Copenhagen is Denmark’s charming coastal capital. The city has a deep history, unique culture, and many iconic attractions! Whether you’re a first-time visitor, or you’ve visited Copenhagen before, there’s always something new to discover in this Danish capital.
We’ve decided to bypass the usual list of top 10 Copenhagen things to do, and give you 31 ideas instead! These are hands down the best places to visit in the city and will guarantee you make the most of your time here!
This list will provide you with plenty of options to keep you entertained for your whole trip. Here are the best things to do in Copenhagen, Denmark!
Our Favorite Places to Stay in Copenhagen!
Choosing an accommodation that fits with your plans is essential to guaranteeing you make the most out of your trip to Copenhagen. Here are some really cool places to stay when you visit!
Copenhagen Downtown Hostel
The Coolest Hostel in Copenhagen
- Centrally located
- Vibrant and friendly atmosphere
Located smack-dab in the city center, you can’t beat the location of this hostel! Some of the perks include free walking tours, onsite bar with happy hour specials, and 24-hour reception.
Looking to make friends in Copenhagen? One of these cool party hostels might be for you!
Wakeup Copenhagen – Bernstorffsgade
A Great Budget Hotel in Copenhagen
- Breakfast offered
- Wi-Fi in all areas
Rooms at this Copenhagen hotel are clean and modern. Each room has a flat-screen TV, free toiletries, and a desk. There is also an onsite restaurant, bar, and parking available.
Hotel Skt Petri
The Best Luxury Hotel in Copenhagen
- Great location
- Kind and helpful staff
This stylish hotel is located in the heart of Copenhagen! There are Tea/coffee makers in all rooms, a modern fitness, restaurant, room service, and more!
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• The 31 Best Things to Do in Copenhagen •
#1 – Tivoli Gardens
- 19th-century amusement park
- Open April – September
- Cafe area
The Tivoli Gardens is an amusement park and garden in Copenhagen, Denmark. The park opened in 1843 and is the second-oldest operating amusement park in the world!
Located in the city center, this world-famous amusement is fun for all ages! Explore the park and admire the gorgeous gardens. This attraction is perfect for the thrill-seekers and nonriders alike!
Recommended Article: Looking for the best hostels in Copenhagen? Check out our EPIC Guide!
#2 – The Little Mermaid Statue
- Located at Langelinie promenade
- Unveiled in 1913
- Charming statue in a great location
The bronze Little Mermaid statue is a 4-foot sculpture displayed on a rock that depicts a mermaid becoming human.
This unique statue is one of the coolest things to see in Copenhagen! Visit the site yourself, or, take a bus tour of the city that visits the mermaid statue and discover more of its history from a local guide!
Travel Tip: Short for time? Check out this epic guide for how to make the best of just One Day in Copenhagen.
#3 – Nyhavn Waterfront
- Iconic Copenhagen district
- A lively district
- The postcard of Copenhagen
Nyhavn is one of the most recognizable Copenhagen attractions! This 17th-century waterfront and canal district is lined with brightly colored 17th and 18th-century bars, cafes, shops, and restaurants.
It stretches for 1/4-mile along the harbor front and is the best area in Copenhagen to take a canal cruise!
Traveling as a couple? Check out our best hostels for couples in Copenhagen.
#4 – Amalienborg Palace
- Completed in 1760
- Lovely octagonal courtyard
- Frederiksstaden district
Amalienborg is the home of the Danish Royal family. It consists of four identical classical palaces with ornate baroque-style interiors.
Watch the Royal Guards execute the changing of the guard ceremony in front of Amalienborg Palace every day at noon! Grab a Copenhagen city card and you’ll enjoy free entrance to this attraction!
#5 – Rosenborg Castle
- Construction started in 1606
- Dutch Renaissance style
- Surrounded by lovely gardens
Rosenborg Castle is a renaissance castle open to the public for guided tours every day. The palace houses a museum displaying the Royal Collections, including artifacts spanning the late 16th to 19th-centuries.
