Things to do & places to visit in Copenhagen, Zealand, Denmark

Copenhagen was once a Viking fishing settlement, and you can still find traces of the Norse explorers here. Visit reconstructed villages, the remains of a 1,000-year-old castle, and museums dedicated to the notorious raiders. Copenhagen also features a blend of modern architecture and historical artifacts such as the Round Tower observatory – a wonderful example of 17th-century architecture. Art galleries, narrow streets, canals, parks, and Baroque churches round out the city’s cultural attractions.

Copenhagen municipality in , Denmark. Timezone: Europe/Copenhagen, current date and time: Tuesday, May 14, 2024, 5:53.

Copenhagen Weather Statistics view more »

General weather summary in May

59°F - 46°F

Temperature Highs - Lows

Moderately chilly and breezy

Feels like

22%

Chance of rain

63.0 millimeters

Amount

15.9 mph

Wind speed

75%

Humidity

16.2

Daylight length

5:00 AM

Sunrise

9:12 PM

Sunset

50%

Cloud cover

Jacket

What to wear

Top things to do (26)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

4.5 Nyhavn (29.6k reviews)
- Many nice terraces
Spent 2-3 hours Neighborhoods • Historic Walking Areas • Piers & Boardwalks

Copenhagen's Nyhaven, or "New Harbor," is actually steeped in a long heritage. Colorful buildings line the canal and hint at a history of small-vessel traffic. Like many ports, this strip has a salty history, rich with sailors, drinking and literary exploits. Danish author Hans Christian Andersen made his home in Nyhavn as well. It's cleaned up now and is a lovely place for a stroll. See more..
4.5 Tivoli Gardens (26.5k reviews) from $21.24
- Buy Tix Online
Tuesday: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks • Gardens

More than two dozen rides await you at this world-class amusement park that inspired Walt Disney. Tivoli Gardens, in the very center of Copenhagen, is well-known for its old-world charm, lush gardens, and rides for all ages. You’ll get to watch live concerts and light shows, as well as see the fireworks that take place every week. When hungry, choose between the wide selection of restaurants and food stands, or have a picnic at the gardens. Tivoli Gardens is open during the summer months, as well as for Halloween and Christmas. Visit during the holiday season to catch the park’s lively Christmas market. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 Rosenborg Castle (9.482 reviews)
- One of the most engaging castles in Europe
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Castles

The beautiful 400-year-old castle is situated in central Copenhagen's popular park, The King's Garden. The castle was built by one of the most famous Scandinavian kings, Christian IV. Today, the glory of the past can be experienced through the numerous art treasures of the previous kings and queens. Among the main attractions is the Great Hall with the coronation thrones and three life-size silver lions standing guard. The crown jewels and royal regalia sparkle behind the thick walls of the treasury beneath the castle. See more..
4.5 Rundetårn (7.838 reviews)
- Go when the observatory is open!
Spent 1-2 hours Observation Decks & Towers

The Round Tower Lookout Tower – Observatory – Exhibitions – Concerts.One of the best-known and most popular structures in Denmark, the Round Tower has been a distinctive feature of the Copenhagen skyline since 1642. The Tower once soared far above the rest of the rooftops in the city, and University astronomers studied the stars and planets from the Observatory at the top. The scholars may have forsaken the building a long time ago, but during the winter visitors are still able to gaze at the cosmos from Europe's oldest functioning observatory. The platform that runs around the outside of the Observatory affords views over the old Latin Quarter – from here, you can spot most of the city's famous buildings. The Round Tower does not have an elevator, so visitors have to climb the winding, white-washed Spiral Walk, where kids often hide in the niches, only to jump out shouting “boo!” as adults approach. Halfway up the tower is the entrance to the large and stunningly beautiful Library Hall, which now serves as a popular gallery and concert venue. It hosts several exhibitions a year, and stages concerts almost every week. Above the Library is the Bell Loft, notable for its enormous wooden beams, which were used in the reconstruction of the Tower following the great fire of Copenhagen in 1728. The Loft is also home to a small exhibition of fascinating artefacts from the Tower's history, including Christian IV's wax seal, a tin of medicine produced by Tycho Brahe, and a piece of the bomb that exploded in the Library Hall during the bombardment of Copenhagen in 1807.The Round Tower was built by Christian IV between 1637 and 1642. It was the first part of the Trinitatis Complex, which combined church, library and observatory in a single building. See more..
4.5 Our Saviour's Church (5.736 reviews)
- The best view I ever experienced
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

