Cycling along the canal with friends and indulging in Danish culture at museums and castles are just a few reasons to visit Copenhagen. Furthermore, Denmark is consistently ranked as one of the world's happiest countries! If you're planning a trip to Denmark's capital, this Copenhagen travel guide will tell you everything you need to know before you go! Continue reading if you're looking for the best things to do in Copenhagen, the best places to visit in Copenhagen, and what to see in Copenhagen.
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What not to miss?
Tivoli Gardens
Tivoli Gardens is Copenhagen's Winter Wonderland and the ultimate source of festive vibes. This well-known amusement park is located in the city center (near Central Station) and is one of Copenhagen's best places to visit. You can ride Tivoli's oldest and most popular ride, the wooden rollercoaster, one of only seven rollercoasters in the world with a brakeman on every train, and many other passages. If Ferris wheels and rollercoasters aren't your things, you can eat in one of the restaurants, shop in the shops, or, my favorite, grab a glass of glogg (mulled wine).
Nyhavn
The location you've seen on all the postcards and the image you most associate with Copenhagen. You'd be lying if you said you didn't want to take a photo, so mark it off your list early on. Remember that Nyhavn is more expensive than the rest of Copenhagen. Despite the high prices, Nyhavn is one of Copenhagen's best places to visit.
Amalienborg: The Queen's palace
The Queen's residence in Copenhagen is Amalienborg Palace. The palace is made up of four separate rococo palaces arranged around a central square, two of which are open to the public. The first houses a museum where you can view nearly 400 years of royal history in the form of paintings and other objects, and the second gives you an inside look at the Danish royal residence. Do not miss the daily changing of the guard, which takes place at 12 p.m.
Strøget: Copenhagen's shopping street
The street is the main pedestrian street in the heart of Copenhagen's shopping district. Everything you could want is nearby, from low-cost options and small independent shops to some of the world's most prestigious brands. The stretches and numerous small side streets are packed with shops, cafes, and restaurants catering to all tastes. Classic Danish design can be found at Georg Jensen, Royal Copenhagen, and Illums Bolighus.
Copenhagen Zoo
You can meet over 4,000 fascinating animals at Copenhagen Zoo and travel between continents in a single day. You can also eat chimp churros, polar bear ice cream, and lunch with a panda. While dining in the state-of-the-art Panda House, become acquainted with the iconic giant pandas. Experience unforgettable close encounters with polar bears and see the world through the eyes of a giraffe. Discover fascinating animal facts while dining at one of our many food stalls. Every day, 365 days a year, ZOO is filled with explorations. There is a whole world to discover.
What else to visit?
Canal tour: See the city from the water
A canal tour is a great way to see iconic sights in Copenhagen when the weather is nice. Take the ferry from Nyhavn or near Christiansborg and follow a tour that takes you past the Opera House, The Black Diamond library, and The Little Mermaid sitting on its rock. You continue through Christianshavn's cozy canals, which are lined with charming old buildings and are full of houseboats.
The Round Tower
Another great place to visit is Copenhagen, for fantastic city views! The Round Tower is famous because Hans Christian Andersen visited the library to inspire his work, but it is now used for art, culture, history, and science exhibitions.
Rosenborg Castle
This Royal Hermitage, built in the early 17th century and located in King's Garden, houses the crown jewels and is set in the most beautiful settings. The castle and its grounds are among the best places to visit in Copenhagen for a run, a stroll, or to satisfy your inner historian. Visit the King's Garden and combine it with a walk through the nearby Botanical Gardens. Other castles to visit in Copenhagen include Frederiksborg Palace, Christiansborg Palace, and Amalienborg Castle!
Amager Beach Park
Amager Beach Park is Copenhagen's largest beach and is easily accessible by bike or metro from the city center. It is only 5 kilometers from the city center and is an ideal place to spend the long Copenhagen summer days and bright evenings. Amager Beach Park hosts various cultural and social events throughout the year. Still, water sports such as kayaking and windsurfing in the small lagoon are trendy during the summer. With Copenhagen Surf School, you can learn windsurfing in beginner-friendly settings.
Copenhagen Opera House
The A.P. Møller and Chastine McKinney Møller Foundation donated the Copenhagen Opera House to the Danish people. It covers an area of 41,000 square meters. Five of the fourteen stories are set underground. The opera's main stage can accommodate 1400 people. Danish architect Henning Larsen designed the Copenhagen Opera House, and several Danish artists contributed to the decor, including Per Kirkeby, who created four bronze reliefs, and Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson, who contributed three light sculptures for the foyer.
