Copenhagen is one of the most fascinating capitals in Europe. The city combines history, modernity, culture, architecture and gastronomy in a unique way. Suitable for exploring on foot or on two wheels, there are several museums, canals and postcards to enjoy.
The surrounding area also holds treasures and can be easily reached by train in less than an hour. It is worth noting that the city has the Copenhagen Carda card whose “all-inclusive” option starts at 499 Danish crowns (R$400) and guarantees entry to more than 80 attractions and unlimited use of public transport.
In addition to the tips below, find out more about what to do in Copenhagen in this article or discover the city through its flavors.
Check it out 10 things to do in Copenhagen to include in your itinerary :
- Tivoli, one of the oldest amusement parks in the world
A visit to Tivoli Gardens is one of those must-see attractions in Copenhagen. It is one of the oldest theme parks in the world – opened in 1843 – and a source of inspiration for none other than Walt Disney.
Located right in front of the central station, the park has more than 30 attractions – something for everyone – including a wooden rollercoaster from 1914 controlled by a handbrake. There are several restaurants, from French bistros, seafood and Danish cuisine, to hot dog and hamburger stands.
At night, the magic continues: thousands of lights come on and create a captivating atmosphere. Tickets cost from 160 crowns Danish (about R$ 130 ) and attractions are paid separately. It is worth mentioning that the Nimb Hotel, one of the most luxurious in the city, is also located here.
- Værnedamsvej Street, “little Paris”
Cafés, restaurants, wine bars, cheese shops and delicatessens help to give this charming street between the Vesterbro and Frederiksberg districts a Parisian feel – it’s not for nothing that it’s called “Little Paris”. Relaxed and friendly, the shopping street stretches for around 200 metres and, in addition to gastronomic delights, there are a variety of beauty, florist and household goods shops lined up along the way.
- Nyhavn, a postcard with colorful little houses
Nyhavn is Copenhagen’s postcard with its colorful little houses on the canal. The old port buildings have become gastronomic addresses and, especially on hot days, we see locals and visitors looking for a good time – beers and fried fish are part of the package.
The atmosphere also changes at Christmas: everything is scented with gløgg, a type of Nordic mulled wine, and the traditional market fills the streets with lights and little shops. Boat trips that can last up to an hour and pass by famous tourist attractions in the city depart from the canal just in front.
- Boat trip through the canals
One of the most beautiful ways to see Copenhagen is from its waters. Different boats offer daily tours of the city’s canals: from boats for large groups with sound systems in different languages to romantic gondolas and kayaks.
We have at your disposal everything from more common itineraries, which pass by attractions such as Amalienborg Castle, the Opera House, the Little Mermaid statue and the main canals of Christianshavn and Frederiksholm; to more personalized tours, which pass by places that are not so visited.
One of the best known companies is Hey Captain, which runs tours from 200 Danish kroner (about R$ 163 ) and others, more exclusive, that can reach 4,400 crowns (R$ 3,595 ). Check out some options provided by the Copenhagen tourism board here.
- Rosenborg Castle
Easily accessible, Rosenborg Castle is located right in the center of Copenhagen and preserves more than 400 years of history. A typical Dutch Renaissance-style building, the castle was built in the 17th century at the behest of King Christian IV. Inside, you can see the monarchy’s jewels and even ancient crowns.
Among the main attractions is the Knights’ Hall, where the coronation thrones and tapestries depicting battles between Denmark and Sweden are located. The tour also includes the king’s office, wax figures and a collection of Venetian glass.
The single entrance to the castle is via 140 Danish kroner (about R$ 115 ). Tickets can be purchased here. The cool thing is that it is next to the National Museum of Art, the National Museum of Natural History and the Botanical Garden, attractions that are part of the “green district” of museums, which, with a single ticket, grants us access to six attractions in the surrounding area for 295 crowns (R$ 240).
- Frederiksborg Castle
The largest Renaissance castle in Scandinavia, Frederiksborg is located 40 minutes from central Copenhagen and can be easily reached by train. Built by order of King Christian IV in the early 17th century to demonstrate his power, the castle is richly decorated, both inside and out. It occupies three small islands and was used as a royal residence in the 17th century.
The castle houses the National History Museum, which covers over 500 years of the country’s history, and the chapel is one of the areas that remained intact after a fire in the 19th century. Picturesque gardens complete the experience and a restaurant serves local dishes. Admission is 110 Danish kroner (about R$ 90 ) and under 18s go free. Tickets can be purchased here.
And be careful: do not confuse Frederiksborg Castle with Frederiksberg Palace, the latter in the center of Copenhagen and the former summer palace of King Frederick IV, dating back to the early 18th century.
- Bell Tower of the Church of Our Saviour
In the Christianshavn area, a short walk from the metro, the Church of Our Saviour houses a tower with an external spiral staircase that is one of the best ways to enjoy panoramic views of the entire city.
The Baroque church dates back to the late 17th century, but the tower was inaugurated in 1752 and has about 400 steps. The carillon has more than 40 bells and rings every hour on the hour. Entry to the church is free, but climbing the tower costs 69 kroner (about R$56) – I recommend booking a ticket. here.
- Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
Located 40 minutes from Copenhagen and easily accessible by train, the museum comprises a collection of 20th-century modern art with over 4,000 works, displaying artists such as Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso, David Hockney, Francis Bacon, Yves Klein and Roy Lichtenstein. Paintings and sculptures are the focus, and different temporary exhibitions take place throughout the year.
The museum opened in the late 1950s and showcases Danish modernist architecture. It consists of a complex of horizontal buildings that embrace nature and the views directly over the strait and Sweden.
The site also includes a children’s wing with special activities and programs and a park with more than 50 sculptures. Admission for adults is 145 Danish kroner (about R$ 120 ). Tickets can be purchased here.
- Kronborg Castle
Not far from Copenhagen, about 40 minutes north of the city, Kronborg Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and famous for inspiring Shakespeare to create the fictional Elsinore Castle in Hamlet. The site’s beginnings date back to 1420, and it has been rebuilt over time.
The Renaissance castle occupies a strategic location and for centuries served as an instrument of control over the Baltic Sea. Here you can see the grand ballroom and historic tapestries, as well as notice traces of former residents, including names on the walls and sculptures. You can also enjoy views of Sweden, which is just across the strait.
Exhibitions are available and several events take place during the high season. Admission is 145 Danish kroner (about R$ 120 ) for adults – under 18s go free. Tickets can be purchased here.
- Reffen – Copenhagen Street Food
A culinary and cultural hub by the sea, Reffen bills itself as the largest street food market in Northern Europe. It helped put the Refshaleøen area on the map, which was once surrounded by abandoned warehouses and workshops – it’s also home to the Alchemist, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant that offers an extraordinary experience.
Reffen has around 50 food stalls, bars and creative workshops. The food options range from traditional Afghan dishes to Chinese and Argentinean sandwiches. And the cool thing is that everything revolves around reuse: most of the structures are made from recycled materials and all the permanent stalls are old shipping containers.
The tip is to keep an eye on the summer calendar, as there is always an extensive schedule of events, live music and DJs to liven up the atmosphere.
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Johanna Foster is an expert opinion writer with over 7 years of experience. She has a reputation for delivering insightful and thought-provoking articles on a variety of subjects. Her work can be found on some of the top online news websites, and she is currently lending her voice to the world stock market.
