Among fairytale canals, royal castles and design districts:
guide to the wonders of the Danish capital
Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, is one of the most desired cities to spend a holiday in the Nordic countries. Known for its sustainable lifestyle and for being the queen city of cycling, it stands between freshwater mirrors and the Baltic Sea, expressing the elegance of a lively metropolis on a human scale.
In this city, the charm of history is harmoniously intertwined with a contemporary vision. The bold, innovative modern architecture coexists with historic neighborhoods full of character, each with a distinct identity and unique narrative. Copenhagen fascinates for its multifaceted and dynamic soul, capable of offering an itinerary of experiences that ranges from art to architecture, from Renaissance castles to ancient palaces, from museums to avant-garde galleries, passing through cultural events, outdoor shopping and evocative views to be discovered on foot or by bicycle, just like its inhabitants do.
Copenhagen's must-see attractions
SMK - The National Gallery of Denmark
The National Gallery of Denmark, known as Statens Museum for Kunst (SMK), is located near Nørreport station in the green heart of Copenhagen. Inside, a fascinating dialogue between Danish and international art comes to life, spanning the centuries: from the masters of the European Renaissance to modern and contemporary art.
Among the works on display are masterpieces by Abramović, Anna Ancher, Danh Vo, Derain, Elmgreen & Dragset, Hammershøi, Mantegna, Munch, Nolde and Rubens. The collection dedicated to the Golden Age of Danish art is not to be missed, as is the refined section that traces the creative universe of Henri Matisse. The museum is also a place to stop: the indoor café is very popular for its relaxed atmosphere and artisanal cakes, which are a sweet end to a visit between art and beauty.
The National Museum of Denmark
The National Museum of Denmark is housed in the historic Prince's Palace, an elegant eighteenth-century building designed by royal architect Nicolai Eigtved between 1743 and 1744. It is the most important historical museum in the country and houses a vast heritage that spans eras, civilizations and continents. Its collections range from famous Viking treasures to the extraordinary Bronze Age tomb of the girl from Egtved, from Egyptian mummies to Renaissance art, to objects that tell the story of Danish daily life over the centuries.
Among the most iconic pieces: the Chariot of the Sun, a symbol of Nordic cosmology, a valuable numismatic collection of coins and medals and a particular toy museum. The museum also houses a café, a shop and a restaurant where you can enjoy typical Danish cuisine, including the famous smørrebrød, the famous open sandwiches.
The Marble Church
The Marble Church, or Frederikskirken, is one of the most striking religious buildings in Copenhagen. Located in the Frederiksstaden district, it is perfectly aligned with Amalienborg Palace and the Opera House, testifying to the city's monumental urban vision. Its construction began in 1749 to a design by the royal architect Nicolai Eigtved, but remained unfinished for over a century. Its large green dome is inspired by that of St. Peter's in Rome.
Only in 1894, thanks to the intervention of the architect Ferdinand Meldahl, was the work completed, maintaining the original neo-baroque spirit. The church is dominated by a magnificent green copper dome, and as you climb to the top, you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. A short walk away is the Royal Palace of Amalienborg, with its museum and monumental square, while a pleasant walk leads up to the statue of the Little Mermaid and the promenade of Langelinie, along the sea.
Amalienborg Palace
Amalienborg Palace, in the heart of Copenhagen, is the main residence of the Danish royals and a symbol of one of the oldest monarchies in the world. The elegant Rococo-style architectural complex consists of four palaces arranged around an octagonal square dominated by the equestrian statue of King Frederick V.
Each building has a well-defined function: the Palace of Christian VII is used as a residence for guests; the Palace of Frederick VIII is home to the current sovereign, His Majesty King Frederick X, together with Queen Mary and their children; the Palace of Christian IX is the residence of Queen Margrethe II; while the Palace of Christian VIII houses the Amalienborg Museum, a fascinating journey through the history of the Danish monarchy, with restored royal rooms, portraits, personal items and curiosities from court life. Do not miss the evocative ceremony of the changing of the guard that takes place every day at noon in the palace square, a solemn and scenic moment.
Christiansborg Palace
Once a royal residence, Christiansborg Palace, located on the island of Slotsholmen in the heart of Copenhagen, is home to the Danish Parliament, the Supreme Court and the Ministry of State.
