Best Things To Do in Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a place with an important historical, architectural and cultural heritage. As you pass through the city, you will find many things to see and learn about.

Ana Caballero

Ana Caballero

12 min read

Best Things To Do in Copenhagen

Copenhagen | ©Nick Karvounis

The city of Copenhagen combines beautiful natural and urban spaces that, despite the changes brought about by modern times, continue to preserve the history and cultural identity of the Danish capital. You will find a rich architectural heritage throughout the streets and neighborhoods of this locality.

You can tour the old town on foot, join a photo tour of the most charming places in the city, take a scenic ride on land in the tourist bus, navigate the canals, among many other activities. Here are some of the best things to do in Copenhagen.

1. Explore the old city of Copenhagen on foot on a guided adventure

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

Before you think about exploring the city's surroundings through the best day trips from Copenhagen, you'll need to start by getting to know the Danish capital's historic old town. For this, the ideal is that you undertake a walking tour of the place along with a local guide, who will tell you the history of each destination.

Regarding the route of this type of guided tours in the city of Copenhagen, they usually incorporate unmissable destinations such as:

  • King's Square, surrounded by Charlottenborg Palace, the Royal Danish Theater, among others.
  • The Nyhavn district: with bars, cafes, old houses, tattoo stores and panoramic view of the canals.
  • Amalienborg Palace, residence of the royal family.
  • Rosenborg Castle: a Renaissance construction from 1606.

You will also see:

  • Copenhagen Cathedral, built in 1817. Inside you can visit the statue of Jesus Christ and the twelve apostles on the main altar, among other religious jewels.
  • The City Hall, with its architectural style of the Italian Renaissance and romanticism of the Viking period.
  • The amusement park Tivoli Gardens, with a history of more than 175 years.
  • The pedestrian and commercial street, Stroeget, considered the longest in Europe with 1.1 kilometers.

In addition, you should take into consideration that depending on the season of the year in which you take the tour, you can enjoy a different scene of the city. The nostalgic atmosphere of Copenhagen's winter in January is not the same as visiting Copenhagen in July, that is, in the middle of summer.

Useful information

  • Price: the guided tour usually costs approximately 68€ per person.
  • Duration: the duration of the activity is 2 to 3 hours.
  • Advantages: you will walk through the most outstanding and emblematic places of the city.

Book a private tour of Copenhagen

2. Embark on a guided gastronomic tour and discover the flavors of Copenhagen.

Torvehallerne market,| ©Chenchen ZH
Torvehallerne market,| ©Chenchen ZH

During your stay of 2 days or more in Copenhagen, you should embark on a guided gastronomic tour of the city. This way, you will discover the flavors of Danish cuisine.

Once you connect with your guide in the city center, you will start your culinary adventure. You will visit some of the best places to eat, learn the history behind each preparation and delight your palate.

The itinerary of the best food tours in Copenhagen usually includes the following stops:

  • Torvehallerne market, with fresh produce, drinks, gourmet food and desserts.
  • Aamanns restaurant, where you'll sample home-grown spirits, dishes prepared with organic ingredients, cheeses and desserts.
  • Norrebro Bryghus, a small brewery present in the city since 2003.
  • Street stalls, with delicious Danish hot dogs that basically consist of bread, grilled sausage, pickle, onion rings and a Danish sauce.
  • The Summerbird store, with all kinds of chocolate products such as covered marshmallow, chocolates, cream balls, etc.

Also, if your visit coincides with the month of August in Copenhagen, you can check out the city's annual Food and Cooking Festival.

Interesting information

  • Price: the cost of the tour starts at 137€ per person.
  • Duration: this culinary adventure lasts approximately four hours.
  • Advantages: You will discover the aromas and flavors of Danish cuisine. In addition, you will learn about the origin of each dish tasted.

Book a gastronomic tour of Copenhagen

3. Take a panoramic boat ride on the Copenhagen Canals

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

You can cruise the canals of the Danish capital during your stay and get a different perspective of the city. You will contemplate the crystal clear waters, the blue sky and, of course, you will identify some highlights: famous neighborhoods, the best buildings in Copenhagen, the statue of the little mermaid, among other destinations.

Once on the boat, you will enjoy one of the best canal tours in Copenhagen. You will be able to relax on deck and contemplate the surroundings, whose perspective may vary according to the season of the year. For example, from September to November in Copenhagen (autumn period), you will enjoy a natural light that tinges everything in ocher, yellow and reddish colors.

While sailing, you will pass by some of the tourist attractions, having the opportunity to take amazing pictures. At the same time, you will listen to the guide's comments about the history of the city.

Among the destinations you will see are the following:

  • The Copenhagen Opera House, a luxurious neo-futuristic building.
  • The Christianshavn neighborhood, noted for its collection of small islands and picturesque houseboats.
  • The old Stock Exchange on the small island of Slotsholmen.
  • The baroque Church of Our Savior, with its characteristic clock hands.
  • The Amalienborg Palace, currently used as the residence of the royal family.

