12 Best Things to Do in Copenhagen Denmark
Wandering through Copenhagen’s iconic district, Nyhavn. A harbor area full of colorful classic danish buildings, restaurants, shops, and of course - striking sailboats wandering past.
Few places have as special a place in my heart as Copenhagen, Denmark. It's the city where I tried smørrebrød for the first time, drank my entire bodyweight in beer, and got engaged. So, I may be a bit biased, but I do believe Copenhagen should be very close to the top of the list when thinking about making the trek to Europe. For travelers looking for the top things to do in Copenhagen, this city is truly one of the most iconic destinations in Europe to offer.
This is my complete photo journal of my first visit to Copenhagen. For more on visiting Denmark, check out our guides!
There are several small bridges that cross Nyhavn. On a couple, you may see locks placed there to signify the love of aspiring couples. On one of the bridges, my husband, Michael got down on one knee and asked if I would marry him.
1. Arrive by Train at Gammel Strand Station
We arrived at Gammel Strand Station from our train bound from Stockholm. Stepping out of the station and into the heart of the city, we walked our luggage a short distance down cobblestone streets alongside Tivoli Gardens, the 2nd oldest amusement park in the world and one of Copenhagen's must-see sights. Already, if the crisp air wasn’t enough to greet us like a Danish hug, the smell of fresh baked bread and the sight of café tables full of lunch-ready commuters certified that we had made it to Denmark—ready to start exploring some of the most unique things to do in Copenhagen.
2. Explore Copenhagen’s Nyhavn District
Crossing roads and dodging bikes, we made it to Copenhagen Downtown Hostel, where we’d call home for the next 4 days. After indulging in a beer in the lobby and meeting a few other eager travelers, we decided to head to the most iconic and incredibly envied area of the city, Nyhavn. Even the walk there was full of surprises. Passing through cobblestone streets, and namely, Magstræde Street, we were blown away by the vibe of the city.
Nyhavn itself is a historic 17th-century waterfront that was used as a harbor for boats entering and leaving Copenhagen. The brightly colored buildings lining either side of the harbor truly make the street remarkable and quite iconic. Visiting Nyhavn is considered one of Copenhagen’s top attractions, as its colorful buildings, waterside cafés, and rows of bikes make it the most photographed street in the city. It’s definitely one of the most popular tourist places in Copenhagen, Denmark.
3. Eat at the Top Restaurants in Copenhagen
Even in March, Nyhavn was as busy as ever with many sitting alongside the canal, sharing drinks and enjoying their own picnics. We set our eyes to one of the charming restaurants lining the harbor, Færgekro.
Shedding our layers and taking our seats in a cozy corner of the restaurant, we were welcomed with a buffet of 10 different pickled herring dishes, a variety of schnapps, and classic Danish fare to choose from.
We welcomed the escape from the cold and the opportunity to dive into Danish cuisine for the first time. I particularly took a liking to frikadeller med persillesovs (a classic combination of savory pork meatballs with parsley sauce), delicate and delicious. When looking for the best things to do and see in Copenhagen, dining should be at least near the top of your list. The city is famous not only for its hearty Danish classics like smørrebrød and frikadeller… but also for being home to some of the most innovative and eco-friendly restaurants in the world. This includes multiple Michelin-starred spots, like you may have heard of Noma or Geranium. The city’s food culture is thriving and exploratory, which is why the culinary experiences are consistently rated amongst the top tourist attractions in Copenhagen, giving travelers a delicious way to connect with the city’s roots and its innovative spirit.
Though our introduction focused on the well-known classics, not all of Copenhagen’s dishes are so simple. Over the latter half of the 20th century, Scandinavia has gone through quite a Renaissance when it comes to the diversity and presentation of its national dishes. As Scandinavia's largest metropolitan area, Copenhagen not only boasts some of the greatest and famously sought-after restaurants, but also a huge variety of world-class fare.
