My 41 Favorite Things to Do in Copenhagen as a Local (+ What I Would Skip)

I feel a bit like a proud parent watching Copenhagen’s transformation over the past decade or so. The city was already great when I first visited in 2016, but it has since blossomed into a confident and truly dynamic capital. As far as Scandinavia is concerned, it is the place to be. 

Having lived here for over five years and visited seven times before moving, I’ve explored almost every corner of this city. I can confidently say that you’re unlikely to run out of fun things to do in Copenhagen if you’re visiting the weekend (or even longer). If anything, your biggest challenge will be narrowing down the absolute musts. 

Based on my experiences, I’ve compiled the most comprehensive guide you’ll find on things to do in Copenhagen. From nature to architecture, the Danish capital truly has something for everyone. 

In addition to sharing my favorite things to do in Copenhagen, I’ll show you what I recommend skipping. That way, you can plan your trip even more effectively.

1. Rent a Bike and Explore Copenhagen

Copenhagen‘s cycling culture is celebrated worldwide, and it’s an example of what good urbanization can look like. Besides being an efficient form of transportation, exploring the city by bike is very rewarding. 

Pretty much everywhere in Copenhagen is within 30 minutes by bike, and you can cover a lot of ground in a few days. Most streets are paved with wide lanes, making it very easy to get around. My recommendation is to aimlessly bike around and explore Copenhagen at your own pace. 

Renting a bike is very straightforward. Many hotels in Copenhagen offer bike rentals; this is sometimes included in the rate, but at other times, you’ll have to pay extra. Alternatively, you can use rental apps like Donkey Republic. 

Before cycling in Copenhagen, make sure that you understand the most important rules. I’ve written a comprehensive guide covering the topic, but some of the key ones to know are: 

• Cycle in the same direction as the traffic, and never cycle on sidewalks. 
• Signal when you’re about to turn. 
• If you’re about to stop, hold up your hand to signal to others around you. 

2. Enjoy One of Copenhagen’s Many Great Views

Though quite flat, Copenhagen’s many churches and towers offer excellent viewpoints. You can see many of the city’s landmarks from Christiansborg Palace, for example, and the tower is completely free to visit. 

In addition to the tower at Christiansborg Palace, I’ve added two of my other personal favorites below.

Vor Frelsers Kirke

Vor Frelsers Kirke, known in English as the Church of Our Savior, offers what I think is the best view over Copenhagen. You’ll see Christiansborg Palace, Marmorkirken, Nikolaj Kunsthal, and many more of the city’s most stunning buildings. 

If you’re into photography, you should definitely visit the church for its spiraling staircase. It’s the building’s most unique feature, in my opinion, and it’ll look great in your Instagram photos. 

One thing I should mention is that the spiraling staircase gets very narrow at the top. If you’re claustrophobic, I’d recommend one of the other viewpoints I’ll soon talk about. The climb to the top is also quite strenuous, and the church closes when it’s wet or windy—along with for all of January.

You can buy tickets in advance for the church on the official website; Select Visit the Tower in the menu at the top. If you’ve already bought the Copenhagen Card (check out my review here if not), you can visit for no additional cost. However, you still need to reserve a spot in advance, which you can also do on the church’s website. 

Address: Sankt Annæ Gade 29, 1416 København K

The Round Tower

If you choose not to visit Vor Frelsers Kirke, the Round Tower (Rundetårn in Danish) is a much easier climb. To reach the observation deck, you’ll walk up a spiraling ramp before taking an elevator and walking up a small staircase. 

Since the Round Tower is right in the city center, you’ll see many of Copenhagen’s main attractions from above. For example, you can see Kongens Have—the park that Rosenborg Castle is in—and the City Hall. Moreover, you’ll spot a number of the city’s stunning churches.

Compared to Vor Frelsers Kirke, the Round Tower’s observation deck is significantly more spacious. It’s also open for more of the year, and I strongly recommend visiting regardless of when you’re in the city. 

Unlike Vor Frelsers Kirke, the Round Tower is no longer included in the Copenhagen Card. However, tickets are reasonably priced. You can only buy tickets for the observation deck at the ticket office; there’s often a queue outside, so keep this in mind when you visit. 

