12 Wonderful Things to Do in Copenhagen for an Unforgettable Visit
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The Magical Danish Capital
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to visit a city where old fairy tales come to life, where bicycles outnumber cars, and where people are consistently ranked among the happiest in the world? Copenhagen, Denmark’s charming capital, is exactly that magical place! With its colorful buildings, beautiful parks, and friendly locals, the many things to do in Copenhagen will make you fall in love with this Scandinavian gem.
What Makes Copenhagen Special?
Copenhagen blends old-world European charm with modern Scandinavian style. The city is clean, safe, and easy to explore, with most attractions within walking distance of each other. Danes are famous for “hygge” (pronounced hoo-ga), which means creating cozy, happy moments in everyday life. This feeling of warmth and contentment can be found throughout the city, making all the things to do in Copenhagen even more enjoyable.
Let’s explore the best activities and sights that will make your Copenhagen visit truly special!
12 Must-Try Things to Do in Copenhagen
1. Explore Colorful Nyhavn Harbor
The picture-perfect row of colorful houses along the canal at Nyhavn is Copenhagen’s most famous sight. These bright buildings from the 1600s and 1700s are now home to cozy cafes and restaurants. Sit outside with a Danish beer or ice cream and watch the boats go by. Famous storyteller Hans Christian Andersen once lived here! Taking photos at Nyhavn should top your list of things to do in Copenhagen.
2. Visit Tivoli Gardens
This magical amusement park in the heart of the city opened in 1843, making it one of the world’s oldest theme parks! Walt Disney even got inspiration for Disneyland here. Tivoli has beautiful gardens, exciting rides, and wonderful shows. It’s especially magical at night when thousands of lights twinkle throughout the park. Tivoli is open in summer and for special seasons like Halloween and Christmas.
3. See The Little Mermaid Statue
Copenhagen’s most famous statue sits on a rock by the water. Based on Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale, this small bronze figure has become a symbol of the city. While she’s smaller than many visitors expect, seeing The Little Mermaid is one of the classic things to do in Copenhagen. The walk to find her takes you through lovely parks and past the impressive Kastellet fortress.
4. Climb The Round Tower (Rundetårn)
This 17th-century tower has a unique spiral ramp instead of stairs, originally built so horses could carry books and equipment to the observatory at the top. Today, you can walk up the gently sloping path to enjoy amazing views of Copenhagen’s red rooftops and spires. There’s also a small art gallery halfway up and a tiny astronomical observatory at the top.
5. Rent a Bike and Explore Like a Local
Copenhagen is the world’s most bike-friendly city, with more bicycles than people! Renting a bike is one of the best things to do in Copenhagen to experience the city like a local. The city has wide bike lanes everywhere, and it’s the fastest way to get around. Don’t worry if you’re not an experienced cyclist—traffic is orderly, and the city is flat, making it easy even for beginners.
6. Wander Through Christiania Freetown
This unique neighborhood started in 1971 when people moved into an abandoned military area and created their own community with different rules. Today, Christiania is known for its colorful homemade houses, art workshops, music venues, and car-free streets. While it has a controversial history, visiting this alternative community is one of the interesting things to do in Copenhagen to see a different side of Danish life.
7. Explore Rosenborg Castle and King’s Garden
This beautiful Renaissance castle from the 1600s holds the Danish crown jewels and royal treasures. The rooms look just as they did hundreds of years ago, with amazing furniture, art, and the king’s throne. Outside, the King’s Garden (Kongens Have) is Copenhagen’s most popular park, perfect for picnics or relaxing on the grass like the locals do.
8. Visit the National Museum of Denmark
Learn about Viking treasure, ancient mummies, and Danish history at this fascinating museum. There’s even a children’s museum inside where kids can dress up in historical clothes and play in a Viking ship! The museum is free to enter, making it one of the best things to do in Copenhagen on a budget.
9. Shop and Eat on Strøget
This long pedestrian shopping street runs through the heart of Copenhagen. From budget-friendly shops to luxury brands, you’ll find everything here. Stop at one of the street performers, grab a Danish hot dog from a food cart, or rest your feet at a cafe. The street connects major squares and landmarks, making it a perfect path for exploring the city center.
10. Try Danish Food at Torvehallerne Market
This modern food market has over 60 stands selling fresh ingredients and ready-to-eat Danish specialties. Try smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches), fresh seafood, or sweet Danish pastries. Eating your way through local foods is one of the tastiest things to do in Copenhagen!
