Visiting Copenhagen soon? For such a small city, trying to figure out what to do and see can be overwhelming. I’ve outlined below the top 10 things to do in Copenhagen so you can decide what to fit and what to skip when making your itinerary. If you’re interested in a more in-depth guide as to how I spent 3 days in Copenhagen, check out my 3 Day Copenhagen Itinerary here.
10 Things To Do in Copenhagen
#1 Nyhavn Harbour + Canal Tour
Nyhavn is a picturesque harbor in Copenhagen and is easily the most iconic landmark of the city. Of all the things to do in Copenhagen, this is a no-brainer for any Copenhagen itinerary. While Nyhavn features various restaurants, bars, and cafes, I’d suggest exploring better culinary options elsewhere in the city. One thing I do recommend, though, is to take a boat tour exploring the city’s waterways from this central hub. You’ll get to learn all about the history of Copenhagen while getting some beautiful sights from the canals. Below are a few boat tours I recommend:
- Copenhagen Sightseeing Classic Canal Tour With Live Guide ~$20 (large group, 1 hr)
- Social Sailing – Copenhagen Canal Tour – Exploring Hidden Gems ~$65 (small group (12 ppl max), more intimate, 2 hrs)
#2 Reffen Food Market
Reffen Food Market, located in the trendy Refshaleøen area, is a vibrant culinary haven for those exploring Copenhagen. You’ll find a dynamic mix of food stalls housed in repurposed shipping containers, making Reffen a gastronomic adventure. The atmosphere is lively with locals and tourists alike, with people gathering to soak in the limited summer sun.
#3 See the Little Mermaid Statue
When planning things to do in Copenhagen, a visit to the Little Mermaid Statue is a one-and-done essential. It’s an iconic symbol of the city and a must-see in any Copenhagen itinerary. This petite bronze mermaid, sculpted by Edvard Eriksen, encapsulates the spirit of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid. Despite its simplicity, the statue’s melancholic gaze captures hearts. Be prepared for a wait if you aim for a photo with this iconic symbol. Many tourists line up to photograph the statue, as the Little Mermaid is not just a representation of the fairy tale but also an enduring emblem of Copenhagen itself.
#4 Gasoline Grill
I thought Gasoline Grill was going to be super over-hyped, and I was dead wrong. Gasoline Grill is famous for their burgers, and they better be, because that’s all they sell. It all started when Klaus Wittrup, the man behind Gasoline Grill, went to the US as an exchange student and tried his first American burger. He loved it so much that he decided to open his own burger spot in Denmark once he returned, and the first location ended up being an old gas station in the city center.
They sold out on their first opening day in 2016 and have sold out every day since. We ordered the butter burger, cheeseburger, and vinegar fries for lunch, and they did not disappoint. A trip to Copenhagen isn’t complete without a stop here, so if you can’t make it to their original spot, you can find them all over the city — even at the airport.
#5 Amalienborg Palace
Amalienborg Palace is the official residence of the Danish royal family. This royal residence is a must-visit for those interested in royal history. One highlight is the daily changing of the guards, performed by The Royal Life Guard, marching from their barracks by Rosenborg Castle to Amalienborg, often accompanied by music, at noon. Amalienborg comprises four identical buildings, including Christian VII’s Palace, Frederik VIII’s Palace, Christian IX’s Palace, and Christian VIII’s Palace. The palace complex also houses the Amalienborg Museum, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the royal palace. Don’t forget to explore the palace square for a memorable view of the changing of the guards.
#6 Try a Cardamom Bun
When considering things to do in Copenhagen, indulging in the renowned cardamom buns, known as “kanelsnegle” in Danish, is a culinary must. These pastries hold a special place in Copenhagen’s culinary traditions, thanks to Denmark’s robust baking culture and the distinctive flavor of cardamom. Embraced as a beloved classic, cardamom buns are a staple in the Danish tradition of “fika,” where coffee breaks accompanied by pastries are a daily delight for Copenhagen residents. To experience the best of these delectable treats, I’ve listed below a few exceptional bakeries in Copenhagen that proudly offer cardamom buns—a delicious addition to your list of things to do in Copenhagen:
- Apoteke 57
- Juno The Bakery — fun fact: Juno The Bakery is founded by a former chef at Noma.
- Andersen Maillard
- Hart Bageri
So, what exactly are cardamom buns made of? Cardamom buns are made with a dough comprising flour, yeast, milk, sugar, butter, and egg. The filling consists of a mixture of ground cardamom, sugar, and butter, creating a distinctive and aromatic flavor in the baked buns. Cardamom buns are not to be confused with cinnamon buns, though they both have basically the same base. While both pastries share a common format, each caters to different flavor preferences. Cardamom offers a complex spice profile and cinnamon provides a comforting sweetness. The choice between them often depends on personal taste and cultural influences.
#7 Frederik’s Church
When exploring things to do in Copenhagen, don’t miss the Marble Church, officially Frederik’s Church, nestled in Copenhagen’s Frederiksstaden area. Originally planned in marble as part of King Frederik V’s 1749 Frederiksstaden project, setbacks, including the death of the architect, led to a century-long delay and a shift to limestone construction. Completed in 1894, the church is now a modern city church open daily. You can go to the top of the dome for breathtaking views at 1pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Fun fact – it is also a sought-after wedding venue, and the church hosts ceremonies on Fridays and Saturdays.
#8 Kastelsmøllen
Kastelsmøllen is a picturesque windmill that stands as a testament to Denmark’s rich history. Dating back to the 18th century, its traditional Dutch design and historic charm make it quite the landmark along the city’s waterfront. Kastelsmøllen once played a crucial role in Denmark’s maritime defense, grinding grain for the military fortress nearby. Today, it stands as a silent witness to bygone eras, offering visitors a glimpse into Copenhagen’s history and serving as a unique backdrop to the city’s modern skyline.
#9 Take a Food Tour
Exploring things to do in Copenhagen includes indulging in its diverse culinary scene, a melting pot of cuisines from around the world (I even spotted cajun food, a rarity in Europe!). While I loved being able to see the melting pot of food that now exists in Copenhagen, I felt I had missed out a little on tasting traditional Danish food. Admittedly all the restaurants recommended to me, even by Copenhagen locals, were not Danish restaurants. Maybe this is for a reason, but when in Rome, right? A food tour would’ve solved this problem easily, particularly this highly rated Copenhagen Culinary Experience Food Tour on Viator.
#10 Harbor Baths
Copenhagen’s harbor baths, a key attraction in the lineup of things to do in Copenhagen, embody the city’s commitment to urban innovation and sustainability. Notably, the Islands Brygge Harbour Bath in the heart of the city’s waterfront exemplifies this concept, repurposing industrial areas into recreational spaces. The interconnected pools, wooden decks, sunbathing areas, and diving platforms create a multifunctional and inclusive space for residents and visitors to enjoy. These baths align with Copenhagen’s environmental goals, ensuring high-quality water through meticulous filtration and treatment.
During the summer months, the harbor baths buzz with activity, attracting families, friends, and individuals seeking a refreshing escape. When I visited in late August, I was surprised to see people still enjoying the last days of summer, a testament to the enduring popularity of these iconic harbor baths. I passed by Kalvebod Bølge (pictured above) and saw plenty of locals and tourists alike taking a plunge mid-day.
