17 Places You Must See In Copenhagen – Ultimate First Time Visitors Guide

Welcome to the beautiful capital city of Denmark. When visiting this city for the first time, there are certain places you must see in Copenhagen. This guide will make sure you won’t miss any of them!

Copenhagen will always be one of my favorite cities in the world, the atmosphere here is hyggeligt, and it just feels like home. For those unfamiliar with the word hyggeligt – it only exists in Danish but roughly translates to “cozy”. If you’re coming to Denmark, you should get familiar with this word. Copenhagen has it all: beautifully lined streets of old houses, sea views lining the city, serene parks, and a fantastic up-and-coming urban scene. This post will focus on the places and things you must see in Copenhagen. 

The best time to visit Copenhagen is definitely during the summer. While many European destinations get fantastic weather during the spring, Denmark is not one of those places. Always be prepared for a lot of rain and even more wind! July and August are the driest months here, so you will have the highest chance of a clear sky. Otherwise, visiting during December is also great, with the Christmas atmosphere everywhere. 

As a first-time visitor, there are certain places you simply must see in Copenhagen, before you go looking for the hidden gems. In this guide, I have included 8 must-see places, along with 3 foods/ drinks you must try while visiting, for the ultimate Danish experience. If you want to experience more authentic and local regions here, then I have another guide with all the less-touristy things to do in Copenhagen.

General Tips:

• The currency here is the Danish Krone and 1 euro = roughly 7.5 dkk
• The coffee here is ridiculously expensive (1 latte = 50-60 dkk = ~7.3 euros) 
• A lot of places are completely cash-free, so make sure your credit card works abroad
• Tipping is not a part of the culture nor is it expected, but you can always leave a tip if you really enjoyed the service
• To save money I highly recommend getting the Copenhagen Card which grants you access to 80+ attractions and free public transport! 

This post is all about places you must see in Copenhagen

FAQs about Must-See Places in Copenhagen

What should I see in Copenhagen?

In Copenhagen, you should visit Nyhavn, the iconic harbor with colorful townhouses, and Tivoli Gardens, the third oldest amusement park in the world. In addition, you need to explore the picturesque streets of Strøget, one of Europe’s longest pedestrian streets, and stop by Christiansborg Palace or Rosenborg Castle for a glimpse of Danish royal history. Don’t miss The Little Mermaid statue, Amalienborg Palace to experience some of the most iconic places in the city. I will be going over how to visit all of these spots in my guide!

In addition, I have lots more guides from Copenhagen including local spots and itineraries! You can find links to them all below! 

Read More: Local things to do in Copenhagen

Things to do in Copenhagen in Winter

A Weekend in Copenhagen Itinerary

Is 2 days enough in Copenhagen?

Two days in Copenhagen can be enough to see major sights and enjoy the city’s vibe. If you only have 2 days then dedicate one day to central attractions like Nyhavn, Tivoli Gardens, and Strøget, and the second to exploring Rosenborg Castle, King’s Garden, the Lakes, and neighborhoods like Christianshavn or Nørrebro. While you’ll get a good overview of the city in 2 days I would highly encourage you to spend at least 3-4 days in the city.

As a local, my list of things to do in Copenhagen is around 60+ items long. There is truly so much to do in this beautiful city and it makes me sad that most tourists only focus on the main attractions. That being said, the guide below is exactly focused on these must see places in Copenhagen. In addition, I’ll be adding some local spots in between to ensure that you see even more! You can also check out some of my other guides to include some local stops on your trip as well!

What is Copenhagen best known for?

Copenhagen is best known for its charming canals, cycling culture, and hygge (coziness). It is renowned for its design and architecture, vibrant food scene with numerous Michelin-starred restaurants, and historic landmarks like Tivoli Gardens and The Little Mermaid. The city also stands out for its sustainable and eco-friendly urban planning. Overall, I would say Copenhagen is best known for how liveable the city is, and I am sure you are going to fall in love with it! 

Where to stay in Copenhagen

When planning your weekend getaway to Copenhagen, choosing the right accommodation is key to ensuring a memorable and enjoyable stay. With Copenhagen’s diverse neighborhoods offering unique experiences, it’s essential to select a base that aligns with your interests and preferences. Here are some popular areas to consider for your stay in Copenhagen:

Indre By (Inner City):

Located at the heart of Copenhagen, Indre By is the city’s historic center, boasting charming cobblestone streets, picturesque squares, and iconic landmarks such as the Christiansborg Palace and the Round Tower. This district is perfect for travelers seeking easy access to major attractions, museums, and cultural sites. Indre By also offers a vibrant culinary scene, with a plethora of restaurants, cafes, and bars to explore. My favorite hotel in Copenhagen is located here and is called Manon Les Suites. If you are looking for a beautiful stay then this Bali-style is a must see in Copenhagen!

