What to do in Copenhagen Whether in terms of design, ecology or new technologies, Copenhagen is undeniably one of Europe's most inspiring cities. As the capital of hygge, a wellness movement that promotes a philosophy of joy in everyday life, its inhabitants have often been voted the happiest in the world. Criss-crossed by canals, Copenhagen can be explored on foot or by bike, with numerous cycle paths. From its Little Mermaid to its historic amusement park and its free city, here's our selection of must-sees for a successful stay in the Danish capital.
1. Tivoli Gardens, for all ages
It's not for nothing that Copenhagen is an ideal destination for traveling with children! Welcome to the enchanted world of funfairs, less than 2 hours by plane from France, a world of sweets and fairytale settings where you can rediscover your childlike soul. This major amusement park opened its doors in 1843. It boasts one of the oldest roller coasters in the world, as well as bumper cars, duck fishing and ghost trains: a veritable funfair with an old-fashioned atmosphere! Walt Disney is said to have had the idea of opening his first amusement park after visiting Tivoli Gardens in 1951. Tivoli's authenticity comes from its long history: for 160 years, generations of nostalgic children and adults have come here to have fun. Click here to book your ticket for Tivoli Gardens!
2. Christiansborg Palace, the Danish Parliament
Located in the heart of the city, on the historic island of Slotsholmen, Christiansborg Palace was the king's principal residence until 1794 , and the center of power in Denmark since the 12th century. Today, it is the seat of the Danish Parliament, the Folketing, the Ministry of State and the Supreme Court. Part of the building is used by the royal family for official events such as gala dinners and public audiences. Today, Parliament - The Folktinget - is open to all, so you can watch the debates in the original language! During your visit, you'll discover the history of Danish parliamentary democracy and the workings of the Parliament. It's also an opportunity to climb Copenhagen's highest tower for a splendid view of the surrounding area.
Discover Copenhagen's must-sees at your own pace and gain free entry to over 80 places, including Christianborg Castle, by purchase here the Copenhagen Card-Discover.
3. What to do in Copenhagen Visit the Louisiana Museum, modern art and nature
A magical place dedicated to art that's a must-see, even in bad weather! If you've come to the Louisiana Museum to admire the masterpieces of contemporary art, you won't want to miss the exceptional setting in which the building was constructed. Set in a 19th-century estate on a small hill overlooking the sea, the Lousiana Museum blends natural beauty with modern art treasures, notably in its sculpture-filled grounds. Dedicated to the great names of twentieth-century painting, it is now Denmark's most visited museum. Picasso rubs shoulders with Francis Bacon and Kusama, Danish cubism is represented by Lundstrøm, abstract painting by Richard Mortensen and Asger Jorn, pop art by Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein, and of course Per Kirkeby.
4. Nørrebro, a bohemian district
Nørrebro is one of the city's trendiest neighborhoods. A veritable artists' village located northwest of central Copenhagen, it's the ideal place for bargain-hunting and strolling. The Assistens Kirkegård cemetery is a popular place for a Sunday stroll. Danes come here to take advantage of the peaceful surroundings for jogging or rollerblading. H. C. Andersen, the famous novelist, is buried here. Click here to book your guided tour of the alternative district of Nørrebro.
5. The Round Tower, Copenhagen from above
Erected in 1642 by Christian IV as an astronomical observatory, the Round Tower - Rundetärn - dominates the historic center, offering splendid views from its summit. To reach this 36 m high perch, you won't need to climb a staircase, but rather a sloping spiral passageway, an architectural gem that allowed horses to mount the tower. Today, the oldest observatory in Europe and a library can be found at the top of the tower.
6. Rosenborg Castle and the crown jewels
This imposing18th-century building has been home to a museum since 1833, housing the Danish crown jewels and the many gifts the royal family received up to 1696. The most impressive room in the castle is certainly the Great Hall, with its coronation throne in ivory. An essential visit to discover the history of Denmark and its sovereigns.
Take advantage of a guided bike tour of Copenhagen to discover the city's must-see sites, including Rosenborg Castle, by booking right here!
7. What to do in Copenhagen Discover Danish design
Denmark and design go hand in hand, and as the country's capital, Copenhagen is no exception! The Danish Design Museum and its collection from Asia and Europe, with a focus on Denmark, offers a fine overview of remarkable objects. To give your home a Scandinavian touch, don't forget to visit the city's various concept stores: a real treasure trove for all decorating enthusiasts!
8. Nyhavn, postcard of Copenhagen
If we had to choose one image of Copenhagen, it would be Nyhavn, or the New Harbour. Formerly a seafarers' district, it has now become one of the most photographed places for visitors, and with good reason: its brightly-colored canal-side houses form a delightful landscape. In summer and winter alike, Nyhavn is the place to come for a drink on a terrace and to watch the boats come and go as they sail around the town and the harbor.