Opening hours of the tower: Every day, 09:00 - 20:00 until December 31. Opening hours of the church: Every day, 11:00 - 15:30. Please note that the church is closed for sightseeing during services and other activities taking place in the church. See more..
4.5 Christiansborg Slot (4.664 reviews)
- Fantastic view from an historical venue
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Castles • Government Buildings

Christiansborg Palace is situated on the little island of Slotsholmen (Castle Island) which is surrounded by canals in the heart of Denmark's capital, Copenhagen. Denmark has one of the oldest monarchies in the world, and the palace has a long, dramatic history which revolves around the exercise of royal power. Today, Denmark is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system of governance. Under its beautiful copper roof, the palace houses the Danish parliament, the office of the Danish prime minister and the Supreme Court. It is therefore the center for legislative, executive and judicial power in Denmark. The palace also accommodates rooms for the Danish Monarchy. Focusing on the royal part of the palace, Christiansborg Palace is H.M. the Queen's working palace. This is where the Queen holds audiences, signs laws, holds banquets and receptions, celebrates royal anniversaries and receives state visits. It is a working palace where old traditions and the modern Royal Family meet. You will see dazzling halls, adorned with colorful tapestries, vast paintings, patterned floors, glittering chandeliers, and sumptuous stucco ceilings. You can explore The Royal Kitchen and see its two tons of shiny copper kitchenware. You can visit the beautiful palace chapel, stand underneath its dome and let your head spin as you gaze up at the angels in the ceiling décor more than 30 metres above you. In The Royal Stables you'll find the the white royal horses in the wintertime, and in the summertime the exhibition "All the kings' horses" - all year around you can see the Royal Family's array of carriages. One of them is coated with 24-carat gold leaf. You can also explore the underground ruins underneath Christiansborg Palace. These are ruins of earlier castles and palaces showing that the Castle Island is steeped in 800 years of power and political intrigue. See more..
4.5 Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek (4.644 reviews)
- Museum is big !
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Art Museums

NY CARLSBERG GLYPTOTEK - EXPLORE 6000 YEARS OF ART This beautiful museum, founded in 1888, invites you to discover Northern Europe's largest collection of Ancient Mediterranean art and visit the leading collection of French Impressionist paintings in Denmark. The wonderful buildings are filled with atmosphere and every corner offers a new experience. The heart of the museum is the classic 1906 sub-tropical winter garden with tall palm trees, a fountain and a fish pool. The museum was founded by the renowned brewing magnate Carl Jacobsen, who made Carlsberg beer known world wide. Address:Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek,Dantes Plads 7,1556 Copenhagen V See more..
4.5 The National Museum of Denmark (4.565 reviews)
- Went for the Viking exhibition
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • History Museums

The entire history of Denmark comes to life at the National Museum In the National Museum's new, critically acclaimed Viking exhibition "The Raid", you come close to the ancestors who set sail and crossed the open seas to conquer, plunder and trade. Experience the treasures they brought back home from distant shores of the World. In a cinematic total experience, you are invited to join the legendary fleet of Captain Bjorn Ironside as he embarks on a journey to the Mediterranean. You can also hear the stories of the people who stayed back home in Denmark and experience the Vikings' everyday life when they did not engage in voyages or warfare The children can play in the Children's Museum or find and press the Boredom Buttons that enable animals to talk, mummies to mysteriously move and exhibitions to catch fire out of the blue. See more..
4.5 Frederiks Kirke (Marmorkirken) (2.446 reviews)
- A very impressive large circular domed church very much worth visiting
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Churches & Cathedrals