Vesterbro:

Vesterbro is a trendy and vibrant neighborhood known for its hip atmosphere, diverse nightlife, and creative spirit. Here, you’ll find an array of stylish boutiques, cozy cafes, and trendy bars nestled alongside historic buildings and green spaces. Vesterbro is also home to the popular Meatpacking District, a hub of gastronomic delights and cultural events.

Nørrebro:

Nørrebro is a multicultural and dynamic district brimming with character and charm. Wander along the bustling streets lined with colorful facades, vintage shops, and cozy cafes. Nørrebro is known for its eclectic dining scene, offering everything from traditional Danish cuisine to international flavors. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the vibrant street art and cultural diversity that define this vibrant neighborhood.

Frederiksberg:

For a more tranquil and upscale experience, consider staying in Frederiksberg. This leafy district is renowned for its beautiful parks, elegant streets, and stately mansions. Frederiksberg Gardens, with its lush greenery and serene lakes, provides a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. Enjoy leisurely strolls, charming cafes, and cultural attractions such as the Frederiksberg Palace.

Østerbro:

Located to the northeast of the city center, Østerbro is a residential and family-friendly district known for its relaxed atmosphere and picturesque surroundings. Enjoy leisurely walks along the waterfront promenade, take in panoramic views of the city from the historic Kastellet fortress, and explore the charming streets lined with cafes, boutiques, and green spaces. Østerbro offers a peaceful retreat away from the tourist crowds while still providing easy access to Copenhagen’s main attractions.

11 Places You Must See In Copenhagen

1. Nyhavn 

If this name doesn’t ring a bell, then I am sure you will be able to recognize the photo. If there is one photo that screams Copenhagen, then it’s of these beautiful old-colored houses lining a small canal. Honestly, it is one of the most beautiful areas in Copenhagen, however, due to the number of tourists here, locals will avoid it at all costs. I recommend coming here earlier in the day before it gets extremely busy, so you can enjoy your walk here. This place is a must-see in Copenhagen. 

Even though it looks extremely appealing, I would not recommend sitting in a restaurant here. The menu is overpriced and the service isn’t very good. Instead, grab a beer or a coffee and sit on the edge of the canal on the other side, so you have a free and amazing view of Nyhavn (which means new harbor). 

If you want to take a canal tour, the generic tourist boat leaves from here. It gets pretty crowded so try to come early. While it gets busy, I highly encourage first time visitors to take this tour as it comes wish a guide explaining the layout of the city and the historical buildings you will pass by. If you are interested in the tour, I highly recommend getting the Copenhagen Card to get free entrance to 80+ attractions as this tour is also included. 

Get a Copenhagen Card here! 

Pro tip: Copenhagen doesn’t have a lot of public bathrooms (and definitely not many that are free). At Nyhavn, you can find a free clean bathroom so make sure to stop here before you leave. 😅 

 

2. Strøget

This iconic shopping street used to be the longest pedestrian street in the world at 1.1 km and is today still one of the longer streets in Europe. Here you will find all the big brands as well as some local shops, however, on the main street (Strøget) it will mostly consist of well-known brand names. 

Strøget starts from the city hall and continues down until Kongs Nytorv Square. The city hall is where it begins and thus the more affordable shops such as H&M etc. will be found here. As you walk towards Kongs Nytorv you will reach the more expensive shops such as Tommy Hilfiger and more. 

In addition, I highly recommend taking a stroll on Købmagergade which is a side street located here. On this street, you can find the iconic Runetaarn (The Round Tower) which is worth a climb for views over the city. In this area, you can also find Gråbrødretorv which is a super cute square in the Latin Quarter.

Pro Tip: While strolling around Strøget make sure to stop by the incredible hidden alleys and passageways found here. It’s crazy how these spots immediately transport you to a quiet place in the middle of the busiest street in Copenhagen! My four favorite passageways found here are: Pistolstræde, Kirsten Bernikows Gade, Klostergaarden, and Jorcks Passage. In Kirsten Bernikows Gade and Jorcks Passage (which are both covered), you can find cozy cafes to relax at if it’s raining outside!

