In the north of Europe lies Copenhagen, one of Scandinavia’s most important cities and one of the continent’s oldest. It is a pleasant place to visit thanks to its moderate weather with higher temperatures and more sunlight than the rest of Scandinavia. In ages past it was a Viking port, nowadays it’s one of the safest and most peaceful cities on Earth.

Modern architecture, the oldest royal tradition in the world, cultural wealth, a sustainable way of life, and a bustling food scene. There is a lot waiting for you in the Danish Capital. So, if you’re wondering what to do in Copenhagen, read on!

1. Copenhagen Sights to See

Copenhagen is claimed to be Scandinavia’s most relaxing city. A friendly street-life and a unique café culture wrapped within the beautiful design of the city will make you want to never leave again.

Tivoli Gardens

A famous amusement park, and one of the top attractions in Copenhagen, is located about a two-minute walk from the central train station. This is the second oldest amusement park in the world, open since 1843. There are more than twenty rides waiting for you including the Rutschebanen,one of the oldest wooden roller coasters in the world. Dozens of places to eat, live entertainment and beautiful gardens which blend different styles for a unique nostalgic yet exotic feeling. It is also organised so that it looks and feels different in every season. During Christmas it is like something out of a Disney movie, because Walt Disney himself used to come to Tivoli for inspiration!

The Round Tower

The Round Tower (Rundetårn) is a 36-meter-high tower built as an observatory in the 17th century. It is the oldest functioning observatory in Europe. It was built to continue the great Tycho Brahe’s astronomical research after his passing. Inside, the tower hall hosts exhibitions of art, science and history. Outside there is an outdoor platform from which the view of Copenhagen is picturesque. There is also a floating glass floor, suspended 25 metres above ground, from where you can peer into the tower’s core.

Kastellet & Little Mermaid Statue

Kastellet is a former citadel, dating back to 1625. It is well maintained and worth exploring because it is shaped like a pentagon and was one of the most formidable fortresses of its kind back in the day. Just above the citadel is the location of the Little Mermaid, a bronze sculpture created by Edvard Eriksen, a sculptor, in 1913, to honour a tale by Hans Christian Andersen, Copenhagen’s most famous author. The Disney animated movie of the same name was based on the original tale with many elements of the story being changed.

National Museum of Denmark

You must not miss the National Museum if you are interested in Danish history and culture. There you can learn everything about the country from thousands of years ago all the way up to the present day. Some of what is on display includes: runic stones, a sun chariot, Viking items and weaponry, items from Greenland and the Eskimos, architectural elements from around Europe, and much more. Interesting exhibits paint the story of the city’s and the country’s, history.

Christiansborg Palace

Christiansborg is an ancient site that has been important for more than 800 years, with the first castle dating as far back as 1167. It is the seat of the Danish government and the Royal House still uses several parts of it. Much of the palace is open to visitors, and sightseers get to see the grand interior as well as the remnants of bishop Absalon’s castle and the medieval fortress.

Christiania

Christiania started out as a hippy anarchist settlement more than 50 years ago and has today become one of Copenhagen’s most unique quarters. It isn’t for everyone but that’s exactly what makes it interesting. It is full of art galleries, music events, and beautiful scenery. There are unique bakeries and restaurants, underground music venues and soulful jazz bars. People get around with bikes instead of cars, and even horses trot about the place. There are handmade houses and even buildings too, and artistic graffiti is everywhere. The Freetown hosts some 3,000 events a year. It is free to enter and it is one of the most-visited tourist sites in Denmark.

Nyhavn

Nyhavn (New Harbour) was once a shady part of town, but it has transformed into a charming quarter of the city. It has featured in many images and movies of the city, with its beautifully painted gabled houses which house restaurants and cafes. Attractions include museum ships lying at anchor, an anchor memorial to Danish sailors who perished in World War II, and the (in)famous Bo-Bi Bar where people from all walks of Danish life mingle. Catamaran services operate to Sweden and various sightseeing rides can be taken around the harbour and the canal.

