Things to do in  Copenhagen

Copenhagen’s waterfront Nyhavn district is one of the city’s most picturesque destinations, featuring a canal lined with brightly painted townhouses and cozy bars, restaurants, and cafés. Cobbled streets, sailboats, and tidy houseboats create a feeling of old-world charm that attracts visitors year round.

One of Denmark’s most beloved icons, the Little Mermaid first appeared in Hans Christian Andersen’s famous fairytale and achieved even wider recognition with Disney’s 1989 animated adaptation. A statue of the character by artist Edvard Eriksen looks out over Copenhagen’s harbor, and is among the city’s most popular tourist attractions.

Opened in 1843 in Copenhagen, Tivoli Gardens is one of the oldest amusement parks in the world, and one of the best-known in Europe—it even served as a model for Disneyland® in the United States. Tivoli offers a lively mix of attractions, gardens, and restaurants, and maintains a traditional feel and quaint charm.

Once the principal residence of Danish monarchs, Christiansborg Palace is now the beating heart of Denmark’s government—home to the country’s parliament, prime minister’s office, and supreme court. Christiansborg is one of Copenhagen’s most iconic landmarks, holding over 800 years of Danish history.

Copenhagen’s Rosenborg Castle (Rosenborg Slot) is a Danish palace built in the early 17th century in the Dutch Renaissance style—typical of Danish buildings of the time—by architectural innovator King Christian IV. Originally the king’s summer home, today the castle contains a museum exhibiting the Royal Collections, impressive heirlooms representing the span of royal Danish culture from the late 16th to 19th centuries.

Amalienborg Palace is the official residence of the Danish royal family, the world’s oldest monarchy. One of Copenhagen’s most beautiful monuments and a popular visitor attraction, the Amalienborg complex contains four stately palaces: Christian VII’s Palace, Frederik VIII’s Palace, Christian IX’s Palace, and Christian VIII’s Palace.

With a futuristic roof canopy jutting out over the harbor, the glass and steel Copenhagen Opera House (Operaen) makes a striking impression. And the building is just as lovely on the inside, with a marble foyer and gold-plated ceiling. Catch a performance there, or simply admire the opera house’s award-winning design.

Christiania is Copenhagen’s most infamous district. A self-proclaimed state, it’s famous for its counter-culture atmosphere and legal cannabis trade. Located in a former military barracks, it draws curious visitors from all around the world.

Built in the 17th century, Copenhagen’s Round Tower (Rundetårn is said to be the oldest functioning observatory in Europe. Although there’s no longer a staff of scientists here, the tower is visited by amateur astronomers at night and tourists looking for great city views during the day.

Immortalized as the setting of Shakespeare’sHamlet, Kronborg Castle is one of Denmark’s top attractions. The fortress casts an imposing silhouette on Øresund (“the Sound”), and its towering Renaissance facade holds more than 400 years of history. From lavish ballrooms to the darkest of dungeons, this castle has it all.

Built in 1625, the Old Stock Exchange is one of Copenhagen’s oldest and most recognizable buildings. Characterized by a green copper roof, the landmark is one of Denmark’s finest examples of Dutch Renaissance architecture. Unfortunately, it’s not open to the public due to its role as the headquarters of the Danish Chamber of Commerce.

Copenhagen’s pentagon-shaped Kastellet (Citadel) is one of the best-preserved fortresses in northern Europe. Built in 1662, the site, although still used for military activities occasionally, functions is now used as a public park. During a walk around the grassy grounds, you’ll find well-preserved barracks, a small chapel, a windmill, and a moat.

Denmark’s National History Museum is housed within Frederiksborg Castle, the largest Renaissance castle in Scandinavia. Spread out over three small islets on Slotssøen (the castle lake), the palatial museum contains more than 500 years of Danish history, illustrated through a vast collection of paintings, furniture, and decorative art.

Spread out over two market halls in the heart of Copenhagen, Torvehallerne Market is the place to go for local and imported produce and gourmet delicacies. Along with around five dozen stalls and vendors selling everything from pastries to oysters, you'll find cute restaurants and cafes serving tasty treats from Denmark and beyond.

An island in Copenhagen’s harbor district, Castle Islet is home to several government buildings, including the Danish Parliament, the Supreme Court, and the National Archives. Many tour groups visit the island to see these landmark buildings.