copenhagen travel guide guardian

Copenhagen holidays

October 2022.

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Copenhagen travel guide: How to spend 48 hours in the happiest city in the world

The danish capital is having a moment, but can be prohibitively expensive. here’s how to enjoy 48 hours there without blowing the budget, article bookmarked.

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Why go now?

Copenhagen is regularly voted the happiest city in the world, and has in recent years become something of a beacon for hipsters, given its eminently Instagrammable streets and the supremacy of Danish design. Furthermore, this month Frost ( frostfestival.dk ) brings an immersive celebration of music and light installations to the city, until 26 February. It’s the first of many festivals to be held in Copenhagen in 2017, encompassing an eclectic mix that includes Distortion festival, dedicated to emerging dance music, and the Copenhagen Opera Festival .

But though Copenhagen might currently be the cream of the Scandi crop, this is undoubtedly one of Europe’s more expensive capitals. So here’s a guide to seeing the parts of the city that don’t cost much – or, even better, are free.

Get your bearings

Copenhagen, being flat, built around waterways and with a compact downtown area, is a very walkable city – and most points of interest are within easy reach of City Hall Square (1) and Central Station (2) , where the tourist office (3) is situated (4 Vesterbrogade; winter opening hours 9am-5pm, 9am-4pm on Saturday, closed Sundays).

It’s also a great city for cyclists, and its reasonably priced Bycyklen rented bike scheme (DKK30, about £3.50, an hour; bycyklen.dk ) is a good way to get around. Visitors will be most interested in the historic central area, autonomous hippie neighbourhood Christiana and hipster hub, Vesterbro.

A Copenhagen Card ( copenhagencard.com ), which can be purchased online or at the airport, gives unlimited use of public transport and free entrance to 72 museums and attractions for 24 or 48 hours (DKK379 or DKK529, or from about £43, up to two children under 10 free).

£1 = 8.77 Danish krone

Take a view

Forget the DKK50 entry fee at the City Hall Tower and head to the tower at Christiansborg Palace (4) , the seat of Danish parliament, instead. It is the tallest in Copenhagen at 106 metres, and entry is free. As Copenhagen is very flat, you can see all the inner-city landmarks, including Tivoli, the huge Victorian pleasure gardens open between April and September.

Window shopping

Browsing doesn’t cost a thing. Stroget runs from City Hall Square (1) to Kongens Nytorv Square and, at 1.1km, is one of Europe’s longest pedestrian streets. It’s home to dozens of shops, from cheap souvenir outlets to high-end department stores – including local landmark Illum (5) , which has been trading since 1891, and is the equivalent of Selfridge’s in London. LEGO (6) , Denmark’s most famous export, has its flagship store here and children of all ages can assemble toys and buy box sets that aren’t available elsewhere. Most Stroget shops are open 10am-8pm daily (11am-6pm Sunday).

Take a hike

This walk allows you to sight-see for nothing. Start in City Hall Square (1) (after popping into City Hall (7) , free entry, its size and grandeur a sign of Denmark’s rich sea-faring and empire-building past). Back in the square, notice the statue of its most famous son, Hans Christian Andersen. With City Hall to your right, turn right into Regnbuepladsen and then left on Longangstraede, which leads into Magstraede (8) and Snaregade (9) , two of Copenhagen’s oldest streets. They still have their original cobbles and a higgledy-piggledy array of different-sized houses with brightly painted plasterwork.

Double back on yourself to turn left into Frederiksholms Kanal, and cross the canal at Marmorbroen bridge, which takes you into Christiansborg Palace (4) , where you got that great view.

Walk through to the other side of the complex, turn right into Christiansborg Slotsplads and continue along Borsgade, where the striking Gothic building on your right is the former stock exchange building (10) . Cross the canal at Borsbroen, into Havngade, right at Holmens Kanal and continue along Holbersgade, which ends at Nyhavn (11) . The colourful houses here were once frequented by rowdy sailors seeking female company in its many taverns, but the area is now the tourist centre of Copenhagen.

Cross the canal at Nyhavnsbroen, continue along Toldbodgade, and eventually on your left is Amalienborg Palace (12) , home of Danish royals. The central forecourt and gardens are public spaces, so enjoy these for free, too.

Lunch on the run

Kompagnistraede and Laederstraede form Copenhagen’s “food street” with several decent eateries, including Stella (13) ( cafestella.dk ) and Café Zirup (14) (00 45 3313 5060; Laederstraede 32), where lunch with a beer costs DKK140-180 (from around £16). Have the good-value breakfast platter (pastry, fruit, cheese, skyr, fish), served all day, or the Danish speciality, smørrebrød (open sandwiches), served at both cafés.

An aperitif

Gammel Strand is bar central, and once the weather warms up this lovely old street overflows with tables outside its upmarket bars and restaurants. FUGU (15) ( fugu.dk ) serves a terrific seasonal cocktail menu; winter offerings include the warming El Diablo (liquorice-infused tequila, ginger syrup, fresh lime, crème de cassis and ginger beer, DKK95 or £10).

Dine with the locals

Bistro Royal (16) ( madklubben.dk/bistro-royal ), a large and lively restaurant, serves good-value international cuisine, from smørrebrød and salads to burgers and beef fillet with truffle-infused chips. The generous serving of beef tartare (DKK100, about £11.50) is a bargain. For more romantic dining, the Maven (17) , located in a former church, is suitably candlelit and atmospheric and serves “home-style” hearty Danish dishes including veal shank (DKK215, approx. £25).

Out to brunch

Copenhagen locals love a leisurely Sunday brunch, and Vesterbro offers clean-eating and some serious people-watching in the capital's coolest area. Fancy half an avocado with chilli oil and baked almonds, or lactose-free yoghurt with homemade berry compote? Then head to Mad & Kaffe (18) ( madogkaffe.dk ). Dishes from DKK75, or £8.50.

A walk in the park

Walk across Inderhavnsbroen (19) , the striking new pedestrian bridge at Nyhavn. It’s known locally as the “kissing bridge” as, before its two halves were joined in the middle from each bank of the harbour, it looked like two lovers reaching for a kiss. Then wend your way to Christiana (20) – a commune established in 1971 when a group of hippies took over an abandoned military barracks. Now with 850 residents and covering eight acres, it’s an eco-city within a city, where the sale of marijuana is tolerated but cars are banned. The area is a colourful collection of homemade houses, workshops, art galleries and cheap organic cafés.

While you’re this side of town, visit the Church of Our Saviour (21) , built in 1752. Its striking serpentine spire dominates the Copenhagen skyline. You can climb the 400 steps running up the outside of the spire when it reopens in March (Monday to Saturday 10am-4pm, Sunday 10.30am-4pm, DKK45, about £5).

Cultural afternoon

Copenhagen is stuffed with great museums, but two you mustn’t miss are the National Museum (22) ( natmus.dk )and Glyptotek (23) ( glyptoteket.com ). The former charts Denmark’s history from prehistoric times through the Viking age and Victorian empire-building to modern day. Open Tuesday to Sunday 10am-5pm. Closed Monday. Entry DKK75.

Glyptotek has extensive collections of Greek, Roman and Egyptian artefacts, as well as 19th- and 20th-century French and Danish paintings. Open Tuesday to Sunday 11am-6pm (Thursday till 10pm). Entry is free on Tuesdays; entry DKK95 otherwise. Closed Monday.

The icing on the cake

If you were a fan of The Killing , Borgen or The Bridge you will be familiar with the Oresund bridge (24) , a magnificent 8km structure connecting Copenhagen with Malmo in Sweden. Trains from Central Station reach Malmo in 36 minutes (from DKK340, about £38, return), so you can say you popped over to another country for a coffee (admittedly a budget-busting one).

Getting there

Best time to book

Flight time to Copenhagen Kastrup airport is less than two hours, and British Airways, Ryanair, easyJet, Norwegian and SAS fly direct from seven UK airports.

Kastrup is a few miles south of Copenhagen and the city’s transport system is zonal – Kastrup is in zone 4, the city centre zone 1 – and tickets can be used on trains, metro or bus. A zone 1-4 ticket is DK36 (£4.20).

The metro and train stations are located respectively above and beside terminal 3 (UK flights land at terminal 3 or terminal 2, a 10-minute walk from T3); metro (to Norreport hub) and trains (to Central Station) take 13 minutes. The 5A bus takes 30-35 minutes to the city centre; a taxi takes about 20 minutes to downtown and costs approximately DKK250-DKK300 (from about £30).

Staying there

The Square (25) overlooks City Hall Square (1) so couldn’t be more central, and the minimalist rooms are compact but comfortable. Doubles from DKK996, approx. £115, room only.

A decent budget option is Wakeup Copenhagen (26) , a bright new capsule-style hotel in Borgergade, which has doubles from DKK400, approx. £45, room only.

If you’re pushing the boat out, one of Copenhagen’s oldest hotels, D'Angleterre (27) ( dangleterre.com ), which dominates Kongens Nytorv square, oozes quality with its beautifully decorated rooms (in muted colours, of course) and the staff’s quiet but old-fashioned courtesies. Doubles from DKK3,250, about £370, room only.

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Stockholm & Copenhagen

Highlights and Inclusions

• See everything Stockholm has to offer including its colourful, medieval old town of ‘Gamla Stan’
• Tour Sweden’s Royal Palace with a guide, seeing its lavish rooms filled with sumptuous furnishings and state regalia
• Visit the world-famous Vasa Museum
• Receive a complimentary Stockholm Travelcard, allowing you to make the most of your free time in the city
• Discover Roskilde and its stunning Cathedral
• Visit the Viking museum on the remains of an ancient harbour and see its collection of 11th-century ships
• Explore Fredericksborg Palace and gardens, a baroque masterpiece known as the Nordic Versailles
• Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Copenhagen, centred on the charming Nyhavn Harbour, one of Europe’s most picturesque waterfronts
• Travel on a high-speed train from Stockholm to Copenhagen
• The price of this holiday is per person based on two people sharing a twin room. Single rooms are subject to availability at the relevant single supplement. 
• Return flights from a selection of regional airports with hotel transfers
• Airport departure taxes and transfers
• Six nights in centrally located four-star accommodation inclusive of all local taxes, with breakfast
• All tours as mentioned
• Guided tour of Stockholm, Copenhagen & Sweden’s Royal Palace
• high speed train from Stockholm to Copenhagen
• Visit to Fredericksborg Slot, Roskilde Viking Museum and Roskilde Cathedral
• Services of our experienced and insightful Riviera Travel tour manager

Arrive at the airport for your flight to Stockholm from where you will be taken to your hotel.

Stockholm is a fascinating city tumbling across an idyllic archipelago on the shores of the Baltic Sea. This morning we have a city tour when history comes to life and you can really appreciate not only its cultural and architectural highlights but the sheer atmosphere, harmony and evident love of life emanating from virtually everywhere. ‘Gamla Stan’ - the medieval Old Town set around some small islands is the city’s heart. Many of the city’s oldest buildings dating from the 13th century are here: Storkyrkan and Riddarholmskyrkan churches; coronation and the burial places of Swedish monarchs with their tall spires dominate the city. We visit the Royal Palace, the king’s official residence and the unmistakable jewel in Stockholm’s crown. This combination of current royal residence, workplace, museums and historic monument is open to the public, making it unique amongst European regal palaces. You will also see the Royal Apartments, great corridors, historic rooms and three separate museums including the treasury’s crown jewels. After our visit to the palace, there’s time for lunch before we visit the Vasa Museum on the island of Djurgården. The most visited museum in Scandinavia, it is dedicated to the remarkable Vasa, the world’s only preserved 17th-century ship and an art treasure that’s one of a kind. Take a close look at the hundreds of sculptures carved into the vessel – most of the vessel is original!

