Denmark is a mesmerising destination, frequently considered one of the best regions to visit in Scandinavia–and its capital is truly exceptional.
Copenhagen, a former Viking fishing village, has plenty to offer–from extravagant palaces and baroque churches to laidback cobblestone streets and waterways that are the epitome of hygge.
Ready to go Copenhagen sightseeing? Check out the seven best places to visit in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Nyhavn
When you think of Copenhagen, you might picture the iconic harbour in the 17th-century waterfront of Nyhavn. This district is where you’ll see vibrant, colourful townhouses lined along the street with tons of boats floating in the canals. It’s one of the best places to visit in Denmark, not just Copenhagen.
Nyhavn’s cobblestone streets and alleyways are home to cosy cafés and historic buildings, like the Royal Playhouse and the house of renowned Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen. Stroll along the quay to watch this harbour come to life during the day.
Another way to experience Nyhavn is through boat tours along the canal. These Copenhagen waterway tours pass through picturesque, medieval villages.
The Little Mermaid Statue
One of the most popular things to do in Copenhagen is fawn over the statue of the Little Mermaid. This iconic sculpture sits along the Langelinie promenade, which is just a 20-minute stroll from Nyhavn. It has been around for over a century to honour hometown hero turned prolific writer Hans Christian Andersen, who is known to have penned the fairytale.
Unlike the happy Disney princess everyone has come to know and love, the mermaid in the Copenhagen landmark has a sad, longing expression as she looks out into the ocean. It’s meant to capture the emotion and yearning she has in Andersen’s tale.
Rosenborg Palace and the King's Garden
The beautiful Rosenborg Palace was built to be the summer residence of the Danish royals back in the 1600s. The city has even worked to preserve the moat built around the palace four centuries ago.
But today, the palace stands as a museum where Denmark’s crown jewels and regalia are kept safe. With its carefully preserved brickwork and spires, this spectacular palace rivals the royal castles of Northern France and other regions around the world.
What’s amazing about this palace is that while it’s smack in the middle of a city, it’s surrounded by lush greenery in what is called the King’s Garden.
This whimsical garden takes you back to the time of kings and queens through its fountains, orangeries, rose gardens and pavilions. It’s one of the best places to visit in Copenhagen, Denmark for people-watching, strolling and hosting a quick picnic.
Tivoli Gardens
Another iconic spot to visit in Denmark’s capital is Tivoli Gardens, which doubles as a lush garden area and an amusement park. It’s known to be the second oldest amusement park in the world and served as an inspiration for modern-day theme parks like Disneyland.
The 34-acre amusement park was built in 1843 and is still going strong. It has classic rides like Ferris wheels and bumper cars. Its animal carousel has been running since 1907 and has some of the most intricate carvings you’ll see in any of today’s merry-go-rounds.
And for a more modern, worldly touch, it also has concert halls and Chinese towers, where events and performances are often held.
Frederiksberg Palace
Have a leisurely stroll with a view of one of the most beautiful palaces in Denmark when you visit the gardens of Frederiksberg Palace. The expansive formal gardens that sit in front of the baroque, hilltop palace are the perfect place for people-watching and basking in the Copenhagen sun in the summertime.
This palace used to be the summer residence of the Danish royal family in the 1700s but is now used as the Royal Danish Military Academy. Its graceful, serene atmosphere is perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy lush gardens while admiring the view of classic Danish architecture.
Church of our Saviour
This stunning 18th-century church is known for its ornate, magnificent helix spires and intricate wooden interiors. Apart from these baroque elements, the church also has a winding staircase outside. The 400-step staircase leads you to the very top of the building, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Copenhagen. On a clear, sunny day, you might even see Sweden from up here!
The Botanical Garden
Last but not least, we have the majestic, awe-inspiring Botanical Garden. This huge garden is part of the University of Copenhagen’s Natural History Museum but is an attraction all on its own.
This enchanting garden is home to over 13,000 species of plants, herbs and flowers. You can visit all kinds of greenhouses in the area, from an arboretum that has trees from every region in the world you can think of to a zen Japanese garden complete with bridges and ponds. There’s also a rose garden and an herb garden for medicinal plants.
One of the prettiest highlights in the garden is Palm House, a Victorian-style greenhouse built in 1872. Today, it’s home to a wide array of tropical plants and flora.
Copenhagen’s Botanical Garden is the perfect place to visit if you love plants and want to see a diverse collection of them.
Don’t Miss Out on These Places to Visit in Copenhagen, Denmark
With its fair share of old palaces, colourful harbours and whimsical gardens and parks, Copenhagen is a Scandinavian city that is sure to steal your heart.
If you’re visiting Denmark, make sure not to miss out on its capital. Don’t forget to add the places we listed above to your bucket list to experience the magic and allure of Copenhagen firsthand.
Want to see more of stunning Scandinavia during your holiday? Explore our other packages in this breathtaking Nordic region to make the most of your travels.