Large marble Baroque church which stood unfinished from 1770 to 1874. It was finally finished in 1894. See more..
4.5 Botanical Garden (2.395 reviews)
- Great place to visit in winter.
Tuesday: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • Natural History Museums • Gardens

The Botanical Garden is a part of the Natural History Museum of Denmark. The Botanical Garden holds the largest collections of living plants in Denmark. If you are interested in botany and gardening or are just looking for an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, the garden is a great place to relax and find inspiration. Year round it is home to a variety of exhibitions and activities, for example the Palm House, the Butterfly House and guided tours. The Botanical Garden are open Tuesday through Sunday from 8:30 AM to 4 PM in the winter, and every day from 8:30 AM to 6 PM from May through September. Visiting the Botanical Garden is free, except for the Palm House where there is an entrance fee. See more..
4.5 Torvehallerne (2.114 reviews)
- Great place to look for souvenirs and food!
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Flea & Street Markets

A great food gem! This market covers 2 or 3 buildings including stalls selling fresh meat, a building selling fresh fruits and vegetables, and lots of other stalls selling pastry, chocolate, seafood, bakery and restaurant quality food stores. We bought Summerbird chocolate inside, drank Danish draft beer and ate sushi for dinner. It closes at 7 in normal days and it’s worth spending some time strolling inside. See more..
4.5 Copenhagen Opera House (1.767 reviews)
- Enjoyed Gounod's Faust
Spent 2-3 hours Operas • Architectural Buildings

We were delighted to spend an evening in the grand modern auditorium that has superb acoustics. We arrived as daylight faded and it looked magnificent lit up at the water's edge. Gounod's Faust was top-rate. With a contemporary setting, music and singing were exemplary. With centre seats in First Balcony’s first row, we had prime views of the stage. To arrive, we took the metro to Kongens Nytorv and then a fine walk along Nyhavn, crossing the Butterfly Bridge and onwards. See more..
4.5 Davids Samling (The David Collection) (1.086 reviews)
- East and West Treasures
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Art Museums

It was grand browsing amongst the extensive works from East and West. Particularly interesting were the sizable exhibitions from the Islamic world, covering many countries of origins. Manuscripts with writings and illuminations are plentiful. Moving to European art we enjoyed an engaging selection from Denmark’s Golden Age plus works from other major origins. See more..
4.5 Frederiksberg Have (984 reviews)
- Fairy tale charming forest
Tuesday: 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM Parks

I have never seen such a combination of natural beauty and human handmade aesthetic approach. The place was marvelous. One forgets to breathe when sees wild geese grazing in couple of meters away from visitors. You could really feel the touch of God’s hand there. See more..
4.5 Kongens Have (658 reviews)
- Lovely Park
Parks

Lovely park, well laid out. Popular with locals for family and friends picnics on a sunny summer day. Pleasant to wander through and enjoy the gardens and peaceful surroundings in the heart of the city. Recommended See more..
4.5 Assistens Cemetery (634 reviews)
- Green spot
Cemeteries

If you want to experience other than the obligatory walk through the pedestrian street or just need a break then visit one of Copenhagen's many beautiful natural areas for example this cemetery. Hans Christian Andersen is buried here, as well as Niels Bohr and Soren Kirkegaard. There are signs directing you to the graves of famous people. Go for a different nature walks, a botanical triptaround the world where you can experience a selection of different types of wood and plants from countries around the World. The cemetery now contains both a park area, a museum section and a functioning cemetery. Copenhageners use it as a park, people come here for walking, jogging, picnicking, and in warm weather you can even sunbathe. It is obviously an integral part of the neighborhood, more like a garden than a cemetery really. See more..
4.5 Det Kgl. Bibliotek (627 reviews)
- Splendid meld of modern and olden
Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Libraries

