Top Things to Do and Sightseeing in Copenhagen

August 28, 2020 Mustafa Natalwala 4309 Views

Copenhagen is the capital city of Denmark and also its most popular tourist destinations. Copenhagen is situated at the eastern end of Denmark right opposite to Malmo in Sweden separated by Kattegat Strat and connected by Oresund Bridge. Copenhagen day trips are common for people of Sweden. Places to visit in Copenhagen include historical monuments, forts, churches, palaces, canal, and Copenhagen harbour. Art and culture are also a major Copenhagen tourist attractions. Being cultural capital of Denmark, people often visit Copenhagen to indulge in Danish and Nordic cultures. A tour of Danish cultural landmarks and Danish cuisine is among best things to do in Copenhagen, Denmark.

If you are making Copenhagen day trip on a tight budget there a few tips for you to make your journey across various attraction more affordable. There a few free things to do in Copenhagen, which you can avail. Many of the museums in the city offer free entry once a week, for most of the museums it is Wednesday. You should check Museum’s website to know for sure which day to pick. This is true for several art galleries and other Copenhagen attractions as well. If you plan right you can enjoy several free things to do in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Art is one of the biggest reason for people to embark on Copenhagen travel. Exploring art in form of paintings, statues, sculptures, and architecture is among top things to do in Copenhagen. Some of the major art exhibits among things to see in Copenhagen include Danish National Gallery, NY Calrsberg Glyptotek, Thorvaldsens Museum, David Samling’s Collection, Ordrupgaard, Arken Museum of Modern Art, Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, Hirschsprung Collection, and Storm P. All these galleries and museums are great place to begin Copenhagen sightseeing for admirers of art and culture. There are also several marvels of architecture among places to see in Copenhagen.

Some of the best places to visit in Copenhagen to learn and praise architecture include Amalienborg Palace, Rosenberg Castle, The Round Tower, Church of our Saviour, City Hall, Frederikskirken, Marble Church and many more. You will find many historical Copenhagen tourist attractions famed for their architecture. Though architecture students also visit Copenhagen to learn from modern masters. The best places to visit in Copenhagen for modern architecture are Paustin Complex, Danish Design Center, Design Museum Denmark, Royal Copenhagen, Royal Library, Danish Architecture Center, Experimentarium, and Ordrupgaard. There are several more Copenhagen tourist attractions to explore to add depth to your knowledge of historical and modern architecture. Another architectural achievement boasted by the city is of sustainable architecture reflected in Copenhagen attractions like 8 House, Industriens Hus, UN City, Green Lighthouse, The Mountain Complex, Krystallen and Nordea HQ. You can actually dedicate a tour of such locations during Copenhagen sightseeing.

Once you are done learning, you can kick back and relax at the beaches or the amusement parks of the city. You will get to enjoy some of the best things to do in Copenhagen at the beaches. You can also have a splash at the large pool at the beaches. One of them is located on Vesterbro Beach and another one at Amager Strandpark.

As there are quite a few places to visit in Copenhagen, you would need more than a couple of days to explore this Danish capital. If you are in Sweden or Germany; you can easily make time for a Copenhagen day trip and enjoy some of the tourist attractions and save the rest for your next trip.

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Table of Contents

3 Days Trip Itinerary of Copenhagen Tourist Attractions

This section provides a 3 day breakdown of some of the top things to do in Copenhagen. If you are looking to add more attractions or activities to your visit, check out the section after this one.

Day 1

1. The Little Mermaid (Den lille Havfrue)

This sculpture is considered to be a symbol of the city. Take a few minutes to click a picture with this iconic cultural monument when you visit Copenhagen.

2. Frederik’s Church (Frederiks Kirke)

Also known as the Marble Church, it is known for having the largest dome in Scandenavia. The church is also well known for its Rocco style architecture and beautiful interior. You will need 30 minutes to explore this church.

3. Amalienborg Palace

This palace is the winter home for the Danish Royal Family. It also serves as a museum for the history of Danish Royalty. The palace and its exhibits are among the most beautiful things to see in Copenhagen. You will need about an hour to explore it.

4. New Harbour (Nyhavn)

A canal ride is among the best things to do in Copenhagen. This particular area is lined with beautiful and colorful historic houses. It is one of the most enjoyable means of Copenhagen sightseeing. You will need about 2 hours for it.

5. Christiansborg Palace

This palace is one of the largest and grandest Copenhagen attractions. Over the years it has served several purposes and it still serves multiple purposes. The palace is still utilized by Royal Family. It is also used by the nation’s government. It is a historical monument, an archeological site and a museum. You will need 2 to 3 hours to explore it.

6. Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek Museum

This is one of the best art museums among places to see in Copenhagen. It houses several antiques alongside art pieces from France and Denmark.

Day 2

1. Copenhagen City Hall Square

Also known as Radhus, this is where the zero kilometer stone of the city is situated. The town hall also features in most Copenhagen travel guide for having an extensive collection of historical as well as cultural artifacts. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore it.