In addition to great views of Copenhagen, you’ll find some extra rooms to explore at the Round Tower. There are also toilets inside the building, so don’t worry about that. 

Address: Købmagergade 52A, 1150 København K

3. Do the Havneringen Walk

Havneringen, known in English as The Harbor Ring, is a 13-kilometer round trip covering the inner harbor. You can walk or cycle this route; I’ve done both and personally think it’s more fun to walk. 

On this walk, you’ll see lots of interesting architecture, including iconic structures like the Black Diamond library. The walk starts close to Nyhavn and goes all the way down to revitalized Sydhavn before coming back up. You can do this walk year-round, though it’s quite windy in the winter. 

4. Go to Kastellet 

Kastellet is one of my favorite places to go for an evening stroll. This citadel dates back to the 17th century and has been an important part of Danish defense for years. Though the military is still present here, you can walk around and enjoy these grounds for free. 

The fortress takes around an hour to walk around. You’ll find a small museum here, which I found quite interesting when I visited in 2024. Kastellet looks beautiful when covered in snow, so it’s definitely worth spending some time here on a winter visit. However, it’s scenic year-round.

To get to Kastellet, take the train or Metro to Østerport. The fortress is a short walk from there. Alternatively, you can take the yellow Harbor Bus to Nordre Toldbod (Københavns Havn).

Address: Gl. Hovedvagt, Kastellet 1, 2100 København Ø

5. Visit Amager Strand

Amager Strand is a popular beach that Copenhageners swarm to during the summer months. On a clear day, you can see the Turning Torso building in Malmö from the shore. Besides being a popular place to soak up the few days of sun we get each year, Amager Strand is great for running and cycling. 

You’ll find various facilities here, such as changing rooms and places to fill your water bottle. There are also a couple of pop-up spots to grab some food. If you walk down the beach, you’ll eventually end up at Kastrup Søbad—a bathing area with an iconic spiraling pier. 

To get to Amager Strand, you can take the Metro to the namesake station. 

6. Go for a Boat Tour Around Copenhagen

One of my favorite things about living in Copenhagen is how much water there is here. It’s impossible not to notice it, and I recommend joining a boat tour to explore the city from the water. 

While you can take the yellow Harbor Bus (which is included in a public transport pass), I also think that booking an actual tour is better. You’ll see more waterways than would otherwise be the case, along with learning about Copenhagen’s maritime history. I joined a boat tour on the morning of my first visit in 2016 and have been on numerous ones since then. 

Stromma and Nettobådene are the two main operators. You can buy your tickets for Nettobådene at the blue ticket booth at Nyhavn. As for Stromma, you can purchase tickets in advance below (or at their booths on Gammel Strand or at Nyhavn). 

7. Wander Along Nyhavn 

A visit to Copenhagen without seeing Nyhavn is a trip wasted, in my opinion. Even after all this time, walking along the canal and photographing Nyhavn is one of my favorite things to do. This waterfront area is one of Copenhagen’s most historic areas; Hans Christian Andersen even lived here for part of his life. 

Since Nyhavn gets very busy, I recommend coming here first thing in the morning. If you want to really upgrade your experience, you can also stay at a hotel along the canal. 

Nyhavn is very close to Kongens Nytorv; take the Metro here and walk for about 5 minutes. You’ll see an anchor statue marking the start of Nyhavn. 

While Nyhavn itself is great, I recommend going elsewhere for food. The restaurants here are quite pricey, and I think you can get a better meal elsewhere.

8. Discover the Charm of Christianshavn 

Once you’ve checked out Nyhavn, walk over the bridge and discover picturesque Christianshavn. This neighborhood is one of Copenhagen’s smallest, and in my opinion, it’s the most beautiful. 

Christianshavn has been part of Copenhagen since 1675, but it was an independent town before that. It maintains that bohemian spirit today, and its maritime vibe is undeniable when you’re walking around here. 

Besides the beautiful Christianshavns Kanal, which you absolutely should check out, this district has a handful of nice cafés and bodegas. HANS Coffee is my personal favorite.

While in Christianshavn, you’ll find a number of bodegas. If you’re taking public transport, go to Christianshavn Station on the Metro.

