Copenhagen Sightseeing: Highlights for first-time visitors

The best places & tips for the Danish capital Copenhagen you should see

The Danish capital Copenhagenis one of our absolute top 10 most beautiful cities in Europe. We immediately felt at home and always enjoy travelling here. With around 623,000 inhabitants, the city is nevertheless quite manageable. In this article, we show you why a visit to Copenhagen is worthwhile and which sights and highlights you should see.

Our Copenhagen Highlights

• Nyhavn, the beautiful colourful harbour and top sight.

• The Little Mermaid.

• In front of Frelsers Kirke.

• Round Tower (Rundetårn).

• Reffen Streetfood Market.

• Freetown Christiania.

• Amalienborg Castle.

• Rosenborg Castle.

Why go to Copenhagen? Our Copenhagen Highlights

1. For us, Copenhagen is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. We love coming back to one of the most liveable cities in the world.

2. Our absolute top sights are Nyhavn, the colourful free town Christiania and the amusement park Tivoli.

3. The best view is from the Vor Frelsers Kirke.

4. We love the many bike paths that take you to all the historic buildings and hipster neighbourhoods with modern architecture and street art.

5. The best food is at Reffen Street Food Market, Torvehallerne in Nørrebro and Slurp Ramen.

6. The nicest neighbourhoods in Copenhagen are Nørrebro, Islands Brygge and Strøget.

7. The coolest tour to discover Copenhagen is the 4-hour The Culinary Experience Tour.

Take a Trip to Malmö across the famous Öresund Bridge. It's worth it!

That's a summary of our main highlights in Copenhagen.

Of course, there is much more to do in Copenhagen. Therefore, here are the best sights in Copenhagen. At the end of the article, I give you some useful tips to plan your trip. This way you will be well prepared for Copenhagen.

Why do we still love Copenhagen?

The warmth of the inhabitants and the flair are really special, no wonder Copenhagen has been named one of the most liveable cities in the world several times. A trip to Copenhagen is very "hyggelig" - we promise! With every visit we fall in love anew and find new places and attractions.

Enjoy reading our Copenhagen Guide with useful tips for visiting the sights so you are best prepared for your trip.

PS: We have realistically only listed the highlights that you can do in a weekend. All other places you can find in our insider tips for Copenhagen as well as in our programme for 3 days in Copenhagen.

Are you visiting the Danish capital for the first time? Then I'll tell you which places to visit and what the must-sees are.

How many days in Copenhagen?

Three days in Copenhagen is ideal, preferably four to five days. Since you can visit Copenhagen over and over again, it's no big deal if you can't visit all our tips. If you are in Copenhagen for the first time, you don't know where to go first.

But in three days you can easily explore the most important sights and our other tips. Got more time? Even better, check out our insider tips for Copenhagen and our City trip for 3 days Copenhagen with sightseeing programme (suggestion) at.

Most important sights in Copenhagen

The most famous landmarks in Copenhagen as well as the most historically important places in the city. In my opinion, these are the must-see places when visiting Copenhagen for the first time.

1 Nyhavn (New Harbour)

A real beauty is the "New Harbour" Nyhavn in the centre of Copenhagen. The colourful facades of the leaning gabled houses are one of the city's most famous landmarks. Ideally, you should start your city break in Copenhagen right here.

Nyhavn is always busy and has long ceased to be an insider tip. Thanks to Instagram, this place is a popular photo motif and it gets more crowded every year. Our tip: Come early in the morning or later in the evening to escape the tourist crowds and take your photos.

Note: Even though the restaurants look inviting: Around Nyhanvn the prices are correspondingly high. We once ate a waffle in one of the restaurants out of necessity (pouring rain). It was not only expensive, but not even that tasty.

Popular photo motif: Panorama of Nyhavn in Copenhagen

2. the little mermaid

Small but popular. I guess you will also be surprised the first time you discover the Little Mermaid (Danish: Den lille Havfrue). Because she is much smaller than you imagine when you see photos of her. The statue in Copenhagen's harbour basin, which is only 125 cm tall, nevertheless attracts everyone. It is the city's landmark and one of its most famous sights.

Before you see the bronze figure in the har bour, you'll see the crowds thronging in front of it. Sit a little away from the figure and just watch. The Little Mermaid sits on a rock just a few metres from the shore. The figure was modelled on the fairy tale by cult Danish author Hans Christian Andersen.

Our tip: In the early morning you can enjoy the figure alone and in silence. You can also visit the Little Mermaid while sightseeing by boat. But then you will only see the lady from behind.

The Little Mermaid, landmark and most famous Copenhagen sight. The statue was modelled on a fairy tale by the Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen.