The day is at leisure for you to explore this wonderful city. Your Stockholm Travelcard gives you unlimited travel on the city’s public transport for a designated period. You could discover Stadshuset (City Hall) where Nobel Prize winners enjoy their banquet. Perhaps return to Djurgården island, a calm oasis with fine park areas for a relaxing stroll. The island is also home to an amusement park and 22 world-class museums including the Nordic Museum, Sweden’s largest museum of cultural history, and even one dedicated to ABBA! Why not enjoy a boat trip through the canal and waterside views of Stockholm’s most well-known sights?

Today we take the high-speed train (approximately 5 hours) to Copenhagen. You are whisked in comfort though almost deserted rolling landscapes which characterise rural Sweden. After the sea bridge and tunnel, we arrive in Copenhagen.

After breakfast we have a guided tour of Copenhagen, a real revelation, perhaps best known for the Little Mermaid, the statue inspired by the famous Dane - Hans Christian Andersen. You’ll see the Royal Danish Theatre which played a key role in his life. Other sights include the Houses of Parliament, the Christiansborg, the magnificent Amalienborg Palace, winter residence of the Monarchy and the world-famous Tivoli pleasure gardens famous for its street entertainers and music concerts. The afternoon and evening are free so that you can explore the many wonders of this scrupulously clean, smart yet relaxed city as you wish. The remarkable Royal Library, is worth a visit as are the National Museum and the Ny Carlsberg art collection – another cultural highlight founded by the famous brewer! On a glorious summer evening there is nowhere more pleasant than one of Copenhagen’s harbour side restaurants to enjoy a leisurely dinner.

Today we explore a little more of Denmark commencing with historic Roskilde, the country’s medieval capital. Firstly we visit the outstanding Cathedral, one of the world’s few brick built gothic structures. Next we visit the extraordinary Viking museum, on the remains of an ancient harbour. It features five 11th-century Viking ships in staggering condition after being preserved in mud for centuries. There’s also a vibrant community of craftsmen here perpetuating boatbuilding skills by constructing replica boats including a 30-metre long Sea Stallion of Glendalough which in 2007 repeated its original voyage to Dublin. Next we head north to Frederiksborg Slot a majestic Renaissance palace, a real Nordic Versailles. Surrounded by a stately lake and set in glorious manicured baroque and romantic English styled gardens. Fredericksborg is now a national museum and is a fitting end to the day as we return to Copenhagen late afternoon.

Transfer to Copenhagen airport for your return flight.

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Let’s explore Copenhagen

Copenhagen travel guide

When I first visited Copenhagen, I was blown away by the beauty of the city, the friendliness of the locals, and the exceptional dining scene. 

I love that the impeccable style and cosiness you’d expect from a Scandinavian city is woven into every aspect of Copenhagen – from its beaches and harbour baths to the cafés and restaurants. 

About the author

Jessie Moore is a luxury travel expert with years of experience travelling the world to find the best destinations, hotels and adventures.

Copenhagen is an effortlessly stylish city where modern scandi feel meets cosy nostalgia. It’s a city driven by design and cool aesthetics – from its buildings to its people. With gardens, canals, beaches and even a ski slope, the Danish capital is a breath of fresh air and a pleasure to explore.

As you’d expect from the capital of such a forward-thinking country, Copenhagen is a place of dynamic culture, innovation and sustainability. These qualities underpin every aspect of the city, from its shopping and cuisine to its attractions and architecture.

From iconic Nyhavn where colourful houses line the shimmering canal to pockets of eccentricity and bohemian soul in places like Christiana, Copenhagen is a wonderfully multifaceted city. The transport is efficient, the streets are safe, and the locals are friendly, making the Danish capital an easy city to explore for every type of traveller.

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How to get to Copenhagen

I’m pleased to say that Copenhagen is an easy city to reach, especially if you’re travelling from within Europe.

By plane:  Copenhagen Airport is located just minutes from the city centre and offers direct flights from major airports around the world.

If travelling from the UK, a number of major airlines offer direct flights from London to Copenhagen, and the flight time is just under three hours.

There are a variety of transport options available from the airport, including trains, buses, and taxis.

By train:  Copenhagen can be reached by train from other European cities, with regular service from destinations such as Berlin, Brussels and Amsterdam.

By boat:  If you’re travelling from within Scandinavia, Copenhagen is served by a number of ferry routes from Sweden and Denmark.

By car:  The Danish capital is accessible by car, with excellent highways connecting the city to the rest of Europe.

Top tip:  If you want to take the stress out of getting from the airport to the city centre, I’d recommend  booking your Copenhagen airport transfer here  for an English-speaking, professional driver.

HOTEL GUIDE

20 best luxury hotels in Copenhagen

From boutique inner city boltholes to grand palatial hotels, discover my pick of the best luxury hotels in Copenhagen for a trip to the Danish capital.

15 Michelin restaurants in Copenhagen

The Danish capital is the ultimate foodie destination for discerning diners. Here are is my handpicked selection of the top Michelin star restaurants in Copenhagen.

How to get around Copenhagen

Despite being a relatively large city, I always find Copenhagen to be very straightforward to navigate, especially when you have CityMapper or Google Maps to hand. Its public transport system is wonderfully efficient and many of the more central areas are explorable on foot.

Top tip:  I’d recommend purchasing a  City Pass  for the length of time you’re going to be in Copenhagen. It’s a really cost effective way of getting unlimited travel while you’re exploring the city.

Plus, you get access to over 80 attractions in the city and won’t have to worry about buying lots of tickets.  Purchase a City Pass  in advance for ease when you arrive.

By foot:  As with many European cities, one of the best ways to experience it is on foot. Copenhagen is a very pedestrian-friendly city and walking allows you to explore the nooks and crannies of the city centre.

Plus, you can work up an appetite for all that Danish cuisine in the process! However, it’s worth noting that Copenhagen is a large city, so you will need to get public transport to explore the different areas.

By train:  The Copenhagen train and metro system is extremely efficient and very easy to navigate. It’s clean, fast and generally not overcrowded at all. I’d recommend getting the CityMapper app to help you get from A to B.

By bus:  Copenhagen’s bus system is extensive and efficient, making it easy to get from one place to another. The buses are clean and comfortable, and they offer a great way to see the city.

Copenhagen is also a very safe city, and the buses are no exception. They are well-lit and well-marked, and they offer a safe and convenient way to get around. Again, use the CityMapper app or Google Maps to help you plan your route.

By bike:  Copenhagen is a very bike-friendly city, with a network of well-maintained bike lanes and plenty of places to hire a bike. Cycling is a popular mode of transport, both for locals and visitors.

Copenhagen is relatively flat, so it’s perfect for cycling, with plenty of scenic routes to explore. Bike hire is readily available, and many hotels offer guests the use of bicycles during their stay.

By e-scooter:  Electric scooters are available for hire all over the city, and you can use an app to find one near you. To hire a scooter, simply scan the QR code on the handlebars with your phone. Then, follow the on-screen instructions to unlock the scooter.

With an e-scooter, you can zip around the city without getting stuck in traffic. Copenhagen is a great city for scootering, with plenty of bike lanes and paths to explore.

By taxi:  Given the efficiency of Copenhagen’s public transport system, as well as the ease of getting around by bike, it’s not likely that you’ll need a taxi.

If you do, you can hail a taxi on the street and your best bet is to head to train stations to do so. Uber is not available in Denmark, but there are other apps like Viggo.

By car: While it’s possible to get around Copenhagen by car, driving can be a bit challenging. The narrow streets can be difficult to navigate, the roads are often congested, and parking can be hard to find. If you’re planning on renting a car, it’s worth checking out the Copenhagen Car Rental company.

They offer a wide selection of vehicles, and their rates are very reasonable. However, I really wouldn’t recommend getting around Copenhagen by car, as the public transport system is incredibly efficient.

Best time to visit Copenhagen

Copenhagen offers an inviting charm all year round, from the pretty views of springtime and warmer days of the summer to the sparkle and magic of the winter months. If you have an aversion to cold weather then I’d say you’ll probably be better off visiting in the summer months.

Copenhagen is a charming city to visit in any season, but it is especially lovely in the springtime. The days are getting longer and the flowers are starting to bloom, making it the perfect time to explore everything Copenhagen has to offer.

See all the parks and gardens in full bloom or take a leisurely stroll along the canals. Note that Copenhagen is still pretty chilly in the spring months, so be sure to wrap up warm. Although rain is less likely than it is in the winter months, it’s best to be prepared!

Copenhagen is a beautiful city to visit in the summer months. The streets are lined with trees and the city takes on a vibrant and colourful feel. Copenhagen is also within easy reach of a number of beaches, making it the perfect place to relax in the sun.

Not to mention all the harbour baths across the city, where you can sunbathe, socialise and swim. For those balmy summer evenings, there are numerous alfresco bars and restaurants, as well as outdoor concerts and movies.

Copenhagen in autumn is a magical sight. The leaves of the trees turn red, orange, and yellow, creating a truly picturesque scene. The city’s parks are especially lovely during this time of year, as they are adorned with colour.

Copenhagen comes alive with festivals and celebrations in the autumn months. There are plenty of things to see and do in Copenhagen in autumn, from exploring the museums and galleries to indulging in hearty stews and freshly-baked pastries.

Copenhagen in winter is a wonderland of snow-capped rooftops and sparkling canals. The city lights up with Christmas markets and unique Copenhagen traditions, such as riding on the Tivoli Gardens roller coaster in the snow.

There is something truly magical about visiting in winter. Festivities start to ramp up and the air is filled with the scent of gingerbread and chocolate. Locals and visitors go ice skating on the picturesque canals or sip hot cocoa in front of a roaring fire.

Browse and book the best activities and attractions in Copenhagen:

Frequently asked questions, how long to spend in copenhagen.

If your main priority is checking out the sights of the city, then I’d say three days is a good amount of time to spend in Copenhagen. A long weekend is the perfect way to experience a lot of what the city has to offer.

But Copenhagen is more than just a pretty city – it’s also a great place to relax and people watch. So if you want to really experience Copenhagen life, consider spending a bit longer in the city. That way, you can explore all the different neighbourhoods and get a feel for what it’s like to live there.

Is Copenhagen good for solo travellers?

I think Copenhagen is the perfect destination for solo travellers. It is an incredibly safe city, plus the locals are exceptionally friendly and helpful. I was shocked to see that the majority of people leave their bikes unlocked, which is testament to the low crime rate in the city.

The transport system is clean, safe and easy to navigate, plus there are plenty of things to see and do for solo travellers. Copenhagen is undoubtedly one of the best cities in Europe – if not the world – to explore on your own.

Is Copenhagen expensive?

There is no denying that Copenhagen is not an affordable city. As one of the most expensive cities in Europe, it does put a strain on the purse strings.

That’s not to say that Copenhagen can’t be explored on a budget, especially if you plan ahead. But to really experience all that this beautiful city has to offer, it’s worth accepting that you may have to spend a fair amount of money. Is it worth it? In my opinion, absolutely yes!

How many Michelin-star restaurants in Copenhagen?

Copenhagen is home to an impressive 15 Michelin star restaurants. Two establishments hold the coveted three Michelin stars: Geranium and noma, the latter of which also holds a Michelin Green Star.

While 12 Copenhagen restaurants hold the Bib Gourmand accolade. Read my guide to the best Michelin star restaurants in Copenhagen .

Are there Christmas markets in Copenhagen?

Copenhagen is a truly magical place at Christmas time, as it lights up with festivities and vibrant Christmas markets.

There are three key Christmas markets to be aware of: Christmas in Tivoli Gardens, Christmas at Bakken, and Christmas market in the Zoo. Discover more of the best Christmas markets in Europe .

Can you go skiing in Copenhagen?

It may surprise you to learn that yes, you can go skiing in Copenhagen! Not on real snow though. Copenhill is an artificial ski slope and recreational hill built on top of an industrial power plant.

I think it’s a super fun way to spend an afternoon in the city and one of the best things to do in Copenhagen .

DESTINATION GUIDE

16 best swimming spots in Copenhagen

From designated harbour baths and gorgeous sandy stretches, here is my pick of the best beaches and swimming spots in Copenhagen.

20 best brunch places in Copenhagen

From local Danish bakeries to the coolest spots in town, here is my handpicked selection of the best places for brunch and breakfast in Copenhagen.