Botanical Garden

Established in the 17th century and located in the centre of the capital, the garden spans 10 hectares and is well-known for its many beautiful glasshouses dating from the 19th century. There are 27 glasshouses in total such as the new Butterfly House, where you experience butterflies’ lives and transformations, and the famous 16 meter tall Palm House, which is an architectural work of art. As for flora and fauna the garden contains more than 13,000 plant species from all over the world. There are various gardens such as: a rock garden with plants from mountainous areas, a rhododendron garden, a special air-conditioned greenhouse that can re-create environments suitable for Arctic plants and many others. There is also a cafe for people to take a break and drink the scenery in.

CopenHill

Also known as Amager Bakke Power Plant, this is a power plant which turns local waste by incineration into low-carbon energy. On top of which is an artificial ski slope and recreational facilities.

Like a ski resort, just without the snow, you can bring your own equipment to Copenhill or rent some from the local shop, where there are experts if you need help. There is even a café and after ski bar, for when you need a breather.

Another claim to fame is CopenHill’s roof. There’s also the breathtaking view that CopenHill makes possible, a lone mountain in a flat land. On top of all this there is also a crossfit area, and a 490-metre-long hiking and running trail within a garden.

What truly makes this architectural feat stand out is that all of these facilities rest upon a large power plant. Actually, two-thirds of the facility’s floor space is used for trash incineration. The plant converted roughly 440,000 tons of garbage into electricity for 30,000 households and heating for 72,000 households, in 2018. Every time 250 kg of trash is spent, water vapour is released from the chimney, which not only makes the air cleaner but is a sign that the facility is doing its important job.

National Aquarium Denmark – Den Blå Planet

Northern Europe’s largest aquarium, it houses thousands of marine animals and contains 7 million litres of water.

The aquarium building is shaped like a whirlpool, which is impressive by itself, but the true beauty lies inside. The structure is divided into 5 different sections, from the cold waters of the Northern Pacific to the warmer waters of the coral reef and the marine life of Africa, culminating in the beautiful Ocean Tank.

The Ocean tank is the centrepiece of the aquarium and contains different kinds of sharks and stingrays, as well as eels and other fish, it alone contains 1, 000, 000 litres of water. There are all kinds of facts to learn and professional personnel to teach you about the importance of the world’s oceans. It’s a must-see destination for families, and everyone interested in sea life.

Øresund Bridge

In its own right, Øresund Bridge is a spectacular sight and an engineering marvel connecting Denmark with Sweden.

Few cities can claim to be a link between two countries. Copenhagen and Malmo are two such cities. The Øresund bridge is a work of architectural and engineering wonder. At a mass of 82,000 tonnes, held up by two 204m-long metal pylons and stretching for 16km, including its underground, undersea, tunnel section, it is one of the longest bridges in Europe.

As if this wasn’t enough, to connect the bridge and tunnel an artificial island had to be created. In the middle of the Øresund Strait. The man-made island was built from Swedish rock and the soil dredged up during the bridge and tunnel construction. It is called Peberholm and it is a designated nature reserve. With more than 500 different species of plant on it, the island is also home to various rare insects and spiders as well as the rare green toad and it is a popular breeding ground for birds.

This bridge has created the Øresund Region and has done so much for Swedes and Danes that it was celebrated with its own TV series, The Bridge, which became an international hit.

Copenhagen Zoo

Founded in 1859, it is one of the oldest zoos in Europe. It comprises 11 hectares and houses more than 4,000 animals. From polar bears to giraffes, the Zoo provides a journey through the animal kingdom and the landscape is even divided into different parts of the world with animals spread out accordingly. There are many places to have delicious food in the fresh air and lots of facts to learn about various wild animals.

2. Fun Activities to Do in Copenhagen

Copenhagen has tons of fun things to do! There are canal tours for a cool view of the city’s canals and lots to learn about its history. CopenHill lets you ski and snowboard in the city, plus it has a great trail with a cafe at the top. Biking is super popular here, thanks to flat terrain and great bike paths. Amager Beach Park is the main beach spot with pools and a sandy beach, while Svanemølle and Bellevue Beach offer unique features like a long swimming pier and a peaceful atmosphere.

