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Destination

Top 10 Things to Do in Copenhagen

Copenhagen blends Viking heritage with cutting-edge design and a famously relaxed hygge lifestyle. From rainbow-colored harbor houses to world-class cuisine, Denmark's capital rewards every kind of traveler.

202696 viewsMar 16, 2026 Updated Oct 3, 2026

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#1
Nyhavn
Nyhavn is Copenhagen's most iconic waterfront canal district, lined with brightly painted 17th-century townhouses and a fleet of historic wooden ships. The canal was dug in 1671 on the orders of King Christian V to connect the city center to the sea, and Hans Christian Andersen lived in three different houses here during his lifetime. Today it is packed with outdoor restaurants and bars and is the starting point for scenic canal boat tours. Compared to the city's other historic districts, Nyhavn's canal district attracts 30% more tourists annually, with around 5 million visitors each year.
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#2
The Little Mermaid
The Little Mermaid is a small bronze statue perched on a rock at the Langelinie promenade and is Denmark's most visited tourist attraction. Created by sculptor Edvard Eriksen in 1913, the figure was inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's famous fairy tale of the same name and was commissioned by brewer Carl Jacobsen. Despite standing only 1.25 meters tall, the statue draws over one million visitors per year. Outperforms even Tivoli Gardens in per-square-meter visitor density, with over 800,000 annual visitors per square meter of statue area.
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#3
Tivoli Gardens
Tivoli Gardens is one of the world's oldest and most famous amusement parks, opened in 1843 in the very heart of Copenhagen. It spans 8.3 hectares and hosts around 4.5 million visitors each year, making it one of Europe's most visited tourist attractions. Walt Disney is said to have been inspired by Tivoli when he designed Disneyland, and the park's blend of rides, concerts, restaurants, and illuminated gardens is truly enchanting.
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#4
Christiansborg Palace
Christiansborg Palace stands on the small island of Slotsholmen and is the seat of the Danish Parliament, the Supreme Court, and the Prime Minister's Office — the only building in the world to house all three branches of a national government. The current palace is the sixth to have stood on the site, which has been the center of Danish political power for over 800 years. Visitors can tour the Royal Reception Rooms, the ruins of the original medieval castle beneath, and climb the tower for panoramic views. It is taller than the average European palace tower, standing at 106 meters, and hosts over 600,000 visitors annually.
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#5
The National Museum of Denmark
The National Museum of Denmark (Nationalmuseet) is the country's largest museum of cultural history, tracing Danish civilisation from the Stone Age through to the present day. Its collection of over one million objects includes the iconic Sun Chariot from 1400 BC, Viking-age runic stones, and a remarkable Egyptian mummy collection. The museum is housed in a grand 18th-century palace that was once the Crown Prince's residence. It houses six times more artifacts than Rosenborg Castle's treasury, and attracts over 1 million visitors annually, making it one of the best-attended cultural sites in Scandinavia.
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#6
Rosenborg Castle
Rosenborg Castle is a Renaissance royal palace built by King Christian IV in the early 17th century, now surrounded by the King's Garden — Copenhagen's oldest and most beloved park. The castle houses the Danish Crown Jewels and Royal Regalia, including the oldest crown jewels in Europe, which are displayed in a basement treasury. Its 12 rooms are decorated as they were when Danish royalty lived here, offering an unparalleled window into 400 years of royal history. It is visited by over 300,000 people per year, outpacing the Round Tower's annual attendance by 50%.
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#7
Strøget
Strøget is one of Europe's longest pedestrian shopping streets, stretching 1.1 kilometres through the heart of Copenhagen from City Hall Square to Kongens Nytorv. It features everything from high-end luxury boutiques like Georg Jensen and Royal Copenhagen to mainstream chains and quirky independent shops. The street connects a series of lively squares including Gammeltorv, Nytorv, and Amagertorv, which serve as the social heart of the city.
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#8
The Round Tower
The Round Tower (Rundetårn) is a 17th-century tower built by King Christian IV as part of a university complex and still functions as a working observatory — the oldest functioning observatory in Europe, established in 1642. Instead of stairs, a 209-metre spiral ramp winds to the top, famous for allowing Tsar Peter the Great to ride his horse to the summit during his 1716 visit to Copenhagen. From the open-air platform 34.8 metres above the ground, visitors enjoy sweeping views of the Copenhagen rooftops.
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#9
Freetown Christiania
Freetown Christiania is a self-proclaimed autonomous neighbourhood established in 1971 by a group of squatters who took over a disused military base in Copenhagen. Spanning 34 hectares, it is home to around 900 residents who operate their own social rules, businesses, and institutions outside Danish law. It is 50% larger than Copenhagen's Tivoli Gardens in area and hosts over 500,000 visitors annually. The community is known for its vibrant street art, alternative architecture, live music venues, and the controversial open hash market on its main street, known as Pusher Street.
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#10
Copenhagen Street Food
Housed in upcycled shipping containers and open-air stalls on a former industrial waterfront, it hosts over 50 vendors serving everything from Korean fried chicken to Scandinavian smørrebrød. It operates from spring through autumn and also hosts live music, art installations, and cultural events.
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Frequently asked questions

What is the best time of year to visit Copenhagen?

The best time to visit Copenhagen is from May to August when the weather is warm and daylight hours are long, perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the city.

How many days should I spend in Copenhagen to see the top attractions?

A minimum of two to three days is recommended to experience the top 10 things to do in Copenhagen, including Tivoli Gardens, Nyhavn, and the Little Mermaid statue.

What are the must-see attractions in Copenhagen?

Must-see attractions include Nyhavn harbor, Tivoli Gardens, the Little Mermaid statue, Christiansborg Palace, and the Rosenborg Castle with its crown jewels.

Is Copenhagen a walkable city for tourists?

Yes, Copenhagen is highly walkable and bike-friendly, with most top attractions located within a reasonable walking distance or a short bike ride from the city center.