ACTIVITIES

Top 22 things to do in Copenhagen (a local guide)

After living here for many years, these are some of our favorite things to do in Copenhagen. If you’re visiting Denmark’s beautiful capital for a few days or just want to rediscover the city, this guide is for you. Beyond a few must-visits, we'll include local activities that make Copenhagen so special.

1. Go bakery hopping


Going bakery hopping is a must while you’re in Copenhagen. These are some of our favorites:

Pro tip: Don’t leave Copenhagen without trying at least one cardamom bun and a BMO (a bun with cheese). What’s so special about a BMO? We asked ourselves the same question at first. But try one, and you’ll understand what everyone is talking about.

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2. Fall in love with Nyhavn

No matter how long you’ve been living in Copenhagen, Nyhavn will probably be one of your favorite spots, and for good reason. The colorful houses right next to the harbor are breathtaking every time.

Whether you come here for an evening stroll when all the lights are on, at sunset, or early in the morning before the crowds arrive, it’s hard not to fall in love with Nyhavn.

Location

Nyhavn

3. Eat street food at Reffen


If you’re visiting Copenhagen in the summer, take the ferry from Nyhavn to Reffen.

Reffen is a street food market right by the water that has some of the best vibes in the city. You’ll get food stalls from all over the world, great cocktails, and stunning sunsets.

But make sure to be prepared to queue for your food for a good 10-15 minutes.

A great alternative is Broens Street Food, which has fewer stalls but sits just across the bridge from Nyhavn and is a beloved hangout for locals and tourists alike.

One thing to note: Check Reffen’s website before taking the ferry out, as it’s not open all year round.

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4. Go to a candlelight concert

If you’re in Copenhagen and looking for a local experience for the senses, a candlelight concert is an absolute must.

At either the Black Diamond or Odd Fellow Palæet, you’ll be surrounded by the warm glow of hundreds of candles while listening to live classical music, creating an atmosphere that feels nothing short of magical.

Our favorite picks are the Bridgerton edition, where beloved pieces from the hit series come to life, and the ever-popular Hans Zimmer concerts.

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5. Visit the Meatpacking District (Kødbyen)


Kødbyen, also known as the Meatpacking District, used to be an industrial slaughterhouse area.

Today, it’s one of the coolest neighborhoods in Copenhagen, filled with restaurants, bars, and nightlife.

If you’re a meat lover, make sure to try Warpigs. You won’t regret it.

Location:

6. Shape your own ceramics

Copenhagen has no shortage of creative experiences, but making your own ceramics at Yonobi is one of our favorites.

At their Pinch Pot Cafe, you pick a clay shape and follow along with hands-on instructions to mold it into something entirely your own.

Do keep in mind that your piece will be bisque-fired and hand-glazed before pickup, a process that takes around four weeks. So if you’re only in Copenhagen briefly, this one is best saved for another visit.

Location

Nybrogade 28, 1203 Copenhagen

7. Explore Freetown Christiania


Christiania is unlike anywhere else in Copenhagen. Colorful houses, a creative atmosphere, and a community that’s been doing things its own way since the 1970s.

Walking through Christiania feels like stepping into a completely different world, even though you’re still very much in the city. It’s one of those places you just have to experience for yourself.

Location

Prinsessegade, 1422 Copenhagen

8. Try a Nordic sauna experience

Copenhagen has a few great options. Sauna 85 runs guided saunagus sessions at locations in Nørrebro and Amager from 200 DKK.

Mobilsauna does a similar thing, with fixed locations in Frederiksberg, Kalvebod Brygge and Sydhavn, plus the option to rent a mobile sauna barrel and have it delivered to wherever you are.

And if you want waterfront views and hot tubs to go with it, CopenHot on Refshaleøen is the full experience.

Either way, do the cold plunge afterwards. It’s freezing, but you’ll get the full Nordic experience.

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9. Visit the Glyptotek


If you’re only going to visit one museum in Copenhagen, make it Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek.
Sculptures, an impressive art collection, and a stunning indoor winter garden with palm trees.

We’re not exaggerating when we say you might end up taking hundreds of photos in there. It’s that beautiful.

Location

Dantes Plads 7, 1556 Copenhagen

10. Eat your way through Torvehallerne

Torvehallerne are Copenhagen’s famous food halls, right by Nørreport station. Inside, you’ll find everything from fresh produce and coffee to street food from around the world.

Our personal tip: head to the second hall when you come from Nørreport and go straight for the seafood vendors. Absolutely worth it.

It’s also a great spot if everyone in your group is craving something different. There’s genuinely something for everyone here.

