Discover 13 of the best things to do in Copenhagen, from Nyhavn and the Little Mermaid to Tivoli Gardens, royal palaces and practical travel tips.
Information checked: May 2026. Prices, opening times and booking requirements were checked against official sources. GuruWalk gurus in Copenhagen also reviewed the practical recommendations.
Copenhagen rewards slow exploration: colourful harbourfronts, royal palaces, bold design and neighbourhoods with very different personalities all sit within easy reach of one another. If you want to get your bearings before choosing which museums and districts to explore in depth, a free walking tour in Copenhagen is a useful introduction to Nyhavn, the historic centre and the waterfront.
Nyhavn: Copenhagen’s colourful historic harbour
See Copenhagen from its canals
Begin with Copenhagen’s most recognisable scene. Nyhavn is a 17th-century harbour lined with brightly painted townhouses and historic wooden boats, but it is more than a postcard backdrop: it brings together the city’s maritime past, former homes of Hans Christian Andersen and canal cruises that leave from the waterfront.
- Historic houses: Andersen lived at numbers 18, 20 and 67 at different points in his life.
- Restaurants: The quayside is packed with places serving fish and seafood.
- Canal cruises: Boat tours departing from Nyhavn offer a very different view of the city.
Nyhavn began as a busy commercial port. The houses that now fill so many Copenhagen photographs date mainly from the 17th and 18th centuries, and many retain their original structure. In summer, the terraces come alive during the city’s long daylight hours.
The Little Mermaid: Copenhagen’s enduring symbol
A pleasant walk from the centre leads to one of the city’s best-known landmarks. The modest bronze statue of the Little Mermaid has watched over Copenhagen harbour since 1913.
Brewer Carl Jacobsen gave the sculpture to the city after being inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s tale. At just 1.25 metres tall, it is smaller than many first-time visitors expect. It has also been damaged several times over the years, but has repeatedly been restored.
Amalienborg Palace: royal life by the waterfront
Amalienborg, the official residence of the Danish royal family, is a striking ensemble of four matching Rococo palaces arranged around an octagonal square. It remains the heart of Denmark’s modern monarchy.
- Changing of the Guard: The Royal Guard ceremony normally reaches the square at noon; the format can vary depending on whether members of the royal family are in residence.
- Amalienborg Museum: Housed in Christian VIII’s Palace, it offers an insight into royal life.
- The central square: Frederik V’s equestrian statue stands at its centre, with Frederik’s Church, commonly known as the Marble Church, closing the view.
Tivoli Gardens: old-world charm in the city centre
Make the most of Tivoli Gardens
Opened in 1843, Tivoli Gardens is the world’s second-oldest operating amusement park and one of Copenhagen’s most popular attractions. It combines the atmosphere of a traditional pleasure garden with modern rides, restaurants and seasonal entertainment.
Walt Disney visited Tivoli and drew inspiration from it when developing Disneyland. Today the park still balances nostalgia and reinvention:
- Classic and modern rides: From a historic carousel to contemporary roller coasters.
- Gardens: Seasonal planting changes the look of the park throughout the year.
- Entertainment: Outdoor concerts, pantomime and evening light shows feature in the programme.
- Food: Options range from casual Danish favourites to full-service restaurants.
Tivoli is especially atmospheric during its summer, Halloween and Christmas seasons, when the decorations and programme change completely. Opening dates and events vary each year, so check the official calendar before visiting.
Christiansborg Palace: politics and history on an island
Set on the small island of Slotsholmen, Christiansborg is at the centre of Danish political life. The palace complex houses Parliament, the Prime Minister’s Office and the Supreme Court.
The present Christiansborg is the third palace of that name on the site and the fifth major complex built here. Highlights include:
- The Royal Kitchen: Historic rooms interpreting roughly 350 years of royal culinary history.
- The Royal Stables: Home to royal horses and historic carriages.
- The Tower: Copenhagen’s tallest tower, with panoramic views and free admission to the viewpoint at the time the source was checked.
- The ruins beneath the palace: Remains include the 12th-century castle associated with Bishop Absalon.
Strøget: Copenhagen’s main shopping street
Stretching for about 1.1 kilometres between City Hall Square and Kongens Nytorv, Strøget is one of Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping streets and the main retail spine of central Copenhagen.
- Shopping for every budget: Luxury labels sit alongside international chains and souvenir shops.
- Historic architecture: The route passes buildings from several periods of the city’s history.
- Street entertainment: Musicians and performers add to the bustle.
- Cafés and restaurants: There are plenty of places to pause and watch the city go by.
Freetown Christiania: an alternative side of Copenhagen
Explore Copenhagen by bike
Founded in 1971 on a former military site, Christiania is a self-governing community with a character unlike anywhere else in Copenhagen. It is known for street art, resident-built homes, craft workshops and an alternative cultural scene.
- Street art: Murals and sculptures reflect the community’s creative identity.
- Alternative architecture: Many homes were built by residents using unconventional designs and reclaimed materials.
- Food: Vegetarian and vegan cafés form part of the local scene.
- Craft shops: Small workshops sell work by local makers.
