Having lived in Copenhagen for over four years, I’ve seen this city undergo a remarkable transformation. What was once just a great place to visit in 2016 has blossomed into a truly dynamic, confident capital. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a longer stay, you’re bound to run out of time before you run out of fun things to do. After having visited this city seven times before finally moving, I’ve explored nearly every corner of Copenhagen.
It uncovers 16 insider secrets that locals actually rely on—highlighting authentic experiences, hidden gems, and smart tips on what’s genuinely worth doing in Copenhagen. At the same time, it points out the overrated spots you can confidently skip, helping you save time, avoid tourist traps, and enjoy the city like a true local
The biggest challenge for visitors is narrowing down the musts—there’s so much to see! But, like any local, I also know what to skip to avoid wasting precious time. Scandinavia has plenty to offer, but Copenhagen truly stands out as the place to be. There’s a sense of pride in watching this city become the vibrant, confident hub it is today. Skip the tourist traps and dive deep into the city’s essence to see what makes
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When you’re in Copenhagen, visiting Tivoli Gardens is a must. This beautiful garden and amusement park in the heart of the city is truly worth your time and money. Whether you’re just looking to stroll around the garden or go on the thrilling rides, there are plenty of options. You can easily book your tickets online before you go, making it even more convenient. If you visit during winter, Tivoli becomes a magical Christmas wonderland, but even in the summer, the park is a popular destination.
Don’t be surprised if you end up staying longer than planned; there are great restaurants, bars, and street-food options that will keep you busy. For those who want to skip the long queues, the skip-the-line ticket is a good option. If you have the Copenhagen Card, your entry is already covered. Tivoli is not just for tourists, it holds fond memories for many Danes, having visited it as children, and it’s one of the top things to do in the city.
If you’re in Copenhagen and have an interest in the Danish royal family, a visit to Amalienborg Castle is a must. It’s the home of Denmark’s monarch, Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II, and a significant landmark in the centre of the city.
While you’re there, don’t miss the chance to witness the changing of the guard by the Queen’s Guards at 12, though it’s not as spectacular as the one in London. The castle square is surrounded by the four royal mansions: Christian VII, Christian VIII, Christian IX, and Frederik VIII. Inside the Amalienborg Museum, you can dive into history and get a glimpse of royal life. With the Copenhagen Card, you get easy access to this beautiful site. If you’re still looking for accommodations, I’d highly recommend checking out my guide on the best hotels to stay in when visiting Copenhagen.
When exploring Copenhagen, you should definitely make your way to Christiansborg. This historic site houses Denmark’s parliament, Folketinget, and the Royal House. Christiansborg Castle has a fascinating history, having burned down twice, with the most recent fire occurring on 3 October 1884. It wasn’t until 1928 that the castle was fully rebuilt.
Today, the castle is divided into two wings, one for the parliament and the other for the royal chambers. You can enjoy guided tours of both, but keep in mind that you’ll need to book tickets for each part of the palace separately. For easier access, consider using the Copenhagen Card, which grants you entry to this remarkable site.
If you’re in Copenhagen and have several days to spare, a day trip to Kronborg Castle in Elsinore is a must. This beautiful and important castle played a crucial role in Denmark’s history. It’s known for its strategic position at the narrowest part of Øresund, the strait between Denmark and Sweden. This was a vital spot for a fortress, as it was the only way to access the Baltic Sea. Fans of Shakespeare will enjoy following in the footsteps of Hamlet, since the castle is famously featured in his play.
The castle is open to the public, and you can visit Holger Danske (or Ogier the Dane) in the casemates under the castle, where he’s said to be waiting to rise if Denmark is ever in danger. If you’re short on time, focus on other attractions inside Copenhagen, but if you have the hours, Kronborg is definitely worth the visit. The best way to get there is by taking a train from Copenhagen Central Station, which takes about 45 minutes, and then walking to the castle in just 15 minutes. Plus, with the Copenhagen Card, your entrance is covered, making it even easier to explore.
One of my favorite ways to experience Copenhagen is by taking a relaxing canal cruise. Starting from Nyhavn, this cruise will take you past some of the city’s most iconic monuments and buildings, like The Little Mermaid, Christiansborg, Amalienborg Castle, and the Opera House. The views from the water offer a unique perspective of the city that you can’t get on foot. The guide will share lively stories about each location, and the narration is available in both Danish and English, making it accessible for everyone.
