Top 10 Things to do in Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a city that won't leave you unfazed. It's a city where the feeling of happiness seeps over into every fiber of your being. In a lot of ways the Danes live a superior quality of life than other countries so whether you enjoy food, design, architecture or culture, there is lots to be impressed by. We spent a week in Copenhagen and weren’t bored in the least. There is an endless amount to see and do. Today’s post will be more of an overview to show you the best things to do in Copenhagen so you can narrow it down for your own trip! 

Top 10 Things to do in Copenhagen

1. Visit the Carlsberg Glyptotek

The Glyptotek is one of the coolest museums I’ve ever been to. Walk through the museum for a look at ancient Roman and Greek sculptures, modern art, and views over Copenhagen. Glyptotek was built to showcase J. C. Jacobsen’s art collection (the founder of Carlsberg beer). Primarily a sculpture museum, as indicated by the name, the focal point of the museum is antique sculpture from the ancient cultures around the Mediterranean, including Egypt, Rome and Greece, as well as more modern sculptures such as a collection of Auguste Rodin's works, considered to be the most important outside France. But the museum is equally noted for its collection of paintings that includes an extensive collection of French impressionists and Post-impressionists as well as Danish Golden Age paintings.

2. Take a stroll down Nyhavn

Nyhvan is a small port in the center of Copenhagen with beautiful, colorful little houses. In the summer, Nyhavn is a popular spot for locals to hang out on the quay sharing drinks or for visitors to have a cozy dinner. All the old houses have been renovated into fancy restaurants with outdoor seating. Definitely make sure to snap a picture of the charm and color here or hop onto one of the canal boats for a leisurely, comprehensive tour of the city. In the colder months the atmosphere is equally fascinating and charming.

3. Visit the Amusement Park Tivoli

Tivoli is a perfect spot for lovers of adrenaline attractions as well as those who simply enjoy the wonderfully decorated atmosphere of amusement parks. During Christmas the whole park transforms into a gorgeous seasonal extravaganza, but during our stay it was late Halloween season, so that park was in spooky fall decor. The park opened in 1843 and is the second-oldest operating amusement park in the world, after Dyrehavsbakken in nearby Klampenborg, also in Denmark. With 4.6 million visitors in 2017, Tivoli is the second-most popular seasonal amusement park in the world after Europa-Park.

4. Gaze at the beauty of the Frederiksberg Gardens

Frederiksberg is an enclave surrounded by Copenhagen Municipality and there is no clear border between the two. Some sources ambiguously refer to Frederiksberg as a quarter or neighbourhood of Copenhagen. Frederiksberg is considered to be an affluent area and is known for its many green spaces, such as the Frederiksberg Gardens (which were in full fall mood as we visited). Some institutions and locations that are widely considered to be part of Copenhagen are actually located in Frederiksberg, for example the Copenhagen Zoo. On top of the gardens is the old Frederiksber castle, but the gardens are the best part of the whole complex.

5. Explore the Danish Museum of Art & Design

Denmark is known for its world leading hand in art and design. Danish design is felt all around the world, and you truly get the sense of that in the Danish Museum of Art & Design. The museum houses Danish and international design and crafts. It features works of famous Danish designers like Arne Jacobsen, Jacob Jensen and Kaare Klint, who was one of the two architects who remodeled the former Frederiks Hospital into a museum in the 1920s. From the famous Danish chair design, to posters, artwork, Lego and clothes, everything is here. Beautifully presented as well.

6. Eat at Torvehallerne Food Market

At Torvehallerne in Copenhagen, you will find over 60 stands selling everything from fresh fish and meat to gourmet chocolate and exotic spices, as well as small places where you can have a quick bite to eat. You have to try the famous Smørrebrød (which translated means bread and butter). But the actual dishes are a bit more extravagant then simple bread and butter. You can find many variations here, all delicious. It's a must eat, as well as the many Danish pastries that can be found here, as well as in the rest of Copenhagen.

7. Take a peak at Copenhagen from above

The Copenhagen City Hall Tower tour is a perfect way to see Copenhagen from above. There are a few spots in the city where this is possible (like the more prominent Round Tower), but the views from the city hall are equally grand. It takes a moment to climb the stairs to the top, but once you're up there there is enough space to see the city from every side.

8. Relax at the Royal Library

The Royal Library is the national library of Denmark and the university library of the University of Copenhagen. It is among the largest libraries in the world and the largest in the Nordic countries. It contains numerous historical treasures, and a copy of all works printed in Denmark since the 17th century are deposited there. The space is massive and there is a lot to see and explore. Make sure to check out the latest exhibitions here (we saw the Marina Abramovich exhibition titled The Abramovich Method for Treasures).

9. Marvel at Art at the Arken Museum

Arken Museum of Modern Art is a private non-for-profit charity, state authorized, contemporary art museum located in the suburb-city Ishøj, close to the bay of Køge. From here not only can you see the wonderful Baltic Sea, but also marvel at art pieces which are constantly exhibited anew. During our stay we saw the Van Gogh exhibit, which was simply out of this world. There is a lot to see here, and since it's a bit away from the city center you can easily spend a whole day here.

10. Explore the Copenhagen Botanical Gardens

The Botanical Garden covers an area of 10 hectares and is particularly noted for its extensive complex of historical glasshouses dating from 1874. The garden is open for the public. but you have to pay entrance to the Palm House. The Botanical Garden was first established in 1600. The garden has 27 glasshouses and the most notable one is the old Palm House from 1874 that is 16 meters tall and has narrow, cast-iron spiral stairs leading to a passageway at the top.

Which part of Copenhagen do you like the most?

Let me know in the comments below. More posts are coming soon!