Design, a fairytale atmosphere and world-class gastronomy. Copenhagen is a captivating experience for every type of traveler. We have gathered the best of the Danish capital into one list.
A trip to Copenhagen can offer unique thrills. Design lovers will be excited by the museums and galleries, while those who love fairytales will delight in the romantic canals, palaces, beautiful gardens and the enchanting atmosphere of the city of the famous storyteller Hans Christian Andersen, and food lovers will discover an exceptionally interesting culinary scene. The Danish capital is a fascinating experience for every traveler. Here we have gathered the best things you can see and do in Copenhagen.
The best of Copenhagen
The colorful harbor
Colorful 17th-century houses, a picturesque canal and moored wooden boats. TheNyhavn,Copenhagen’s historic New Harbor, looks straight out of an old movie. Hans Christian Andersen lived here for several years, writing some of his most famous fairytales. The area is perfect for strolls, as the waterfront is lined with restaurants, cafes and bars overlooking the canal waters.
Boat ride on the canals
Hop on one of the boats departing from the harbor for a ride along the canalsthat will give you the chance to admire some of Copenhagen’s most beautiful buildings – from the Royal Operabuilding to the Amalienborg and Christiansborg palaces.
Yes, during the boat ride you will also see the famous Little Mermaid, the city’s signature landmark, a work by sculptor Edward Eriksen, welcoming visitors since 1913 from a rock in the harbor. It is one of the most famous statues in the world - although, to be honest, it is not as impressive as you might imagine.
The fairytale Tivoli park
The theme park Tivoli Gardens,near City Hall Square, is one of the largest amusement parks in Europe. It opened in 1843 and has been operating continuously ever since. The setting includes historic buildings and beautiful gardens, while the colorful lights create a magical atmosphere.
A wooden roller coaster (from 1914), carousels, fountains, restaurants and open-air concerts offer a unique entertainment experience for the whole family. Especially during the Christmas season, the place feels like a fairytale set and isa must if you are traveling with children.
Art and design
At the Statens Museum for Kunst, Denmark’s National Gallery, works by Brueghel, Rembrandt, Picasso and Vilhelm Hammershoi are on display, among others. AtNy Carlsberg Glyptotek you will see one of the largest collections of sculpture, painting and antiquities in Europe. Just 30 minutes from the city by train, theLouisiana Museum of Modern Art is one of the world’s leading contemporary art museums. At Designmuseum you will get to know Danish design through the works of classic designers. Design lovers will also be thrilled with the city’s new architectural landmarks: the new Opera building, designed by Henning Larsen, and the impressive «Black Diamond», made from Zimbabwean granite, which forms an extension to the Royal Library building.
The must-see neighborhoods
TheNοrrebro,the city’s mostvibrant and multicultural district, offers many options for food and entertainment. The street Jægersborggade is one of Copenhagen’s prettiest - you will find everything from vintage boutiques and galleries to burger joints and Michelin-starred restaurants. The Vesterbro neighborhood, located near the central station, is a hub of creativity and entertainment. This area, once inhabited by the city’s working class, by North African immigrants and by students, today hosts trendy shops, restaurants and wine bars. In fact, Vesterbrowas chosen by Lonely Planet as one of the world’s coolest neighborhoods.
The alternativeChristiania
The self-governed neighborhood of Christianiais located in the Christianshavn area, close to the city center, and receives thousands of visitors every year. It was founded in September 1971 by hippies who occupied an abandoned military camp to create an alternative community, self-governed and completely independent. Lots of greenery, graffiti, handmade homes, workshops,clothes markets, cafes, vegetarian restaurants and music venues make up the scene.
The flavors
Plenty of Michelin stars shine in Copenhagen’s culinary sky. The city’s gastronomic scene boasts some of the best and most creative restaurants in the world - such as the legendaryNomaby René Redzepi, which made New Nordic cuisine known across the globe, and Geranium by Rasmus Kofoed, the first chef in Denmark to earn three Michelin stars -which on their own are a magnet for travelers. If, however,you are not the... gourmet type and are looking for something more traditional and affordable, then seek out in the city’s markets and bakeriesauthentic local flavors and street food. Do not miss trying the smοrrebrοd, that is, open-faced sandwiches with fish or meat, vegetables and sauce.
To Odense for the Hans Christian Andersen Museum
Just 90 minutes by train from Copenhagen lies the charming city of Odense, birthplace of the famous storyteller Hans Christian Andersen. The reason to come here is the brand-new, ultra-modern museum H.C. Andersens Hus, which is dedicated to his life and work. The images the visitor encounters recall the pages of the fairytales they leaf through but with a more contemporary eye.