If you're looking for a memorable experience, we recommend booking this canal cruise from Nyhavn right here , which will take you past Copenhagen's iconic sights, as well as beautiful houses, historic castles and stunning churches along the way.
9. The Little Mermaid statue, between dream and melancholy
Asymbol of Copenhagen, the Little Mermaid statue stands on the harbor in Churchill Park. Every day, many visitors gather around this work by Edvard Eriksen, sculpted in 1923. The artist is said to have been inspired by his mistress Ellen Price for the face, and his wife for the mermaid's body. Often mutilated, the statue has twice lost its head and once an arm: could this explain its melancholy gaze?
10. What to do in Copenhagen Stroll through Christiania, a unique district
Created in 1971, Christiania is a "free city" and a unique libertarian social experiment. This alternative community obeys its own rules and is self-managed. Open to all, Christiania is a temple of street art and bric-a-brac, and you need to visit several times and go beyond its main street to grasp its unique and marginal atmosphere, testimony to a genuine desire to create a new society.
11. See Amalienborg Palace and watch the changing of the guard
The winter residence of Danish sovereigns, Amalienborg Palace comprises four identical buildings: the Palace of Christian VII, the Palace of Christian VIII, the Palace of Frederik VIII and the Palace of Christian IX. In the middle of the palace square, you can admire a statue of King Frederik V dating from 1771. The Christian VIII Palace is open to visitors, giving them the chance to experience royal life past and present. Inside, different areas on two floors have been reconstructed with the original furnishings, offering an educational presentation of the private and public lives of the monarchs. Amalienborg is also famous for its royal guard, known as Den Kongelige Livgarde. Every day, when noon strikes, head to the square to watch the changing of the guard, an iconic daily spectacle not to be missed: the guards leave their barracks on Gothersgade at 11:30am and arrive at the palace by 12pm.
12. What to do in Copenhagen Tietgen university campus
Head for Orestad, a newly-developed district of Copenhagen, to discover Tietgen University (Tietgenkollegiet) and its circular, spacious residence. In the early 2000s, four architectural firms set out to design a new form of university residence, one that was both functional and pleasant to live in. Erected in 2006, this singularly designed building was conceivedto foster community cohesion while preserving students' individuality: the apartments blend together in a unique way. Students who are lucky enough to have this experience also share the benefit of a building focused on sustainability.
13. Taste Denmark's culinary specialties
Danish cuisine is a delicious blend of tradition and modernity. Among Denmark's culinary specialties is the famous smørrebrød, open sandwiches filled with smoked fish, meat, cheese and condiments. Danes are also known for their love of seafood, particularly pickled herring served in a variety of ways. The country is also renowned for its high-quality pork, which is used to prepare dishes such as "stegt flæsk" (crispy pork) accompanied by potatoes and parsley sauce. For dessert, don't miss the "æbleskiver", cinnamon pastry balls served with powdered sugar and jam. Finally, for pastry lovers, "danishes", known in Denmark as "wienerbrød", are a must, with their variety of flavors ranging from cinnamon cream to candied fruit.
Delight your senses with a variety of Danish culinary dishes while learning about local history and culture on this guided bike tour of central Copenhagen.
14. What to do in Copenhagen Visit the Carlsberg Brewery
The Carlsberg Brewery has been the Jacobsen family estate since 1847, when J.C. Jacobsen bought the land to establish his new brewery. When his young son saw the Frederiksberg hill, he asked: "Is that a mountain? And so the site was named "Carl's Mountain", or "Carlsberg". The art-loving Jacobsens were generous patrons of the arts , welcoming artists such as Vilhelm Dahlerup (author of the four sculpted elephants supporting the main entrance) and researchers such as Pasteur, who carried out major work there, as well as Dane Emil Christian Hansen, who developed a yeast still used by many breweries around the world. Carlsberg still delivers its crates of beer by means of twenty-two horses, which can be seen early in the morning crossing the streets in the direction of Strøget, but since 2008, beer production has been entirely relocated to a state-of-the-art plant in Fredericia.
15. Discover Copenhagen by bike
Discovering Copenhagen by bike is undoubtedly one of the most authentic ways to explore the Scandinavian capital in an eco-friendly and enjoyable way. You can also opt for a guided bike tour by booking your guide here ! The city is one of the most eco-friendly destinations, so you'll find well-developed cycle paths and an infrastructure that encourages this mode of travel. Pedaling through the cobbled streets of the Old Town, you can admire classic Danish architecture, picturesque canals and historic buildings. By bike, you can visit iconic sites such as the Little Mermaid, the Nyhavn district with its colorful facades, and the royal palaces. Green parks, such as Fælledparken, invite you to take a relaxing break and soak up the tranquility of nature in the heart of the city. An unforgettable experience!
