The 50 Best Things to Do in Copenhagen

1. STAY AT SKT. PETRI

Conveniently located in the heart of the Latin Quarter, Skt. Petri, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, blends contemporary Nordic style and high-end amenities. 

2. START THE DAY WITH A JAVA JOLT

Get a solid caffeine buzz going with an espresso at Democratic Coffee.

3. RENT A BICYCLE

Were you aware that Copenhagen is the most cycle-friendly city in the world? So, yeah, it’s basically a no-brainer to rent a bike.

4. BOOK A BOAT CRUISE

For a scenic mode of transport, take a guided boat cruise or romantic gondola ride or even captain your own solar-powered vessel. Plenty of companies offer great experiences, so talk to your hotel about the best option near you.

5. SIGN UP FOR A 10K RUNNING TOUR

running tour is a great way to see the sights and burn off the calories from all those pastries you’re destined to eat on vacation. Make sure you pack your sneakers.

things to do in copenhagen rundertarn
RUSSIESEO/GETTY IMAGES

6. SOAK IN THE VIEWS FROM RUNDERTÅRN

The oldest functioning observatory in Europe, Rundetårn (aka the Round Tower) offers epic panoramas.

7. BUY A TICKET TO ROSENBORG CASTLE

Built by King Christian IV in the early 1600s, Rosenborg Castle flaunts an insane array of royal relics⁠: regal portraits, coronation thrones and the jaw-dropping crown jewels. 

8. WALK THROUGH THE KING’S GARDEN

The adjacent King’s Garden is defined by its groomed passages, historical sculp­tures and gorgeous rose bushes.

9. HOP OVER TO SMK (STATENS MUSEUM FOR KUNST)

SMK (Statens Museum for Kunst) boasts an astounding collection of art dating back to the 14th century.

10. HAVE A LEISURELY LUNCH AT SONNY

All-day cafés are a dime a dozen in Copenhagen, but we always return to Sonny. The laid-back atmosphere, yummy food and frothy matcha lattes make it the perfect respite.

11. OR PICK UP A SMØRREBRØD AT AAMANNS

For a quick and easy midday meal, grab a smørrebrød at Aamanns.

12. PERUSE THE DESIGNMUSEUM DANMARK

The Designmuseum Danmark displays all sorts of Danish furniture and home goods. There’s even an entire room dedicated to chairs. Because we all need somewhere to sit, right?

13. INSTAGRAM THE #ROSEWALLCPH

A fantastic selfie opportunity awaits at the #RoseWallCPH. Started by fine jeweler Maya Bjørnsten in 2017, the botanical backdrop continues to grow with each passing year.

 
things to do in copenhagen amailenborg palace
DEM10/GETTY IMAGES

14. WITNESS AMALIENBORG PALACE

Amalienborg Palace exudes the pomp and panache you’d expect from a royal residence. It’s fun to imagine the sort of opulent parties that still go down in the gilded Gala Hall.

15. SEE A PERFORMANCE AT THE ROYAL DANISH THEATER

Royal Danish Theater is a historic performing arts institution with venues for plays, music and ballets. Bonus: Because performances are state subsidized, tickets tend to be rather affordable.

16. PERUSE KUNSTHAL CHARLOTTENBORG

Originally built as a grand mansion for Ulrik Frederik Gyldenløve, today Kunsthal Charlottenborg stands among the most impressive contemporary art galleries in Northern Europe.

17. ORDER THE ARTICHOKE AT APOLLO BAR

The steamed artichoke at Apollo Bar definitely warrants a pitstop between trips to Kunsthal Charlottenborg and Nyhavn.

 
things to do in copenhagen nyhavn harbour
SUPPALAKKLABDEE/GETTY IMAGES

18. SNAP PHOTOS OF NYHAVN

Surely, you’ve noticed colorful Nyhavn on travel brochures and social media. Fun fact: Hans Christian Andersen wrote many of his famous fairy tales when he lived in No. 20.

19. STOP BY DEN VANDRETTE FOR BIODYNAMIC VINO

Take a break from sightseeing to relish a glass of biodynamic vino at Den Vandrette.

20. DO A WINE TASTING AT VED STRANDEN 10

Oenophiles won’t want to miss Ved Stranden 10. If your schedule permits, swing by for the weekly wine tasting held every Wednesday at 5 p.m. 

21. PERK UP WITH A CUP OF JOE

Need an afternoon boost? Make your way to the Coffee Collective Bernikow.

22. CHOW DOWN AT TORVEHALLERNEKBH

The ultimate foodie haven, TorvehallerneKBH is a glorious market with 60+ stalls. Hungry travelers can grub on everything from freshly shucked oysters and scratch-made pasta to steak sandwiches and banana ice cream.

23. CRUSH HIJA DE SÁNCHEZ TACOS

When you think of Copenhagen, tacos likely don’t spring to mind. But Hija de Sanchezpromises to change that.

24. SAMPLE NOORBOHANDELEN SPIRITS

Thirsty? Before you leave TorvehallerneKBH, imbibe quality spirits at Noorbohandelen.

things to do in copenhagen tivoli
STIG NYGAARD/FLICKR

25. LET YOUR INNER CHILD RUN FREE AT TIVOLI GARDENS

Kids of all ages can’t resist Tivoli Gardens, a 19th-century amusement park with rides and games galore.