3. Kongens Nytorv

Connecting Nyhavn and Strøget, we have the famous square called Kongens Nytorv (which means the king’s new tower). There isn’t much to do here, but it is a pretty square and often a local meeting spot. The famous d’Angletter hotel is located here and you should definitely stop and see this square on your way to Nyhavn. In the summertime the square is filled with flowers, and in the winter it is transformed into a christmas market (and some years even an ice skating rink!).

 

4. Visit the King at Amalienborg

In case you didn’t know, Denmark is a constitutional monarchy. The king is called Frederik X and the monarchy is dearly beloved by the Danes. The royal family is very active in society and every year they hold a Royal Run where they run 10 km in various cities across the country together with the locals. 

Amalienborg is the complex where the royal family resides when in Copenhagen. There are four identical palaces in an octagon shape with guards lining them. If you want to witness the changing of the guards, then it occurs every day at noon. And if you happen to visit Denmark on the 25th of May, don’t go to Amalienborg. It is the king’s birthday and the whole square will be flooded with thousands of adoring Danes. You can read more about the changing of the guards here.

Once at Amalienborg, make sure to check out Amalienborg Have (garden) on the other side of the street. It is a small but charming garden you can sit and relax in for a while. 

5. Visit Frederik’s Church

Also known as Marmorkirke (marble church) among the locals. This church lies just behind the Amalienborg Quarter and is free to enter. It is very impressive and it is one of my favorite architectural buildings in Copenhagen as it looks like it belongs in Rome. Marmorkirke is definitely a must see in Copenhagen!  

6. Tivoli

Tivoli is the main amusement park in Copenhagen and it is actually the third-oldest operating amusement park in the world. Tivoli is great to visit all throughout the year, however, the tickets can get a bit pricy. An entrance ticket to the amusement park (not including rides) costs around 180 DKK, whereas, a ticket including the rides costs around 350 DKK. Although this, visiting the park is a must for any visitor – even if you aren’t interested in the rides. 

Get your entrance ticket here!

There are always events happening in the Tivoli Gardens – especially in the summer, as many concerts are held here. My personal favorite time to visit Tivoli is when they decorate for the holidays. Their Halloween and Christmas decorations are phenomenal and the gardens are truly a winter wonderland in the winter. They also decorate the gardens for Easter but I haven’t seen it during this time yet. If you happen to visit during some of these installations then the Tivoli Gardens are a must see in Copenhagen! 

Pro tip: entrance to Tivoli Gardens is included in the Copenhagen Card! 

7. Den Lille Havefrue 

In English known as “the little mermaid”, this statue is a Danish Icon. However, I, unfortunately, have to warn you that it is not nearly as impressive as it appears to be. Although this, it still has to be on the list of must-sees in Copenhagen. Luckily, it lies along the Langelinie path which runs from around Kastellet (the citadel) along the water into town, so you get a wonderful walk when you visit the sculpture. 

The Little Mermaid statue is based on a fairytale by the Danish author, Hans Christian Andersen. The fairytale was about a mermaid who gave up everything in order to be united with a young, and handsome prince on land. Although it attracts thousands of visitors, the sculpture is quite small and potentially underwhelming. Saying this, I still encourage you to pass by – because no trip to Copenhagen is complete without it. 

 8. Climb up Rundetaarn / Vor Frelsers Kirke

The two best views over Copenhagen can be found at these towers. I have added both in the same category since you may find it unnecessary to visit both, but if you love a good view, they do offer different views over the city. 

Rundetaarn – translated into “the round tower” is the iconic tower most people tend to visit. Conveniently, it is located along a side street off Strøget (on Købmagergade). Entrance to the tower costs 40 DKK for adults (15+) and it includes a visit to an exhibition, as well as of course beautiful views. If you want some more information regarding a visit, click here.  While I personally love Rundetaarn as I came here often as a child many tourists may find it underwhelming. The view is beautiful but closed off with a fence so it is difficult to fully enjoy the views. If you’re looking for incredible views then I have to suggest Vor Frelsers Kirke instead! 

On the other hand, if you like going to ‘lesser known’ places, then Vor Frelsers Kirke – translated into “Our Saviour’s Church” is for you. Located in Chritianshavn, this church is a bit outside the city center. However, Christianshavn is an amazing area (more on that in my other Copenhagen blog post) to walk around in. The entrance is more expensive as adult tickets cost 65 DKK, although it offers an arguably more exciting climbing experience. To get to the top, you must actually climb and spiral staircase located on the exterior of the church. In addition, the view here offers a more panoramic perspective of the city, as well as views over the canal. In addition, if you have the Copenhagen Card then entrance is free – making it an absolute must see in Copenhagen! 