9. Enjoy a Picnic in Kongens Have 

Kongens Have, known as the King’s Garden in English, is one of the nicest parks in Copenhagen. You’ll find beautiful Rosenborg Castle here, and during the summer, it’s a popular spot for locals to hang out and have a picnic. Doing so is also one of the best ways to enjoy Copenhagen on a budget. 

There are plenty of grocery stores nearby; go into one of them and grab some snacks. If you visit outside of the spring or summer, this park is a nice place for a walk anyway. 

10. Watch the Changing of the Guard at Amalienborg Palace 

Amalienborg is basically Denmark’s answer to Buckingham Palace, and you can watch the changing of the guard for free around 12:00 daily. The parade starts at 11:27 each day from the barracks close to Rosenborg Castle before continuing down Gothersgade and culminating at Amalienborg Palace. 

It’s quite the spectacle, and I recommend stopping by to watch if you’re in the area. You can also buy entry tickets to Amalienborg if you wish to explore the palace’s interiors. 

11. Say Hi to the Sheep at Sydhavnstippen 

One of my favorite outdoorsy things to do in Copenhagen is to visit Sydhavnstippen. My main regret is not making the most of this nature area when I actually lived in Sydhavn, but it’s luckily still easy enough to reach. Since the Metro expansion in 2024, getting here has become even more straightforward. 

Sydhavnstippen has a small beach and is home to plenty of sheep. You might also spot some alpacas while you’re here. 

Getting to Sydhavnstippen by bike is simple, but if you want to take the Metro, get the M4 line to Mozarts Plads. From here, it’s 15-20 minutes away on foot. I recommend checking out nearby Valbyparken while you’re here as well.

12. Visit Dyrehaven 

Dyrehaven is a vast deer park just north of Copenhagen, and I love spending the afternoon here when I want a break from the city. You’ll find plenty of deer here, along with a nice café. 

This area is great for both walking and biking and each November, you can attend the Hubertusjagt horse race. There’s also a nice café by Klampenborg Station, which is the closest station to the park. 

Take the S-train from Copenhagen Central Station; it’s around 20 minutes away. 

13. Rent Your Own Boat and Explore Copenhagen

Do you like the idea of exploring Copenhagen from the water but not on a boat with lots of strangers? If so, you can always rent your own boat and explore the city instead. 

GoBoat is the main boat rental service in Copenhagen; you can pick up your boat from Islands Brygge. You have the option to rent a bike for 1, 2, or 3 hours, depending on your preferences, and you can book in advance. 

I recommend renting a boat if you’re visiting during the warmer months in particular. It’s also an ideal opportunity to bring some nice snacks and enjoy the Danish capital—and many of its main sights—from the water. 

14. Check Out Christiansborg Palace and Slotsholmen 

Even if you don’t go to the observation deck, Slotsholmen and Christiansborg Palace are some of the best places to visit in Copenhagen. The palace is home to Denmark’s government, and while you can book tickets to see its interior, wandering around the outside is completely free. If you choose to visit the tower, be prepared for queues in the summer.

Slotsholmen has some fantastic photo spots, such as Marmorbroen. I also recommend wandering around the courtyard, where you might see some horses. There’s also a hidden garden close to the War Museum that’s worth seeing. 

To get here, take the Metro to Gammel Strand. You’ll see Christiansborg Palace once you leave the station. 

Entry to Christiansborg Palace’s Royal Reception Rooms is included as part of the Copenhagen Card. 

Address: Prins Jørgens Gård 1, 1218 København K

15. Wander Around The Lakes 

The Lakes are my favorite running spot in Copenhagen, and I also love having an aimless walk around here. These three artificial lakes used to form part of the city’s defense system and were also a reservoir, but they’re now arguably the city’s most popular recreational spot. 

Though originally on the city perimeters, they’re now a core part of the city center. You can easily branch off into multiple neighborhoods from The Lakes, and there are plenty of cafés along its shores. 

During the summer, you can rent swan-shaped peddleboats from close to Dronning Louises Bro on Peblinge Sø. The Lakes often freeze over during the winter, but unfortunately, they’re almost never thick enough to walk on; it’s happened once in the four-and-a-half years of my living here. 

16. Food and Drink in Kødbyen 

Kødbyen, also known as the Meatpacking District, is another of my favorite places to chill out in Copenhagen as a local. This former industrial area is now home to some of the city’s best places to eat; Warpigs is my personal favorite. And if you want ice cream for dessert, go to nearby Ismageriet.

