Tourist Attractions
Copenhagen, Denmark, is a city filled with exciting sites, attractions, and activities, making it a great tourist destination. This beautiful city has plenty to explore, from its historical and cultural sights to its bustling canals and modern parks.
In this section, we’ll be discussing all the top tourist attractions in Copenhagen, Denmark:
Visit the Little Mermaid
The Little Mermaid sculpture is beloved by tourists and locals alike. Based on the Hans Christian Andersen story of the same name, this sculpture depicts a mermaid sitting on a rock with her gaze fixed on the horizon in search of her prince. This iconic symbol of Copenhagen is located in a waterfront area known as Langelinie, near Kastellet and the Gefion Fountain.
The Little Mermaid was unveiled in 1913 after Danish sculptor Edvard Eriksen completed it. Since then, visitors have flocked to the waterfront attraction to take its picture or sit for a while and marvel at its gracefulness. Originally made from bronze-casted granite, The Little Mermaid has been subjected to numerous vandals – prompting police security every summer from 1997 until 2004. Be sure to add this attraction as part of your tour of Copenhagen!
Explore the Rosenburg Castle
Rosenborg Castle was built between 1606 and 1633 as a country house for King Christian IV and later used as a royal residence. It is now the home of the Crown Jewels and is one of Copenhagen’s most popular tourist attractions. Located in the city’s heart, visitors can explore the castle’s magnificently decorated rooms, which contain an array of frescoes, sculptures, tapestry works, furniture, and other cultural artifacts.
The highlights of Rosenborg Castle include the following:
- Its Great Hall with ceiling paintings depicting Denmark’s history.
- Its King’s Bed Chamber is decorated with intricate Spanish gilded stucco fixtures.
- Its Armory, where weapons from the 16th century to the present are displayed.
The castle also boasts two large-scale Baroque gardens, which feature beautiful courtyards and several statues from historical figures, which are especially popular among younger visitors. Adjacent to Rosenburg Castle is Kastellet Park, a nearby park offering superb views of Copenhagen Harbor with plenty of grassy picnic spots ideal for families looking for a relaxing outing away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Copenhagen.
Take a Canal Tour
One of the best ways to explore Copenhagen is from the water. Travel along in a canal tour boat and enjoy picturesque views of the architecture surrounding Copenhagen’s charming canals. View some of the city’s most famous landmarks, such as Christiansborg Palace, Amalienborg Palace, and much more!
Canal tours offer professional guides who narrate exciting facts about the city’s history and culture that you may have never heard before. Many tours also allow you to get off mid-trip at your favorite sights or attractions to explore further on foot. Whether it’s your first time in Copenhagen or your tenth time, a canal tour is always a delightful way to experience this beautiful city!
Shopping
Copenhagen has a variety of great shopping spots, from the iconic Strøget pedestrian street to the buzzing neighborhood of Vesterbro. Copenhagen is a shopping paradise with a mix of boutique, vintage, and high-end designer stores.
In this section, we’ll be looking at the best places to go shopping in Copenhagen, Denmark:
Visit the Strøget Pedestrian Street
The Strøget is a car-free pedestrian street that runs through the heart of Copenhagen, Denmark. It’s one of the longest shopping streets in Europe and has been around for over 600 years. Shoppers flock to this mile-long stretch for excellent high-end stores, top international brands, calm cafes and small shops offering textiles, horseshoes, live music, antiques, and more.
From well-known landmark spots such as Illums Bolighus’s stylish home furnishings store to oddities like Brandts Flea Market with its array of secondhand wares, there’s a unique shopping experience to be found here. There are also plenty of options for foodies to explore – check out the area’s many restaurants lined up along the cobblestones or stop in at Torvehallerne KBH farmers’ market for fresh produce and gourmet specialties. And don’t forget to rest on one of the benches sprinkled throughout the pedestrian zone – it’s a great way to admire all this fantastic destination has to offer.
Explore the Torvehallerne Food Market
Copenhagen is home to the Torvehallerne food market, a buzzing marketplace where local farmers and vendors showcase some of the finest produce in Denmark. Covered and open on two sides – located on the corner of Israels Plads and Frederiksborggade – this market is filled with small stands and shops, giving visitors an authentic glimpse of Danish cuisine.
High-quality groceries, fresh produce, snacks, specialty products, imported goods, bread made in-house every morning, locally-made cheeses and chocolates, and cured meats are all available. There are also several eateries, including sushi and oyster bars. With so many options – from traditional Danish dishes to ready-to-eat snacks – there’s something for everyone’s taste palette.
Shopping at Torvehallerne is an excellent way to explore Denmark’s full range of Scandinavian cuisine. From smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches) to pickled herring and condiments like lingonberry sauce called ‘brunsovsaal,’ you’ll find everything you need for a culinary journey through Copenhagen right here in this bustling food hall.
Check out the Illum Department Store
The Illum department store, situated in the heart of Copenhagen, is one of the premier shopping destinations in the city. Established in 1863, it has undergone several major remodels and renovations to become a modern shopping center with top-of-the-line products from some of Europe’s most popular brands. Illum offers something for everyone, whether looking for apparel from designer labels or essential items for everyday life.
