Top 15 Must-Experience Tours in Copenhagen

Summary of Tours:

Copenhagen serves as the capital of Denmark, boasting a population of nearly 800,000, making it the largest city in the Baltic region.

Over a millennium ago, the area that now hosts this vibrant metropolis was primarily a fishing and trading settlement.

Even after many years, numerous historic sites continue to attract visitors from various parts of the globe.

Interestingly, Copenhagen stands out as one of the region’s most contemporary cities, featuring an array of culinary, cultural, artistic, and historical attractions that are capable of engaging visitors for days.

Below are 15 of the premier tours available in Copenhagen, Denmark.

1. 1-Hour Canal Cruise

The canals of Copenhagen provide an excellent opportunity for those interested in viewing the historic city from a distinctive angle.

Visitors need not worry about motion sickness, as the canals are shielded from the wind, generally ensuring a smooth experience.

The one-hour cruises commence from Ved Stranden or Nyhavn and pass iconic landmarks such as the Copenhagen Stock Exchange, Christiansborg Palace, and the renowned Little Mermaid statue.

These short tours serve as an excellent introduction to the city’s layout and attractions before visitors explore independently.

2. Guided Segway Tour

While seemingly defying physics, Segways offer a fun and secure mode of transportation, ideal for brief urban journeys.

Prior to departure, participants receive instructions on operating the device, along with a helmet featuring a wireless headset, alongside a summary of the sites included in the tour.

The headset allows guests to hear their guide throughout the journey, providing educational insights on the sights encountered.

Participants will also have opportunities for photo stops, and afterward, light refreshments will be provided along with a farewell gift from the operator.

3. Inner City Day Trip

The city of Copenhagen offers an extensive range of attractions suitable for various ages and interests.

While navigating independently is feasible, for a comprehensive experience, it is advisable to join a guided tour conducted by knowledgeable locals.

This inner-city day trip is ideal for small groups, enabling participants to visit numerous landmarks in a relatively brief period.

The tour includes the guidance of a local English-speaking expert, supplemented by transportation via bus and canal boat.

Attractions include the Danish Parliament, Christiansborg Palace, and the Copenhagen Opera House.

4. 3-Hour Alternative Tour

Copenhagen, like many tourist destinations, features attractions that may be categorized as alternative or slightly off the beaten path.

For numerous visitors, these locations often provide the most captivating and unique insights into the culture and history of the area.

This three-hour tour incorporates visits to several neighborhoods, focusing on distinctive attractions that exemplify the city’s diversity.

Frequently described as the green and red-light districts, these areas reveal the city’s creative and unconventional aspects that many tourists may overlook.

Tours also include discussions regarding the socio-economic issues related to marginalized groups.

5. Copenhagen Culinary Experience Tour

Copenhagen boasts a dynamic and trendy culinary scene, which for many visitors, holds equal importance to the city’s other esteemed attractions.

In a mere four hours, participants gain a comprehensive understanding of the city’s gastronomic hotspots while simultaneously learning about its rich history and culture.

Food tastings encompass a variety of meats, cheeses, beverages, traditional pastries, and confections like chocolate and toffee.

It is common for participants to discover neighborhoods and dining venues they wish to explore further and to connect with fellow enthusiasts after the tour concludes.

6. Hidden Gems 2-Hour Canal Tour

Due to its positioning alongside the Baltic Sea, Copenhagen has historically been a centre of maritime trade, and its comprehensive canal system allows for a unique water-based exploration.

Tours may vary in route based on seasonal factors and the guide’s preferences; however, they consistently provide opportunities to witness lesser-known treasures that are often overlooked by larger tours.

Guests can appreciate the city’s striking architecture, the fascinating blend of historical and contemporary design, and the wealth of cultural and culinary experiences available.

7. 2 ½ -Hour Copenhagen Food Tour

In an era of affordable global travel and instantaneous digital connectivity, it is unsurprising that Denmark’s food landscape has experienced considerable transformation in recent years.

The capital is now brimming with international chefs and fusion-inspired dishes integrating local ingredients with innovative techniques not traditionally associated with the Baltic region.

This evolution results in a distinctly unique experience for culinary tourists, and the 2 ½-hour tour allows for a swift yet delightful exploration of Danish gastronomy.

Participants will enjoy various beer tastings, light dishes such as traditional meatballs and hot dogs, complemented by engaging cultural narratives at each of the five stops.