Copenhagen highlights

Copenhagen museums.

Copenhagen is home to a number of world-renowned museums, each of which offers a unique window into the city’s culture and history. The Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, for example, houses an impressive collection of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman art. While the Nationalmuseet chronicles the development of Denmark from the Stone Age to the present day.

For those interested in Copenhagen’s rich artistic heritage, I’d say the Statens Museum for Kunst is a must-see, with its wide-ranging collection of Danish and international art. Just outside the city centre lies the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, set amidst stunning gardens and offering breathtaking views of the Øresund strait.

Whatever your interests, Copenhagen’s museums are sure to provide a fascinating glimpse into the soul of this historic city.

Danish cuisine

One of my favourite things about Copenhagen is that it’s a foodie paradise, with a wide variety of cuisines on offer from all over the world. The city is especially renowned for its classic Danish cuisine, which can be found in many of the city’s cafes and restaurants.

The most famous dish is probably Smørrebrød, a type of open sandwich that is traditionally served on dark rye bread and topped with a variety of meats, cheeses and vegetables. Another popular dish is Kartofler, a potato dish often served with gravy. For those looking for something a bit sweeter, I’m pleased to say that there are delectable pastries and desserts available around every corner.

As you’d expect, Copenhagen also has its fair share of Michelin-starred restaurants . One of the most notable of these is Noma, which is often hailed as one of the best restaurants in the world (although it is closing soon, in 2024!). There’s also the wonderfully unique and totally immersive The Alchemist.

For something more relaxed, a visit to Reffen street food market is an absolute must. It’s a haven of mouth-watering fare from all over the world. I’d recommend sitting back and relaxing in a deck chair as you tuck into some delicious food while watching the sunset over the harbour.

Swimming spots

There aren’t many cities where you can don your swimsuit and dive into the city canals. I wouldn’t even think about dipping a toe in the River Thames in London, my home city! In Copenhagen, the water quality at all the designated harbour baths is closely monitored by the city authorities.

There are plenty of harbour baths dotted around the city, as well as natural sandy bays and salt water pools. If you prefer to stay on dry land, you can hang out on one of the wooden piers or decked areas. It’s a central part of the social scene in Copenhagen, so going for a swim is a great way to blend in with the locals.

Just be sure to stick to the designated swimming areas and don’t swim if a red flag is flying. A dip in the water is the perfect way to cool off in the summer months, or feel invigorated in the winter months – if you’re brave enough!

Discover my pick of the  best beaches and swimming spots in Copenhagen .

Pocket Wanderings is a luxury travel and lifestyle brand run by London-based content creator, Jessie Moore. Here you’ll find a community of fellow wanderlusters and adventurers.

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The 20 best things to do in Copenhagen

The best things to do in Copenhagen showcase the highlights of a rather magnificent place, from open sandwiches to intricate architecture

You could spend a week in Copenhagen and never run out of things to do, but even three days is enough to take in much of the city’s culture. The best way to do it? Hire a bike. The attractions here are close together enough to walk, but a bike is the done thing here. Trust us. 

Once you’ve got your two wheels, you’re good to go. Start with some of Copenhagen’s world-leading museums and galleries, before getting lunch at one of its fabulous food markets. Have afternoon drinks by the river, book dinner at one of its best restaurants , and spend the evening exploring its ever-expanding nightlife scene. And we’ve got everything you need right here on our itinerary. Here are the best things to do in Copenhagen. 

RECOMMENDED: 📍 How to spend a perfect weekend in Copenhagen 🍸 The best bars in Copenhagen 🏘️ Where to stay in Copenhagen 🛌 The best   Airbnbs in Copenhagen

This guide was last updated by Miriam Gradel , a writer based in Copenhagen. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines . 

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

What to do in Copenhagen

1.  ny carlsberg glyptotek.

A world-renowned art and sculpture museum in central Copenhagen housing Carl Jacobsen’s private collection of art and artefacts through 6000 years. Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek  is one of Copenhagen’s most treasured museums, found right at the heart of the city. It’s been open to the public since 1897 and is renowned for its extensive collections of Mediterranean antiques and 19th-century art (among the biggest collections in the world). Exhibitions range from Ancient Egypt to the works of Manet and van Gogh, as well as sculptures from Greece, Denmark and France.

Why is it worth it?  Come for the art, and stay for the ambience – outside is a glass-domed Winter Garden, adorned with palm trees, statues and a trickling fountain and a cosy cafe from which to take it all in. Entry is free on the last Wednesday of each month.

2.  Tivoli Gardens

There’s fun for all the family at Copenhagen’s world-famous amusement park, which has stood on this site for more than 175 years and even inspired a certain Walt Disney. Adrenaline junkies will love the rides — including one of the world’s oldest wooden rollercoasters, constructed in 1914. 

Why is it worth it?  It’s not just the rides you should come here for: there's thrills to be found in Tivoli’s seasonal decorations, floral displays, fountains, carousels, lanterns and old-fashioned carnival games.

3.  Statens Museum for Kunst

Denmark’s national art museum  SMK  is home to an immense collection of Danish and European works dating from the 1300s to the present day. It's  Copenhagen’s most sizeable cultural attraction, and an excellent way to acquaint yourself with some of Denmark’s best-known works of art, including the masterpieces of the Danish Golden Age and Vilhelm Hammershøi’s highly influential interiors of 19th-century Copenhagen.

Why is it worth it?  All its exhibitions are great, but the 20th and 21st-century collection, housed in a striking modern extension, is fantastic. Plus, with its simple but scrumptious menu, SMK’s beautiful café provides the perfect pit stop.

4.  Nyhavn

With its pastel-hued, 17th-century merchants’ houses, Nyhavn is Copenhagen at its picture-postcard finest. And  yes, it’s a tourist trap – but it’s a gorgeous one and well worth visiting if only to get the obligatory shot of its brightly coloured houses (three of which were once home to fairytale writer Hans Christian Andersen).  Nyhavn is also a great place to join a canal tour or set off on a stroll.

Why is it worth it?  You can spend all day here. If you're hungry, there’s a bustling food market home to  POPL , where you can try a Noma burger . And to escape the crowds, pop into Kunsthal Charlottenborg , a baroque building on Nyhavn’s south side, home to a contemporary art gallery and a beautiful café, Apollo.

5.  Rosenborg Castle

This fairytale castle is one of Copenhagen’s oldest royal parks.  Built as a summer residence for Christian IV, the spectacular Renaissance castle Rosenborg Slot is home to the Danish crown jewels, several lavish rooms and a priceless wine collection.

Why is it worth it? The castle’s leafy surrounds are also delightful: the King’s Gardens (Kongens Have) is a much-loved green oasis where you’ll find a decent café, two pétanque pistes, a charming puppet theatre, and plenty of space for picnicking. 

6.  Louisiana Museum of Modern Art

The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art  is an impeccably designed, impeccably located museum with a world-beating modern art collection. Visit for the art;  Louisiana’s permanent collection comprises more than 4,000 works produced since 1945, including pieces by Picasso and Giacometti, while its Sculpture Park houses work by Alexander Calder and Henry Moore.  There’s also Louisiana’s idyllic location by the coast, overlooking Øresund and with views of Sweden . Finally, there’s its gift shop, packed with classic and contemporary Danish designs, plus a wide selection of books and exhibition posters.

Why is it worth it?  Remember to bring your camera: the building itself is considered a significant work of Danish modernist architecture. 

7.  Cycle around the Havneringen (Harbour Ring)

To feel like a local, jump on a bicycle . Thanks to Copenhagen’s world-class cycling infrastructure, including miles of segregated bike lanes, peddling around the Danish capital is easy-peasy – and almost always the fastest way from A to B. The Harbour Ring (Havneringen) is a 13km marked route that takes in an array of big-hitting sights. You’ll discover how well-connected Copenhagen is. Just remember to stick to the city’s cycling rules.

Why is it worth it?  You'll whizz past eye-catching waterfront architecture such as the Black Diamond library extension, cross the city’s much-loved harbour bridges – such as artist Olafur Eliasson’s spectacular Circle Bridge and the elevated Cycle Snake – and catch some fresh air at the Amager Fælled nature reserve. 

8.  Superkilen

Superkilen is a 33,000-square-foot urban park designed with the help of the surrounding community. It  celebrates the multicultural melting pot that is Norrebrø and exemplifies the power of inclusive design. Constructed in 2012, it stretches for close to a kilometre through one of Denmark’s most ethnically and economically diverse neighbourhoods and contains more than 60 objects  that reflect the area’s diversity.

Why is it worth it?   Superkilen is all about the detail.  Look out for swing benches from Iraq, a boxing ring from Thailand, a slide from Chernobyl  and rubbish bins from Blackpool.

9.  Smørrebrød restaurants

Practically synonymous with Danish cuisine,  smørrebrød  comprises thin slices of rye bread topped with ingredients like pickled herring, battered plaice and chicken salad. Though you’ll find dozens of  smørrebrød  joints across the capital, it’s worth splurging and picking a place that uses fresh seasonal ingredients. Our favourites include old-school specialist  Kronborg , vegan-friendly Schønnemann  and  Aamanns 1921 , set in a historic building in the centre and happy to pair your dish with a glass of homemade snaps.

Why is it worth it?   Difficult to pronounce (try ‘smurr-brull’), Denmark’s classic open-faced sandwiches are a traditional lunchtime dish every visitor should try. 

10.  Copenhagen Botanical Garden

Located in the city centre since 1870 and home to more than 13,000 plant species, Copenhagen's Botanical Garden  is the greenest place in town.  Highlights include a rhododendron garden, rock gardens featuring plants native to Europe’s mountainous regions, and the Palm House. The historic victorian green house features a terrace from which there is a grand view of the entire garden. During summer, visitors can also explore the garden’s butterfly house, and there’s a small shop selling plants and seeds, allowing you to take home some botanical magic as a souvenir.

Why is it worth it? I t’s ideal for a peaceful, leisurely stroll when you want to escape the crowds.

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A day-by-day itinerary for the perfect weekend in Copenhagen

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updated 23.03.2020

Once a low-key underrated city, Copenhagen has recently been showered with superlatives, with polls claiming it to have the best quality of life and rating its citizens the happiest people on the planet.

If that wasn't enough, accolades for its cuisine, metro, cycling and design have followed and Danish TV dramas continue to bring its Nordic style, gritty architecture and photogenic inhabitants into millions of living rooms.

Despite its new-found glory, Copenhagen remains a relaxed, homely place where visitors quickly feel at ease; and while all this cool contentment doesn't come cheap (for tourists and locals alike) the "great Dane" has quite definitely arrived as one of Europe's outstanding destinations. Here's how you should spend the perfect weekend in Denmark's capital:

1. Latin Quarter, Inner City

Begin the day strolling about this maze of lively medieval streets and squares around Copenhagen University, perfect for losing yourself in history. Hailing from 1836, the grand neogothic university building across Frue Plads from Vor Frue Kirke serves a primarily administrative purpose today.

Climb to the tower of this grandiose, National Romantic city hall, whose fascinating astronomical clock is a destination in itself. The informative tours are the best way to capture this building's full detail, which include access to the 105m-tall tower.

Stop for lunch at Aamanns. This rustic-urban eatery does modern takes on the traditional Danish smørrebrød.

4. Canal Tour

Join one of the multilingual hourly tours along Copenhagen’s centuries-old canals, which offer fascinating insight into important events and sights tied to Denmark’s tumultuous history.

© JaySi/Shutterstock

5. Rosenborg Slot

Explore your inner royal at this fairy-tale, red-brick Renaissance castle, whose cellar holds the Danish crown jewels and Frederik III’s coronation throne, made of gold and narwhal tusk. Completed in 1634, it’s a grand edifice decorated with spires and towers and ornate Dutch gables.