If you’re into Japanese food, I can also recommend Comé Rice Kitchen. Ever since returning from my first trip to Japan, and since flying to Tokyo every other week is not exactly feasible, discovering this place has been a game-changer. You can get two onigiris for 65 DKK, which is excellent value for money.

At Kødbyen, you’ll also find a cool minigolf bar called Camping. Whether you’re on a romantic getaway or visiting with friends, this is a fun place to go; you can book an experience on the website. You can get food and drinks here, too.

Kødbyen is also a decent spot for nightlife in the city, too; you can start here and then continue into Vesterbro, where there are many more bars. The area is within walking distance of Copenhagen Central Station.  

17. Discover Regeneration in Nordhavn

I used to spend a lot of time in Nordhavn when I lived in Østerbro after just moving to Copenhagen, and it’s still one of my favorite districts. It’s a great place to go for a swim or chill out on a summer’s evening, and you can also explore what has now become an upscale neighborhood. 

Nordhavn is much bigger than most people realize, and I recommend renting bikes to explore beyond the main apartments. One of the Forgotten Giants is located here, and you can enjoy a nice view of the harbor. 

If you’re on the lookout for some food, consider stopping at Andersen & Maillard for some great pastries. Meanwhile, John & Woo is a nice place for brunch. Renting bikes and cycling to Nordhavnstippen is also worthwhile, in my opinion.

To get to Nordhavn, take the train or Metro to Nordhavn Station. Alternatively, take the Harbor Bus or Metro to Orientkaj.

18. Explore Frederiksberg 

Frederiksberg is actually its own municipality, but you wouldn’t know that you’ve technically stepped outside of Copenhagen because it’s surrounded by the city’s other districts. It’s one of the Danish capital’s most desirable areas, with wide streets, independent stores, and a great park (Frederiksberg Have). 

There are also several cafés and restaurants in Frederiksberg. Forno a Legna is an excellent place for pizza, for example. 

The architecture in Frederiksberg looks slightly different from other parts of Copenhagen, and it definitely feels different from the rest of the city. Take the Metro to Frederiksberg Allé or Frederiksberg and explore from there.

19. Go to Assistens Kirkegaard 

Assistens Kirkegaard is the burial ground for many of the most famous Danes. Hans Christian Andersen was laid to rest here, and Søren Kierkegaard’s grave is also here. You can find these via the map, but even without going to them, this cemetery is a nice place to go for a walk. 

You can get here by taking the Metro to Nørrebros Runddel. From here, Assistens Kirkegaard is almost directly outside. 

20. Go for a Dip in the Harbor 

Another nice thing about Copenhagen is that the water is clean enough to swim in. You will find plenty of bathing zones dotted throughout the city, with Islands Brygge and Kalvebod Brygge being two examples. Sydhavn is ideal if you want somewhere less crowded, meanwhile. 

Are you visiting Copenhagen in the winter? No problem. We also go bathing outside in the winter. So, if you want to unleash your Inner Viking, you may want to consider doing the same. 🙂

Note that many places do not have changing facilities unless you’re a member. So, you’ll need to bring a towel and warm clothing for when you finish. You can find a full list of bathing zones in Copenhagen here (note: the page is in Danish).

21. Enjoy a Sauna Trip

The sauna culture in Copenhagen is nowhere near as big as it is in Helsinki, but I’ve definitely noticed an improvement over the past few years (and have also been getting into going regularly myself). Besides the health benefits, it’s just a nice way to relax and decompress. You’ll find a handful of sauna spots in the city, with CopenHot being one of the best. 

La Banchina is another option. This restaurant and wine bar also has a popular sauna, and you can book a session in the sauna if you wish to visit (the restaurant, on the other hand, only accepts drop-ins). I hope that even more options arise in the coming years, but both are solid choices for now.

You can buy a day pass for Sauna House in Nordhavn, too, which I really enjoy using. The website is in Danish, but select Køb Dagspas (Buy Day Pass).  There’s a spot outside where you can go for a dip, and you’ll find both a no-talking sauna and one where quiet talking is allowed.

