Copenhagen

Copenhagen Travel Guide

Hans Christian Andersen's city — a charming Nordic capital with the Nyhavn canal, Tivoli Gardens, and plenty more. The colorful buildings of Nyhavn, the free-spirited Christiania, and the hip cafes of Nørrebro each have their own appeal. Home to the world-renowned Noma restaurant, Copenhagen is a culinary capital and a cycling paradise that showcases eco-friendly urban living.

Essential Copenhagen Travel Info

Must-Visit Places in Copenhagen

★ 4.7

Nyhavn

Created in the 17th century, Nyhavn is Copenhagen's signature canal street, with colorful 17th- and 18th-century townhouses lining both banks. Hans Christian Andersen lived for many years at number 67, where a commemorative plaque now marks his home. Grab a beer at one of the canal-side terraces or hop on a canal cruise from here. It's Copenhagen's most photographed spot, and a Christmas market takes over in winter. Free to visit. 3-minute walk from Metro M1/M2 Kongens Nytorv station.

HoursOpen 24 hours (restaurants typically 11:00-23:00).

LocationNyhavn, Copenhagen

TipsThe sun-drenched even-numbered side is the most popular for cafe terraces. Canal cruises depart from here and cover Copenhagen's main sights.

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★ 4.5

Tivoli Gardens

Opened in 1843, Tivoli is the world's second-oldest amusement park and famously inspired Walt Disney's Disneyland. Classic rides, beautiful gardens, restaurants, and concert venues come together right next to Copenhagen Central Station. At night, more than 110,000 lights turn it into a fairy-tale world, and the Halloween and Christmas seasons bring especially popular themed events. Admission about DKK 155 (rides extra). Directly opposite Copenhagen Central Station.

Hours11:00-23:00 (varies by season and day - check the official website).

LocationVesterbro, Copenhagen

TipsFriday nights feature live music. The Christmas season (November-December) brings special decorations and a market.

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★ 4

The Little Mermaid

Donated in 1913 by the son of Carlsberg's founder, this bronze statue based on Andersen's 'The Little Mermaid' is Copenhagen's most iconic landmark. The 1.25m figure sits on a rock in the harbor, and many visitors are surprised by how small she is. Despite repeated vandalism and even theft, she's always been restored, and the waterfront promenade nearby offers lovely harbor views.

HoursOpen 24 hours.

LocationLangelinie, Copenhagen

TipsShe's small, so manage your expectations. Pair the visit with a walk through Kastellet fortress along the waterfront.

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★ 4.2

Freetown Christiania

Founded in 1971 when activists occupied an abandoned military base, Christiania is a self-governing community of around 900 residents who live by their own rules. It's a one-of-a-kind enclave of graffiti art, eco-architecture, organic restaurants, and live music venues, with the main street lined with handmade crafts and organic food. Controversial within Denmark, it nonetheless attracts global interest as a laboratory for alternative living.

HoursOpen 24 hours (shops and restaurants typically 10:00-22:00).

LocationChristianshavn, Copenhagen

TipsNo photography on the main thoroughfare, Pusher Street. Weekend afternoons are best for catching live music.

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★ 4.6

Rosenborg Castle

Built in 1606 by Christian IV as a summer residence, this Renaissance castle is famous for housing the Danish crown jewels. Twenty-four exhibition rooms display royal furniture, tapestries, and art from the 17th-19th centuries, with the underground treasury showcasing the royal crowns, scepters, and swords as the highlight. The surrounding King's Garden (Kongens Have) is a beloved Copenhagen retreat, packed with picnickers and sunbathers in summer. Admission about DKK 125. 5-minute walk from Metro M3 Marmorkirken station.

Hours10:00-17:00 (reduced hours Jan-Apr; closed Mondays in some seasons).

LocationIndre By, Copenhagen

TipsDon't miss Christian IV's crown in the underground treasury. The King's Garden is free and great for a stroll.

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★ 4.4

Strøget

Designated pedestrian-only in 1962, Strøget is one of Europe's longest car-free shopping streets, running about 1.1km from Rådhuspladsen (City Hall Square) to Kongens Nytorv. Danish luxury brands like Royal Copenhagen, Illum, and Georg Jensen mingle with global chains, and street musicians and performers add energy. Illums Bolighus and Danish design shops are essential stops for souvenir shopping. Free to wander. 5-minute walk from Copenhagen Central Station.

HoursPedestrian street open 24 hours (shops typically 10:00-19:00; reduced on Sundays).

