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Copenhagen
17 Best Things to Do and Visit in Copenhagen
Copenhagen is the capital of Denmark, with medieval roots dating back to the 12th century. As a strategic harbor, the city grew in importance and eventually became the capital of Denmark in the 15th century.
Despite challenges throughout centuries, Copenhagen emerged as a cultural and economic center, laying the foundation for its modern identity. Visit iconic architectural landmarks like the Opera House and the Black Diamond, and explore the city’s commitment to design at the Danish Design Museum, or just stroll through the old town to enjoy charming old buildings, broad avenues, and tiny streets as well as picturesque canals and a modern harbor.
Today, Copenhagen is renowned for its eco-friendly initiatives, cycling infrastructure, and commitment to green architecture, it has a reputation as one of the world’s most livable cities. It consistently ranks high in global quality of life indices, thanks to a harmonious balance between urban development, green spaces, and a focus on sustainable practices.
Denmark is famous for its concept of “hygge’’ philosophy that embodies coziness, comfort, and a focus on the simple joys of life. In Copenhagen, one can experience hygge in the welcoming ambiance of local cafes, parks, and cultural spaces that embody this lifestyle.
1. Christiansborg Palace
This beautiful palace houses the Danish parliament, the office of the Danish prime minister, and the Supreme Court. It is therefore the center for legislative, executive, and judicial power in Denmark. The palace also accommodates rooms for the Danish Monarchy.
There are several attractions here that you can visit, such as the royal reception rooms, the royal kitchens, and the ruins, especially interesting is the tapestry hall that describes 1,100 years of Danish history from the Viking Age to the modern world.
2. The Royal Library Garden
This beautiful and meticulously designed green space is part of the Royal Liberty and it is located along the waterfront, it’s full of comfortable benches, seating areas, and well-maintained pathways. You can spend some time here to enjoy the tranquil and cozy atmosphere and admire the architecture of the library.
3. Storget Shopping Area
Storget is the world’s longest pedestrian-only shopping street located in Copenhagen, it is known for its diverse shops, cafes, and vibrant atmosphere, it is very popular with both locals and tourists and even if you don’t have a plan to go shopping you can visit this street to enjoy exploring the unique shops and historic surroundings.
Also, don’t forget to visit the world-famous LEGO store situated here on Storget.
4. The National Museum of Denmark
The National Museum of Denmark offers a diverse range of exhibits covering Danish cultural history, you can explore artifacts from Denmark’s prehistoric period, and the Viking era with exhibits on Viking ships, weapons, and daily life, explore medieval Danish history, including art, architecture, and lifestyle during the Middle Ages and Renaissance.
The museum also features a collection of items from around the world, providing a global perspective on cultures and traditions and much more. The museum also holds temporary exhibitions and events throughout the year.
5. University and The Botanical Garden
Copenhagen is home to the University of Copenhagen Botanical Garden, located in the city center. The garden houses an extensive collection of plants from around the world, including the Palm House and the Butterfly House, the rock garden featuring alpine plants and other species, and you can learn about various medicinal and culinary herbs here at the Herb Gardens.
Whether you’re a plant enthusiast or just looking for a peaceful green space in the heart of Copenhagen, the University Botanical Garden is worth a visit.
6. Tivoli Gardens
Visiting Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen offers a delightful experience for all ages and it is not to be missed when exploring Copenhagen. It is a very beautiful garden with iconic architecture and various entertainment performances, including concerts, and theatrical shows.
Depending on the time of year, you can experience different decorations here, especially the magical atmosphere during Christmas or vibrant colors in the summer.
Tivoli Gardens is one of the world’s oldest amusement parks in the world, dating back to 1843. It served as an inspiration for Disneyland in California which opened its doors in 1955.
7. Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek Museum
The museum was founded in 1888 by the renowned brewing magnate Carl Jacobsen, who made Carlsberg beer known worldwide, it is a very interesting museum and invites you to discover Northern Europe’s largest collection of Ancient Mediterranean art, a wide display of many various sculptures and exhibitions from many famous artists around the world.
There is a very nice Winter Garden in the middle of the museum with palm trees and a fountain. The building itself is very impressive and you can take time to appreciate its architecture.
8. Iconic Statue of The Little Mermaid
The Little Mermaid is an iconic symbol of Copenhagen and is based on Hans Christian Andersen’s famous fairy tale. It’s a must-see landmark, representing Danish cultural heritage and a symbol of Copenhagen’s maritime history. It is a beautiful piece of art situated by the waterfront with a nice view of the harbor and the sea, which also creates a popular place for photography.
