Ten Things To Do In Copenhagen

Emily Coles
Jun 10
5 min read

A city curated through the unique eye of architects, Denmark's capital is a refreshing break from the typical travel hotspots, offering its visitors a deep dive into a life of culture, health and innovation. A refreshing change of positivity and politeness, three days in Copenhagen will leave you feeling inspired, but with so many opportunities within reach, here are my ten must do's to truly immerse in your visit.

A CANAL TOUR

There are endless things to do and see in Copenhagen with your city pass, but the thing I found greatest value in was the canal tour! Embarking from the bottom of the high street as opposed to in Nyhavn, you board completely free and spend an hour sailing Denmark's stunning waters. Passing iconic landmarks like the Royal Palace and (the not so wow) Little Mermaid statue, your tour guide will truly capture the cities charm whilst reaffirming the charismatic personalities that elevate Denmark's atmosphere.

VISIT REFEN STREET FOOD MARKET

A vibrant market uniting flavours of the world, based on the canal bank, Refen is truly one of the best food markets I have been to. Pairing vibrant colours, a playful atmosphere, delicious food and offering a beach like setting, it's the perfect place to spend an evening after a day of exploring. Dishes cost around £8 - £12 dependent on what you choice, my personal favs were Manila Street Food BBQ N' BAO, Ramslog and Gosht!

SPEND A MORNING IN NYHAVN

Arguably the most iconic area of Copenhagen, Nyhavn is home to colourful houses and picturesque backdrops, but it is also best known to the locals for its infamous Smagsloget (kind of like open sandwiches). This area offers the perfect place to people watch, as well as a variety of restaurants to choose from for an early lunch - but like with all well-known spots it can get super busy so I recommend getting there for before 10am to snap an uncrowded moment.

... Start your day with breakfast in Tivoli before wondering through the shopping district before finding yourself in Nyhavn just in time for lunch. Continue walking down the canal till you reach the Tipsy Mermaid for a drink! A little further up the road you will also find the Royal Palace and the Little Mermaid statue - we did around 30,000 steps but it's worth the walk

VISIT THE CARLSBERG EXHIBITION

Another great activity included with the Copenhagen city card! Spend an afternoon taste testing authentic woody flavours and freshly brewed pints, delving into the dramas of the Carlsberg's family past and meeting the horses that were once the forefront of the business. The factory offers a contemporary feel amongst historic artifacts and traditional equipment, seamlessly blending the old with the new. There is also the option to pay an additional sum for a brewery tour and taste testing flights - but we found the exhibition covered all the same things and offers a free pint of your choosing at the end too for free!

VISIT TIVOLI GARDENS

Offering a fun afternoon for the family, Tivoli Gardens is an amusement park offering everything from roller coaster rides to live concerts, food festivals and inhouse dining. However, whilst your entry is free with the city pass, if you wish to enjoy the rides there is an additional cost - we queued for two separate rides both requiring an additional payment of 90dkk per person (around £10!) However the grounds were stunning and the park is actually open until midnight so it is a fun alternative to the common evening spent in the center.

EXPLORE ROSENBORG CASTLE

A capsule of renaissance architecture, Rosenborg castle is a must see. Offering a glimpse into the life of Danish royalty, you can stroll the castle gardens, enjoying views of the city and carefully cared for flower beds, but for a deeper incite join a castle tour where you'll be taken to see the crown jewels that reside beneath the castle. You'll spend around an hour or two exploring at no extra expense to your city card. Just a short stroll away you will also find the Botanical Gardens.

HAVE A DRINK AT CHARLIE SCOTTS PUB

It's no secret us britts love an Irish pub abroad, but perhaps it's time to give the Scottish ones a go! Tucked away just off the main high street, the Charlie Scotts pub is the perfect place to enjoy a pint (a lot cheaper than anywhere else we found) and find good company. The landlord, originally from Edinburgh, welcomes his punters with a traditional and cosy feel, accommodating rival football fans and sport fanatics, as well as serving infamous snacks such as scampi fries and cheesy moments.

CYCLE AROUND THE CITY

Cycle culture in Copenhagen is one of the greatest I have come across whilst exploring Europe, bike lanes wide enough to pass one another without incidents, a variety of bikes left unchained outside shops and stations with complete trust in other and a sustainable mindset providing fresher air within the city. So, if walking isn't your thing, most hotels offer their own bikes for free rental, take one out, explore the city and immerse in the everyday lifestyle of the Danish community. A great way to spend a day without using a penny.

WATCH THE CHANGING OF THE GUARDS

Every day at 12pm you can head to the Royal Palace and watch the changing of the guards, a great way to spend half an hour and have a peak behind the reality of royal life. If you visit after heading on a canal tour, you'll be able to spot the difference in the recently abdicated queens residence and the current reigning king too. The courtyard is also a great spot for a touristic photo, but again it can get busy around the change over period so be sure to head there a little earlier to secure a good view.

VISIT KAYAK CAFE & TAKE OUT A KAYAK

Another innovative way the city has introduced sustainable tourism - The Kayak cafe is a unique bar/ cafe that allows visitors to take one of their kayaks out on the canals completely free of charge, in exchange they simply ask for you to collect any rubbish out the water you may pass. The boat is equipped with a small refuge bin, so, in exchange for a fun afternoon exploring the city in a truly quirky style you get to help keep the city you're visiting clean and looking great, a compromise, opportunity and idea too good to be passed on during your stay.