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Between clean design lines, shimmering canals, bicycles everywhere, and a healthy dose of hygge, Copenhagen blends Nordic charm with creativity. People come for the Tivoli Gardens, Nyhavn, the Little Mermaid… and stay for its museums, gourmet markets, and harbor baths. First, a clear FAQ to help you plan your trip, then 13 experience ideas – only must-sees, with a touch of the alternative. What to do in Copenhagen? We’ll tell you everything.
🗒️ Time of year, hotels: what you need to know before visiting Copenhagen
Before we get into things to do in Copenhagen, here are some useful tips.
What is the best time of year?
From May to September, the city comes alive outdoors: terraces, cruises, swimming in the harbor, and long evenings. Summer is peak season (more crowded and higher prices). Spring (late April–May) is blooming and already pleasant; autumn (September–October) is bright and often quieter. Winter is cozy (cafés, museums, ice rinks) and particularly magical during Tivoli’s themed seasons (Halloween, Christmas). February often sees the Copenhagen Light Festival illuminate the city; in July, the Copenhagen Jazz Festival unfolds across dozens of stages.
🗓️ Events not to be missed : The Copenhagen Jazz Festival takes over the city in early July; Distortion (early June) transforms several neighborhoods into open-air stages; Culture Night (October) opens museums and venues that are usually closed; and in winter, the Copenhagen Light Festival illuminates the capital. Even a glimpse of these events is worthwhile during a short stay.
How many days should I plan for?
Three full days are enough to cover the essentials (historic center, Tivoli Gardens, major museums, a cruise). With 4–5 days, add Nørrebro, Refshaleøen (street food, creative wastelands), a swim in the harbor, and CopenHill. Art lovers can dedicate an extra half-day to the SMK/Glyptotek duo.
How to get here and get around
The airport (CPH) is connected to the city center by metro in about 12 minutes (Kongens Nytorv ⇄ airport), and the network operates 24/7. Once there, supplement your travel with buses, the S-tog (local commuter rail), and the essential act of walking. The city is flat and very bike-friendly (protected cycle paths, dedicated bridges), but the historic bike-sharing system no longer exists: opt for renting a bike from a shop if you’re keen to cycle. The Copenhagen Card combines unlimited public transport (depending on the plan) and entry to the main attractions.
Which passes should you choose (and are they worth it)?
If you’re planning a series of monument and museum visits, the Copenhagen Card – Discover (metro, bus, S-train & entrances to the greater metropolitan area) is practical and flexible; the Copenhagen Card – Hop includes hop-on hop-off tourist buses and a selection of more centrally located attractions. Activation is done via the app and some cards also cover the airport. For a more outdoor-focused itinerary (walks, neighborhoods, markets), do the math before you buy.
Where to stay in Copenhagen?
Here are three hotels – among a host of very good establishments – that are unanimously praised by their guests.
- Hotel d’Angleterre (Kongens Nytorv): historic 5★ icon in the heart of the center, spa with pool, top-of-the-range service.
- Nimb Hotel (at the gates of Tivoli): intimate boutique-palace, suites opening onto the gardens, excellent level of catering.
- 25hours Hotel Indre By (between the Round Tower and Købmagergade): playful design, large common areas, perfect location for walking everywhere.
🔝 What are the must-see things to do in Copenhagen?
Now let’s get to the heart of the matter and see what there is to do in Copenhagen. Only the must-sees, of course.
Stroll through Nyhavn and take a canal cruise
Nyhavn, with its colorful 18th-century facades and moored sailboats, is the quintessential postcard scene. To avoid the crowds, arrive early, walk along the quay to the end, then hop on a canal boat departing from Nyhavn or Ved Stranden: in an hour, you’ll glide under the low bridges of Christianshavn, past the Opera House, Amalienborg Palace, and the Little Mermaid. It’s the perfect introduction to the city: landmarks, anecdotes, and views of the Amalienborg Palace, Marble Church, and Opera House alignment.
At the end of the day, settle onto the wooden benches to watch the light play across the gables. Tips: bring a jacket (it can be a breeze on the canal), a combined ticket if you’re visiting another museum, and, if possible, opt for the first or last cruise of the day – two very different atmospheres, both incredibly photogenic.
Rediscover your inner child in the Tivoli Gardens
Opened in 1843, Tivoli Gardens combines Belle Époque charm, contemporary rides, illuminations, and concert venues. People come for the magic: flowerbeds, lanterns, a wooden roller coaster, a Chinese theater, and a string of restaurants. Depending on the season, Tivoli reinvents itself: Halloween (pumpkins, haunted houses), Christmas (chalets, an ice rink, lights).
