Copenhagen Things to Do: 9 Ideas for Your Trip

Copenhagen, less than four days were enough for me to fall in love with the Danish capital. It’s a beautiful, cozy, and yet exciting city. Countless small shops, cafés, and restaurants line up in colorful, old houses side by side.

Copenhagen Things to Do – Sights and Activities in the Capital of Denmark

If you’ve never been to Copenhagen before, it can be quite overwhelming, as the abundance of options might leave you unsure where to start.

This article is here to make planning your trip easier. I’ll share beautiful, unique, and tasty ideas, along with Copenhagen things to do that I truly recommend if you want to experience a bit of everything.

Velkommen til København!

Transportation Options

1. Bicycle

Copenhagen is the ultimate bicycle city. You can compare it a bit to Amsterdam. Whether it’s people in suits, backpackers, seniors, or schoolchildren. Everyone rides a bike here. The bike lanes are designed to run wide next to the car lanes. Special bridges, traffic lights, and angled trash bins were installed to make the cycling experience as safe as possible.

There are more bikes than residents in Copenhagen, and for good reason: you can get to your destination much faster and explore the beautiful city along the way.

I definitely recommend renting a bike. You’ll find rental shops on almost every corner, and you can even rent e-bikes nowadays.

2. E-scooter

Another way to get from A to B quickly and safely is by e-scooter. On my second trip to Copenhagen, I had to switch from a bike to a scooter for health reasons. But I must admit, it’s incredibly fun to zip through the streets with one.
The scooters are scattered all over the city. To use them, you simply need to download an app. I used the app Lime.

You set up an account and enter your payment details. Then you find a nearby available scooter, scan the QR code, and you’re good to go.

However, it can get a bit pricey depending on how often you “unlock” a scooter and how long you ride it. You don’t pay per day, but per minute ridden. Each unlock also costs a few cents.

3. Public Transportation

If the weather isn’t great, you don’t feel like cycling, or you just want to cover a longer distance, you can easily switch to public transport.
Metro, trains, buses, and harbor buses are available here. Definitely buy a day pass if you plan on using public transport more than once.

The day pass, or 24-hour ticket, costs approximately 18 euros for adults and about 9 euros for children up to 16 years old. However, you can also spend a bit more and purchase the Copenhagen City Card. With this, you can also use all public transportation and additionally visit over 80 attractions, museums, and sights for free.

Copenhagen Things to Do and Sights: What You Can Do in Copenhagen

1. Nyhavn

Nyhavn is one of the most iconic photo spots in Copenhagen and is located in the heart of the city. The old, colorfully painted gabled houses host various restaurants offering specialties from around the world. Everyone would surely find something here if the menu weren’t so expensive.

You simply have to see Nyhavn. You can stroll along the harbor promenade, sit by the water, watch countless tourists, and soak in the charm of the canal.

From here, you can take a harbor cruise or make a detour to the shops along the main shopping street, Strøget.

2. Lille Havfrue

She definitely can’t be missing from our Copenhagen things to do! One of the most visited attractions in Copenhagen is the Little Mermaid. The bronze statue measures just 1.25 meters and is located along the waterfront promenade Langelinie. She comes from the fairy tale of the same name by the famous writer Hans Christian Andersen.

During your visit, you can also watch the massive ships that dock nearby. I recommend visiting the Little Mermaid early in the day so you won’t have to push through tour groups to snap a good photo.

3. Assistens Cemetery

Assistens Cemetery is a park-like burial ground located in the Copenhagen district of Nørrebro. Prominent figures are buried here, including Hans Christian Andersen, Søren Kierkegaard, Christoffer Wilhelm Eckersberg, and Christen Købke.

The park is a lovely destination, especially on sunny days. As strange as it may sound, you can spread out your picnic blanket on the grass among the graves and enjoy the tranquility right in the heart of the city.

4. Amager Beach

If you’re looking for even more peace and quiet or simply want to gaze into the distance, hop on your bike and ride to Amager Beach.

The beach is located about 5 km from the city center. Depending on your pace, you can plan about half an hour to get there by bike. Of course, you can also reach it by car in 15 minutes or take the bus, which takes about 20 minutes. If you opt for the car, try to arrive earlier in the day since parking is limited.

