Denmark is one of the happiest countries in the world, and its capital, Copenhagen, consistently ranks among the top places to live. Although traveling to northern Europe often translates to unstable weather, the Danish capital is a cheerful, colorful city packed with unique sights and activities. Even if you are visiting in the winter, there are plenty of things to do in Copenhagen to keep you occupied for days. Let alone, of course, that if you visit Copenhagen in the summer, you’ll be greeted with fine weather and a city full of cheerful moods.
I have visited Copenhagen twice, both in the summer and winter and each time, I discovered hidden gems and saw the city from different perspectives. As you can easily imagine, sharing a long Copenhagen travel guide was the only way to encompass everything this stunning city offers.
That said, in the following lines, you’ll find various things to do in Copenhagen, together with a bunch of helpful travel tips. Moreover, I’ll give you food and budget tips and share a handpicked selection of the top places to stay in town.
So, let’s begin with this guide to Denmark’s capital and plan your dream visit to Copenhagen together.
*Some links are affiliate links. It means that if you buy something, I might earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
The best things to do in Copenhagen, Denmark
With a population of slightly over one million, the greater Copenhagen area consists of a cluster of beautiful neighborhoods and stunning waterfront promenades. However, the city is pretty compact, and the majority of its attractions are concentrated within the city center. In addition, if you plan to do extensive sightseeing, purchasing the City Card will grant you access to several attractions and save you money (more about it later).
One thing I want to mention before starting with the travel guide is that you shouldn’t hesitate to visit Copenhagen in the winter. Although the temperatures are low, the city is marvelous and has an unbeatable atmosphere. Yes, summer is always a sweeter period to travel to Scandinavia, but winter has charm and more affordable prices.
So, here’s what I suggest doing and seeing in Copenhagen.
Stroll around Nyhavn
Copenhagen is famous for its colorful architecture, and Nyhavn is the city’s most iconic spot. You’ve probably seen it on your social media feeds: a garland of colorful houses straight in front of the water, hosting cafes, restaurants, and little shops. Due to its location in the city, the chances are that you’ll pop by Nyhavn more than one time during your stay. Even though that’s probably the city’s most expensive district, it highly deserves subsequent visits to immerse yourself in the local atmosphere.
Nyhavn stands for “New Port” or “New Harbor.” This short, waterfront stripe of land is a local hangout all year long. The famous writer Hans Christian Andersen inhabited several houses, and you’ll also find the oldest tattoo studio in the world. The Nyhavn Canal has a sunny side and a shady one: it’s not a metaphor but a fact due to the orientation of the sun. While strolling around the New Port, you’ll also see several historical boats and vessels stationed in the water: Nyhavn hosts an open-air naval museum.
No visit to Denmark’s capital is complete without a stroll (or more) around Nyhavn. If you’d like to learn more, I wrote an article dedicated to Nyhavn, where I have put down several historical and social facts.
Go on a Copenhagen Canal Tour
Quite often, boat trips feel like overly saturated tourist activities. While there’s a certain truth to that, boat tours let you see cities from a different perspective. Observing towns from the water level definitely gives you a better overview of their size and structure. When I visited Copenhagen, I joined a one-hour Canal Tour starting from Nyhavn. And I was delighted by what I saw.
Here’s the thing: apart from the compact sightseeing it offered, the Copenhagen Canal Tour (you can book it here) provided a gracious opportunity to unwind. Traveling is one of the sweetest things in life, but it’s also tiring: relaxing on a boat’s deck and seeing spots like the Black Diamond Library or the Opera was very enjoyable. Moreover, the boat was in mint condition, which made a big difference. But, the most important element was the professionalism of the crew. The local guide offered so many details and stories about the city that I believe it’s hard to find elsewhere.
Overall, the Canal Tour exceeded my expectations and offered a laid-back ride full of info. You can read more about the boat trip I took in the city’s canal here, and further down this guide, you’ll see my 4K video. Check them out and add the boat trip to your Copenhagen itinerary.
Say hi to the Little Mermaid(s)
The Little Mermaid (Danish: Den lille Havfrue) is probably the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Copenhagen. The tiny bronze statue stands proudly on a rock at the Langelinie promenade, less than 2 km from Nyhavn. It’s one of the quietest spots in town and a place to enjoy the open sea. Created by the sculptor Edvard Eriksen, the statue is based on a story by Hans Christian Andersen and portrays a mermaid slowly becoming human.
