Beer bellies and foodies can join hands with book worms and aesthetes in Denmark’s canal-lined capital city.
Copenhagen is known to be one of the happiest cities on earth, and it isn’t so hard to see why.
Waving their culture like a flag at every corner, the Scandinavian city relives its story in the form of palaces, museums, and one of the oldest amusement parks in the world.
Easily uncover the dream using the unrivaled transport system. There is so much to enjoy in Copenhagen…
Nyhavn
For many people, Nyhavn is reason enough to book flights to the capital.
The face of Copenhagen is its harbor district, recognizable by its pastel-painted terraces, canal boats, and water’s edge cafes. You can almost taste the salty air…
Despite its name, Nyhavn (New Port) is one of the oldest areas in the city, so you are up for a pleasant learning experience. Join the locals for a jog or cycle past the ‘sunny side’ of the historical workers’ strip and cross over to the wealthy ‘shady side’ mansions.
Bear in mind Hans C Andersen lived and wrote at no.20, no.67, and no.18. Board Canals Tour Copenhagen for a cultural and historical top-up and get wise on the ancient wooden ships that are anchored in the harbor.
Canals
Canals have been the veins of the city since the 16th century. They are the DNA that Copenhagen is known for, flowing pathways that can take you on a sightly journey from one side of the city to the other.
An hour-long adventure with Canal Tour Copenhagen will introduce you to the key spots around the city from an irreplicable perspective, all free with the Copenhagen Card.
This includes sights of the Opera House, Amalienborg, and naturally, the Little Mermaid. Hey, Captain also provides an entertaining booze-fuelled tour boat for private hire.
Indre By
The brisk heart of the capital is Indre By, which is also the oldest part of Copenhagen.
While its cobbled streets are interwoven with cyclists, you may be familiar with a number of Indre By’s hotspots, which almost summarise the capital as a whole.
Canal tour boats leave regularly from its harbor and the streets are alive with the hustle and bustle of Copenhagen’s excitement.
It comes as no surprise this is the most visited part of the city.
Head here for the top museums, characterizing architecture, the main shopping street (Strøget), and a delectable spread of restaurants.
Vesterbro
On the outskirts of the city center, you will come across one of the trendiest neighborhoods in the world.
For a potpourri of independent coffee shops, restaurants and bars, Vesterbro does more than fit the bill.
While the busy shops down Istedgade and Vesterbrogade are nifty for lunch and nights out; for something special you should follow your nose to find the prizes.
The French ambiance of Copenhagen’s “Little Paris”, Værnedamsvej, works wonders for coffee dates.
Meanwhile, for those hunting for an experimental location, Kødbyen (The Meatpacking District) has restaurants, art galleries, and nightclubs inside old industrial buildings.
And if factories aren’t your thing, Denmark’s love for the outdoors continues in the form of parks like Skyedebanehaven and Frederiksberg – both groundbreaking picnic spots.
Amalienborg Palace
You will find the Danish are as obsessed with the Royals as we are.
You can join the crowd to follow the guard change procession through central Copenhagen as they march between Rosenborg Palace to Amalienborg Palace at midday. The tradition is fully immersive when the Queen is in residence, teamed with the Royal Guards music band.
It is possible to go inside the Royal Palace since there is a museum inside one of the former residences of recent Kings and Queens. The experience gives you the opportunity to see the rooms as they were and learn about the way of life and personalities of these royal members.
Those under 17 go free. Check the bulletin for special exhibitions.
Christiansborg Palace
There are many reasons you should take a trip to Christiansborg Palace.
It’s not just a pretty picture, modeling three astounding architectural styles that artists, historians, and photographers can admire. This is the building where the Danish PM gets her work done.
Its tower is the tallest building in Copenhagen and you can climb to the top for free! The views from here are beyond words. You get to look right out over the colorful mansions, canals, and copper steeples and learn why the capital gets its nickname, “the City of Spires”.
You can enter the luxurious palace and see its royal rooms, including the Queen’s thrones and her tapestries, which depict a thousand years of Denmark’s history.
Tivoli Gardens
Copenhagen is known for having one of the longest-running and best thought-out amusement parks in the world. Tivoli Gardens are the 3rd oldest operating company which means they really know their stuff!
Board the famous wooden roller coaster, built in 1914. Or the nostalgic ride dedicated to Hans Christian Andersen and his fairytales including ‘The Little Mermaid’, ‘The Princess and the Pea’, and Tivoli-inspired ‘The Nightingale’. The Aquila will have you spinning in all different directions!
And be sure to check out the food court for a delicious choice and a “kegtail”!
Entrance to the park is free with a Copenhagen City Pass (not including rides). We suggest you purchase the cost-effective “Unlimited Ride Ticket” for full-day access.
Crown Jewels – Rosenborg Castle
Okay so they’re not the Crown Jewels, as we know them; but they are still extremely spectacular and do still belong to the Royal Family – the Danish Royal family that is.
Just west of Frederiksstaden, 15th century Rosenborg Castle in itself is hardly less breathtaking, nestled securely inside the Royal summerhouse of a notable Scandinavian King.
See the rooms of his house while you’re there, including his throne room. These days the castle is used as a museum for the Royal Treasury.
This makes an enthralling visit for anyone interested in art or the history of the Royal Family and people under 18s enjoy free admittance.
Afterward take a stroll in the adored surrounding park grounds, Kongens Have.
The Round Tower
For the best view of Copenhagen and of the stars, plus a chance to learn about the city’s art, science, and history – you must head to The Round Tower!