3 In front of Frelsers Kirke

The best view of Copenhagen is from the tower of Frelser Kirke in Christianshavn. First you have to master some wooden stairs in the narrow staircase inside. Then you have to climb a winding winding staircase to the top of the church. In summer, however, it is often hazy. In warm weather it is also a narrow and sweaty affair.

Nevertheless, the walk to the top is worth it. If you are afraid of heights, you should rather visit Rundetårn. We like this view better anyway, as you are "closer" to the centre of Copenhagen (Indre By in Danish).

Note: Frels Church is called the Church of Our Saviour.

More info about the tower:

• Height of the tower: 90 metres, ascent via about 400 steps.

• Tickets cost DKK 35.

• Opening hours vary according to season. It isbest to check the website.

View from Vor Frelsers Kirke in Copenhagen. View from Vor Frelsers Kirke in sunny weather, Copenhagen.

4th Round Tower (Rundetårn)

The Rundetårn (Round Tower) is located in the middle of the pedestrian zone in the centre. It is the oldest functioning observatory in Europe. From here you have a great view of the old town.

The climb is much easier here, as it leads upwards along a spiral path.

More information about Rundetårn:

• Height of the tower: 35 metres.

• Tickets cost 25 DKK

• Opening hours per season: Winter (October-March) daily 10 am - 6 pm, Tuesdays and Wednesdays 10 am - 9 pm. Closed on 24 and 25 December and 1 January. Please note that the tower closes at 3pm on 31 December.

• Check the website for details

Runtetårn

5th Reffen Streetfood Market

The Reffen Streetfood Market at the Refshaleøen shipyardnear the harbour has over 50 stalls. There is a lot of emphasis on sustainability and locally grown ingredients.

The motto: "Reduce & Reuse". The focus is on local vegetables, compostable dishes and, best of all, no waste when it comes to food. We think that's good! Grab a bike and cycle here. The location is just great and ideal for chilling out and filling your belly with delicious food.

More info for Reffen:

• Checkopening hours on VisitCopenhagen's website. These vary depending on the time of year.

• Getting there: By bike or e-scooter (approx. 15 minutes) or buses 9A, 991 and 992.

Reffen Market Copenhagen.

6 Torvehallerne in Nørrebro

In the hipster district of Nørrebro you will find the Torvehallerne market hall, which has been one of the most popular places for Copenhageners since 2011. Here you can also find food from all over the world. The best cafés, restaurants and bakeries in Copenhagen have a stand here. Try the beer at Mikkeller, Vietnamese food at Lele or the coffee at Democratic Coffee.

• To the Torvehallerne website

• Address: TorvehallerneKBH, Frederiksborggade 21

You can find more tips in our Food Guide Copenhagen.

Sweet snack: Dulce de leche and chocolate ice cream at Is à bella in Torvehallerne.

7. freetown Christiania

The colourful freetown of Christiania is really colourful! Located in the Christianshavn district, you'll find the famous settlement of autonomists and hippies here. While hard drugs are frowned upon, people smoke pot on every corner here.

Christiania is the most visited sight in Copenhagen after Nyhavn and the Little Mermaid. Everywhere you go you'll find artistic murals, colourful houses and equally garishly dressed inhabitants. The famous Pusher Street is where many tourists go to get a supply of cannabis, which is openly offered here.

What we particularly liked: Concerts are held here regularly in the summer.

Note: There is an absolute ban on taking photos on Pusher Street. Respect the wish and put your cameras away.

Concerts are held regularly in Christiania during the summer. Colourful, colourful, Christiania.

8 Amalienborg Castle

The castle is the official city residence of the popular Queen Margaret II. A hoisted flag means: Queen present.

Crown Prince Frederik and his wife Mary live next door. In the building next to it you can visit the royals' workrooms and get an insight into their former lifestyle. Less interesting for me, but probably the highlight par excellence for Danes and fans of the royal families.

Prince Joachim lives above this museum with his wife Marie.

Thanks to the Copenhagen Card for free!

The highlight of Amalienborg Palace, however, is the daily changing of the guard. From around 11.30 a.m., the guard marches off in the barracks next to Rosenborg Palace. In a rehearsed "choreography" the guards are relieved one after the other. To be seen from about 12 o'clock at the castle. We always happened to be there when the guards marched. You can see it, but you don't have to.

Changing of the guard at Amalienborg Palace Amalienborg Palace

9. Rosenborg Palace

We particularly like Rosenborg Palace. It is located at the royal gardens (Kongens Have). What was once laid out as pleasure gardens is now a small recreation area. Students relax on the park lawns, children play and mothers watch. The gardens with beautifully designed hedges, flowers and trees are great.

The castle looks particularly sublime from the outside. Inside, you could look at the Danish crown jewels. We didn't feel like it after a long day. Because when the sun shines in Copenhagen, you have to enjoy it. So we stay outside!