 

9. Try Danish Food 

Wienerbrød:

Possibly the one ‘food’ Denmark is most famous for is the Danish pastry, or as it is called here, “Wienerbrød”. There are bakeries around every corner in this city, open from around 7 AM. Traditionally, Danes eat these pastries on special occasions or on Sundays. Usually, Sunday mornings are spent eating fresh bread rolls called “morgenbrød” (morning bread) with all kinds of spreads, and a few pastries on the side. You can either join this tradition during your visit or simply indulge in a delicious pastry at any time of the day. 

Wienebrød is a big deal here, and there are some specialty bakeries where you can get a fancier pastry that also comes with a larger price tag. If this is your thing, make sure to check out either Hart, Juno the Bakery, Buka Bakery, or Meyers Bageri.

For my fellow vegans, don’t worry, there are also some options for you to enjoy traditional Danish pastries. Det Rene Brød has many vegan options, mostly including traditional pastries, and they are amazing. If you’re staying by Nørreport and you don’t feel like going all the way to one of their stores, there is also Landbageriet with mostly only vegan pastries and even some gluten-free ones. 

Grød:

Porridge is such a loved meal here, that there is a famous cafe dedicated to making the best oatmeal you can find. I have to admit that it really lives up to this saying, and is indeed the best oatmeal I have ever eaten. While the name of this place is called “Grød”, they also make other one-pot meals, such as smoothie bowls, risotto, and daal. 

I highly recommend stopping at one of their cafes at least once to eat breakfast here. You will defintiely feel like a local if you do! 

Smørrebrød:

One of the most famous Danish foods is smørrebrød, which is basically an open face sandwich made to sound fancy. It is traditionally served on rye-bread which us Danes love and eat on a daily basis. Basically anything served on a piece of rye-bread is called smørrebrød but more traditional versions include remoulade and fish fillets, or other varieties of fish. 

I can highly recommend heading to Torvehallerne, an indoor food market in the city center, to try it for yourself. Here you can find a variety of stalls selling smørrebrød for you to try! 

 

10. Check out Glyptoteket

To be completely honest I am not a big fan of museums. However, if there is one museum I think is 1000% worth the visit in Copenhagen, then it is the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek Museum. As you can probably already tell from the photos, my favorite part of the museum is the lush indoor garden. That in itself is seriously a work of art! 

In addition, the museum is filled with amazing sculptures made of marble which are so impressive. I loved exploring this museum and I think a visit here makes for the PERFECT rainy day activity. Entrance costs around 95 DKK for those under 27 which is fairly affordable for Copenhagen. You can buy tickets and find information about the opening times here. Alternatively, if you have the Copenhagen Card then admission is free! 

11. Visit Rosenborg Slot

Did you know that there is a castle in the middle of the city center in Copenhagen?! Rosenborg Slot is a beautiful little castle located close to the famous Strøget shopping street and is a must see in Copenhagen! It is surrounded by a beautiful garden called King’s Garden. The garden is very popular among locals and in the summertime you will always find people sunbathing or playing drinking games here. However, the Rosenborg Castle is the main attraction here and definitely worth a visit during your trip to Copenhagen.

While I have always simply admired it from the outside, if you love history and all things royalty, then you should definitely consider checking out the interiors as well. This is another attraction you get free access to with the Copenhagen Card!

12. Visit Christiansborg

One of the must-do things everyone needs to do in Copenhagen is to visit the Christiansborg Palace. This is where the parliament sits and it is one of the most impressive buildings in the city! In addition, if you happen to have watched the popular Danish TV show “Borgen”, then this is where it was filmed! If you love beautiful interiors then you absolutely must explore the Royal Kitchen and Stables. Exploring Christiansborg Palace is a great way to spend a rainy afternoon, which is quite common in Copenhagen during the winter months. You can book your visit here! 

PS. The entrance to Christiansborg Palace is included in the Copenhagen Card. 

Christianborg Tower

If you don’t want to check out the interiors but love a good view, then make sure to head to the Christiansborg Tower instead. This is a free viewing platform that offers one of the best views of Copenhagen! You need to go through an airport-like security check when visiting but they do allow water bottles etc. In addition, since this is a free attraction, you should expect a line of at least 30 minutes. 

Opening hours are typically from 11:00 – 21:00, but it closes at 17:30 on Sundays. In addition, the tower is always closed on Mondays. If you are interested in visiting, then I highly recommend doing so on a sunny day and arriving as soon as it opens. 

