Home DestinationsEuropeDenmark 20 Awesome Things to do in Copenhagen, Denmark

20 Awesome Things to do in Copenhagen, Denmark

by Michele
0 comment
Top Things to do in Copenhagen, Denmark
The Intrepid Guide contains affiliate links. At no cost to you, I will earn a commission which helps reduce the ever-increasing costs of keeping this site active. Thank you for your support.

Wondering what things to do in Copenhagen? With these 20 stunning places to explore in Copenhagen, it’s no wonder the Danes are the happiest people in the world.

I covered a lot of ground during my time in this beautiful city so I’ve prepared a comprehensive list of the best things you must do and see in Copenhagen.

Want to know where you’ll be going? Take a look at the detailed map below.


Going to Denmark? Get my free Danish travel phrase guide.


Map of the Best Things to do in Copenhagen

Tip: For a larger view of the map, click on the icon in the top right corner. 


1. Rundetårn

top 20 best things to do in Copenhagen - Spiral Path Rundetarn Copenhagen

Rundetårn, meaning ‘Round Tower’ is not only a beautiful 17th-century brick tower, it is also the oldest functioning observatory in Europe.

Christian IV built the tower during the height of Denmark’s astronomical achievements. Many of them owed to the astronomer Tycho Brahe.

When Brahe died in 1601, the King wished for the continuation of his research and so established the tower.

While today it is no longer used by scientist, the observatory is still used by many amateur astronomers and visitors.

Reaching the observatory is probably one of the easiest tower-climbs around with ample space and no stairs! Instead, you walk up a spiral pathway; a cake walk compared to Rome’s St. Peter’s Basilica.

Along the way, you’ll pass the library hall, which once housed the entire book collection of the university. The famous Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen used to visit the library, finding inspiration for his work.
Staying close to its core, the walk is 85.5 metres long, while on the outer wall it’s 268.5 meters. Obviously, the closer you are to the core the steeper the incline will be, so I recommend opting for somewhere in the middle, which is about 209 metres long.

Stepping out on the outdoor platform, you’re rewarded with 360-degree views of the city from the heart of the historical centre.

The late afternoon sun makes the view even more magnificent. Allow enough time to chill out on the benches and take it all in.

top 20 best things to do in Copenhagen - Rundetarn Copenhagen

2. Strøget

top 20 best things to do in Copenhagen - Amagertorv Square Stroget CopenhagenLocated in the centre of town, Strøget is one of Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping streets at 1.1 km long.

You’ll find shops for all budgets on this most famous shopping strip. Big international brands like Prada, Max Mara, Louis Vuitton, Mulberry, Hermès and Boss are all located at the end of the street facing up to Kongens Nytorv.

If you don’t have a wad of cash in your bank account, then you can continue along Strøget down towards City Hall Square, where you’ll find shops like H&M, Vero Moda, Weekday and Zara.

When Strøget was turned into a pedestrian-only zone in 1962, this sparked the beginning of major changes in the approach of Copenhagen’s urban life. Following the success of this initiative, the city began to place a much greater emphasis on pedestrian and bicycle access to the city at the expense of cars. This approach has, in turn, become internationally influential.

3. Christiansborg Palace

top 20 best things to do in Copenhagen - Christiansborg Palace CopenhagenChristiansborg Palace is one of the four Royal Palaces located in the centre of Copenhagen.

Situated on Slotsholmen (the Palace Island), Christiansborg Palace is the most important building in Denmark today. It is the centre of Danish democracy as the seat of the Folketinget (the Danish Parliament), the Supreme Court, the Prime Minister’s office, and the Royal Reception Rooms.

For almost a thousand years this has been the site of parliament and sovereigns ever since the times of Arch Bishop Absalon, in the 12th century. Over the centuries, kings have been crowned and married in the royal palaces on this site where palaces have been erected, burnt down and erected again. The last fire was in 1884.