Rosenborg Castle

10 Christiansborg Palace

The heart of the Danish state beats in the middle of Copenhagen. The Queen, the Parliament, the Supreme Court and the Prime Minister of Denmark are all based here.

As Christiansborg Castle is in daily use, we advise you to join a guided tour.

The castle was once built on the ruins of a castle. This castle went up in flames several times. Even today, the place is often just called "castle".

The royal reception rooms, the royal stables and the royal kitchen are particularly interesting. I visited Christiansborg Castle on my first visit to Copenhagen thanks to the Copenhagen Card. This saves you 160 DKK and the entrance fee is included.

11 Tivoli Amusement Park

Opened in 1843, Tivoli is the second oldest amusement park in the world. It is located in the city centre right next to the city hall. The Tivoli includes a large park, restaurants, cafés, snack bars, a concert hall, a variety stage and, of course, rides. A visit to the Tivoli is especially worthwhile in the evening. Then everything is beautifully illuminated and a water show rounds off the visit. We found the show a little boring, though.

(This may be because one of the most spectacular water shows in the world is being shown at the BUGA in my home town of Heilbronn).

However, the entrance fee of about 15 euros does not include any rides. A ride on the 80-metre-high "Starflyer" chain carousel, for example, costs 10 euros. A ride on the old wooden roller coaster with a real brakeman is something very special, I was told. Nevertheless, I persevered and visited Tivoli and Tivoli Gardens for free thanks to the Copenhagen Card (normally the entrance fee is around 15 euros).

More info on visiting the attraction:

• Opening hours: April - September(check the website for exact dates). Friday and Saturday 11am - midnight, Sunday - Thursday 11am - midnight.

• Highlights: Roller coaster "The Demon", chain carousel at a height of 80 metres "The Star Flyer".

• Tickets without rides: DKK 130. Buy in advance here and avoid waiting times

• Buy aflat rate ticket for all rides in advance here(entrance fee is extra, if you have a Copenhagen Card, the normal entrance fee is included).

One of the entrances to Tivoli Amusement Park More highlights

12th Design Museum Danmark

Note: The museum is closed until June 2022 for extensive renovations. Alternative museums: Louisiana Museum of Modern Art and the KØS Museum of Art in Public Spaces. Both museums are very brilliant, I love them!Deleted: Deleted: Deleted:

If it hadn't been for continuous rain, I would never have ended up at the Design Museum in Copenhagen. If you only want to visit one museum, this is the one! I liked the museum best because it shows so many products and aspects of Danish design. Therefore, it is definitely one of the top sights in Copenhagen for me. I especially loved the furniture.Deleted: Deleted: Deleted:

As there are always special exhibitions, before visiting you should check the the official website before you visit. Unfortunately, admission is no longer included in the Copenhagen Card.

Note: The Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek is advertised as one of the most important art museums in the world. I have visited many museums that display art from all decades (from ancient to modern art). Better use your time and visit the Design Museum or the two alternatively mentioned. It's really worth it. Because you'd rather see van Gogh in the Netherlands Impressionists in Basel or Munich.

13th Botanical Garden

In the middle of the city centre is the Botanical Garden. I first became aware of it during the food tour. If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, you should visit the 10-hectare Botanical Garden. It's beautiful, especially the palm house.

The 10-hectare Botanical Garden is located in the centre of Copenhagen. The park is open to everyone, except for the Palm House, which has a separate entrance fee. With the Copenhagen Card free of charge.

Check out the opening hours and entrance fees on the official website here. As mentioned, we were here as part of the food tour (info in the article for View food tips in Copenhagen). Without the tour, we would never have known that there is their own honey from bees in the Botanical Garden (and it tastes good).

Street Art in Copenhagen

There are many a street and hidden corner in Copenhagen that have beautiful street art. Check out my report with the Tips for Copenhagen off the beaten track, you'll find details.

Map with all sights in Copenhagen

The following map shows you the sights in Copenhagen at a glance. You can also save the city map with all the sights, places worth seeing and tips for food, bars and other highlights offline on your mobile phone and navigate through the city quickly and easily:

Special city tours

Are you only in Copenhagen for a short time? Then I recommend booking a guided tour and/or a ticket for the hop-on hop-off bus. Then you will definitely have the opportunity to get a compact overview of the city. I also enjoy cycling tours.

I recommend the following city tours:

• Discover Copenhagen Culinary: 4-hour The Culinary Experience Tour

Sightseeing by boat: Combi ticket canal tour and Tivoli

• Street Art Tour

3-hour bike tour with guide

• Ticket for the Hop-on/Hop-off Bus

Trip to Malmö and Lund. You can book the excursion here.

Sightseeing tips

Best travel guides for Copenhagen

I recommend you buy a combination of these guidebooks:

• 500 Hidden Secrets Copenhagen: The best tips and addresses from locals (free with Kindle unlimited)

• DuMont Direct Travel Guide Copenhagen. The compact guide with city map is an ideal supplement for information on places of interest.