Just south of Rosenborg Castle is where you will find the oldest functioning observatory in Europe. You can meet astronomers here every Tuesday and Wednesday for stargazing.
But its vantage point is not the only reason the tower is one of Denmark’s most visited sites.
Ascend the spiral ramp to the thick glass viewpoint and peer into the 25-meter hollow drop below.
Swing by the library that H. C. Andersen used to visit. These days they have exhibits you can attend to find out about Copenhagen’s cultural history.
Guided tours and free roam of the fascinating structure are available daily for an affordable price.
CopenHill
Drawing near to being the world’s first carbon-neutral capital, you must check out the monumental waste-to-energy plant. It doubles as a dry ski slope and the tallest climbing wall in the world!
CopenHill transforms a place that people would not typically enjoy visiting into somewhere that everyone can love. Its innovative architecture coaxes visitors in itself, while Café CopenHill offers exhilarating views of Copenhagen.
To learn more, join in with one of the daily tours.
Beer
Of course, when it comes to beer, Copenhagen bellows big-name Carlsberg, which has its own museum and brewery tour in the center as well as the largest collection of beer bottles.
Though this is “probably the best experience in the world”, including a free beer and a gift of your choice, a glorious number follows in its footsteps…
Craft beer enthusiasts will dote on the Scandinavian capital for its beer week at the start of September and timeless beer bars with countless options.
You will quickly learn how Taphouse got its name boasting more taps than anywhere in the city. Who couldn’t love Ølbaren, Copenhagen’s oldest bar? Or Tuborg, who dishes out free pints during the first week of November?
Is it worth mentioning you ought to pace yourself?
Museums
To truly paint a picture of Denmark’s capital you must make good use of the heaps of museums that line the cobbled streets.
Regularly inviting free entrance, setting out an afternoon of entertainment and a shelter from the rain, we are positive you will find a museum you love in Copenhagen.
Denmark’s largest museum, the National, swarms with prehistoric Scandinavian life and the country’s most elaborate ancient Greek and Egyptian collection.
Of course, The Lousiana will be on your list. Despite being on the edge of Copenhagen, its belief in the binding of art, architecture, and nature will draw you to its walls and windows.
Do not miss the Designmuseum which in itself is a tremendous depiction of Rococo architecture. Learn about Denmark’s history of every kind of design through guided tours and workshops.
There is no better place to visit the Happiness Museum than in the happiest country on earth. An interactive learning experience that will brighten your perspective whilst putting a smile on your face.
We could go on, but we already know you will be able to find something you love…
CopenHot
CopenHot is an unbeatable place to chill out. It is an outdoor spa with hot tubs for group hire, that either overlooks the water or cruise around on it!
You can watch a man chopping firewood while you simmer in your saltwater tub. Get steamy in the sauna and enjoy a glass of Cava during your dip.
The experience is breathtaking in all weather and at all times of the day. Though sunset bookings look most preferable.
For the boat tubs you have to be over 18 years and able to swim; for everything else you are welcome to bring the kids!
Food
Everyone knows the best thing to do after a pub crawl is to grab some grub. Fortunately, the Danes take their food seriously, so you have a lot of options.
Surprisingly, hot dogs are a national treasure and stands can be found all over. Thanks to the delightful scenery, picnics are also massively popular – so feel free to roll out the blanket and have a munch!
For native dishes, Smørrebrød is what Denmark calls their famous open sandwich, made with rugbrød (sourdough rye bread), butter, and just about anything else.
Consider adding some versatile Havarti cheese to your Smørrebrød. Wholly pasteurized milk, the delicacy is eaten with basically everything. Veiny Danablu and sweet Esrom will add greater flavor to the rye.
Restaurants will serve Flæskesteg which is about as traditional as you can get. Using authentic Danish methods, pork is roasted skin-on for mouthwatering cracklings. Add potatoes and parsley sauce to complete the national favorite.
Freetown Christiania
Do you want to see how things go in a self-governing hippie town?
Freetown Christiania attracts visitors from across the globe curious for a glimpse of the resident’s undisguised interests. The empowering anarchy believes in no taxes, no home ownership, and no police.
But visitors will discover there is far more to the neighborhood than the obvious legalities…
The ‘Green Light District’ will provide you with vegan food, smoky bars, live music, and a world to explore. Just be sure to respect the locals’ short list of rules, in particular not taking any photos – and remember Denmark’s laws still reign.
Churches
Visiting a church is always a heartening experience whether or not you follow a religion.
The Danes are notorious for their impressive architecture, and Copenhagen is not short of a wealth of exquisite chapels to leave you gawping…
The Church of Our Saviour is recognized for its climbable spiral staircase around the outside of its steeple, providing the best-rated views of the city.
Nearby the Marble Church stands out for its giant green dome, the largest in Scandinavia, open to visitors during weekends and holidays.
You may have noticed the Holy Prince Alexander Nevsky for its glinting golden onion domes. This is the only Russian Orthodox Church in Copenhagen.
For a slice of history, check out the Church of Holmen where the current Queen had her wedding. They’ve had a hanging ship since it was converted into a naval church.
Cross The Bridge to Sweden
Ever fancied going to Sweden? Take the remarkable resund bridge by either car or rail and end up in Malmö, Sweden.
The route only takes about 10 minutes in the car, and for show-stopping views of the two countries alone, you have enough of a reason to make the journey.
For day-trippers, enjoy the view of the cities during the evening when the twinkling lights are switched on.