— touts not one, but but two Michelin stars, Noma is often booked out many months in advance. Chef Rene Redzepi creates unbelievable dishes presented in 20-course meals. Freshly seasonal foraged ingredients are combined in a one-of-a-kind, almost impossibly genius way. A visit to this world-famous restaurant will be kept as a sweet memory for the rest of your life. Yes, it's quite expensive, and you must make reservations months in advance, but as a food fanatic, this could be the main attraction, the very reason one would travel to Denmark. Dining at Noma is considered one of the top tourist attractions in Copenhagen, as many cite the inventive recipes and just the sheer global reputation it holds as part of what makes it such an unforgettable culinary journey. For foodies, it’s a must-see in Copenhagen.
4. Stay at Copenhagen Downtown Hostel
Retiring back to Copenhagen Downtown Hostel, we were surprised to find that the evening was only beginning for most. We’ve experienced many hostels from our travels, but this one quickly became our favorite. The design of the accommodations promotes building a community centered around good food, good drink, and great company. We ordered a couple of pilsners from the bar and took a seat amongst a welcoming group. As many headed out to explore the nightlife, we decided to join. Of course, we could discuss plans for the next day while experiencing a bit of the city by night. For young adults, a stay at the Downtown Hostel is one of the most fun things to do in Copenhagen, since the property has a way with connecting you with other travelers while being conveniently located close to nightlife. It’s not just lodging, it’s also one of the most social places to visit in Copenhagen, Denmark.
5. Explore with Copenhagen Free Walking Tours
Taking a late start to the day, we decided to join a free walking tour to better orient ourselves to the city center and its history. I will say that I was a little skeptical at first, dedicating some of our precious trip time to a tour that wouldn't cost me a thing. I feared that perhaps the tour guide might be terribly awkward, or it could be some sort of scam. I’d never taken a free walking tour before! I could not have been more wrong, as I was in for a great surprise. Joining one of the free tours is among the top things to do and see in Copenhagen, especially for first time visitors. The tour gives travelers insight into the culture and history, but it’s mixed with humor and tons of positive energy. This is why the free walking tour is so highly recommended and shows up in lists of the top tourist attractions in Copenhagen, Denmark.
The Grand Tour of Copenhagen meets every day in the City Hall Square at 10:30 in the morning. I was impressed with the guide's knowledge of the city and how incredibly entertaining the entire experience was! The tour lasts around 2.5 to 3 hours, and there’s a multitude of sights to explore. A lot of ground is covered in a fantastically comedic format.
6. See Copenhagen by Boat with Copenhagen Canal Tours
We made our way back to Nyhavn to continue touring the city, but this time by boat. From Nyhavn, boat tours take place at 15-minute intervals on most days. The tour offers views of the Copenhagen Opera House, the famous Little Mermaid statue, and sails through the heart of the Christianshavn area whilst viewing some of the city’s architectural wonders. We were surprised by the sheer number of boats parked alongside the city’s maze of canals. Taking a canal tour is one of the top attractions in Copenhagen, because it gives travelers an entirely new perspective of the city’s architecture and waterways. A ride through the canals allows you to visit some of the most scenic places to see in Copenhagen, Denmark.
The streets are less cluttered, the buildings use yellows, reds, oranges, and whites to warm the tone, and the water takes on a deep blue and green hue. By boat, we got an entirely new view of the city, and we really enjoyed marveling at the Gammel Strand waterfront from a distance in the center of the Hønsebroløbet canal.
7. Fall in Love and Get Engaged in Copenhagen
And of course, I couldn't discuss our adventure in Copenhagen without bringing a little attention to the romantic draw of the city. Many consider Paris the most romantic city in Europe, but in a way, Copenhagen has its own flavor. Yes, I'm biased, but it was on one of Nyhavn’s love bridges, covered in locks proclaiming couples’ commitments to one another, that my now husband got down on one knee to propose. Possibly for many couples (and singles), finding romance here is one of the most sought after things to do in Copenhagen, making the city just as memorable as Paris or Rome for engagements. As Nyhavn is one of Copenhagen’s must-see sights, you’ll often spot couples enjoying romantic walks along the canal or kissing over bridges.
Michael told me to stand and pose with him for a photo. As our friends were taking a few shots of us, he dropped down to one knee. I told him to get up off the ground because it was filthy, and then I realized what was happening!