LocationIndre By, Copenhagen

TipsBrowse Danish design at Royal Copenhagen and Georg Jensen flagship stores. Charming boutiques hide in the side alleys.

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★ 4.5

Round Tower (Rundetårn)

Built in 1642 by Christian IV as Europe's oldest functioning observatory, this 34.8m round tower has a unique spiral ramp instead of stairs, designed to allow carriages to ride up. Famously, Peter the Great rode up on horseback in 1716. The observation platform at the top offers a 360-degree panorama of Copenhagen's old town with its red roofs and spires. Admission about DKK 40. 5-minute walk from Metro M3 Nørreport station.

Hours10:00-18:00 (until 20:00 May-Sep; until 21:00 Tue-Wed).

LocationIndre By, Copenhagen

TipsThe spiral ramp is about 209m long and easy to walk up. Visit at sunset for a golden view of Copenhagen.

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★ 4.4

Amalienborg Palace

Built in the 1750s in Rococo style, this four-palace complex became the Danish royal family's official residence after the 1794 Christiansborg fire. An equestrian statue of Frederik V stands at the center of the octagonal courtyard, framed by the four palaces. The Royal Museum displays royal costumes, furniture, and artifacts, and the daily noon changing of the Royal Life Guard (Den Kongelige Livgarde) in red uniforms and bearskin hats is a highlight. Museum admission about DKK 125 (courtyard free). 7-minute walk from Metro M3 Marmorkirken station.

HoursMuseum: 10:00-17:00 (closed Mondays; reduced hours Nov-Apr).

LocationFrederiksstaden, Copenhagen

TipsArrive by 11:45 for the noon changing of the guard. A flag flying signals the royal family is in residence.

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★ 4.5

Christiansborg Palace

Located on the islet of Slotsholmen, Christiansborg uniquely houses the Danish Parliament (Folketing), the Prime Minister's Office, and the Supreme Court all at once, while some royal reception rooms are still used for state occasions. Rebuilt in Neo-Baroque style in 1928 after burning down three times, the palace offers separate visits to the Royal Reception Rooms, medieval ruins beneath the palace, the Royal Stables museum, and the Royal Kitchen. The Great Hall, hung with vivid tapestries, is a particular highlight. Reception Rooms admission about DKK 110 (details may change - check before visiting). 10-minute walk from Metro Christianshavn or Nørreport stations.

Hours10:00-17:00 (closed Mondays; hours vary by section).

LocationSlotsholmen, Copenhagen

TipsDon't miss the tapestry-lined Great Hall. The palace tower's free viewing platform offers great views over Copenhagen.

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★ 4.4

Copenhagen Opera House

Designed by architect Henning Larsen and opened in 2005, this is home to the Royal Danish Opera and was famously funded entirely by a donation from the Mærsk McKinney Møller Foundation. Its glass facade seems to float on the water, and the harbor-facing building is especially beautiful at night. Visitors can see the interior via a performance ticket or a pre-booked guided tour; the exterior and waterfront walk are free. Guided tours about DKK 100 (details may change). Free harbor bus (992/993) from Nyhavn, or a 15-minute walk.

HoursGuided tours mainly on weekends (varies with performance schedule - check the website).

LocationHolmen, Copenhagen

TipsThe building is most striking when lit up at night. The view from Amalienborg across the harbor is also excellent.

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★ 4.5

National Museum of Denmark

Housed in a former princely palace built in 1743, this is Denmark's largest cultural history museum, with an extensive collection spanning prehistory to the modern era. Highlights include the Bronze Age Sun Chariot (Solvognen), Viking Age artifacts, and Egyptian, Greek, and Roman antiquities, plus a hands-on children's museum. It's just a few minutes' walk from Strøget. Permanent collection free (special exhibits paid - details may change). 3-minute walk from Metro Gammel Strand station.

Hours10:00-17:00 (closed Mondays).

LocationIndre By, Copenhagen

TipsDon't miss the Bronze Age Sun Chariot gallery. The children's museum corner is great if you're traveling with kids.

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★ 4.6

Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek

Founded in 1897 by Carl Jacobsen, son of Carlsberg's founder, this museum pairs an extensive collection of ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman sculpture with French Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works by Rodin, Gauguin, Degas, and Cézanne. The palm-filled indoor Winter Garden is the museum's signature space, with statues, fountains, and a cafe beneath a glass ceiling. Conveniently close to Tivoli Gardens and Central Station. Admission about DKK 115, free on Tuesdays (details may change).