2. National Museum of Denmark (Nationalmuseet)

This museum gives a detailed view of the history, culture and traditions of Denmark. You can also explore the natural and anthropological history of the nation at this museum. You will need 2 to 3 hours to explore it.

3. Round Tower (Rundetårn)

This tower was built in the 17th century to serve as an observatory. Instead of stairs, you have to use the ramp to climb up this tower. You need about an hour at this historical structure.

4. Rosenborg Castle

This renaissance castle is one of the best places to visit in Copenhagen. It has a history going back 400 years. You can explore a large part of the palace to learn about the lifestyle of the royalty during that time. The castle features several interesting things to see in Copenhagen including royal furniture, decor, artifacts and art. You will need about 2 hours to explore it.

5. National Gallery of Denmark (Statens Museum for Kunst)

This is the largest art museum in the nation, it houses works of arts from Danish as well as International artists starting from 14th century. You will need 2 hours to explore it.

6. Botanical Garden (Botanisk have)

These gardens are a part of the Natural History Museum of Denmark and are known for their historic greenhouses, horticulture traditions and several rare species of plants. You will need about an hour to explore it.

Day 3

1. Church of Our Lady / Copenhagen Cathedral (Vor Frue Kirke)

This is the official national cathedral of the city and is also known as the Church of Our Lady. This church is included among best places to visit in Copenhagen for its famous statues and tower bells. The night prayers at this church is also among popular cultural experiences you can explore during Copenhagen travel. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore this cathedral.

2. Danish Design Center

This museum exhibits the evolution of design in interior decor, fashion, architecture and applied arts. You will see several historic as well as modern works of design while exploring this museum for which you will need at least 2 hours.

3. Royal Library (Det Kongelige Bibliotek)

The building is also known as the Black Diamond. It is renowned not only for its function as the Royal Library and Exhibition center but also for its architecture. You will need about an hour to explore it.

4. Church of Our Saviour (Vor Frelsers Kirke)

This is one of the most beautiful churches among things to see in Copenhagen. Its iconic tower with exterior spiral staircase are the most distinguished features. You will need about an hour to explore this baroques style church.

5. Tivoli Gardens

This park offers several fun things to do in Copenhagen. It is a public park, a recreational park, an amusement park and an entertainment center. It is also the venue for several functions, events, festivals and celebrations. You would need 3 to 4 hours, almost half a day, to explore it.

If you plan to visit Copenhagen for more than 3 days or if you are looking to add more attractions or activities to your trip, check out the section below.

Things to do in Copenhagen

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Copenhagen

Amalienborg Palace
Rosenberg Castle
Christianborg Palace
The Round Tower
NY Carlsberg Glyptotek Museum
Fredrik’s Church
National Museum of Denmark
Church of Our Saviour
Kastellet Fortress
Statens Museum for Kunst
Gefion Fountain
Denmark Design Museum
Thorvaldsens Museum
Borsen Historic Stock Exchange Center
Frederiksberg Palace
Copenhagen Cathedral
Museum for Modern Kunst
The David Collection Museum
Open Air Museum
Museum of Copenhagen
Assistens Cemetary
Grundtvigs Church
Hirschsprung Collection Museum
Charlottenburg Palace
Danish War Museum
Nikolaj Contemporary Art Center
Christianborg’s Tower
Ordrupgaard Art Museum
Danish Jewish Museum
Nyboder Museum
Guiness World Records Museum
Bakkenhusmuseet House Museum
Hermitage Hunting Lodge
Zoological Museum
St. Alban’s Church
Bernstorff Palace
Worker’s Museum
H.C. Andersen Eventyrhuset House Museum
Medical Museum
University of Copenhagen Geological Museum
Kunsthal Charlottenborg Art Museum
Storm P. Museum
Church of Holmen
Trekroner Fort
Church of Holy Spirit
North Atlantic Art Museum
Bishop Absalon Statue
Trinitatis Church
Marble Church
Arken Museum of Modern Art
Louisiana Museum of Modern Art

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Copenhagen

The Lakes
Amager Forest Protect Area
Kalvebod Forest
Mollean Lake

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Copenhagen

Tivoli Gardens
Copenhagen Opera House
City Hall Square
Copenhagen Zoo
Bakken Amusement Park
National Aquarium
The Royal Library
Danish Architecture Center
Experimentarium Science & Technology Center
Tycho Brahe Planetarium
Refshaleoen Copenhagen
Copenhagen Contemporary Art
Den Frie Udtiling Art Association
Rutschebanen Roller Coaster
Huset KBH Concert Hall
Storm P Art Gallery

Shopping in Copenhagen

Strøget Street
Jagersborggade Street
Istedgade Street
Kobmagergade Street
Fisketorvet Shopping Mall
Fredericksberg Shopping Center

