Welcome to Copenhagen! The Danish capital is known for its historical attractions, its mix of modern architecture and historic buildings, and the many bike paths that run almost like small highways through the entire city. Perfect for your weekend getaway in Copenhagen. In this article, I’ll show you the best Copenhagen attractions and give you lots of tips so you can really enjoy your visit to the city.
From the famous Little Mermaid to the impressive Copenhagen Castle – there are countless places to discover. Be enchanted by the beauty of the city and learn all about the highlights you shouldn’t miss under any circumstances.
If you want to see as many attractions as possible while saving some money, then the Copenhagen Card is a good option for you. You pay for it once and it gives you free entry to over 80 Copenhagen attractions. There are different versions that are valid for 24, 48, 72, 96 or 120 hours.
All of Copenhagen’s attractions can also be found here on the map:
1. The 2 little mermaids of Copenhagen
The most famous landmark of Copenhagen is the Little Mermaid. It is a bronze statue by Edward Eriksen, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale of the same name. At just 125 centimeters, it is one of the smallest landmarks in the world, but it still attracts a lot of tourists. There are always crowds of photo-crazy people lining the walkway along the statue. For me, this is the real attraction here.
Only a few hundred meters further north is a second, but much less visited Little Mermaid. At first glance, she also seems a bit strange, with her skeletal, winding legs and her face, which reminds me of Jim the Earthworm. It is in fact the genetically modified Little Mermaid, standing next to a work of art with other genetically modified statues such as the Madonna, Mary Magdalene or Christ. The whole work is very likely to be understood as a criticism of genetic modification.
2. NyHavn
Copenhagen’s new harbor is a real magnet for tourists (and apparently also Instagram models). The colorful houses here are an extremely popular photo motif, which has made it onto almost every postcard of Copenhagen.
Just stroll through the streets and watch people taking selfies. If you get hungry, you can also make yourself comfortable in one of the countless restaurants along Nyhavn.
From Nyhavn, you can also take a cool harbor cruises where you chug along the canals, passing some of the most famous sights in Copenhagen.
3. Torvehallerne – Hall 2
Discover the culinary side of Copenhagen and visit the Torvehallerne market hall. At over 60 stalls, you can find rare spices, delicious coffee, fresh vegetables or tasty chocolate.
You can also buy all kinds of variations of smørebrød, which is practically the Danish national dish.
An even cooler way to explore Copenhagen’s culinary delights is on a guided tour with a local.
4. Freetown Christiania
I had already read a lot about this enclave in the middle of Copenhagen. A free state that is self-governing and home to many artists and alternative people who are said to pay no taxes – a unique district known for its free and alternative culture. What I found very cool here is the many works of art that you can find everywhere in Christiana – whether street art, sculptures or alternative architecture.
But Christiana is also one of the biggest tourist attractions with many alternative shops, bars and clubs for partying, as well as a place where grass is sold on the street. This happens mainly on Pusher Street, where you can spot hashish vendors. Especially there, but also everywhere else in Christiana, it is therefore not welcome if you take photos.
5. Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
At the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek in Copenhagen, you can see some of the world’s most important ancient sculptures, such as Auguste Rodin’s Thinker. You can also expect to see an impressive collection of ancient sculptures from Greece, the Roman Empire and Egypt. You can see impressive replicas of famous sculptures such as the Winged Victory of Samothrace, the Athena of Velletri and the Sphinx of Tanis.
But the building itself is also a gem. In particular, the glass-covered courtyard, kissed by light and adorned with palm trees and other tropical plants, is an absolute feel-good place. Sit down on a bench here and just enjoy the great atmosphere.
6. Botanical Garden
The Botanical Garden of Copenhagen, with its historic greenhouses, has been in its present location since 1874. In total, there are 27 greenhouses here where you can marvel at over 13,000 different species.
There is also a tranquil Japanese garden where you can relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. The garden’s outdoor facilities are free of charge. However, you have to pay 125 DKK at the entrance for the museum and greenhouses.