• Style Guide Copenhagen : The Style Guide Copenhagen promises what the title implies: Tips for the hippest corners, shops, hotels and restaurants in Copenhagen. Ideal for preparing your trip - unfortunately too thick and heavy to take with you.

When is the best time to travel to Copenhagen?

July and August are the sunniest and warmest months. That's why most tourists come to Copenhagen in the summer. I advise you to visit Copenhagen in June or September. The weather is very changeable, like everywhere in Scandinavia. We were really lucky in September and had a lot of sun.

The winter months are not ideal for a city trip. As in the rest of Scandinavia, the days are gloomy and it gets dark very early. That's why I wouldn't travel to Copenhagen in winter.

What is the top 10 most popular attractions in Copenhagen?

This list shows you the top 10 most popular classic attractions in the Danish capital Copenhagen last year.

1. Nyhavn
2. Tivoli amusement park
3. Rosenborg Castle
4. Fredriksberg Slot
5. Our Daviour's Church
6. Christiansborg Slot
7. Torvehallerne
8. Rundetårn
9. Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
10. Danish National Museum

Getting to Copenhagen

The fastest way to get to Copenhagen is by plane. Flights are often quite cheap (from Stuttgart or Düsseldorf with SAS about 180 euros, Berlin with EasyJet or Norwegian for less than 100 euros) and take only 1 h 30 minutes. We are aware that this way is not sustainable and environmentally friendly. If we fly in Europe, we compensate the flight at Atmosfair.

From northern Germany, travelling by Flixbus or Deutsche Bahn is often cheaper, but not faster. From Hamburg, you can travel by train for as little as 65 euros.

If you are touring Scandinavia with a motorhome, the journey is usually via the mainland (ferry from Fehmarn to Rødby) and then on to Copenhagen.

Transfer from the airport to the city

The fastest way from Kastrup Airport to the centre of Copenhagen is by metro M2. It takes 15 minutes and is the fastest way to get to the city centre, eight kilometres away.

The first thing you need is a metro ticket, which you can buy at one of the ticket machines. You can't miss them. A one-way ticket costs 36 kroner (about 4.80 euros). Trains run every 10 minutes during the day and every 20 minutes at weekends and in the evenings.

The metro ride to Nørrebro takes about 15 minutes.

If you take the metro from the airport to the city centre, you should sit in the front. The train runs autonomously and the front is completely glazed. This way you can get your first impressions of Copenhagen as soon as you arrive.

A few facts about Copenhagen

Opinions about Copenhagen are clear: everyone loves the city by the water. Here are a few facts and info:

• Copenhagen is located by the sea and has a lot of canals. There is water everywhere, which gives the city a special flair.

• Copenhagen, like the other Scandinavian cities, is expensive compared to Germany. Accommodation costs a lot more, as does the food in restaurants. But the quality is excellent.

• You can explore a lot of the city centre on foot. However, Copenhagen is THE cycling city in Europe. Rent a bike and explore the city (the orange Donkey bikes are everywhere). There are also e-scooters that you can ride on the wide bike paths).

• Copenhagen is a very clean city.

• The weather can be very changeable . Be prepared for anything.

Save time and money with the Copenhagen Card.

Our recommendation for Copenhagen is to buy a Copenhagen Card for sightseeing(My review of the Copenhagen Card). This Citypass for visitors is ideal for taking in the sights, museums and classic tours for free. You can also use all public transport with the card.

The card is available for 24, 48, 72 or 120 hours (1 to 4 days). If you visit a lot of sights, it's definitely worth it. I love these city passes because I don't have to worry about tickets and entrance fees.

If you are unsure, you should read read my detailed review of the Copenhagen Card here. here.

Explore the cycling capital Copenhagen by bike

Nowhere is cycling more beautiful and relaxed than in Copenhagen. Cyclists have the right of way. The network of cycle paths is 467 km long and growing. You can rent one of the city's 2000 white "bycyclers". Much more comfortable are the orange-coloured Donkey bikes. You know the principle: download the app, register and rent the bike in the area of validity and return it wherever you want. It couldn't be easier.

However, you can easily reach almost all sights in Copenhagen on foot.

These were our top 11 sights in Copenhagen. You can find more information in the following articles with travel tips for Copenhagen:

Eating in Copenhagen: Our restaurant tips - it tastes good!

• Explore Copenhagen in 3 days: Suggested programme

Our experience report: Is the Copenhagen Card worth it?

• Insider tips for Copenhagen with highlights not everyone knows about

All Copenhagen travel tips at a glance

• Link to VisitCopenhagen website

Tell us your favourites! Which attractions in Copenhagen should you not miss as a tourist? Do you have any other questions or useful information? We look forward to your comments at the end of the article.