Copenhagen is the capital of Denmark and a vibrant city. It’s clean, lush and fresh. The blend of modern living with a rich history is effortless. There is everything from castles to canals and robust street food to a multiplying number of cyclists. But what is Copenhagen known for? Design, sustainability, food, and fairy tales, for sure.

 Here’s a good place to start for the best tourist attractions in Copenhagen or best things to do in Copenhagen Denmark.

Iconic Things To See In Copenhagen

Copenhagen is more than just Denmark’s capital. It’s a city full of stories, landmarks, and photo-worthy corners at every turn.

Must-See Classic: Tivoli Gardens

Copenhagen is rife with tourist attractions. You’ll definitely want to visit its signature attractions and sites. Tivoli Gardens is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Copenhagen. It opened in 1843 and continues to delight visitors with its historic rides, beautiful gardens, musical acts, and fireworks displays. Locals and tourists love Tivoli alike

Picture-Perfect Nyhavn

Another spot you need to visit is Nyhavn, the colourful harbour that looks like a postcard. The buildings are all different colours that line a canal filled with old wooden ships. You can have lunch at one of the many cafes, or take a boat trip around the canals. This is one of the most famous Copenhagen places to visit.

Iconic Landmark: The Little Mermaid

The Little Mermaid statue, based on the beloved fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen, is one of the most symbolic landmarks in Copenhagen. Small as it is, the statue had huge cultural significance and perches gracefully on a rock overlooking the city’s waterfront. It attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world each year.

Royal Sights and Palaces

Copenhagen is also famously royal, much like Ireland’s capital with its castles in Dublin, and here you’ll find a lot of landmarks and sites commemorating the monarchy.”. Amalienborg Palace, the home of the Danish royal family, allows visitors to see the official changing of the guard (a favourite tradition through the ages.) The Christiansborg palace is the place where the Danish Parliament, the Swedish Court and the Prime Minister’s Office are located. Tourists are welcome to ascend up to the palace tower, overlooking the cityscape for a bird’s eye view.

Step into Danish History

Just down the road, Rosenborg Slot is ready to take visitors on an adventure through Denmark’s history. The castle, which was erected during the early 17th century, is the repository of the Danish crown jewels and royal regalia. For a broader look at the country’s past the National Museum of Denmark is an extensive trawl through Danish history, from the Viking Age right up to modern life.

These are some of the most appealing attractions in Copenhagen, some of the city’s landmarks.

Hidden Gems And Off-The-Beaten-Path Experiences

Want to explore a different side of Copenhagen? These unique and lesser-known spots offer fun, art, food, and surprises.

Discover the Counterculture of Freetown Christiania

Copenhagen provides some little-known and quirky attractions that give you an entirely different take on the city. Freetown Christiania is one of them. Christiania is a self-proclaimed autonomous district that’s famous for its counterculture, street art, and improvised housing. It’s a colourful and creative community like no other, and is open to free-spirited travellers.

Experience Urban Innovation at CopenHill

For a trip you won’t forget, visit CopenHill, a waste-to-energy plant like no other. The roof is a ski slope, not to mention a system of hiking trails and climbing walls. Essentially, it’s a cool example of the city providing a combined sustainable, recreational experience.

Taste the World at Reffen Street Food Market

If you’re a real foodie, you can’t miss Reffen Street Food Market. It is in a former industrial space with dozens of food stalls offering a variety of flavours from around the world. Here, you can also experience street food and soak up the creativity that Copenhagen offers.

Go Underground at The Cisterns

Art lovers should venture underground to The Cisterns, which is located under Sondermarken Park in an old water reservoir. This creepy and atmospheric venue has rotating exhibitions. It is a beautiful, and haunting space.

Search for The Forgotten Giants

Another delightful and quirky adventure is hunting down The Forgotten Giants. The Forgotten Giants are a series of giant wooden sculptures tucked away in forests around the city. They were made by artistic carpenter Thomas Dambo. They turn a simple hike into an epic, magical treasure hunt, much like the outdoor escapes you can find while glamping in Ireland.

These quirky attractions are worthy additions to your list of Copenhagen things to do.

Free Things To Do In Copenhagen Denmark

You don’t need a big budget to explore Copenhagen. These free spots let you enjoy the city at no cost.

Enjoy Copenhagen on a Budget

If you’re on a budget, you don’t have to miss the beauty of Copenhagen. There are so many free tourist attractions in Copenhagen. These will expose you to the presence of the city without costing you money. Isn’t that great.