8. Eat at Copenhagen’s Oldest and Most Historic Restaurant
We took our celebration to Restaurant Puk, which we happened upon by chance while looking for a great place to eat after an extremely eventful day. Restaurant Puk is a cozy 18th-century basement venue that is also one of Copenhagen’s oldest and longest-standing operating restaurants. We indulged in a feast of smørrebrød featuring thinly sliced cured beef, horseradish-infused crème fraiche, pickled herring, smoked salmon, and an assortment of other flavorful toppers. For visitors, Restaurant Puk is more than just a nice meal, but it’s an experience that deserves a spot amongst the classic tourist attractions in Copenhagen. If you’re compiling your list of the best places to visit in Copenhagen, Denmark, dining at one of the city’s historic restaurants is a must-do for both the culture and cuisine.
9. Check Out Copenhagen’s Street Food Scene on Papirøen
Though the restaurants are incredible experiences in the city, Copenhagen’s Papirøen, or “Paper Island,” is an adventure in and of itself. This island, across from the Danish Opera House, once stored the paper for the Danish Press Association. Now, it contains an enormous indoor structure filled with food carts and eclectic street food. A short walk from the Old City, the sheer variety of dishes available breaches insanity. Exploring Papirøen’s food market is in my opinion, one of the most fun things to do in Copenhagen, because the market offers such a variety of global flavors, mixed with eclectic local vibes, and some of the city’s most exciting eats. It’s often mentioned in many guides as one of the top tourist places in Copenhagen, Denmark.
We spent an hour walking around, taking in the sights and smells of the food carts. The bars at the front of the complex tempted us with happy-hour specials before dinner. We opted for a smorgasbord of options, sampling small plates from Japanese, Indian, and Mexican roots. Taking a stroll along the waterfront of Papirøen also gave us a great view of the Opera House and Nyhavn from across the water, a gorgeous spot to catch the sunset.pera House and Nyhavn from across the water. It’s a gorgeous spot to catch the sunset, and adds to the romantic zest of city.
10. Get the Best View of Copenhagen from the Oldest Observatory in Europe
Soaking in as much of our last day in Copenhagen, we made it a point to stop by Rundetårn and climb to the top for a panoramic view. Rundetårn is connected to the beautiful 17th-century Trinitatis Church and includes an art gallery midway up to the top. This is the oldest functioning observatory in Europe. It’s no wonder Rundetårn is considered one of the top attractions and a true highlight among the Copenhagen must-see sights, blending history, architecture, and unforgettable views all in one stop.
11. Try the Best Hotdogs in Denmark
As a reward to surviving the climb, we got ourselves a treat from a small but mighty hotdog stand by the name of DØP at the base of Rundetårn. Adorned with crunchy toppings, we fell in love with a favorite snack from childhood all over again. Don’t sleep on a fantastic hotdog! I believe that trying DØP hotdogs is one of the top things to do and see in Copenhagen, because depending on the palette, street food can be just as iconic as its neighboring gourmet Michelin-starred restaurants! For many travelers, they agree, DØP hotdogs is one of the tastiest activities in Copenhagen, Denmark.
12. Take Advantage of the Photography Opportunities in Copenhagen
Lastly, we couldn’t leave without paying homage to the endless photography opportunities around Copenhagen. From the quaint, picturesque street of Magstæd to the lively roads connecting around Strøget, Copenhagen’s shopping district, a walk-about with my camera in hand lent itself as the perfect cap to our time in Denmark. The city has an attitude about it. It can feel so cold and hard at first, but spending time there and meeting the people who call it home brings a warmth that makes me wish I could stay. The lightly colored stones and boldly colored buildings reflect the sunlight off the cobblestone streets, and the people equally there reflect a bit of that light. Whether in the winter, or summer, there’s warmth to be found there alongside surprising flavors, good drink, and whatever great company you may happen upon. Just getting out to explore the streets is one of the most essential things to do in Copenhagen, Denmark, offering an authentic look into the true spirit of the city. It’s also here where you’ll encounter some of the most charming everyday sites in Copenhagen, Denmark, the kind that make the city feel both welcoming and unforgettable.
Copenhagen
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