Saunagus, which involves music, fragrances, and more, has become popular in recent years. I did a relaxation one on a whim and really enjoyed it, and you can book these sessions at many places in the city. Plugin Heat Club is one of the most popular. 

22. Explore Holmen and Refshaleøen 

I’ve spent a lot more time in Holmen/Refshaleøen recently, and I firmly believe that they are Copenhagen’s two most underrated neighborhoods. Originally important for shipping and military, these areas have now been repurposed into dynamic districts. 

Refshaleøen is home to Reffen, which is Copenhagen’s best place for street food. If you’re visiting in the summer, coming here is a must. You’ll also find Lille Bakery, which has some of the city’s best pastries. 

Holmen still has a military area that you can walk around during the day. It’s quite picturesque, so I recommend doing so. To get here, you can either cycle or take the 2A bus to Refshaleøen. 

23. Learn About Danish Design at the Design Museum

Brands like HAY and designers like Arne Jacobsen have made Danish design renowned worldwide. The best place to learn about this country’s impressive heritage in this space is the Design Museum. 

The museum has several cool exhibitions, and it also has a nice garden area. Danish Modern is one of its permanent exhibitions, and besides being interesting, it’ll also look cool for your photos. 

You can either buy your tickets at the reception or online. Entry is also included in the Copenhagen Card.

Address: Bredgade 68, 1260 København K

Website: https://designmuseum.dk/en/

24. Visit Copenhagen Contemporary 

I visited Copenhagen Contemporary for the first time in 2025 and cannot believe that it had taken me so long to do so. As the name suggests, it’s a modern art museum; though it used to be located opposite Nyhavn, it has since moved to Refshaleøen. 

You’ll find a number of interesting exhibitions here. When I visited, I got to see an interesting (and wonderfully chaotic) showpiece by the Argentine artist Marta Minujín. Keep an eye out for the events that take place throughout the year, too. 

We bought our tickets at the reception without any problems. 

Address: Refshalevej 173A, 1432 København K

Website: https://copenhagencontemporary.org/en/

25. Unleash Your Inner Child at Tivoli 

Tivoli is one of the best things to do in Copenhagen with kids, but it’s equally as great if you’re visiting without them. This amusement park is open at distinct times throughout the year, and even if you only buy an admission ticket that doesn’t include rides, it’s well worth checking out. 

At Tivoli, you’ll find plenty of places to eat. Moreover, you’ll find live performances and other forms of entertainment throughout the year. If you want to go on the rides, you need a specific ticket that allows you to do so. 

I recommend buying your tickets in advance because it’s popular with locals and tourists. Check before to ensure that your visit coincides with a time when the park is open. 

Address: Vesterbrogade 3, 1630 København V

Website: https://www.tivoli.dk/en

26. Visit Carlsberg Byen 

Carlsberg Byen is another district off the tourist radar, but I think that this will change in the coming years. The neighborhood has undergone significant renovation over the past few years, with plenty of new houses, cafés, and restaurants popping up. 

The area is still under construction, but there are plenty of nice places to wander around. While you’re here, I also recommend visiting Cadence Bakery. Meanwhile, Aurora Ismageri is a great place to get some ice cream. 

Carlsberg Byen has a couple of nice bars, along with SURT, which is a great place for pizza. You can also learn about “probably the greatest beer in the world” at the Carlsberg experience. 

To get here, you can take the train to Carlsberg station. Alternatively, it’s very easy to cycle here from Vesterbro and the city center. 

27. Hiking in Kalvebod Fælled 

Another great outdoorsy adventure awaits in Kalvebod Fælled, a huge nature park on Denmark’s biggest island. I love coming here regardless of the time of year; it feels miles away from the city despite being so easy to reach. 

There are smaller trails if you want to spend less time, but one of my favorite walks is the Amarminoen one that goes to pretty Dragør—which is one of the best day trips from Copenhagen. I’ve done this twice, and I’m sure that I will do it many more times in the future. 

If you want a true nature experience, Kalvebod Fælled has some shelters where you can stay overnight. Besides walking, you can also cycle here—but you should have an appropriate bike since many of the paths are rocky. 

In addition to Kalvebod Fælled, Amager Fælled is another nice nature area (and much smaller).

28. Bakery-Hopping 

Copenhagen and bakeries = name a more iconic duo. This city really knows how to blend butter, dough, and sugar, and you could easily spend a weekend hopping around them (if it wouldn’t make you sick). 