The palace that stands today dates back to the beginning of the 20th century.

Attached to the palace is Copenhagen’s tallest tower, Tårnet tower, standing at 106 meters. It has a whole 40 cm of extra height over the tower at City Hall, which is the second tallest. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Sweden!

Unlike Rundetårn, you’ll have to brave the steps to the top for this uninterrupted view.

The Tårnet is free to visit and is open every day except Mondays.

4. Assistens Cemetery

top 20 best things to do in Copenhagen - Hans Christian Andersen at Assistens Cemetery

To the north-west of the centre is Nørrebro, a trendy neighbourhood full of restaurants, cafes, and bars. Also located here is Assistens Cemetery, the resting placing of two famous Danes, author Hans Christian Andersen and philosopher and poet Søren Kierkegaard.

While Hans Christian Anderson is world famous for his fairytale books including ‘The Little Mermaid’, The Ugly Duckling’, ‘The Emperor’s New Clothes’, and ‘The Princess and the Pea’, and ‘Thumbelina’, the name Søren Kierkegaard is less likely to ring any bells.

Have you ever heard the phrase, “Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards.”? Well, these wise words can be accredited to Søren Kierkegaard.

While for some visiting cemeteries may be considered morbid, I actually enjoy it because they usually don the most beautifully kept gardens and offer a peaceful break from the city centre.

Founded in 1760, the graveyard is still in use today. Over the past 200 years, it has become the last resting place for a number of other famous Danish personalities.

5. The Black Diamond

top 20 best things to do in Copenhagen - The Black Diamond Copenhagen

The Black Diamond is a modern waterfront extension to the Royal Danish Library’s old building on Slotsholmen (the Palace Island). Its nickname is a reference to its polished black granite cladding and irregular angles which spring to life under the sun.

Apart from functioning as a library, the building houses a number of other public facilities and activities, most of which are located around the central top-lit atrium which cuts into the building with a huge glazed front facing the harbour.
For the best view of the Black Diamond, head over to Papirøen (Paper Island); which we’ll talk more about later in this list.

6. Nyhavn

top 20 best things to do in Copenhagen - Nyhavn Coloured Buildings

This is the money shot.

If you Google ‘Copenhagen’ the iconic photo you’ll see is the characteristic and colourful buildings lining the port. Nyhavn, actually translates to ‘New Harbour.

In the past decade it has been thoroughly cleaned: so clean in fact, that the inner harbour is safe enough to swim in!

Nyhavn was originally a busy commercial port within the walled city of Copenhagen where ships from all over the world would dock. Gaining passage was only possible at one of the town’s three ‘ports’ – Vesterport, Østerport, and Nørreport. This area was packed with sailors, ladies of pleasure, pubs, and alehouses.

Today these wonderfully colourful old houses have been renovated and classy restaurants dominate the old port.

The oldest house in the area is at No. 9 Nyhavn, dating back to 1681. The design of the house has not been altered since that time. Many of the houses lining the quays of Nyhavn have been the homes of prominent artists.

Hans Christian Andersen used to live at No. 20, where he wrote the fairy-tales ‘The Tinderbox’, ‘Little Claus and Big Claus’, and ‘The Princess and the Pea’. He also lived twenty years at No. 67 and two years at No. 18.

7. Christiania, aka Freetown Christiania

top 20 best things to do in Copenhagen - Freetown-Christiania Copenhagen EntrannceFor me, the most fascinating place in Copenhagen is Freetown Christiania; a self-proclaimed autonomous neighbourhood which is recognised as a large commune by Danish law.

The autonomous inhabitants of Freetown Christiania sustain a green and car-free way of life. The area was first established in 1971 by a group of hippies who occupied some abandoned military barracks on the site and developed their own set of society rules, completely independent of the Danish government. Still today, the Copenhagen law enforcement do not police the area.

Freetown Christiania is a mix of homemade houses, workshops, art galleries, music venues, cheap and organic eateries, and nature.