Illum’s five floors feature a wide selection of fashion, home decor, beauty products, and more. Explore everything from streetwear to luxury designer pieces in the Clothing & Accessories Halls for style. Meanwhile, browse an exquisite selection of homeware, such as furniture and kitchenware, on the third floor or grab some beauty or wellness items from popular beauty brands like Kiehls or MAC on the second floor. You’ll find books and toys on the first and fifth floor, as electronics and souvenirs. The ground floor of Illum also features various eateries that customers can refuel while they shop.
So when you want to go shopping while visiting Copenhagen, Denmark, make your first stop Illumin!
Dining
Copenhagen is known for its culinary scene, and you can find a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and bars to explore. There’s something for everyone here, from traditional Scandinavian restaurants to Michelin-starred ones.
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a lingering dinner, here’s a look at some of the best places to eat in Copenhagen:
Enjoy a Meal at Noma
Noma is an acclaimed two-Michelin-starred Copenhagen eatery that serves locally sourced, seasonally changing cuisine. It has consistently been rated one of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants since 2010, and in 2021 it was named the number one restaurant in the World for an unprecedented fourth time.
The chefs at Noma create artistic plates with seasonal produce and innovative food combinations with elements of traditional Danish cuisine and international flavors. The menu changes significantly throughout the year to reflect what is available locally – some of their dishes are inspired by neighboring farmers and fishermen who supply them with unique ingredients. In addition to a tasting menu, Noma offers fresh seafood dishes like halibut cooked over oak logs or grilled oysters glazed in frozen Elderflower syrup.
At Noma, you’ll experience the highest quality modern Nordic cuisine in a stunning setting overlooking Christianshavn harbor, creating a true culinary experience you won’t forget! Reservations must be made in advance as seating is limited and demand is high – but don’t miss out on this opportunity to experience some of Copenhagen’s best food!
Try a Hotdog at a Pølsevogn
A popular and unique culinary experience in Copenhagen is to visit a pølsevogn or hot dog stand. These street food vendors are found on most street corners throughout the city and serve some of the best Danish hot dogs. Prepared just the way the locals like it, with pickles, crispy fried onions, remoulade (a type of mayonnaise-based sauce), ketchup, and mustard. It’s a great way to try authentic Danish cuisine on a budget.
In addition to hot dogs, pølsevogns offer traditional and innovative toppings options. Enjoy sweet potato chips with your hot dog. The Danish do! Try topping your platter with blue cheese or roasted almonds; it’s all fair game in Copenhagen. There’s something for everyone here – even vegetarians can enjoy these tasty treats by ordering their hot dog without the sausage.
Sample Smørrebrød at Aamanns
For a fantastic dining experience in Copenhagen, you can’t go wrong by visiting Aamanns deli and smørrebrød. Smørrebrød is a traditional Danish dish where the open-faced sandwich is served with different toppings such as cold meats, fish and shellfish, salads, and cheese. There are two locations of Aamanns in the city, and they offer a variety of smørrebrød for lunch and dinner.
Diners at Aamanns can sample some of the most popular smørrebrød dishes, such as beef tartar with horseradish cream on rye bread or smoked salmon with chive cream cheese on dark rye bread. These dishes use only local organic ingredients from Danish farmers, fishermen, butchers, and bakers. Diners can also enjoy a wide selection of craft beer or wine to pair their meal with. Alongside their excellent meals, Aamanns has a warm atmosphere, perfect for groups or couples.
If you want to enjoy some authentic Scandinavian food during your stay in Copenhagen, then make sure to head to Aamanns!
Nightlife
Copenhagen is a city that comes alive at night, with many bars, clubs, and activities to participate in. There is something to suit every type of nightlife, with many bars offering a wide range of beers, drinks, and food. So whether you’re looking for somewhere to grab a few drinks and catch up with friends or somewhere to dance the night away, Copenhagen has it all.
Let’s take a look at some of the nightlife activities the city has to offer:
Visit a Jazz Club
If you want to experience some of the best jazz music in Europe, visiting a jazz club in Copenhagen is the perfect choice for a night out. Many venues like Jazzhouse, which offers local and international jazz artists to audiences, provide weekly performances. However, the hot Jazz Club is an ideal spot to visit with friends and family for an intimate concert with excellent acoustics and atmosphere. Here you can enjoy long nights of swinging sounds from traditional Copenhagen gypsy jazz bands or participate in one of the jam sessions every Thursday evening.
Sometimes the best experiences come from unexpected places, too — small pubs downtown may surprise you with their live music featuring talented local groups. So whether you’re looking to head-bop along to big jazz classics or feel swept away by melancholic soundscapes — a night out at one of these funkier places will surely leave lasting memories! Check out some pre-show reviews before reserving your tickets so you are well informed about what might suit your preferences best.
Check out a Local Brewery
There are countless places to enjoy the nightlife in Copenhagen, Denmark, and exploring local breweries can offer a unique experience. So whether you’re looking for a lively environment filled with music, delicious brews, and tasty snacks or just a cozy spot to share some quality time with close friends, there are several options.