Juno is an all-time classic, and Meyers is also fantastic (especially its cinnamon buns). I used to think that Emmerys wasn’t so great, but I have since changed my mind; they make the best hindbærsnitter (it’s like a raspberry shortbread) in town, in my opinion. 

Other fantastic bakeries are: 

• HART, citywide
• BRØD, Enghave Plads 
• Sankt Peders Bageri, Indre By 
• Andersen Bakery, Islands Brygge 
• Lille Bakery, Holmen
• Kani, Frederiksberg

Many bakeries in Copenhagen have queues outside them on the weekend, and I recommend visiting early to ensure you get what you want. I will, of course, add to this list as I inevitably discover more superb places in the future. 

29. Enjoy Brunch at Mad & Kaffe

In a city known for its great brunch options, Mad & Kaffe stands head and shoulders above the rest. You can choose your own combinations by selecting 3 or 5 small dishes from the menu. Each portion is reasonably sized, so you probably won’t go hungry. 

You’ll find a couple of places in the city, and it doesn’t really matter which one you go to. Book a table in advance, though, because it gets very busy here. 

Addresses:

Amager: Tyrolsgade 6, 2300 Amager Øst

Vesterbro: Sønder Boulevard 68, 1720 København V

Frederiksberg: Godthåbsvej 45, st. th, 2000 Frederiksberg

30. A Communal Dinner at Absalon 

Absalon is where Vesterbro’s community spirit truly comes alive. Every evening, you can enjoy a pretty affordable communal dinner. You’ll pick up the dishes from the front and bring them to the table before taking them back. 

A mixture of locals and tourists come here; the announcements are often in Danish, which is worth keeping in mind. Book at least a few weeks in advance because this place is often full. 

Besides the food, you can get decently priced drinks from the bar. Absalon serves affordable lunch, too.

Address: Sønder Boulevard 73, 1720 København V

Website: https://absaloncph.dk/en/

31. Sample Copenhagen’s Craft Beers 

Copenhagen’s craft beer scene is as good as any city in the world, if not better. Mikkeller is a household name at this point, and you’ll find plenty of bars throughout the city. Besides Warpigs, there’s also a nice Mikkeller pub close to Reffen and another on Stefansgade in Nørrebro. 

However, Mikkeller isn’t the only popular craft beer brand around here. I recommend visiting BRUS, which predominantly serves beers from To Øl. Too Old to Die Young, which has beers from numerous brands, is another fantastic bar (with equally good food). 

ÅBEN is another brewery you should give some time to. You’ll find some in Kødbyen, Carlsberg Byen, and other parts of the city. There’s also one in Aarhus.  

32. Enjoy the Atmosphere at BaneGaarden 

BaneGaarden is a place that not many people who don’t live in Copenhagen know about. It’s a nice courtyard in Sydhavn that’s well off the beaten path; your best option by far is to cycle here. 

At BaneGaarden, you’ll find a handful of shops, drinking establishments, and outdoor seating areas. It’s quite small, so it’s the perfect place to experience the famed Danish hygge. A handful of events take place throughout the year. 

BaneGaarden has a really good bakery and restaurant called Perron, which I also strongly recommend visiting. Their sandwiches are great, the vibe is cozy, and the outdoor seating is nice.

If you do take public transport instead of cycling, take the S train to Sydhavn station. Alternatively, take the bus.

Address: Otto Busses Vej 45, 2450 København SV

Website: https://www.banegaarden.com/

33. Visit Freetown Christiania 

I didn’t think much of Freetown Christiania after I first came here in 2018, to be honest. But having been back since, it’s a lovely part of the city that’s well worth exploring. This former military base was taken over by squatters in 1971 and has its own flag. It’s a wonderful, free-spirited community, with some interesting homes and pleasant nature. 

You aren’t allowed to take photos in some places, but you will see signs where this is the case. The area is nice to cycle through if you’re going to Amager, in addition to walking around. To get here, take the Metro to Christianshavn and walk from there. 

34. Have Your Own Modern Architecture Tour 

Copenhagen’s cute old houses are worth every ounce of attention they get, but you shouldn’t ignore the city’s impressive modern architecture. Most of it seems to work really well within the city. I’ve already spoken about the Black Diamond, and the Opera House is similarly worth checking out. 