The entire trip usually lasts about an hour, leaving you plenty of time in your schedule to explore other parts of the city afterward. If you’re looking to experience more in a day, I recommend pairing the cruise with a Hop On Hop Off bus tour, which is a great way to cover more ground. You can easily purchase tickets for the canal cruise and sightseeing buses online, making it convenient to plan your day. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the beauty of Copenhagen while learning about its rich history.
The Little Mermaid is certainly one of Copenhagen’s most best-known sights, and it attracts countless tourists every year. However, in my honest opinion, it’s not something you need to go out of your way to see. The statue is small, and while it’s nice to see, it’s not the most exciting thing in the city. If you do decide to visit, I suggest taking the walk from Nyhavn, as the journey there is enjoyable and offers a nice view of the harbor. I’ve even made a video showing The Little Mermaid and offering tips on other things to do nearby.
There’s a popular joke in Denmark that a tourist once asked a tour guide if it was possible to climb “the top of the little mermaid,” and the person was devastated to learn how small it actually is. While The Little Mermaid is often considered a top attraction, I personally think it’s a bit overrated. If you’re looking for something more interesting, I’d suggest visiting Kastellet, which is the neighbour of The Little Mermaid and offers a much more immersive experience.
One of the hidden gems of Copenhagen is Kastellet, an old Citadel that still serves as a military base but is also open to citizens for a peaceful stroll.
You can walk along the ramparts and enjoy beautiful views, including a glimpse of The Little Mermaid, though she’s quite tiny from here. After exploring Kastellet, take a short walk to see the Gefion Fountain and St Alban’s Church, both offering stunning architecture and a quiet escape from the city buzz. It’s a great spot to unwind and take in some of the city’s rich history.
If you’re looking to experience Copenhagen nightlife, joining a bar crawl is a fantastic way to do it. You’ll be part of a group, guided by someone who knows the best spots.
Along the way, you’ll visit various bars and clubs, with the perk of skipping the queue and enjoying free shots and drinks. Plus, you’ll get special offers on drinks and access to exclusive places, including the wardrobe for your belongings. Remember, you must be over 18 to join, as under 18’s can’t legally buy alcohol in Denmark. It’s a great opportunity to meet exciting new people from all over the world while having a memorable night out!
If you’re into craft beer, beer tastings in Copenhagen are a must-do. Denmark is home to some of the world’s best breweries, and while Carlsberg is the most best-known Danish beer, microbreweries like Mikkeller truly shine.
You can visit several bars in Copenhagen, like Fermentoren, Warpigs, and ÅBEN, to enjoy tastings and explore a variety of the best beers. If you’re lucky, you might even meet a friendly bartender like my friend Mathias at People Like Us Nørrebro. For a great experience, make sure to check out places like Himmeriget and BRUS to sample some fantastic craft beer.
If you’re short on time but want to experience as much of Copenhagen as possible, a guided walking tour is the way to go. In just two hours, you’ll pass by historical sights, cultural sights, and iconic buildings such as Christiansborg, Amalienborg Castle, Strøget, and Nyhavn.
You don’t have to worry about planning your route—the guide will lead the way and provide interesting facts about each of the places you pass. This tour is also a great overview of the city, giving you the perfect starting point for the rest of your stay. After the tour, you can always go back and explore any of these sites at your own pace.
If you want to dive into Copenhagen’s food scene, a food tour is a must. A great option is CPH Foodtours, which has years of experience and knows how to organise the perfect tour. On this tour, you’ll visit some of the tastiest eateries in the city, starting at Torvehallerne, the best-known food market in Copenhagen.
Along the way, you’ll try treats like custard buns and the famous smørrebrød, a Danish specialty of open-faced sandwiches. The guide will give you exciting information about the dishes and the history behind them, making this a fun and tasty way to experience the city’s culinary delights.
If you want to experience Copenhagen like a local, renting a bike is the best way to go. The city has an amazing cycling culture, and bike rides are not only efficient but also rewarding. Most of the city is within 30 minutes by bike, and you can easily cover a lot of ground.
The streets are paved with wide lanes, making it easy to cycle around at your own pace. Many hotels in Copenhagen offer bike rentals, sometimes included in the rate, but other times, you might need to pay extra. You can also use rental apps like Donkey Republic to rent bikes. Just remember the rules—cycle in the same direction as traffic, avoid sidewalks, and signal when turning or stopping.
One of the best ways to enjoy Copenhagen’s beauty is by experiencing its many great views. You can visit the tower at Christiansborg Palace, which is free to enter and offers a stunning perspective of the city and its landmarks.
