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By Monika

Best Things to See in Copenhagen: Top Attractions + Local Favorites.

Are you planning a trip to Copenhagen and wondering what to see?

Copenhagen is one of those cities that feels both historic and effortlessly modern at the same time. Colorful harbors, royal palaces, contemporary shops, cozy cafés, and green spaces all blend together to create a city that’s easy to love and even easier to explore. 

After visiting Copenhagen (and falling in love with it!), I’ve put together this guide to the very best things to see and do. 

It covers not only the famous highlights – like Nyhavn and Tivoli Gardens – but also local favorites, foodie spots, and unique experiences that make the city truly special.

Use this list to plan your perfect Copenhagen itinerary, whether you want to explore the city, dive into Danish food culture, or wander through centuries of history and soak up the hygge lifestyle!

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1. Explore Nyhavn

Nyhavn (the “New Harbor”) is one of Copenhagen’s most iconic spots – the most famous and most recognizable place in the city.

It’s a historic 17th-century waterfront district, lined by the colorful houses along the canal you’ll find on every Copenhagen postcard!  

It is also just a great place to just spend some time – enjoy the views of the canal with boats docked on the water, stroll along the cobblestone streets, check out the little cafes and restaurants, and of course – go souvenir shopping!

You can even grab a hot dog from one of many stands! More on Danish hot dogs a little later in this article.

Helpful hint: don’t miss Kongens Nytorv Square or “The King’s New Square” – it’s on the way to Nyhavn from the metro station by the same name as the square. You’ll recognize it by the statue of King Christian V on horseback in its center.

2. Go on a canal cruise

This is a must for any itinerary! If you must choose one Copenhagen experience, in my opinion, this is the one!

It’s a great way to explore the canal, see the harbor, and possibly some of the sights you may not see otherwise, like the Opera House or the Royal Library.

Tours depart right from Nyhavn. You check in at the ticket booth, and your guide will take you to the boat.

There are many different types of canal tours; however, a classic 1-hour canal tour is the most popular one. That’s what we chose and loved it!

You can sit inside or outside. If you choose the outside, just make sure to listen to the guide’s instructions when they tell you to duck under the bridges, as you’ll be passing under a few very low ones!

3. Rent a GoBoat

If you prefer your own canal adventure, rent a GoBoat!

We saw a lot of these little boats during our cruise and people seemed to have a great time! The boats have a built-in picnic table so you can have lunch on the water!

Learn more about GoBoat rentals on the official website

Did you know? You can swim in Copenhagen Harbor! The water is clean, and lifeguards monitor designated swimming areas. Learn more here.

4. See the Little Mermaid Statue

The Little Mermaid is an iconic bronze figure located at Langelinie Pier in Copenhagen Harbor, near Østerbro.

It was inspired by the famous fairytale “The Little Mermaid” written by Hans Christian Andersen and constructed in 1913.

Even though it’s a bit out of the way of the main tourist areas of Nyhavn and palaces and castles of Copenhagen (about 25-minute walk or a metro ride), it can get pretty crowded.

Helpful hint: you can see the statue from the canal cruise boat – not perfectly, as it’s mostly from the back, but the tours go right by it.

5. Visit Kastellet (the Citadel)

If you do make your way to the Little Mermaid, check out the Kastellet (the Citadel), which is about an 8-minute walk away.

It is now used as military barracks, but you can explore the park around the buildings, especially the area with the signature windmill.

6. Amalienborg Palace (& Changing of the Guard)

Currently, Amalienborg Palace is home to the Danish Royal Family.

This complex consists of 4 palace buildings around a large cobblestone courtyard with a statue of King Frederik V in the center.

It’s most famous for the Royal Guard and for most visitors the main attraction is watching the changing of the guards which takes place daily at noon.

Even if you miss it (like us!), the palace square is a must-visit.

You can visit the Amalienborg Palace Museum, located in one of the buildings around the courtyard. You’ll get access to the private chambers used by the Royal Family members as well as exhibits about the monarchy’s traditions and history.

Buy just the entry ticket or a guided tour departing from Nyhavn

Check the opening hours on the official website.

7. Frederick’s Church (Frederiks Kirke)

This church is located just a short walk away from also known as the “Marble Church” and you’ll easily recognize it by its signature green dome.

Its architecture was inspired by St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, and it’s considered to be the most impressive church in Copenhagen.

Even though originally designed to be built with marble, it was later switched to limestone, but the name remained.

The church is free to enter and the dome can also be visited for a small fee (50 DKK, equal to about $8) to get some great views of the area. Just check the official website for the opening hours

We did not climb the dome, just explored the church, which is beautiful.

