houses the Danish Parliament, the Prime Minister’s office and the Supreme Court of Denmark. It is open to the public.

👀Christiansborg Tower, Copenhagen’s tallest tower, offers a panoramic view of the city (free visit).

More information about Christiansborg Palace. 🧒 Family



Amalienborg

8. Visit Amalienborg Palace

The official residence of the Danish royal family, it’s a must-see. Watch the changing of the guard every day at noon and explore the palace museums to immerse yourself in Denmark’s royal history.

🌟 Our tip: Arrive early to get a good seat for the changing of the guard. More information for your visit to Amalienborg Palace. 🧒 Family


Nyboder district Copenhagen orange houses + bicycle

9. Discover Copenhagen by bike

Explore Copenhagen by bike on a three-hour guided tour of the city’s must-see sights. Accompanied by a guide, ride along the bike paths and admire the Little Mermaid, Christiansborg Palace and the alternative district of Christiania.

The tour also includes stops at Rosenborg Castle, Amalienborg Palace and the colorful port of Nyhavn. An ideal experience for visiting Copenhagen like a local.

🚲 More information on the Copenhagen bike tour (in French, German, Spanish, English and Dutch)


Copenhagen Botanical Gardens

10. Botanical garden

The Copenhagen Botanic Garden is a haven of peace, showcasing a fine collection of plants from all over the world, including thousands of rare and endangered species.

Part of the Natural History Museum of Denmark, the garden features various exhibitions.

🌿 More information on the free visit to the Botanical Gardens. 🧒 Copenhagen with your family


Statens Museum for Kunst copenhagen

11. Statens Museum for Kunst

The Kunstmuseum (or Statens Museum for Kunst) is Denmark’s national museum of fine art, located in Copenhagen. It houses a vast collection of European and Danish art, ranging from old masters such as Rembrandt to modern and contemporary works.

🧒 Suitable for families


Rundetaarn round tower

12. Visit the Round Tower (Rundetårn)

The Round Tower, or Rundetårn, is one of Copenhagen’s most emblematic landmarks. Built in the 17th century, the tower is distinguished by its unique spiral ramp leading to the top. Climbing the 209-meter ramp, you’re rewarded with a spectacular panoramic view of the city.

The tower’s observatory, Europe’s oldest in operation, attracts many amateur astronomers and the curious. Further information on Rundetårn Tower. 🧒 Family


Reffen

13. Reffen food truck

For an off-the-beaten-track experience, discover Reffen’s open-air food court. Numerous food trucks are grouped together in one place to satisfy everyone’s tastes, and tables and chairs are available. The atmosphere is cool and relaxed, and on some evenings you can enjoy live music.

🌅 Go there at sunset, and you’ll be able to admire the historic center in the distance!


Kastellet citadel copenhagen

14. Walking in Kastellet

Kastellet is a well-preserved star-shaped citadel surrounded by moats and parks. It’s an ideal spot for a quiet stroll with views over the city.


Nyboder district Copenhagen orange houses

15. Nyboder and its yellow houses

Discover the charming yellow houses of Nyboder, a historic district in Indre By. Built in the 17th century to house sailors from the Royal Danish Navy, these houses offer a glimpse into the town’s past.

📷 Far from the usual tourist trails, Nyboder is a haven of tranquillity with its cobbled streets and lined houses. It’s the place to be for photography enthusiasts.


Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek museum copenhagen

16. Relaxing at Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek

This art museum is a real treasure trove, with its collections of antiques, sculptures and paintings. The winter garden is a wonderful place to relax. The museum is located right next to the Tivoli Gardens.

Our advice: The Egyptian and Roman collections are particularly impressive.

Find out more about the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek museum.


Superkilen Park Copenhagen

17. Superkilen Park, Nørrebro district

Parc Superkilen is a unique, colorful urban space celebrating Copenhagen’s cultural diversity. The park is distinguished by its globally inspired design, with elements such as fountains from Morocco and benches from Brazil. It’s a meeting place for the people of Nørrebro.

🌟 Superkilen attracts both skateboarders and photography enthusiasts. 🧒 Family


Activities Passion Copenhagen

18. Visit the National Museum of Denmark

One of Copenhagen’s must-see museums, it offers a journey through the country’s history, with exhibits ranging from the Stone Age to modern times. Interactive activities and reconstructions make it an interesting place for all ages.

Allow at least half a day to explore this richly varied museum. All our tips for visiting the National Museum of Denmark.


Activities Passion Copenhagen

19. Our Savior Church

The Our Savior church (Vor Frelsers Kirke), in Copenhagen’s Christiana district, is famous for its impressive spiral bell tower, offering an exceptional panoramic view of the city.

Climbing the 400 steps to the top of the steeple, the last of which are outside, is an unforgettable experience offering breathtaking views of Copenhagen.