Make your way out to the multi-coloured terraced houses in this relaxed part of town, built in the seventeenth century to house Christian IV’s ever-expanding naval fleet. Most of the current buildings date from the eighteenth century – all except for a single row of houses along Sankt Paulsgade, where the Nyboders Mindestuer (Nyboder Memorial Rooms) has been largely kept intact and functions as a museum.

Splash out at Toldboden. This spacious, casual restaurant is set opposite the royal yacht’s mooring and is unbeatable for people-watching. With great views of the Inner Harbour, Toldboden has few rivals for the title of the Copenhagen’s most stunningly-located bar.

8. The Little Mermaid

Stroll out to Kastellet to catch a glimpse of Copenhagen’s mascot and the heroine of Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale. A more recent addition, a few hundred metres to the north along the waterfront at Langeliniekaj, is the Little Mermaid ’s iconoclastic “ugly sister”, a far more entertaining rendition of the original.

1. Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek

Start off in this brilliant museum, which holds a vast classical and modern European art collection displayed in opulent rooms. Established by brewing magnate Carl Jacobsen (1842–1914) to provide a public home for his vast private art collection, today the gallery is home to a fantastic collection of French sculptures, with particular emphasis on Rodin – the largest collection of his work outside France.

2. Danish Design Centre

This Henning Larsen-designed, glass-fronted museum-cum-shop has a permanent collection of Zippo lighters, Wonderbras and other design classics. There’s no permanent exhibition but – whatever is on – the hands-on displays and interactive screens will easily keep you occupied for a couple of hours.

3. Christiania

Amble along the pretty Christianshavns Kanal, designed by an Amsterdam-born architect, before exploring this renowned hippie “free city” commune. Egalitarian, creative and ecologically minded, the ideals of its thousand-or-so residents have resulted in some truly unique self-built homes, imaginative businesses, and a host of flourishing artistic venues.

Enjoy a variety of scrumptious tapas from the long and seasonally changing menu at popular spot, Cofoco.

5. Frederiksberg Have

Pedal out towards Værnedamsvej for a spot of fashionista window shopping, then put down on the open expanses of grass at the city’s most wild parklands. Originally laid out in the seventeenth century for the royal palace, the gardens were remodelled a century later in the English landscape style, with winding paths weaving across undulating lawns, boating canals and numerous follies hidden among trees.

6. Musikmuseet

An amoeba shaped violin and a giraffe piano are just some of the unusual instruments on display at the Music Musem, which reopened in DR's former Radio House in 2014. Take kids to the "klang room" – a soundproofed room where they can play their hearts out without disturbing the neighbours.

7. Helsingør

Ride the train up the coast to watch the sun set against Kronborg, a fairy-tale fortress and the inspiration for Elsinore Castle in Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Constructed in the fifteenth century by Erik of Pomerania, the original fortress of Krogen was for hundreds of years the key to control of the Øresund, enabling the Danish monarchs to extract a toll from every ship that passed through it.

Sample Brasserie Nimb’s traditional French food with a regularly changing menu in an Oriental-style palace, with views out to Tivoli Gardens .

Our list of the best places to stay in Copenhagen will help you find the perfect accommodation option for you. And if you're looking for ideas for your holiday outside the Danish capital, explore our guide to the best things to do in Denmark .

Explore more of Copenhagen with the Pocket Rough Guide to Copenhagen . Compare flights , find tours , book hostels and hotels for your trip, and don’t forget to buy travel insurance before you go. Featured image Pixabay / CC0 .

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Copenhagen Is Always a Good Idea—Now More Than Ever

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Even with the world on pause, Copenhagen kept busy. Now it's ready to seduce travelers anew. Noma may be closing next year, but a group of young chefs is writing the next chapter of the New Nordic Food Manifesto. Cutting-edge design, always a draw here, is more prevalent than ever with the reopening last year of architect Kaare Klint's Designmuseum Danmark ; this year, the city is the UNESCO World Capital of Architecture, with events themed around sustainability. Emerging neighborhoods are easier than ever to explore via Copenhagen's world-class biking infrastructure and steadily expanding metro system, while the much-anticipated summer opening of the Opera Park will add to the buzzy waterfront. Its 19th-century-style gardens and walking paths will be a perfect counterpoint to the glass and limestone of the Royal Danish Opera House —the kind of juxtaposition that makes the Danish capital so unique. Copenhagen is always a good idea , now more than ever.

All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Villa Canada’s extravagant dining room with a lacquered table that seats 24.

Little Luxuries

Long a bastion of traditional hotels , Copenhagen is witnessing the growth of small but spectacular rental properties. From Kanalhuset , a canalside home turned apartment hotel, to The Darling , a design-forward guesthouse, accommodations here have never been more diverse or visually interesting. The most exciting new player is Villa Canada , a stately five-room, two-suite rental in Østerbro. Built in 1918 and designed by architect Albert Oppenheim, it was formerly the residence of Canadian ambassadors. Inside, original details like decorated ceilings and hand-painted wallpaper have been left intact, but there are also modern creature comforts like heated bathroom floors and an elevator. Expect the level of service you'd get from your favorite hotel, along with meals prepared by chefs from Michelin-starred restaurants like Alouette's Nick Curtin and a 1,100-bottle wine cellar. A long soak in the gilded bathtub is encouraged.

The colorful houses of Nyhavn, the city’s iconic waterfront district

See the Sea

Copenhageners use their harborfront the way many city denizens use their parks. At Copenhot, Nordhavn , a popular weekend hangout spot, guests sip wine between sauna sessions and take in the panoramic sea views from wood hot tubs. Try to nab a spot in the glass-walled “floating sauna,” right on the water. Waterfront development Krøyers Plads includes a wood deck where visitors often lounge, sometimes jumping into the sea. The setting, with views of the colorful houses of Nyhavn , is unsurpassed, and Broens Gadekøkken, Copenhagen's famed food market, is right next door. Clothing is optional at Butchers Heat , a pair of no-frills mobile saunas parked on the harbor in hip Refshaleøen—be sure to book a SaunaGus, an aromatherapy session that pairs searing heat with '70s rock and relaxing light. People-watching at one-stop shop La Banchina for sauna, drinks, and farm-to-table food is some of the best in town. Order smoked spelt dockside.

The Insider

Anne-Louise Sommer, director of the newly reopened Designmuseum Denmark , on where she goes for inspiration.

Thorvaldsen's Museum

“Its iconic ultramarine ceilings, impressive architecture, and collection of Danish neoclassical sculptures by Bertel Thorvaldsen make it one of the city's most tranquil oases.”

Cisternerne

“A unique subterranean space, the old water reservoir has housed exhibitions from Jeppe Hein and Tómas Saraceno. It will host South Korean conceptual artist Kimsooja through November.”

Cirkelbroen

“This Olafur Eliasson–designed bridge has five ‘masts’ that rotate to allow boats to pass through the canal. It beautifully illustrates the intersection of architecture, art, and design.”

Etage Projects

“At this centrally located art-and-design gallery, you can marvel at lamps and vases by Danish artist FOS, unique ceramics by Karl Monies, and tinted mirrors by Sabine Marcelis.”

Japanese izakaya and cocktail bar Kōnā comes from the team behind the much-loved Slurp Ramen Joint.

On the Menu

Now that the hyperlocal hegemony of New Nordic is fading, what's next? Far-flung flavors—with a Danish twist. Tables are hard to come by at Jatak , where chef Jonathan Tam infuses the approach that he honed at the now shuttered Relæ with Asian flavors in dishes like the shatteringly crisp sea buckthorn tempura. Be sure to sit at the kitchen counter and watch the chefs (silently) prepare your 12-course dinner, which could include the flavorful pumpkin cheung fun and the Instagram-famous egg tart.

Around the corner from 17th-century Rosenborg Castle on Farimagsgade is Juju , a modern-casual Korean eatery from Noma alum Kristian Baumann. On its small à la carte menu are banchan, mandoo, Korean fried chicken, and sesame ice cream. In the spring, its older sibling Koan will open in a new location with a menu that marries Baumann's South Korean roots with Danish ingredients.

At Donda Deli , the newer, more casual outpost of Christianshavn hot spot Donda, the menu is full of Latin American flavors. Think snacks and small plates served alongside tortillas, árbol mayo, and guajillo salsa, as well as a selection of natural wines. The restaurant's cozy vibe—pink walls, warm wood, and Poulsen lighting—will encourage you to linger.

From the team behind the beloved Slurp Ramen Joint comes Kōnā , a Japanese izakaya and cocktail bar in Carlsberg Byen. Pair the chicken karaage or a scallop skewer with an Austrian Gewürztraminer for a good night out—and for an even better time, head downstairs to the U-shaped counter for a special ramen menu imported from Slurp.

Former Geranium head chef Will King-Smith and wife Megan Leung have been pulling in the crowds at Goldfinch with excellent Cantonese in a setting made for dates. Expect traditional dishes you'd be served in a Chinese home, like char siu and roast duck, alongside more modern ones, such as Hong Kong–style French toast.

Go to Tivoli Gardens for the charming rides, stay for its stellar food.

Garden Party

Europe's most famous theme park embarks on a season of celebration. The iconic Tivoli Gardens oozes old-world charm, but it's far from stodgy. This summer, to celebrate its 180th birthday, the park will open Kilden, a new sustainability-focused restaurant; a Danish wine and produce market; and pop-ups of several Michelin-starred restaurants including Knystaforsen from rural Sweden, which will bring its critically acclaimed forage-and-fire approach into the heart of the city. Concerts, fireworks, and ballets will follow, and of course there are always the rides.

The Hotel Ottilia is located inside an old Carlsberg brewery.

Urban Renaissance

A stream of hotels, restaurants, and shops has made the industrial area of Carlsberg Byen the hippest place in town. Carlsberg Byen used to be accessible only to its workers. Now, more than a decade after it opened to the public, the former brewery district wedged between Frederiksberg and Vesterbro has become a go-to destination for both locals and visitors. Set in an iconic building with round windows where Carlsberg beer was once brewed, Hotel Ottilia , a soaring contemporary hotel from local company Brøchner Hotels, was one of the first to arrive. Following suit was a Copenhagen outpost of the global brand Aire Ancient Baths , which repurposed an 1881 building to house its collection of hot and cold pools. For the weekend crowd, there's Cadence , an easygoing coffee shop and bakery that serves up sweet-potato hotcakes and blackberry fastelavnsboller (cardamom buns), as well as Surt , a low-key pizza joint making wood-fired sourdough pies. At the Michelin-starred Studio , it's a slightly more upscale affair: Head chef Christoffer Sørensen, winner of the Michelin Guide's Young Chef Award in 2021, whips up plates of scallops with green strawberries and horseradish. Unsurprisingly, there's no shortage of design shops (this is Copenhagen, after all), including Carl Hansen & Søn , which stocks brands like Hans J. Wegner and Arne Jacobsen. Meanwhile, Von Bartha , the first international outpost of the Swiss gallery, features contemporary artists such as Camille Graeser.

Additional reporting by Mary Holland.

This article appeared in the April 2023 issue of Condé Nast Traveler. Subscribe to the magazine here .

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The Ultimate Guide to Copenhagen

Explore one of the happiest cities in the world.

Copenhagen is unique for several reasons. Not as sultry as  Paris  or as scene-y as Berlin, Denmark's capital is known for its eccentric street style, sublime food scene, and good-natured citizens. The city is ranked the fifth happiest in the world, according to a  2020 World Happiness Report  (while COVID-19 swept the world, the Danes were still able to see the bright side, a true testament to their infectious optimism) and abides by the Danish concept of hygge , which values coziness, happiness, trust, and togetherness. It's a wonderfully eclectic and colorful city that welcomes weirdos with open arms. I, of course, had to go. 

So, when one of my dear friends sent a text in our college group chat that I vaguely recall reading as "Copenhagen—you guys in?" I didn't take much convincing. We booked our week-long stay, started practicing our Danish, and I reached out to Jasmine Fox-Suliaman , a Fashion Editor at Who What Wear who recently attended Copenhagen Fashion Week, for her top-notch recommendations. Soon enough (and before I could graduate from my Duolingo course—I only got as far as " Hej !" and " Tak !"), off we went to Scandinavia. 

