Copenhagen

What are the most recommended things to do in Copenhagen?

  • Visit Tivoli Gardens, one of the world’s oldest amusement parks.
  • Explore Nyhavn harbor with its colorful buildings and canal tours.
  • See The Little Mermaid statue and Langelinie promenade.
  • Tour Rosenborg Castle and the Danish Royal Collection.
  • Visit Christiansborg Palace, including the Royal Reception Rooms and Tower.
  • Discover art at the National Gallery (SMK) and Louisiana Museum of Modern Art nearby.
  • Stroll through Stroget, Copenhagen’s main shopping street.
  • Enjoy Freetown Christiania, a unique cultural neighborhood.
  • Take a bike tour to experience Copenhagen like a local.
  • Relax in the Botanical Garden or Copenhagen Harbor Baths in summer.

Introducing Copenhagen

Copenhagen (Danish: København; English: Copenhagen) is the capital, largest city and largest port of the Kingdom of Denmark. It is also the largest city in Northern Europe and the political, economic, cultural and transportation center of Denmark. It is a world-famous international metropolis located in the eastern part of Zealand, Denmark.

Most people familiar with Copenhagen might know it as the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tales, the Copenhagen Climate Conference, or the Copenhagen Diet. But Copenhagen's charm goes far beyond this. With the most Michelin-starred restaurants in Northern Europe, it's undoubtedly a culinary paradise. With its cutting-edge designers and advanced transportation system, it exemplifies a modern metropolis. Its numerous castles and royal residences evoke a rich sense of antiquity. The city center boasts lush jungles, beautiful beaches, elegant lakes, the ubiquitous beauty, a dazzling array of goods, and the passing teenagers on bicycles—all part of Copenhagen's beautiful and unique landscape.

Climate and best time to travel

Temperate maritime climate;

April to September every year is the best time to visit Copenhagen. This is the season when major festivals in Denmark are frequently held and public places are open the longest.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Newport

The colorful old buildings along the shore, the rows of beer houses and restaurants, the various wooden boats with masts erected in the canal, the sailors seeking pleasure and prostitutes soliciting business everywhere, make Nyhavn the place where you can best experience Copenhagen's charm. Enjoying a glass of Carlsberg, Denmark's most famous beer, at Vaffelbageren while admiring the sunset and the local customs of Nyhavn is a great option.


The Little Mermaid Sculpture

This bronze sculpture, based on the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale "The Little Mermaid," is a symbol of Copenhagen and Denmark. Funded by Carl Jacobsen, founder of the New Carlsberg Brewery, and sculpted by the sculptor Eriksen, it now stands on the harbor rocks in Langelinie, a park in Copenhagen, Denmark.


Amalienborg Palace

This is the current Royal Palace of Denmark. If you see the flag in the square raised, it means the Queen of Denmark is living there. The Royal Palace consists of four identical buildings. Currently, tourists can visit two of the four palaces: Christian VIII Palace (partly used as a museum for the Glücksburg royal family) and Christian VII Palace (where the Queen receives guests and official representatives).


Most Popular FAQs for Copenhagen

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, dates back to the 10th century and became the kingdom’s capital in the 15th century. It has been an important cultural, political, and economic center, famous for maritime trade, architecture, and Danish design.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Copenhagen is located on the eastern coast of Zealand and partially on Amager Island. You can reach the city via Copenhagen Airport (Kastrup). Within the city, public transport includes metro, buses, trains, and ferries, while taxis and bikes are also popular. Many central attractions are walkable.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

Museums typically open 10:00–17:00. Tivoli Gardens has seasonal hours, often 11:00–23:00 in summer. The best time to visit is late spring to early autumn (May–September) for mild weather and outdoor activities.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

  • Tivoli Gardens: 135–180 DKK, tickets online or at entrance.
  • Rosenborg Castle: 120 DKK, online or on-site.
  • Christiansborg Palace: 160–190 DKK, tickets available online and offline.
  • Louisiana Museum: 165 DKK, online purchase recommended.
  • Canal tours: 90–150 DKK, tickets at docks or online.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

For popular attractions like Tivoli, Louisiana Museum, and canal tours, book 1–2 weeks in advance during peak season. Museums like Rosenborg and Christiansborg can usually be visited without prior booking.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

3–4 days are recommended to cover main attractions, museums, and enjoy a canal tour or day trips outside the city.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

  • Tivoli Gardens
  • Nyhavn harbor
  • The Little Mermaid statue
  • Rosenborg Castle
  • Christiansborg Palace
  • Stroget shopping street
  • Freetown Christiania
  • Botanical Garden
  • Copenhagen Harbor Baths
  • Louisiana Museum of Modern Art (outside city, accessible via train)

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Yes, guided tours and audio guides are available in Danish, English, German, and sometimes French and Spanish for major attractions and canal tours.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

  • Nyhavn harbor for colorful canal views
  • Rundetårn (Round Tower) for city skyline
  • Tivoli Gardens lit at night
  • Christiansborg Palace Tower
  • Langelinie promenade with The Little Mermaid
  • Skyline from Copenhagen Opera House or islands

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start at Nyhavn for photos and canal tours, visit Rosenborg Castle and Botanical Garden, walk Stroget for shopping, spend an afternoon in Tivoli, and explore Christiania. End with Langelinie for The Little Mermaid and harbor views.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

  • Tivoli Gardens has nightly lights and seasonal shows.
  • Evening canal cruises with illuminated city views.
  • Seasonal events like Christmas markets or summer concerts.
  • Occasional night tours at museums or castles.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

Summer (June–August) is most crowded. Late spring (April–May) and early autumn (September–October) are quieter. Weekdays see fewer visitors than weekends.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

All major attractions provide toilets, cafes, seating, water fountains, and souvenir shops. Street-side cafes and food trucks are widespread.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

Most attractions are wheelchair accessible and family-friendly. Some historic sites have limited access to upper floors or towers.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Cards and mobile payments are widely accepted. Cash is rarely needed in Copenhagen.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

  • Nyhavn waterfront cafes and restaurants
  • Fine dining: Noma, Geranium (reservation needed)
  • Casual eateries along Stroget and Vesterbro
  • Cafes in Tivoli and surrounding areas
  • Food halls like Torvehallerne

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Yes, many restaurants offer vegetarian, vegan, and halal options throughout the city.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

  • Luxury: Hotel d’Angleterre, Nimb Hotel (Tivoli)
  • Mid-range: Scandic Palace, Copenhagen Admiral Hotel
  • Budget: Generator Hostel, Urban House Copenhagen

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

  • Louisiana Museum of Modern Art (35 km north)
  • Kronborg Castle in Helsingør
  • Castles of North Zealand
  • Copenhagen Zoo or Amalienborg Palace nearby

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Yes, typical souvenirs include Danish design items, Lego, Royal Copenhagen porcelain, Viking-themed items, and Danish pastries or chocolates.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

Copenhagen has excellent train and bus connections across Denmark and to southern Sweden (Malmö). Copenhagen Airport offers flights to Europe and global destinations. Ferries connect to nearby islands and the Baltic region.