It is still a society within a society, meaning you cannot buy a house in Christiania. You must instead apply for it, and if successful, it is given to you.

top 20 best things to do in Copenhagen - Freetown Christiania Copenhagen Grafitti

The idea of visiting this part of town can be daunting considering the warnings on tourism sites and the massive ‘Do’s and Don’ts’ sign out the front of its entrance. It’s important to take them seriously and follow them for your own safety. Photography and filming are strictly forbidden especially in and around Pusher Street, mainly due to the hash dealing, which is illegal in Denmark. Even having your camera around your neck or in your hand isn’t allowed. So be careful. There are, however, areas just outside of the main entrance where you can take photos without breaking any rules (see above).

Having said all that, I’ve heard that the Christiania nightlife is pretty awesome with live outdoor music.

During the day it’s a nice to stroll around its green gardens, graffiti-covered structures and enjoy the warm sounds of musicians strumming their guitars throughout the space.

If you fancy a more personal recount of its history, check out the guided tours run by local Christianites.

top 20 best things to do in Copenhagen - Freetown Christiania Copenhagen gate

8. Church of our Saviour

top 20 best things to do in Copenhagen - Church of our Saviour Copenhagen

Located near Freetown Christiania is Church of our Savior, famous for its golden spiral tower.

Each year more than 60,000 people climb to the top which is 90 metres above street level.

The climb is much more demanding than both Rundetårn and Tårnet mentioned earlier. You’ll be scaling ladders, going through narrow archways, and climbing up steep steps.

The last 150 steps are on the outside of the spire and are not for the faint-hearted But, as with all skyline views, it’s well worth it!

Church of our Saviour is one of Denmark’s most famous churches. Ever since the serpentine spire was inaugurated in 1752, is has been a popular pastime to climb the 400 steps to the top.

Standing on top of the spire and on a golden globe is Our Savior Himself, Keeping watch over the royal city of Copenhagen.

9. Amalienborg Palace

top 20 best things to do in Copenhagen - Amalienborg Palace Copenhagen

Hidden away behind the streets of Nyhavn is Amalienborg Palace, the winter residence of the Danish royal family.

It’s not just one palace, but four different ones which flank the square. In return for tax immunity for 40 years, the four palaces were built by four noble families in the middle of the 18th century on direct orders by the King Frederik V, who needed a new royal palace but he didn’t want to pay for it.

In 1794 the royal family moved into the four palaces around the square.

Every day at noon, you can watch the change of guards in the courtyard. When HM the Queen is in residence, the ceremony is called The King’s Watch (Kongevagt) and the guards are accompanied by the Royal Guards music band.

When the palace is not inhabited or the Queen isn’t there, the Guards march through Copenhagen without music accompaniment, and the route is shorter. This watch is called The Manor Watch.

10. The Little Mermaid Statue

top 20 best things to do in Copenhagen - The Little Mermaid Copenhagen

The second most iconic picture of Copenhagen is the sculpture of The Little Mermaid.

Perched on a rock near Langelinie Pier, this bronze and granite sculpture was a gift from Danish brewer Carl Jacobsen to the City of Copenhagen in 1913.

After watching a ballet performance of the fairy tale, Carl Jacobsen fell in love with the character and commissioned the sculptor Edvard Eriksen to create a sculpture of the mermaid.

The area around The Little Mermaid is always packed, so get there early!

11. Kastellet Fortress

top 20 best things to do in Copenhagen - Kastellet Fortress Copenhagen

Located north of the centre is Kastellet, one of the best-preserved star fortresses in Northern Europe. It is constructed in the form of a pentagram with bastions at its corners.