Ahead, you'll discover the highlights from our stay and a well-curated list of the best restaurants, bars, neighborhoods, shops, and museums to visit while in Copenhagen.

Where to Stay

Firstly, biking is to local Copenhageninans as brusque speed-walking is to New Yorkers. If you consider yourself savvy and skilled enough to ride alongside the city's adroit cyclists, I'd recommend renting a bike for your stay. Otherwise, you can mosey around on foot and via the city's public subway and buses, which is what my group did. Note: there is no Uber in Copenhagen, and the local taxis can run you up quite a fare, so you'll want to be mindful of how you're getting to your destinations.

Copenhagen is not an overwhelmingly large city, but by no means is it small. Indre By is considered downtown, where you'll find Nyhavn, a harbourside area with picturesque rainbow-hued houses, and Strøget, a long street lined with high-street stores and indie boutiques. This is a great neighborhood for first-time visitors who want easy access to hot-spot destinations like Rosenborg Castle, the Tivoli Gardens, and the Little Mermaid statue (she's quite small, though, so keep your expectations measured).

For our stay, we rented an Airbnb in Østerbro, a more residential neighborhood away from downtown's hustle and colorful bustle filled with delectable bakeries and homey restaurants. Norrebro is another area that's more off the beaten path that offers plenty of cozy Airbnb and hotels at lesser price points than what you'll find in the heart of downtown.

However, if you want an artsier scene with more nightlife appeal, Vesterbro is where you'll want to be. Known as the city's meatpacking and red-light district, the artsy hub offers galleries, nightclubs, and restaurants with a slew of varying cuisines, from  Japanese to American barbecue.

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Where To Eat & Drink

While exploring central Copenhagen, one of our delicious pitstops was Gasoline Grill , where I had, and I'm not exaggerating, the best veggie burger of my life. My meat-eating friends proclaim similar rave reviews for their juicy beef patties. Another quick, mood-boosting meal was the open-faced sandwiches on toasted rye bread, a traditional Danish staple known as smørrebrød, at the intimate Kompa' 9 cafe in the city's downtown. Also noteworthy were the grilled langoustines and sea bass at the Greek and Italian-fusion restaurant Delphine . Located in the heart of Vesterbro, Delphine is an up-and-coming, trendy spot that will satisfy any seafood lover's fresh and salty palette.

For otherworldly pastries, go to Hart Bageri . Their cardamon croissant was heaven in the form of a crispy, buttery, perfectly-spiced treat. The hands-down best pastry of our trip, however, was the cardamom buns from Juno Bakery , an Instagram favorite spot in Østerbro that more than surpasses its hype. Its vanilla creme buns and almond croissants are also must-buys.

Barr Restaurant was our biggest gastronomic splurge. It's run by the same team behind the award-winning Noma and is located within the award-winning restaurant's former waterfront warehouse. Given its associations with what's largely accepted as one of the world's best restaurants, I had high expectations—all of which Barr surpassed once I took one sip of its famous house gin and tonic that the restaurant touts as "the best gin and tonic we have ever had." The grilled mackerel served with fried carrots and roasted pumpkin seeds was delicious, but our caramel custard dessert was divine and was the star of our meal.

Apollo Bar , which is a short 10-minute walk from Barr, is another spot that came highly recommended and made for a delectable nightcap. And on Friday nights, the intimate museum café-cum-bar-cum-restaurant transforms into more of a club with a DJ and electric dance parties. 

On our first day in the city, we did some light sightseeing on a Stromma canal tour , which departed from Nyhavn and was an excellent way of exploring Copenhagen's waterways in under an hour. For more of a local-led guide, consider the guided Hygge and Happiness Tour run by GetYourGuide, where you'll explore the city on foot, learn about the culture of hygge, and satisfy your sweet tooth with some traditional Danish flødeboller, a chocolate-covered marshmallow treat.

If you're up for a quick day trip, hop on the train and head to Helsingør to visit Kronborg Castle , the  actual  castle where William Shakespeare pulled inspiration from and Hamlet in. Explore the green grounds, wander through the illustrious castle that was first built in 1420, and learn more about King Frederick II, who was known for throwing opulent banquets and days-long feasts. 

On your train back to the city, hop off at Humlebaek and visit my favorite cultural spot, the spectacular Louisiana Museum. Explore the sculpture gardens, take in the views of waterfront terraces, and then head inside to wander through its many halls filled with thought-provoking modern art, from David Hockney to Yayoi Kusama to Dana Schutz. Another excellent museum to spend an afternoon in is the  Designmuseum Denmark  in Frederiksstaden, set inside a former Rococo-style hospital. In addition to receiving a brief yet informative rundown on traditional Scandinavian design, you'll explore historical works from East Asia and the late Middle Ages and engage in subversive thought experiments on what the future of design might look like.

The city's signature fashion is quirky and eccentric, defined by voluminous silhouettes, color-clashing patterns, and a tangible happy-go-lucky approach to dressing. The unapologetically bold and joyful fashion is what initially drew me to Copenhagen, so shopping was high up on my list of to-dos.

Let's talk  GANNI . A staple for admirers of Scandi style, the Copenhagen-based brand is a maximalist haven spread out in many stores across the city. We visited not one, not two, but three separate locations, with its  Postmodern  storefront of past seasons' offerings being the spot where we struck the most gold. Acne Studios ' off-branch store, Acne Archive , located in Nørrebro, is another spot fans of discounted luxury items should absolutely visit.

For archival fashion fans,  Paloma Vintage  is a non-negotiable must-visit. I had one of my most lovely afternoons in recent memory inside the well-curated shop: Founder Ferial Berri kindly allowed me to try on an assortment of vintage Miu Miu, Saint Laurent, and Valentino and subject my friends to an hour-long fashion show, ultimately walking away with a black and white buttoned corset top with a matching pencil skirt and sleeves. Jerome Vintage and Rosy Vintage , located in a shared space in the heart of Copenhagen's shopping district, are other spots to score exceptional second-hand luxury.

Paloma Vintage

Emma is the fashion features editor at Marie Claire, where she writes deep-dive trend reports, zeitgeisty fashion featurettes on what style tastemakers are wearing, long-form profiles on emerging designers and the names to know, and human interest vignette-style round-ups. Previously, she was Marie Claire's style editor, where she wrote shopping e-commerce guides and seasonal trend reports, assisted with the market for fashion photo shoots, and assigned and edited fashion celebrity news.

Emma also wrote for The Zoe Report, Editorialist, Elite Daily, Bustle, and Mission Magazine. She studied Fashion Studies and New Media at Fordham University Lincoln Center and launched her own magazine, Childs Play Magazine, in 2015 as a creative pastime. When she's not waxing poetic about niche fashion topics, you'll find her stalking eBay for designer vintage, reading literary fiction on her Kindle, and baking banana bread in her tiny NYC kitchen.

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A Comprehensive Copenhagen Travel Guide for First Time Visitors

In need of a comprehensive Copenhagen travel guide? Don’t worry, I’ve just returned from a week long trip in Denmark’s capital city, so I’m jotting everything you’ll need to know below!

You know, visiting Copenhagen wasn’t necessarily high on my travel list, but I feel like I’ve always wanted to go. Way back in college one of my acquaintances studied abroad there, and I floated the idea of visiting. Since then, everyone I know has always had good things to say whether they were cursory travelers or professional ones.

This year, though, my friend, Alyshia , had a week off of work for spring break and asked if I wanted to go anywhere. At first we were looking at Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island but decided it was still way too cold to properly enjoy. Then we thought about somewhere in the Caribbean or South America but it was either too far for a week or too expensive since other Canadians were also escaping the cold. Finally, Alyshia plugged in some cheap flights from Toronto and came up with Copenhagen or Paris . Since we’d both already been to the latter, we immediately agreend on Copenhagen.

Flash forward a few months and we’ve just spent a fun week exploring the city, eating a wonderfully absurd amount of carbs, and walking up a lot of steps. Check out the below guide for all my best tips.

A Copenhagen Travel Guide for First Time Visitors

A brief history of copenhagen.

As with all places I write about, I’m starting with a bit of Copenhagen’s history. After all – how else will you know and appreciate what you’re seeing today?

Copenhagen (or København in Danish) began around the 1000s during the Viking Age, though the earliest historical records we have are from the 1100s. As you might guess from the waterfront location, it became a popular spot for merchants and fishermen and really anyone who used the sea for work.

One of the important moments in Copenhagen’s history was when it, with Norway and Sweden, established the Kalmar Union to counter the Hanseatic League ( of Bergen fame ). Think of it like a smaller EU.

The way it all came about is thanks to the typical royal inheritance debacles, but the union did last from 1397 to 1523. During that time Copenhagen became the center of the union as it became the seat of the monarchy and, naturally, it flourished culturally, economically, and socially.

The next big event in Copenhagen’s history is the Danish Golden Age. This age all started with a plague and a fire, almost giving the city a chance to start from scratch. During the Golden Age, which lasted for half of the 1800s, culture was front and center. From architecture to art to literature to music, a ton of important Danish figures emerged during this time. The most famous, of course, would have to be Hans Christian Andersen, aka one of the main creators of the modern fairy tale.

Today, Copenhagen has more or less retained its cultural reputation. Both Danish and Copenhagen culture is frequently referenced whether it’s style, food, interiors, or design. I’m sure we’ve all heard of hygge by now! Not to mention noma, the restaurant of all restaurants in the fine dining world (soon to be an RIP). If you watch “The Bear,” this is where Marcus trains when he goes to Copenhagen.

Hard to meet anyone who’s been, no matter the time of year, and had a bad time in the city!

How Expensive is Copenhagen?

I will not lie to you – like most Nordic countries I’ve been to, Copenhagen can get very pricey. I wouldn’t say it’s necessarily pricier than, say, San Francisco or New York City , but if you’re not used to those prices, you might find yourself pinching pennies a bit.

However, there are a lot of ways to offset the cost! The biggest one I’d recommend looking into is the Copenhagen City Card . I’m going to write a post breaking down the card’s cost vs. how often we used it, but when I tallied the total, we saved about $70 USD with the 120-hr card!

Other ways I’d say to save is to bring a water bottle to refill (tap water here is delicious). Stick to cafes, bakeries, food halls, and cheap eateries (even the “cheap places” are mouthwatering!). Walk as much as possible if you’re not using the card (really the city isn’t that big) and look into budget accommodation – especially off season.

Plus, check out the local grocery stores. You can easily make yourself sandwiches and snacks from Netto while on the go. Quite a few places have packed lunch sections to sit and eat.

When to Visit Copenhagen

Honestly, after being further north than Denmark in all the seasons, I would say you could visit Copenhagen any time of year and have a good experience.

Summer is obviously the most popular with warm weather, long, sunny days, and everything open. However, with all of that comes more expensive rates on hotels, tickets, and flights.

Winter sounds fun with all the hygge and it still gets quite a decent amount of daylight compared to other Scandinavian countries. I assume a lot closes though.

I really enjoyed coming over Alyshia’s spring break in mid-March! Like 99% of what we wanted to do was open, and we got really great deals on flights and hotels. I also noticed a few places either had slightly lower prices too. Temperature-wise it was around 30-50F depending on the day and mostly overcast.

I would say the sweet spot would be late April, early May or mid-late September. Some of the things I wanted to do like the Reffen Market or Tivoli Gardens were still closed in March but would be open in April. The weather is a bit better and because you’re still in the shoulder season, you should be able to find decent deals.

Where to Stay in Copenhagen

As someone who hates, hates walking with a suitcase for more than 15-20 minutes, I am a big proponent of staying close to stations. Luckily, Copenhagen has a really great train, metro, and bus situation so regardless of where you stay, you’ll be pretty close to something.

For first time visitors, I’d stay right by København H (Copenhagen Central Station). It’s a straight shot to the airport in under 30 minutes and will have you connected to not only everything in the city but will make any and all day trips easier. Plus it’s right by Copenhagen’s Meatpacking District which has a lot of cool cafes and restaurants.

