Denmark is often considered one of the happiest countries on the planet, while its lively capital, one of the world’s most liveable cities. Copenhagen is cool and cosmopolitan and I got to see what all the fuss is about first hand on my visit in November. There is no shortage of things to see and do and I’ve put together my top 7 below!
Eat around Copenhagen’s Food Markets
Copenhagen’s food scene is as eclectic and diverse as the city itself. Home to 16 Michelin-starred restaurants, including world-renowned Noma and Geranium, the city’s first three-starred restaurant, there is no shortage of quality offerings here.
If food markets are more your thing, Copenhagen has got you covered. Visit the mouth-watering collection of stands and shops at Torvehallerne on Frederiksborggade or eat your way around Papirøen island, home to the Copenhagen Street Food market (thanks to Becky from http://gotthepostcard.com/ for the tip!). In summer months, check out the Meatpacking District Food and Market (Kødbyens Mad & Marked) or try and pin down Rebel Food’s trucks around the city.
Check out my earlier post: Torvehallerne: Eating Around Copenhagen’s Best Food Market
Visit alternative Christiania
If you are drawn to anything “alternative”, then you can’t leave Copenhagen without visiting one of its edgiest areas.
Freetown Christiania started life in 1971 as a self-governing “social experiment” on the site of former military barracks in the borough of Christianshavn. Despite years of clashes with the government and the police, Christiania remains partly self-governed.
The area is open to visitors and there is plenty to see beyond the infamous Pusher Street and its hash dealers. Colourful murals, independent cafes and quirky shops await those who decide to explore this small corner of the city. Bear in mind that photographs around Pusher Street are not allowed.
Get your thrills at Tivoli Gardens
The 173 year old Tivoli Gardens is one the world’s oldest and most famous amusement parks. Located in the heart of Copenhagen, across the road from Central Station, Tivoli features rollercoasters, amusement rides, theaters and even an aquarium. There are frequent live music performances and fireworks in the summer as well as special events for Halloween.
The park gets a magical winter makeover every November for the famous Tivoli Christmas Market, with thousands of lights, pop-up stalls selling crafts and decorations and all the candy and mulled wine you can manage. The park reopens for 2016 on 6th April.
Visit world class museums
Copenhagen has a number of world-famous museums and due to its relatively small size, it’s pretty easy to get around a few of them over a weekend. National Museum of Denmark has an impressive Prehistory Collection and Viking exhibits while the nearby Glyptotek houses a mix of ancient and modern art. Christiansborg Palace, the home of Danish Parliament is on the nearby island of Slotsholmen.
The Design Museum is well worth checking out on your walk to The Little Mermaid statue and the 17th century Rosenborg Castle is an impressive former royal residence which currently houses the Danish Crown Jewels. Art fans should get up early and head to renowned Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, around 40 km north of the city.
I recommend purchasing a Copenhagen Card, which includes entry to over 70 museums, free public transport and a range of discounts.
Tour Carlsberg brewery
Learn about the history of one of the world’s largest beer companies in the world, with a tour around where it all started – the Carlsberg brewery in Vestebro set up by JC Jacobsen in 1847. Wander the old brewhouse, check out the largest beer bottle collection in the world and say hello to the Jutland horses in the brewery’s stables.
No visit would be complete without sampling the beer itself and it doesn’t disappoint, with various options on offer and even a chance to take some bottles home with you. I recommend the extended guided tour of the brewery, which is very informative. On your way out, take a detour and walk a few minutes to the iconic Elephant Gate, which marked the entrance to the New Carlsberg Brewery, built in 1901.
Explore Nyhavn
The colourful houses lining the canal in the 17th century port district of Nyhavn are a symbol of Copenhagen, even counting Hans Christian Andersen as one of its former residents. Today the area is full of restaurants and bars, tourists and locals alike enjoying a beer on a warm summer’s day or a mulled wine in the colder months.
Stroll down the pedestrian street alongside wooden sailing boats, listen to live music in one of the jazz bars or take a canal boat tour to learn more about the history of the area. The Royal Danish Playhouse, home to the Royal Danish Theatre is around the corner on the harbour front.
See Copenhagen on two wheels
Copenhagen has been regularly voted as one of the best cycling cities in the world, with its network of dedicated cycle lanes, an efficient bike rental scheme and availability of cycling trips in and around the capital. Cycling is very much a part of the culture here.
As many as a third of Copenhageners use a bike for commuting to work and the city is one of the safest for cycling. Grab a map from your accommodation and start exploring! Cycling Copenhagen offer group tours in summer months.
Man, last time I was in Copenhagen I only had a few hours while I waited for a flight. Only got to see Nyhavn, but wish I had had time to do the rest too. Also turned out to be the Queen’s birthday and I missed seeing her from the palace balcony by meer minutes! Gah, next time! Great stuff as per usual.
Thanks David! At least you got to see some of the city – many people wouldn’t even leave the airport! It’s a great place and I really want to go back in the summer!
What a great guide! If you like beer, the Carlsberg Brewery is an excellent suggestion – went there myself this summer and had a great time. (I live just outside Copenhagen). Didn’t really know what there was at the National Museum, I think I’ll check that out when I get the chance 😛
I really enjoyed the National Museum! Some really cool exhibits and was great to learn about the region and its history! I will make sure to give you a shout next time I am in Denmark!