26. EXPLORE THE MEATPACKING DISTRICT

Once the epicenter of Copenhagen’s meat trade, the revitalized Kødbyen district is home to trendy galleries, restaurants and nightlife.

27. BECOME A COCKTAIL AFICIONADO AT LIDKOEB

Bartenders at Lidkoeb mix up delicious daiquiris, watermelon margaritas and other innovative riffs on classic tipples.

28. HIT UP MIKKELLER & FRIENDS

On the flip side of the booze spectrum, Mikkeller & Friends Stefansgade wows patrons with its world-renowned beer selection.

29. DINE AT KØDBYENS FISKEBAR

At this point, you’re probably hungry. Sink your teeth into fresh seafood at Kødbyens Fiskebar.

things to do in copenhagen frederiksberg gardens
BURCINTUNCER/GETTY IMAGES

30. VISIT FREDERIKSBERG GARDENS

When the weather is nice, there’s no better place to be than Frederiksberg Gardens.

31. MEET WILDLIFE AT THE COPENHAGEN ZOO

Ready to walk on the wild side? Nestled between Frederiksberg Gardens and Søndermarken, the Copenhagen Zoo puts visitors face-to-face with 4,000 animals from across the globe.

32. COMMUNE WITH NATURE IN SØNDERMARKEN

Søndermarken conjures up visuals of grassy fields, towering trees and scenic running paths that beckon nature enthusiasts.

33. CHECK OUT AN UNDERGROUND ART EXHIBITION

Deep below Søndermarken? You’ll find Cisternerne, a subterranean venue for art exhibitions that occupies the old cisterns.

34. GO SHOPPING ON STRØGET

Shop for new threads without the bother of pesky cars on Strøget, one of Europe’s longest pedestrian streets.

 
things to do in copenhagen little mermaid statue
NURPHOTO /GETTY IMAGES

35. GLIMPSE THE LITTLE MERMAID STATUE

Touristy? Sure. But when in Copenhagen you’ve got to do a drive-by of the symbolic Little Mermaid statue.

36. OPT FOR THE FIVE-COURSE MENU AT HØST

Housed in a charming space with exposed brick walls and leafy plants, Høst honors local ingredients. Plus, in such an expensive city, paying 450 DKK for a delectable five-course meal is a major win.

37. WATCH THE SUNSET FROM DRONNING LOUISES BRO

Dronning Louises Bro connects Frederiksborggade with Nørrebrogade. This famous bridge is a fantastic spot to watch the sunset over the lakes.

38. POP BUBBLY AT BALTHAZAR 

Celebrating a special occasion or just feeling fancy? Balthazar at Hotel D’Angleterre raises the bar with an extensive champagne list, marvelous signature cocktails and elegant ambience.

39. WANDER AROUND REFSHALEOEN

A former industrial island ⁠turned hipster hangout, Refshaleøen often draws comparisons to Williamsburg. 

things to do in copenhagen reffen
STIG NYGAARD/FLICKR

40. EAT YOUR WAY THROUGH REFFEN

Bring your appetite to Reffen, a hub of street food and culture built in old shipping containers.

41. POST UP LA BANCHINA

Where can you swim, sauna and feast on farm-to-table fare? La Banchina. The “no reservations” policy encourages spontaneity.

42. HEAD TO COPENHAGEN DISTILLERY

For more boozy fun, mosey over to Copenhagen Distillery. Learn about the production process and sip handcrafted spirits.

43. SPLURGE ON DINNER AT AMASS

Stick around Refshaleøen for dinner. Critics and diners can’t stop raving about the ingredient-centric, modern Danish cuisine at Amass. No reservation? Don’t fret. Seats at the bar are available on a first-come basis. 

44. ATTEND AN EVENT AT THE ROYAL ARENA

Situated in Ørestad Syd, the newish Royal Arena holds the biggest concerts and sporting events in Copenhagen.

45. CATCH A JAZZ JAM SESSION

Prefer something in a more intimate setting? The oldest jazz club in the city, La Fontaine, stages nightly jam sessions. You never know who might pop by after an earlier gig.

 
things to do in copenhagen christiania
ASTRID WESTVANG/FLICKR

46. EXPERIENCE FREETOWN CHRISTIANIA

Established in 1971, Freetown Christiania is an alternative community that operates outside of Danish law. With autonomy comes a different set of rules. Our advice? Enjoy every free-spirited moment and refrain from taking photos on Pusher Street.

47. PICNIC IN ØRSTEDSPARKEN

Obviously, Copenhagen has many picturesque parks. For an afternoon picnic or peaceful stroll, set your sights on Ørstedsparken. 

48. EXPLORE OLUFSVEJ

Venture outside the city center to Olufsvej, a photogenic street with pastel houses. (Insider tip: For pics without cars, plan your excursion on a weekday.)

49. TASTE AN ANDERSEN & MAILLARD CROISSANT

As if an espresso-glazed croissant weren’t indulgent enough, Andersen & Maillard goes and fills ’em with coffee soft-serve ice cream. 

50. SAVOR ONE LAST PASTRY

Before you depart, delight in the pleasure of one final baked treat. Perhaps a chocolate fastelavnsboller from Hart Bageri or a sourdough bun with cheese and whipped cream from The Corner?

Source:  purewow.com