Of particular interest are the Crown Jewels, the coronation chair, and the Danish Crown Regalia. For history lovers, visiting the castle is a must-do in Copenhagen!
#6 – Christiansborg Palace
- Construction started in 1733
- Located on the island of Slotsholmen
- Houses Denmark’s 3 supreme powers
Christiansborg Palace is a palace and government building on the islet of Slotsholmen. It’s home to the executive, legislative, and judicial powers of Denmark’s government,
Several areas of the palace are also used by the Danish monarch, including the Royal Stables, Palace Chapel and the Roy Reception Rooms.
Planning to stay in Copenhagen a while? You’ll want to know about the best day trips in the area!
#7 – The Round Tower
All ages will love this site!
- Construction started in 1637
- Small entrance fee
- Dutch Baroque architecture
The Round Town is a 17th-century astronomical observatory tower located in central Copenhagen. This public astronomical observatory has a wide spiral walkway leading to the top which offers breathtaking views of the city!
It is the oldest functioning observatory in Europe which makes visiting the tower one of the coolest Copenhagen things to do!
Tight for Time?! Check out this epic guide: How to spend 24 hours in Copenhagen!
#8 – City Walking Tour
- Guided tour in a group setting
- Learn the layout of the city
- Experience Copenhagen with a local
Take a 2-hour city walking tour and see the best of Copenhagen! This walking tour will provide you with a perfect overview of the city. It’s great for first-time visitors or travelers short on time.
Follow a knowledgeable guide who will take around Copenhagen’s most historic sights and attractions!
#9 – Christmas Spirit Tour
- Admire the City Hall Christmas tree
- Christmas highlights of Copenhagen
- Learn Danish tales and folklore
Witness Copenhagen transformed into a magical Christmas wonderland on a Christmas spirit walking tour! Stroll through the cozy Christmas markets and admire the holiday decorations that take over the city during the holiday season!
Learn about Danish Christmas traditions from your local tour guide as you explore Copenhagen’s illuminated city center!
#10 – Taste the Local Cuisine
- Learn Copenhagen’s culinary history
- Sample traditional Danish food
- Drinks are included
Treat your taste-buds with a food tour! Explore Copenhagen’s cuisine and Indulge in new and old Danish favorites.
Discover their unique culinary scene as you stop at different venues around the city and sample the Danish cuisine. learn about ingredients, preparation techniques, and cultural and historical influences on traditional and modern Danish foods.
#11 – Pub Crawl
- Experience Copenhagen’s nightlife scene
- Meet fellow drink enthusiasts
- Receive great drink deals!
Experience Copenhagen’s vibrant nightlife with an exciting pub crawl! Follow your professional party guide to the city’s best pubs, bars, and nightclubs.
Meet local people and travelers from around the world who are looking for a fun night out. A pub crawl is one of the best things to do in Copenhagen on the weekend!
#12 – Scenic Bike Tour
- Great for all fitness levels
- Discover the highlights of Copenhagen
- Fully guided tour
Copenhagen is one of the most cycling-friendly cities in the world. Take a casual cycle around the city’s top attractions and learn about the city’s history from your friendly local guide.
Pedal past the Amalienborg Royal Palace, the picturesque waterfront at Nyhavn, and more! This excursion is fun for all ages, but kids especially will love exploring the city on wheels!
MUST READ! You’ve got to visit these places in Denmark when you’re there!
#13 – National Aquarium of Denmark
- Thousands of species
- Marine life from all over the world
- Fresh and seawater wildlife
The National Aquarium of Denmark is Northern Europe’s largest and most modern aquarium. The aquarium makes learning fun with its interactive exhibits that are geared towards all ages!
There’s a children’s theater, a shallow touch pool, and a water playground; which also makes this attraction one of the best things to do in Copenhagen with kids!