Allow 2 to 4 hours, more if you dine there. Tips: arrive in the mid-afternoon to enjoy the daytime attractions, then stay until nightfall for the illuminations; buy your tickets online if you’re planning a weekend visit; if you’re staying at the Nimb or near the central train station, you’re practically on the doorstep. Even without the rides, the stroll is worthwhile – especially in the heart of winter.
Climb the Christiansborg Tower for the best free view
Continuing our list of things to do in Copenhagen. Christiansborg Palace houses the Parliament, the Supreme Court, and the Prime Minister’s offices. Its tower (the tallest in the city) offers a 360° panoramic view – and access is free. On a clear day, look for the monumental alignment: Amalienborg Palace, the dome of Frederikskirken (Marble Church), and the Opera House, perched opposite on the other side of the river.
Below, the palace is open to visitors (reception rooms, royal kitchen, medieval ruins). Arrive as soon as it opens to avoid waiting for the elevator (the flow is regulated). Combine it with lunch at the tower’s restaurant or a stroll around Slotsholmen (bridges, canals, the Børsen market with its twisted spire). The site is centrally located: a 10-minute walk from Nyhavn and 15 minutes from Tivoli Gardens. Excellent value for money, especially if you’re on a budget.
Delve into royal intimacy at Rosenborg and the King’s Garden
Rosenborg, a small Renaissance castle built by Christian IV, houses a treasure that fascinates visitors of all ages: the Crown Jewels and regalia, displayed in the vaulted cellars. Upstairs, apartments, thrones, and tapestries tell the story of the Danish monarchy. Afterwards, head to the King’s Garden (Kongens Have), perfect for a break on the lawn or a nap in the shade of the linden trees. The combination of Rosenborg and the garden makes for a cultural morning followed by a picnic (bakeries in Østerbro, food stalls in Torvehallerne, 10 minutes away).
Entry is often timed, so book in advance if you’re visiting in the summer or on a weekend. With children, turn the crown hunt into a game – and finish with an ice cream on Gothersgade.
Walk to the Little Mermaid and loop back via the citadel
On the Langelinie quayside, the Little Mermaid (1913) draws crowds. Yes, she’s small; yes, she’s often surrounded by people. The best plan? Go early, or at the very end of the day, then extend your visit with a walk to the Kastellet, a perfectly preserved star-shaped citadel, complete with moats and windmills. The ramparts offer lovely views of the water and the brick houses of Østerbro. Along the way, take note of the Gefion Fountain and St. Alban’s Anglican Church.
In summer, this walk can easily be combined with a break by the harbor (herring sandwich or Danish hot dog). In winter, the walk retains all its charm – especially when the lights reflect on the calm water and mist clings to the masts.
Welcoming the next generation at Amalienborg and understanding the royal axis
Amalienborg Palace, the sovereign’s residence, features an octagonal square framed by four rokoko palaces. Every day at noon , the Royal Life Guard performs the changing of the guard here, after marching from the barracks near Rosenborg Castle: music plays on days of the full guard, the ceremony is precise, and the photos are unmissable.
Then, take in the Baroque axis: in a straight line, Marble Church on one side, the Opera House on the other, across the harbor – a very legible urban composition from the courtyard. Walk to the waterfront for the views, or cross the footbridge for a coffee at the Playhouse (Skuespilhuset). The area is elegant but pleasant to walk around: embassies, cobbled courtyards, and the Nyhavn waterfront are just five minutes away. Arrive 10–15 minutes before noon to secure a good spot.
Climb the Round Tower and get lost in the old town
The Rundetårn (Round Tower) is famous for its step-free spiral ramp that leads up to the observatory. At the top, there’s a 360° view of the rooftops, the copper spires, and, on a clear day, even as far as Sweden. Descend towards Købmagergade and the Latin Quarter : cobbled streets, bookstores, cafes, and a few medieval remnants nestled among the colorful facades. It’s the perfect area to try a kanelsnegl (cinnamon snail) or a cardamom bun before heading to the nearby Torvehallerne market stalls to enjoy the aromas.
The Round Tower is open to visitors almost year-round; in summer, arrive early for peace and quiet, and in winter, aim for dusk for a pink sky behind the rooftops. With children, the step-free climb is a fun experience in itself.
Art museums: SMK & Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
Two museums, two complementary atmospheres. The SMK – Statens Museum for Kunst (National Gallery) houses the largest collection in the country: Danish masters (Golden Age), Matisse, Nolde, contemporary installations, and a beautiful back garden to relax in between galleries. Ten minutes from Tivoli, the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek juxtaposes Mediterranean antiquities with 19th- and 20th-century paintings and sculptures in a setting with spectacular glass roofs; its covered winter garden is one of Copenhagen’s most beautiful spots for a coffee break among the palm trees.
