Top 10 Things to Do in Copenhagen
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Sitting on the coastal islands of Zealand and Amager, Copenhagen is the capital of Denmark. It the 10th century, it started out as a Viking fishing village. However, by the 15th century, it had consolidated its power and established itself as the capital. Today, it is a beautiful city with a rich heritage. Check out below for the top 10 things to do in Copenhagen when you visit.
#10. The Little Mermaid
Visiting the Little Mermaid statue is one of the top things to do in Copenhagen. Danish brewer Carl Jacobsen gifted the statue to the city of Copenhagen on August 23, 1913.[1]Visit Copenhagen – The Little Mermaid
Jacobsen chose this character when he had fallen in love with her after watching a ballet performance based on Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale. In the fairy tale, a mermaid falls in love with a human and is willing to give up everything in order to be with him. The statue shows her sitting on a rock, hoping to see her beloved prince.
The sculpture Edvard Eriksen made the sculpture of bronze and granite. He was inspired by the ballerina Ellen Price. However, she would not model nude for him, so his wife Eline Eriksen, posed for the sculpture instead.
#9. Nyhavn
Visiting the Copenhagen neighborhood of Nyhavn is one of the best things to do in Copenhagen for the family. In fact, the neighborhood used to be the home of the famous Danish fairy tale writer, Hans Christian Andersen.[2]Visit Copenhagen – Nyhavn
However, that was not always the case. In fact, Nyhavn was originally a busy commercial port that saw ships and sailors from all over the world. Naturally, this attracted a certain crowd including sailors, ladies of pleasure, and pubs.
Today, Nyhavn has completely changed. The beautiful buildings have been repurposed. You can now walk along here with your family and enjoy tasty food, jazz music, and the beautiful canal.
One of the best times to visit Nyhavn is during Christmas. During this time, the neighborhood is lit in beautiful Christmas lights. In addition, you can enjoy the Christmas markets and tasty Danish Christmas foods.
#8. The National Museum
#7. Amalienborg Palace
If you are interested in royal history and the Danish Royal family, visiting the Amalienborg Palace, the current resident of the Danish Royal family, is one of the best things to do in Copenhagen.
- Christian VII’s Palace or Moltke’s Palace – this palace is for guests
- Frederik VIII’s Palace or Brockdorff’s Palace – this palace is the home of the Crown Prince and his family
- Christian IX’s Palace or Schack’s Palace – this palace is the home of the Queen Margrethe II
- Christian VIII’s Palace or Levetzau’ Palace – this palace is the guest residence of Prince Joachim and Princess Benedikte. In addition, the Amalienborg Museum is located here.
#6. Kronborg Castle
One of the most popular things to do in Copenhagen is visit Kronborg Castle. In fact, this UNESCO World Heritage site it is probably the most famous Danish castle in the world, made famous in Shakespeare’s Hamlet.[5]Visit Copenhagen – Kronborg Castle
#5. Tivoli Gardens
One of the most popular things to do in Copenhagen is visit Tivoli Gardens, the theme park. One of the reasons that it is so popular is that now matter your age or your interests there is something to do in the park. In addition, it is centrally located and easily accessible.
For the thrill seekers, you will not be disappointed. Ride Vertigo, voted Europe’s Best Ride in 2014, a roller coaster that will turn you upside down at speeds of up to 62 mph. If you like heights, get on Star Flyer, a carousel that will take you up 262 feet in the air.[6]The Crazy Tourist – 15 Best Thing to Do in Copenhagen (Denmark)
If you aren’t interested in rides, don’t worry. Tivoli Gardens is filled with beautiful architecture that depicts the 19th century Orient and creates a unique fairy tale environment. Originally built in 1843, this park and its beautiful attractions have been the inspiration for many people including Hans Christian Andersen and Walt Disney.
#4. Bakken
If you haven’t gotten your fill of thrills and rides, one of the best things in Copenhagen is visit the theme park Dyrehavsbakken. However, if the name is too difficult to remember, just call it Bakken.
Before you even enter the park, the forest of Jægersborg Dyrehave surrounds you. This park has trees that are over 400 year old and around 2,000 wild deer. In fact, you could have a great day here without ever entering Bakken.
However, for those wanting to go to the park, there is a lot to do including drop towers, ferris wheels, roller coasters, and much much more. In fact, Bakken has the most rides of any park in all of Scandinavia.[7]Visit Copenhagen – Bakken
If you are staying for the evening, make sure to see the old fashioned cabaret at Bekkens Hvile. Here you can listen to the ‘singing girls’ sing the same songs that they have been singing for over 132 years.
#3.Strøget
No trip to Copenhagen is complete without visiting Strøget. In fact, one of the most popular things to do in Copenhagen is go window shopping in Strøget.
#2. Visit Freetown Christiania
One of the most unique things to do in Copenhagen is visit the alternative neighborhood of Freetown Christiania. This area is a collection of house, art galleries, workshops, music venues, organic restaurants, as well as nature. In fact, the area is like its own world within Copenhagen.[9]Visit Copenhagen – Experience Colourful Christiania
Some of the most popular things to do and see include:
- Christiania Blacksmith
- Christiania Rent a Bike
- The Grey Hall
- Loppen
- Morgenstedet
- Spiseloppen
- Nemoland
#1. Christiansborg Palace
One of the best things to do in Copenhagen is visit Christiansborg Palace. The palace is on the small island of Slotsholmen.
The Danish Royal family uses it to hold various events. For example, the Queen uses The Oval Throne Room to receive foreign ambassadors.
In addition, Christiansborg Palace is also the home of the Danish government including the parliament Folketinget, the Ministry of State, and the Supreme Court.[10]Visit Copenhagen – Christiansborg Palace
When visiting the palace, make sure to check out its most imposing feature, the Great Hall with the Queen’s tapestries. In fact, they are so big that it took around 10 years to finish them. These 11 tapestries show over 1000 years of Danish history.
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