Activities Passion Copenhagen

20. Try Danish specialities at Torvehallerne market

The Torvehallerne market is a gourmet’s paradise, with its stalls of fresh produce, local specialities and street food stalls. Buy a picnic lunch to enjoy in the nearby botanical gardens.

Our tip: Try smørrebrød, the famous Danish open-faced sandwich.


Danish Design Museum Copenhagen

21. Danish Design Museum

The Danish Design Museum is a veritable ode to the elegance and innovation of Scandinavian design.

Exhibitions spanning decades of creation highlight the global influence of Danish design, from iconic furniture to everyday objects. As you wander through the galleries, you can’t help but admire the ingenuity and sophisticated simplicity for which this must-see museum is renowned.

🧒 Family


Vesterbro copenhagen
Vesterbro copenhagen

22. Explore the Vesterbro district

Vesterbro is a trendy district known for its lively bars, trendy restaurants and original boutiques. It’s the ideal place to discover Copenhagen’s nightlife. It’s also the place to go swimming in Copenhagen.

🍹 More information on the Vesterbro district.


Christiansborg palace Copenhagen viewpoint

23. Stroll through Strøget

Strøget is one of Europe’s longest pedestrian streets, ideal for shopping and street entertainment. Lined with boutiques and cafés, this lively street offers a unique experience.


Royal Library Copenhagen

24. Royal Library

Copenhagen’s Royal Library, also known as the Black Diamond for its modern black granite architecture, is a true cultural gem. It houses a vast collection of books, manuscripts and historical documents.

👀 You won’t be able to miss it from the docks!


louisiana museum of modern art copenhagen

25. Visit the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art

Located outside the city, the Louisiana Museum is renowned for its exhibitions of modern and contemporary art. The waterfront setting and sculpture gardens add an original touch.

🌟 Tip: Take time to enjoy the gardens with their sea views. The temporary exhibitions are also worth a visit. Find out more about the Louisiana Museum.


malmo sweden

Bonus: A day in Malmö, Sweden

From Copenhagen, it’s just a 1-hour train ride to Malmö in Sweden, across the famous Øresund Bridge.

You’ll discover a vibrant city, where modernity and history blend harmoniously. A stroll through the cobbled streets of Gamla Staden, the historic district, will transport you into a warm, picturesque atmosphere.

🇸🇪 Our tips for visiting Malmö.


Chateau Frederiksborg Copenhagen

Bonus: Frederiksborg

Frederiksborg Castle is a Renaissance palace in Hillerød, north of Copenhagen.

Surrounded by lakes and breathtaking Baroque gardens, it is now home to Denmark’s National History Museum, a true plunge into Danish history through richly decorated rooms. Its impressive architecture, with elegant turrets and finely carved details, makes it one of the country’s most emblematic and picturesque castles.

More information about Frederiksborg Castle visit


Les Géants (Thomas Dambo's Trolls)

Bonus: Thomas’s forgotten giants

Go in search of Thomas Dambo’s forgotten giants, wooden sculptures hidden in the forests around Copenhagen.

🧒 It’s a fun adventure that will delight young and old alike.


Copenhagen activities map

To help you find your way around, here is a summary map of our discoveries in Copenhagen :

Where to book your activities and museums?

We recommend the Get Your Guide platform, an official reseller. It offers tickets at the same rates, with the advantage of flexible cancellation conditions, allowing refunds up to 24 hours before the activity.

Here are the activities and museums to book in advance of your stay, so you can choose your time slot.

Where to sleep in Copenhagen?

We’ve unearthed 3 little nuggets that offer excellent value for money, conveniently located, so you can enjoy the city without breaking the bank. The average budget for a night’s stay in Copenhagen is around €150.

📌 Remember to book your accommodation in advance, especially during school vacations.

hotel Wakeup Copenhagen

❤️ € Wakeup Copenhagen – Borgergade

  • Hotel coup de cœur
  • Economical and comfortable

📍 Located in the heart of the Indre By district (24-hour direct metro from the airport), many points of interest are within walking distance, including the Nyhavn canal and Christiansborg and Amalienborg palaces.

Activities Passion Copenhagen

❤️ € City Hub

  • Ideal for small budgets
  • Modern, well-designed cabins
  • Rated 9.3/10 on Booking

📍 Located in Vesterbro (direct train from the airport), minutes from Central Station, Tivoli, numerous museums, an excellent starting point for exploring the city on foot.

Hotel SP34 copenhagen

€ € Hotel SP34: Scandinavian design at its best

  • Scandinavian design hotel
  • Ideally located

📍 Located in the Indre By district, just a few minutes’ walk from the Tivoli gardens and the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek art museum.

Read our tips on how to use the Copenhagen citypass and save money!

Discover our ideal itinerary for a weekend in Copenhagen.

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