8. Copenhagen Pub Crawl

For younger adults, pub crawls remain a favored approach to engaging with city life, offering a vibrant alternative to being confined in transport with groups of travelers.

This Copenhagen pub tour features visits to stylish nightclubs and relaxing pubs, often regarded as a highlight of many visitors’ experiences.

It’s common to connect with dynamic young individuals from various global locales, fostering a fun atmosphere for socializing, enjoying drinks, and dancing.

Participants must be at least 18 years old and are encouraged to drink responsibly.

Tours commence at 8:30 PM and officially conclude at 11:30 PM, though festivities often continue informally well into the early morning.

9. Little Mermaid Quest Game

The premise of this Little Mermaid Quest involves you and your companions arriving in Copenhagen with the objective of locating a long-lost relative.

While this may not evoke the thrill of battling mythical creatures, many previous participants have found it to be an unexpectedly engaging experience.

Utilizing a smartphone, players follow clues and complete puzzles to advance toward their goal while absorbing impressive city sights along the way.

Although the game can be undertaken solo, it tends to be more enjoyable in a group setting.

10. Copenhagen Small-Group Walking Tour

Small-group tours are ideal for visitors seeking a more personalized experience compared to larger group excursions.

This three-hour walking tour facilitates participants’ ability to stretch their legs, visit many of the city’s notable attractions, and benefit from the insights of an enthusiastic local guide.

Copenhagen is recognized as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on the continent, distinguished by its green spaces and pedestrian-friendly layout.

Tour highlights include Christiansborg Palace, picturesque homes along scenic canals, and tranquil urban parks located near the city center.

11. National Aquarium of Denmark

The National Aquarium of Denmark is among the city’s most visited attractions, devoid of the need for an expensive tour guide.

The aquarium features towering tanks that create an immersive underwater experience for guests.

It is especially popular among families, providing an enjoyable alternative when outdoor conditions are unfavorable.

Exhibiting a diverse range of birds, marine mammals, and fish from across the globe, favorites include the sharks, rays, and arapaima.

Entry tickets are valid for one day, affording visitors ample time to explore at their convenience.

12. Tivoli Gardens Fast-Track Ticket & Optional Rides

Tivoli Gardens is a celebrated Copenhagen landmark established in the mid-19th century, making it one of the oldest amusement parks globally.

During busy summer periods, the park can become quite congested; nevertheless, savvy visitors can purchase fast-track tickets in advance to bypass lengthy queues.

The park features thrilling rides, beautiful gardens, various dining options, and live performances appealing to a wide audience.

No guide is necessary when obtaining this fast-track ticket, allowing for an independent exploration of the park and its attractions.

13. 3.5-Hour ‘Hygge’ Experience with a Local

Recent studies indicate that residents of Denmark, particularly in Copenhagen, are among the happiest and most satisfied individuals globally.

They have even coined a term for it—’hygge.’

Although absolute happiness isn’t a guaranteed outcome from this three and a half-hour tour, participants will likely leave feeling uplifted.

During the excursion, you will stroll through charming streets and visit garden libraries, coffee shops, and bakeries that present delightful pastries.

Throughout the journey, you will gain unique insights about what makes the city so welcoming; it is an educational and enjoyable experience shared with like-minded individuals.

14. Untold Stories Tour

With a plethora of experiences to enjoy in Denmark’s capital, many captivating aspects of local history and culture may go unnoticed.

This is unfortunate, as these stories are often just as intriguing.

This two and a half-hour tour encompasses well-known attractions like the Little Mermaid and Rosenborg Castle while also exploring lesser-known historical narratives.

This experience is ideal for those who appreciate delving deeper into the local culture.

Many stories recounted will focus on the somber periods of World War II, when Denmark found itself under Nazi control.

15. Danish Christmas Walking and Tasting Tour

Christmas is a wondrous season in Denmark, anticipated eagerly throughout the year.

From October to January, local neighborhoods transform into beautifully decorated Christmas villages reminiscent of bygone eras.

This Christmas walking and tasting tour begins at 3:00 PM and concludes at 6:00 PM, providing an opportunity to observe the city illuminated after sunset.

Copenhagen at night becomes a spectacle of lights that is truly breathtaking.

Participants should be prepared for brisk or even frigid weather and are advised to wear comfortable, waterproof footwear.