Information of interest

  • Price: the price of the tour starts at 17€ per person.
  • Duration: the duration of the tour is at least one hour.
  • Advantages: you will get a different perspective of the city, the sky and the nearby islands while cruising along the canals.
  • Check out our post about the Copenhagen Card, among many other things it includes a canal cruise.

Book a canal cruise in Copenhagen

4. Hop on the Copenhagen sightseeing bus with free stops and explore the city at your own pace

Sightseeing Bus| ©Amandine
Sightseeing Bus| ©Amandine

Perhaps you want to take a tour at your own pace without wasting time, then the Hop on Hop off bus tours in Copenhagen are a good alternative. You will see the most emblematic places of the city, you can get off to explore the one you want and get on the next bus to continue the route.

Once on board the second floor of the bus, you will get amazing panoramic views. You will be able to take pictures, learn how to find your way through the streets and learn more about the history of the city. The latter thanks to the audio guide included in the experience.

With this tour you will have a total of three 72-hour routes:

  • The classic Copenhagen route, with 14 stops and a loop from Ved Stranden to Black Diamond of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
  • The colorful Copenhagen route, with 7 stops and a loop from Ved Stranden to Radisson Collection Royal Hotel, which takes about 55 minutes.
  • The urban green Copenhagen route, with 11 stops and a circuit from the Radisson Collection Royal Hotel to the Meatpacking District, in a maximum time of 45 minutes.

Thanks to this panoramic tour with free stops you will explore the city without inconveniences and in a short time. In this way, you will be able to incorporate other activities in your itinerary , which will allow you to get to know the surroundings of the Danish capital. For example, join a day trip to Sweden from Copenhagen.

Useful information

  • Price: the entrance fee to the tourist bus is around 30€ per person.
  • Duration: the duration of the complete tour is usually between 45 and 90 minutes, depending on the route you select.
  • Advantages: you will be able to take a panoramic tour from the second floor of the bus with the option to get off at the desired destinations to explore them at your own pace.

Book the Copenhagen sightseeing bus

5. Experience a cycling adventure in Copenhagen and get to know the city in the company of a local guide

Cycling in Copenhagen| ©Klinne
Cycling in Copenhagen| ©Klinne

If you are a cycling enthusiast and want to make the most of your visit to Copenhagen in 3 days or more, then a guided adventure on two wheels is the best option. You will tour the city comfortably and safely like a local, thanks to the bike path system.

Once you meet your guide in the city center, he will give you your safety helmet and a bike. He will also explain some basic notions of how to ride a bike. Immediately, you will start pedaling through the streets of the Danish capital.

The route of the bike tours in Copenhagen can vary, but usually incorporates some must-see places, such as Rosenborg Castle, the Little Mermaid statue, St. Alban's Church and Amalienborg Castle. In addition, you can also visit the picturesque Nyhavn street, the free city of Christiania, the Church of Our Savior and Christiansborg Castle.

Keep in mind that although you can cycle touring all year round in the city, ideally the weather should be warm, cool and without rain, to enhance the experience. Therefore, if you are in Copenhagen in September and until November, you can take advantage of the autumn season, which will also give you an amazing landscape. Likewise, if your trip coincides with the months of March to May in Copenhagen, you will enjoy a pleasant spring atmosphere.

Useful information

  • Price: this tour has an average price of 45€ per person.
  • Duration: the experience lasts about three hours.
  • Advantages: with this tour you will cover a longer distance in less time and get a different perspective of your surroundings.

Book a bike tour in Copenhagen

6. Enjoy Copenhagen's nightlife and join a tour of the city's bars

Probancdo Beers| ©Susanne Nilsson
Probancdo Beers| ©Susanne Nilsson

The Danish capital is characterized by its lively nightlife, which you can discover and enjoy through one of the bar tours in Copenhagen. You will make many friends while tasting the best cocktails, wines, beers and other drinks.

You can undertake this activity in Copenhagen at night at your own pace. However, it is best to connect with a local guide, who will take you directly to the most outstanding places to party in the city.

This is an activity that you can do on your own. However, it is recommended that you connect with a local guide, who will take you directly to the most outstanding places to party in the city.

For example, some of the most popular pubs and bars for locals and tourists are the following:

  • The Dubliner pub, with a laid-back atmosphere to enjoy alcoholic drinks accompanied by a delicious burger.
  • The Moose bar, with plenty of beer, cocktails and live music.
  • The Australian bar, with several atmospheres for dancing or sitting down for a quiet drink.

And, if you like to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, then in mid-March in Copenhagen you will find several pubs and bars with this theme. The same happens in Copenhagen in October with Halloween night. You can dress up and enjoy the haunted atmosphere of the season.

Interesting information

  • Price: the tour has a cost of about 32€ per person, approximately,
  • Duration: generally this type of activity does not exceed five hours.
  • Benefits: You will enjoy the Copenhagen nightlife like a local, make friends and taste various alcoholic beverages.

