At the Round Tower, a spiral ramp leads up to a 360-degree view over Copenhagen. The building is Europe’s oldest functioning observatory building. The bright hall is another discovery inside the tower: concerts, talks and activities for children and adults take place there. The programme may change; if you have a particular date in mind, check the latest information.
Royal history in palaces and collections
Amalienborg is the royal family’s residence and consists of four identical palaces. They surround an octagonal square, at the centre of which stands Saly’s equestrian statue of Frederik V. Christian VII’s Palace is open for public guided tours. As visiting arrangements may change, it is worth checking the latest information before making plans.
Christiansborg Palace also offers different ways to explore Danish history: visitors can see the state rooms and explore the ruins beneath the palace, including a medieval wall. The tapestry series depicts 1,000 years of Danish history. Rosenborg Castle, meanwhile, is located in the King’s Garden in the heart of Copenhagen. It houses royal art treasures; the Danish Crown Jewels are kept in underground vaults.
At the National Museum of Denmark, the themes span Danish prehistory, the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, as well as the history of Denmark from 1660 to 2000. To help visitors find their way around, the museum provides a free audio guide app for iOS and Android. Check its availability in advance if you are planning to use it during your visit. The Thorvaldsens Museum focuses on the sculptor’s sculptures, models and drawings. Its permanent exhibitions include his collection of antiquities, collection of plaster casts and sculptures: three distinct collection areas to consider when choosing your museum focus.
City sights by the water and around town
The Little Mermaid sits on a rock in the water at Langelinie Pier. Edvard Eriksen created the sculpture in 1913. It is about a 15-minute walk from Østerport Station; walking time may vary slightly depending on the route. Nyhavn offers a different atmosphere: its brightly painted houses date from the 17th century, and canal tours depart from here. The neighbourhood also has literary connections: Hans Christian Andersen lived in three different houses in Nyhavn.
If you are interested in waterfront city life, Copenhagen Harbour has swimming areas and harbour baths. Conditions and access may change, so it is worth checking the latest information before visiting. Themed cycling routes lead to nature experiences; guided nature experiences are also available. This gives you different options for enjoying the water and discovering nature, without committing to any particular way of exploring.
From rides to snow in the city
Tivoli Gardens is in the heart of Copenhagen and is the world’s third-oldest amusement park. The park has 30 thrilling rides; the selection may change. If you want to plan around particular attractions, check what is currently available before your visit.
CopenHill offers a different kind of experience in the middle of Copenhagen: you can ski and snowboard there. Paths and stairs lead to the top; the shortest route from the foot to the summit is about 450 metres long. Events and weather may affect access to the paths. CopenHill also has an 85-metre-high climbing wall with various obstacles on the way up. Appropriate certification is required to climb. Operating conditions and booking requirements may change, so it is a good idea to check the latest information before making specific plans.
Reffen on Refshaleøen brings together a street food market and a cultural meeting place. Around 35 food stalls and four creative workshops are part of the offering. As it operates seasonally and may change, it is best to check the latest dates and offerings before including Reffen in your plans.
Discover more destinations: Albertslund, Høje-Taastrup Municipality, Hørsholm Municipality, Allerød Municipality, Lyngby-Taarbæk Municipality, Helsingør, Frederikssund, Vallensbæk.
For the overview of the wider region: Capital Region.