Both can easily be visited in two half-days. Tip: check for evening openings and major temporary exhibitions; at the SMK, the cafeteria and shop are worth a visit, while at the Glyptotek, some rooms are best enjoyed early in the morning.
Immerse yourself in Danish design (Designmuseum & concept stores)
At Designmuseum Danmark, you’ll explore a sensitive history of Danish design: iconic chairs, lighting, ceramics, textiles, and even contemporary innovations. The displays blend education with a distinctly Scandinavian aesthetic. Leave with a fresh perspective on the city: lines, proportions, materials.
Extend your visit with a tour of concept stores : Illums Bolighus (classics and new releases), HAY House (overlooking Amagertorv), Paustian, or more specialized boutiques to find a lamp, a vase, or a poster. If you only bring back a souvenir, make it a useful and timeless object (a knife, woven tea towels, a ceramic piece). Design is everywhere: cafes, hotels, public spaces; take the time to observe how form serves function—the secret to the Danish “better life.”
Change the atmosphere at Nørrebro and Superkilen Park
On the north side, Nørrebro is Copenhagen’s urban laboratory: vintage clothing stores, microbreweries, international cuisine, and student cafes. Superkilen , a linear park designed by BIG + Superflex, unfolds a collection of urban objects “imported” from the neighborhood’s diverse cultures (Moroccan benches, Russian neon signs, a boxing ring, chess tables…), three colorful sections (Red, Black, Green), and graphic perspectives. It’s the perfect place to grasp the city’s diversity and enjoy an impromptu picnic.
Head back towards Jægersborggade for a specialty coffee, a pastry (cardamom!), or a bistro-style meal. Here, you walk, photograph the lines, stop, and observe—another Copenhagen, less polished, more vibrant, which perfectly complements the classics.
Explore Refshaleøen and have lunch in Reffen
A former shipyard area, Refshaleøen has become a creative playground: workshops, galleries, concert venues, floating saunas, and street food. At its heart, Reffen boasts dozens of stalls (Asian, Latin American, vegetarian, pastries), sunny tables, bars, and weekend events. You can get there by bike along the harbor, by bus, or… by waterbus if the schedule works.
Take the time to explore the industrial wasteland, venture to the waterfront for panoramic views of the skyline and the ferry ballet, then finish with a coffee or a sweet treat. In cooler weather, many stalls remain open and braziers provide warmth; in summer, it’s a perpetual festival. Rainy day alternative: exhibitions at Copenhagen Contemporary (right next door).
🍽️ Which restaurants to try? For a contemporary smørrebrød, head to Aamanns ; for a classic lunchtime dish, try Restaurant Schønnemann. In the market area, Torvehallerne boasts fish stalls, pastries, and international food counters; Kødbyens Fiskebar (Meatpacking) is the place to go for seafood. In the summer, check out the Broens Street Food Market (opposite Nyhavn) and Reffen (Refshaleøen).
Swim in the harbor (Islands Brygge, Nordhavn) and try a sauna
Copenhagen has transformed its harbor into a vast urban swimming area. At Islands Brygge, there are five supervised pools (seasonal), diving boards, and large wooden terraces for lounging; at Nordhavn–Sandkaj, you can simply step down the steps for a dip in the clear water, surrounded by contemporary buildings. Swimming is only permitted in designated areas and the harbor baths, which are free and supervised in summer.
In winter, Danes enjoy a cold plunge followed by a sauna (either stationary or floating) – a guaranteed endorphin rush. Check the water quality (look for flags) and bring a towel and flip-flops; even in July, the breeze can be chilly. It’s the most authentic local experience imaginable, combined with a masterclass in urban planning: a capital city where you can swim right in the heart of it.
Skiing… on a rooftop in Copenhagen Hill
A symbol of “sustainable hedonism”, CopenHill (Amager Bakke) is a waste-to-energy plant topped with a synthetic ski slope, a walking trail, and a giant climbing wall. Yes, you can ski year-round (rentals, lessons, beginner mats), climb, run… and enjoy exceptional views of the sea and islands. Access to the rooftop is free, except for paid activities; allow one to two hours depending on your preferences.
On sunny days, go up in the late afternoon for the best light; on overcast days, opt for the unique and fun sporting experience. The site illustrates the Danish way of integrating infrastructure and leisure: non-recyclable waste is incinerated while residents enjoy a vertical park—designed by BIG, no less. A futuristic Copenhagen, perfectly tangible.
We hope this selection of things to do in Copenhagen has helped you plan your trip in the best possible conditions. Have a great trip!