11. Enjoy Stunning Views from Church of Our Saviour
This church is famous for its unique spiral staircase that wraps around the outside of its spire. If you’re brave enough to climb the 400 steps (the last 150 are outside!), you’ll be rewarded with the best views in Copenhagen. The golden ball at the very top is a must-see, and the church’s interior is beautiful too, with an impressive organ.
12. Visit Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek Art Museum
This gorgeous museum was built around the personal collection of the Carlsberg beer family. It’s filled with ancient sculptures, Egyptian artifacts, and French impressionist paintings. The Winter Garden at the center has a beautiful glass dome, palm trees, and a fountain—a perfect spot to rest during your sightseeing. The museum is free on Tuesdays, making it one of the best things to do in Copenhagen for art lovers.
Best Times to Visit Copenhagen
Each season offers different things to do in Copenhagen:
Summer (June-August): This is the most popular time to visit. Days are long (with sunlight until 10 PM), and the weather is pleasant. Parks are full of people picnicking, and many outdoor events happen. However, this is also the busiest and most expensive time.
Spring (April-May): The weather starts warming up, flowers bloom, and tourist crowds are smaller. It might be rainy, but prices are lower than in summer.
Fall (September-October): The crowds thin out, but most attractions are still open. The weather can be cool but still pleasant for walking around the city.
Winter (November-March): It gets cold and dark early, but Copenhagen becomes magical during Christmas with markets and decorations. February is the coldest month. Many outdoor attractions have limited hours, but museums and indoor activities are still great options.
Getting Around Copenhagen
Exploring all the amazing things to do in Copenhagen is easy thanks to the city’s excellent transportation:
- Walking: Many attractions are within walking distance in the compact city center
- Biking: Rent a bike or use the city’s bike-sharing system
- Public Transit: Clean, efficient buses, trains, and metro connect all parts of the city
- Boat Tours: See the city from the water on canal tours
A Copenhagen Card gives you free public transportation and entry to many attractions, which can save money if you plan to visit several places.
Copenhagen on a Budget
You don’t need to spend a lot of money to enjoy things to do in Copenhagen. Here are some money-saving tips:
- Many museums have a free day once a week
- Pack a picnic and enjoy it in one of the city’s beautiful parks
- Use the public water taps to refill water bottles (the tap water is excellent)
- Shop at supermarkets like Netto or Fakta for affordable meals
- Look for student discounts if you qualify
Conclusion
From fairy tale charm to modern design, Copenhagen offers something for every visitor. The city’s compact size makes it perfect for exploring in just a few days, though you could easily spend a week discovering all the wonderful things to do in Copenhagen.
Whether you’re cycling like a local, enjoying the views from an ancient tower, or cozying up in a cafe experiencing that famous Danish hygge, Copenhagen will capture your heart with its unique blend of old-world charm and forward-thinking culture.
So pack your walking shoes (and maybe a rain jacket!), and get ready to discover why this Scandinavian capital consistently ranks among the world’s most livable—and lovable—cities!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Copenhagen expensive to visit?
Yes, Copenhagen is generally expensive compared to many European cities. However, there are ways to save money: stay in hostels or apartments instead of hotels, buy a Copenhagen Card for attractions, eat street food or cook your own meals, and take advantage of free activities like parks and free museum days.
Do people speak English in Copenhagen?
Yes! Almost everyone in Copenhagen speaks excellent English, especially in tourist areas, restaurants, and shops. You won’t have any language problems. Learning a few Danish words like “Tak” (thank you) is appreciated but not necessary.
How many days should I spend in Copenhagen?
3-4 days is ideal for seeing the main attractions. If you want to take day trips to nearby places like Louisiana Museum of Modern Art or Roskilde, add an extra day or two.
What are the must-try foods in Copenhagen?
Try smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches), Danish pastries (wienerbrød), hot dogs from street stands, frikadeller (meatballs), and if you’re feeling adventurous, pickled herring. Denmark is also famous for its beer, especially Carlsberg and Tuborg.
Is Copenhagen safe for tourists?
Copenhagen is one of the safest capital cities in the world. Crime rates are very low, and the city is safe to walk around, even at night. As in any city, keep an eye on your belongings in crowded tourist areas.
When is the best time to visit Tivoli Gardens?
Visit during the daytime to enjoy the rides and gardens, but stay until evening to see the beautiful lights. If possible, check their calendar for special events like concerts or fireworks shows. Tivoli is especially magical during Halloween and Christmas seasons when it has special decorations and themes.