Hours11:00-17:00 (until 21:00 Tuesdays; closed Mondays).

LocationVesterbro, Copenhagen

TipsTake a coffee break in the Winter Garden. Visit on a free Tuesday for good value.

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★ 4.5

National Gallery of Denmark (SMK)

Denmark's largest national art museum spans 700 years of art history, from Danish Golden Age painting to modern European masters like Matisse and Picasso. The classical 1896 main building connects seamlessly to a modern glass extension, which functions as an open, winter-garden-like space popular as a free rest area. The permanent collection is generally free (special exhibits paid - details may change). Pair the visit with a stroll through the neighboring Østre Anlæg park.

Hours10:00-18:00 (until 20:00 Wednesdays; closed Mondays).

LocationØsterbro, Copenhagen

TipsThe modern glass wing is a great spot to rest. Don't miss the Danish Golden Age painting galleries.

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★ 4.4

Frederik's Church (Marmorkirken)

Design began in the 18th century, but construction stalled for lack of funds and the site sat in ruins for decades until industrialist C.F. Tietgen's donation allowed it to be completed in 1894. Though built of cheaper Norwegian limestone rather than actual marble, it kept the nickname 'the Marble Church.' Its 31m dome, inspired by Rome's Pantheon, is one of Scandinavia's largest church domes. It's a short walk from Amalienborg Palace. Free entry to the church; dome tours cost extra (details may change).

Hours10:00-17:00 (Sundays from 12:00, excluding service times).

LocationFrederiksstaden, Copenhagen

TipsDome tower tours may require advance booking. Combine your visit with nearby Amalienborg Palace.

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★ 4.4

Copenhagen Botanical Garden

First established in 1600 and moved to its current site in 1870, the University of Copenhagen's botanical garden covers about 10 hectares and houses more than 13,000 plant species. Its historic 1874 glasshouse complex is the star attraction — climb the spiral staircase inside the Palm House to look down over the tropical plants and palms. It's an easy walk from Rosenborg Castle and is a beloved quiet retreat for locals as well as visitors. Gardens free; small fee for the glasshouses (details may change).

HoursGardens: 08:30-16:00~18:00 (varies by season); glasshouses: 10:00-15:00.

LocationNørre Campus, Copenhagen

TipsBe sure to climb the Palm House's spiral staircase. Spring, with cherry blossoms and tulips, is especially beautiful.

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★ 4.6

Church of Our Saviour (Vor Frelsers Kirke)

Completed in 1696, this Baroque church is famous for its golden external spiral staircase winding up its 90m spire. Climb all 400 steps (the last 150 on the outside of the tower) to reach a viewing platform overlooking central Copenhagen, Christianshavn, and, on a clear day, Malmö across the strait. Inside, a 1698 pipe organ and an ornate Baroque altar await, and a carillon chimes every hour. The spire climb runs seasonally and may close in high winds. Spire climb about DKK 60; church interior free (details may change).

HoursChurch: 10:00-16:00; spire: seasonal (roughly April-October).

LocationChristianshavn, Copenhagen

TipsIf you're afraid of heights, take care on the final outdoor steps. Check ahead, as the spire closes in strong winds.

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★ 4.3

Assistens Cemetery

Established in 1760 to relieve a burial-space shortage caused by the plague, this cemetery has grown into a tree-shaded, park-like space over the centuries. Danish notables buried here include fairy-tale writer Hans Christian Andersen, philosopher Søren Kierkegaard, and physicist Niels Bohr, and visitors can wander quietly among the headstones. Locals often sunbathe or picnic here in summer, and it's close to Nørrebro's trendy cafe streets. Free to enter.

Hours07:00-22:00 (varies by season).

LocationNørrebro, Copenhagen

TipsLook for Andersen's and Kierkegaard's graves (there's a map at the entrance). Watching locals sunbathe here in summer is its own kind of charm.

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★ 4.5

Kastellet

Completed in 1663, this pentagonal star-shaped fortress remains one of Northern Europe's best-preserved citadels and is still partly used by the Danish military today. Inside its moats and ramparts stand a windmill, a church, the commandant's residence, and old guardhouses, while the broad lawns and paths are a favorite spot for locals to relax. It sits right next to the Little Mermaid statue, making them easy to combine — a full loop around the ramparts takes about 30 minutes. Free to visit.

Hours06:00-22:00 (varies by season).

LocationKastellet, Copenhagen

TipsCombine your visit with a walk to the Little Mermaid statue nearby. Walking along the top of the ramparts offers nice harbor views.