It’s not an exaggeration to say that the Little Mermaid is a synonym for the city and probably its biggest attraction. Loads of tourists flow on the Langelinie to admire it and photograph it. On a side note, most boat trips stop by the mermaid, so if you’d like to see it from the water, that’s your best chance.
As you can easily imagine, the 1,2 meters tall statue holds great significance and is loved by locals and tourists alike. You can see it in souvenir shops and on T-shirts, and visiting it is a must.
Now, you might rightly wonder why I wrote about seeing the Little Mermaids. Well, in recent times, various depictions of the Little Mermaid have appeared in the city, and here are two more that you can see.
The Genetically Modified Little Mermaid
Further down the Langelinie promenade, you will come across The Genetically Modified Little Mermaid. Created by Bjørn Nørgaard, this statue depicts an altered version of the iconic statuette. It’s also bronze, but her figure seems dismantled. According to its creation, this is a provocative yet humorous statue, and it’s a comment about genetic modifications.
You can see the Genetically Modified Little Mermaid on Google Maps here. The statue is part of a larger complex called The Genetically Altered Paradise, where figures like Adam and Eve appear to have also been genetically modified.
The Little Mermaid by Anne Marie Carl-Nielsen
You can find another depiction of the Little Mermaid outside the iconic Black Diamond Library, dating back to 1921. Not many things are known about this bronze statue created by Anne Marie Carl-Nielsen, but it’s equally interesting, even though it seems a bit more scary than Eriksen’s version. However, the statue outside the library is a copy; if you want to see the original one up close, you’ll have to visit the Danish National Gallery.
You can see The Little Mermaid by Anne Marie Carl-Nielsen on Google Maps here.
Visit the Round Tower of Copenhagen
The Round Tower of Copenhagen is among the must-see locations in town. It is assumed to be Copenhagen’s zero point, and what makes it stand out is its equestrian staircase. Instead of climbing an endless flight of steps to its top, the Round Tower has a spiral ramp. That said, you can practically walk at a steady pace to the tower’s top. On the rooftop, the viewpoint offers some of the most magnificent Copenhagen views.
Apart from the panoramic viewpoint, at the top, you’ll also find the observatory with its telescope. And here’s one of the best things to do in Copenhagen in the winter: some days late in the evening, the observatory is manned, and you can use the telescope. That’s something you can only enjoy in the winter since, in the summer, the days are long, and the stars are invisible.
Despite the gloomy weather, the Rundetårn impressed, and I wrote a dedicated article. You can read here my article about the Round Tower, where I share background information and various facts.
Attend the changing of the guard at Amalienborg Palace
Just a few steps away from Nyhavn, you can see the stunning Amalienborg Palace. The palace serves as the winter house of the Danish Royal Family between September and April. At this time of the year, the changing of the guard takes place daily at 12 p.m. and it’s a spectacle loved by travelers. The guard actually starts from the Rosenborg Castle at 11:30 a.m., and at noon, the changing of the guard takes place.
And here’s a tip: when the King is in the Palace, you’ll see the Royal Guards music band. It’s a typical element of Danish life, and it’s one of the free things to do in Copenhagen: the vast open space, the traditional clothes, and the marching will definitely make an impression. Be there at noon and enjoy it.
Visit Freetown Christiania
More than half a million tourists visit Freetown Christinia each year, making it one of the most popular city locations. This commune started in 1971 as a squat but slowly evolved into an anarchist community. Nowadays, less than 1,000 people call Christiania home, but you can still observe the laws that apply to this small territory in the Christianshavn neighborhood: the first thing you’ll notice is the absence of cars. The community hosts regular meetings to discuss everything that matters -from expenses to construction.
While it’s absolutely safe to visit Christiania and stroll around it, you should keep in mind that you’re not allowed to take photos of Pusher Street. This small street within Christiania is known as a place to buy cannabis, which is still illegal in Denmark. Apparently, photographing this will give you a very hard time, so keep your camera or smartphone shut to avoid trouble. On the other hand, small shops and galleries sell souvenirs and art created within the commune’s premises.
And here’s a fun fact about Christiania: at the exit, you’ll see a sign that reads, “You’re now entering the EU.”
Explore Nørrebro
What Kreuzberg is to Berlin, is Nørrebro to Copenhagen. Located in the city’s northwest, Nørrebro is Copenhagen’s alternative, multicultural neighborhood. Although some aspects of gentrification can be traced, it is still one of the most charming areas to explore. According to statistics, one out of six Nørrebro inhabitants are not Danish, giving the hood a multiethnic flair.