Copenhagen looks like a place I need to visit. I would love to see the Tivoli Gardens and the Christmas markets, visit the brewery, and Nyhaven. Also a cool thing to do is see Copenhagen on a bike. Stunning photos and thanks for sharing 🙂
Oh man, I’d love to visit Copenhagen someday! The Trivoli Gardens sounds like something I’d love to spend a day in (as I’m still a kid and love amusement parks). And Christiani sounds so interesting… I’d love to just wander around there and go cafe hopping!
Tivoli is fantastic – just make sure to check the opening times when you go as it’s not open all year round! Oh, the cafes and bakeries are amazing – makes me want to go back just for those!
I love the colorful buildings in Nyhavn! I’ve never been to Copenhagen but when I do go I will take your advice of seeing it on two wheels, sounds like fun!
Ah we love Copenhagen! The Danes are just ridiculously cool and arty! Great suggestions of things to do, we did a few of them. Smørrebrød is delicious and Nyhaven is touristy but beautiful, we were lucky with the weather when we visited and enjoyed a few beers there!
Garth, glad you enjoyed it! Yeah, I probably would stay away from the restaurants in Nyhavn but walking through it or grabbing a beer on a summer evening would be so great!
Arghh just wrote a long comment and accidentally touched the share button so lost it! Anyway try again!! Thanks for this as we are off to Copenhagen next month! Can’t wait to see and try some of these!
Technology, eh?! Thanks for stopping by and you will have an absolutely brilliant time!
Looks pretty fascinating. Gardens, great food, and a brewery, what’s not to like? Nyhavn sounds like a cool place to wander around catch a little history with a jazz tune or two. Hope to visit one day! Thanks for the nice post.
Great variety of things to do in Copenhagen and beautiful photos! If i could drag hubby away from Carlsberg brewery I would love to explore Nyhavn! LOL
Kelly, I will stay in there with him while you explore! The beer is great and the tour was really informative. Nyhavn is fantastic too!
I planned to visit Denmark on a road trip in 2015 but the old car kept breaking down so we ended heading back down through Germany. I would still like to visit Denmark and Copenhagen though and will be in Europe mid this year, so maybe I will.
Barry, that’s a shame but good that you will have another chance to go. It would be great to visit in the summer – many of the things I mention in the post would be even better to do in warmer weather!
Wow, Copenhagen has 16 Michelin starred restaurants? Awesome! I love your idea of hiring a bike and cycling around, I don’t believe anyone else has suggested that before and I wouldn’t have thought of it although I have no idea why – the CIty is perfect for cycling! Some really interesting suggestions here, I particularly like Christiania, the museums and the food markets! Thanks for sharing #feetdotravel
Copenhagen is practically made for cycling, just like Amsterdam! I do get intimidated by people going really fast around me as I am not the best cyclist (I tend to swerve a bit) but it’s great fun!
Wow, I’d love to visit Christiania – sounds so interesting!
Great ideas for visiting. We have not as yet but another destination on our to do list. #feetdotravel
I missed the Carlsberg brewery when I visited, next time! The beer must taste better at the source? I love the colourful picture from Christiania!
Love Copenhagen! You’ve just reminded me it’s time for another visit!
I’ve been to Copenhagen when I was 12 and love to go back! The food looks amazing and I love the colourful houses. Sounds like it’s also a great city to explore by bicycle 🙂
This is a city break I really want to do. Looks like a lot of interesting things to see including the brewery and the gardens. I have pinned this for future use 🙂
A couple years ago, we made a decision to NOT go to Copenhagen. As you can imagine, we’ve been regretting that decision. Even more after reading this. Thanks for the Must See list – can’t wait for a chance to enjoy the city.
You should definitely try and make it over there at some point – the city is beautiful, the people friendly and you get to experience hygge for yourself!
Copenhagen looks so lovely! I appreciate all of the details your included. I think Tivoli Garden would be a must see for me! Pinning this!
I have been to Copenhagen when I was 15 and to be honest, all I can remember is that I liked the architecture and the colourful houses. I have heard a lot about Christiania from friends and other bloggers and believe it to be similar to Uzupis in Vilnius. We have a travelling Tivoli in Estonia in the summer. I never knew they would use the same name for an amusement park somewhere else. To be fair, that’s where Estonians probably got the name for it. Anyway, looks like I have to go back and refresh my memory!
You should definitely head there when you are back in Europe – it’s a great place to explore and there are plenty of things to do outside the city too! Really interesting about the travelling amusement park!
This gives me some great inspiration, I’m heading the copenhagen in May so will definitely check out some of these spots!
You’ll have a great time for sure! It will probably be warmer too!
My home-town in Scotland (East Kilbride) is twinned with Ballerup in Denmark. I was supposed to go there 30 years ago when I was sixteen on an exchange program but I had to pull out at the last minute due to unforeseen circumstances. I was so jealous when all my pals came back with their Copenhagen Christiania Hash stories. Nyhavn looks lovely! Nice post.
Well it’s never too late to go! Christiania is definitely different to what you would experience back then but still a unique place to visit!