Walk and Window Shop on Strøget

You can start your free tour at Strøget, one of the biggest pedestrian shopping streets in Europe. Many of the world’s popular brands have a store on Strøget. If you have some extra time you can visit the shops. It is also an ideal window shopping experience.

Relax in Nature at Botanical Garden and King’s Garden

If you enjoy nature, be sure to check out the Botanical Garden. It exhibits greenhouses and rare plant species. The nearest garden from the Botanical Garden is the King’s Garden beside Rosenborg Castle. It is a convenient park for picnics.

Swim at Islands Brygge Harbour Bath

If you are touring in the warmer months, you can swim at the Islands Brygge Harbour Bath. It is a public swimming area in the centre of the city.

Explore Street Art in Nørrebro

If you’re looking to take a creative walk, you should check out the Nørrebro neighbourhood. It’s a centre for street art, indie cafes, and local culture. You will find lots of colour and fun shops.

Join Free Events and Festivals

The Copenhagen area also has a variety of free events and festivals. From jazz concerts to outdoor film screenings happen all year round, especially around popular dates like the June Bank Holidays 2025. Always check local calendars for events happening while you’re visiting. All of these experiences are ideal if you are searching for free things to do in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Day Trips From Copenhagen

Your journey from Copenhagen opens up a wider world. Explore nearby destinations with just a short train ride.

Ideal Location for Exploration

And its location is ideal to travel elsewhere in Denmark, and all the way to its neighbour, Sweden. There are number of attractive places that can be reached with a short train ride.

Helsingor and Kronborg Castle

You can continue north to Helsingor, which is the home of Kronborg Castle. It is known as the setting of Shakespeare’s Hamlet and as a UNESCO World Heritage SIte. This is a beautiful castle by the sea.

Hillerod and Frederiksborg Castle

You can journey to Hillerod where you’ll find the stunning Renaissance structure Frederiksborg Castle. It stands close to gardens and lakes, which now occupy the site of the Museum of National History.

Roskilde and the Viking Ship Museum

Another notable destination is Roskilde, where you can find the the Viking Ship Museum. You can look at actual Viking longboats there and learn how they were built and driven.

Quick Trip to Malmo, Sweden

If you want to go out of the country, hop on a train, and in a few minutes you will cross the Oresund Bridge to Malmo, Sweden. It is a fun city with good food, modern architecture, and parks.

These little trips provide additional variety to your list of things to do in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Food In Copenhagen

Copenhagen’s food scene is one of the best ways to experience the city. From classic Danish dishes to modern bites, there’s something for every taste.

Enjoy the Depth of Danish Food Culture

The experience of food culture in Copenhagen is one of the great pleasures of the world. Since New Nordic cuisine arrived in food culture and internationalised, Copenhagen has opened itself up to so many culinary experiences to enjoy. You don’t need to eat at Noma or Geranium to have an amazing time. Casual dining has such a lot to offer.

Traditional Danish Classics

First out is traditional Danish food. Cafes offer lots of smørrebrød, open-faced sandwiches. These range from pickled herring to roast beef, all sitting atop bread.
You could also sample a Danish frikadeller, or meatball, which is also typically served with potatoes and gravy. I would never go to the bakery and leave without a flaky, buttery danish pastry.

Explore Food Markets and Global Bites

For a greater variety of foods, visit Torvehallerne, a market where you can find everything from fresh fish to gourmet chocolate. Ideal to pick up a quick snack.
Reffen, mentioned above, also belongs here. It has plenty of food stalls serving food from around the world in a great harbour-view setting.

 Getting out there and exploring the city’s culinary scene is one of the main appeals of any guide on things to do in Copenhagen.

Getting Around Copenhagen

Copenhagen is one of Europe’s most accessible cities. Even if you are visiting for just a weekend, or longer, you will find that getting around is straightforward and entertaining.The city lends itself to cycling in terms of accessibility, with wide bike lanes and numerous places to rent. You might as well see the city on two wheels.

Public transportation is also fantastic. Buses, trains, and the metro are clean, dependable, and efficient. The metro even runs 24/7.You might want to consider buying a Copenhagen Card. It will give you unlimited public transport and free entry to many attractions. It can help save money and allow you to see more sights.

If you don’t know what to do first in Copenhagen just remember to start off like a local would.

Conclusion

So, what is Copenhagen famous for? Castles, canals, food, architecture and bicycles. There’s so much to enjoy. From tourist attractions in Copenhagen to off the beaten track, there is so much to have fun and do in the city. Whether you are looking for luxury or free things to do in Copenhagen , this city has everything. So pack your bag, plan your travels, and enjoy Denmark’s delightful capital.

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