Things to Visit in Copenhagen: Design, Food, and Harbors
See Copenhagen like a local, from Nyhavn to Norrebro. Covers iconic landmarks, world-class food scene, canal-side neighborhoods, design museums, and the best cycling routes.
The colorful 17th-century waterfront is Copenhagen's most photographed spot. The sunny side (even-numbered houses) has restaurants and bars; the shady side is quieter. Hans Christian Andersen lived at numbers 18, 20, and 67.
See the Little Mermaid statue
The bronze statue at Langelinie pier is smaller than most people expect (just 1.25 meters tall). Go early morning before tour buses arrive. It is a 15-minute walk from the nearest metro station (Osterport).
Tour Christiansborg Palace
Home to the Danish Parliament, Supreme Court, and Royal Reception Rooms all in one building. The tower is free to visit and has the best panoramic view in the city. The Royal Kitchen below the palace is an unexpected highlight.
Climb the free tower for 360-degree city views
Visit the Royal Reception Rooms
Explore Rosenborg Castle and the Crown Jewels
This Renaissance castle houses the Danish Crown Jewels in the basement treasury. The Knight's Hall upstairs has coronation thrones and tapestries. Buy a Copenhagen Card to skip the ticket line; otherwise, book online.
Walk through Tivoli Gardens
One of the world's oldest amusement parks (opened 1843). Entry ticket covers the gardens; rides cost extra or get an unlimited ride pass. The park is magical after dark when thousands of lights switch on. Open mid-April to late September, plus Halloween and Christmas seasons.
Visit the Round Tower (Rundetaarn)
A 17th-century observatory with a unique spiral ramp instead of stairs. The wide ramp was designed so horses could pull equipment to the top. Views from the outdoor platform stretch across the city rooftops. Takes 15-20 minutes.
Neighborhoods and Streets
Wander through Stroget pedestrian street
One of Europe's longest pedestrian shopping streets, stretching 1.1 km from City Hall Square to Kongens Nytorv. A mix of high-end brands and Danish design shops. Duck into the side streets (Pistolstraede, Graabroedretorv) for cafes and smaller boutiques.
Explore Norrebro neighborhood
Copenhagen's most diverse and trendy district. Jaegersborggade street is packed with independent shops, ceramics studios, and natural wine bars in a two-block stretch. The Assistens Cemetery (where Hans Christian Andersen is buried) doubles as a park where locals sunbathe.
Visit Freetown Christiania
This self-proclaimed autonomous neighborhood has existed since 1971. The art, murals, and alternative architecture are genuinely interesting. Photography is restricted in some areas; follow the posted signs. Guided tours run daily and provide important context.
Walk along the Copenhagen harbor and Islands Brygge
The harbor swimming pools at Islands Brygge are free and open in summer (June to September). The water is clean and tested daily. The area around the harbor has some of the best modern architecture in the city.
Cycle through Vesterbro
The Meatpacking District (Kodbyen) has transformed from slaughterhouses to restaurants, galleries, and nightlife. Vesterbrogade street has vintage shops and independent coffee roasters. This is where locals go out on weekends.
Museums and Design
Visit Designmuseum Danmark
Housed in a former hospital, this museum covers Danish and international design from chairs to posters to fashion. The permanent collection is a crash course in why Scandinavian design looks the way it does. The museum shop is one of the best in the city.
Explore the National Museum of Denmark
Free entry. Covers Danish history from the Stone Age to the present, including Viking artifacts and the Sun Chariot. The Victorian-era rooms on the upper floors are preserved exactly as they were. Allow 2-3 hours.
See contemporary art at Louisiana Museum
30 minutes north of the city by train (Humlebaek station). The museum sits on a cliff overlooking the sea, and the sculpture garden alone is worth the trip. World-class rotating exhibitions alongside a strong permanent collection. Plan a half day.
Visit the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
Founded by the Carlsberg brewery heir, this museum has an impressive collection of ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman art plus French Impressionists. The Winter Garden atrium with its palm trees and fountain is a peaceful escape. Free entry on Tuesdays.