Christiania has its own rules and a living residential community. Follow the signs, respect areas where photography is not allowed and treat the neighbourhood as more than a tourist attraction.
Rosenborg Castle: a Renaissance treasure
Built in the early 17th century in the Dutch Renaissance style, Rosenborg began as Christian IV’s summer residence. It is now one of Copenhagen’s most important historic buildings.
- The Crown Jewels: Denmark’s royal regalia is displayed in the castle treasury.
- The Knights’ Hall: The coronation thrones are guarded by three life-size silver lions.
- The King’s Garden: A Renaissance garden that became Copenhagen’s oldest royal garden open to the public.
The Round Tower: a historic observatory
The Round Tower, or Rundetårn, is a 17th-century landmark built as part of a scholarly complex. Its defining feature is a broad spiral ramp that winds upwards towards the old observatory.
The ramp runs for roughly 209 metres and circles the core 7.5 times. It was designed so that a horse and carriage could carry astronomical equipment towards the top. Today, the climb ends with a classic view over Copenhagen’s old town.
The National Museum: a journey through Danish history
The National Museum of Denmark brings together collections spanning prehistory to the modern era.
- The Viking Age: Objects and treasures illuminate the period; original Viking ships are displayed at the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde rather than here.
- The ethnographic collections: Objects from cultures around the world form a major part of the museum.
- Children’s history: Family-focused interpretation offers a more interactive route through the past.
Designmuseum Denmark: the story of Danish design
Designmuseum Denmark is a strong choice for anyone interested in furniture, craft and architecture. Housed in an 18th-century former hospital, it traces the evolution of Danish design and places it in a wider Scandinavian context.
- Furniture: The collection includes work by influential designers such as Arne Jacobsen and Hans J. Wegner.
- Craft: Ceramics, textiles and silverwork show the breadth of Danish making.
- Contemporary design: Changing exhibitions connect the historic collection with work being produced today.
The Botanical Garden: a green break in the centre
Copenhagen’s Botanical Garden covers around 10 hectares close to the city centre. Established on its current site in 1874, it holds more than 13,000 plant species and offers a welcome change of pace between museums.
- The Palm House: A glasshouse complex dating from 1874, filled with tropical plants.
- The rock garden: Alpine and mountain species grow in carefully constructed habitats.
- The orchid collection: One of the garden’s most notable specialist collections.
- Danish plants: A dedicated area focuses on native flora.
Vesterbro: from working-class district to cultural hub
Once a working-class district, Vesterbro has become one of Copenhagen’s liveliest neighbourhoods and a good place to experience the contemporary city beyond its royal landmarks.
- Kødbyen: The former meatpacking district is now a centre for food, nightlife and culture.
- Independent shopping: Vintage stores and design boutiques give the area a distinctive identity.
- Speciality coffee: Vesterbro has a strong café scene.
- Nightlife: Bars and clubs range from relaxed neighbourhood spots to late-night venues.
Practical tips for visiting Copenhagen
- Getting around: Consider renting a bike if you are comfortable cycling in city traffic. Copenhagen has an extensive network of cycle lanes.
- Copenhagen Card: At the time of the May 2026 check, Discover included public transport and more than 80 attractions, while Hop combined a sightseeing bus with more than 40 attractions but did not include public transport. Products and inclusions can change, so confirm the current terms before buying.
- When to go: May to September generally brings milder weather and longer days. July and August are the busiest months.
- Language: English is widely spoken, although learning a few Danish words is always appreciated.
- Budget: Copenhagen is expensive. Food markets and public transport can help keep costs under control.
- Tipping: It is not compulsory and service is usually included, though you can leave something extra for exceptional service.
Free walking tours in Copenhagen
A guided walk is one of the easiest ways to connect the palaces, waterfront and older streets into a coherent first-day route. Live schedules, languages, ratings and availability change frequently, so check the current selection of free walking tours in Copenhagen on GuruWalk rather than relying on a static list.
Frequently asked questions about Copenhagen
Where should you stay in Copenhagen?
Indre By is the most convenient base for first-time visitors who want to be close to major sights. Vesterbro suits travellers looking for restaurants and nightlife, while Nørrebro has a more local, multicultural feel. Nyhavn is picturesque but often busy and expensive.
Where should you eat in Copenhagen?
Look beyond the tourist-heavy waterfront for neighbourhood bakeries, food markets and contemporary Danish cooking. Vesterbro, Nørrebro and Christianshavn all offer a broad mix of budgets and styles.
When is the best time to visit Copenhagen?
May to September usually offers the mildest weather and longest days. July and August are peak season, so book popular attractions and accommodation earlier if you travel then.
Is Copenhagen expensive?
Yes, it is relatively expensive by European city-break standards. You can reduce costs by using public transport, eating at markets or bakeries and choosing a Copenhagen Card only if its current inclusions match your itinerary.
Ready to explore? Book a place with a local guru, pay nothing upfront and decide what the walk was worth at the end.
GuruWalk
Tourism and travel expert with a strong background in creating cultural content. Fluent in multiple languages and experienced as a presenter, she connects with diverse audiences to inspire the exploration of unique destinations. Her creative and dynamic approach stands out in every project, conveying the essence of each place she discovers.