Copenhagen City Tours

Copenhagen is a city with so many tourist destinations that during your stay you will want to enjoy every single one of them without exception.

Ana Caballero

Ana Caballero

11 min read

Copenhagen City Tours

Copenhagen | ©Aneta Jankowska

In Copenhagen you will find a wide range of walking, cycling, bus, boat and segway tours. Whatever the option, you will have the opportunity to know and explore the most emblematic places of the city, either in the company of a professional guide or on your own.

You can take a panoramic ride aboard the tourist bus, walk through the historic center of the Danish capital and taste the local gastronomy. Also, take a bike ride through the main neighborhoods of the city, sail along the canals, discover the interior of the Rundetårn Tower, the Rosenborg Castle, among other of the best things to do in Copenhagen, which I will tell you about in a moment.

1. Discover Copenhagen through one of the routes of the tourist bus of the city

Bus and Copenhagen| ©Amy Watson
Bus and Copenhagen| ©Amy Watson

One of the most popular tours in the city are the Hop on Hop off bus tours in Copenhagen. You will discover the main sights from the second floor of an open top bus, while listening to the commentary about each destination.

You will have the option to select between the ticket for the classic tour with 14 stops, or opt for the ticket for all lines, i.e. the classic circuit plus the colorful route with 7 additional stops, and the urban green route with 11 more stops.

Whichever you choose, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a panoramic tour and, if you wish, get on and off the bus as many times as you want during 72 hours. This way, you will be able to explore the destinations of your interest on foot.

Among the stops included in this activity are the Amalienborg Palace and Christiansborg Palace. Also, the Scrap Metal Sculpture, the Little Mermaid monument, the Town Hall, Tivoli Gardens, the Church of Our Savior with its spiral spire, and many more.

Details of interest

  • Price: the price of the tour starts at 30€ per person.
  • Duration: the complete tour on board the bus lasts from 45 minutes to 1 hour and a half, depending on the selected route.
  • Means of transport: tourist bus.
  • Advantages of this option: you will be able to take a panoramic tour with the option to get on and off the bus as many times as you wish, to explore the desired destinations on foot.
  • Disadvantages of this option: the tour does not include the option of admission to some attractions.

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2. Take part in a guided bike tour and pedal through the city in search of its hidden gems

People around Copenhagen by Bike| ©Febiyan
People around Copenhagen by Bike| ©Febiyan

There are many ways to get around Copenhagen and bike tours are one of them. You will have access to places where cars and tour buses usually don't go, making it easier to discover some of the hidden gems of the Danish capital.

Before starting the tour (day or night), the guide will teach you some basic rules for riding the bike. This way, you won't have any inconveniences when moving along the bike paths.

During this adventure you will visit the City Hall; the Christiansborg Palace, which is the current parliament; the picturesque houses of the Nyhavn neighborhood; and the Amalienborg Palace, the royal residence. Likewise, you will be able to tour the waterfront, the free city of Christiania, Kastellet, and other destinations incorporated among the best bike tours in Copenhagen.

Details of interest

  • Price: the cost of this tour is approximately 217€ per person.
  • Duration: generally, the experience lasts three hours.
  • Means of transportation: bicycle.
  • Advantages of this option: you will be able to easily access places where buses cannot go.
  • Disadvantages of this option: this is not a suitable experience for people with heart conditions.

Book a bike tour in Copenhagen

3. Take a guided tour of the imposing Rosenborg Castle and marvel at the jewels it houses

Rosenborg Castle| ©Mike LaMonaca
Rosenborg Castle| ©Mike LaMonaca

During your stay you can take a guided tour of Rosenborg Castle. You will be amazed by its amazing Renaissance architecture, halls that evoke the style of the 17th century, the period in which it was built, the gardens and the museum.

The tour, considered among the best castle tours in Copenhagen, starts at the arches of Rosenborg. There, you will connect with the guide and explore the garden area. You will see the pond surrounding the building and, if you visit Copenhagen in spring, you will contemplate the vivid colors of the roses and tulips that color the green garden.

Then you will enter the fortress to discover in more detail this architectural work erected by Christian IV, Danish monarch nicknamed the builder king. The guide will tell you the history of the ruler and reveal some interesting facts about the war conquest.

In addition, throughout the visit you will be able to visit:

  • The royal bedchambers and halls, all of them carefully decorated with the ornamentation of the time, allowing you to know how the royalty lived in the past.
  • The jewels of the Danish Royal House, guarded in a special chamber. You will see an impressive collection from the 15th to the 19th century (earrings, necklaces, crowns, tiaras, scepters, etc).

Details of interest

  • Price: the price of the castle tour starts at 30€ per person.
  • Duration: the tour lasts about 90 minutes.
  • Means of transport: on foot.
  • Advantages of this option: thanks to the guide you will get concrete and detailed information about every corner of the castle.
  • Disadvantages of this option: the tour does not include the entrance to the castle, so you will have to pay separately.

