Whether you're looking to delve into Copenhagen's history or explore its vibrant art scene, this city has something for everyone. From classic Danish attractions to quirky museums and even a theme park, here are our picks of what to see and to do during your visit to this stunning European capital!
Church of Our Savior
Copenhagen is home to a number of important landmarks, and the Church of Our Savior is one of them. This baroque church is recognizable across the city with its corkscrew-shaped spire and a winding staircase that offers incredible views.
The interior of the church is stunning as well, with monumental frescoes from the 15th century and a carillon that plays melodies daily. Be sure to climb the 400 steps to the top, and you'll be rewarded with an impressive view of Copenhagen!
Located just outside of the main neighborhood of Christianshavn, Frederik’s Church is one of the best places to explore. Its famous golden spire is visible from all over the city, and you can climb its tower spiral to get incredible views of Copenhagen.
Nyhavn
Nyhavn, or ‘new harbour’, is a must-visit for anyone visiting Copenhagen. The colorful quays filled with historic wooden ships make this district one of the city’s most picturesque and inspiring.
The canals here also give you a chance to explore the quaint old city of Copenhagen from a different perspective. Hour-long boat tours leave from Nyhavn and, despite being considered ‘touristy’, you’ll find a surprising number of locals on them drinking a beer!
Another great place to visit in the Christianshavn area is the Church of Our Savior. Consecrated in 1696, the church is a national treasure that’s well worth a visit.
The Little Mermaid
The Little Mermaid is one of Copenhagen's most famous landmarks and an iconic image for many people. This bronze statue of the princess-cum-fish is located at the end of Langelinie pier on the city's harbour and draws countless tourists every year.
The statue was commissioned by Carl Jacobsen, the heir to Carlsberg beer fortune, after watching a ballet performance of the fairy tale at the Royal Danish Theatre in Copenhagen. Ellen Price, the ballerina who played the role of the Little Mermaid in the ballet, agreed to model for the statue's head but refused to model nude so sculptor Edvard Eriksen's wife, Eline, modelled the rest of the statue's body.
The statue is now a popular tourist attraction and despite numerous attempts to vandalize it, she remains standing. Take a tour of Copenhagen to see her and other iconic sites on a hop-on hop-off bus, bike or Segway, or even combine it with a canal boat tour!
Round Tower
One of Copenhagen’s most emblematic buildings, the Round Tower (Rundetaarn in Danish) is an astronomical observatory built in 1642. It’s known for its equestrian staircase, a 7.5-turn helical corridor and its spectacular views over the city.
For 25 kroner, adults can climb the spiral ramp to the platform on top of the tower and take in the incredible view of Copenhagen. This architectural marvel is a must-see and is included on many tours.
The Round Tower is part of the Trinitatis complex, which also includes the Library Hall and a concert venue. The tower has been in operation since 1642, making it the oldest astronomical observatory still in operation in Europe.
Christiania
The neighborhood of Christiania, also known as the Green Light District, is a quirky part of Copenhagen that is definitely worth visiting. Strolling through it is like entering a strange alternate time-line, where a slightly seedy and cool alternative lifestyle lives on.
In this area you’ll find organic shops and cafes with home-grown produce, alternative music bars and skate parks. It’s also home to one of Copenhagen’s most interesting and fun museums, the underground cisterns of Sondermarken Park where you can see delicate stalactites and stalagmites from the water that once flooded the area.
The Round Tower (Rundetarn), originally built by King Christian IV in the 1600s as an astronomical observatory, is also worth a visit for its helical staircase that reaches 7.5 times around to the viewing platform up top. The views are quite spectacular and if you get there on a clear day, you’ll have an excellent vantage point of the city.
