Things to Do in Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen, Denmark's vibrant capital, seamlessly blends fairy-tale charm with cutting-edge design and progressive urban living. This compact Scandinavian metropolis is renowned for its colorful Nyhavn harbor, world-class museums, innovative architecture, and thriving culinary scene that has earned it multiple Michelin stars. The city's commitment to sustainability is evident everywhere, from its extensive bike lanes to green rooftops and carbon-neutral goals. With its hygge-infused culture, Copenhagen offers visitors a perfect balance of historical attractions and modern experiences. The city's walkable size makes it easy to explore royal palaces, contemporary art galleries, and cozy cafés all in one day. From the whimsical Tivoli Gardens to the alternative community of Christiania, Copenhagen presents a unique blend of tradition and rebellion that captivates travelers seeking both comfort and adventure.

Top Things to Do in Copenhagen

Canal Tours

Explore Copenhagen's waterways and see the city from a unique perspective on a guided canal tour. These boat trips take you past iconic sights like the Little Mermaid statue, colorful Nyhavn buildings, and modern architectural marvels while providing historical context and local insights. The relaxing journey offers excellent photo opportunities and covers more ground than walking tours.

Booking Tip: Tours cost around 100-150 DKK and run year-round with heated boats in winter. Book morning tours for better lighting and fewer crowds. Look for operators offering multilingual guides and hop-on-hop-off options for flexibility.

Food Tours

Discover Copenhagen's acclaimed culinary scene through guided food tours that showcase everything from traditional Danish pastries to New Nordic cuisine. These walking tours typically include visits to local markets, artisanal food shops, and restaurants where you can sample smørrebrød, craft beer, and innovative dishes. Many tours also provide insights into Danish food culture and sustainability practices.

Booking Tip: Expect to pay 600-1000 DKK for comprehensive tours including multiple tastings. Book tours that focus on your interests (street food, fine dining, or traditional fare). Morning tours often include fresh pastries while evening tours may feature restaurant visits.

Bike Tours

Experience Copenhagen like a local on a guided bike tour through the city's extensive network of cycle-friendly streets and paths. These tours cover major attractions, hidden neighborhoods, and green spaces while highlighting Copenhagen's bike culture and urban planning. You'll see more sights than on foot while enjoying the fresh air and getting some exercise.

Booking Tip: Tours typically cost 300-500 DKK including bike rental and helmet. Choose tours with small groups (under 15 people) for better interaction with guides. Spring through fall offers the best weather, but winter tours with appropriate gear can be magical.

Castle Day Trips

Visit magnificent royal castles near Copenhagen, including Kronborg Castle (Hamlet's Elsinore) and Frederiksborg Castle with its stunning baroque gardens. These day trips combine Danish royal history with impressive Renaissance and baroque architecture. The castles offer insight into Denmark's monarchical heritage and provide beautiful settings for photography.

Booking Tip: Full-day castle tours cost 800-1200 DKK including transportation and entrance fees. Book tours that visit 2-3 castles for better value. Summer visits offer the best weather for exploring gardens, while winter provides a more intimate atmosphere with fewer crowds.

Walking Tours

Join guided walking tours to discover Copenhagen's rich history, architecture, and culture while exploring different neighborhoods on foot. These tours often cover the old town, royal district, and alternative areas like Christiania, providing context about Danish society, design, and lifestyle. Many tours are themed around specific interests like hygge culture, design, or royal history.

Booking Tip: Free walking tours operate on tips (50-100 DKK suggested), while private tours cost 200-400 DKK per person. Choose tours with licensed guides and small groups for personalized experiences. Book specialized theme tours in advance, especially during peak season.

Getting There

Copenhagen Airport (CPH) is Scandinavia's busiest hub, located just 8km from the city center with direct flights from major global destinations. The efficient Metro M2 line connects the airport to central Copenhagen in just 15 minutes for 36 DKK, while taxis cost around 250-350 DKK. Alternatively, Copenhagen is well-connected by train to other European cities, with direct services from Hamburg, Stockholm, and Oslo, plus the scenic route across the Øresund Bridge from Malmö, Sweden. The city is also accessible by ferry from Oslo and other Nordic ports.

Getting Around

Copenhagen's excellent public transportation system includes metros, buses, and trains, all integrated under the same ticket system with zones determining prices (24-60 DKK for city center travel). However, cycling is the most authentic way to explore the city, with over 400km of bike lanes and numerous rental options including city bikes and e-bikes for 150-300 DKK per day. The compact city center is highly walkable, and many attractions are within a 20-minute walk of each other. For longer distances, the driverless Metro system runs 24/7 and connects major attractions efficiently.

Where to Stay

Indre By (City Center)

Nyhavn and Kongens Nytorv

Vesterbro

Nørrebro

Østerbro

Frederiksberg

Food & Dining

Copenhagen's dining scene ranges from Michelin-starred restaurants pioneering New Nordic cuisine to cozy cafés serving traditional smørrebrød and excellent coffee. The city boasts more Michelin stars than any other Scandinavian city, with restaurants like Noma leading global culinary innovation using local, seasonal ingredients. For budget-friendly options, explore food markets like Torvehallerne for artisanal products and international cuisines, or try traditional Danish pastries at local bakeries. Don't miss experiencing hygge culture in the city's numerous cafés, and be sure to sample local specialties like Danish hot dogs, craft beer from Carlsberg and local microbreweries, and aquavit.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Copenhagen is from May to September when temperatures are mild (15-22°C), daylight extends well into the evening, and outdoor activities are most enjoyable. Summer months offer the warmest weather and numerous festivals, though they're also the busiest and most expensive. Spring (April-May) and early fall (September-October) provide pleasant weather with fewer crowds and better accommodation rates. Winter visits can be magical with Christmas markets and cozy indoor activities, though expect short days, cold weather, and higher heating costs, but also the chance to experience true Danish hygge culture.

Insider Tips

Purchase a Copenhagen Card for free public transport and museum entries, but calculate if it's worthwhile based on your planned activities

Many museums offer free admission on Wednesdays, and several attractions have reduced prices after 4 PM

Embrace bike culture but follow traffic rules strictly - bike lanes are for cyclists only and pedestrians should stay clear to avoid accidents

Things to Do in Copenhagen