Looking for the perfect mix of historic buildings, modern architecture, and beautiful attractions?
Copenhagen is the city to be for a city trip. Once you visit, you’ll understand why Denmark ranks among the happiest countries in the world. There’s plenty to see, do, and experience in the Danish capital.
Want to truly get to know the city without stress or preparation? Let a local guide effortlessly lead you during the Copenhagen Highlights Bike Tour. Discover the city’s main spots in a relaxed and fun way while enjoying the stories behind the attractions. This way, you can see the highlights of Copenhagen without worries and miss nothing.
What are the top Copenhagen attractions?
Soak up the atmosphere at the terraces of Nyhavn and go wild in Tivoli amusement park. Enjoy Danish culture and the natural beauty you’ll find there. To give you some inspiration for your city trip, here is a list of the best Copenhagen attractions.
The famous Little Mermaid
What the Eiffel Tower is to Paris and Big Ben is to London, the Little Mermaid statue is to the Danish capital. As the name suggests, the statue is not very large, but it is a major highlight among Copenhagen attractions. It is based on the world-famous fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen. Since 1913, it has stood in the harbor of Copenhagen. Did you know she has two sisters? If you walk north from the statue along Langelinjekaj, you’ll encounter a voluptuous mermaid. Walk a bit further, and you’ll see an abstract version of the Little Mermaid.
Copenhagen Opera House
The opera house in Copenhagen has two different locations, one new and one old. The old opera building was inaugurated in 1748 and is one of the most iconic buildings in the city. Nowadays, few operas are performed there. The new building was opened in 2005 and quickly became one of the most recognized popular spots in the Danish capital. Both have a clear baroque style. This opera house can accommodate up to 1,700 spectators. Are you a fan of opera? Then this is definitely a must-visit.
Tivoli amusement park
Located in the city center, the beautifully landscaped Tivoli amusement park is more than just a theme park: it’s a cultural wonderland in the heart of the city. Opened in 1843, it is the second oldest amusement park in the world. With its mix of rides, performances, and culture, it entertains both adults and children. As darkness falls, the area transforms into a park with illuminated trees and paths, making it the perfect spot for a relaxing evening stroll.
Experience the atmosphere at Nyhavn
One of the most atmospheric Copenhagen attractions is Nyhavn. Although it literally means “new harbor,” the place is far from new. The building at number 9 is the oldest house here, dating back to 1681. This is characteristic of the small harbor: beautifully colored facades of old buildings. Especially on sunny days, this is the hotspot where people come to eat or drink on one of the cozy terraces. If you’re looking for a place to enjoy fresh fish or seafood, you’ll definitely find it here.
Christiansborg
This large palace is located on the island of Slotsholmen and has been the center of political power since the 18th century. The palace has been through quite a lot. It was first built in 1740 and has caught fire three times since.
The palace has been rebuilt several times. The current palace dates back to 1928. Today, it is used for receiving foreign heads of state, state banquets, and other royal events.
When not in use for these purposes, tours are offered. You can book a tour, which lasts 50 minutes.
- Visiting Christiansborg?: Book tickets online
The Copenhagen City Hall
The City Hall is located at Rådhuspladsen square, near the Central Station. The building features a beautiful facade and an incredibly tall tower. You can climb the tower with no less than 300 steps and enjoy a magnificent view. Inside the City Hall, you can tell the time with Jens Olsen’s clock, which shows all 13 time zones and the positions of all the planets.
The Royal Rosenborg Castle
This former royal residence is located in the heart of the city. It is now open to the public and is one of the most visited Copenhagen attractions. In the treasury, you’ll find the crown jewels, including the crown of King Christian IV. Stroll through the decorated rooms such as the Marble Hall and the King’s Hall and feel like a member of the royal family for a moment. Don’t forget to visit the expansive palace gardens with the famous statue of Hans Christian Andersen.
Reaching new heights at Rundetårn
For a splendid view over the old city center, head to the top of the Rundetårn, or Round Tower. As the name suggests, this is a cylindrical tower, but a unique one. There are no stairs inside. In 1716, Tsarina Catherine the Great even had herself driven up in a carriage with six horses. You walk up a 209-meter-long path that spirals 7.5 times, reaching a height of 35 meters. This makes Rundetårn a top contender both figuratively and literally among Copenhagen attractions.
The shopping area Strøget
Strøget is the city’s major shopping area. It encompasses several streets and squares in the center of Copenhagen and stretches between Kongens Nytorv and City Hall Square. The entire area is car-free, so you can only explore it on foot. You’ll find a variety of both large and small brands, as well as local boutiques.
Street performers are everywhere, and in the evenings, the streets and squares are charmingly lit. Even if you’re not into shopping, Strøget is worth a visit. There are plenty of cozy coffee bars and other spots to take a break.
Street food at Reffen
Reffen is a street food market located in an old industrial area in Refshaleøen. The entire area spans about 6000 square meters and features over 50 different chefs who have set up their food stalls at the market. You’ll find all types of eateries, from small food trucks to modern bars. Enjoy a bite and a drink while taking in the view of the city’s harbor.
Discover Copenhagen attractions by bike
The Danish capital is known as the world’s best cycling city. With 350 kilometers of bike paths, you’ll see more cyclists than cars in the center.
There’s no better reason to book the Copenhagen Bike Tour: the highlights. Under the guidance of an experienced guide, you’ll discover the city the way the locals do.
Explore Copenhagen attractions in a fun and fast way. We highly recommend the bike tour if you’re visiting Copenhagen for 1 day. You don’t want to return home only to realize you’ve missed some attractions!
Map overview of Copenhagen attractions
Below you can see the attractions in a map overview.