Denmark

Copenhagen

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Denmark's capital on the Øresund combines a compact old town with palaces, canals and the Nyhavn harbour with modern architecture and an internationally known restaurant scene.

by Felix Gillen

Denmark's capital on the Øresund combines a compact old town with palaces, canals and the Nyhavn harbour with modern architecture and an internationally known restaurant scene. You can reach most sights on foot, by bike, metro or harbour bus, and the airport is about a quarter of an hour from the centre.

Copenhagen blends royal history with modern design and a maritime atmosphere. Discover castles like Amalienborg and Rosenborg, as well as *Nyhavn*'s colourful canals. The capital is renowned for innovative gastronomy, from Michelin-starred restaurants to the *Torvehallerne*, and sustainable urban development. Autonomous *Christiania* offers cultural contrast; experience Danish design at the Designmuseum. Explore Copenhagen best by bike; late spring or early autumn are ideal for relaxed days.

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Freetown Christiania

The self-governing Free City on a former barracks site in Christianshavn dates back to 1971. Self-built houses, workshops, concert halls and green ramparts make it one of the city's most unusual districts.

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Indre By (Old Town)

The Old Town within the old city walls is Copenhagen's historic center, with the pedestrian zone Strøget, the Nyhavn Canal, Christiansborg Palace and the Round Tower in close proximity.

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Islands Brygge

This modern harbour district on Amager boasts contemporary architecture, lively waterfront promenades, and popular harbour baths ideal for swimming.

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Nørrebro

This multicultural neighborhood in the north of the city center is known for its lively streets, independent shops, street art, and green oases like Assistens Kirkegård.

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More places in Copenhagen

Østerbro

Østerbro is the green, genteel district north of the Lakes, with wide streets, Art Nouveau facades and the large Fælledparken. At the harbour lie Kastellet and The Little Mermaid.

Sights in Copenhagen

Discover the most important sights and attractions

The Royal Opera House

Henning Larsen's Opera House opened in 2005 on the island of Holmen and lies on an axis with Amalienborg and the Marble Church. Its widely cantilevered roof is striking; inside, maple wood and glass dominate. The Royal Danish Opera and Ballet perform here, and guided tours also reveal the spaces backstage.

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Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek

The Art Museum traces its origins to the collection of brewer Carl Jacobsen. It features ancient sculptures from Egypt, Greece, and Rome, French Impressionists, and a large Rodin collection. The heart of the museum is the covered winter garden with palm trees.

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Rosenborg Schloss Garten

Kongens Have, the King's Garden, is the city's oldest royal park, laid out in the early 17th century along with Rosenborg Castle. Its avenues, lawns, and flowerbeds make it a popular spot for picnics on warm days, right in the city center.

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Frederiks Kirke

The Marble Church, with Amalienborg, forms a visual axis through Frederiksstaden. Construction started in 1749, remained unfinished for over a century, completed only in 1894. Its green dome is among Scandinavia's largest; climb to the roof at certain times.

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Tivoli

The amusement park opposite the main station opened in 1843, making it one of the world's oldest. Among gardens, historic rides, a pantomime theatre, and restaurants, things are rather leisurely; in the evening, thousands of lamps light up the grounds. Open seasonally, it offers special programs for Halloween and Christmas.

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Rosenborg Castle

Christian IV. had the palace built as a pleasure palace in the Dutch Renaissance style from 1606. The interiors are largely preserved and display the royal collection, with the crown jewels and regalia in the basement treasury. The King's Garden stretches out directly in front.

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Dining & Drinks

Aamanns 1921

Modern Smørrebrød in the Old Town, a short walk from the pedestrian zone. Bread is baked in-house; toppings change seasonally. À la carte lunch, extended menu for dinner.

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Kødbyens Fiskebar

Fish restaurant in the white part of the old slaughterhouse district Kødbyen in Vesterbro. Tiled walls, a long counter, and a menu featuring oysters, mussels, and fish from Danish waters. In summer, you can sit outside on the square in front of the hall.

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Schønnemann

This Smørrebrød eatery on Hauser Plads, founded 1877, sits half a floor below street level. Its menu offers dozens of Smørrebrød, from herring, eel to tartare, served with beer and Aquavit. Lunch only. Reservations are practically a must.

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Restaurant Palægade

Classic Danish cuisine between Kongens Nytorv and Amalienborg. Lunch features Smørrebrød and warm dishes; evenings offer traditional main courses in a modernised form.

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Høst

Nordic cuisine in a rustic setting with wood, concrete, and candlelight, near Nørreport Station. Menus are served with seasonal ingredients from Denmark, plus small off-menu courses. Open evenings only.