7. Rosenborg Castle
Rosenborg Castle is located in the middle of Kongens Have park and was built there in the 17th century by King Christian IV. It served as the summer residence of the Danish kings. Today you can visit the castle for 130 DKK and get an insight into the way of life at that time.
Inside, an impressive collection of Renaissance art and furniture awaits you, along with jewelry and the crown jewels of the Danish kings. A special highlight is the Crown Jewel Chamber, where you can marvel at the crown, scepter and other jewels of the Danish kings.
8. A.C. Perch’s Tea Shop
Do you like tea? Do you like traditional shops? Then the A.C. Perchs tea shop is the right place for you. Because here, everything still looks the same as it did in 1835, when Niels Perch opened this small tea shop at Kronprinsensgade 5, where plenty of tea is still sold today.
The tea from this shop is therefore also a good idea for a souvenir from Copenhagen. There are many different varieties, which can also be beautifully packaged if you wish.
9. Kobenhavens Havn
A great free activity is to stroll along the Copenhagen Marina. When the weather is nice, locals flock to the quaysides after work to soak up the sun, sometimes even without clothes. Swimming is also extremely popular here. There are even 10 marked and signposted bathing areas and harbor baths. The water here is so clean that swimming is no problem and you can jump into the water at any time to cool off.
By the way, you can also take your fishing rod with you and go fishing. With a few exceptions, this is allowed almost everywhere along the marina. The only requirement is a valid fishing license.
When the weather is bad, you can visit the architectural highlights in the area, such as Blox, Den Sorte Diamant or the Royal Opera.
10. The Black Diamond
The Black Diamond, also known as Den Sorte Diamant, is an impressive building made of black marble and shiny steel right on the waterfront in Copenhagen.
Inside, you will find a large library that is open to the public as well as to students and researchers. There is also a café in the building where you can take a break and enjoy the view.
11. BLOX
The Danes love playing with Lego blocks. And their architecture is also often characterized by a block-shaped construction. A prime example of this playfulness and a masterpiece of modern architecture is the BLOX building, right next to the Black Diamond.
It houses the Danish Architecture Center, the Library of Danish Architecture, a fitness studio, and a number of offices and apartments.
12. Rundetårn
The Rundetårn (Danish for round tower) is one of the oldest examples of Renaissance architecture in Scandinavia. Built in the 17th century, it is also thought to be the oldest functioning observatory in Europe.
From the top floor of the tower, you have a breathtaking panoramic view of the city and the water. There are also always changing exhibitions to marvel at in the library hall in the tower. All this is included in the entrance fee of 40 DKK.
13. The Cistern
The Cistern in Copenhagen is a former water reservoir from 1850 that improved the water supply of Copenhagen at the time. Today, for an entrance fee of 115 DKK, you can visit an underground museum where changing exhibitions take place. The damp and cold in the vaults will make you feel almost a bit like you are in a stalactite cave.
Please note: the Cistern is closed during the winter months until the end of March.
14. The Elephant Gate
A slightly lesser-known attraction in Copenhagen is the Elephant Gate in the Carlsberg district. It is not far from the cistern described above.
You can admire four elephant sculptures made of natural stone that look as if they are carrying the Carlsberg brewery’s former storage building for hops and herbs on their backs.
15. Superkilen Park
Superkilen is no ordinary park. Designed by a team of architects and landscape architects, this public space represents the diversity of cultures and lifestyles in Copenhagen.
Superkilen consists of three parts. Each area has its own atmosphere and offers different activities and experiences:
- In the Red Area, for example, you will find street furniture and play equipment from 60 different countries, brought together to represent the diversity of the city.
- The black area consists mainly of asphalt and is a place for skateboarders and BMX riders.
- The green area is a popular place for picnics. There is also a wide variety of plants and trees that come from all over the world.