We stayed at Go Hotel Ansgar since we were looking for something budget-friendly. I’d say the only downside was that the internet was pretty spotty, so don’t plan on making video calls or anything too intense. Otherwise, we didn’t mind the tighter quarters since we were pretty much out from morning til evening. Check current prices here.

Some other hotels we looked at:

Otherwise, I’d say stay near Kongens Nytorv or Gammel Strand to be central but in charming areas. Meanwhile Rådhuspladsen and Nørrebro are cool neighborhoods that feel a little more hipster, local but still easy to navigate.

How to Get into Copenhagen

I’m going to assume 90% of you reading this post are coming in by plane and flying into Københavns Lufthavn (Copenhagen Airport or CPH). Lucky for you this airport is really easy to navigate, it’s just really big and can feel like you’re walking for a while.

To take public transport, you can literally get on the train right at the airport in Terminal 2. Alyshia and I found each other by baggage claim and then went to get hot dogs at Steff’s Place. The ticket station and entrance to the train was right next to stand.

Also you can download the DOT Billeter app to buy directly on there but I couldn’t get it to connect to my credit cards. If you use the Copenhagen card, airport transfer is included.

By Train or Bus

For those of you coming in by bus or train, you’ll likely go right to København H (Copenhagen Central Station). Sometimes it shows up as Köpenhamn H. Just know whether you see København H, Köpenhamn H, or Central Station, they’re all the same.

How to Get Around Copenhagen

If you’re ready to walk, you can very easily walk everywhere in Copenhagen. Like we took the metro and buses a lot since we had unlimited rides, but if you’re trying to save money and want to, this city is incredibly walkable. Tons of sidewalk space and just easy to navigate. I can just picture visiting as a college student and managing to walk all around!

By Bus/Metro

Copenhagen has a really great metro and bus system. It costs about $3.50 USD per ride so that can definitely add up if you’re not careful, especially when some of the rides could be 15-20 minute walks.

Most metro trains we took came every 2-5 minutes while buses were definitely a little rarer. The further out of the center you get, the longer the wait in between the buses. When we went to find the troll, Kaptajn Nalle, buses were very 20-30 minutes.

Obviously, Copenhagen is bike city! There are bike lanes everywhere, and from what I can tell most people get around on their two wheels. As a tourist, I’d only bike if you feel comfortable with it as I imagine it’d be pretty annoying to have someone causing issues in the bike lane during rush hour.

From what I can tell most hotels will have bikes available to rent – ours has a whole line of them. As for parking them, I saw plenty of bike parking lots, but, again, ask your hotel for guidance!

Notable Sightseeing Places in Copenhagen

There are a lot of cool things to do and see in Copenhagen , but to give you the very basics, here are the top five:

This little waterfront strip is THE place to see in Copenhagen. Pretty much every establishing shot on film and every prominent photo of the city was taken right here. It spans about nearly 1500ft (450m) and is full of colorful buildings and boats. If you want to do a canal cruise , they usually leave from here too.

I imagine it’s swarmed come summer, so visit early for a more peaceful atmosphere. Or come in the shoulder season and even in the afternoon it shouldn’t be too bad.

Skip any food here, from what I’ve read none of it is particularly remarkable and is more expensive than walking 5 minutes away towards Kyngens Nytorv.

Most things are closed on a Monday but not Rundetårn (The Round Tower). It’s one of the best ways to get a bird’s eye view of Copenhagen and dates back to the 1600s. It’s actually the oldest functioning observatory in Europe, and you can see its telescope once you climb up.

Bonus: When you get back down, go to the døp hot dog cart for an excellent hot dog – ask for everything on it!

The Little Mermaid Statue

If you can’t tell by the absolute terrible quality of the photo above, I didn’t go check out Den Lille Havfrue or The Little Mermaid on land. Maybe if I go in warmer weather, I’ll walk over, but for now I was fine viewing it from our canal tour’s boat.

This statue is dedicated to the fairytale and is part of Hans Christian Andersen’s legacy in Copenhagen. It’s also been named as one of the most disappointing landmarks to see in person, so keep your expectations low! And if you do go over to see on land, combine it with a trip to Amalienborg Castle and Kastellet, a start-shaped fortress.

Tivoli Gardens

I’m so bummed Tivoli was closed while we were there! This amusement park is literally right by Central Station (like we walked by it constantly) and is one of the most popular amusement parks in all of Europe. They even say it inspired Walt Disney to create Disneyland.

Everyone I know and every blog, Reddit post, and Instagram Reel or Tiktok had Tivoli on their list of things to do in Copenhagen, so you know it’s not just a tourist thing. Just know if you only get an entrance ticket, you’ll have to pay for each ride, so book a ticket with unlimited rides to make the most of it.

One of the Palaces

Within Copenhagen, you can visit Amalienborg (the current home to the royal family), Christiansborg (home to Danish parliament), or Rosenborg (where the crown jewels are kept). About an hour away is Frederiksborg (the “Versaille of Denmark), and Kronborg (Hamlet’s Castle). That’s all to say, you’ve got five different palaces to choose from, so take time to see at least one.

I will say the palaces that are in Copenhagen are pretty quick visits as only part of them are actually open to the public, so you could easily plan to visit all three in a day if you wanted to. Many even have combination tickets to make it more affordable.

Where to Eat in Copenhagen

The thing I noticed about Copenhagen is that it’s really hard to have a bad meal here. Maybe around Nyhavn there are crappy menus, but honestly this city takes its gastronomy very seriously. There’s a reason it’s home to over twenty Michelin-starred restaurants!

Either way, whether you want a cheap hot dog or can score reservations at the most exclusive fine dining restaurant out there, you will eat well while you’re here.

Cafes and Bakeries

You guys know I love a good café, and Copenhagen does not disappoint! There are cafés and bakeries (or bageris) all over , and we probably stopped into at least two or three a day. Not only will you get delicious coffee, most places will have something to eat or, at the very least, an extremely delicious array of freshly made baked goods.

We usually started off with breakfast at a café near whatever landmark we wanted to go, and I often switched it up with matcha lattes and hot chocolates. Who knew Denmark was known for its matcha skills?!

Another really good option for eating in Copenhagen is looking up the various food halls. There are quite a few options, and while we were there we managed to make it to Torvehallerne where I tried some Danish porridge (grød).

I will say a lot of the open air food halls/markets like Reffen or Broens Gadekøkken are closed until at least April, so double check times on their websites.

Hot Dog Stands

As someone who’s not even a big hot dog person let alone someone who adds a ton of toppings to her dogs, I am OBSESSED with Danish hot dogs. I remember hearing Iceland had really fantastic hot dogs too but didn’t get a chance to try one, so I wanted to make sure I ate at least one while here.

Turns out we ate four, including one quite literally after we met at the airport. You can’t go wrong with a stand, and there’s at least one in every major square. Heck as soon as you exit Central Station, there’s a great hot dog stand right there.

Michelin Restaurants

Like I mentioned above, Copenhagen has well over twenty Michelin-starred restaurants and is home to what might be the most famous (maybe infamous?). I wouldn’t say I’m the biggest foodie on the planet but even I’ve heard of noma!

If you’re someone who seeks these restaurants out or are traveling with a fine dining foodie, you’ll have a bevy of options right at your finger tips. We didn’t visit any of them as we were on a budget and I had so many cafes, hot dog stands, and fast food-style places I wanted to try, but maybe on a future trip!

Vietnamese Cuisine

Here’s something totally random I noticed – Copenhagen seemed to have a lot more Vietnamese cuisine than I could have ever expected. Given that I lived there and love the food, I do tend to notice Vietnamese restaurants whenever I travel. I truly don’t think I saw so many places as I did in Copenhagen.

We wound up going to Hanoi Alley in Nørrebro because we were hiding from the rain. As much as I love cafes, I was craving something heartier and nothing tastes as good as beef pho on a cold, rainy day!

Day Trips from Copenhagen

Fredricksborg.

As I mentioned Frederiksborg Slot is like Denmark’s Versailles. It’s about an hour on the train in Hillerød and was built in the 1600s for King Christian IV. It has this huge, Renaissance design, so I’d really like to go one day. We just ran out of time!

Hamlet’s Castle in Helsingør

One castle we did do a day trip for was Kronborg Slot in Helsingør. It’s also about an hour on the train and became famous when Shakespeare set his most famous play there, naming the castle Elsinore. A number of famous actors have participate in productions there from Laurence Olivier to David Tennant ( and me, of course, hehe )! Kind of cool to imagine getting the chance to witness Laurence Olivier acting out Hamlet in the Hamlet castle, but I also spent a whole semester studying that play so that might be a niche interest.

While you’re here there’s also the Maritime Museum which is supposed to be award-winning. Truthfully, I wanted to make sure we had time for the next spot on our list, so we skipped it.

Louisiana Museum of Modern Art

About halfway between Kronborg and Copenhagen is a very cool modern art museum. The exhibits have so much going on and the location is right on the coast, so you could easily turn this into a full day trip on its own. The nice thing is that it’s open pretty late, so even if you want until the afternoon, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy.

Malmö, Sweden

Fun fact – you can pop over to Sweden in under an hour! Heck, even in the airport you’ll see signs for Malmö. It’s Sweden’s third largest city and sounds like a cool spot to visit on its own whether it’s for historic architecture, castles, or cool museums. Since we didn’t plan to go, I couldn’t tell you what was there exactly but it sounds like people who go enjoy it.

Shopping in Copenhagen

Copenhagen has some really fun shopping whether you’re looking for specific deals at the GANNI Postmodern Outlet or for quirky creations at Studi Arhoj. I mean, there’s a good reason people love Danish interior design and Copenhagen street style. I promise I’ll have a whole other post on shopping to share everywhere we went!

Safety & Health in Copenhagen

You know, I’m sure there’s crime in Copenhagen but this has to have been one of the safest major capital cities I’ve ever been to. The “sketchiest” part was in Freetown Christiania, and honestly, I’ve seen worse on a normal day in HCMC or Philly .

I feel like the worst crime to worry about is pickpockets but even then there doesn’t seem to be a crazy epidemic like in Barcelona and Paris. I mean, this is a city where people just leave their babies in strollers outside of restaurants – it’s a pretty safe city.

Likewise for health – this is the kind of place were you not only can you drink the tap water, it’s actually delicious. And there are so many nice, clean public bathrooms everywhere even in the metro stations.

That’s all I can think of to put into a single Copenhagen travel guide. I’ve got a bunch more posts coming because I really enjoyed this city, but in the meantime let me know if you have any further advice or questions below!

For more Scandinavian travel, read these next:

• 18 Fantastic Things to Do in Bergen, Norway
• Lofoten in the Winter: A Little Guide
• 3 Days in Stockholm: A Beginner Itinerary
• All the Best Things to Do in Örebro, Sweden

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A local’s guide to Copenhagen

• By Lisa Abend
• Photos by Ulf Svane

When Copenhagen’s urban planners realized that cyclists coming over the bridge from Norrebro were riding over the sidewalk to turn down a one-way street, they didn’t post police to stop them from making the illegal crossing; they installed a new bike lane to make it easier for the cyclists. It’s that kind of attention that makes the Danish capital the most livable of cities.

With ample green spaces, an inner-city harbor clean enough that anyone can — and does — swim in it, and laws that require all housing to be within 500 meters of public transportation, the municipal government takes its citizens’ well-being seriously. But so, it seems, does everyone else: Cafes brighten the long winter nights with candlelight; the summer is full of outdoor dance classes, movie screenings, and music festivals; and bars and cinemas hold “baby and me” happy hours, during which parents park their prams — and their infants, that’s how trusting everyone is — outside. And as Copenhagen consolidates its leadership in fields like cuisine, design and sustainability, it’s also becoming a more diverse and interesting place.

Meet Lisa Abend

Lisa has lived in Copenhagen since 2014 but still regularly gets asked by mystified Danes why she ever left her previous home in Madrid. The answer is complicated, but includes the thriving food scene, the extraordinarily high quality of life and a personal affinity for real weather.