Beaches in Copenhagen

Bellevue Beach
Amager Strandpark
Svanemolle Beach
Vesterbro Beach

Offbeat Places & Adventure Things to do in Copenhagen

Falledparken Skating Park
Bungee Jumping

Sightseeing in Copenhagen

The Little Mermaid Statue
Nyhavn Canal & Harbor
King’s Garden
King’s New Square
Langelinie Pier
Superkilen Park
Frederiksberg Gardens
Slotsholmen
Copenhagen Port
Copenhagen Harbour
Sondermarken Park
Statue of Anderson
Kongens Nytorv Square
Islands Brygge Harbour
Stork Fountain
Gammel Strand Street
Orsteds Park
Royal Library Garden
Amalie Garden
Valby Park
Grabrodrevtorv Street
Ofelia Plads
Hojbro Plads Street
Queen Louise Bridge

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Copenhagen

Noma
Ancestrale
Juno
Gaarden & Garden
Amass
Neighbourhood
Hart Bageri
Restaurant Mes
Barr
Gorilla
Selma
Omar
Alouette
Hos Fischer
H15
Sanchez
Rufino Osteria
AOC
Harry’s Place
Iluka
Sixteen Twelve
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Where to Stay in Copenhagen?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in Copenhagen. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Copenhagen.

Luxurious Hotels

Mid-Range Hotels

Budget Hotels

Custom Tours Package in Copenhagen

How to Reach Copenhagen?

By Air

The fastest way for Copenhagen travel is by Kastrup Airport. This airport is home to Scandanavian Airlines, which is among the airlines facilitating Copenhagen tourism. Other airlines you can use to visit Copenhagen include 60 airlines in total. You can get direct flight to Copenhagen from almost every major city in Europe as well as several major cities in Middle East and Asia. Flights connecting Copenhagen with European cities are short enough to consider Copenhagen day trip as well. Once you reach Kastrup Airport, you can get either a bus or take metro train to reach the places to visit in Copenhagen.

You can also consider Sturup Airport for Copenhagen travel. Only at 40 km distance from town center of the capital city, this airport serves flights from many major European cities. Both of these airports serve domestic flights as well. Both of these airports have Copenhagen travel guide section, which can assist and facilitate your tour of various attractions. You will have to take a bus to get from Sturup Airport to Copenhagen tourist attractions.

By Road

If you choose to conduct Copenhagen travel by land, you have the option of train, bus and international expressway. The train network connecting Denmark with other European nations is excellent. You can get direct trains to visit Copenhagen from Malmo, Lund, Gothenburg, Karlskrona, Kalmar, Hamburg, Berlin, and more. The train connectivity with neighboring countries serves the fastest transport. You can also consider Copenhagen day trip by train. As far as buses are concerned, you can get direct bus to visit Copenhagen from Sweden, Poland, Germany and several other neighboring countries. The bus travel is time taking, so only consider it for at least a weekend trip instead of a day trip.

Being the capital city of Denmark, Copenhagen is very well connected by road. If you are traveling by road from Sweden to visit Copenhagen, go via famous Oresund Bridge connecting Malmo in Sweden to Copenhagen in Denmark over the sea. It is a great route for Copenhagen sightseeing as well. Travel between Sweden and Denmark is quite common. The residents as well as tourists in each of these countries travel to the other for one reason or the other. Copenhagen day trips from Sweden are quite common. Likewise, people from Copenhagen visit Sweden in winter for skiing in winters.

From within Denmark, route E47 connect from the north and west to enjoy places to visit in Copenhagen. Similarly, if you are traveling from south, you can take route E20 to the city. Then you can continue with the city’s roads to enjoy Copenhagen tourist attractions.

By Water

Copenhagen is one of the most important ports of Denmark. Several cruise ships include Copenhagen travel and several ferries serve the port. You can get ferry to visit Copenhagen from Oslo in Norway and Ystad in Sweden. You can also find Copenhagen travel guide at several cruise ships traveling across Baltic Sea. You will be provided anywhere between a few hours or even a day to visit Copenhagen attractions before the cruise leaves on its course again.

Image Reference

The Little Mermaid (Den lille Havfrue) – Ulrich Dregler / PixaBay
Frederik’s Church (Frederiks Kirke) – Claudine Lamothe / Flickr
Amalienborg Palace – fuyounger0 / PixaBay
New Harbour (Nyhavn) – Nicole Pankalla / PixaBay
Christiansborg Palace – Julian H. / PixaBay
Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek Museum – softcodex / PixaBay
Copenhagen City Hall Square (Københavns Rådhus) – falco / PixaBay
National Museum of Denmark (Nationalmuseet) – Richard Mortel / Flickr
Round Tower (Rundetårn) – Richard Mortel / Flickr
Rosenborg Castle – Steve Barker / PixaBay
National Gallery of Denmark (Statens Museum for Kunst) – Matt Kieffer / Flickr
Botanical Garden (Botanisk have) – Susanne Nilsson / Flickr
Church of Our Lady / Copenhagen Cathedral (Vor Frue Kirke) – Kirk K / Flickr
Danish Design Centre – Uldub / Wikimedia Commons
Royal Library (Det Kongelige Bibliotek) – Marco Zanferrari / Flickr
Church of Our Saviour (Vor Frelsers Kirke) – Chrissie Sternschnuppe / Flickr
Tivoli Gardens – Jonathan / Flickr