Another of my favorites is the Cirkelbroen bridge, which is across the water from the Black Diamond. It’s worth making some time for the Royal Danish Playhouse as well. 

While I don’t think Ørestad is very interesting (and I wouldn’t spend much time exploring the neighborhood), the 8-TALLET building is quite cool.

35. Check Out the Old Houses at Nyboder 

I love how Copenhagen has so many townhouse quarters that feel like independent villages, and Nyboder is the perfect example of this. Wandering around this area is an enjoyable way to spend a few hours. 

If you visit on Sundays, you can visit a small museum between 11:00 and 14:00. Entry costs 20 DKK. To get to these houses, take the train or Metro to Østerport. 

36. Visit the Botanical Garden

The Botanical Garden is yet another example of Copenhagen’s many green spaces. You’ll find several species of plants here, and while the greenhouse requires an admission ticket, you can walk around the external areas for free. 

You’ll find the Botanical Garden close to Nørreport Station. Note that dogs aren’t allowed here, and you also aren’t allowed to cycle around the grounds.

Address: Gothersgade 128, 1123 København K

37. Get a Bolle Med Ost

Bolle med ost, known locally as BMO, translates to “bun with cheese” in English. And… that’s precisely what it is. This simple delicacy powers Copenhageners on weekends and is a much-loved snack. When you’re here, you have to get one. 

BMO typically uses Danish cheese and a generous amount of butter. As you would expect from Copenhagen, each bakery has its own twist. 

My personal favorite is the salt and pepper bun with cheese from Andersen & Maillard. You’ll find a handful of these bakeries throughout the city, and they often sell out quickly, so be sure to visit early. 

Elsewhere, BRØD on Enghave Plads has good offerings in this respect. Again, this bakery is popular, and there’s normally a line outside; be sure to get here early. While you’re getting BMO, you might as well pair it with a sweet treat.

38. Visit the Museum of Copenhagen

When reviewing the Copenhagen Card, I visited the Museum of Copenhagen (Københavns Museum). Having cycled past multiple times, I was happy to finally have the chance to check it out. While smaller than many museums in the city, it was still a great experience. 

The Museum of Copenhagen presents the city’s history very well, with plenty of photos, videos, and text in Danish and English. Besides learning about how Copenhagen became the great city that it is today, you can also learn more about its interesting and diverse population. You’ll quickly see that each neighborhood is distinctly different, which will inevitably encourage you to explore them. The Museum of Copenhagen is very close to the City Hall. While it’s included in the Copenhagen Card, you can also buy individual tickets online.

Address: Stormgade 18, 1555 København K

39. Take a Day Trip to Frederiksborg Castle

Frederiksborg Castle, which is in Hillerød and just 45 minutes from the Danish capital by train, is one of the easiest day trips from Copenhagen and a must for history-lovers. 

I’ve visited Frederiksborg Castle on more than one occasion. After seeing the large garden (which is free and I recommend), I returned to check out the rooms. You need to pay for entry to these, but it’s very much worthwhile. I learned a lot about Danish history throughout the centuries, and you’ll also get to see a number of artworks. 

If you have the Copenhagen Card, you get both free access to the castle and also don’t have to pay for the train. From Hillerød Station, it’s a 15-minute walk to Frederiksborg Slot. 

Address: Frederiksborg Slot 10, 3400 Hillerød

40. Visit the Copenhagen Light Festival

If you happen to be here in late January or the first three weeks of February, the annual Copenhagen Light Festival is well worth seeing. It’s my favorite event of the year. 

The light installations change each year, and you’ll find them dotted throughout Copenhagen. It’s a nice way to spend an evening, and best of all, the exhibitions are completely free. Since February is still pretty dark, it’s a good way to get out of the house (and also nice for photography). 

You can check out the program for the Copenhagen Light Festival on the official site. 

41. Go for a Morning Coffee at Prolog

One of the reasons I moved to Copenhagen in 2020 was for a simpler life, which involved doing small things that I never did in London. I could have, I guess, but I never had the energy to. One of those small things I enjoy doing is going for morning walks on the weekend and finding a nice place for coffee. So far, I’d say that Prolog is up there with the best I’ve found. 