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20 Best Things to Do in Copenhagen, From a Palace Visit to Waterfront Strolls

The Danish capital impresses with its culture, cuisine, scenery, and architecture.

Lindsay Cohn is a writer, editor, and avid traveler who has visited 45 countries across six continents — and counting. She contributes to Travel + Leisure, Hotels Above Par, InsideHook, Well+Good, The Zoe Report, and more.

Lingxiao Xie/Getty Images

Copenhagen is one of Northern Europe’s most charming cities, overflowing with history, culture, and sights. If you're on a tight schedule, three days is enough in Copenhagen, but it's easy to fill many more, strolling in the photogenic canal district of Nyhavn, around Kongens Nytorv (The King's New Square), and through myriad museums and elegant palaces. The city's dynamic design and culinary scenes draw visitors, too. Galleries, furniture stores, and chic boutiques abound, as do splurge-worthy hotels, superb restaurants, and cafés to cozy up in during the cold winter months.

To round up the best things to do in Copenhagen on beautiful summer nights or rainy days, we turned to Cecilia Fonden, guest services and concierge manager at Hotel d’Angleterre, a member of Leading Hotels of the World.

These are her picks for the 20 best things to do and see in Copenhagen, whether you're all in for art and design or looking for family-friendly fun.

Top 5 Can’t Miss

• Copenhagen's 17th-century waterfront, Nyhavn, is lined by colorful townhouses and canals full of quaint boats.
• Go beyond cinnamon buns with Foods of Copenhagen's gastronomic tours of the town.
• Cruising around Copenhagen's canals on a boat tour or on your rental boat provides a unique perspective of the city.
• Especially in winter, the National Aquarium Denmark beckons families to spend hours alongside thousands of sea creatures.
• See the changing of the guards and the lavish interiors of royal residence Amalienborg Palace.

Stroll around Nyhavn.

Cultura RM Exclusive/Planet Pictures/Getty Images

There’s a reason Nyhavn appears on so many postcards and travel brochures; it's one of the most beautiful places in Europe . This picture-perfect waterfront district, developed in the 17th century, runs from Kongens Nytorv to the harbor and is framed by colorful townhouses and boats bobbing in the canals.

Take a food tour.

“Do your tastebuds a favor and go for a gastronomic tasting crawl with Foods of Copenhagen ,” says Cecilia Fonden. This is a great way to discover hidden pearls of the Nordic culinary capital’s extraordinary epicurean scene. There are two group tours — a food walk and a bike tour — both four hours and with a maximum of 10 people.

See the city on a canal boat tour.

One of the most relaxing ways for visitors to see the city is with Hey Captain Boat , which takes passengers through all the canals of Copenhagen on one- and two-hour group and private tours (up to 12 people). “The storytelling and scenery are magical. It’s just like being in a Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale,” Fonden says.

Or rent a GoBoat to explore the waterways.

Prefer to captain a vessel yourself? Rent a Danish-designed, solar-powered GoBoat and cruise along the waterways for a few hours. The boats can be rented from Islands Brygge, just across the bridge from the city center and home to a swimming area. Pack a picnic with local food and beverages to really elevate the experience. 

See colorful fish at the National Aquarium Denmark.

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One of the best things to do in Copenhagen with kids, or on a rainy day, is seeing tons of marine life up close at the National Aquarium Denmark . This is Northern Europe’s largest aquarium and its seven million liters of water house thousands of fish and sea creatures — from Danish freshwater sturgeon to South American electric eels. 

Amalienborg Palace

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Located in Frederiksstaden, Amalienborg Palace is the official residence of the Danish royal family (Queen Margrethe ll still resides there in fall and winter) and it also has a museum that gives tourists a front-row seat to many interesting aspects of the monarchy. Don’t miss the changing of the guards at noon.  You can buy a combo ticket with Rosenborg Castle.

Get up in the sky with Nordic Seaplane.

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It’s always a special experience to get a birds-eye view of a new city, especially one as lovely as Copenhagen. Fonden suggests taking a sightseeing flight with Nordic Seaplane . “It flies just high enough that you can clearly see streets, canals, ships, coastlines, and iconic buildings.”

Hike, ski, or rock climb at CopenHill.

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Leave it to the Danes to construct a recreation area atop an active clean energy power plant. CopenHill welcomes visitors to ski in the winter and hike during the warmer months. Climbers can scale the side of the building, which has been transformed into an outdoor climbing wall that towers to nearly 300 feet. Skiing and climbing should be booked in advance, but other activities are free.

Explore Rosenborg Castle.

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Originally built as a summer country home, the Renaissance-era Rosenborg Castle houses sparkling crown jewels and other royal relics. Surrounding the stately structure are famously picturesque gardens. The castle is open to visitors most days, and you can buy a combo ticket that includes royal residence Amalienborg Palace.

Visit Kongens Have (The King's Garden).

Copenhagen is famous for its beautiful parks and public gardens. Topping the list of must-see green spaces, Kongens Have (The King's Garden) is Denmark's oldest royal garden and a centerpiece of the Rosenborg Castle complex. Although you need a ticket for the castle, the garden itself is free. Fonden recommends bringing a blanket and enjoying a quiet moment under a tree in the heart of the vibrant city. 

Ride a rollercoaster at Tivoli Gardens.

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Fun for all ages, the legendary Tivoli Gardens is a historic and beloved amusement park with thrilling rides — including one of the oldest operating wooden roller coasters. Even if rides aren't your thing, there are theater performances, art exhibitions, shops, restaurants, and seasonal events like summer concerts and a Christmas market. 

Taste global flavors at Reffen.

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Eat your way around the world at Reffen , the largest street food market in Northern Europe. The waterfront space boasts a variety of global stalls that serve everything from pad krapow and red curry to Gambian peanut stew. It also has bars and boutiques and hosts art and music events.

Go for a swim in a harbor bath.

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“Copenhagen is surrounded by water so clean locals and visitors jump in to cool down on summer days,” Fonden says. "Some harbor baths [recreational bathing facilities] have platforms to jump from, others have pools for small children, and they all have lifeguards.” There are 12 harbor baths around Copenhagen and two sand beaches.

Sip and swim at La Banchina.

Esther Karczag

A popular and oh-so-Copenhagen establishment, La Banchina is a tiny walk-in restaurant and wine bar. It's especially busy in the summer when the terrace is filled with people drinking natural wine and taking dips in the restaurant's own harbor pool. If you're visiting in winter, though, you can reserve time in the sauna and a spot at one of the casual, five-course dinners every Friday and Saturday evening.

Book a Spa Treatment at Amazing Space

HOTEL D'ANGLETERRE/AMAZING SPACE

It can be hard to find things to do in Copenhagen in winter when the days are short, cold, and often wet. Take refuge at d’Angleterre , where weary travelers will find a sanctuary of well-being called Amazing Space . The award-winning spa offers the only indoor pool in the downtown area, plus a steam room, sauna, and Nordic treatments.

Take a history lesson at the National Museum of Denmark.

Located in the city center near many other must-see attractions, the National Museum of Denmark is a treasure trove of Danish culture and history. It’s also home to interesting global exhibits that include African masks and Egyptian tombs. There’s an excellent on-site restaurant, too.

Shop on Strøget.

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The perfect place to stroll (and spend money), Strøget is Copenhagen's famous shopping area, and one of the longest pedestrian streets in Europe. Expect upscale boutiques like home goods chain Søstrene Grene and Illums Bolighus, plus cafés such as Coffee Collective Bernikow, ideal for taking a break from your retail therapy adventures. 

Take the kids to Copenhagen Zoo.

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Families with young kids can roam around the 11-hectare Copenhagen Zoo , home to more than 4,000 animals from all over the world — including giant pandas, hippopotamuses, elephants, and polar bears.

Tour around Christiansborg Palace.

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The awe-inspiring Christiansborg Palace on the islet of Slotsholmen in central Copenhagen traces its roots back more than 800 years. It currently functions as the seat of the Danish Parliament, the Danish Prime Minister's Office, and the Supreme Court of Denmark. Visitors can explore the regal reception rooms, the kitchen, stables, a chapel, and even a brewery.

The Round Tower (Rundetårn)

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Denmark has many iconic buildings, and Rundetårn (The Round Tower), built by King Christian IV in 1642, is certainly one of them. Besides admiring the architecture, visitors can climb to the very top of the tower where Europe's oldest observatory offers incredible views of the city. 

Related Articles

• The official guide to Copenhagen
• Beyond Copenhagen
• Copenhagen Card
• See & do
• Eat & drink

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How To Spend 3 Days in Copenhagen For First Timers

Copenhagen was on my travel bucket list for a longggg time. It has everything I like—bicycles, amazing food , urban scenery—on top of the fact that Denmark is regularly ranked the happiest country in the world! My husband Sam and I squeezed in a Copenhagen stopover on our way to Finland in 2018 , and we returned this fall after traveling in Norway . Plus, I lead trips to Scandinavia as part of my work as a trip leader! With lots of travel experience in Copenhagen, I have curated the ideal itinerary for first-timers.

This well-organized 3 day travel guide promises to unveil the best of Copenhagen's magic.

Exploring Copenhagen in just 3 days may seem like a whirlwind, but this Scandinavia gem offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and culinary delights that can be savored in a weekend getaway. Whether you're captivated by the whimsical allure of Tivoli Gardens, eager to delve into royal history at Rosenborg Palace, or craving a taste of the city's delectable culinary scene, this itinerary promises an unforgettable two-day adventure.

What You'll Find In This Post

Day 1 in Copenhagen

Morning: nyhavn & surroundings.

Located in the heart of the city, Nyhavn is a picturesque and iconic waterfront district that nearly every traveler visits on their first time in Copenhagen. The most striking feature of Nyhavn is its colorful row of 17th-century townhouses that line the waterfront. These buildings, painted in an array of vibrant hues, show up on the cover of like EVERY travel book or blog post about Copenhagen. 

The bustling waterfront promenade is the heart of Nyhavn's activity, and I’m going to be honest – it’s pretty touristy . Pop into a cafe to grab a coffee or souvenir, but then start making your way north to sightsee around the historic city center. 

Nearby to Nyhavn, Frederik's Church is a magnificent architectural gem. The church's most striking feature is its immense copper dome, one of the largest church domes in Europe. The dome's neoclassical design, inspired by the iconic St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, gives the church an imposing and regal presence. The interior of Frederik's Church is equally impressive, featuring a spacious, light-filled interior adorned with beautiful frescoes, intricate stucco decorations, and a sense of symmetry and balance characteristic of neoclassical design. 

Your final stop on your morning sightseeing tour is Amalienborg Palace . This magnificent palace complex serves as the official residence of the Danish royal family. Amalienborg consists of four identical palaces that surround an octagonal courtyard. Amalienborg is busiest around noon, when there is a daily changing of the guard ceremony . It is held at noon and is free for the public to watch. This is a popular attraction, although I don't find it all that exciting.

Early Afternoon: Harbor Tour by Boat

The sea is an important part of life for Danish people, which totally makes sense when you consider that the entire country is a massive peninsula and series of islands. You’re never far from the water, so why not see Copenhagen from the water? Get up-close-and-personal with Copenhagen’s seafaring history and modern life.

There are a number of canal and harbor tours in Copenhagen, but I think the best one is Hey Captain . Hey Captain offers what they call “social sailing”, where the guests and tour guide all interact in a casual and friendly way. It has such a nice vibe!

We did the 2-hour Hidden Gems tour . This tour highlights locally beloved (i.e. off-the-beaten track) spots. You’ll explore up-and-coming areas away from the inner part of the city. I especially liked seeing the unique aspects of Copenhagen’s architectural movement, such as cutting-edge floating homes, refurbished industrial buildings and hyper-modern structures.

Late Afternoon: Christiansborg Area

The imposing Christiansborg Palace serves as the home of the Danish Parliament, the Prime Minister's Office, and the Supreme Court. It combines political importance, historical significance, and architectural splendor. Considered an architectural masterpiece, the palace has a combination of various architectural styles, such as neoclassical, baroque, and rococo architecture.

