Best Things To Do: Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen, Denmark: Best Things To Do

Copenhagen is one of those rare cities that manages to feel effortlessly cool without even trying. From world-class food and design to fairy-tale canals and a cycling culture that puts most cities to shame, Denmark's capital has something for every kind of traveller. Whether you're planning a long weekend or a full week, here's everything you need to know before you go.

Overview

Copenhagen sits on the eastern coast of Zealand island, just a short bridge away from Malmö, Sweden. With a population of around 800,000, it's compact enough to explore on foot or by bike, yet packed with enough culture, history, and nightlife to keep you busy for days. The city consistently ranks among the happiest and most liveable in the world, and that warmth genuinely spills over into how visitors are treated. Expect excellent public transport, a strong café culture, and locals who are refreshingly easy to chat with. The best time to visit is between May and September when daylight stretches well into the evening and the outdoor spaces truly come alive.

Top 10 Activities

• Explore Nyhavn: The colourful 17th-century harbour is Copenhagen's most iconic postcard view. Grab a cold Carlsberg or a glass of wine at one of the waterside bars and soak it all in — ideally on a sunny afternoon.
• Visit Tivoli Gardens: One of the world's oldest amusement parks, Tivoli is magical whether you visit during summer or the enchanting Christmas season. Entry costs around $18 USD, with ride passes available separately.
• Tour the National Museum of Denmark: Free entry and genuinely fascinating, this museum covers everything from Viking artefacts to modern Danish history. Budget a good two to three hours here.
• Cycle through Nørrebro: Skip the tourist trail and head to this vibrant, multicultural neighbourhood for independent coffee shops, vintage stores, and some of the city's best street food. Rent a bike through Donkey Republic for around $10 USD per day.
• Walk the ramparts at Kastellet: This remarkably well-preserved 17th-century fortress is free to enter and makes for a lovely morning stroll. The Little Mermaid statue is just a short walk away — smaller than you expect, but still worth seeing.
• Eat your way through Torvehallerne: Copenhagen's covered food market is an absolute must. Pick up smørrebrød (open-faced rye bread sandwiches), fresh oysters, craft coffee, and local cheeses all under one roof. Allow around $15–25 USD for a satisfying lunch.
• Discover the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art: Located 35 kilometres north of the city in Humlebæk, this stunning museum combines world-class art with breathtaking views over the Øresund strait. Reachable by train for around $8 USD each way.
• Wander through Frederiksberg Have: Locals love this royal park for picnics, canal boat rides, and watching the resident herons. It's completely free and far less crowded than the city centre parks.
• Experience the food scene in Vesterbro: Once Copenhagen's meatpacking district, Kødbyen (the Meatpacking District) is now a buzzing hub of restaurants, cocktail bars, and galleries. It gets going late, so don't show up before 9pm.
• Take a canal boat tour: A hop-on, hop-off harbour bus or a guided boat tour is the best way to see the city from the water. Tours start from around $20 USD and depart regularly from Nyhavn and Gammel Strand.

Practical Tips

• Copenhagen is expensive. Budget around $120–180 USD per day for accommodation, meals, and activities at a mid-range level.
• The Copenhagen Card (from around $55 USD for 24 hours) covers unlimited public transport and free entry to over 90 attractions — excellent value if you plan to cover a lot of ground.
• Tap water is perfectly safe and delicious — carry a reusable bottle to save money.
• Tipping is not expected in Denmark, though rounding up the bill at a sit-down restaurant is appreciated.
• Most Danes speak excellent English, so language is never a barrier.

Getting There

Copenhagen Airport (CPH) is one of Scandinavia's busiest hubs and extremely well connected. Direct flights operate from New York (JFK) with SAS and Norwegian, with journey times of around nine hours. From the UK, flights from London take roughly two hours and are available from around $50–100 USD return if booked early. The Metro runs directly from the airport into the city centre in just 15 minutes, costing around $5 USD — easily one of the most seamless airport connections in Europe.

Accommodation Options

• Budget: Generator Copenhagen in the Nørreport area offers stylish dorm beds from around $35 USD per night and a buzzing social atmosphere.
• Mid-Range: Hotel SP34 in the Latin Quarter is a favourite among design-conscious travellers, with rooms starting from around $180 USD per night and a superb rooftop terrace.
• Luxury: The Nimb Hotel inside Tivoli Gardens is as special as it sounds — boutique, beautifully designed, and utterly memorable. Rooms start from around $450 USD per night.

Copenhagen rewards curious, open-minded travellers who are willing to explore beyond the obvious highlights. Whether it's a bowl of porridge at a neighbourhood café, a sunset at the harbour, or discovering an art gallery tucked down a quiet side street, the city has a genuine