The laid-back atmosphere is something to enjoy, while the smells of international cuisines are everywhere. Apart from its urban style, one of the most famous strolls is along the Assistens Cemetery. There, you can visit the graves of two of the most prominent personalities of Denmark: the philosopher Søren Kierkegaard and the writer Hans Christian Andersen.
The vast open spaces, the cozy atmosphere, and the Superkilen Park, which is dedicated to tolerance, make Nørrebro a must-see location. I assume it is the sweetest and most relaxing neighborhood in Copenhagen, and the next time I visit the city, I’ll book accommodation there.
Join a walking tour to enhance your Copenhagen sightseeing
If you’d like to learn more about the city and the stories accompanying it, guided walks around Copenhagen will give you extra layers of information. The local guides are skilled professionals with deep knowledge of the city and take their jobs seriously. Every walking tour will take you through side streets and hidden corners, and learning lesser-known stories from your guide will expose you to the city’s history. In addition, the thing I enjoy the most in guided walks is the interaction with the guide -and asking questions is the path to getting local tips for your stay.
There are plenty of walking tours to choose from, but here’s the one that covers everything in the city center.
Enjoy Hygge and do it like the locals
Hygge is a term that might remind you of the Fika in Sweden. Despite the cultural proximity of the two countries, Hygge is slightly different. It’s actually a more conceptual term, and it roughly translates to coziness. What Hygge actually means is to surrender yourself to things that matter in life and enjoy them. These can be friends, drinks, and the moments that make life sweeter.
Although candlelight is always a plus when it comes to Hygge, the concept is actually broader. A cup of coffee with friends, a refreshing bike ride, pausing the day at a cozy place at Nørrebro or Vesterbro, or simply a picnic at Tivoli—all of these things have the potential to become your Hygge moments. As a traveler, the most important thing is to immerse yourself in the moment. Even if you don’t do Hygge right, it is worth slowing down and enjoying the moment.
Eat as much Smørrebrød as you can
Smørrebrød is a traditional Danish dish referring to the famous open-faced sandwiches. Bread is a cornerstone element of the Scandinavian diet, and the Smørrebrød is practically a piece of buttered rye bread. However, the twist is that it comes with various toppings, such as meat, cheese, fish, and vegetables.
Thinking back to my journey to Copenhagen, I think I only fed myself with Smørrebrød throughout the trip. Despite looking quite simple as a dish, I felt that the Smørrebrød has become both an art and a science in Copenhagen. The combination of toppings and the unique tastes the local restaurants and food markets create make the open-faced sandwiches an authentic cultural experience.
I wrote a separate article about where to eat in Copenhagen, so check it out for more info.
And here’s yet another Copenhagen travel tip: always book a table before heading out for dinner. Danes love dining out, and it’s hard to find an empty seat during rush hours.
Visit the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
The Lousiana Museum of Modern Art is one of the most prominent art museums worldwide. Although it’s not located in Copenhagen, I highly recommend a short train trip to visit it. The iconic museum is less than an hour away from the city and presents a mind-blowing collection of modern and contemporary art.
The Lousiana is a fantastic day trip from Copenhagen for art lovers, and it is more than a museum: it’s an institution. It definitely deserves spending at least half a day in Louisiana and enjoying everything that it offers. Apart from deepening your art knowledge and discovering emerging artists, you can also walk in the forest surrounding and enjoy open sea views from its premises. Or if you are visiting Copenhagen in the winter and the weather is not on your side, you can see the fog covering the sea, the garden, and the statues of Miro or Henry Moore.
And there’s even more. Louisiana is one of the coziest cafes in Denmark, serving delicious food and fantastic coffee. Smørrebrød and art, does it get better than that?
It’s an immersive experience, and if there’s only one museum to see while visiting Denmark’s capital, this should be it. Last but not least, the train ride to and from Lousiana will expose you to Denmark’s landscape. It doesn’t matter when you visit Copenhagen: it’s a must-see for all seasons.
The Tivoli Gardens and the Andersen Statue
The Tivoli Gardens is the most famous amusement park in Scandinavia. Ranking among the most-visited attractions in Europe, it opened its gates on August 15, 1843, and is located next to the Central Train Station and the City Hall Square. While the Tivoli is famous for its roller coaster rides, one of the best things to enjoy is strolling around its premises. Loved by children and adults, the Tivoli is a must-see attraction for your visit to the Danish capital.
