7 Best Spots You Can’t Miss in Copenhagen

June 18, 2024 |

By Dani Dudek

If you’re planning only two to three days in Copenhagen and you’re looking for the things you just can’t miss, this list is for you! Here are seven things we did on our weekend trip to Copenhagen that we recommend checking out.

7 Spots You Can’t Miss in Copenhagen

Curfew Cocktail Bar

Curfew is an instagrammable speakeasy cocktail bar located in Vesterbro. Once a quaint bookstore in 1919, it now features a secret entrance cleverly disguised as a library. Step through the doors and you’ll be transported to the roaring 1920s and 1930s. And if that’s not enough, the drink selection will also take you back in time. Menu items include the French 75, Chicago Fizz, Brown Derby, Josephine Baker and many many more.

Strøget

Strøget is a car-free pedestrian shopping street that’s home to various boutiques, department stores, cafes and restaurants. We lunched at the Illum Rooftop and highly recommend. There are a variety of restaurants, bars, cafés and food markets to choose from.

Rosengorg Castle

Over the course of nearly 30 years beginning in the early 1600s, Christian IV created a small summer palace called the “pleasure palace.” The Rosenborg Castle has transformed through several phases throughout the years, always maintaining a Dutch Renaissance style. It served as a royal residence until roughly 1710. The highlights of our visit were the throne room and the crown jewels.

Nyhavn

Nyhavn, or “New Harbor,” is one of the most recognizable neighborhoods of Copenhagen. Brightly colored 17th and 18th century buildings can be found along the canal, as well as several historic ships. Located near the end of the canal is Soho House, where we dined after a day full of roaming around the city.

Little Mermaid

The Little Mermaid is probably Copenhagen’s most iconic tourist attraction… and it’s definitely the busiest! Crowds swarm to the sculpture inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s famous fairy tale. It was gifted to the City of Copenhagen in 1913 by sculptor Danish Carl Jacobsen. Located on the Langelinie promenade, be sure to stop by Seaside Toldbogen for lunch afterwards.

Genetically Modified Little Mermaid

Just a short walk away from The Little Mermaid, you’ll find this other sculpture free of crowds. Honestly, I enjoyed this one much more. Not Bjørn Nørgaard, a professor at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, created “The Genetically Altered Paradise.” The piece is described as “a provocative and humorous look at postmodern society.” Other works located on the land nearby include abstract sculptures of Adam, Eve, Mary Magdalene, Christ and a pregnant man.

Tivoli

It’s well known that this theme park in the heart of the city inspired Disneyland. The California park opened four years after Walt’s first visit to Tivoli. Opened in 1843, it is the third-oldest operating amusement park in the world. Much more affordable than Disneyland, entrance to Tivoli costs just over $20 for adults and closer to $10 for children. Rides are an add on. But, all in, it’s still ridiculously cheaper than Disney.

There’s also a food hall offering a myriad of items at varying prices. Bonus: you don’t have to pay for the park to enjoy the food hall.

More Things to See and Do

Here are a few other ideas of thing to do when visiting Copenhagen.

Day trip to Malmö. It’s less than an hour train ride over to Sweden where the prices may be a bit cheaper. Plus, you get to experience another country! Eurovision Song Contest was happening while we were there and it was a vibe.
Explore Freetown Christiania. We were not able to do this during this trip but it’s on the list for next time! An intentional community and commune, the area is known for its residents controversial lifestyles. It’s also famous for its open trade of cannabis, which is illegal in Denmark.
Spend the afternoon at Carlsberg Brewery. Established in 1847, Carlsberg is one of the leading brewery groups in the world. You can take tours of the brewery which cost more than entrance to Tivoli. One draft beer is included though.
Dine at Reffen. Located in an industrial space right across the water from The Little Mermaid, Reffen is the largest street food market in the Nordics. It offers a variety of international flavors across 30-plus food stalls.

Pro Tips!

Download the transportation app. The DOT Tickets app makes it so easy to get around with public transport.

Looking for an affordable and stylish place to stay? Try the CitizenM Radhuspladsen Hotel. Centrally located, it’s the perfect launch pad for your Danish adventure. Here’s a peek inside.