8. Rosenborg Castle and the King’s Garden

This 17th-century castle was built as a summer residence for King Christian IV, complete with a moat and beautiful gardens.

Today, it’s the castle where you can see the art, the famous tapestries and other royal possessions on display, as well as the Crown Jewels in the Treasury located in the basement of the castle.

The main attraction is the Great Hall, where you can admire the coronation thrones.

Good to know: there is no signage naming the rooms or the art pieces – you NEED the free booklet available when you enter the castle to know where to go, where you are and what you’re looking at.

Make sure to buy your TIMED entry ticket in advance to avoid waiting in potentially long lines at the ticket window.

Check the opening hours on the official website.

The castle is surrounded by beautiful gardens (the King’s Garden), which became a very popular park in Copenhagen.

9. Botanical Gardens

You’ll find Copenhagen Botanical Gardens right next to Rosenborg Castle.

The gardens are known for their beautifully landscaped walking trails among over 13000 species of plants, many of them exotic, from all over the world.

The gardens are free to enter, except for the Palm House (the glass building in the photo above), for which you need a ticket.

The ticket also includes admission to Denmark’s Natural History Museum, located in the gardens.

To learn more about other museums in Copenhagen, read this guide to the top museums in Denmark’s Capital.

Helpful hint: many museums in Copenhagen are closed on Mondays!

10. Christiansborg Palace

It used to be home to the Royal Family, and now it houses the Danish Parliament, the Supreme Court and the Ministry of State.

Your entry ticket gives you access to all rooms that are open to the public, including the Reception Room where the King meets the officials from other countries, plus the stables, the kitchen, and the underground ruins.

You will be given boot covers by staff members before you enter the Reception Room.

The tickets are not timed; you can visit anytime within the opening hours.

Check the opening hours on the official website.

11. Climb to the top of the Round Tower (Rundetårn)

This 35-meter-tall tower was built in the 17th century by King Christian IV to serve as an Observatory and a place for the University Library and the Trinity Church.

Today, the Observatory is still in use and is the oldest one in Europe.

The most unique feature of the Round Tower is the spiral ramp that you climb to get to the top around its hollow core, instead of the stairs.

There are just a few stairs at the very end, before you reach the terrace for some amazing views of the city.

You can’t buy the tickets in advance – just show up and don’t get discouraged if you see a line – it moves fast! And the tower is worth the wait!

You can learn more about the history of the Round Tower on the official website.

My detailed guide to the Round Tower is COMING SOON – sign up for updates!

12. Go shopping at Strøget

Strøget is the main shopping street in Copenhagen, and at 1 km long, it’s the longest pedestrian street in Europe.

You’ll find a little bit of everything here: upscale shops, souvenir stores, restaurants, cafes, and even street performers.

Walking this street will give you a taste of modern Copenhagen.

You can reach it via one of the small side streets near the Round Tower and if you walk the entire length of it, you’ll get right back to Kongens Nytorv Park near Nyhavn.

13. Visit Freetown Christiania

Freetown Christiania is an independent neighborhood of Copenhagen, famous for being a hub for artists, hippies, and others wanting to live a less conventional, alternative free-spirited lifestyle.

What started out as a social experiment in the abandoned military barracs is now a commune-like, colorful neighborhood.

You can visit on your own, like we did, or take one of the tours given by local Christiania residents.

They run daily at 3 pm between July and August and depart from just inside the main gate. The cost is 85 DKK ($14) per person, paid in cash to the guide.

If you’re visiting outside of summer months, consider this Christiania & Christianshavn Guided Walking Tour.

You may be looking at the slightly run-down buildings covered in graffiti and wondering if it’s safe – it is!

We were there at the end of the day, along with many other tourists, and never felt uneasy for any reason. On the contrary, there was something about this area that made it feel very peaceful.

You may have heard advice to avoid taking pictures on Pusher Street (illegal cannabis selling spot) – that is no longer the case!

We happened to be there a week later and saw the beginnings of this process.

When my daughter came back a year after that, it was just another fun street in Christiania, with the “no photos” signs on the buildings being the only reminder of what it used to be.

14. Church of Our Saviour (Vor Freslers Kirke)

Church of Our Saviour is located in Christianshavn, very close to Freetown Christiania.  It’s best known for the serpentine spire, towering over other buildings in the area.

You can climb the 400 stairs to the top of the tower (150 of them on the outside of the spire – so it’s not for the faint of heart!) but I recommend you purchase the tickets online in advance or you may not be able to enter.

The number of people allowed in the tower is strictly controlled for safety reasons.

We did not climb the spire – we didn’t buy advance tickets and would have had to wait close to two hours to enter, so we skipped that part.

