A Perfect Day in Copenhagen: Top Tips and Highlights

Embarking on a journey to Copenhagen is akin to stepping into a delightful introduction to Scandinavia. This enchanting harbor city, once a humble fishing village, has reverberated with the legacies of Vikings, bishops, and royalty. In recent years, its magnetic charm has attracted an ever-growing number of travelers.

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While Copenhagen’s vibrant streets can overflow with tourists during the summer months, my visits—one in spring and another in the fall—revealed a different side. During these shoulder seasons, I relished in the tranquility, scarcely feeling the crowd’s presence.

If you’re eager to soak in the sights, boutiques, and culinary delights of this splendid city, look no further. Here’s a thorough guide to spending a remarkable day in Copenhagen, whether it’s your first jaunt or your fiftieth.

Visit the Little Mermaid Statue

Though often criticized as a tourist trap, Copenhagen’s beloved Little Mermaid statue is a quintessential stop on any itinerary. My fiancé and I strolled through town with coffee in hand, making our way to the sculpture around 9 AM. To our surprise, we found ourselves alone at this iconic site.

While the nearly century-old statue is smaller than its impressive photos might suggest, the enchanting 25-minute walk from downtown to the bronze figure offers breathtaking views of the harbor.

Explore the Tivoli Gardens

Regrettably, the Tivoli Gardens, a unique blend of garden and amusement park, were closed during both of my visits. This vintage amusement park exudes a delightful retro atmosphere, featuring a variety of attractions from thrilling roller coasters to serene ponds adorned with flowers. On select evenings, it becomes a lively concert venue.

If you plan to visit, note that the Tivoli Gardens are open seasonally from April to September, along with special events for Halloween, Christmas, and Easter. Given the sheer number of attractions and the mouthwatering offerings in Tivoli’s food hall, set aside a few hours to fully absorb the park’s charm.

Wander Through Nyhavn Harbour

If colorful buildings and historic fishing boats spring to mind when you picture Copenhagen, you are undoubtedly envisioning Nyhavn Harbour. This popular destination brims with restaurants, quaint coffee shops, and picturesque vistas that truly embody the spirit of the city.

A brisk 15-minute stroll can take you the length of Nyhavn’s canals, though you’ll likely be tempted to pause at one of the inviting outdoor cafés. Despite being a favorite among tourists, the spectacular views make the slightly higher prices worthwhile.

Immerse Yourself in the Art of Freetown Christiania

Home to art galleries, colorful murals, live music venues, and diverse street food, Freetown Christiania stands as an autonomous community of about 800 residents in eastern Copenhagen. Often seen simply as a hippie enclave marked by its liberal drug culture, this unique area is equally rich in artistic expression.

Exploring Christiania generally takes an hour or so; be sure to admire the massive outdoor installations and the tranquil harbor during your visit.

Delve into Danish History at the National Museum of Denmark

Setting aside a few hours for the National Museum of Denmark is highly recommended. Nestled in the heart of the city, the museum showcases fascinating artifacts that span Denmark’s storied past, from prehistoric times to the era of its royals. History enthusiasts should not miss guided tours, such as the “Meet the Vikings” tour, which shines a light on treasures from the Viking Age.

Shop, Dine, and People-Watch on Strøget

No stroll through Copenhagen is complete without a visit to Strøget, Europe’s longest pedestrian street. This vibrant thoroughfare is lined with an eclectic mix of high-end boutiques and affordable shops, from Prada and Louis Vuitton to charming local stores. Quaint cafés and tantalizing eateries are sprinkled throughout this lively .6-mile stretch. Don’t forget to stop by the picturesque Stork Fountain.

Stroll Through the Botanical Garden

During my second trip, I was fortunate enough to discover the Botanical Garden, a tranquil gem that has welcomed visitors since 1870. This idyllic location boasts 27 glasshouses, including the grand main house established in 1874.

My fiancé and I found solace in the serene surroundings as we admired over 13,000 plant species, including 600 distinctive Danish varieties. The recent addition of a butterfly house is not to be missed!

Tour the Christiansborg Palace

To gain insight into the lives of Denmark’s royal family, a visit to Christiansborg Palace is essential. Parts of this prestigious palace continue to serve the royal family, allowing visitors to explore significant areas such as the Great Hall, home to the Queen’s tapestries, and the Throne Room, where royal announcements are made. Plan on dedicating two to three hours for your tour, and take advantage of the complimentary guided tours included with your ticket.

Ascend the Tower of the Church of Our Saviour

The Church of Our Saviour is one of Copenhagen’s most frequented houses of worship, primarily for its tower that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city. The climb is undeniably challenging, both physically and mentally. As someone who harbors a fear of heights, I found the last segment—where climbers ascend the exterior of the spire—particularly daunting. I managed to scale about halfway up before retreating!

If heights don’t daunt you, allow 30 to 45 minutes for the climb. Should you prefer a more grounded experience, there’s a viewing deck at three-quarters of the way up, delivering almost the same stunning vistas without the anxiety of a steep fall.

Discover the Rosenborg Castle

The Rosenborg Castle is undeniably one of Copenhagen’s most breathtaking landmarks, both inside and out. Surrounding the castle, you’ll find lush gardens and a picturesque rose garden, perfect for a leisurely break. Inside, the palace—built by King Christian IV in the 1600s—offers a deep dive into Danish history, showcasing royal chambers, an impressive collection of Venetian glass, the crown jewels, and the coronation throne. Expect to spend at least three hours here, though avid history buffs may want to linger even longer.

Rent a Bicycle

What continually impresses me about Copenhagen is the locals’ commitment to biking. Instead of traditional parking lots, expansive bicycle parking areas rule the landscape, and during rush hour, the streets are filled with cyclists rather than cars.

Renting a bike in Copenhagen is an essential part of any visit, offering an effortless way to navigate the city. With dedicated bike lanes and considerate drivers, cycling is both safe and enjoyable. You can either embark on a self-guided bike adventure or join a guided tour, delving into the city’s architecture, history, and culture along the way.

Savor the Culinary Scene in Copenhagen

Given its coastal location, it’s no surprise that Copenhagen is a haven for seafood aficionados. Yet the offerings here are anything but ordinary. A must-try dish is the herring, and my personal favorite spot for this delicacy is Nyhavns Faergekro. Their herring buffet, featuring 13 different varieties, provides a flavorful introduction to this Danish staple. The restaurant also offers another local treasure, the sourdough bread, which comes piled high with toppings like smoked salmon, cold cuts, and, of course, herring!

Copenhagen’s culinary landscape extends beyond seafood; don’t overlook the beloved rød pølse, a local hot dog available at bustling stands throughout the city.

After a day filled with exploration, few things are more rewarding than unwinding with a local brew. Copenhagen boasts an impressive craft beer scene, and visiting a brewery unveils a less touristy, more authentic side of the city, often found in its residential neighborhoods. I’ve explored numerous breweries, with Norrebro Bryghus and BRUS brewing room—an extension of the popular microbrewery To Øl—standing out among my favorites.

As for souvenirs, one cannot leave Copenhagen without a piece of its iconic blue-and-white porcelain dinnerware. Available at Royal Copenhagen, these sets typically range from $50 to $75. Alternatively, silver jewelry, particularly from the esteemed Georg Jensen brand, is highly sought after.

For those on a budget, Danish wool sweaters or charming items featuring the whimsical pixie elf also make lovely mementos, ranging from ornaments to figurines.

Are you ready to book your flight to Copenhagen? You certainly won’t regret it. Here are a few tips to prepare for your trip, along with advice on navigating the city once you land.