Location

Frederiksborggade 21, 1360 Copenhagen

11. Visit Tivoli Gardens

Right in the heart of the city, you’ll find Tivoli Gardens, one of the world’s oldest amusement parks and still one of the most magical places in Copenhagen.

There’s something a little surreal about stepping into Tivoli and feeling like you’ve left the city behind, even though you’re right in the middle of it.

The park also changes its decorations throughout the year, for example, during Halloween, Christmas, and more, so every visit feels a little different.

Just make sure to check their website before you go, as opening dates vary throughout the year.

Location

Vesterbrogade 3, 1630 Copenhagen

12. Make your own jewelery

One of our all-time favorite things to do in Copenhagen is making our own jewelry, and we always find ourselves coming back to Smykbar.

You choose what you want to create, whether that’s earrings, a bracelet, a ring, or something else entirely, then pick your favorite beads, stones, and pendants and get started.

It’s a perfect way to get creative with friends, and there’s nothing quite like wearing something you made with your own hands afterwards.

Locations

Smykbar: Kompagnistræde 10, 1208 Copenhagen K / Old King’s Road 152A, 1852 Frederiksberg C

13. Explore Nørrebro and Assistens Cemetery


Nørrebro is one of the most vibrant and multicultural neighborhoods in Copenhagen. Head to Blågårdsgade for a drink and the surrounding area for loads of great restaurants.

While you’re there, make sure to stop by Assistens Cemetery. We know it sounds like an odd recommendation, but locals actually use it as a park.

It’s green, peaceful, and surprisingly beautiful. It’s also where Hans Christian Andersen is buried.

Location

Assistens Cemetery: Kapelvej 4, 2200 Copenhagen

14. Visit Grundtvig’s Church

Grundtvig’s Church (Grundtvigs Kirke) is one of the most unusual buildings in Copenhagen, and one that most visitors never make it to.

The facade looks almost like a giant pipe organ rising out of a quiet residential neighborhood in Bispebjerg.

Inside, the tall nave and simple yellow brickwork create something truly majestic. It’s a bit out of the way, but worth the trip.

Location

På Bjerget 14B, 2400 København NV

15. Go shopping on Strøget and the side streets

Strøget is one of Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping streets, so it’s worth a walk at minimum.

But if you want a more local experience, head into the smaller side streets. Læderstræde and Studiestræde are our favorites for secondhand shops and boutiques.

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16. Hang out by the lakes

The lakes, or Søerne, are a favorite among locals year-round. During the day, you’ll find people strolling or jogging along the water, or settling in for a long brunch with beautiful views.

Come evening, especially in the summer months, the bridge connecting Nørreport and Nørrebro takes on a life of its own, with locals gathering to play music and share a drink.

In winter, the lakes transform into something truly special. When temperatures drop low enough, they occasionally freeze over completely, and the ice fills up with skaters.

Location

Søerne

17. Go to the beach or a harbour bath

Copenhagen is located right next to the sea. So you’ll find many beaches and swimming spots in the city and its surroundings.

The most famous one is Amager Strandpark, which can get relatively busy in the summer.
But we would recommend going swimming at Nordhavn Harbour Bath or Islands Brygge instead.

In the summer, it might get packed, but we personally love the atmosphere that comes with that.
If you’re looking for a quieter beach, take the train to Hellerup beach and spend the day there.

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18. Take a day trip from Copenhagen

If you have a little more time, there are some great day trips from Copenhagen (check out our guide for the full list).

A few favorites include:

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19. Visit Frederiksberg Gardens

Frederiksberg Gardens is a beautiful park that most tourists never make it to, which is exactly why you should go.

It’s a stunning royal park with lakes and tree-lined paths. Perfect for a slow afternoon away from the busier parts of the city.

Location

Frederiksberg Rundel 1, 2000 Frederiksberg

20. Rent a boat and explore the canals

One of the most fun ways to see Copenhagen is from the water. You can rent a small self-drive boat from GoBoat or Friendship Boats.

You don’t need any experience and are free to bring your own food and drinks. Just make sure you have someone comfortable driving the boat through the busy canals.

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21. Discover the Royal Library Gardens

This one is a bit of a hidden gem. Tucked just beside the Danish Parliament, the Royal Library Gardens are one of the most beautiful and peaceful spots in the city.

Most people walk straight past without knowing they’re there. Do yourself a favor and find them.

Location

Christians Brygge 8, 1219 Copenhagen

22. Visit the Black Diamond and the Old Library

The Black Diamond is the modern waterfront extension of the Royal Library, and it’s worth a visit for the building alone.

But don’t stop there. Step inside and find your way through to the old library building. It’s beautiful.

Location

Søren Kierkegaards Plads 1, 1221 Copenhagen

What activity is missing on the list?

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