Copenhagen’s flourishing food scene, world-renowned architecture, and rich history make the Danish capital a popular city to explore, even if you’re visiting on a budget. To help you maximize your time, here is our guide to the best experiences in Copenhagen, a surprisingly compact and easy-to-navigate capital city.
1. Wander the Waterfront for Classic Copenhagen Views
One of Copenhagen’s many charms is its harborside location and multitude of canals. The most iconic spot is Nyhavn, known for its colorful 18th-century buildings and tall ships. Grab a few photos and enjoy a stroll around the beautiful waterfront – it is absolutely free, which is a win in a city renowned for its expenses.
Planning tip: From Nyhavn, head to the Little Mermaid statue on the harbor, based on Hans Christian Andersen’s famous fairy tale. Along the way, admire the impressive Opera House, the striking Gefion Fountain, and the historic 17th-century Kastellet fortress, which is open to the public and free to visit.
2. Get a Taste of Royal Copenhagen
Denmark has a rich royal history, with a monarchy whose origins date back over 1000 years. In January 2024, King Frederik X ascended the throne, making his home at Amalienborg. This elegant palace is composed of four buildings facing a central square, with the impressive dome of the Marmorkirken (Marble Church) overlooking it.
The Royal Life Guard is on watch at Amalienborg 24/7, with the Changing of the Guard occurring daily at noon. The palace also hosts a small museum focusing on kings and queens from the 1800s to the present day, including a treasury featuring a collection of Fabergé jewels.
The Royal Reception Rooms in the working palace of Christiansborg include the ostentatious Throne Room and the elegant Great Hall, which houses modern tapestries depicting over 1000 years of Danish history. At Rosenborg, a former Royal castle built in 1606, you’ll find Denmark’s former coronation thrones and the stunning Crown Jewels.
3. Go Boating on Copenhagen’s Canals
Experience Copenhagen from the water with a boat tour or kayaking adventure along the city’s harbor and canals. It’s a great way to explore, and you’ll pass one of the city’s architectural gems, the Black Diamond at the Det Kongelige Bibliotek, on the charming Christianshavn canal.
Companies offer a range of services. For a small-group experience, try Hey Captain, which includes drinks on board. GoBoat is an option for those who wish to captain their own solar-powered boat. Larger companies such as Stromma provide one-hour canal tours, which are excellent for getting out on the water. Additionally, GreenKayak loans kayaks for free in exchange for a bucketful of trash picked up while exploring.
Planning tip: Some boating services close for the winter months (October to April), so check online in advance to see which are operating.
4. Dive into History at Copenhagen’s Best Museums
Copenhagen’s museums offer deep insights into Danish history through incredible artifacts and engaging exhibits. Walk through thousands of years of history at the Danish National Museum, with collections that include a Bronze Age sun chariot and Viking rune stones. The Museum of Copenhagen tells the story of the city with displays on buildings, people, and culture.
At Designmuseum Danmark, discover significant works by Danish design greats and explore the role design plays in everyday life. The Danish Architecture Center, located in the harborside Blox building, showcases exhibitions on the connections between Danish culture and its architectural traditions.
5. Savor the Flavors of Copenhagen’s Nordic Cuisine
Since spearheading the New Nordic cuisine movement in the early 2000s, Copenhagen has gained a reputation for its remarkable dining opportunities. Today, there are 15 Michelin-starred restaurants in central Copenhagen, offering quintessentially Nordic cooking.
The must-try lunch dish is smørrebrød, with toppings like meats, pickles, and cheese on sourdough rye. For a taste of tradition or modern interpretations, look for local eateries. Other essential foodie experiences include artisanal baked goods from Sankt Peders Bakery and browsing the vibrant Torvehallerne Market.
6. Shop for Danish Design
Strøget is one of the longest pedestrian shopping streets in the world, featuring a variety from souvenir stalls to luxury brands. It is also a hub for Danish design lovers, showcasing iconic names alongside superb design shops. Head to Illums Bolighus to browse a range of Danish design brands.
Local tip: For unique finds, visit Værnedamsvej and Gammel Kongevej at the border of the Vesterbro and Frederiksberg neighborhoods, where independent shops, studios, and Danish fashion brands thrive.
7. Explore Copenhagen’s Cool Neighborhoods: Refshaleøen and Nørrebro
Aside from historical sights, Copenhagen boasts trendy spots that locals cherish. Set aside time to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Refshaleøen and Nørrebro.
Start your adventure in Refshaleøen. After a coffee at La Banchina, enjoy a dip in the ocean. Then, head back to Nørrebro to shop along Jægersborggade and relax with excellent coffee or local brews.
Stroll through Assistens Kirkegård, a beloved walking spot, before wrapping up your day with dinner at Oysters and Grill, renowned for its fresh seafood.
8. Unleash Your Inner Child at Tivoli Gardens
Copenhagen is home to Tivoli Gardens, a whimsical amusement park that has been delighting visitors for 175 years. This enchanting space features fairy-tale pavilions, romantic gardens, and thrilling rides. With a busy schedule of events and shows, it’s no surprise this remains a top attraction.
9. Experience the Counterculture of Christiania
Christiania, a commune founded in 1971, is one of Copenhagen’s most distinctive areas. Renowned for its unique atmosphere, it features a blend of creativity, craft studios, and imaginative dwellings.
As the city’s counterculture hub, it showcases a variety of lifestyles and artistic expressions. While in Christiania, explore its surroundings, including Christianshavn’s picturesque canals and quaint cafes.