Nicknamed the "Black Diamond" for its architectural profile, Copenhagen's Royal Library also functions as Denmark's national library and stacks for the University of Copenhagen. The building houses a cafe and bookshop, and hosts exhibitions and concerts. Entry to the library is free; public tours are offered on Saturdays at 3 p.m. for a fee. See more..
4.5 Frederiksberg Slot (483 reviews)
- Most beautiful castle I've seen
Tuesday: Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Military Bases & Facilities

I've been to many castles around Europe and this one really was enchanting. Perhaps it was because I visited on a crisp day with blue skies and snow all around, but I can't stress enough how beautiful it was. With the Copenhagen card (includes entry fee) you can take public transport all the way to Hillerød and it's a short walk to the castle from there. The surrounding lake is stunning and was frozen over when I visited. There's a nice forest walk all around and once you actually enter the castle, there's countless gorgeous rooms full of paintings, decorations and stories. The chapel was probably the highlight, absolutely stunning. You can easily visit this castle and Kronborg on the same day (take 1 hour train from Hillerød to Helsingør), but if you only have time for one then definitely go to this one. I was enchanted the entire time. See more..
4.5 The Open Air Museum (412 reviews)
- An amazing place for all
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Speciality Museums

Experience the historic and atmospheric buildings from different parts of Denmark at The Open Air Museum. You can see impressive and atmospheric buildings, old breeds of domestic animals in the fields and attractive, historic gardens. Take a ride in the horse-drawn carriage and find inspiration in the museum shop. Bring along your family and a picnic basket and enjoy a day at the Open Air Museum. See more..
4.5 Grundtvig Church (Grundtvigs Kirke) (403 reviews)
- Stupendous with Six Million Bricks
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

It’s a remarkable architectural achievement dating from the first half of the twentieth century. Named to honour the renowned polymath, philosopher and educator it sits amongst a residential area. Extraordinarily it is constructed with six million bricks, one for practically every Danish person today. With an interior that is unadorned with overly artistic works, it is a serene and meditative space. We had it almost to ourselves, which highlighted the tranquil nature. See more..
4.5 The Hirschsprung Collection (Den Hirschsprungske Samling) (271 reviews)
- Charming
Tuesday: Art Museums

Closed temporarily due to Covid-19. We will open again 1 April 2020 at 11 AM. The Hirschsprung Collection is beautifully situated in the green parklands of the Ostre Anlaeg on the old ramparts of Copenhagen. The museum houses Heinrich and Pauline Hirschsprung's collection of Danish art and first opened its doors to the public in the summer of 1911. The museum was designed by the architect H.B. Storck, while the original interior and display was designed by the art historian Emil Hannover, who also became the museum's first Director. Henrich Hirschsprung donated his collection of Danish art from the 19th century to the Danish state in 1902. The collection houses masterpieces by the Danish Golden age painters such as C.W. Eckersberg, J.Th. Lundbye and Christen Købke as well as artists from the modern period such as the famous Danish painters P.S. Krøyer, Anna Ancher and Vilhelm Hammershøi. Opening hours: Wednesday-Sunday: 11 AM - 4 PM. Admission: Adults 95 DKK. Under 18 free. See more..
4.0 Stroeget (3.936 reviews)
- Main shopping street of Copenhagen
Neighborhoods • Points of Interest & Landmarks

Well known as one of the longest pedestrianised streets in Europe, Stroeget has all the well known stores as well as independent Danish shops. Yes it can be busy but this is a capital city, it is a lot easier than London’s Regents Street. It is well worth walking the entire length as it leads you to different parts of the city. By the bronze stalk statue you’ll find very clean subterranean public toilets. Many of the walking tours start by the Gammel Strand Metro Station, which is found just off Stroeget. Many other attractions are located close to this street. We went during December so the street was decorated and great smells from the Christmas markets filled the air. See more..
4.0 Amalienborg Museum (2.964 reviews)
- More "recent" Royal history
Tuesday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Architectural Buildings • History Museums