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Barr

The restaurant is located in an old warehouse on Nordatlantens Brygge in Christianshavn, opposite Nyhavn. The cuisine draws on the culinary traditions of the coastal regions around the North Sea and places great emphasis on the beer menu. Following a renovation, Barr reopened in June 2026 with sharing dishes, long tables, and bar seating.

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Reffen

Street food market on the former Refshaleøen shipyard site with numerous global stalls, bars, and waterfront seating. Accessible by harbour ferry or bus 2A, it's lively until evening in summer.

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Food and Drink

Smørrebrød

The topped rye bread is the city's classic lunch. Traditional eateries and modern Smørrebrød kitchens serve it with herring, roast beef, shrimp, or potatoes, accompanied by beer and an Aquavit.

Torvehallerne

The two glass halls at Israels Plads by Nørreport are a market and eatery in one. Stalls offer fish, cheese, vegetables, coffee, and small dishes to eat there.

Harbor Street Food

On Refshaleøen and in other former industrial areas, street food markets have opened. People eat at long tables overlooking the water, until late in the evening in summer.

Hot dog van

Sausage stands have been part of the cityscape for decades. A rød pølse, the red boiled sausage, with fried onions, pickles, and remoulade is the perfect quick snack for in-between.

Bakeries

Kanelsnegl, Tebirkes, and Wienerbrød you'll find on almost every street. Many bakeries open early and are the usual spot for breakfast and coffee.

Copenhagen's Historical Heritage and Cultural Diversity

Copenhagen is a city deeply rooted in its history, while also fostering a vibrant art and culture scene. From its medieval origins as a fishing village to Denmark's modern metropolis, a unique cultural identity has developed. This shapes both the architecture and the daily traditions of its inhabitants, making Copenhagen a hub of Scandinavian lifestyle.

On the move locally

The city center is compact and flat, with most sights between Rathausplatz, Nyhavn, and Rosenborg within walking distance. For longer distances, take the Metro: Four driverless lines operate around the clock; the Cityring M3 connects Hauptbahnhof, Kongens Nytorv, Nørrebro, and Østerbro. The M2 takes you from the airport to the center in about 15 minutes.The network is supplemented by the S-Bahn (S-tog) to the surrounding areas, city buses, and harbor buses which stop at several piers along the harbor. Tickets are valid for all modes of transport and are zone-based; the easiest way to buy them is via app or by using a multi-day pass.Like the locals, you're fastest getting around by bicycle. Wide, often structurally separated bike paths run through all districts; rental bikes are available at many stations and from numerous providers. You don't need a car in the city; parking is expensive and scarce.

Round trips through this region

Copenhagen & Zealand

After three nights in Copenhagen, you drive up the coast to Helsingør with Kronborg Castle, then across Zealand to Roskilde and finally south of the capital to the chalk cliffs of Stevns Klint. No stage lasts longer than about an hour.

7 Days

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Nearby

Indre By (Old Town)

The Old Town within the old city walls is Copenhagen's historic center, with the pedestrian zone Strøget, the Nyhavn Canal, Christiansborg Palace and the Round Tower in close proximity.

Islands Brygge

This modern harbour district on Amager boasts contemporary architecture, lively waterfront promenades, and popular harbour baths ideal for swimming.

Freetown Christiania

Nørrebro

This multicultural neighborhood in the north of the city center is known for its lively streets, independent shops, street art, and green oases like Assistens Kirkegård.

Østerbro

Østerbro is the green, genteel district north of the Lakes, with wide streets, Art Nouveau facades and the large Fælledparken. At the harbour lie Kastellet and The Little Mermaid.

Food and Drink

Smørrebrød

The topped rye bread is the city's classic lunch. Traditional eateries and modern Smørrebrød kitchens serve it with herring, roast beef, shrimp, or potatoes, accompanied by beer and an Aquavit.

Torvehallerne

The two glass halls at Israels Plads by Nørreport are a market and eatery in one. Stalls offer fish, cheese, vegetables, coffee, and small dishes to eat there.

Harbor Street Food

On Refshaleøen and in other former industrial areas, street food markets have opened. People eat at long tables overlooking the water, until late in the evening in summer.

Hot dog van

Sausage stands have been part of the cityscape for decades. A rød pølse, the red boiled sausage, with fried onions, pickles, and remoulade is the perfect quick snack for in-between.

Bakeries

Kanelsnegl, Tebirkes, and Wienerbrød you'll find on almost every street. Many bakeries open early and are the usual spot for breakfast and coffee.

Copenhagen's Historical Heritage and Cultural Diversity

On the move locally