Originally commissioned by Frederik III in 1662, today the defensive walls are covered in lush green grass while the moat surrounds the beautiful 18th-century barracks. There is also a historic windmill and chapel which is occasionally used for concerts.

top 20 best things to do in Copenhagen - Kastellet Fortress Copenhagen

12. Gefion Fountain

top 20 best things to do in Copenhagen - Norse goddess Gefion Fountain Copenhagen
Just beyond Kastellet is Anders Bundgaard’s monumental Gefion Fountain, depicting several oxen pulling the plough of legendary Norse goddess Gefion.

Gefion Fountain was donated to the city by the Carlsberg Foundation in celebration of Carlsberg brewery’s 50 year anniversary in 1897.

A great amount of detail has gone into this fountain. For example, behind of the oxen, the water sprays up from behind the wheels and the plough. While the water which sprays out of the oxen nostrils emphasises the power and strength of the oxen.

Gefion Fountain is the largest monument in Copenhagen and used as a wishing well. So, keep some coins handy!

13. The Royal Theatre

The Royal Theatre is another beautiful building in the Copenhagen’s city centre. But perhaps even more stunning is its interior.

Located in Kongens Nytorv Square, it was built in 1748 and welcomed notable people such as Søren Kierkegaard. In was here that Carl Jacobsen fell in love with The Little Mermaid, before commissioning her sculpture.

All performances are state-subsidized, making tickets quite affordable compared to theatre tickets elsewhere in Europe.

Should Her Majesty attend a performance, the audience is required by tradition to rise and remain standing until the Queen is comfortably seated.

14. Rosenborg Castle

Rosenborg Castle and its gardens, Kongens Have (The King’s Garden), was my number one favourite place to visit in Copenhagen.

Rosenborg Park is the oldest and most visited park in the city with its lush green grass and lime tree avenues making it the perfect spot for a picnic.

If you’re visiting during summer, keep an eye out for the many temporary exhibits, and if you’re lucky you can catch a concert too.

top 20 best things to do in Copenhagen - Rosenborg Castle and gardens Copenhagen

Built by one of the most famous Scandinavian kings, Christian IV, in the early 17th century, the Rosenborg Castle contains 400 years of royal art treasures and the Crown Jewels and Royal Regalia.

Originally, the plan was to create a new garden a short distance from the centre but influenced by the new trends in other royal courts in Europe, King Christian IV decided to build himself a summer residence. Taking inspiration from Versailles, the king installed his own private bathroom and was called “the King’s secret room”.

15. Hans Christian Andersen Statue

top 20 best things to do in Copenhagen - Hans Christian Andersen Rosenberg Gardens Copenhagen

While you’re visiting Rosenberg, make sure you swing past the huge statue of Hans Christian Andersen in The King’s Garden.

16. Botanical Gardens

top 20 best things to do in Copenhagen - Spiral Stairs Botanic Gardens Copenhagen

Copenhagen’s Botanical Garden covers 10 hectares with an extensive complex of historical glasshouses dating from 1874.

There are more than 13,000 species plants arranged in different sections including Danish plants, perennial plants, annual plants, and rock gardens.

The garden also has a special air-conditioned greenhouse that can re-create environments suitable for Arctic plants.

While the garden has an impressive 27 glasshouses, the most famous is the old Palm House. Built in 1874 and towering 16 metres tall, inside you’ll find the stunning cast-iron spiral staircase leading to a passageway around the top.

top 20 best things to do in Copenhagen - Palm house botanic gardens Copenhagen

17. Tivoli Gardens

top 20 best things to do in Copenhagen - Colourful Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen at night
No trip to Copenhagen would be complete without a visit to Tivoli Gardens.

Despite its name, Tivoli Gardens is actually an amusement park. No matter your age, Tivoli Gardens really does have something for everyone. You’ll find a variety of restaurants, street food, rides, gardens, live performances, and a nightly fireworks display!

Tivoli Gardens is beautifully landscaped with exotic architecture, historic buildings and lush gardens.

But wait until you see it at night! Thousands of coloured lights create a fairy tale atmosphere creating a magical atmosphere.