After watching friends buy coffee at Prolog multiple times and looking on like an eager dog waiting for its owner, I decided to finally try it for myself. Even the standard filter coffee is very good, though you’ll also find plenty of other options on the menu. 

Prolog has a handful of locations in Copenhagen. One of those is close to the 25hours Hotel at Papirøen, which is near Nyhavn. You’ll also find one in Kødbyen opposite Hart, plus one in Østerbro. It doesn’t really matter where you go; they’re all good.

Addresses:

Kødbyen: Høkerboderne 16, 1712 København V

Papirøen: Papirøen 87, 1432 København K

Østerbro: Randersgade 45, 2100 København Ø

Website: https://www.prologcoffee.com

Copenhagen Experiences I Recommend Skipping

As promised, I’ll now share some of the Copenhagen experiences I recommend you skip. You can make your own choice, of course, but I don’t think that any of these add much—if anything—to your trip. 

1. The Little Mermaid

Visiting the Little Mermaid was one of my priorities for my first trip to the Danish capital in 2016. All I thought when I got there was… 

“I walked 30 minutes from the city center to see *this*?”

The statue itself isn’t very impressive, if you ask me, and you aren’t missing out on much if you skip it. I’ve walked past so many times and only realized that it’s there because of the tourists swarming around.

Even though the Little Mermaid is free to visit, I still don’t think it’s worth your time. However, the walk along Langelinie is very nice. Make that your priority rather than visiting the statue if you really want to walk this way.

2. Lagkagehuset

I’ve mentioned some of Copenhagen’s best bakeries already in this guide; Juno and Meyers are both fantastic, for example. Lagekagehuset, on the other hand, is what the kids these days would call “mid”. 

Besides its fastelavnsboller and strawberry tarts, I think Lagkagehuset is quite a generic chain bakery. You can literally visit it in the UK or the US (it’s known as Ole & Steen); you’re better off visiting one of the many other bakeries in Copenhagen instead. 

3. Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tours

I think hop-on, hop-off bus tours are a great choice in some cities. Copenhagen, however, is not one of them. The city is great for walking and cycling, but it sucks for driving. You’re going to spend a lot of time in traffic, especially during busy periods.

If you can’t stand for extended periods, fair enough—these tours might be good. Otherwise, though, you’re better off renting a bike, joining a canal tour, taking a free walking tour, or walking around yourself. All of these are much nicer ways to explore Copenhagen, in my opinion.

4. The Instagram Spot at Superkilen

Let me start by saying that the Superkilen park itself is actually quite cool. However, that Instagram spot with the squiggly lines is so painfully overrated.

By all means, visit the park and explore Nørrebro. It’s also a good spot for skating if you’re into that, and it’s a cool place to hang out on a sunny day. But coming here just to take a photo of the same spot as everyone else is pointless IMO. I have listed plenty of other cool photo spots in Copenhagen that are actually worth your time 🙂. 

5. Strøget (Unless You’re Shopping)

I have to go to Strøget once or twice yearly to shop. Every time I come here, I aim to spend as little time as possible. Copenhagen’s main shopping street is exactly that—a shopping street. 

While it’s great to see that people actually use the High Street (I’m from the UK, where they’ve been dying for a while), I also don’t want to spend lots of times among crowds without reason. If you’re coming here to shop, go for it—but otherwise, I recommend going literally anywhere else. 

6. The Part of Istedgade Closest to the Central Station

The area of Istedgade close to Copenhagen Central Station is one of the only seedy parts of this city. To say that it feels trashy would be an understatement.

Don’t let this be your first impression of Copenhagen—I promise this city is as great as it’s made out to be 🙂. 

The part of Istedgade by Enghave Plads, on the other hand, is actually really nice. By all means, spend some time around here; while you’re at it, be sure to visit La Neta for some nice Mexican food.

All the Best Things to Do in Copenhagen in One Place

Copenhagen is a fantastic city to visit year-round, and despite being small, it’s not short on fun things to do. You’ll find a whole range of experiences worth doing regardless of whether this is your first visit or your 10th.

From classics like Nyhavn to a multitude of hidden gems, the Danish capital has something for everyone. Having read this guide, you should now have a better idea of what you’d like to prioritize when you visit.

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