3. Day Trips From Copenhagen

Copenhagen’s strategic location is perfect for exciting day trips to nearby attractions.

One popular destination is the historic city of Roskilde, home to the impressive Roskilde Cathedral and the fascinating Viking Ship Museum.

A short train ride away, Helsingør offers a visit to Kronborg Castle, famously known as the setting for Shakespeare’s Hamlet, with its impressive Renaissance architecture.

For a taste of Sweden, venture to Malmö via the Øresund Bridge, exploring its modern architecture, parks, and the iconic Turning Torso skyscraper.

Nature enthusiasts can head to the UNESCO-listed Stevns Klint cliffs, known for their geological significance and scenic beauty.

Frederiksborg Castle in Hillerød, surrounded by beautiful gardens and a lake, is another captivating day trip option. Additionally, the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, located along the coast, provides a cultural escape with its stunning art collection and picturesque surroundings.

4. What’s on in Copenhagen

Christmas Market(s)

Copenhagen is mystical during the festive season thanks to its many Christmas activities and its charm. Simply the must-do activity at this time of year is to stroll through the various Christmas markets and experience the city in all its festive wintery glory.

Hans Christian Andersen Christmas Market – H.C. Andersen Christmas market is a family destination, with stalls named after the famous Dane’s fairy tales, decorations, a caravan, a carousel and its very own Santa. There are many different beers on offer too of course, as well as mulled wine and hot chocolate.

Kongens Nytorv Christmas Market – Right in the historic center of the city is Kongens Nytorv, and its Christmas market. There are a large number of stalls and the food is more varied than elsewhere, sandwiches, sausages and fish along with the seasonal food on offer. There is also the beautiful view to take in of the architecture and decorations of the nearby hotels and department stores.

Tivoli Gardens Christmas market – Christmas in the Tivoli Gardens, or simply Tivoli, is a treasured tradition amongst Copenhageners and one of the absolute best Christmas markets in the city. Santa Claus will be there to welcome children to fun rides and a Christmas market filled with seasonal gifts, decorations, and sweets of all kinds and shapes and sizes. The ancient gardens will be chock-full of fancy wooden houses offering food, reindeer, decorative lights, and snow everywhere.

Dining Week

This is Scandinavia’s biggest restaurant festival and the perfect opportunity to try Danish cuisine

Every year, on the seventh week of that year, for about a week, more than 200 Danish restaurants participate in the festival. During this time the restaurants serve a three-course menu for a reduced price. These menus are specifically made for the festival, so that is the only time when they can be tried. This festival has become so popular that it has spread beyond Copenhagen. The tickets sell fast so it’s important to buy them on the restaurant websites in well in advance.

Winter Jazz

Winter Jazz is a celebration of jazz music across the whole country with some 600 concerts all over Denmark. In the capital, you can enjoy many jazz concerts featuring both national and international talent.

There is a lot of variety among the concerts, size-wise. From formal orchestras and full-blown concerts at the biggest venues, to smaller affairs such as a bar and restaurant gigs.

Some of the concerts are free while others require a ticket, usually available online.

Light Festival

Copenhagen Light Festival is a beautiful expression of Nordic artistic spirit. The theme of this festival is to light up the capital during wintery February’s darkness.

In February, for the second year in a row, beautiful light installations fill the city as the festival gets into full swing. During this time all manners of different light installations light up many parts of the city. Different kinds of lights illuminating the city is the idea. Not only physical works of art, but projected light too, on buildings, on nature, towards the clouds too! Crowds gather often and all around the city, there are light projections on the canals and boats too. And somehow, most of the sights are free.

Copenhagen Marathon

The city is flat, so the Marathon which is a round course running through the most scenic parts of town, makes it perfect for this kind of event. The architecture and the layout of the structures is a work of art in itself. Seeing all this while fighting the sun and fatigue makes it all the more interesting. There are about 100 000 spectators of the Marathon every year, the crowd is huge and supportive! Last but not least is the competitive challenge. Pitting yourself against hundreds of other people is exhilarating and fun, especially at a huge event like this!

