What to see in Copenhagen
27 hand-picked places, with their actual opening hours. Enter a date to see what will be open.
AI-generated images: these are evocations, not real views of the places.
27 places
Nyhavn
The old harbour with its colourful façades: the image of Copenhagen everyone has already seen, and which you should still go and see.
Tivoli Gardens
An amusement park and pleasure garden since 1843, in the heart of the city. It is best enjoyed at nightfall.
Rosenborg Castle
Christian IV’s Renaissance castle, an intimate setting for the Danish crown jewels.
Amalienborg and the changing of the guard
Four Rococo palaces around an octagonal square: the residence of the royal family, with a museum in one of them.
Round Tower (Rundetaarn)
A 17th-century observatory reached not by a staircase, but by a spiral ramp.
Christiansborg Palace
Parliament, the Prime Minister’s Office and the royal reception rooms, all together on the islet of Slotsholmen.
Church of Our Saviour
A twisted black and gold spire whose final stretch you climb on the outside, high above Christianshavn.
The Little Mermaid
A small statue with a big reputation: Andersen’s mermaid gazes at the harbour from her rock at Langelinie.
Kastellet
A star-shaped 17th-century citadel, still in military use, where you can stroll along the ramparts among red barracks and a windmill.
SMK — National Gallery of Denmark
Seven centuries of European and Danish art, from Mantegna to Matisse, in a palace extended by a large contemporary wing.
National Museum of Denmark
From the Vikings to the present day: the story of Denmark, with the Trundholm Sun Chariot among its treasures.
Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
Ancient sculpture, French Impressionists and a winter garden under a glass dome: the most charming museum in the city.
Designmuseum Danmark
The story of Danish design, from Kaare Klint to Verner Panton, in a former 18th-century hospital.
The Black Diamond
The extension of the Royal Library: a block of polished black granite on the harbourfront, open to all and free.
Canal tour
The city seen from the water: the most relaxing way to take in Nyhavn, Christianshavn and the Opera House in one go.
Christiania
A community born in 1971 in a former barracks: self-built houses, workshops, a lake and car-free paths.
CopenHill
A waste-to-energy plant designed by BIG, with a ski slope on the roof and a café terrace.
The King’s Garden
Denmark’s oldest royal garden, surrounding Rosenborg: lawns, lime-tree avenues and summer picnics.
Botanical Garden
Ten hectares of collections right in the centre, and a 19th-century palm house.
Torvehallerne
Two glass market halls devoted to good produce: fish, smørrebrød, coffee, cheeses and pastries.
Reffen
The street food market on Refshaleøen: containers, sunset over the harbour and an industrial atmosphere.
Assistens Cemetery
In Nørrebro, a cemetery park where locals go for walks, among the graves of Andersen and Kierkegaard.
Superkilen
A three-colour urban park designed by BIG, Topotek1 and Superflex, with furniture from all over the world.
Frederiksberg Gardens
A romantic garden with canals, bridges and rowing boats, below Frederiksberg Palace.
Den Blå Planet
The national aquarium, a swirl of aluminium on the shores of the Øresund, close to the airport.
Louisiana
One of the world’s most beautiful modern art museums, opening onto its sculpture park and the sea.
Kronborg Castle
Hamlet’s castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, guards the Øresund strait opposite Sweden.