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Things to Do in Copenhagen

Tour

Copenhagen Canal Cruise

1-hour canal tour from Nyhavn covering the Little Mermaid, Opera House, Christiansborg Palace and more. About DKK 105 (EUR 15)

Price About DKK 105 (EUR 15)Duration 1 hour

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Adventure

Copenhagen Bike Tour

Explore Copenhagen like a local on a 3-hour guided bike tour through major sights and hidden neighborhoods. About DKK 350 (EUR 47)

Price About DKK 350 (EUR 47)Duration 3 hours

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Culture

Tivoli Gardens All-Day Pass

Entry + unlimited rides at Tivoli Gardens. Enjoy the fairy-tale atmosphere with 110,000 lights at night. All-day pass about DKK 405 (EUR 55)

Price About DKK 405 (EUR 55, entry + rides)Duration 4-6 hours

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Culture

Torvehallerne Food Market Tour

Tasting tour at Torvehallerne food hall featuring smørrebrød, cheese, pastries, oysters, and more. About DKK 600 (EUR 80)

Price About DKK 600 (EUR 80)Duration 2.5 hours

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Tour

Copenhagen Card

City pass with free entry to 80+ attractions and unlimited public transport. Includes Tivoli, Rosenborg, canal cruise. 24-hr pass about DKK 459 (EUR 62)

Price 24-hr pass about DKK 459 (EUR 62)Duration 24-120 hours

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Adventure

CopenHill Ski Slope

Year-round skiing and hiking on an artificial slope atop a waste-to-energy plant — one of Copenhagen's most unique attractions. 1-hr skiing about DKK 250 (EUR 35)

Price 1-hr skiing about DKK 250 (EUR 35)Duration 1-3 hours

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Must-Try Food in Copenhagen

Smørrebrød

🍱 Traditional

Traditional Danish open-faced sandwiches built on dark rye bread with various toppings. About DKK 60-120 (EUR 9-17) each. Cap Horn in Nyhavn or Aamanns near Torvehallerne are authentic picks.

Danish Pastry

🍰 Dessert

Buttery, flaky pastries that have made Danish baking world-famous. About DKK 30-50 (EUR 4-7). Hart Bageri in Nørrebro or Lagkagehuset downtown serve them fresh.

Danish Hot Dog (Pølse)

🍢 Street Food

A Danish-style hot dog with remoulade sauce and pickles. About DKK 35-50 (EUR 5-7). Grab one from a pølsevogn (hot dog cart) found throughout the city.

Flæskesteg

🍱 Traditional

Danish roast pork with crispy crackling — the centerpiece of a Danish Christmas dinner. About DKK 180-250 (EUR 25-35) per serving. Restaurant Schønnemann or Kronborg in the old town serve authentic versions.

Frikadeller

🍱 Traditional

Danish meatballs made of pork and veal, served with potatoes and gravy. About DKK 100-150 (EUR 14-21) per serving. Enjoy in homely style at traditional Danish eateries downtown.

Kanelsnegle (Cinnamon Roll)

🍰 Dessert

Danish cinnamon snails with a distinctive cardamom note. About DKK 25-40 (EUR 3.5-5.5). Andersen & Maillard or Juno the Bakery in Nørrebro are the most famous.

Smoked Salmon (Røget Laks)

🍱 Traditional

Cold-smoked salmon enjoyed as a smørrebrød topping or on its own — a Danish delicacy. About DKK 120-200 (EUR 17-28) per plate. Recommended at the seafood stalls in Torvehallerne food hall.

Copenhagen Travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Copenhagen?

May-September is ideal, with lively outdoor cafes and festivals in summer. Tivoli's December Christmas season is also charming.

How much does it cost to travel in Copenhagen?

Daily budget around $130-230 (accommodation $70-130, meals $35-55, transport and entry $20-35).

How do I get around in Copenhagen?

About 15 minutes by Metro M2 from Copenhagen Airport to the city. Get around via metro, S-train, and bus - the Copenhagen Card covers transport and many attractions for free. Prepaid SIMs are available at the airport (Lebara, Lycamobile, etc., about DKK 80-150/EUR 11-20 per week). Denmark is nearly cashless — card and mobile payments are the norm. Service is included in restaurant bills; tipping is optional.

Do I need a visa to visit Copenhagen?

Korean passport holders can enter visa-free for up to 90 days under the Schengen Agreement.

Is Copenhagen safe for tourists?

A very safe city, though you should keep an eye on belongings around Central Station and in Christiania.

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