Destinations

15 Best Things to Do in Copenhagen

Denmark’s capital is filled with as much to see and do as there is to eat and drink—no room for boredom.

January 6, 2020

Whether you’ve spent months designing a carefully crafted itinerary or just arrived on an impromptu trip, you’ll find plenty to convince you to stay in Copenhagen just a little longer. From immersive, local-led canal tours to lush urban gardens, and even floating hot tubs that sail the city's famed canals, there's no shortage of entertainment in here. We did the hard part for you, and crafted a list of our favorite things to do in the capital. Whether you want to spend all day outside, or cozy up indoors, read on for our picks for what to do the next time you're in Copenhagen.

Click the link to read our complete Copenhagen city guide.

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Rosenborg Castle
This castle dates to 1606 when it was built as a royal summer house by one of the most famous Scandinavian kings, Christian IV. Now it offers a glimpse into Copenhagen’s regal history, like a time capsule filled with treasures and works of art. Spend an hour or two here, walking the halls as Danish royalty once did. Don't miss the Knights' Hall with its coronation thrones. You'll also find the king’s private writing cabinet, living areas, and bathroom. There's also an impressive Venetian glass collection.
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CopenHot
CopenHot is an al fresco spa ... sort of. There aren’t any massages here, but what it lacks in pampering it makes up for in coolness. Perched right on the water in the industrial-hip Nordhavn neighborhood, a cluster of wooden hot tubs and saunas overlook the water. Tubs can be rented for a group, or you can come to one of their open days. To warm up and chill out, you have several options. Barrel-wood hot tubs are filled with clean, mineral-rich saltwater and heated from below by a fire (note the dude chopping firewood on-site). The coveted sailing spas fit five people in a floating hot tub that navigate the canals. And panoramic saunas overlook the harbor.

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Alchemist
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The Alchemist, a bucket-list dining destination, gears its menu around some 47 intricate, creative courses. While you may not like all of them—how could you?—you will either be challenged or pleasantly surprised. As such, this isn't the kind of place for a casual meal with the kids. On the contrary, it's where you come when you've saved up for months so you can celebrate a truly special occasion.
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CopenHill
Designed by Danish architect Bjarke Ingels, CopenHill is a multi-use waste-to-energy plant. Why would anyone possibly want to visit a waste-to-energy plant? Well, the building—a real architectural marvel that's worth seeing—has a ski slope, climbing wall, and cafe. Even if you have no interest in skiing down the 1,300-foot slope, you'll certainly be interested in seeing the action. At the very least, swing by the cafe for an apres-ski beer.

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National Museum of Denmark
Denmark’s largest museum is a stunning display of cultural history, both Danish and foreign. Located in the 18th-century Prince’s Palace, exhibits stretch back in time to the Stone Age and Viking Age, and up through modern Danish history. People from across Denmark and around the globe visit this world-class museum. Prepare for thick crowds, especially during high season. Tip: Get there early, and go on a weekday, if you can.
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Refshaleøen
Refshaleøen has some of the best restaurants in the city ([Noma](https://www.cntraveler.com/restaurants/copenhagen/noma), the [Alchemist](https://www.cntraveler.com/restaurants/copenhagen/alchemist), [Amass](https://www.cntraveler.com/restaurants/copenhagen/amass)) as well as some lesser-known favorites (Lille Bakery, La Banchina). For those who aren't that into food, the island is also home to CopenHill, where you can try your hand at skiing. The area is fairly spread out, but once you get to the island, there's a bus that lolls around, making it a no-brainer for anyone looking to try some of Copenhagen's best food.

Courtesy Hey Captain Canal Tour
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Hey Captain
A canal boat might sound like a generic tourist activity, but Hey Captain offers a fun, intimate look at the city and a window into daily Danish life. That's especially the case in summer, when locals laze on the docks and dive into the refreshing harbor water. Each boat has one guide and 12 guests, max, keeping the experience intimate and personal. The guides have extensive knowledge on the city, its history, and its architecture. They're also hired for their personalities—the mood is light and enjoyable.
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Botanical Garden
Copenhagen’s botanical gardens are a green oasis in the center of Denmark’s capital. It's got the largest Danish collection of living flora, including more than 13,000 plant species spread over ten hectares and housed in a complex of historic 19th-century greenhouses. The best way to approach a visit here is to prioritize what is in season. While you’re there, be sure to swing past the SMK (National Gallery of Denmark), the country’s largest art museum.

Courtesy Cisterns
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Cisternerne
As an extension of Copenhagen’s Frederiksberg Museums, the Cisternerne operates as a venue for exhibitions and events—but it’s the space itself that is the permanent exhibit and primary attraction. Once a subterranean reservoir filled with 16 million liters of water, the cistern has been filled by an unconventional museum. The cryptic underground cave—the only dripstone cave in Denmark—is a gloomy labyrinth filled with stalactites and stalagmites.
Lasse Salling/Courtesy Tivoli Gardens
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Tivoli Gardens
This famous amusement park combines manicured gardens and roller coasters in central Copenhagen, and has been attracting visitors since the 19th century, making it the second-oldest operating amusement park in the world. Visit at night when thousands of twinkling lights make it feel pulled from a fairytale. And not surprisingly it inspired the likes of Hans Christian Andersen and Walt Disney, who both visited. Be sure to grab lunch or dinner at the restaurant Gemyse, where plant-forward dishes are served inside a greenhouse and a large, lofty dining room.

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Nyhavn
Nyhavn, a 17th-century harbor, is easily the most iconic landmark in Copenhagen. Lined with wooden ships, modern boats, multicolored townhouses, and seafood restaurants, this port is a must-see, and its storied quay is perpetually bustling with locals and visitors. This landmark a public space, so it’s easy to come and go as you please. Nyhavn attracts a crowd as diverse as its history. Over the bridge in the neighboring hood of Christianshavn, you’ll also find some of the oldest houses in Copenhagen. Stop for a coffee and pastry at 108 before exploring one of the oldest parts of the city.
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Bike on Copenhagen's New Bridges
Copenhagen is a marvelous city to see by bike. Grab a coffee from Prolog before heading south along the Cykelslangen (bike snake), which leads to the other side of the harbor. Bike onto Olafur Eliasson’s Circle Bridge, then ride back over the harbor on the new Lille Langebro bridge. Continue along the water to Nyhavn before riding back over the harbor along the Inderhavnsbroen, AKA the Kissing Bridge. In Christianshavn, you'll bike past the old Noma space and Restaurant 108—grab a pastry on the way—and over the Butterfly Bridge.

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Jægersborggade
Jaegersborggade, a cobbled street fringed with colorful buildings, has a slew of great restaurants, bars, and shops. Even though the stretch isn't terribly long, it's the type of place where you easily could spend an entire day. Have a pastry at Meyers Bageri, a coffee at Coffee Collective, lunch at Manfreds, a beer at Mikkeller & Friends, and dinner at Relae. Or, just spend $5 on a coffee and enjoy the browsing, strolling, and people-watching.
Courtesy Assistens Cemetery
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Assistens Cemetery
This famous cemetery is smack in the middle of Copenhagen’s hip Nørrebro district and doubles as a public park that people actually hang out at—and even sunbathe in. Pathways meander through gardens, meadows, and woods punctuated with tombstones of famous Danes. It’s very Nordic noir. Wander the grounds looking for familiar names on headstones, or simply appreciate the park for its lush natural beauty, peaceful gardens, and art sculptures.