13. Walk around the Lakes

While Copenhagen lies by the open water, there are also five artificial lakes in the heart of Copenhagen, offering a beautiful escape from city life. Although the city surrounds the lakes, you have a path lower by the water which makes you forget about the busy streets around. It is about 7 km around all 5 lakes which makes it a relaxed longer walk to enjoy when the weather is nice. Going through the lakes is “Dronning Louise’s Bro”, it is a very popular spot among locals so don’t be surprised if you see people lining the bridge on a hot day. Feel free to grab a beer and join the crowds, like a real Dane. 

While at the lakes, make sure to stop at “Kaffe Salonen”. Not only do they have a beautiful terrace on the central lake, but they even offer paddle boat rentals. If the weather is good then I highly recommend to rent a swan boat, which costs 110 DKK for 30 minutes. Click here to see their rental options. 

14. Kastellet

Kastellet is the old fortress built to protect Copenhagen from invasion. Although it is still a military base, it is open for visitors and you can walk around the park and through the base. Personally, I think it’s a beautiful green area with beautiful views over the water. However, what I find even more amazing is the fact that all visitors are allowed to enter a fully functioning military base. This is something that you won’t experience in many countries and highlights the level of trust in Denmark. Of course, this will also not be the most confidential base in the country, but it’s still quite amazing that they let both locals and foreigners enter freely. 

While there, make sure to check out St. Alban’s church, one of the only gothic churches in the city. Next to it, you can find the Gefion fountain, which depicts the mythical story of how Zealand was created. Zealand is the island Copenhagen is located on, as Denmark is composed of two main Islands: Zealand and Jutland.

15. Visit Freetown Christiania

While this next spot is more of an alternative location in the heart of Copenhagen, the history and stories of this place make it a must see in Copenhagen! For those who don’t know, Freetown Christiania is a self-governing neighborhood in the center of Copenhagen. Christiania used to be a military base, which was abandoned and hippies who wanted to leave in peace took over. The whole idea here is to live in a community that values peace and love above all and does not believe in government laws.

Christiania has had its fair share of controversy, mostly surrounding the infamous “pusher street”. While visiting this street was considered semi-dangerous and cameras were strictly prohibited, the Danish police has actually closed down their activities. This means that visiting Christiania and even pusher street is no longer considered dangerous. In addition, the locals are trying to restore their reputation as a place for love, piece, and artworks. While visiting you can find numerous art galleries and sculptures all around. Due to the uniqueness of this place, I highly recommend everyone to check Christiania out during their visit.

16. Visit Nordhavn

While there are so many incredible neighborhoods in Copenhagen, if there is one that’s a must-see in my opinion then its Nordhavn. You will naturally be exploring a lot of the central neighborhoods in Copenhagen by visiting the spots above. However, you likely won’t be visiting Nordhavn unless you make a conscious effort to. 

Nordhavn, which means north harbor, is one of the newest neighborhoods in Copenhagen. It is located on the northern edge of Copenhagen and boasts some of the most impressive architecture in the city. While the majority of Copenhagen is filled with old and historic buidlings, Nordhavn has renovated the once industrialized and unattractive harbor into the most modern neighborhood in the city. I personally love visiting Nordhavn as I feel that it encapsulates the best of Danish life by incorporating the ocean, modernity, Scandinavian style, and sustainability all into one place. The best thing to do in Nordhavn is of course to jump into the water and go for a cold bath. Us Danes are not afraid of cold water, and on hot summer days you will find all of the locals cooling off along the canals of the city.

Regardless of the weather, I highly recommend that you bring your swimsuit with you to Copenhagen and go for a swim. This is the land of the Vikings after all 😉. I promise you will have an experience you won’t soon forget! 

17. Drink Craft Beer

Welcome to the land of amazing beer! If you are a fan of good craft beer, then you will love your time in Copenhagen. Not only is there an amazing array of specialty beer in the supermarkets, but Copenhagen is filled with microbreweries. While the beer will not be cheap at these places, it will be well worth the price. 

I recommend looking into going to Mikkeller (several branches), Brus, Nørrebro Bryghus, and Anarkist Bar. You can also find lots of specialty beers at the supermarkets which you can buy cold and enjoy in one of the parks in the city. However, draft beer always tastes better right?

Overall, Copenhagen is a beautiful city that tends to be underrated compared to many other European destinations. There are many beautiful places to visit in Copenhagen and in the surrounding area. With its new rise in popularity, there are certain places you must see in Copenhagen before looking for hidden gems. If you are looking to explore the city like a local, then make sure to check out my other guides as well! 

This post was all about the places you must see in Copenhagen when you are a first-time visitor.