Amazing 8 things to do in Copenhagen and complete travel guide
How to describe a city which is both Cosmopolitan and artistic at the same time. A city which showed me how, with almost 20 hours of darkness every day in winter, Danes are one of the world’s happiest people in the whole world. Even though they consider themselves as pretty reserved, they showed how warm and welcoming they can be towards a stranger. This is the story of my first solo travel and what I feel are the best things to do in Copenhagen.
Know before you go
Language
Danish is the official language of Denmark and people here are called Danes. In cities like Copenhagen, almost everyone speaks English.
Weather
There are almost 4-5 months of Winter in Copenhagen which may be a bit depressing for some people. But rest of the months, weather is quite good with high temperature going in 22-23 degree Celcius (75 degree Fahrenheit) with nice sunny days
Best time to Visit
Days start becoming better from May onwards until September. July and August are the peak touristic time, so if you don’t like huge tourists flocking in with you, it is better to avoid these months.
Currency
The currency of Denmark is Danish Krone. Many shops in Copenhagen accepts Credit cards as well.
Experiences –
These are some of the experiences that you should not miss once in Copenhagen –
Top things to do in Copenhagen
It is hard to put in a list about the things to do in Copenhagen, as such a list will be never ending. However, I have tried to consolidate the top things which I feel everyone should experience during their Copenhagen travel
1. Tivoli Gardens
Try to Imagine the year 1843, yes it is difficult. Then imagine Disney world, that is easier. Walt Disney got inspiration to open Disney world from this amusement park. That is how old and unique this park is. This is world’s second oldest amusement park still working.
This is the definitely along the top things to do in Copenhagen. Even if you hate rides, try to visit just to see these nostalgic and magical rides from more than a century ago.
There are multiple tickets but you can find most up to date rates here
2. The little mermaid statue
You will feel a nice nostalgia reliving the moments when you first read about Hans Christian Anderson’s The little mermaid.
The statue is made of bronze and granite. It represents the story of a little mermaid who gave up everything, so that she can be united with the handsome prince on land.
Every morning and evening, she swims up to the surface and stares towards the surface with the only desire to catch a glimpse of the prince.
The statue is very small in size compared to what you would imagine. This was hands down one of the nostalgic things to do in Copenhagen for me.
3. Nyhaven
As a photographer, this is the most picturesque location in Copenhagen. Nyhaven used to be the main harbor some 450 years ago. Today it is the place which you can enjoy in any season of the year. In Summer, have a nice cold drink in hand and sit on the docks and enjoy the sunset just like locals. During christmastime, it turns into a perfect postcard view with all Christmas lighting and lots of options to eat and drink with family and friends.
House number 9 is particularly special as it has not been modified in anyways from the time it was built 450 years ago. Even famous Danish author Hans C Anderson lived in multiple houses in Nyhaven.
Mark this as one of the top pick for things to do in Copenhagen.
4. City hall square
This is possibly one of the most famous places in Copenhagen and in Denmark. The city hall square (Also called City hall tower) is 105.6 m and still one of the tallest buildings in Copenhagen. It was built in 1893-1905 (by Architect – Martin Nyrop).
Going up the tower is free of cost but get ready to climb a bit to get a nice view of Copenhagen.
Showing more about the Danish culture, whenever there are any major celebrations, the whole city gathers in city hall square and celebrates together like one big happy family. Also, Europe’s longest pedestrian street Strøget starts at this city hall.
5. Opera house
It is one of the best places for live entertainment and artists from all over the world.
Copenhagen Opera house is one of the costliest Opera houses in the world costing near to $ 500Mil. Even with so much cost involved, the structure of the building is considered a disaster. It was made by Henning Larsen who himself said it looked like a toaster. He considered it as a signature achievement and his greatest failure.
6. Christiania
Ever imagined a place that is within a city and still does not obey the city law? Welcome to Christiania.
Christiania used to be an army base and was abandoned later. In 1971, a group of hippies broke through and started settling in this piece of land. They started selling Marijuana here which caused quite a few raids from police and a place of turmoil.
Today, it is still a place of high sensitivity with rules like you should not take any pictures once you are in. You can find people selling Marijuana in open, which is otherwise illegal outside these boundaries.
This will be your one of the off beat things to do in Copenhagen.
7. Stroll through picturesque Old Town
Walk through this city to encounter many wonderful places and scenic views in between. You can start with the city hall and continue on the street of strøget to buy things that attract you. Here you can find shops which are extremely cheap and also super expensive.
Walk around and see different places related to Hans C Anderson or chill and relax with a beautiful sunset in Nyhaven.
Whatever your taste is, Copenhagen has got you covered. You can find a beautiful corner and read your book while relaxing or go wild and enjoy wild parties and nightlife.
Consider it as one of the relaxing things to do in Copenhagen.
8. Amalienborg
A visit to Copenhagen is never complete without a visit to the place where the Dutch royal family lives. Explore the interiors of the royal palace and get insights about the history of kings and queens.
The Amalienborg palace was never meant to be lived by the royal family, rather it was meant to be for the nobles. However, a fire at the royal palace (Christiansborg) in 1794 made the royal family homeless and they bought the Amalienborg palace and continue to live there.
A typical (and wonderful) Danish thing to experience here is the daily changing of guards in the morning where they march through the city streets. Try to reach there early or better get yourself a comfortable seat at any cafe on the way to relax, enjoy your coffee and watch the guards pass by.
Feelings from heart
How did you like our list? Did you enjoy it as much we loved writing it? Do let us know in the comments below.