9. Rosenborg Castle
The castle was built in the 17th century by one of the most famous Scandinavian kings, Christian IV, and has served as a residence for numerous Danish Kings, and today it houses the Royal Crown Jewels and other royal treasury. You can visit this castle and explore the exhibits historical displays, and rooms that were used by Danish monarchs. This castle provides a comprehensive overview of Danish cultural heritage and is a key cultural attraction in Copenhagen.
10. The Round Tower
The Round Tower is an impressive example of Renaissance design, it is a masterpiece of 17th-century architecture, known for its distinctive spiral ramp rather than stairs. It served various purposes such as an astronomical observatory, library, and student church. Today you can visit historical astronomical instruments and an extensive collection of books, as well as exhibitions and other cultural events.
Make sure to plan to go to the top of the tower, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city.
11. Nyhavn
Nyhavn is known for its charming canal lined with colorful buildings, it’s a great place to relax, here you can find many cafes and restaurants to enjoy Danish cuisine or just sit on the canal and enjoy the atmosphere. The area around Nyhavn is vibrant with cultural events, street performers, and live music.
It is also one of the most picturesque places in Copenhagen.
12. Amalienborg Castle
The castle has played an important role in Danish history and has been home to various monarchs.
Today it still serves as the official residence of the Danish royal family. Inside you can visit rococo-style palaces and museums dedicated to the history of the Danish monarchy.
Another great experience is to witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony, a tradition that adds a regal touch to your visit.
13. Frederik’s Church
Frederik’s Church also known as The Marble Church is also worth visiting to appreciate its impressive dome and neoclassical design, the elegant architecture is a visually stunning landmark.
Inside, you can appreciate the spacious and airy interior, adorned with beautiful decorations and a sense of grandeur, and for the unique perspective of Copenhagen, you can climb to the top of the dome, to enjoy panoramic views of the city.
14. Church of Our Saviour
Another beautiful church in Copenhagen and a must-visit is the Church of Our Saviour, it has a distinctive baroque architecture and is characterized by its spiraling external staircase leading to a golden globe which symbolizes the Earth, and a statue of Christ as a triumphant conqueror. The design is both striking and unusual. At the top of the spire, you’ll have impressive panoramic views of the city.
15. CopenHill
CopenHill or a Ski Slope on a Power Plant, basically it’s built on top of a waste-to-energy power plant, featuring a ski slope and recreational area. It’s a remarkable example of repurposing industrial infrastructure for sustainable and recreational purposes. The facility hosts cultural events, live performances, and community gatherings. They even organize winter sports and also hiking trails and climbing walls. In addition, the rooftop of CopenHill provides panoramic and unique views of Copenhagen.
16. Reffen – Copenhagen Street Food
For culinary adventure I recommend visiting Reffen, it is a street food market with a wide array of food stalls, representing different cuisines from around the world. The market has a creative and artistic vibe with colorful stalls, murals, and recycled materials used in its design, it’s a picturesque location near the waterfront and offers scenic views of the harbor and the city.
17. Kastellet
Kastellet is a well-preserved fortress dating back to the 17th century. Explore its distinctive star-shaped design, bastions, and ramparts, providing insight into Denmark’s military history. The neighborhood is home to the Kastelsmølle, an iconic windmill that adds charm to the landscape. It’s one of the best-preserved Dutch-style windmills in Denmark.
Wander through the cobblestone streets and admire the well-preserved historic buildings within the fortress. Notable structures include the Commander’s House, Citadel Church, and the Church of St. Alban.
Conclusion:
There is an autonomous neighborhood in Copenhagen called Christiania, it is a free town with its own rules and regulations, operates on principles of self-governance, and is a symbol of alternative living and community spirit. Despite its unconventional nature, Christiania has become a notable tourist attraction, if you are curious about its alternative lifestyle, you can visit to explore vibrant art scenes and the sense of freedom that permeates the air.
As you can see there is much more to see and do in Copenhagen than we can put in this one article, do not forget that riding a bicycle is a huge part of the culture here, and if you can rent a bicycle for a day you can have a great experience riding through well-organized bike lanes of the city, another popular thing to do here is to go for a swim in one of the cities canals or winter baths, you can also rent a boat for the different experience and perspective to enrich your Copenhagen experience.
*Important note: Please remember to check for the restrictions or any other changes while planning your trip.
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.