Located on the coastal islands of Zealand and Amager, Copenhagen is Denmark’s much-loved capital and an exciting city break destination.
Copenhagen offers visitors a fascinating historical legacy set against the backdrop of coastal landscapes, a refined food scene with the Michelin-starred restaurants, and is easy to navigate on foot or on bike.
Top five must-see sights and attractions
Nyhavn canal
Located near the Amalienborg Palace and the Royal Danish Playhouse, Nyhavn is a popular canal and entertainment district that was once a commercial port. The restored 18th-century townhouses with their brightly painted gables are now home to trendy restaurants, bars and cafes.
Take the hydrofoil or catamaran for a cruise around the harbour or even across to Sweden. Nyhavn is especially beautiful at Christmas when the cobbled streets are filled with market stalls selling festive Danish delicacies.
The Little Mermaid
Copenhagen’s most iconic attraction, the bronze and granite sculpture of a little mermaid, is located on a rock by the waterside at Langelinie Pier in the Kastellet district – an easy walk from Nyhavn. The 4ft-tall little mermaid has been enthralling visitors since 1913 and was a gift to the city from Carlsberg brewing founder Carl Jacobsen.
Tivoli Gardens
Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens are the second-oldest amusement park in the world, dating from 1843 and are located near the City Hall. Said to be the inspiration for Disney’s theme parks, Tivoli’s rides and pleasure gardens are one of Copenhagen’s top attractions.
Enjoy the vintage wooden roller coaster with its on-board brakeman as well as the more modern Demon ride where visitors are taken through a Chinese fire-dragon universe replete with exploding fireworks.
Stop for lunch at one of the many international restaurants or bring a picnic and relax in the peaceful gardens. At night the Tivoli Gardens are illuminated creating a fairy-tale ambience while the Tivoli Lake is home to a spectacular sound and light show during the festive season.
The National Gallery of Denmark
Copenhagen is home to many world-class museums including the unmissable National Gallery of Denmark, located in the city centre at Sølvgade 48. Visitors have the chance to see the largest collection of Danish art, including work from the Dutch Masters and Edvard Munch.
Art from the Renaissance to the present day is on show with Denmark’s Golden Age of Art particularly well represented. International artists also feature, from the likes of Picasso, and Matisse – the collection of his paintings are some of the world’s best.
Christiansborg Palace
Christiansborg is located on the island of Slotsholmen. Known as the Borgen, the Palace is now home to the Danish Parliament, while parts of the Palace are used for state events.
Built in 1773, this Baroque palace is stunning: head for the Tower Room, the Oval Throne Room, the Velvet Room and the Great Hall with its unique tapestries, then stop for lunch or a coffee in the Tower restaurant, just below the viewing deck. At 106m it’s the highest tower in Copenhagen and has superb views over the city and canals.
Getting around
Buy the Copenhagen Card which gives you unlimited travel on public transport across the capital – plus reduced admission at over 80 Copenhagen attractions and museums. Once in Copenhagen you have various travel options but the main sights are located in the historical centre which is easily walkable. Alternatively hire a bike and explore Copenhagen like the locals.
Best time to visit
Generally the most favourable months to visit Copenhagen are in spring between March and May, when the weather is mild and generally sunny. Summer months are busiest and the hottest and the season for many cultural events including the Copenhagen Jazz Festival. Autumn events include the Copenhagen Blues Festival. The Christmas markets are an especially popular time to visit Copenhagen.
Final call
Explore the city’s canals and beaches, its bike-friendly streets and historic old town and harbour. Enjoy New Nordic cuisine in Copenhagen’s Michelin-starred restaurants and street markets, and visit world-class museums and art galleries. Copenhagen has all the ingredients for a truly memorable city break.
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