However, one thing you need to keep in mind is that Tivoli is not open yearlong. That said, it will probably be shut if you visit Copenhagen in the winter. Cross-check its opening periods and times; if it’s open, don’t miss it. Don’t think it’s just for tourists; it’s actually a place where local families hang out and enjoy their free time in its beautiful gardens.
Exactly opposite Tivoli is the statue of the city’s most prominent son, Hans Christian Andersen. His head is turned towards the Tivoli entrance, and the boulevard has his name.
Admire achievements at the Guinness World Records Museum
Copenhagen is home to the only Guinness World Record Museum in Europe. Conveniently located just off Strøget, the city’s posh shopping street, the Museum presents human achievements and remarkable records. Straight outside, you’ll see a statue of the tallest man who ever lived on the planet—and everybody seems to want a selfie with him. However, on its premises, you’ll discover milestones of human activity ranging from well-known to odd facts.
The museum spans two floors and has eleven rooms full of fascinating trivia and memorabilia. It’s a fun thing to do in Copenhagen and an ideal place to see for families with kids. However, even adults will discover fascinating facts, so if you enjoy learning about odd stuff and the human and animal presence on the planet fascinates you, add it to your Copenhagen bucket list. It’s time well spent and one of the funniest things to do in the winter or rainy days.
Discover Copenhagen by bike
Last but definitely not least, one of the best ways to explore and see Copenhagen is by bike. The Danish capital is a joy for cycling and has an extensive network of bike lanes. Due to its flat surface, you can cycle literally everywhere in the city. Apart from being the most environmentally friendly way of sightseeing, cycling will let you choose where to pause and enjoy, offering the much-needed flexibility that every traveler daydreams of.
There are plenty of services to choose from when it comes to renting a bike in Copenhagen. You can rent a bike almost anywhere from a shop or a bike-sharing app. I rented a bike from Donkey Republic because I have used their services in other cities, but I’m pretty sure every available option will be more than good. Denmark is known for its high-quality standards, and I expect outstanding services from every bike rental.
Please remember to stay on the right side of your lane so that faster cyclists can overtake you and give priority to pedestrians. The dedicated traffic lights for cyclists must be respected, and expect to see lots of bicycle traffic in the busiest areas like Nørrebro.
Where to stay in Copenhagen
The capital of Denmark has an extensive network of hotels and apartments, and most of them offer high-quality services. When choosing a hotel in Copenhagen, everything is a matter of budget. Accommodation, like the food, is pricey in Denmark. You should expect steep prices; therefore, since you’ll have to spend quite some cash, choose at least a hotel in the city center to avoid spending money on taxis and transport.
In the following lines, I added a handpicked selection of hotels in downtown Copenhagen. I tried to keep the selection rationally budgeted, and every accommodation on this short list is the city’s heart. However, you can check more options on the interactive map below the list.
My selection of Copenhagen hotels
71 Nyhavn Hotel. That’s my favorite hotel in the city. Located in two old warehouses, this hotel offers beautiful rooms in the city’s most iconic location: the Nyhavn promenade. See the 71 Nyhavn Hotel.
Eric Vökel Boutique Apartments. Located in Vesterbro -therefore, just off the city center- these boutique apartments are a true bargain for what they offer. Their interiors are stunning, and the prices are moderate for Copenhagen standards. See the Eric Vökel Boutique Apartments.
Hotel Nora. Halfway to Norrebro, the Hotel Nora is a budget accommodation option close to the city center. The area is beautiful, and the hotel offers small and tidy rooms. This is not the epitome of design, but you should consider it if you want to save some cash. See Hotel Nora.
NH Collection. Finally, close to Christiania and opposite Nyhavn is the beautiful NH Collection Copenhagen. The rooms are tastefully decorated, and the waterfront location is prime. Moreover, the prices are reasonable for Copenhagen’s standards, given the style and the hotel location. See the NH Collection Hotel.
For all other accommodation options, please use the interactive map below.
Practical Info about your Copenhagen Journey
After writing down what to see in Copenhagen, it’s time to share practical info for your trip to Denmark’s biggest city. Therefore, in the last section, you will find various travel tips to help you plan your journey.
How to get to Copenhagen
The International Airport of Copenhagen is one of the busiest European hubs. Known as Kastrup, the CPH is conveniently located just 8 km away from the city center. I wrote an extensive guide for traveling between the airport and the city center, but for most travelers, all they need to know is that the best way to reach downtown Copenhagen is by metro. It only takes 13 minutes, and the service runs 24/7.