#14 – Segway Tour
- Eco-friendly tour
- A fun way to see the city
- Helmet and audio guide included
Explore the city’s most popular sights on a segway, a fun and unique way to see the city! Start your tour along the water in a no-car zone, the ideal place to begin.
As you travel along, you’ll be connected to a live audio guide, allowing you to hear everything your tour guide is saying!
#15 – Alternative City Walking Tour
- Entertaining and educational
- Learn about different Danish lifestyles
- Copenhagen from a local’s perspective
Discover an alternative side to Copenhagen with this 2.5-hour walking tour. Explore Copenhagen’s red and green light districts and hear about Copenhagen’s underground scene.
Venture off the beaten path and see a new side of the city. If you’re trying to decide what to do in Copenhagen beyond the mainstream attractions, this tour is perfect for you!
Why are you visiting Copenhagen? Find out where to stay in Copenhagen based on what you want to do there!
#16 – Copenhagen Christmas Food Walking Tour
- Discover Denmark’s Christmas culinary traditions
- 2-hour food walking tour
- Sample traditional holiday fare
Get in the holiday spirit this winter on a Christmas food-themed walking tour! Visit a popular market and enjoy special Christmas beer, rice pudding, and more!
Denmark is famous for its heartwarming winter traditions, which makes this tour one of the top things to do in Copenhagen during winter!
#17 – Free Sightseeing Tour
- 2.5-hour guided tour
- Offered in English and Spanish
- See Copenhagen’s top sites
Take a free walking tour of the city and cover 6000 years of Copenhagen’s history! Learn about Viking adventurers, fairytale authors, and everything in between!
Find out why the Danes are some of the happiest people in the world on this free walking tour!
Traveling on a budget? Have you seen our cheap hostel recommendations for Copenhagen?
#18 – Hop-On Hop-Off Boat
- 48-hour ticket
- Audio guides included
- Commentary available in 11 languages
See the sights of Copenhagen from a different perspective on a sightseeing boat tour! Escape the busy streets and see the city at your own speed.
There are well-placed stops located throughout Copenhagen’s waterfront areas, with boats arriving at regularly scheduled times. This ticket is extremely affordable and provides a fun and unique mode of transportation!
#19 – Copenhagen’s Canals
- Iconic Copenhagen canals
- A relaxing excursion
- Fantastic city views
Take a comfortable canal cruise and discover the city’s best-hidden gems that line the harbor. Admire the idyllic Venice-inspired homes and the city’s mix of modern and older architecture.
Marvel at Copenhagen’s attractions and monuments from a different perspective. Canal tours invite you to sit back and relax while taking in the beautiful views that surround you!
#20 – National Museum of Denmark
A must for museum lovers
- Histories of Danish and foreign cultures
- Well curated
- Near the city center
The National Museum of Denmark is Denmark’s largest museum of cultural history. The museum spans 3 floors and provides a great overview of the history of Denmark, right from the stone age until now.
Nearly all of the exhibits display both Danish and English descriptions. Learn about everything from prehistoric periods to Viking history, to middle age and renaissance!
#21 – Frederiksberg Gardens
- Next to Frederiksberg Palace
- Great area to enjoy nature
- A hidden gem in Copenhagen
Frederiksberg Gardens is a large public space with lots of lush greenery, birdlife, lakes, old trees, and more! It’s the perfect area to relax, go for a peaceful stroll, or enjoy a picnic!
This idyllic park offers picturesque scenery and an epic view of the palace! It’s very well maintained and has a beautiful atmosphere.
#22 – Torvehallerne Copenhagen
- Great selection of Danish items
- Good quality food
- Local and foreign products
Torvehallerne is a large urban, covered marketplace. It contains a fantastic array of stalls filled with all sorts of delicacies: food, drinks, fresh produce, flowers, and more!
The market is open every day from morning until evening. Make sure to come hungry, it has everything your heart (and stomach) desires!
