Copenhagen is the capital of Denmark, and usually also often referred as the capital of Scandinavia as well. København, as it is called in Danish is a multi-cultural city with a history that goes way back in time. Thus, there are a lot of things to do in Copenhagen.
Here is something to do for everyone, regardless of age, interest or size of wallet. Here is a list with my top things to do in Copenhagen.
Nyhavn
This is my favourite place in all of Copenhagen thanks to it’s charming houses in different colours, and of course to have a nice beer with a lovely view in the sun. It’s one of the most popular places in town, and a well-known landmark. Make sure not to miss this out, since it’s definitely one of the top things to do in Copenhagen, especially when it’s sunny outside.
Strøget
This is the main street of Copenhagen, and it’s here that you will find some of the best shopping opportunities in all of Scandinavia. To stroll around Strøget is without doubt one of the top things to do in Copenhagen.
Visit a Castle
If you’re a fan of big castles with lush gardens and beautiful architecture, then Copenhagen is the right place to be. Here you will find castles in abundance, just around the city center you will find not one castle, but 4 of them! Amalienborg, Rosenborg castle, Christanborg castle och Frederikborg castle.
Christiania
While it’s an area that belongs to Copenhagen, it’s more like its own society. In Christian you will find lots of people who lives an alternative lifestyle. In Christiania it’s more or less legal to buy and smoke weed. The police is no longer really entering this area, not because it’s dangerous, but simply because it has become something like a Freetown.
Address: Prinsessegade, 1440.
Taste the delicacy called Smørrebrod
One of the national dishes in Denmark is a delicacy called “smørrebrod”, it’s basically a sandwich with different things on it. The tradition is old, and back then when the smørrebrod was invented, the danish made a sandwich with yesterday’s food on it. If you’re interested more in the tradition, let me know, or simply ask a danish while in Denmark. Anyways, to eat a smørrebrod is definitely something to write down on your list with “things to do in Copenhagen”.
Go to a Flea Market
If you’re into haggling and find bargains, you should head to some of the city’s many flea markets. While there are a lot of them in Copenhagen, the two biggest ones are “Remisen”, located outdoors at “Trianglen” in Østerbro area and “den blå hal”, which is situated at Amagerbanen 9 and has a total area of 2000 square meters.
Tivoli Gardens
If you’re travelling with children, you might want to make a stop at the Tivoli Gardens. It’s an amusement park in central Copenhagen, right next to the train station. The park is very old and famous, both in Denmark and the rest of Scandinavia. It offers lots of attractions for different ages, making it a perfect way to have a fun day with the kids.
If you’re coming to town during Christmas, make sure you don’t miss out on the wonderful Christmas market, who is held at the Tivoli Gardens each year. It’s really fabulous.
Address: Vesterbrogade 3, 1630.
Glyptoteket
Here you will find an awesome collection of art and history, ranging from the ancient Egypt to the Roman era and modern era. Glyptoteket has one of the biggest collections in Europe and is well worth a visit if you’re interested in history. Everything is very well displayed and organized.
Address: Dantes Plads 7.
Other things to do in Copenhagen
The Little Mermaid
This place is perhaps one of the most famous attractions in Copenhagen. The sculpture is displayed on a rock by the waterside at the Langelinie promenade. Make a quick stop here and take the “mandatory” photo of the iconic mermaid statue.
Copenhagen Zoo
While it’s fun to meet animals, I would like to urge you to not visit the Copenhagen Zoo. Not because it’s poorly managed, it’s one of the better zoos, but because animals aren’t meant to live inside a cage for human entertainment.
Not one thing in the world can make it acceptable for a company to earn profit from animals. If they were truly about conservation, they would be a volunteer organization and not a profitable company.
Something to think about before going here, please think about the animals instead of your own entertainment.
Address: Roskildevej 32, 2000 Frederiksberg.
National Aquarium Denmark, Den Blå Planet
This is the biggest aquarium in all of Scandinavia and one of the most visited places in Copenhagen, but just like the Zoo, I would like to urge you not to visit it because of the same conditions like the zoo. Keeping marine animals locked up is no better than land animals.
There are far better things to do in Copenhagen rather than visiting a zoo or aquarium.
Address: Jacob Fortlingsvej 1.
Bakken
This historic amusement park was founded as early as 1583. Bakken is great if you’re traveling with kids, and it’s not so far away from Copenhagen. Just take the train to Helsingör and hop off at Klampenborg, then it’s a short walk from there. The journey will take about 20-30 minutes from Copenhagen.
Address: Dyrehavevej 62, 2930 Klampenborg.
Shop antiques
Copenhagen has lots of small shops that sell antiques all over town. Many of them have great antiques to offer, and the prices are usually good (even better if you haggle). They are usually located in the basement and have small stairs leading down from ground level. An antique store is a perfect place to find a nice souvenir to bring home.