Book a pub crawl in Copenhagen

7. Take the best pictures of Copenhagen's palaces and castles in the company of a professional guide

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

Copenhagen has a great architectural and historical heritage, which will not go unnoticed by your eyes, especially if you are enthusiastic about photography. You can take a walk through some of the best palaces in Copenhagen and take amazing pictures in the company of a professional.

The tour usually incorporates the facade and surroundings of the following places:

  • Christiansborg Palace, currently the seat of Denmark's parliament and one of the most imposing buildings in the city.
  • The Amalienborg Palace, consisting of a total of four buildings representative of the Rococo style. There, the residence of the royal family is located.
  • Rosenborg Castle: a Renaissance building surrounded by beautiful gardens.

Through this experience you will learn how to take professional photographs both during the day and at night in Copenhagen, using the ambient light, shadows and glows. Also, the photographer-guide will teach you which are the best angles and perspectives when framing the image.

In fact, if you travel to Copenhagen in December you will come across an amazing scene. This is thanks to the lighting and decorations characteristic of the season, being this photographic tour, an ideal activity to incorporate into the things to do in Copenhagen at Christmas.

Useful information

  • Price: the cost of the activity is around 315€ per person.
  • Duration: the experience usually lasts three hours.
  • Benefits: you will get amazing pictures of your trip and, additionally, you will learn some basic photographic concepts.

8. Join a segway tour in Copenhagen and get to know the city in a fun way

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

During your stay you will discover many ways to explore the city, one of them being segway tours in Copenhagen. You will move through the streets of the Danish capital on a self-balancing surface with engine, without having to make the greatest effort.

This adventure can be done at any time of the year, but certainly the autumn season in Copenhagen is the most recommended, because the weather is cooler. Also, if you visit Copenhagen in spring, you can enjoy the picturesque scenery and less chance of rain.

Once you connect with the guide and become familiar with the Segway, you will immediately navigate the pavement discovering the most emblematic places in Copenhagen. You will stroll through the streets of the Nyhavn and Latin Quarter. You will see the old stock exchange, the monumental building of the Opera House, the canals, the Cathedral and the Copenhagen Synagogue, among other destinations.

This panoramic tour is complemented by the guide's commentary, which you will hear through the headphones built into the safety helmet. You will learn the history of each place as you pass by.

Information of interest

  • Price: the cost of this tour can start at 68€ per person.
  • Duration: the tour usually lasts approximately two hours.
  • Advantages: you will explore the city in a fast, safe and fun way, ideal if you want to avoid the fatigue of walking tours.

Book a segway tour in Copenhagen

9. Live an immersive experience on The Tube at Copenhagen Central Station

Copenhagen Central Station| ©Yusuke Kawasaki
Copenhagen Central Station| ©Yusuke Kawasaki

In The Tube you will live an immersive experience that will allow you to test your senses. You will be amazed by the different optical illusions offered in the 15 rooms available. This is an attraction that you can incorporate into your itinerary along with the best museums in Copenhagen.

You can dive into a colorful ball pool, which is ideal if you have traveled to Copenhagen with children, as it is shallow for them. You will also test your balance in a vortex and walk along an endless room, among other experiences.

To enjoy The Tube you only have to go to Copenhagen Central Station at any time of the day, as the attraction is open from 11:00 to 20:00 hours.

In fact, because this attraction is in a closed and air-conditioned place, it is a good option if you are in Copenhagen in winter, as you can have fun without being cold.

Likewise, you can take shelter from the heat, being also a suitable activity for summer in Copenhagen.

If you wonder what is the best time to travel to Copenhagen I remind you that winter is hard, characterized by low temperatures (usually below zero), rain and snow, especially in the months of January and February. But also the city has few daylight hours, so indoor plans are a very good option.

Information of interest

  • Price: the entrance to this experience has an approximate cost of 19€ per person.
  • Duration: the average time for this attraction is 45 minutes.
  • Advantages: you will test your senses in an immersive experience that will make you doubt reality.

10. Have fun gathering the clues of an escape game in the Christiania neighborhood in Copenhagen.

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

Participating in an escape game is another activity you can incorporate into your 1-7 day itinerary in Copenhagen. You will have fun gathering clues at your own pace to slowly unlock an interesting story and progress through the city.

This is one of the top 10 things to do in the Christiania neighborhood in Copenhagen. The experience usually starts at the Christianshavn subway, located about a 6-minute drive and 28-minute walk from the city center.

There, you'll get your first clue and start moving through five stops. Such is the case of St. Savior's Church, the giant Sydområdet troll structure, the Den Grå Hal concert hall, the Scrap Metal Sculpture (sculpture by Kim Michael) and the colorful children's area.

Once this adventure is over, you can continue with other activities on your itinerary. Such is the case of joining one of the best tours of the castles of Copenhagen, stroll along the Stroeget shopping street in search of souvenirs and even buy tickets for the Copenhagen Opera and enjoy a great show.

Information of interest

  • Price: the price of the activity is around 7€ per person.
  • Duration: the duration of the escape game is about 70 minutes.
  • Advantages: you will have a fun time exploring one of the most colorful neighborhoods of the city.

Book the exploration game Freetown Christiania