In the palace you can visit the sumptuous state rooms of the monarchy, including the Tower Room, the refined Oval Throne Room and, above all, the spectacular Great Hall embellished with tapestries commissioned for the 50th birthday of Queen Margrethe II, which tell with vibrant mastery over a thousand years of Danish history. In the basement of the palace you can also discover some ancient ruins, an old wall dating back to the Middle Ages and the historic royal kitchens, which testify to the court life of yesteryear.
The Round Tower
The Round Tower (Rundetårn), one of Copenhagen's most recognizable landmarks, is an architectural masterpiece dating back to 1642, commissioned by King Christian IV to house the University of Copenhagen's first astronomical observatory. Even today, after almost four centuries, it is considered the oldest functioning observatory in Europe. Located in the heart of the historic center, the tower stands out for its helical masonry ramp, about 200 meters long, which wraps around the inside of the building.
The climb leads to a panoramic terrace that offers a splendid 360-degree view of the city and still houses a small astronomical observatory. Halfway through, the evocative Library Room opens, also mentioned in the stories of Hans Christian Andersen. Once home to the university book collection, it hosts temporary exhibitions and cultural events, concerts, a cafeteria and a bookshop.
Rosenborg Castle
Rosenborg Castle, located in the heart of Copenhagen within the evocative King's Gardens (Kongens Have), is a refined example of Renaissance architecture commissioned by King Christian IV in the seventeenth century. Built as a royal residence, today the castle is one of the most fascinating cultural places in the Danish capital and is part of the Parkmuseerne museum circuit. Inside its elegant halls are kept some of the most precious treasures of the Danish monarchy, including the Crown Jewels and the Royal Regalia.
Among the most emblematic rooms stands out the Hall of the Knights adorned with thrones, tapestries, period furnishings and statues that evoke the splendor of the Danish court. The castle also houses a collection of Flora Danica with Venetian glass, as well as historical portraits such as that of Queen Caroline Mathilde, painted by Jens Juel in 1771, and that of Johan Friedrich Struensee (1824 work by Hans Hansen, based on an original by Jens Juel).
Kronborg Castle
Kronborg Castle, world-famous for hosting Shakespeare's Hamlet, is one of Denmark's most iconic historical sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overlooking the Øresund Strait in the small town of Elsinore (Helsingør), the imposing castle has played a strategic role for centuries. Its origins date back to 1420, when a first fortification was erected.
Between 1574 and 1585, King Frederick II had the structure transformed into a Renaissance residence, equipped with elegant inner courtyards and cannon-armed bastions, to control maritime traffic between the North Sea and the Baltic. Damaged by fire in 1629, it was rebuilt by Christian IV, who enriched it with Baroque elements. From 1690 the castle was no longer used as a royal residence and, between 1785 and 1923, it became a military barracks. Only later was it restored and returned to its original magnificence. Here, every August, the Shakespeare Festival is held, which transforms the castle into an open-air stage.
The Little Mermaid of Copenhagen
The Little Mermaid is one of Copenhagen's most iconic symbols. Located on the waterfront of the city's harbor, this bronze sculpture depicts the famous protagonist of Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale, the mermaid who, driven by love for a prince, gives up her underwater world to seek a life among human beings. The statue was donated to the city in 1913 by the Danish patron and brewer Carl Jacobsen, an admirer of Andersen's work.
It was made by the sculptor Edvard Eriksen, who took inspiration from the dancer Ellen Price for the mermaid's face, but it was his wife Eline who posed for the body, given the artist's reluctance to pose nude. The Little Mermaid sits on a rock overlooking the port, looking towards the shore, in an attitude suspended between melancholy and desire. Small and discreet in size, but full of symbolism, it has become over time an icon of the city and a poetic ode to nostalgia, sacrifice and impossible love.
Strøget Street: the beating heart of Copenhagen
Strøget is a long pedestrian street, the beating heart of shopping in Copenhagen. From the Old Town, it stretches for about a kilometre from the Town Hall Square to the elegant Kongens Nytorv, crossing a route that includes the streets Frederiksberggade, Nygade, Vimmelskaftet and Østergade, as well as the historic squares of Nytorv, Gammeltorv and Amagertorv.