One option is To Øl City, located in Flæsketorvet. Here visitors can sample some of the handcrafted beers brewed on-site and beer-inspired dishes like pork rinds cooked in beer. The bar is also home to regular live music events, vinyl nights, and pub quizzes — it’s sure to be an exciting night out!
Another option is Carlsberg Byen, located in Vesterbro, known for its unique atmosphere. The brewery features an outdoor beer garden with plenty of seating areas if you take things outside! Inside you’ll find 15 tap lines, and one exciting side of the brewery houses a modern restaurant serving gastropub food crafted from Carlsberg’s raw ingredients. The other side entertains DJ sets, football games on giant screens, quiz nights, plus more.
Finally, one should not forget cocktails at Nimb Bar & Venues inside Nimb Hotel, which offers creative concoctions mixed by experienced bartenders and tempting tapas-style dishes perfect for sharing during any evening out. Enjoy drinks accompanied by live music — Jazz sessions occur every Monday evening from 7–11 pm. Regulars from Copenhagen’s jazz circles freely jam with each other in front of guests who gather around tables scattered across the venue’s lounge area — talk about entertainment!
Dance the Night Away at a Nightclub
Copenhagen is renowned for its dynamic nightlife scene, with nightclubs such as KB18, Vega, Culture Box, and Gefion offering a variety of experiences for all kinds of crowds. Each venue has its atmosphere, intimate or lively, minimal or glamorous. So regardless of the music genre you prefer – minimal techno, indie rock/pop, or EDM – chances are high that you will find something you like in Copenhagen.
KB18 is one of Copenhagen’s most popular venues in the industrial area known as Kødbyen (or simply ‘The Meatpacking District’), featuring live performances from up-and-comers and international stars. At Vega, located close to Nørrebro Station in the heart of Copenhagen’s culture zone, you will find concerts and club nights for most music genres. Culture Box on Kongens Nytorv is another popular venue primarily focusing on cutting-edge electronic music. Last but not least, Gefion in Norrebro offers a relaxed atmosphere within its beautifully lit surroundings to make your night unforgettable while dancing to great music!
So don’t wait any longer, and check out the nightlife at these top clubs when visiting Copenhagen!
Outdoor Activities
Copenhagen, Denmark, boasts many outdoor activities for visitors and locals alike. From parks to bike trails, there is something for everyone to explore. From sightseeing to swimming, the options are endless.
Let’s take a look at some of the outdoor activities available in Copenhagen:
Take a Stroll through the Tivoli Gardens
The Tivoli Gardens is one of Copenhagen’s most beloved attractions, offering a perfect blend of amusement rides, gardens, and more. So if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, a stroll through the lush gardens should be top on your list.
The oldest amusement park in Europe, the Tivoli Gardens offers over 25 thrilling rides, including roller coasters and merry-go-rounds. For those eager to explore the incredible grounds, some tours lead travelers through the most captivating gardens, with fountains and gorgeous floral displays.
After a day at the park, residents often take advantage of one of the several world-class restaurants and cafes within its walls. Dining options range from gourmet eateries to casual pubs. For visitors who are genuinely enthralled by nature, there’s also an aquarium complete with sealife from around the World.
No matter what you’re looking for – whether it’s a thrill or relaxation – a trip to Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens has something for everyone!
Go for a Bike Ride Around the City
Copenhagen is often credited for being one of the World’s most bike-friendly cities. Explore many routes and trails, from scenic vistas to ambitious hill climbs. With dedicated bike paths and lanes, biking around the city is a safe and fun way to exercise and explore the sights. Most major points of interest in Copenhagen have easy access from a cycling path, making it easy to get around by bike. Renting a bike is also affordable for tourists who want an inexpensive way to see the city without clogging its streets with traffic.
Whether you plan to take a leisurely ride or see as much as possible in one outing, wear protective gear such as helmets and reflective clothing. Cycling can be enjoyed year-round in Copenhagen; however, visitors should always be aware that weather conditions can change quickly at any time of the year!
Kayak through the Canals
Kayaking is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Copenhagen, Denmark. Many kayaking companies offer guided tours through the city’s scenic canals, giving visitors a unique perspective as they take in some of Denmark’s most breathtaking sights. As you paddle through the canals, you can get up close and personal with many of Copenhagen’s stunning castles and gardens and stunning views of iconic landmarks such as Amalieborg Palace and Christiansborg Palace.
The canals of Copenhagen provide a variety of experiences for those looking for kayak adventures. Whether you choose to kayak on your own or book an organized tour with one of the numerous tour companies around the city, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for swans gliding across the glassy water surface or opt for an early morning cruise when the town is still quiet before its daily hustle and bustle begins. Most guided kayak tours also include exciting stories about Copenhagen’s history and culture and fantastic photo moments you won’t want to forget!
Kayaking around Copenhagen is an activity sure to bring out your adventurous side while immersing yourself in some incredible beauty on top of it all.