This article has partner links that I may receive compensation from at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting my site by using them!
Copenhagen, Denmark is one of the greatest cities in the world. For centuries, it has been an important hub for culture, history, and travel, dating back to the Viking Age (and even before). Whatever your interests, there are plenty of fantastic things to see & do in the Danish capital, which is known as one of the happiest places on the planet. Visit Copenhagen & find out why. Here are the 50 best things to do in Copenhagen, including attractions such as museums, famous buildings, landmarks, outdoor activities, arts & entertainment, food & drink, & more.
Getting Around Copenhagen
Copenhagen is one of the most walkable cities in the world, plus it also has a fantastic public transportation system. Most of these Copenhagen activities are located in the city center, often near hop-on, hop-off bus routes and public transportation lines. The Copenhagen Card is a good way to save money if you plan to visit several of these Copenhagen tourist attractions. It even includes local transportation. There are also plenty of Copenhagen sightseeing tours available.
The Best Things to Do in Copenhagen
Nyhavn
Yes, Nyhavn is the tourist epicenter of the city, but it’s one of the most popular places to visit in Copenhagen for a reason. The colorful buildings, boats, and reflecting water all make for the most iconic views in Copenhagen.
Every visitor should make it to Nyhavn at least once (and then move on to somewhere less crowded). The bars & restaurants are tempting, but most are not well-regarded.
Tivoli Gardens
Tivoli Gardens (official website) is another one of the most famous Copenhagen attractions. The amusement park has been entertaining visitors since 1843.
Thrill-seekers will enjoy the rides & carnival atmosphere, with special seasonal events held throughout the year. It’s also filled with restaurants, including a food hall. Entry is included with the Copenhagen Card, however, this does not include rides. Get Tivoli Gardens tickets here.
Christiansborg Palace & Slotsholmen
Located right in the center of Copenhagen is the island of Slotsholmen. Given the general lack of shops & restaurants in the immediate area, it’s surprisingly quiet aside from tourist attractions. Across the canal is the famed Gammel Strand, so there’s still plenty going on right nearby.
Christiansborg Palace (official website) is the main highlight, with the complex also including Christiansborg’s Tower, the War Museum, the Danish Jewish Museum, and the Garden of the Royal Library. Entry is included with the Copenhagen Card & it’s also part of many Copenhagen tours.
Rosenborg Castle & the King’s Garden
Another Copenhagen highlight is Rosenborg Castle & the King’s Garden (official website).
The 17th-century royal palace is home to a museum, with the outside gardens making it one of the most photographed places in Copenhagen. Rosenborg Castle is part of the Copenhagen Card.
Take a Boat Tour or Copenhagen Harbour Bus
Wherever you are in Copenhagen, you’re somewhere close to the water. There are plenty of boat tours available that highlight many of the best things to see in Copenhagen.
If you’re tight on time or money, the Copenhagen Harbour Buses are my favorite way to get out on the water for a bit. Find Copenhagen boat tours here.
Rent a Bicycle
Not only is the city mostly flat, but it also has an excellent network of bicycle routes that make it easy to get between various things to do in Copenhagen. Book Copenhagen bicycle rentals here.
Kastellet
The star-shaped Kastellet (official website) is a 17th-century fortress at the northern edge of Copenhagen’s city center.
Filled with historic buildings, the grounds are a pleasant place for a walk. The nearby park is also home to the Museum of Danish Resistance.
The Little Mermaid Statue
The Little Mermaid Statue is another one of the most popular things to do in Copenhagen, thanks to the Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen. Personally, I (like many people) find it to be overrated, as it’s just a small statue situated slightly offshore near Kastellet. However, it’s one of the most Instagrammable places in Copenhagen.
If you go, be patient to get your photo, and please don’t do a whole photo shoot there that keeps your fellow visitors from getting their turn.
Rundetaarn
There are several great towers in Copenhagen with fantastic views. One is the unique Rundetaarn (official website), a 17th-century observatory that’s one of my favorite places to visit in Copenhagen.
Read more about Rundetaarn.
Our Saviour’s Church (Vor Frelsers Kirke)
Our Saviour’s Church (official website) is another Copenhagen must-see. The climb to the top is not for the faint of heart, as the stairs spiral up the exterior of the tower.
Christiania
Christiania (official website) is famous as one of the most unique things to do in Copenhagen. The free community is known for its art, cafes, and shops, all set in an off-the-grid area of the city that’s laid-back, even by Copenhagen standards.
Read more about Christiania.
Frederik’s Church (Frederiks Kirke)
The 18th-century Frederiks Kirke (official website) is one of the most notable churches in Copenhagen. The dome is the largest in Scandinavia. Entry is free.
Church of Holmen (Holmens Kirke)
Holmens Kirke (official website) occupies a prominent spot near Christiansborg Palace. The 17th-century church is unique in that it’s right along the water.