Tour the Copenhagen Contemporary art space
Located in a former welding hall on Paper Island (Papiroen). Focuses on large-scale installation art and immersive exhibitions. The building and harbor setting are part of the experience. Check their program before visiting as shows rotate.
Food and Drink
Try smoerrebroed (open-faced sandwiches)
The Danish lunch staple: dense rye bread topped with fish, meat, or vegetables. Traditional places serve them in a specific order (herring first, then meat, then cheese). Portions are smaller than they look, so ordering 2-3 pieces per person is standard.
Visit Torvehallerne food market
Two glass market halls at Israels Plads with 60+ stalls selling everything from fresh oysters to specialty coffee to artisan chocolate. Prices are higher than supermarkets but the quality and variety are unbeatable for lunch or snacking.
Eat a hotdog from a polsevogn (street cart)
The red street carts are a Copenhagen institution. Order a ristet hotdog (grilled) with remoulade, ketchup, mustard, raw and fried onions. It costs around 35-45 DKK and is the best cheap meal in the city.
Try Danish pastries at a local bakery
Danes call them wienerbroed (Vienna bread). The kanelsnegle (cinnamon roll) and spandauer (custard-filled) are the classics. Any neighborhood bakery will be fresher and cheaper than cafes in the tourist center.
Experience New Nordic cuisine
Copenhagen has more than 15 restaurants with one or more stars in major dining guides. Many top restaurants offer a lunch menu at a fraction of the dinner price. Book 2-4 weeks ahead for popular spots; 2-3 months for the most famous ones.
Sample Danish craft beer
The craft beer scene is strong, especially in Vesterbro and Norrebro. Look for taprooms pouring local microbrews. A pint in a bar costs 60-80 DKK; buying from a bottle shop is about half that.
Practical Tips and Getting Around
Rent a bike or use the city bike share
Copenhagen has 400+ km of dedicated bike lanes and cycling is faster than public transport for most trips. The city bike share has electric bikes with built-in GPS tablets. Bike rental shops near Nyhavn charge about 100-150 DKK per day.
Get a Copenhagen Card for museum access
The card covers 80+ attractions, public transport, and the airport train. A 72-hour card pays for itself if you visit 3-4 major attractions per day. Available as a physical card or mobile app. Children under 12 get a discounted companion card.
Take a canal boat tour
Hour-long guided tours leave from Nyhavn and Gammel Strand every 20-30 minutes in summer. You pass the Little Mermaid, Opera House, Black Diamond library, and Christiania from the water. Covered boats run year-round; open boats in summer only.
Visit Reffen street food market (summer only)
An outdoor food market on Refshaleoen island with 50+ stalls serving global street food. Open April to October, Thursday to Sunday. Take the harbor bus (route 991/992) from Nyhavn. Bring cash as some stalls do not accept cards.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need in Copenhagen?
3 days is ideal for the main landmarks, a museum day, and neighborhood exploration. With 4 days, add the Louisiana Museum day trip and a deeper dive into Norrebro or Vesterbro. Weekend trips (2 days) work if you prioritize and move fast.
Is Copenhagen expensive to visit?
Yes, it is one of Europe's priciest cities. A mid-range daily budget is 1,200-1,800 DKK (170-260 USD) for hotel, meals, and attractions. Save money with the Copenhagen Card (covers 80+ attractions and transport), free museums on certain days, and street food over restaurants.
Is the Copenhagen Card worth buying?
If you plan to visit 3+ paid attractions per day, yes. The 72-hour card costs around 799 DKK and covers admission to Tivoli, Rosenborg Castle, canal tours, and 80+ other attractions plus all public transport. Do the math with your planned itinerary before buying.
Do you need to speak Danish in Copenhagen?
No. English is spoken fluently by nearly everyone in Copenhagen, from shop staff to bus drivers. Menus, signs, and museum exhibits are almost always available in English. Learning a few Danish words (tak for thanks, undskyld for excuse me) is appreciated but never required.