15. Try Smørrebrød at Torvehallerne Food Market

Torvehallerne is Copenhagen’s iconic food market, where you’ll find numerous stalls with fresh produce, specialty foods, but also small shops and local bars/cafes where you can try some of the best Danish delicacies.

One of the must-try foods is “Smørrebrød” – a famous Danish open sandwich, made with dark rye bread and served with different toppings. Pickled herring is one of the more traditional ones, but you can choose from many different ones.

16. Have a Danish hot dog (pølse)

You may be thinking – what’s so special about a hot dog???

Well, Denmark is quite famous for its hot dog carts and stands (pølsevogn), and eating one is just as much of a cultural experience as it is in Iceland!

Craving more traditional Danish food? Book a food tour and try Danish classic dishes and more!

17. Try pastries from Skt. Peders Bageri 

This is the oldest bakery in Copenhagen and is best known for its cinnamon rolls, but it sells, a wide selection of sweet treats, breads and pastries.

Another bakery to try is Andersen Bakery – not only does it have delicious pastries, but also a very interesting story going back to 1959, with a Japanese tourist as a main character!

If you’d like to taste traditional Danish pastries and learn about their history, book a Danish Pastry Tasting Tour.

18. Visit Reffen Street Food Park

Reffen is the largest street food market in Northern Europe.

Home to not only food stalls and cafes serving food from all over the world, but is also ,a place for concerts, festivals and other events.

A perfect place to try some international food and relax in one of the waterfront lounge chairs. There is some indoor seating, but most visitors prefer to sit outside. There are fire pits to keep you warm on cooler nights.

Our daughter loved the African, Nepalese, and Afghan dishes she tried here. There are so many more to choose from, including allergy-friendly options.

Learn more about Reffen here.

19. Get a burger from Gasoline Grill

What started out as a simple burger shack inside a gas station has grown into a well-known burger institution, valued for its high-quality beef and fresh organic ingredients.

Gasoline Grill now has a few locations in Copenhagen (including Tivoli Gardens Amusement Park!), often with a line of hungry customers – they move quickly and are worth the wait!

20. Dine at a Michelin-star restaurant

Copenhagen is a foodie heaven! There are many 1-, 2- and ever 3-Michelin star restaurants in the city! One of the most popular ones is Noma, but there are many more.

Read this article for a full list of Michelin-starred restaurants in Copenhagen.

21. Visit Tivoli Gardens amusement park

Want more fun for your visit? Go to Tivoli Gardens – the second oldest amusement park in the world!

Enjoy rides, live performances, beautiful gardens and good food!

Important: Tivoli is a seasonal park, only open in late spring and summer (mid-April to mid-September), so plan your visit accordingly.

Even if amusement parks are not your thing, you can purchase just an entry ticket to the park, without any ride passes.

And if you only want to go on a few rides, you can buy individual tickets instead of an all-day pass – I love that flexibility!

You can book your tickets on the official website or here. 

You can get to Tivoli by taking the metro (blue line) from Kongens Nytorv – ride 2 stops and the walk about 5 minutes.

Helpful tip: download the Tivoli App and you’ll be able to purchase ride tickets, see the park maps, book a table at one of the restaurants but most importantly – you’ll get your ride photos for FREE!

22. Visit Bakken 

If you want to visit the oldest amusement park in the world, go to Bakken!

This small historic park is located just 10 minutes outside the city and has rides, arcades, shops, cafes AND an 82-year-old wooden rollercoaster!

You do pay for the rides but the entry is FREE!

Check the official website for opening times, ride ticket prices and information.

23. Copenhagen Zoo

A quick train ride will get you a bit outside of the city, where you can meet over 400 animals!

Learn more about the park and book your tickets here.

24. Visit Glaecier Sauna

Want to experience a Scandinavian sauna?

Glaecier Spa is located right along the canal and while it usually requires membership to enter, on Tuesday evenings it opens its door to the public.

25. Take a day trip from Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a great base for some amazing day trips. Visit Lund and Malmö in Sweden, Møns Klint and Forest Tower or Kronborg & Frederiksborg Castles and Roskilde Cathedral

How to get around Copenhagen

Metro & buses

Public transportation in Copenhagen is great.

You can easily get to the city from the airport using the metro and then continue using the metro, along with the, buses, to move between various attractions.

You can buy metro tickets right at the airport – there is a large area with ticket vending machines for metro, train and buses.

If you run into any trouble, there are attendants there ready to help.

They are also sold at any metro station.

Helpful hint: we had trouble with the payment and the attendant helping us explained that for some transactions in Denmark, especially in self-service kiosks, you need a credit card with a PIN if it’s over 350 DKK.