Søndermarken
The massive Søndermarken is one of the best places to visit in Copenhagen to experience nature. The huge park has everything from historic buildings & the zoo to art galleries inside former cisterns.
Frederiksberg Palace & Frederiksberg Park
Frederiksberg Palace (official website) is located near Søndermarken. The 18th-century palace was built in the Italian Baroque style. The gardens are landscaped in the English style. Frederiksberg Palace is included with the Copenhagen Card.
Copenhagen Zoo
The Copenhagen Zoo (official website) is one of the top things to do in Copenhagen with kids. Also located in Søndermarken, the Zoo has over 4,000 animals. Buy Copenhagen Zoo tickets here. It is also part of the Copenhagen Card.
National Aquarium Denmark (Den Blå Planet)
Wildlife lovers will also enjoy the National Aquarium Denmark (official website), which is the largest aquarium in northern Europe. The aquarium, which is located near Copenhagen Airport, has thousands of animals from habitats from all over the world.
Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek (official website) is a beautiful museum that focuses on sculpture, Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, & Danish Golden Age art.
Entry is included with the Copenhagen Card. Read more about Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek.
National Museum of Denmark
The National Museum of Denmark (official website) covers tens of thousands of years of Danish history, with a strong focus on prehistory & the Viking Age.
Entry is included with the Copenhagen Card. Read more about the National Museum of Denmark.
SMK – Statens Museum for Kunst
The Statens Museum for Kunst (official website) is the largest art museum in Denmark. This National Gallery of Denmark specializes in Danish & international art from the 14th century to today. The museum has a strong focus on Danish & Nordic art between 1750 & 1900.
The National Gallery of Denmark is included with the Copenhagen Card.
Museum of Natural History
The Natural History Museum of Denmark (official website) is combining the Zoological Museum and the Geological Museum in a new building near the Botanical Gardens.
Entry is included with the Copenhagen Card.
Botanical Garden & Museum
The Botanical Garden & Museum (official website) features the largest collection of plants in Denmark.
The Copenhagen Card includes entry to the Botanical Garden.
Workers Museum
The Workers Museum (official website) tells the story of workers in Denmark. The museum is housed in the Workers’ Assembly Hall, the oldest workers’ assembly hall in Europe.
Entry to the Workers Museum Copenhagen is included with the Copenhagen Card. Read more about the Workers Museum.
Museum of Copenhagen
The Museum of Copenhagen (official website) provides a great overview of the city’s history from 12,000 BCE to the present day.
Entry to the museum is included with the Copenhagen Card. Tickets are also good for Thorvaldsens Museum & the Nikolaj Museum for 48 hours. Read more about the Museum of Copenhagen.
Thorvaldsens Museum
Thorvaldsens Museum (official website) is a unique museum dedicated to Danish artist Bertel Thorvaldsen.
The museum is packed full of Thorvaldsen’s Neoclassical sculptures, as well as his collection of paintings & antiquities. Entry to Thorvaldsens Museum is included with the Copenhagen Card. It is part of a 3 museum ticket with the Museum of Copenhagen & Nikolaj Copenhagen over a 48-hour period. Read more about Thorvaldsens Museum.
Danish Architecture Centre
Copenhagen was named the World Capital of Architecture in 2023. The city has a lovely mix of buildings, both old and new. The Danish Architecture Centre (official website) is a small waterside museum dedicated to Danish building design.
Entry to the DAC is included with the Copenhagen Card or you can purchase tickets here.
Design Museum Denmark
Danish design is world-famous. Design Museum Denmark (official website) details the history of Danish design from the Middle Ages to the Present.
Design Museum Denmark is part of the Copenhagen Card.
Kunsthal Charlottenborg
Kunsthall Charlottenborg (official website) is located in the 17th-century Charlottenborg Palace. It’s the official gallery of the Royal Danish Academy of Art, with a focus on contemporary art. Admission is included with the Copenhagen Card.
Amalienborg Palace Museum
Amalienborg Palace (official website) is the home of the Danish Royal Family.
The museum contains the interior rooms of the most recent monarchs of Denmark since Christian IX and Queen Louise as well as exhibits about the modern monarchy. It is part of the Copenhagen Card,
Other Copenhagen Museums
The above museums are just the tip of the iceberg. There are dozens of other interesting museums in Copenhagen. Click here to learn about them.
Take a Walking Tour
There’s tons of history, plus plenty of places to see in Copenhagen. The city is walkable on your own, but get an even more in-depth experience through a walking tour. Click here to book Copenhagen walking tours.
Copenhagen City Hall & Rådhuspladsen
The Copenhagen City Hall is one of the first Copenhagen attractions many visitors see. Located near the train station & Tivoli Gardens, the City Hall Square (Rådhuspladsen) is a popular gathering place.
Royal Danish Theater (Det Kongelige Teater – Gamle Scene)
The Royal Danish Theater (official website) has been performing since 1748. Between its 3 facilities, there are hundreds of performances each year, including plays, opera, ballet, and more, as well as tours. The Old Theater opened in 1874 & still hosts events today.