One of the most iconic features of Christiansborg is its tower, which rises high above the city. Visitors can ascend the tower to enjoy panoramic views of Copenhagen.

From here, wander along the small canal towards Strøget, one of the main shopping streets in Copenhagen. There are lots of cute alleys and side streets around here, lined with any number of adorable cafes and quirky shops. This is a fun part of the city to simply explore and get a little bit lost. End your walk near Copenhagen’s city hall. With its striking red-brick exterior and distinctive clock tower, it sits on a massive public square with great public transit options.

Evening: Reffen Food Truck Park

A distinctly Copenhagen vibe, Reffen Street Food park is a redevelopment project in a revitalizing area of the industrial harbor. Housed within upcycled shipping containers, Reffen is one of those see-and-be-seen kinds of places. It has a cool vibe and even cooler restaurants with a broad diverse assortment of global flavors.

Not only is Reffen an affordable place to eat (with mains starting at 70 DKK) but the food is mouthwatering. Whether you're craving Indian or Mexican cuisine, you'll find it here. As the night goes on, it shifts into a clubby vibe with live music and cool lighting. 

Day 2 in Copenhagen

Morning: rosenborg castle & king’s garden.

Rosenborg Castle, a magnificent Renaissance-style palace located in the heart of Copenhagen, Denmark, is a living testament to the country's royal heritage. Built in the early 17th century by King Christian IV, the palace is beautiful from the outside. If you don’t have time (or an interest) to go inside, seeing the exterior is still worth it. Rosenborg Castle boasts a stunning copper roof and intricate spires, set in a peaceful rose garden in the heart of Copenhagen. 

Open daily, you should buy tickets ahead of time. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself waiting in a massive line. Once inside, visitors can explore the opulent rooms, each room is dedicated to the stylings of a different member of the Danish royal family. Don’t miss the Danish Crown Jewels exhibit.

Adjacent to the castle is the King's Garden, a meticulously manicured park that serves as an ideal complement to Rosenborg Castle's grandeur. The garden features tree-lined avenues, colorful flowerbeds, and peaceful pathways. Skip the Little Mermaid Statue – it is WAY too crowded and actually pretty small. Opt instead for a stop at the Hans Christian Anderson statue in the King’s Garden. It is far more peaceful and still dedicated to the man who created the famous story.

Early Afternoon: Torvehallerne 

Not far from Rosenborg Castle is Copenhagen’s best food hall – Torvehallerne. This is SUCH a great place to stop for lunch. Covering an area of over 700 m², TorvehallerneKBH is an gormet Danish food hall with food ranging from baked goods to seafood. With its two large steel and glass halls, each side of the market specializes in something different connected by a large patio in between. 

I recommend following your nose or looking for lines of locals. This is how you find the best stalls in the market! A few places I can recommend:

• Albatross & Venner: is a bakery with a penchant for using modern techniques to reinvent classic breads and pastries. Savory pastries are the focus. 
• Coffee Collective: meticulously sourced and expertly roasted coffee. Their pour-over coffee, prepared with precision, is the shining star.
• Exotic Mix: sample the beloved local licorice sweets. Great selection of dried fruits & nuts as well. 
• Rørt : seasonally inspired, approachable Smørrebrød. Vegan & vegetarian options available.

Late Afternoon: Tivoli Gardens

Tivoli Gardens is one of the oldest amusement parks in the world, and it actually inspired Disneyland. I’m not normally one for amusement parks, but on nearly every travel guide for Copenhagen, Tivoli Gardens kept popping up as a must-do activity. I decided to give Tivoli Gardens a go and wow – I’m happy to say that I LOVED IT! 

Located in the city center, Tivoli Gardens is easy to access via public transportation. You’ll find amusement rides, small shops, and food stalls inside the park. There are two types of tickets for Tivoli Gardens – an entry pass or entry + rides pass. If you plan on riding even three rides, opt for the entry + rides pass, since it gives you unlimited rides. 

The entire vintage aesthetic of the park is curated in this turn-of-the-century mixed with atomic age style. I’m obsessed! Everything was a blast of nostalgia, especially riding the high swings and bumper cars. I haven't rode a rollercoaster in ages, which was a blast. I couldn't stop laughing!

The park is open at night, although rides close earlier than the park. Visiting an amusement park at night is something different. Thousands of lights turn on to create a fairytale-like atmosphere inside Tivoli. We were lucky to be in Copenhagen during the holiday season, which only added to the magic in the air. On Saturday nights, they will shoot off fireworks around 10pm!

Evening: Michelin Star Dinner

In case you haven’t picked up on it yet, Copenhagen has world-class cuisine—it is home to 26 Michelin stars! Copenhagen’s Noma has ranked as the Best Restaurant in the World for MANY years (although it is rumored to be closing soon). It would be a shame not to indulge in a fancy dinner at least once during your visit to Copenhagen. Personally, I was all too excited to drop some serious $$$ on a Michelin-star meal! 

On my first trip to Copenhagen, we ate at Kiin Kiin . Female chef Dak Laddaporn loves to play with temperatures, so expect a few surprises like liquid nitrogen frozen red curry or chicken satay with a peanut ice cream sauce. Another great choice is Restaurant Jordnær . It was the most special meal of our recent trip to Copenhagen. Seafood is the true star of the show as the set menu features an array of bold, creative and stunningly plated fish and shellfish dishes.

Day 3 in Copenhagen

Morning: neighborhood exploration.

I think Copenhagen is the most interesting and vibey in the neighborhoods. For your third day in the city, I would recommend renting a bike and exploring one or two different neighborhoods. Take a slow travel mentality and let yourself indulge curiosities. Discover your own favorite spots in Copenhagen! 

• Nørrebro: Northeast of the city center, Nørrebro is home to some of the city’s most interesting restaurants. Jægersborggade is jam-packed with vintage stores, home design outlets, and locally owned shops. Nørrebro is also one of the most ethnically diverse neighborhoods in Copenhagen
• Vesterbro/Kødbyen: Once considered Copenhagen's red light district, now it's home to lots of nightlife especially around Kødbyen, Copenhagen's meatpacking district. Surprisingly though, it is also a popular place for young families to live.  
• Christianshavn: Technically a cluster of small islands, Christianshavn is a charming area that is meant to look like Amsterdam. You’ll find it teeming with colorful row homes and charming cafes. There are lots of houseboats along the harbor here. Easy place to kayak or rent boats and explore the waterways on your own. 
• Carlsberg District: Quickly redeveloping area surrounding the historic Carlsberg Brewery. High-end shops and carefully edited studios give this area a swanky up-and-coming sort of vibe. 
• Nordhavnen: Residential area built into an old commercial harbor. Very cool architecture and modern buildings. Many bakeries and Copenhagen brands are opening second locations here.

Early Afternoon: Swimming & Saunas

If you want to really feel like a local, try swimming at one of Copenhagen’s many “beaches”. On a sunny summer day, there are SO many Danes hanging around the waterfront. Now let’s be clear – these are urban beaches – so it is more like jumping off a pier or dock into the quite cold waters. One of the most visited swimming holes in Copenhagen is Islands Brygge , right across the bridge from the city center. Another favorite is Badezone Sandkaj in the trendy Nordhavnen neighborhood. 

Where are my sauna girlies at? I see you, because I am you . I love a good sauna or wellness experience! If you need to go to the sauna before swimming, check out Copenhot on the north side of town. 

For a more luxury spa experience in Copenhagen, I can recommend Aire Ancient Baths . It is rather expensive, but it has got amazing services, several different baths, and a really beautiful aesthetic. Another option is the viral sensation Junglefish Pool at Manon Les Suites . For non-hotel guests, you must reserve a day pass (book well in advance because they sell out) to take advantage of the pool, steam room, and sauna.

Late Afternoon: Carlsberg Brewery Tour

Founded in 1847 by visionary J.C. Jacobsen, Carlsberg Brewery is a household name around the world. And no wonder – it is the 4th largest beer producer worldwide. Carlsberg is  a cornerstone of Copenhagen’s industrial and cultural history, and this historic brewery was once the beating heart of Denmark’s economy. 

If you have done the Guinness Brewery Experience in Dublin before, the Carlsberg tour will feel familiar. It is a self-guided walk through the historic brewery facilities interactive exhibits detailing how the famous Carlsberg lager is crafted. 

The Carlsberg Experience offers more than just beer tasting—it’s an immersive journey into the brewing process. The brewery also houses one of the world’s largest collections of beer bottles. After the tour, relax in the Carlsberg Beer Garden, where you can sip on freshly brewed beer in a surprisingly modern and stylish space.

Evening: Night Out in Kødbyen 

If you are traveling in Copenhagen on the weekend (especially in summer), you will encounter the rowdy nightlife crowd that descends on the city after dark. Copenhagen has a thriving nightlife scene! This is especially true in Kødbyen, Copenhagen's meatpacking district. The district’s unique combination of gritty, industrial charm and modern creativity come together for an unforgettable evening out. 

Start the evening with dinner in Kødbyen. I would recommend two places specifically – Hija de Sanchez or Warpigs. Hija de Sanchez is an upscale Mexican taqueria with a menu that offers a few recognizable and deeply delicious tacos, served on house-made corn tortillas. Warpigs is  a mecca for meat lovers, serving up delicious American-style barbecue, including burnt ends, sausage, pulled pork and more. 

Wash down your dinner with a local beer from one of the Copenhagen microbreweries in the meatpacking district. I personally enjoy Mikkeller , which was founded in 2006. It has received many awards for its creative beers. Another good option is ÅBEN Brewery . The beer is being brewed at the brewery just behind the bar. When the beer is finished, it flows directly to one of the 14 tanks hanging from the roof and into your glass. As the evening progresses, the district comes alive with music, art, and dancing. Head to one of Kødbyen’s popular cocktail bars or nightclubs, where the atmosphere ranges from cozy and intimate to electrifying and energetic.

How to Get Around in Copenhagen

In my opinion, the best way to explore Copenhagen is by bicycle. This probably isn’t a surprise to long-time readers – I love riding bicycles when I travel. Thankfully, Copenhagen is one of the most bikeable cities in the world. Copenhagen has excellent bicycle infrastructure and flat topography. It is also blessed with a temperate climate all year round so you'll see locals riding their bicycles nearly 365 days a year! 

Bicycles are a cheap and flexible way to explore. There are public bike rentals on the street through companies like Donkey Republic . If you prefer a guide, I strongly recommend going on a bike tour with Bike with Mike . He offers customizable private tours or daily public tours, which will take you to Copenhagen’s major highlights.

Where to Stay in Copenhagen

As a design-centric city in Europe, Copenhagen has a high number of chic hotels around town. I will highlight a few notable hotel mentions:

• Villa Copenhagen ($$$$): Housed inside the former post central from 1912, Villa Copenhagen is cool vibes all around. Great pool, home to one of my favorite bakeries in the city, and an amazing location next to Tivoli Gardens & the central train station. 
• Coco Hotel ($$$): Super cute boutique hotel in a neighborhoody part of town. Lobby doubles as chic café.
• Copenhagen Marriott Hotel ($$): Reliable brand with a lovely location right on the main canal. Rooms are quite spacious.
• Square Hotel ($$): Centrally located on one of Copenhagen’s main squares. Within walking distance of almost everything. Simple service, rooms & design. Lovely included breakfast.

Where to Eat in Copenhagen

Often rated as one of the top foodie destinations in Europe, Copenhagen has an abundance of dining experiences like no other. Our top priority was squeezing in as many delicious meals as we could in just 48 hours. From delectable breakfast and coffee spots to vibrant lunch and street food markets where a myriad of global flavors await, Copenhagen promises to be a food lover's haven. Copenhagen is one of those destinations where you could spend an entire day eating and still not be satisfied. There are just SO many fantastic restaurants in Copenhagen.

Do you have thoughts or questions about this Copenhagen travel guide? Tell me in the comments!

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