Copenhagen is characteristically Danish, with a cool, laid-back atmosphere, a friendly and welcoming community, a vibrant street-life scene and as many bicycles as you can imagine.
Although the capital is distinctly modern, it also retains pride around its heritage and culture, with a nautical vibe reinforced by the gorgeous rainbow of coloured homes at Nyhavn and the masts in the marina rising above the skyline.
The Baltic Travel Company, the experts in Denmark holidays, summarise the best things to see, do and experience during your next city break Copenhagen.
Top Family Attractions in Copenhagen, Denmark
Nothing in Copenhagen feels rushed, and one of the best ways to get around is to hire a bike; you'll fit right in! Otherwise, you can walk between almost every attraction or catch a metro, S-train or waterbus to your next stop-off point. We’d suggest a canal tour as a pleasant introduction to the city, a great way to ensure you are familiar with the different areas before you set off exploring.
Almost everybody in Copenhagen speaks perfect English, so if you get lost or need directions, never hesitate to ask a passerby for some help finding your next destination; Danish people are incredibly friendly and will likely be interested to hear your thoughts about their city.
Tivoli Gardens
Our first recommendation is to visit Tivoli Gardens, with an impressive history stretching back to 1843. The amusement park is a brilliant place for adults and children, and once you see the bright lights of the boulevard, you'll recognise why this was the inspiration for the Disney theme parks.
The gardens wind through lakes and a small village, with rides such as a roller coaster and roundabouts, with shows and entertainment for little ones, and several cafes and restaurants when you decide to take a break for refreshments.
The National Museum of Denmark
Just ten minutes on foot from Tivoli Gardens, and you’ll be right outside the National Museum, with a stunning array of exhibits and displays, including a sun chariot that is over 2,000 years old. Within the museum, you'll be able to see the Prince's Palace, ancient antiquities, artefacts from the Eskimos of Greenland and a fascinating collection of historical silver.
Be sure to take in the Viking exhibitions, the Egyptian mummies and the ancient Greek and Roman coins. Kids can play with interactive, immersive exhibits in the children’s museum next door.
Nyhavn Harbour
The harbour is often featured on souvenirs and postcards and is a unique place with a promenade lined with houses painted in an array of bright, cheerful colours running alongside the canal. Between the properties, you'll find small local shops, family-run cafes, and the anchor memorial at the harbour arm in memory of the Danish sailors who served in World War II.
Catch a boat from Nyhavn, book a sightseeing tour around the harbour, or visit the museum ships, which rest at anchor. Boat trips leave directly from the dock and last around an hour, with tours widely available in English.
The Little Mermaid Statue
Head to Kastellet, just along from Nyhavn, and at the end of the pier you'll find The Little Mermaid, a statue based on the Hans Christian Andersen character crafted from granite and bronze. The statue has been here since 1913 and is a memorable focal point on the Copenhagen waterfront. The position of the statue on the rocks just off the shoreline means you can't walk right up to it, but this emblem of Copenhagen is a key photo opportunity.
Exploring Copenhagen’s History and Culture
Adults visiting Denmark can join walking tours from the city centre, journeying past famous jazz venues, tourist spots, iconic landmarks and architecture that all have a story to tell. If you’re interested in art, history and culture, these are some great suggestions!
Christiansborg Palace
The palace is located on a small island called Slotsholmen (Castle Island), now the place where the Danish government sits, and with over 800 years of historical significance. Today, it houses the Supreme Court and the office of the Prime Minister although much of the building is open to visitors. Built on land previously occupied by the first fortifications of Copenhagen, finished in 1167, the ruins are still standing, including the remains of the mediaeval fortress.
Rosenborg Castle
Once the home to the royal family and then used as a summer home, this castle and all its contents were turned into a public museum in 1838 – the crown jewels are stored in the basement. Originally constructed by Christian IV, the palace is a beautiful example of Danish architecture, and visitors can visit the Knights Hall, see the Coronation Throne, view the Rosenborg Tapestries hung on the walls of the throne room, and walk through the Marble Room.
Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
This museum, established back in 1888, is also a research centre, with over 10,000 pieces on display ranging from French 19th-century sculptures to ancient Greek portraits and displays of the works of famous artists, including Rodin and Gaugin. It's worth setting aside a few hours to soak in all of the exhibitions, and you can take a stroll around the Winter Garden or relax with a coffee and snack in the café.
Retail Therapy in Copenhagen
If you’ve explored all the cultural and artistic sights in Denmark’s capital and have enjoyed the fun and laughter of visiting the kids’ attractions, it may be time to indulge in a little retail therapy and the best that Copenhagen has to offer.
Our tip is to take a walk into Strøget, where a series of roads overlap, with the Town Hall Square at the centre, a beautifully tiled square with an ornate fountain in the middle. There is a mixture of boutiques, independent shops, luxury brand names and cafes, with the largest stores at City Hall Square and tiny shops and restaurants lining the pedestrianised streets.
We hope this shortlist of the best things to see in Copenhagen is a helpful resource as you plan your trip – as a final tip, make sure to stop off on your travels for a glass of Akvavit, a local liquor brewed for hundreds of years from potatoes and grains.
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