The 13 must-do things in Copenhagen

Nyhavn is Copenhagen’s iconic waterfront district, where history and modern life sit side by side. Established in the 17th century, this old port is known for its colourful houses and historic buildings lining the picturesque canal.

Stroll along the lively quays between traditional cafés and restaurants, admiring the old wooden ships that recall the city’s rich maritime heritage. The writer Hans Christian Andersen lived here, at quayside numbers 18, 20 and 67.

To see Nyhavn from a different angle, take a canal cruise departing from the harbour end of the port.

In the heart of Copenhagen, Tivoli Gardens is an amusement park that opened in 1843, one of the oldest still operating in the world. It blends historic charm with modern attractions in a setting of well-kept gardens.

Its colourful buildings and lights give the park a distinctive atmosphere, especially in the evening. You’ll find roller coasters (including the wooden Rutschebanen, from 1914), carousels, restaurants and open-air concerts.

The opening seasons set the rhythm of the year: summer, Halloween in October and Christmas in December, each transforming the park.

The Little Mermaid (“Den Lille Havfrue” in Danish) is a famous statue in Copenhagen, perched on a rock in the harbour near the Langelinie promenade. It depicts the character from Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale.

Unveiled in 1913, it was created by sculptor Edvard Eriksen. The mermaid sits on her rock gazing out to sea, echoing the tale’s theme: the search for an immortal soul and true love.

Despite its small size (about 1.25 m), it is one of the city’s most photographed attractions and a cultural icon of Denmark.

The Rundetaarn, or Round Tower, is a historic building in central Copenhagen. Completed in 1642, it was built as an astronomical observatory for the University of Copenhagen.

Its distinctive feature is a spiral ramp that leads almost to the top without stairs — an engineering feat for its time. The observatory played an important role in the development of astronomy.

Today the tower offers panoramic views of the city from its platform and houses an exhibition space.

Amalienborg Palace is the home of the Danish monarchy in Copenhagen. The complex consists of four separate palaces arranged around an octagonal square, forming a harmonious neoclassical ensemble.

Built in the 18th century for wealthy families, the palaces were acquired by the royal family after the old Christiansborg Palace burned down in 1794. Their design is attributed to architect Nicolai Eigtved.

Visitors can watch the changing of the guard, which takes place daily at noon, and explore the Amalienborg Museum dedicated to Danish royal history.

The National Museum of Denmark (Nationalmuseet) in Copenhagen is the country’s main museum of cultural history. Its extensive collection spans Danish and world history, from prehistory to the present day.

Highlights include Viking artefacts, medieval treasures and ethnographic collections from around the world. The main building, in the city centre, is a fine example of historic architecture.

Whether you’re interested in ancient history or world cultures, the museum offers a deep dive into Danish heritage.

Christiansborg Palace, on the islet of Slotsholmen, is the seat of the Danish Parliament (Folketinget), the Supreme Court and the Prime Minister’s Office — a rare building housing all three branches of government.

It also contains the royal reception rooms, the royal stables and, in the basement, the ruins of the medieval castles that preceded it.

Its tower, the tallest in Copenhagen, offers panoramic city views and is free to visit.

The Rosenborg Gardens (Kongens Have, the “King’s Garden”) surround Rosenborg Castle, an early-17th-century royal residence built by King Christian IV. The castle, an example of Danish Renaissance architecture, houses the crown jewels.

It is Copenhagen’s oldest royal park and a popular spot for strolling or picnicking, with its paths, lawns and flower beds.

The garden offers fine views of the castle and hosts events throughout the year.

The Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek is an art museum in Copenhagen founded by Carl Jacobsen, son of the founder of the Carlsberg brewery. It is known for its collection of ancient and classical art: sculptures, antiquities and paintings.

The museum holds significant collections of Egyptian, Greek and Roman antiquities, as well as Danish Golden Age and French painting.

The building itself, combining classical and modern elements, houses a beautiful glass-domed winter garden.

The Copenhagen Opera House (Operaen), on the island of Holmen, opened in 2005. Designed by Danish architect Henning Larsen, it stands on the waterfront, facing Amalienborg Palace.

Its cantilevered roof, which seems to float above the structure, gives it a distinctive silhouette. The exterior combines polished granite and glass.

The main auditorium, with about 1,700 seats, hosts operas, ballets and concerts; it is the home of the Royal Danish Opera.

Torvehallerne is a food market in Copenhagen, located near Nørreport station. Known for its lively atmosphere, it brings together more than 60 stalls in two glass halls: fresh produce, fish, cheese, pastries, coffee and prepared dishes. It’s an ideal stop for food lovers and a great taste of Danish gastronomy.

Copenhagen Zoo, founded in 1859, is one of the oldest zoos in Europe. It is located in Frederiksberg. Its Elephant House, with glass domes, was designed by British architect Norman Foster (Foster + Partners) and opened in 2008.

The zoo houses a diverse collection of animals and focuses on conservation and education. Its areas include the African Savanna (giraffes, zebras, rhinos), the Arctic Ring (polar bears and seals) and a children’s zoo.

The park takes part in various breeding programmes to help protect endangered species.

Copenhagen is best discovered neighbourhood by neighbourhood, each with its own character:

1. Nyhavn: colourful 17th-century houses and old ships along the canal.
2. Vesterbro: trendy district of bars and restaurants, including Kødbyen (the former Meatpacking District turned creative hub).
3. Nørrebro: multicultural and youthful, with the Assistens cemetery-park and Superkilen park.
4. Østerbro: residential and green, with the large Fælledparken.
5. Christianshavn: cobbled streets and canals, plus the self-governed community of Christiania.
6. Amager: by the sea, with Amager Strandpark beach.
7. Indre By: the historic centre, with the Strøget pedestrian street and City Hall Square.

Copenhagen offers different activities depending on the season.

Summer (June - August)
- Swimming: the beaches at Amager Strandpark and Bellevue are perfect in warm weather.
- Festivals: the Copenhagen Jazz Festival enlivens the city; the Roskilde Festival is reachable by train.
- Picnics: enjoy the King’s Garden (Kongens Have) or Frederiksberg Gardens.

Winter (December - February)
- Christmas markets: at Tivoli and on Højbro Plads.
- Ice skating: outdoor rinks in several parks.
- Museums: out of the cold, the National Museum or the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art (north of the city).