Now, here’s a tip regarding flights from your hometown to Copenhagen. I always book my flights via Kiwi, and that’s how I find the best deals. Kiwi is an aggregator that compares thousands of flights and suggests alternative dates with lower prices. If you’re unsure which airlines operate in Denmark or if you want to reduce expenses and don’t mind taking a corresponding flight, check Kiwi.
The Copenhagen City Card
As I wrote briefly at the beginning of this travel guide, you should consider the Copenhagen City Card if you plan to do extensive sightseeing. Copenhagen is an expensive destination, and you should expect steep prices for everything.
There are two Cards named after the number of attractions they offer: the 80+ attractions and the 40+ attractions. Both grant access to an adequate number of sights. That said, purchasing a card is a good idea if you plan to see most of the things I wrote earlier.
Now, here’s something bizarre about the Copenhagen cards. One might expect that the 80+ is just an upgrade from the 40+. Well, yes and no. The 80+ attractions also offer unlimited public transport and airport transport but no access to hop-on-hop-off buses. On the other hand, the 40+ attractions card offers access to hop-on-hop-off buses but no public transport. Two kids under the age of 12 travel for free with both cards.
Oddly enough, the 80+ attractions card is cheaper than the 40+. It might sound a bit confusing, but it is what it is.
So, should you buy a Copenhagen Card? The answer is that it depends. For visiting one museum or just the Tivoli Gardens, I believe it’s not needed. On the other hand, if you decide to visit more than three or four attractions and want the public transport option, then I believe it’s a good idea. You will save money, and it will motivate you to see even more things to make the most of it.
You can purchase your City Card here.
How to budget for Copenhagen Denmark
Denmark is an expensive country, and Copenhagen is pricey. Unless you visit from another Scandinavian country, the city will feel really expensive. Although everything depends on your travel style, in this subsection, I’ll write down how I budgeted. Obviously, if you don’t mind sleeping in a hostel or eating junk food, the prices will be lower. However, I decided to follow the city’s prices and tried to budget accordingly.
One quick note: I add the prices in euros/USD, but keep in mind that Denmark still uses the Krone.
- For a double room, you should expect to pay 150-200 euros/USD per night. This is with an ensuite bathroom and the location will be somewhere close or at the city center.
- Eating in a restaurant is always expensive in Copenhagen. If you don’t go for junk food (which is not very cheap either), I would calculate 50 euros/USD per person. Obviously, if you decide to go for a bottle of wine, you should budget accordingly.
- I found museum tickets and other activities to be priced more or less like elsewhere in Western Europe or the United States. That said, although you should expect slightly more elevated prices, it won’t be something extreme like food or accommodation.
- Public transport tickets cost slightly more than 4 euros/USD for one ride with the metro or bus.
- Finally, renting a bike is priced moderately. You should expect to pay no more than 20 euros/USD daily. Apart from exercising, it’s also one of the best ways to discover the city.
- As a rule of thumb, I would add another 30-50 euros/USD for random expenses, such as a light snack, a drink, a souvenir, or a bottle of water.
To sum up, you will need to calculate approximately 200 euros/USD per day for your Copenhagen journey. This includes everything: accommodation, food, sightseeing, public transport, a bike, and any random expenses that might occur. On top, you should add your flights.
Can you drink the tap water in Copenhagen?
Yes. Copenhagen’s tap water ranks among the best worldwide. It’s perfectly safe to drink it, and it’s a good idea to fill in a bottle every day before leaving your hotel. Apart from refreshing you during the day, it will also save you some expenses.
Things to do in Copenhagen: Conclusion
The Danes are among the happiest people on Earth, and Copenhagen, the capital city, is a fantastic destination. Despite the elevated costs, a journey to Copenhagen is a fantastic experience overall. Scandinavian design is omnipresent in the city, and the laid-back atmosphere guarantees a memorable getaway. Moreover, the city’s history and beautiful architecture will impress every traveler.
The best things in Copenhagen won’t always cost you a fortune. Canal Tours are moderately priced, and renting a bike to explore the city is one of the sweetest ways of exploring. In addition, places like the Freetown Christiania, Nyhavn, or the Lousiana Museum of Modern Art will offer a different perspective and a deeper layer of understanding of the local culture.
Yes, Scandinavia is expensive, and Copenhagen is no exception. However, if you can afford the cost, don’t miss the opportunity to visit it. It will impress you and definitely be in your memory for the years to come.
More about about Copenhagen: The Round Tower, Food Guide, Nyhavn
Pin it for later
Sharing is caring. Share this Copenhagen travel guide with your friends.
Last Updated on June 1, 2024 by George Pavlopoulos