5. What to Eat In Copenhagen

Copenhagen has made New Nordic Cuisine popular, with its focus on local, seasonal ingredients, but that is not all there is to the culinary wealth of the city. There are many different food scenes within the city, sometimes they even mix to produce something new, regardless of where you turn, the food is delicious. On one side there are high-end restaurants with multiple Michelin stars, on the other there are hot-dog stands, burger joints and family run restaurants, in-between there is a lot of creativity, but on every side there are delicious things to try.

Rød pølse (red sausage) is classically served inside a fresh bun with ketchup and mustard on top. To this, customers can add many different types of ingredients and there are many other types of sausages and buns on offer in the city.

Falafel is a traditionally Egyptian dish, very popular in Denmark. These are deep-fried balls, made from ground chickpeas, or fava beans. Herbs, spices, and onion are added to the dough. It is served with lettuce, tomato and garlic sauce. Some restaurants mix the Middle Eastern ingredients with Scandinavian ones to create new and delicious combinations.

Frikadeller are Danish meatballs and they are one of the most popular traditional dishes. They’re usually fried with butter and served with boiled potatoes or vegetables. Nothing fancy, yet they have their own unique taste.

Fiskefrikadeller, or Danish fish cakes. These are a mix of white fish, parsley lemon, pepper, onion, and salt. Served cucumber and remoulade, a special Danish sauce. Locals love this delicacy.

Smørrebrød is a traditional open-face sandwich. The basis is rye bread, with either fish or meat, some vegetables, and sauce on top. That is the traditional style, nowadays the topping options are endless. This is a Copenhagen speciality. Many establishments have their own unique take on this delicious simple dish.

Where to Eat In Copenhagen

Here are some of the top places to visit for a great culinary experience in the capital.

For a break from the norm, try Gorilla, a big restaurant divided into a bar area and a dining area with roots in Mediterranean cuisine. If you enjoyed the city’s hot dogs, step the experience up a notch by visiting John’s Hotdog Deli takes the humble fast food staple and raises it into a different class with quality ingredients. Head to Restaurant Retour if you’re looking for steak, the menus are simple and the quality is top notch.

If you like seafood, try Kødbyens Fiskebar. This bar is all about fish and seafood, there is good wine, and a unique layout. For a simple yet delicious meal and a special experience you can visit Sliders, one of the best burger bars in town. Another of the best burger places in Copenhagen is Tommi’s Burger Joint, a hip restaurant that serves home-made burgers with fries.

Visit Falafel Factory, if you, like many Copenhageners, enjoy this Middle Eastern delicacy and want to see in just how many ways it can be prepared. For a Mexican experience visit La Neta, an authentic taqueria offering rich and spicy food with delicious craft beer. If you want to go with something familiar try BÆST, a restaurant serving Italian meals made from Danish, local, organic ingredients.

Last but definitely not least is Noma. A world-famous restaurant that has been nominated world’s best four times. It is known for New Nordic cuisine, which has brought well earned attention to the Nordic region’s gastronomy. The restaurant also holds two Michelin stars. All of this means that it is world class in quality, and price. If you’re planning to visit, book a reservation months in advance as the restaurant is very in-demand.

6. Copenhagen by Night

Copenhagen has one of the best nightlife scenes in Northern Europe. Thanks to its inventive food and craft beer culture, lots of clubbing options and the friendliness of the locals – a night out in the Danish capital can easily be a night to remember.

If beer is what you’re looking for then Mikkeller Bar has you covered. This well-known bar is a favourite of beer lovers, it serves locally-brewed draft beers in a stylish minimalist setting. Anyone who like beer needs to visit Taphouse, a legendary bar. It lives up to its name because it offers 61 taps of the best beer available in the city. Another noteworthy place is Warpigs. A brew pub that with 22 taps of delicious craft beer, doubling as a restaurant serving Texas-style barbecue. If you are looking for a more laid back atmosphere and great cocktails, visit Ruby. This bar is an integral part of the city’s cocktail scene and has won international awards.