Amager Beach is a protected recreational area consisting of a man-made island. It features a 4.6 km long beach that stretches around the island, making it the largest beach in the Danish capital.

In the peak of summer, the water temperature rarely climbs above 20 degrees Celsius. So a dip in the Danish sea isn’t for the faint of heart.

5. Black Diamond

The Sorte Diamant (“Black Diamond”) or Det Kongelige Bibliotek (“Royal Library”) is Denmark’s national library and the largest and most important library in Scandinavia. Its archives contain nearly every work published in Denmark since the 17th century.

The name comes from its facade made of black granite. The contrast between the exterior and interior is particularly interesting. The straight lines and heavy dark materials outside are balanced inside with bright concrete and flowing wood. The building is centrally located on the island of Slotsholmen, which can be easily accessed without a boat.

Right in front of the library is a waterfront promenade with wide steps that invite you to relax. From here, you can also see the Royal Opera House.

6. Christiania

A visit to Freetown Christiania is an absolute must and definitely belongs on any list of Copenhagen things to do. This alternative residential community in the heart of Copenhagen has existed since 1971 and is tolerated by the government. The 34-hectare area is located in the Christianshavn district and is easily accessible by bike. If you’d prefer to take the metro, get off at the Christianshavn Street station.

Danish laws do not apply here. The residents have established their own rules, and the Danish police are usually reluctant to get involved. The only things not tolerated here are violence, weapons, and hard drugs. Unfortunately, not everyone has followed these rules, and there have already been some clashes and fights.

In the so-called Pusher Street, masked individuals sell drugs such as hashish and cannabis. Taking photos is strictly prohibited on this street! Be sure to follow this rule; otherwise, you risk aggressive reactions from drug dealers and buyers. Put your cameras away in your backpack to avoid any misunderstandings. Better safe than sorry.

At the center of Christiania, you’ll find small restaurants, cafés, and art venues where members of the Freetown can freely express their creative ideas. In the summer, you can also enjoy smaller concerts here.

7. Torvehallerne

Not only locals love the city’s largest food market. Tourists also consider Torvehallerne a must-do. You’ll find it on Frederiksborggade in the city center.

The market is divided into two adjacent halls. Between the halls, you can buy fresh fruit and vegetables daily, as well as fresh flowers.

More than 60 different stalls offer their specialties here. There’s truly something for everyone! Whether you have food intolerances or are just a picky eater. Whether you’re in the mood for just an ice cream and coffee or a hearty lunch. You’ll definitely find something.

Fresh fish and meat, sushi, pizza, wraps and tacos, exotic spices and coffees, vegan and gluten-free treats, chocolate, and Danish smørrebrød. I have to stop myself now, but this list could go on much longer.

Torvehallerne is my personal favorite, not just when it comes to food. The halls have completely won me over with their calm atmosphere and incredible variety.

8. Fish Kiss

I have to admit, this is the most unusual and quirky one of all the Copenhagen things to do. But when I think back on the best moments of my trip, Fish Kiss is definitely one of them.

No, it’s not a restaurant where you can enjoy delicious fish. It’s more like a type of pedicure. But instead of people working on your feet, it’s tiny fish.

First, you’ll receive a locker with a key to store your valuables and shoes. Then you’ll be guided to your seat, where you’ll sit down and let your bare feet dangle into a small aquarium.

This aquarium is filled with tiny fish that immediately swarm your feet as soon as you dip them into the water. The spectacle lasts between 30 minutes to an hour, during which the fish suck on your feet and eat away the dead skin.

After a quick moisturizing treatment, you’ll be walking on air. An absolute must, if you ask me.

About the Author

Hi, my name is Anna, I’m 20 years old and from Luxembourg. I’m still fairly new to writing articles and blog posts, and I hope you like my tips! If you have any questions, feel free to contact me. Instagram: _.a.n.n.n.a._

Copenhagen Things to Do: Tours and Tickets

Do you prefer to travel with a guide who knows the area very well? Then we recommend a guided tour with a local. his way you can get to know Copenhagen in a completely different way. GetYourGuide offers a wide selection of exciting tours for Copenhagen.

Have you been to Copenhagen? What was the most beautiful sight for you, and do you have more Copenhagen things to do?

Photos: Photo 6 (Stroget): ansharphoto/shutterstock.com