Tip: you can also purchase them or by using the DOT Tickets App.

We purchased the “City Pass Small” for about $16 per person per day and it was enough. City passes can be purchased for multiple days as well.

The metro station is also located right inside the airport. If you take the yellow line and ride 8 stops towards the city, you’ll get to “Kongens Nytorv” – the station near Nyhavn, which is usually the first stop on everyone’s Copenhagen itinerary.  

Walk

Copenhagen is very walkable – you can easily see most of the highlights on foot.

Make sure you wear good, comfortable walking shoes!

Rent a bicycle

If the weather is nice, you can also rent a bicycle – either from one of the bike shops or stands/kiosks that are almost around every corner of every street!

Prefer a bike tour? Consider one of the tours below:

Hop On Hop Off bus

You can also book the Hop On Hopp Off bus ticket.

You’ll be able to effortlessly travel between stops on the sightseeing routes and listen to the provided audio guides.

You do not need a rental car in Copenhagen. We found walking and metro to be the easiest.

Should you buy the Copenhagen Card?

It all comes down to cost and convenience.

The Copenhagen Card covers all public transportation, the classic canal tour, and access to over 80 attractions in the city, including the castles, palaces and museums mentioned in this article, plus the entrance (not rides) to the Tivoli Gardens and the Copenhagen Zoo. 

The card comes in 24, 48 and 72-hour versions with the cost ranging from $87 to $154.

It is a great value if you plan on taking advantage of the free admissions and public transportation, and it is very convenient, as it takes away the hassle of purchasing transportation cards and separate admission tickets for every attraction.

Important: as of 2024, the Round Tower admission is NOT included in the Copenhagen Card.

Good to know: Denmark uses their own currency – Danish krona (DKK), not euro (€)

Best time to visit Copenhagen

I recommend visiting in the warmer months – to maximize your time in the city, choose the season with likely good weather and more daylight so you don’t seem rushed.

Our trips were in late April and May and had great weather, while still without the summer crowds.

Choose late spring or summer if you plan on visiting Tivoli Gardens (usually open from mid-April to mid-September).

Spring and fall are best to avoid the crowds. Go in December if you’d like to see Christmas Markets.

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Can you explore Copenhagen with a tour?

Absolutely! If you’d rather explore with a guide, the tours below are very highly reviewed and cover a good amount of Copenhagen’s highlights mentioned in this article.

You can also choose from a variety of FREE tours of Copenhagen.

We haven’t taken one in Denmark, but we went for one in Reykjavik (Iceland), and it was a great experience.

Where to stay in Copenhagen

Depending on your preferences, length of stay and budget, you can stay close to the airport or in the city center.

For our 1-day visit on the way to Portugal, we stayed near the airport. When our daughter came back for 4 more days a year later, she also stayed by the airport, as it was more budget-friendly than being in the city.

However, for longer stays, the city center may be more convenient.

Check this map for more accommodation options:

Like I mentioned earlier, public transportation in Copenhagen is awesome and you’ll be well connected wherever you choose to stay.

However, if you’d like an alternative to taking the metro to your hotel, especially if you’re staying in the heart of Copenhagen, try Welcome Pickups – I used this service a few times, and it was always comfortable and reliable.

How long do you need in Copenhagen?

You can see the main sights in just one day, so if you’re wondering if it’s worth it, I can assure you that it is!

But more days will give you time to really explore the palaces, the food scene, and soak up the amazing mix of history and tradition that Copenhagen has to offer.

In my opinion, spending 2-4 days in Copenhagen is ideal.

So what is hygge?

In a nutshell – it’s enjoying the little things: time with family and friends, a good book, a nice meal… Enjoy the moment!

You will find a more detailed explanation on Denmark’s official website.

Is Copenhagen worth visiting?

Oh yes! 100%! It is a wonderful city! Even a brief visit is worth your time.

No matter how long you stay, I hope this guide helps you plan a trip you’ll remember long after you leave. 

Check out my 1-day Copenhagen itinerary to see how you can put together the best things to see in Copenhagen into a memorable trip plan, even if you have a very short time.

If you have more time, follow this 2-4 days flexible, easy-to-follow and adjust Copenhagen itinerary to plan your best trip.

👉 Don’t forget TRAVEL INSURANCE! I don’t travel without it. Get a quote from my personal #1 choice – Travel Guard – or check more options here!

👉 To learn about my trusted travel planning resources that help me (and will help you too!) plan my trips easily and save money, read this guide: How to Plan a Trip to Europe: My Favorite Travel Resources Revealed.

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