Amalienborg offers two royal experiences that let you get close to royal history through the last 250 years. In Christian VIII’s Palace the museum offers an insight into royal life past and present. You can see the private chambers of former kings and queens and, on most days, there is also admittance to the royal reception rooms (check periods at our website) from the museum. In Christian VII’s Palace you can walk in the footsteps of the royal guests, and be shown round the magnificent rooms where grand festivities are held. You can book a guided tour of Christian VII’s Palace in the ticket office of Christian VIII’s Palace or on our website. Remember that every day at noon you can watch the changing of the The Royal Danish Life Guards. See more..
4.0 National Aquarium Denmark, Den Blå Planet (2.304 reviews)
- Well worth a visit
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Aquariums

National Aquarium Denmark, Den Blå Planet is Northern Europe's largest and most modern aquarium with thousands of animals and seven million liters of water See more..
4.0 Copenhagen City Hall (2.029 reviews)
- Fascinating tour
Spent < 1 hour Architectural Buildings • Monuments & Statues • Government Buildings

I think this site is grossly underrated because few people seem to take the tour. Our guide took us through countless halls and rooms, including the city council chamber, that are not accessible without a tour, and he explained some of the hundreds of symbols represented in the art and architecture. It was an amazing experience that offered a much deeper understanding of the city's culture and history. See more..
4.0 Kastellet (1.957 reviews)
- Birds in the middle of the city!
Tuesday: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Castles

As soon as we walked onto the grounds, we could hear the birds. CPH is a very quiet city, but even so, we heard and saw no wildlife until entering these grounds. Great place for a walk or run. Very peaceful and beautiful. See more..
4.0 Copenhagen Central Station (1.557 reviews)
- Luggage Hold at Copenhagen Central
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings

Writing this review as was worried about where to leave my luggage after check out. There are some third parties like LuggageHero. These are really expensive for long periods and utilise shops/businesses to hold luggage - some of these close at certain times and it’s really confusing. The Luggage hold at the train station is FANTASTIC. I read some reviews and was a bit nervous hence writing this one. There is loads of room, see photos and a really slick (manned) electronic system to store and get a receipt. It’s the best I’ve seen. Makes life easy and the trains are frequency to the airport and take about 12 minutes. Fab. If it’s a little walk from the centre you need to check out the meat packing district. Some amazing BBQ, Oyster/seafood and Pizza restaurants! Greta vibes and energy. See more..
4.0 Gefionspringvandet (1.453 reviews)
- Wonderful creation from legends
Monuments & Statues • Fountains

It was great to see this tremendous dynamic sculptural creation, based on Norse legends of the formation of Zealand. It portrays the Goddess Gefjon driving a group of headstrong oxen that are pulling a plough. It was gifted to the city by the Carlsberg Co on the occasion of their 50th anniversary celebrations in the late 1800s. Work then began on the art piece by the Danish artist Anders Bundgaard. It was inaugurated in mid 1908. See more..
3.5 The Little Mermaid (16.3k reviews)
- Iconic Spot
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues

Born of a fairy tale by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen, the statue incarnation of the Little Mermaid has watched over Copenhagen's harbor since 1913. In 2010, Den Lille Havfrue, as she is known in Danish, left her post to represent Denmark at the World's Fair in Shanghai. See more..
3.5 Christiania (6.930 reviews)
- Cool but scary
Spent More than 3 hours Neighborhoods

This hippy enclave and alternative community in the heart of Copenhagen is home to many artists and artisans. Here, you can wonder at colorful street art all around, and stop by cozy cafes for some top-notch craft beers. Enjoy the area’s bohemian vibes as you hunt for offbeat handicrafts, and go for a walk around the lake or stroll down the infamous Pusher Street—where you’ll be required to put your camera away. During warmer months, this neighborhood is a great spot for some outdoor, waterside fun. Christiania is more welcoming to travelers during the day. – Tripadvisor See more..