Copenhagen is a fantastic city for a short getaway. It’s easily reached by plane, and if you’re on holiday nearby or doing a road trip through Denmark, a day in Copenhagen is highly recommended. But what should you see when you’re in Copenhagen? What shouldn’t you miss? Here are 15 sights to check out during your city trip to Copenhagen.
rundetaarn
The Rundetaarn (Rundetårn) is one of the most famous sights in Copenhagen. The round tower was built in 1637 as part of the Trinitatis Complex. This complex also includes a library and a church, originally intended for students. The tower, 34.8 metres high, houses the oldest functioning observatory in Europe. Inside the round tower is a 192-metre-long and 4.5-metre-wide spiral ramp. The path circles the hollow core 7.5 times. In the past, the ramp led all the way to the observatory, but nowadays, the final section is climbed via a spiral staircase. From the top, you’ll get a beautiful view over Copenhagen. Definitely worth those last few steps!
Torvehallerne
At Torvehallerne, food lovers are in for a treat. Torvehallerne is somewhat comparable to the Markthal in Rotterdam. Locals shop here for their groceries, which is why they often refer to it as a food market. Want to grab something tasty on the spot? There are plenty of options and choices to enjoy.
I ILLUM rooftop
Another great place to eat is on top of the I ILLUM shopping mall. At I ILLUM rooftop, you can drop by between 10:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. for tea, coffee, lunch, drinks or dinner at one of the trendy food corners. The menu includes seafood specialties, freshly made pastas, pizzas, and even paleo dishes. You can also stop by for takeaway.
Broens Gadekøkken
When the weather is nice, Broens Gadekøkken is the place to be. From Nyhavn, it’s just a short walk across the Inderhavnsbroen to this fun street food spot in Copenhagen. Burgers, fish, the tastiest wraps and fresh fries: you’ll find it all here. There’s a wide range of kitchens to choose from, so there’s something for everyone, whether you’re into Scandinavian, British or Thai dishes!
The warehouses of Strandgade
When you leave the Broens Gadekøkken area, you’ll find yourself on Strandgade. Here you’ll see countless old warehouses, many of which have already been renovated. These restored buildings now house apartment complexes, restaurants, offices and shops. It’s great to see how the old structures are being revived without losing their charm.
Frederik’s Church
The Danish architect Nicolai Eigtved designed Frederik’s Church in Copenhagen in 1740. During construction, the architect passed away and the French architect Nicolas Henri Jardin took over. However, he was later executed, and the building remained a ruin for no less than 150 years. It wasn’t until the end of the 19th century that the original plans were revived, leading to the church’s public opening in 1894. The dome of the church is impressive. With a diameter of 31 meters, it’s the largest dome in Scandinavia.
Nyhavn
Nyhavn is probably the first place that comes to mind when someone mentions a city trip to Copenhagen. Who doesn’t know the colorful houses along the water, with authentic boats floating in front of them? Personally, I find Nyhavn very crowded and touristy, but if you’re in Copenhagen, it’s still a place you should definitely check out. My tip: take a good look around and then quickly move on across the bridge to Broens Gadekøkken.
Marmorbroen
Marmorbroen, also known as Marble Bridge, is the entrance to the Royal Stables located behind Christiansborg Palace. This little spot has a charming atmosphere; especially when those cute, colorful boats are floating in the water in front of the bridge.
Christiansborg
Christiansborg Palace is used by both the Danish Parliament and the Danish Royal Family. The Danish Supreme Court is also located in the palace and behind it are the Royal Stables. The palace is partly built on the foundation of a fortress that was constructed on this site in 1167. Remnants of this fortress are still visible in the palace’s basement and can be visited.
The Royal Stables are also open for visits. Keep in mind that during the summer months, the horses are out in the countryside and therefore not present in the stables. The buildings also display carriages, bridles and saddles, as well as the stuffed horse Perlen, favorite of Frederick VII.
With the Copenhagen Card, you get free access to various parts of Christiansborg and the Royal Stables.
Nationalmuseet
Across from Marmorbroen is the Nationalmuseet, the largest museum in Denmark. You might not guess it from the photo below, as it shows a side entrance, but this is where you’ll find it. The museum offers a wealth of information about the history and culture of Denmark. It showcases ancient archaeological finds and has exhibitions about the Vikings. With the Copenhagen Card, you get free access to the museum.
Skindergade
Skindergade is a well-known street in Copenhagen. In the 15th century, many leatherworkers were based in this street, which is where the name comes from (skin). Today, it is a shopping street filled with authentic and historic buildings. If you walk through some of the gates here and there, you’ll discover hidden gems, such as the courtyard in the photo below. Even though you are just a few meters away from a busy shopping street, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back a few centuries in time!
Amalienborg changing of the guard
Danish Queen Margrethe II of Denmark resides in Amalienborg, along with her two sons, Frederik and Joachim, and their families. Since 1794, Amalienborg has served as the royal residence. The residence consists of four nearly identical palaces surrounding an octagonal square. One of these buildings houses the Amalienborg Museum. Every day at 12:00, the changing of the guard takes place, with the new guards marching from Rosenborg to Amalienborg. With the Copenhagen Card, you have free access to the Amalienborg Museum.
The Little Mermaid
Since 1913, the Little Mermaid (Den lille Havfrue) has held a spot in the harbor of Copenhagen. For years, it has been one of the city’s top tourist attractions. Especially for Japanese and Chinese visitors, the 1.25-meter-high statue is a must-see, making it a challenge to take a photo of the sculpture without posing tourists in the frame. The statue was created by sculptor Edward Eriksen and represents the main character from Hans Christian Andersen’s famous fairy tale of the same name.
Kongens Have (Rosenborg Castle)
The Rosenborg Castle Gardens (Kongens Have) are visited by more than 3 million people every year. The urban park covers over 16 hectares, and many people come here to exercise or relax. Rosenborg Castle was built in the early 1600s and served as the residence of Danish kings for over a hundred years. Since 1838, Rosenborg Castle has been a cultural-historical museum, showcasing part of the royal collection (Kongernes Samling). With the Copenhagen Card, you get free access to Rosenborg Castle.
Tivoli
In the center of Copenhagen, you’ll find an amusement park: Tivoli. Founded in 1843, Tivoli is one of the oldest amusement parks in the world. The park features a wooden roller coaster from 1914, a steel roller coaster, bumper cars, and many other attractions. A visit to Tivoli is especially magical in the evening. The 82,717 m² park is illuminated by over 115,000 energy-efficient bulbs. If you’re planning to visit Tivoli during your Copenhagen city trip, it’s a good idea to purchase a fast-track ticket online in advance to avoid long waiting times.
Cycling in Copenhagen
Copenhagen isn’t very large, so you can easily visit many attractions on foot. However, if you want to cover more distance and have more time to explore each place, renting a bike is a great option. A guided bike tour is also recommended, as you’ll get plenty of background information at each attraction in Copenhagen. Prefer using public transport? In that case, it’s handy to buy the Copenhagen Card, which gives you access to public transportation as well as 87 attractions, museums and sights in Copenhagen.