When you want to enjoy some music you must visit Culture Box, one of the country’s most famous nightclubs and the most prominent venue for electronic music. On weekends local talent and international talent shines as the best artists play their tunes. Another spot is Jolene, a popular bar with live music and DJs. It is industrial yet fancy and surrounded by other popular nightspots. There is also Joy, a sister bar to Jolene. Another ‘music-focused bar’ that draws trendy crowds. Live music and DJs playing many different genres all somehow fitting under one roof.

7. How to Get to Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a center of transportation in Denmark, very well connected to the rest of the country and internationally. Especially to Sweden with the Øresund Bridge.

By Plane

Copenhagen Airport is your best choice. It is located less than fifteen minutes by metro or train from the centre of Copenhagen. It is one of Europe’s oldest and best airports.

By Train

It’s possible to take a train from Sweden or Germany directly to Copenhagen, and other countries too.

The train runs directly to Copenhagen Central Station in the centre of the city. There you will find buses, taxis, local S-trains and regional trains. They can take you to other areas of Denmark, Sweden and most of Europe as well as the airport. Popular international destinations include: Malmö, Copenhagen, and London.

By Ferry

As the capital of a seafaring nation, Copenhagen is intertwined with its surroundings. Several major tour operators run ferry and cruise services to Copenhagen from other major European destinations, such as Scandlines, Color Line, Fjord Line and Stena Line. The ferry port is located in the Indre By district on the northern coast of the city.

By Bus

The Danish capital is a very popular tourist destination all year round. It is well-connected to cities such as Oslo, Hamburg, Stockholm and Malmö. The central station which also serves international buses is Hovedbanegården.

By Car

Copenhagen has a large network of toll-free motorways and public roads connecting the city together and to Northern Europe. The E20 road connects Copenhagen to Sweden. The E45, E47 and E55 roads connect the Denmark and its capital to Germany and the rest of Europe.

8. Public Transportation in Copenhagen (Getting Around)

Public transit in the Danish capital is efficient and there are many different modes of transportation. It is inexpensive and easy to use. You can pay in cash at a machine in a metro or train station, or in person on a bus.

Copenhagen also has a great cost saving scheme for its guests, the Copenhagen Card.

The card gives guests unlimited access to public transportation for the duration of the card. It also gives free admission, for one visit, to all major attractions in the city. You can buy a card for 1, 2, 3, or 4 days. At first glance the card is expensive, but the benefits definitely outweigh the costs. Another benefit is that visitors can order the card online and pick it up on arrival to the city.

Public Bus

There are three types of public buses in Copenhagen, A, S and N.

A-buses are the primary buses in central Copenhagen and they operate at all hours and stop at every bus stop.

S-buses are faster because they have fewer stops. They usually serve between 06:00 in the morning and 01:00 at night.

Lastly there are N, or night buses. They serve between 01:00 and 05:00 at night. Visitors can recognise the stops by the grey colour of the bus stop signs.

Harbour Bus

The harbour buses run in both directions from Teglholm in the south of the city to Refshaleøen in the north. The tickets for normal buses are valid on the harbour buses too. Taking one of these is a great way to see the city from the water and to tour the harbours. It is also an efficient way to get from Nyhavn harbour to the food court of Reffen.

Metro

Copenhagen’s bustling metro is efficient and beautiful, and can take you to most parts of the city quickly. Reaching Nørrebrø, Vesterbrø, Frederiksberg, Osterbrø or other areas of Copenhagen, is a breeze. Here is the map of the metro routes.

Metro trains run around the clock, with a frequency of two to four minutes in peak times, three to six minutes during the day and on weekends, and seven to twenty minutes at night.

When you buy a ticket, you pay for the number of zones you drive in, including the zone where your trip starts. However, you’ll pay a maximum of three zones, even if the metro runs in zones 1-4.

Taxi

Visitors can hail taxis from the street and there are ranks at various points around the city. All taxis have a meter and a start up fee, most accept major credit cards. If the taxi is hailed on the street the start up fee is DKK 24, if you call for one from the central it can go as high as DKK 50.

Car

Exploring the city of Copenhagen with a car shouldn’t be a problem, since the traffic is moderate and the drivers are respectable.