The Little Mermaid
The Little Mermaid was unveiled on August 23, 1913, as a gift from Danish brewer Carl Jacobsen to the city of Copenhagen. The bronze and granite sculpture sits in the water at Langelinie Pier. It was inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's well-known fairytale about a mermaid who sacrifices everything to be united with a young, handsome prince on land. Every morning and evening, she swims to the surface of the sea and, perched on her rock in the water, gazes longingly towards the shore, hoping to see her beloved prince.
How to travel there?
The best way to get to Copenhagen is undoubtedly by plane. The airport in Copenhagen is the most popular and comfortable way to enter the city. There are several options for getting from the airport to the city center. You can take the train, which runs every 10 minutes. If you want to take the metro, it will take about 13 minutes to get to the city center. A bus is also an option, but the journey will take approximately 35 minutes. Finally, if you are prepared to shower and nap at the hotel, the taxi is the best option!
Copenhagen's public transportation system combines trains, buses, and metros into a single, simple system. Tickets are valid on metros, buses, harbor buses, and trains. Tickets can be purchased at various kiosks throughout the airport and city or via the DOT Mobilbilletter app. Ticket prices differ by zone. To get from the Copenhagen airport to the city center, you'd need three-zone tickets, which would cost DKK 38 (approximately 5 EUR).
When to travel there?
If you want warm weather and longer days, the best time to visit Copenhagen is from April to September. If you go in April, May, or September, you'll find fewer people than during the peak summer months while enjoying similar temperatures. However, some of the best festivals take place during the summer, such as the Copenhagen Jazz Festival, which takes place in July.
December is the month to go if you want to visit a picturesque, snow-dusted Copenhagen during prime hygge and Christmas market season. The entire town seems to light up in December, from the decorations at Tivoli Gardens to the Christmas market in Kongens Nytorv (don't skimp on the glögg!).
Average costs
A 7-day trip to Copenhagen costs an average of 1,476 EUR for a single traveler, and 2,652 EUR for a couple. Copenhagen hotels range in price from 66 to 311 EUR per night, with an average of 142 EUR, whereas most vacation rentals range in price from 205 to 555 EUR per night for the entire home. We recommend budgeting 54 to 93 EUR per person per day for transportation and dining at local restaurants, depending on your activities.
Where to eat?
Based on our personal experience with food and drinks, we have compiled a list of Copenhagen's best places to eat and drink. We'll start with something healthy, and we highly recommend Joe and The Juice, 42Raw, or SimpleRaw for the best and highest quality food in all of Copenhagen!
We highly recommend The Coffee Collective, The Living Room, Ole & Steen Lagkagehuset, and Meyers Bageri for coffee and pastries!
Suppose you're looking for the perfect place to eat for lunch. In that case, we recommend Copenhagen Street Food Market or The Bagel Co. We recommend Tivoli Gardens for fantastic food and atmosphere in the evening, Sky Bar and Restaurant, or Cocks and Cows.
Events
Copenhagen Light Festival
The Copenhagen Light Festival transforms the city into a glorious celebration of light art every winter. Many unique light installations that illuminate the city can be found throughout the city. Installations by international and Danish artists can be found throughout the city. The Copenhagen Light Festival is held in February.
The Culture Night
The culture night takes place throughout Copenhagen, with numerous exhibitions, concerts, tours, talks, performances, and other activities. There is something for everyone, whether you are interested in art, culture, history, design, fashion, music, or anything else your heart desires. You can get access to everything with a culture pass for 95 kroner. You also have access to free public transportation via bus and metro, both of which are located right next to Next House Copenhagen.
Golden Days Festival
Golden Days Festival is one of Copenhagen's major annual cultural festivals, focusing each year on a different cultural-historical theme. The festival consistently showcases art, culture, and history in an exciting and captivating manner in which everyone can participate. The year's theme in 2022 will be QUEENS, focusing on strong female characters throughout history. If history and culture in unusual settings appeal to you, you will undoubtedly enjoy attending one of their many events.
Copenhagen Art Week
Copenhagen Art Week is a contemporary art festival in Copenhagen. The festival's goal is to increase the visibility and accessibility of art and foster discussion and community around the value of art for all. Various museums, galleries, project rooms, and other exhibition venues emerge throughout the city, showcasing the best in contemporary art to challenge and inspire you.
We've reached the end of the article about Copenhagen. This city has an amazing atmosphere and we believe you will love it as much as we did! In the meantime, you can read other articles on our blog. How about Brussel, Bruges, or Berlin? Do not forget to follow us @thewalkingparrot to be always updated on the new releases. We will be back soon with a new article!