What to do in Copenhagen in 3 days?
It's a timeless destination for a successful city break: spending 3 days in Copenhagen will allow you to discover the essentials of this magnificent Danish city. Here's a suggested itinerary to make the most of your stay:
Day 1: Explore the historic center
- Morning: Start by visiting the famous Tivoli amusement park, located right in the heart of Copenhagen. Enjoy the rides and the lively atmosphere.
- Afternoon: Head downtown and visit City Hall Square (Rådhuspladsen) and Copenhagen City Hall. Explore the lively pedestrian streets and shop on Stroget shopping street.
- Evening Dine in one of the many restaurants in the Nyhavn district, famous for its colorful houses and waterfront restaurants.
Day 2: Discover culture and history
- Morning: Visit Copenhagen's National Museum (Nationalmuseet) to discover Danish history, culture and art.
- Afternoon: Explore the Christiansborg district, where you can visit the Danish Parliament and climb to the top of the tower for a panoramic view of the city. Afterwards, explore Christiansborg Palace and Tivoli Gardens.
- Evening: Relax in Kongens Have Park or Frederiksberg Park before enjoying dinner in a traditional Danish restaurant.
Day 3: Copenhagen must-sees
- Morning: Start the day with a visit to the Little Mermaid, an iconic symbol of the city. Then explore the Kastellet district, a well-preserved ancient fortress.
- Afternoon: Visit the Statens Museum for Kunst to admire a superb collection of Danish and international works of art. Then spend some time strolling through the trendy Norrebro district, with its many boutiques, cafés and art galleries.
- Evening: Round off your trip to Copenhagen with dinner at one of the restaurants in the up-and-coming Vesterbro district.
Of course, there are many other sites and attractions to discover in Copenhagen, so tailor this itinerary to suit your personal interests. Enjoy your stay in this dynamic and diverse city!
What to do in Copenhagen when it rains?
When the weather in Copenhagen is rainy, in addition to shopping for decor addicts, there are plenty of indoor activities that will allow you to enjoy the city despite the rain. Here are just a few ideas to occupy your day:
- Visit museumssuch as the National Museum of Denmark (Nationalmuseet), which offers an insight into Danish history and culture. The Statens Museum for Kunst offers a superb collection of Danish and international art. For design enthusiasts, the Danish Design Museum (Designmuseum Danmark) is an excellent option.
- Explore the royal palaces: Visit Christiansborg Palace, home to the Danish Parliament, or Rosenborg Palace to admire the Danish Crown Jewels and other royal treasures.
- Relax at the Royal Library (Det Kongelige Bibliotek), a wonderful place to take refuge and read.
- Discover the Copenhagen Aquarium (Den Blå Planet), a fascinating experience ideal for a rainy day. You can admire a variety of marine creatures, including sharks.
Where to stay in Copenhagen?
Copenhagen offers a variety of accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets. Copenhagen's historic center is an excellent choice if you want to be close to major attractions, stores, restaurants and public transport. Here you'll find numerous hotels, rental apartments and youth hostels. Vesterbro is a trendy district known for its art scene, trendy restaurants and designer boutiques: an excellent choice for travelers looking for nightlife. Nørrebro is a lively, multicultural district, with an abundance of cafés, bars, art galleries and boutiques offering an authentic Copenhagen atmosphere. Frederiksberg is a quieter district known for its large parks, quality shopping and picturesque buildings.
Discover our 3 favorite accommodations:
- The friendliest :
Click here to book your room at Steel House, an industrial-style hostel that combines the spirit of a youth hostel with that of a vacation center , and offers a brand-new concept in accommodation: a luxury hostel. An ideal address for a relaxed stay, while enjoying the spirit of a youth hostel.
- The most tranquil
Quiet and ideally located, close to the King's Gardens and the pedestrian zone, Christian IV is a hotel you can book here to suit smaller budgets. Its rooms are inspired by family homes , with mahogany furniture and inviting wing chairs upholstered in velvet or tartan. Preferably choose a room with a garden view.
- More design:
More than just a hotel, the Hotel Alexandra is a veritable living museum of design, born of its owner's passion for Danish furniture. The hotel has been fitted out with iconic pieces signed by the greatest names of the 1930s-1950s: Arne Jacobsen, Finn Juhl, Ole Wanscher and Børge Morgensen... A singular address reserved for aesthetes and design enthusiasts, which you can reserve right here.
Discover here the list of all our favorite accommodations in Copenhagen!
