Travel Insights

Copenhagen is a thriving modern metropolis with incredibly streamlined architecture, a jiving night life, and amazing reinventions in Scandinavian cuisine. Copenhagen is large enough that a million Danes call this beautiful city home, yet small enough for a relaxing holiday experience.

Here are the best things to see and do in the Danish capital.

1. Tivoli Gardens

If you’re traveling with a child, Tivoli Gardens, one of the world’s oldest amusement parks, should be at the top of your list. But even if you’re not into thrilling rides, Tivoli Gardens is a great place to explore at your own pace.

You can grab some cotton candy and hop on a boat ride on the lake. And if you’re visiting on a Friday, be sure to stick around for the Friday night fireworks. Tivoli Gardens has many restaurants, dance halls, and theatres as well as a wonderfully maintained garden that hosts musical performances.

2. Bakken Amusement park

Bakken Amusement Park is a little austere compared to Tivoli gardens, but its hearty old world charm more than makes up for it. After all, it has been a major attraction sicne it was built in 1583, making it the world’s oldest amusement park.

After taking turns on the rides, you can let your hair down at Hvile music hall which hosts cabaret performances. You can get the tickets from the link below:

https://www.bakken.dk/planlaeg-dit-besog/priser-billetter/

3. Nyhavn

Old world seamlessly blends into the new world at this quirky waterfront area in Copenhagen. Old wooden boats are still moored in the 17th century canal, but the old houses have been converted into cafes and restaurants with outdoor seating. But the most striking thing about the Nyhavn are the colorful houses straight out of a fairytale. And speaking of fairy tales, Hans Christian Andersen was from Nyhavn!

Overall, Nyhavn is a great place to dip your toes into the culture of Copenhagen and grab a beer or coffee when you need a break to enjoy the view.

4. Little mermaid statue

Visiting the little mermaid statue is a definite throwback to your childhood. And yes, this statue is based on Hans Christian Andersen’s eponymous narrative. It’s located in northeastern Copenhagen, near the cruise ship harbor.

5. Strøget

What’s a holiday without a shopping spree? Strøget is one of the longest pedestrian streets in Europe and its lined with shops, from boutiques to high street brands. There are plenty of cafes too if you want to rest your feet before starting off again.

6. Christiansborg Palace

This beautiful palace is home to the Danish Parliament, the Prime Minister’s Office, and the Danish Supreme Court. The guided tour of the palace will take you around the ornate rooms, a stunning gallery, and the riding school. While the palace is mostly used for administrative functions, the Danish royal family still use the massive, opulent dining room, which can set over 400 guests, for diplomatic dinners and functions.

7. Rosenborg Castle

Rosenborg Castle was built during the Dutch Renaissance and is one of the most striking architectural marvels in Copenhagen. It is home to the crown jewels of the Danish family as well as the coronation chairs. Besides these royal objects, you’ll be awestruck by the opulent interiors of Rosenborg Castle. Essentially, the castle will take you on a 400-year old journey of the development and evolution of Denmark as we know today.
Be sure to check out the Changing of the Guard ceremony that takes place every day, where the guards leave Rosenborg Castle at 11:30 AM and arrive at Amalienborg Palace. If the queen is residing at the Amalienborg, the guards are also accompanied by a musical band.

8. Amalienborg Palace

If you’re interested in Danish royal history, Amalienborg Palace is the place to be. The palace consists of four identical royal quarters and its museums are a testament to the traditions of Danish royalty. The beautiful gardens, the Gala Hall, and the ornate rooms on the Piano Nobile unfold what it meant to be royals back in the day and what it means today.

9. Hamlet’s Castle

To be or not be a visitor at Kronborg Castle (Hamlet’s Castle)? Definitely to be. This castle has a unique aura, with the dungeons as a “spooktacular” highlight. The building is minimalist yet regal, and the interiors are opulent – a nod to the decadent lifestyle of the royals back in the 1600s. And, if you’re visiting in summer, be sure to save the date for Hamlet Live performances. The castle is located in Elsinore, which is a small cozy town perfect for a day trip from Copenhagen.

10. The David Collection

If you’re an art enthusiast, pencil in a visit to the David Collection on your Copenhagen trip. The David Collection, donated by the museum’s founder Christian Ludvig David, is the largest collection of classical Islamic art from the 8th to the 19th century. Other artworks in his collection include 18th century European art as well as modern Danish art.

11. Carlsberg

Carlsberg is the fifth largest producer of beer in the world and tour of the Carlsberg brewery, the very first brewery of the company, is a unique experience. The building is majestic, with entrance flanked by two massive lion statues. Once you step in, you’ll be taken on a historic journey of brewing in Denmark, witness some of the oldest machines in the brewery, as well as the largest collection of beer bottles in the world.
Don’t forget to try out some of their flavored beers!

12. Glyptotek

Glyptotek is an art museum in Copenhagen, where the majority of the exhibits are from the personal collection of Carl Jacobsen, the founder of Carlsberg breweries. In fact, much of the restoration of castles and museums has been funded by Jacobsen. The museum is home to ancient Greek, Roman, Etruscan, and Egyption art as well as modern Danish painting and scultures from the 20th century. While there is certainly a gulf and contrast in the nature of its collections, touring the Glyptotek is nevertheless a fascinating experience.

13. Torvehallerne Market or foodhall

Located in the center of Copenhagen and with close proximity to abunch of beautiful lakes, Torvehallerne is a food hall par excellance. Here you’ll find variety of Danish meet, local produce, and easy to eat on the go treats and meals. Want to grab a bottle of honey wine? This food hall has plenty of options for those too. From some of freshest seafood and shellfish to the best cuts of premium meat, Torvehallerne is foodie heaven. The stall owners are also super friendly and always happy to share some advice on how to cook their produce in the best possible way. So, whether you want to cook up a storm in your air bnb or grab a treat to watch the sunset at Dronning Louises Bridge, Torvehallerne is the place to be.

14. Other food experiences in Copenhagen

Copenhagen is rife with Michelin Star restaurants that serve up both modern renditions of Nordic cuisines as well as the more traditional earthy variety. Fish features in almost all Nordic dishes, with the coast only 10 kms away from Copenhagen. Here some of the best dishes to try in Copenhagen:

• Pickled Herring, served with or without rye bread and eggs, is a popular street food in Copenhagen
• Smørrebrød, or an open sandwich that’s available both in street-side stalls and high-end restaurants
• Durum Shawarma
• Flæskesteg, or roast pork baked with spices – a Christmas favorite in Denmark

15. CopenHot – a unique and relaxing spa experience

Wrap up your Danish holiday with a unique spa experience at CopenHot. Located on the Ofelia Plads square, CopenHot allows visitors to experience Copenhagen’s canals in the most quirkiest way. When you visit CopenHot, you can kick back and relax in large outdoor saunas, or grab a drink and let your worries melt away in a floating wooden hot tub.

The outdoor saunas can accommodate about 15 people and offer an incredible view of the Amalienborg Castle. The floating wooden hot tubs on the other hand are fitted with motors and come with their own skipper. How about that?

Happy exploring!