16. Kastellet
Kastellet is one of the most interesting historical landmarks in Copenhagen. It is a hexagonal fortress from the 17th century that was originally built to protect the city from attack. The Kastellet also houses several historic buildings such as the Church of St. Alban and the Commanders House, both of which you can visit.
A particularly impressive feature of the Kastellet is the parade ground, which is located in the middle of the fortress. Military parades take place here regularly, giving an insight into the Danish army. There are many beautiful paths and green spaces around the Kastellet that are well worth exploring.
17. Lille Tilde – Forgotten Giants
The recycling sculpture “Lille Tilde” is part of the project “Forgotten Giants” by artist Thomas Dambo. The project includes six large sculptures built on the outskirts of Copenhagen from local scrap wood and recycled materials, placed in hidden, natural locations. The sculptures blend into the landscape in such a way that you want to explore the surrounding nature even further.
Two of the statues are located at the idyllic lake Tueholm Sø directly at the highway exit in a suburb of Copenhagen. There is also a cozy restaurant there.
Before you spend forever looking for the other four statues from the series by the lake: they are not found here, but a little further away at other locations in Copenhagen. Incidentally, Thomas Dambo has created many more such sculptures in Denmark and around the world. You can find them all on the troll map.
18. Amalienborg Palace
Amalienborg Palace is an impressive baroque palace built in the 18th century for Princess Amalia of Prussia, as a summer residence for the royal family. The palace is known for its magnificent rooms and opulent furnishings, which have been preserved to this day.
A particular highlight of the palace is the magnificent ballroom. It is adorned with stucco decorations, gold ornaments and impressive paintings and is considered one of the most beautiful examples of Baroque architecture in Scandinavia. The palace also contains a collection of period artwork and furniture.
Also cool: Amalienborg Palace is known for the royal life guard and you can watch the changing of the guard at noon every day. The life guard always starts at 11:30 am from Rosenburg Castle and marches towards Amalienborg.
19. Tivoli – historic amusement park
Tivoli is a historic amusement park that opened as early as 1843. This even makes it the second oldest amusement park in the world. You will find a variety of attractions, shows and restaurants here. Some of the most popular attractions are the wild roller coaster “Rutschebanen” and the historic carousel “Himmelskibet”.
You can get tickets to Tivoli at here.
Other places of interest in Copenhagen
Of course, that’s not all that Copenhagen has to offer in terms of attractions. These spots are also popular with tourists:
- Strøget – In this pedestrianized shopping street, you can shop until you drop. You will find well-known brand stores here, but also smaller shops in the side streets.
- Vor Frelsers Kirke – a church with an imaginative steeple with a spiral staircase and a globe at the top.
- Børsen – An impressive Renaissance building and former stock exchange in Copenhagen.
- Frederiks Kirke – One of the most beautiful churches in Denmark, also known as the Marble Church.
- Reffen Street Food Market – The largest street market in Scandinavia with a number of street food stalls, craft shops and cool bars.
Accommodation in Copenhagen
A successful weekend in Copenhagen naturally includes an absolutely top hotel.
In a great location, right on Ny Haven, you can’t go wrong with the 71 Nyhavn Hotel. It is located in two converted warehouses from the 1800s, and you sleep here in rooms with wooden beams, cozy and modern furnishings.
As you can see, there are some really cool sights in Copenhagen that are worth exploring on a weekend trip. What are your personal Copenhagen highlights? Let us know in the comments!
Did you like the article? Share it:
Tools & services that I use on my own travels:*
🚁 My drone for aerial photography
🎒 My backpack from Wandrd with space for photo accessories
🚗 Find and compare cheap rental cars
🎟 Find and book cool activities
🔒 Secure Internet connection with NordVPN
*Note: These links are affiliate links. If you book through them, I will receive a small commission without it being more expensive for you. A purchase from you via these links helps me to continue offering free content without annoying ads on this website. Thank you for your support! I really appreciate it!