Strøget is a shopper's paradise, with offerings ranging from large international chains to luxury brands and Danish designer boutiques. But its soul is also cultural and architectural: in the adjacent streets there are authentic gems such as the Church of Our Lady, the city's cathedral, or the Fountain of the Stork in Amagertorv Square, often animated by street artists and musicians.
At the beginning of the route you will find the monumental Town Hall Tower, which can be visited for a panoramic view of the city, while on the opposite side, in Kongens Nytorv square, stands the majestic Royal Danish Theater.
Christianshavn district
Overlooking the canals and surrounded by an authentic atmosphere, Christianshavn is one of the most picturesque neighborhoods in Copenhagen, perfect for discovering the maritime and alternative side of the Danish capital. Christianshavn retains the charm of its port past, with navigable canals, small colorful Dutch-style houses and moored boats that draw its soul. Walking along the main canal is an experience not to be missed among cafes, bistros and markets. Here you can take a traditional canal cruise, a romantic gondola ride in the port and canals of the city but also venture out by kayak.
The area is also a top destination for gourmets where you will find some of Copenhagen's best restaurants offering Nordic cuisine and the famous smørrebrød (open sandwich) prepared with your choice of herring, raw meat, seafood or eggs. Among the icons of the neighborhood stands out the Church of Our Saviour, famous for its external spiral tower that you can climb to enjoy a panoramic view of the city.
Tivoli Gardens
Tivoli Gardens is Copenhagen's central playground, next to Central Station and a short walk from City Hall. Founded in 1843, they have inspired personalities such as Hans Christian Andersen and Walt Disney, becoming a national treasure and an international attraction. The landscape is beautiful with rides, a wooden roller coaster from 1914, haunted houses, themed attractions, exotic architecture, historic buildings and lush gardens illuminated at night in a fairytale atmosphere.
In Tivoli you can also have a picnic in the gardens or dine in the various restaurants from traditional Danish cuisine to French bistros, up to gourmet burgers. In addition, in addition to great events such as Friday Rock and Summer Classic, there is live music in Tivoli every day. Throughout the year, the park transforms to celebrate different seasons: in summer it hosts open-air concerts, in autumn it dresses up in a Halloween theme with over thousands of pumpkins, while in winter it becomes an enchanting Christmas village with markets and bright decorations.
Text by Lisa Maria River
Avion Tourism Magazine
Photo: Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
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Where to stay in Copenhagen
Copenhagen is a welcoming city and offers various possibilities for accommodation in facilities equipped with every comfort.
To find the ideal hotel and the best offers, you can search by stars but also by neighborhoods or places of interest.
City Centre
Vesterbro
Østerbro
Frederiksberg
Nørrebro
Christianshavn
Central Station
Meatpacking District
Tivoli Gardens
Entrance ticket to Tivoli Gardens
Book in advance with tickets to access Copenhagen's Tivoli Gardens, skipping the line. Tivoli is the city's amusement park with rides and roller coasters among gardens, restaurants and cafes. Valid for 1 day. Free cancellation. Information and reservations: Entrance ticket to Tivoli Gardens.
Guided walking food tour with tastings in Copenhagen
Food tour in Copenhagen with guide, on foot. Insights into Denmark's cuisine and tastings of cheeses, meat and fish, wines, spirits, chocolates, honey, and candies at the city's best food outlets. In addition, award-winning cheeses, typical Smørrebrød open sandwiches and an organic hotdog, local beers, wines, flødebolle, a chocolate-covered marshmallow cake. Duration 4 hours. Free cancellation. Information and reservations: Guided walking food tour with tastings in Copenhagen.
Copenhagen to Lund and Malmö tour in Sweden
Guided day trip from Copenhagen to the historic cities of Malmo and Lund in neighboring Sweden. Visits: Hamlet's Castle, Helsingør (Elsinor), boat ride through the Øresund, Lund Cathedral and shopping in Malmö. Return to Copenhagen via the Øresund Bridge, Transport: bus + ferry. Duration 9 hours. Free cancellation. Information and reservations: Tour from Copenhagen to Lund and Malmö in Sweden.
All tours & excursions