The rides are all designed to match Tivoli’s architecture and gardens. Some rides are nostalgic while others are for the thrill seekers. The ride, Vertigo, which turns you upside down at 100 km/h and was voted Europe’s Best Ride in 2014.

Hans Christian Andersen fell in love with Tivoli Gardens, visiting numerous times, as did Walt Disney.

18. Paper Island

top 20 best things to do in Copenhagen - Paper Island Market Copenhagen Street Food

Papirøen (Paper Island) contains Copenhagen’s first and only street food market full of delicious independent street food.

The name comes from the island’s former use when the large grey industrial halls were used as paper storage for the Procurement Association of the Danish Press.

What makes the market unique is its sustainability, with the priority being on using ingredients that haven’t been transported over long distances, but are instead locally produced. Meals start from as little as DKK 50 (US $7).

Once you decide on what to eat, you can either enjoy your meal overlooking the waterfront with a stunning view of the Black Diamond or chill out in the large hall. There is usually a DJ outside playing some smooth tunes too.

top 20 best things to do in Copenhagen - Paper Island Market Copenhagen Street Food

19. Frederiksberg Gardens

Another picnic hotspot is Frederiksberg Gardens, which surrounds the royal palace.

Frederiksberg Palace was built as a new summer residence by King Frederik IV (1699-1730). He loved the palace so much that he hardly ever visited Copenhagen, even though it was just a few kilometres away.

top 20 best things to do in Copenhagen - Frederiksberg Palace Gardens

Frederiksberg Gardens is an English-style Romantic landscape garden with winding paths, canals, lakes, small islands, and trees.

In typical romantic landscape garden style, the park has two follies (a building constructed primarily for decoration), waterfalls, and grottos.

20. Kronborg Castle

top 20 best things to do in Copenhagen - Kronborg Castle in Shakespeare's play Hamlet

Unfortunately, time ran out for me this time around, but if your itinerary permits it, promise me you’ll take the 1-hour train ride to Kronborg Castle.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is where Shakespeare set Hamlet in his famous play. In the play, Shakespeare calls Kronborg Castle ‘Elsinore’. Consequently, Elsinore has become the English name for Helsingør, the town, where Kronborg is situated.

Below Kronborg Castle is a series of creepy crypts and catacombs. Also hidden here is Holger the Dane (Holger Danske), a legendary figure in Danish culture. This imposing stone statue portrays him sitting on his rock throne. It is said that if Denmark is ever in trouble, Holger the Dane will wake from his rock throne and defend her!


Going to Denmark? Get my free Danish travel phrase guide.


Where to Stay in Copenhagen

Stay in Copenhagen? Here are my accommodation recommendations.

For budget travel, Copenhagen Backpackers Hostel is awesome! The dorm rooms have free Wi-Fi and covers which over extra privacy. There’s even a terrace with a BBQ where you can relax in the summer. Copenhagen Backpackers Hostel is 100 yards from Copenhagen Central Station and popular Strøget shopping street is within 10 minutes walk.

For a hotel stay, I love Ibsens Hotel. It’s just so… gorgeous! From the city map print on the carpet to the chic design in the modern rooms, this CO2-neutral boutique hotel is both centrally located and great value!


Want to venture out of the city? Take a Day Trip


Planning a trip and need travel insurance? Get a free quote from World Nomads here.


Like it? Pin it for later

Top Things to do in Copenhagen Denmark

Sources copenhagenet.dk | visitcopenhagen.com | copenhagen.com | visitdenmark.co.uk


Over to you!

Have you visited Copenhagen? What did you enjoy the most? What else would you add to this list?
Let me know using the comments section below or join me on social media to start a conversation.

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed this post.

Like what you see? Subscribe using the form below to have all of my posts delivered directly to your email.

Get my best language and travel tips FREE by email...

Subscribe to my newsletter to receive detailed travel guides, exclusive travel and language learning tips, priority access to giveaways and more!

I will never give away, trade or sell your email address. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.