Book a private tour of Copenhagen

4. Take a walking tour through the streets of Copenhagen and see the highlights

Hoejbro Plads| ©Jorgen Kroner
Hoejbro Plads| ©Jorgen Kroner

Any time of the year is the best time to visit Copenhagen and get to know its great historical, cultural and architectural heritage. During your stay you can take a walking tour through the streets of the city and follow a route from the old town to the harbor Nyhavn.

This is an activity that you can do on your own or with a local guide, who will tell you the history of each place as you pass by. Whatever the case, the aim of this tour is to take you through the highlights of the Danish capital.

For example, some of them are as follows:

  • The Hoejbro Plads. A rectangular square in the commercial area.
  • The Nikolaj Center for Contemporary Art, located in the former St. Nicholas Church.
  • The Pistolstrade, an old alley dating from the seventeenth century.
  • Rosenborg Castle, with beautiful gardens, incorporated in most of the guided tours of the city.
  • Frederick's Church, also called Marble Church. This is an old Lutheran temple.

Details of interest

  • Price: the self-guided tour is free. However, if you decide to join a guided tour, you will have to pay around 188€ per person.
  • Duration: the guided activity lasts about three hours, but if you walk at your own pace there is no time limit.
  • Means of transport: on foot.
  • Advantages of this option: you will take a look at the main attractions of the city, being ideal if you do not have much time during your stay.
  • Disadvantages of this option: you will walk a long route through the city, which could be inconvenient if you are traveling to Copenhagen with children.

Book a private tour of Copenhagen

5. Board a boat and join one of Copenhagen's canal tours

Nyhavn Canal| ©Harold Litwiler
Nyhavn Canal| ©Harold Litwiler

Join one of Copenhagen's best canal boat tours to see the city from a different perspective. You will get privileged views of some of the hidden gems of the Danish capital.

This tour usually passes by the Copenhagen Opera House, the Marble Church, the Little Mermaid sculpture and Ophelia Square. Also, the picturesque Nyhavn and Christiania neighborhoods, the Trekroner Maritime Fort, the Amalienborg Palace, the Inderhavnsbroen Bridge, among other stops.

And, if you make the route at sunset, you will see how the sun slowly sets creating a warm atmosphere while the city is illuminated with artificial light. Without a doubt, an ideal environment for you to take some pictures of Copenhagen at night.

Details of interest

  • Price: the cost of the boat ride is approximately 59€ per person.
  • Duration: generally, the experience lasts two hours.
  • Means of transport: boat.
  • Advantages of this option: you will get different panoramic views of the city from the comfort of a boat.
  • Disadvantages of this option: the activity does not include any type of drink or food.

Book a cruise on the canals of Copenhagen

6. Visit the Torvehallerne market and taste traditional Danish cuisine

Torvehallerne Market,| ©Chenchen ZH
Torvehallerne Market,| ©Chenchen ZH

There are must-see tours that you must incorporate in your itinerary, whether you plan to stay 1 to 3 days in Copenhagen, or even more. This is precisely the case of the visit to the Torvehallerne Market. There, you will taste traditional Danish gastronomy and buy seasonal products.

You will find more than 80 stalls with handmade and agricultural products such as sprouts, vegetables, fruit, meat, fish and spices. There is also a variety of hot and cold drinks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and bakeries with baked goods.

You will have at your fingertips from gourmet food to traditional Danish hot dogs consisting of bread, grilled sausage, pickle, onion rings and a Danish sauce. In addition to desserts and all kinds of chocolate products such as marshmallow covered, chocolates, cream balls, etc.

The best way to get to know this market is through one of the best gastronomic tours in Copenhagen. Thus, you will have a guide, who will tell you the history of the place and the dishes that you will taste along the tour. You can also embark on this culinary adventure on your own.

Interesting details

  • Price: the price of the activity starts at 166€ per person.
  • Duration: the gastronomic tour can last up to 3 hours.
  • Means of transportation: on foot.
  • Advantages of this option: you will taste the local gastronomy, learn about the history of each of the dishes and the oldest market in the city.
  • Disadvantages of this option: only a limited number of tastings are incorporated.

Book a gastronomic tour of Copenhagen

7. Take a segway tour of Copenhagen and get a different perspective of the city

People on the tour| ©image_less_ordinary
People on the tour| ©image_less_ordinary

The segway tour is another activity where you can explore the city and get a different perspective of the city. You will experience a different and fun urban adventure together with a local guide, who will tell you the history of each place.

Afterwards, you can join one of the best Segway tours in Copenhagen, where you will quickly learn how to ride the two-wheeled self-balancing transport and start the tour. You'll cover long distances in just a few minutes and reach places where bicycles or cars can't go.

