This Danish capital city has colorful canal-side houses, innovative architecture, and extensive bike lanes. Home to Tivoli Gardens and Nordic cuisine, it blends royal history with modern Scandinavian life.
Iconic Little Mermaid statue
Copenhagen's famed The Little Mermaid statue represents Danish fairy tales and Hans Christian Andersen's story.
Christiania alternative living community
Freetown Christiania is a self-ruled commune in Copenhagen known for its creativity, green focus, and open cannabis trade.
Black Diamond of Copenhagen
Explore Denmark's Royal Library, featuring rare manuscripts, public exhibits, and stunning harbor views from the Black Diamond extension.
Historic Tivoli amusement park
Explore Tivoli Gardens, a classic Copenhagen park with old rides, events, and gardens.
Royal family's Amalienborg Palace
Amalienborg is the home of the Danish royal family, with historic buildings, a guard change, and a museum.
Rosenborg Castle and treasures
Rosenborg Castle: 17th-century palace in Copenhagen with Crown Jewels, historic rooms, and gardens.
Christiansborg Palace tours
Christiansborg Palace, Copenhagen: home of Parliament, Royal Rooms, and Supreme Court.
Colorful Nyhavn harbor district
Nyhavn: Historic Copenhagen port with bright houses, eateries by the water, boat trips, and ties to Hans Christian Andersen.
Grundtvig's Church
Discover the unique architecture and serene ambiance of Grundtvig's Church, a Copenhagen landmark honoring philosopher N.F.S. Grundtvig.
Den Blå Planet
Explore Northern Europe's largest aquarium, Den Blå Planet, and encounter sharks in its Ocean Tank tunnel near Copenhagen.
Danish Architecture Center
Explore Danish Architecture Center's exhibitions, workshops, and the cutting-edge BLOX building in Copenhagen, showcasing sustainable urban design.
Copenhagen, Denmark's capital, is a city steeped in history and modern culture. Along the canals of Nyhavn, you'll see colorful townhouses, while in newer areas, innovative architecture catches the eye. You can explore the National Museum of Denmark, taste Nordic cuisine at restaurants like Noma, or pedal through the city's extensive bike lanes. Copenhagen has many attractions, from the whimsical Tivoli Gardens to the iconic Little Mermaid statue, embodying both Danish folklore and contemporary Scandinavian lifestyle.
Exploring Copenhagen's Iconic Sights
Begin your Copenhagen journey at Nyhavn, the 17th-century waterfront district. Brightly colored townhouses line the canal, now home to cafes and restaurants. It's an ideal spot to try Danish cuisine or watch local life unfold. A short walk away, you'll find the Little Mermaid statue, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale. While small in size, many consider it a key symbol of Copenhagen.
To experience Danish royalty, visit Amalienborg Palace, where the Danish royal family resides in winter. You can watch the changing of the guard ceremony, which happens daily at noon. Near the palace stands the Marble Church, its large dome a prominent feature of Copenhagen's skyline.
Copenhagen's Cultural Treasures
Copenhagen is home to many museums. At the National Museum of Denmark, you can learn about Danish history and culture from prehistoric times to today. If you enjoy art, visit the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, which displays an extensive collection in a 19th-century building.
For a more modern experience, take a trip to the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art. Located about 35 km north of Copenhagen, it presents modern and contemporary art in a setting that incorporates architecture and landscape. From the museum, you can see Sweden across the Øresund strait.
Embracing Copenhagen's Cycling Culture
Copenhagen is one of the world's most bicycle-friendly cities. You can rent a bike and join the locals on the city's 350 km of dedicated bike lanes. Cycling is often the safest and easiest way to explore. You can ride along the harbor front, through the Vesterbro neighborhood, or to the free town of Christiania for a unique Copenhagen experience.
Copenhagen's Culinary Scene
In recent years, Copenhagen has become known for its food. While high-end restaurants like Noma have gained global recognition, there's much more to try. Visit Torvehallerne, a covered market hall, to taste local produce and specialties. You can enjoy traditional Danish open-faced sandwiches (smørrebrød) at places like Aamanns 1921 or Schønnemann.
For a more relaxed dining experience, go to the Meatpacking District (Kødbyen) in Vesterbro. This former industrial area now hosts various restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. It's a good place to experience Copenhagen's active nightlife.
Green Spaces and Parks
Copenhagen has many green spaces despite being a capital city. The King's Garden (Kongens Have), which surrounds Rosenborg Castle, is the city's oldest park and a popular picnic spot. For a different outdoor experience, visit Amager Beach Park, a large artificial island with a 2 km long beach, just a short metro ride from the city center.
Shopping in Copenhagen
You'll find many shopping options in Copenhagen, especially if you're interested in Danish design. Strøget, one of Europe's longest pedestrian streets, has both international brands and local boutiques. For unique Danish designs, browse the shops along Jægersborggade in Nørrebro or explore the design stores in the Latin Quarter.
Getting Around Copenhagen
Copenhagen has an efficient public transportation system, including metro, buses, and trains. The Copenhagen Card gives you unlimited use of public transportation and free entry to many attractions. However, as mentioned earlier, cycling is often the quickest and most enjoyable way to get around the city.