For a more thrilling view, head to the Church of Our Savior in Christianshavn, where the spiraling staircase leads to breathtaking vistas—perfect for Instagram photos. However, keep in mind that it can get a bit claustrophobic. If you prefer a more comfortable experience, the Round Tower offers a year-round climb that’s much less strenuous and always open, no matter the wet weather or high winds.
One of the best ways to explore Copenhagen is to do the Havneringen Walk, also known as The Harbor Ring. This 13 kilometers long route covers the inner harbor and offers beautiful views of the city’s architecture, including iconic landmarks like the Black Diamond library.
The walk starts near Nyhavn and goes all the way to the revitalized Sydhavn before returning. You can walk or cycle this route, but I personally think it’s more fun to walk. It’s great to do year-round, though it can be a bit windy in the winter. This walk also lets you explore Copenhagen outside of Indre By, which I highly recommend during your trip. To help you navigate, I’ve included Visit Copenhagen’s route.
One of my favorite things to do in Copenhagen is to go to Kastellet. This citadel, dating back to the 17th century, has played an important role in Danish defense. It’s still used by the military, but you can walk around the grounds for free.
The fortress is beautiful, and it takes about an hour to stroll around. There’s also a small museum on-site, which I found quite interesting when I visited in 2024. If you’re looking for a peaceful spot, it’s the perfect place for an evening stroll.
One of the best ways to explore Copenhagen is to go to Kastellet, a historic citadel that offers peaceful walks and stunning views. Afterward, head over to Amager Strand for a relaxing time by the water, perfect for unwinding. Another great way to see the city from the water is by taking a boat tour. You can hop on the yellow Harbor Bus with your public transport pass, but I recommend booking an actual tour for a deeper experience.
The tour will take you through beautiful waterways, and you’ll learn about Copenhagen’s rich maritime history. I took my first boat tour in 2016, and since then, I’ve gone on many more, passing through Christianshavn and Nyhavn. You can buy tickets for Nettobådene at the blue ticket booth in Nyhavn, or if you prefer, book Stromma tickets in advance online or at their booths at Gammel Strand.
No trip to Copenhagen is complete without a visit to Nyhavn. Walking along the canal, taking pictures of the waterfront, and soaking in the historic vibes of this area is always one of my favorite things to do. It’s not only one of Copenhagen’s most historic areas but also a place where Hans Christian Andersen lived for part of his life. The charm of Nyhavn never fades, but since it gets busy, I recommend coming early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
If you really want to elevate the experience, staying at a hotel along the canal is a great option. You can also catch a glimpse of a boat up close or sit with friends by the waterfont. Kongens Nytorv is nearby, and you can easily get there by taking the Metro and walking about 5 minutes to see the anchor statue marking the start of Nyhavn. While the area is lovely, I personally recommend heading elsewhere for food, as the restaurants in Nyhavn are often pricey, and I believe you can find a better meal at other spots in the city.
In Copenhagen, don’t miss Nyhavn, the colorful harbor, or the historic Tivoli Gardens amusement park. The Little Mermaid statue, though tiny, is a must-see, as is exploring royal sites like Amalienborg and Rosenborg castles. Enjoy a canal tour or climb the Round Tower for panoramic views. Taste local Danish food like smørrebrød and street food at Torvehallerne, and dive into the unique vibe of Freetown Christiania. These must-do activities capture Copenhagen’s culture and vibrant atmosphere.
Copenhagen’s most famous is The Little Mermaid statue, an iconic attraction showing fairytale history and modern innovation, while Tivoli Gardens offers a unique cultural experience. The city sparkles with Danish design, New Nordic Cuisine, vibrant cycling culture, and the cozy spirit of hygge, a renowned concept of Danish culture.
In Copenhagen, my favourite thing is to rent a boat and sail the harbour or canal, enjoying scenic water views. Tivoli Gardens is a must-visit for rides, sightseeing, and local experiences, while Amalienborg Castle, Christiansborg, and Kronborg Castle are historic landmarks worth a day trip. Don’t miss The Little Mermaid, a famous, iconic, cultural Danish landmark, for a unique part of Copenhagen sightseeing.
For free fun in Copenhagen, I love a trip along the Harbour Circle to explore the harbour baths and beaches. You can visit Amalienborg Palace, the Marble Church, and the Botanical Garden, or enjoy Superkilen park and StoryHunt for unique, cultural, outdoor experiences. These must-see, historic, iconic landmarks and parks make Copenhagen sightseeing scenic and popular.
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