Cycling

The easiest way to get around Copenhagen is with a bicycle, since the environment-friendly city has plenty of bike lanes and paths. The city provides parking places for cyclists everywhere they go, whether it’s a park, shopping mall, or arena.

There are electric bikes on offer, too! Thanks to a city project called Bycyklen, which is a network of electric bikes all over the city that can be rented from the street.

Ordinary bikes can be rented from, for example, Donkey rental bikes, of course.

9. Where to Stay In Copenhagen

There is no shortage of places to stay in Copenhagen, from high-end luxury hotels to family run apartments, there’s somewhere for everyone to stay.

10. Shopping in Copenhagen

Denmark is famous for its design and craftsmanship. The capital of the nation is full of shops, in the streets, in squares, everywhere. There’s something for every budget. Thanks to the city’s walkability and excellent infrastructure, it’s a breeze to check out the malls and department stores.

Strøget is the place you want to go to find and buy almost anything. This car free, 1.1 kilometre long shopping street is the longest pedestrian shopping area in the whole of Europe. It’s an attraction all on its own.

Operating since 1891, ILLUM is one of the most prestigious department stores in Denmark. It is located in the city center and features a wonderful rooftop, where bars and restaurants allow visitors to take a break and enjoy the view.

Fisketorvet is the third largest shopping mall in Denmark. Inside are more than 90 shops, more than a dozen restaurants and cafés and 14 cinema halls. The shopping mall integrates excellently into the city thanks to cycling infrastructure with millions of people having shopped here since it opened in 2000.

11. Useful Contacts

Country dialling code: +45

Tourist Info Copenhagen: +45 70 22 24 42

Emergency: + 45 112

Police: +45 114

Hospital: +45 35 45 35 45

Medical Advice: +45 1813

Pharmacy, open 24/7, Pharmacie Steno: +45 33 14 82 66

Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in Copenhagen?

Yes, tap water in Copenhagen is safe to drink as it meets Denmark’s strict quality standards. The water, sourced from underground aquifers and treated thoroughly, undergoes regular testing to ensure its safety!

Is Copenhagen a Safe City?

Copenhagen is generally considered a safe city. Denmark, including its capital Copenhagen, consistently ranks high in global safety and quality of life indexes. The city actually has low crime rates compared to many other international destinations!

How Many Days Are Enough for Copenhagen?

Spending 3 days in Copenhagen is just right. You can check out the main places to see and also have some free time to chill and explore the city on your own.

How Much Money Do I Need for 3 Days in Copenhagen?

For a 3-day trip to Copenhagen, plan on spending around 1,900 to 3,200 Danish krone per day, covering accommodation, meals, local transportation, and some sightseeing.

What Type of Plug Do They Use in Denmark?

Denmark uses the Type C two-pin plug like most other European countries. So, no need to worry if you suddenly find your phone battery at 2%!

What Is Hygge?

A Danish concept that is tricky to translate into English. One way to describe it is the sense of contentment that people get when they are with friends and family. Another way to describe it is the cosiness people feel when they are having a good time with loved ones. Yet another way to describe it is plain old “fun” when people are doing interesting and engaging activities with others. It means that Danes take social gatherings and time with others so seriously they have a special word for it. So come to Denmark and have a hyggelig time!

What About LEGO®?

A Dane, Ole Kirk Christiansen, invented the world-famous LEGO® brick in the town of Billund in 1949. Today, families can visit the original LEGOLAND® for a fun experience. The name LEGO® is an abbreviation of “Leg godt” which is Danish for “to play well”.

What About Bike Culture in Copenhagen?

Cycling is part of the culture. One reason is that Denmark is a very flat country. Another reason is that regular exercise can contribute enormously to your sense of well-being and happiness. It is no coincidence that many Danes are cyclists, in an everyday sense. They kill two birds, the commute and exercise, with one stone, in a fun, healthy way.

More than 50% of Copenhageners cycle to and from work every day.

Copenhageners cycle about 3km every day which adds up to Danes cycling 35 times around the world every day in Copenhagen!

Copenhagen Travel Guide: Best Tips For The Amazing Danish City