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We recently visited Copenhagen and it instantly became one of our favourite European cities. It has colourful streets, cosy cafes and is packed with so many things to see and do - whether you’re into culture, viewpoints, photography or shopping.
If you’re planning your own trip, this guide covers all the must-do activities in Copenhagen based on exactly what we did (plus a couple we ran out of time for but should be on your radar)!
1. Visit Nyhavn
This might be an obvious one, but you can't really visit Copenhagen without ending up in Nyhavn at some point. Yes, it’s busy and a bit touristy, but it’s also one of the most colourful, photogenic spots in the city.
We went in the morning before most people were out and it was completely worth it - the street was quiet so it was perfect for taking photos.
Later in the day it gets lively with cafés and outdoor seating, so if you like a bit of atmosphere, that’s a great time to wander through too.
2. Shopping Around the City
Copenhagen is such a fun city to shop in with lots of curated, Scandinavian-design shops that will make you want to buy another suitcase just so you can fill it with things.
We spent a good chunk of time wandering around Strøget and the nearby side streets, popping into small boutiques, homeware stores and Danish shops that you don’t see anywhere else.
One of our favourite homeware stores was the popular Studio Arhoj, they had such beautiful and unique ceramic pieces. Even if you’re not planning to buy much, it’s a nice way to explore the city.
3. Explore the Christmas Markets (if you're visiting in winter)
If you’re in Copenhagen during November or December, the Christmas markets are definitely worth checking out. We wandered through a few of the different markets throughout the city, all full of Christmas lights, gløgg (mulled wine), food stalls and unique gifts.
They're a great place to spend an afternoon or evening when it gets dark and cold, so you can warm up with a glass of gløgg in a cosy atmosphere.
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4. Visit a Museum (or a couple)
Copenhagen has some incredible museums - it was actually quite hard to choose which ones to visit! We highly recommend checking out the National Museum of Denmark, we loved this one and spent hours wandering around.
We also visited the Museum of Copenhagen because it was free to visit on a wednesday, but I'm not sure I would've paid for it.
Some other museums that we didn't visit but look great are the Copenhagen Contemporary, Danish Architecture Center and the Natural History Museum.
Copenhagen also has quite a few fun museums/exhibitions like The Tube, The Happiness Museum or the Museum of Illusions!
5. Rosenborg Castle
Rosenborg Castle might be touristy, but in our opinion it's a must do activity in Copenhagen. From the outside, it's incredibly photogenic and looks like a fairytale castle and inside it's full of royal history, grand rooms, and of course the crown jewels.
We loved wandering through at our own pace and the gardens around it are beautiful too, especially if you visit early before the crowds show up. It’s an easy, enjoyable activity that fits perfectly into a day of exploring central Copenhagen.
6. Christiansborg Tower
If you're looking for one of the best free viewpoints in Copenhagen, its Christiansborg Tower. Located right next to Christiansborg Palace, the tower is free to visit anytime and has an incredible view - you can see all the colourful rooftops, canals and landmarks from up there.
You'll have to queue because you can't pre-book this one, but it moves fairly quickly. If you love getting a feel for a city from above, definitely add this one to your list.
7. The Round Tower (Rundetårn)
The Round Tower is such a simple but fun thing to do in Copenhagen. Instead of stairs, you walk up a long spiral ramp that loops all the way to the viewing platform at the top.
You get beautiful 360-degree views of the city from the top and a nice perspective over the old rooftops and colourful streets.
We'd highly recommend adding this one to your list, as it's such a unique activity to Copenhagen - it's also a great photo spot!
8. Tivoli Gardens
Tivoli Gardens is one of Copenhagen's most iconic attractions and is something you have to do during your visit. Aim to visit in the day though to the evening, so you can experience all the fun rides and attractions it has to offer, and catch the magical lights when it's dark.
Unfortunately, it was closed for Christmas renovations during our visit and opened on our last day. It wasn't worth us paying the entrance fee if we couldn't see it in the dark (the light shows are what it's known for - especially at Christmas!).
They also have a food stall with some of Copenhagen's best cafes and restaurants, so you can grab lunch or dinner without having to leave!
9. Nyboder
Nyboder is a quiet neighbourhood filled with old yellow houses that are incredibly photogenic, it's a great spot to wander around and take photos. If you appreciate calm, pretty corners of a city, you’ll love this one.
If you don't venture this way, you'll find some similar buildings opposite the Danish Architecture Center, which is where we took our photos!
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10. Botanical Gardens
If you're craving a peaceful escape from the city, head to the Botanical Gardens next to the Natural History Museum. We ran out of time to explore this area but it's definitely worth a visit if you find yourself wondering what to do.
You can wander around the beautiful gardens, visit the Palm House and then pay a visit to the museum! The gardens are free but the Palm House and museum require a ticket.
11. CopenHot or Hot Tub Cph (Saunas, Hot Tubs & Ice Dips)
One of the best things to do in Copenhagen (especially in winter) is a sauna, hot tub and ice dip session at one of the city's hot tub spots. One of the most known spots is Copenhot, which has hot tubs, saunas and cold plunge tubs overlooking an old industrial shipyard.
Another spot is Hot Tub Copenhagen, which also features hot tubs, saunas and an ice plunge on the waterfront. It’s such a fun way to experience the Nordic wellness culture, we didn't do it on our trip but we would definitely add it to the list for next time!
12. Copenhill
Copenhill is a spot we only discovered while there and didn't get a chance to visit, but it looks like a unique activity that is well worth doing. It's a modern energy plant with a ski slope on top and the highest climbing wall in the world!
It also has walking and hiking routes, games, tobogganing and a cafe, and not to mention a panoramic view of Copenhagen! It’s a unique mix of nature, architecture and city views all in one place and would make a cool addition to a Copenhagen itinerary.
13. The Little Mermaid Statue & Kastellet
The Little Mermaid is definitely one of Copenhagen’s most famous landmarks and I’ll be honest, it’s small and a bit touristy, but it's worth a quick stop if you’re already heading towards Kastellet or the waterfront.
Kastellet is a historic star-shaped fortress and is actually one of the best preserved fortresses in Northern Europe. You'll find unique red military barracks and offices and beautiful gardens near the water.
We didn't venture over to this part of Copenhagen as we went the wrong way and ran out of time, but it's a great place to wander and combine with a visit to the nearby Nyborder and Design Museum!
14. Canal Cruise
A canal cruise is such a relaxing way to see the city and it gives you a completely different perspective of Copenhagen. It's easy to hop on one from Nyhavn and is great if you're trying to get your bearings on the first day, or if you just want to sit back and enjoy the view.
This was one we skipped at the time, but looking back, it would’ve been the perfect way to give our feet a break and still see the city. Definitely something we’d add to the list next time.
15. Bike City Tour
Copenhagen is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world, so doing a bike tour just makes sense. It was actually something we only realised on our last day when we saw a tour cycling past.
We instantly regretted not joining one - you cover so much more ground than walking, but it still feels slow and relaxed enough to take everything in. It would be such a fun way to explore the city and feel like a local!
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👋 We hope that you found this guide helpful! Before you go - don't forget to read our other Copenhagen travel guides for more tips, suggestions & advice.