#23 – Amager Beach Park
Perfect for aquatic enthusiasts
- Easy to reach by Metro
- Local hangout
- Open 24/7
Amager Strandpark is a seaside public park in Copenhagen. It’s nestled on the island of Amager and offers visitors a total of 2.8-miles of man-made beaches.
Guests can enjoy land and water sports. It’s a popular spot for kayaking, diving, swimming and sunbathing in summer. There are also kiosks and cafes!
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#24 – Church of Our Saviour
- Baroque church
- Small entrance fee
- Great vantage points
The Church of Our Savior is a 17th-century place of worship located near the city center. It’s most famous for its helix spire that contains an external winding staircase.
Visitors can climb to the top for breathtaking views of the city. You don’t have to be religious to appreciate the ornate architecture and stunning city views!
#25 – Copenhagen Zoo
- Zoological garden
- Spacious and well organized
- Exotic animals
The Copenhagen Zoo was founded in 1859 and is one of the oldest zoos in Europe! It comprises 27 acres and is located in the municipality of Frederiksberg.
See species from all over the world including Tasmania, Africa, South America, The Nordics, Asia, the arctic ring, and more! This is one of the most interesting places to visit in Copenhagen!
#26 – Christianshavn Neighborhood
- Bohemian neighborhood
- 1.5-hour walking tour
- Available in English and German
This hippy enclave contains Copenhagen’s free-spirited community. A disproportionate number of vegans, artists, and young people call this neighborhood home.
Learn about the different lifestyles of the communities and find out how this area came to be. See the colorful houses that line the banks of the canals and mix with the locals!
#27 – Self-Guided Bus Tour
- Audio guides available
- Easily travel to Copenhagen sites
- Sightseeing at your own pace
This iconic red bus will take you to all the Copenhagen must-see attractions! There are well-placed stops spread out over the city coinciding with the main attractions.
These big red double-decker buses are easy to spot and always have plenty of seating! Enjoy unlimited usage of this bus for 24-hours!
#28 – Copenhagen Town Walk
- 2-hour walking tour
- Available in English or German
- Casual pace and leisurely
On this guided walking tour you’ll discover Copenhagen’s buzzing downtown area! Follow your local guide as they provide you with a comprehensive overview of the area.
See many of Downtown Copenhagen’s most historic sights and neighborhoods, such as City Hall, Old and New Square, the University, and more!
#29 – Designmuseum Denmark
Fan of design? You’ll love this!
- Located in Frederiksstaden
- Cafe and museum shop
- Closed on Mondays
Learn the interesting art of Danish design at the Designmuseum Denmark. There are well-organized exhibits that allow visitors to explore the historical roots of the Danish design legacy
The museum is also housed in an old rococo building, originally built in 1757 by King Frederik V as the first public hospital.
#30 – Royal Danish Playhouse
For fans of the performing arts
- Opened in 2008
- Amazing water views
- Dinner and a show
The Royal Danish Playhouse is a waterside theater located on the harbor front in the Frederiksstaden neighborhood.
Guests can experience Copenhagen’s performing arts and enjoy a meal at their onsite restaurants. This is the perfect place to go for an entertaining experience!
#31 – The Open Air Museum
- Located in Lyngby
- Opened in 1897
- Closed on Monday
Copenhagen’s Open Air Museum is one of the largest and oldest open-air museums in the world! Covering nearly 100 areas, you’ll see everything from picturesque gardens to old rural houses to costumed actors.
Make sure to wear your walking shoes, there is much to be seen at this Copenhagen attractions!
Final Thoughts
Copenhagen is filled with amazing neighborhoods, beautiful scenery, unique cuisine, and a warm hospitable spirit! No matter your interest, we are positive this list of the best things to do in Copenhagen will help you discover the true essence of this Danish capital!
You’ll find that each of these attractions and activities showcases the city’s uniqueness and adds to its overall charm. When you’re trying to decide on the best things to do in Copenhagen, Denmark, this list will have all your main attractions covered, whilst offering some alternative options as well!
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