Although the itinerary of this tour usually varies, among the destinations you'll generally pass through are the following:

  • The pedestrian Strøget, considered one of the largest streets in Europe.
  • The statue of the little mermaid, the main character of one of Hans Christian Andersen's stories.
  • The Amalienborg Palace, occupied as a royal residence.
  • The Kastellet; this is a military fortification with a history dating back to the 17th century.

Details of interest

  • Price: the price of the activity starts at 68€ per person.
  • Duration: the tour usually lasts about 2 hours.
  • Means of transport: segway.
  • Advantages of this option: you will cover a greater distance of the route in less time.
  • Disadvantages of this option: generally the activity is available from 10 years of age, so it will not suit you if you are traveling with young children.

Book a segway tour in Copenhagen

8. Take a free tour of Copenhagen's Christiania neighborhood

In Christiania| ©Jens Cederskjold
In Christiania| ©Jens Cederskjold

Your itinerary of at least 2 days in Copenhagen will not be complete without visiting the Christiania neighborhood, also known as the hippie quarter of the Danish capital. Here, you will enjoy a unique atmosphere: urban murals and street art, bars, food stalls, natural spaces, people playing guitars, among others.

Whether you want to visit on your own or through a guided tour, you will find many things to do in Copenhagen Christiania. For example, buy souvenirs in the souvenir store, walk around the lake and through the commune with its sustainable buildings.

You can also visit the following destinations:

  • The Church of Our Savior, with its characteristic baroque style.
  • The Skate House, where you can practice some tricks or simply enjoy the skateboarders' show.
  • The Woodstock Café, considered one of the oldest bars in the area.

Details of interest

  • Price: the tour on your own is free, but if you connect with a guide to accompany you, then the price of the activity could start from 47€ per person.
  • Duration: usually, the guided tour lasts three hours, but if you do it on your own you will not have time limits.
  • Means of transport: on foot.
  • Advantages of this option: you will discover one of the most colorful and lively neighborhoods of the city.
  • Disadvantages of this option: you will not be able to take pictures everywhere, because there are prohibited areas.

Book the Freetown Christiania exploration game

9. Join the tour of Copenhagen aboard the city's tourist train

Strøget Street| ©Luis O. Boettner
Strøget Street| ©Luis O. Boettner

Whether you plan to stay from 1 to 7 days in Copenhagen, touring the main streets of the city by train turns out to be another must-see tour. You will see some sights that testify to the history, architecture and culture of the Danish capital.

This panoramic tour has a triangular route that starts from Nytorv Square, thus running along the main artery of the city, Strøget Street. This is a pedestrian area dotted with stores, restaurants, cafes and all kinds of stores.

In addition, from the comfort of the train cabins you will contemplate the Town Hall Square, the canals of the city, the Round Tower, Christiansborg Palace, the Cathedral, among others. You will get different panoramic views of the surroundings and you will be able to take pictures.

Interesting details

  • Price: the price of the tour is 13€ per person.
  • Duration: the train circuit lasts approximately 45 minutes.
  • Means of transport: tourist train.
  • Advantages of this option: since the train ticket is valid for 24 hours, you can get on and off the train as many times as you wish throughout the day.
  • Disadvantages of this option: this panoramic tour does not include an audio guide.

What will I see on the Copenhagen tours?

Amalienborg Palace| ©Henk Bekker
Amalienborg Palace| ©Henk Bekker

Copenhagen is a city that is characterized by a great architectural, cultural and historical heritage, which you can see through its neighborhoods. All of them, dotted with religious enclosures, palaces, castles, squares, gardens, sculptures, among other hidden gems.

During your stay you can see and explore the best palaces in Copenhagen, for example, Christiansborg Palace and Amalienborg Palace. Also, Rosenborg Castle, Frederick's Church, also called the Marble Church, Hoejbro Public Square, Tivoli Gardens, the Copenhagen Canal, the Little Mermaid sculpture, among others.

Book a tour to Roskilde, Frederiksborg and Kronborg

Tips for a tour in Copenhagen

Comfortable shoes| ©Alexandra Tran
Comfortable shoes| ©Alexandra Tran

When embarking on one of the tours in Copenhagen, it is important that you take into consideration some basic tips. This way, you will be able to enhance your experience and enjoy each activity to the fullest.

For example:

  • Wear clothing that suits the season, i.e., if you visit Copenhagen in winter, you should dress in layers and wear shoes with good traction on your feet. And, if you are in Copenhagen in summer, you will need breathable, light and short clothes.
  • Buy the Copenhagen Tourist Card and save on admission to the main attractions, as most tours do not include access to museums, castles, palaces, etc.

Book the Copenhagen Card