Copenhagen Opera House
The waterside opera house (Det Kongelige Teater – Operaen) is one of the most prominent architectural landmarks in Copenhagen. Opened in 2005, it hosts live performances throughout the year & is part of the Royal Danish Theater.
The Playhouse – Det Kongelige Teater – Skuespilhuset
The Royal Danish Theater’s Playhouse opened in 2008. Like the opera house, it also occupies a waterfront location. It’s the largest theater in Denmark.
Wallman’s Dinner Party
For a different live entertainment experience, head to the Circus Building, home of Wallman’s Dinner Party (official website). Their immersive dinner theater has thrilled audiences with song, dance, and acrobatics since 2004.
Strøget
Strøget is the main street for shopping in Copenhagen. The long pedestrianized street stretches from Rådhuspladsen to Nyhavn & is lined with shops & restaurants.
Ørstedsparken
Ørstedsparken is a nice central Copenhagen park with a pond, playground, and statues.
Nyboder
Nyboder is a small neighborhood filled with unique architecture. The boldly colored buildings were first used as military housing & were constructed in the 17th & 18th centuries.
There is a small museum called Nyboders Mindestuer (official website).
Nørrebro
Nørrebro is one of Copenhagen’s coolest neighborhoods. The young, multicultural area has excellent bars & restaurants, entertainment, parks, and street art.
Assistens Cemetery
Assistens Cemetery (official website) in Nørrebro is not only the best-known cemetery in Copenhagen, but it also functions as a park. Take a walk through the green space (or even have a picnic – there are plenty of excellent local eateries offering food to go) while being on the lookout for notable residents such as Hans Christian Andersen and Søren Kierkegaard.
Vesterbro
Vesterbro was once a more industrial area, but it is evolving into a trendy neighborhood with excellent bars, restaurants, and shopping
Østerbro
Østerbro is a quieter, family-friendly neighborhood, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to see and do there. The neighborhood has plenty of green areas, plus shopping & restaurants.
What to Eat & Drink in Copenhagen
Craft Beer
Copenhagen is one of the best craft beer cities in the world. Home of the well-known Mikkeller, the city is also filled with other excellent breweries & beer bars. Read more about Copenhagen craft beer.
Smørrebrød
Smørrebrød is perhaps the most famous dish in Denmark. These open-faced sandwiches can be found all over Copenhagen, with each place that serves them offering a variety of topping options. Selma & Hallernes Smørrebrød are particular favorites of mine.
Torvehallern
Torvehallern (official website) is Copenhagen’s premier food market. The covered market is filled with restaurants & other food stalls, plus bars & more.
Take a Food Tour
For an even more in-depth culinary experience, I recommend taking a Copenhagen food tour. There are plenty of options available, including tours of specific neighborhoods. Book a Copenhagen food tour here.
Copenhagen Restaurants
There are plenty of great places to eat in Copenhagen. For restaurant recommendations, go here.
Copenhagen Hotels
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Copenhagen, check out these hotels. If you’re on a tight budget & traveling during peak season, consider staying across the bridge in Malmö, as hotels can be much cheaper there.
Day Trips from Copenhagen
Helsingør & the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art Day Trip
Helsingør is best known for two things. It is the home of Kronborg Castle, which inspired Hamlet, as well as the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art (official website), which is one of the most popular museums in Denmark & includes modern & contemporary art from 1945 to the present day. The museum is part of the Copenhagen Card & there are many Helsingør day tours available.
Roskilde & the Viking Ship Museum Day Trip
The Viking Ship Museum (official website) is one of the highlights of a day trip to Roskilde.
The museum features six recovered Viking ships, plus workshops, food, and other activities. Entry is included with the Copenhagen Card. Read more about the Viking Ship Museum.
The Open Air Museum (Frilandsmuseet) Day Trip
The Open Air Museum (official website) in Lyngby is part of the National Museum of Denmark. Open since 1897, it’s one of the largest & oldest open-air museums in the world. The grounds contain many historic buildings from 1650-1940, as well as interactive demonstrations, events, and more. The Open Air Museum is included with the Copenhagen Card.
Frederiksborg Castle Day Trip
Hillerød’s Friederiksborg Castle (official website) is another popular Copenhagen day trip. Built in the 17th century, the lakeside palace also has beautiful gardens. It is part of many day trip tours, as well as the Copenhagen Card.
Malmö, Sweden Day Trip
As I mentioned above, Malmö can be an alternative place to stay that’s much cheaper than Copenhagen. It’s just 35 minutes between the two city centers by train. Malmö is also a nice city in its own right, with historic buildings, arts & entertainment, plus bars & restaurants. Book a day trip tour here.
What are your favorite things to do in Copenhagen? Let me know in the comments!
Here are more great Copenhagen tours & activities.
