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Welcome to the vibrant city of Copenhagen, where history, culture, and natural beauty intertwine to create unique experiences waiting to be explored. From the iconic Nyhavn waterfront to the majestic Rosenborg Castle, each corner of this Danish capital captivates with tales of royalty and enchantment. Join me on a journey through my top 14 must-visit attractions in Copenhagen, where ancient castles, lush botanical gardens, and Viking heritage come to life against the backdrop of a modern and dynamic city. Discover the magic of Copenhagen…

The King’s New Square in Copenhagen

1. Nyhavn

Nyhavn 

Find a postcard-perfect view from this 17th-century waterfront canal. This picturesque harbor district in Copenhagen is a vibrant and iconic destination, lined with colorful townhouses, lively cafes, and traditional wooden ships. Stroll along the cobblestone streets and soak in the atmosphere. Once a commercial port, Nyhavn is now a popular hub that is a must-visit spot.

Included in the Copenhagen Card is a 1-hour canal boat ride with Stromma Canal Tour Nyhavn or Blue Netto Boats.

Cost: Free

2. Christiansborg Palace

Christiansborg Palace
Gilbert Sopakuwa, Flickr, License CC-BY-SA

Situated on Slotsholmen in Copenhagen, Christiansborg Palace offers a captivating glimpse into Denmark’s vibrant history as the powerhouse of the nation for over 800 years. From The Great Hall and The Tapestries in The Royal Reception Rooms to the charm of The Royal Stables and The Royal Kitchen, every corner of the palace stands as a testament to the country’s rich history and royal heritage.

Cost: Adult DKK 175 (26 USD), Student DKK 155 (23 USD), Children Under 18 Free
Admission is free with the Copenhagen Card

3. The Round Tower

The Round Tower

Nestled in the heart of Copenhagen, The Round Tower is a unique architectural observatory dating back to the early 17th century, with panoramic views of Copenhagen waiting at the top. Visitors ascend the spiral ramp 8 stories, walking up a 7.5-turn helical corridor to the platform top. Once at the summit, the panoramic views of Copenhagen’s rooftops and spires unfold before you, offering a bird’s-eye perspective of the city’s enchanting beauty.

Cost: Adult: DKK 40 (6 USD), Children: (5-15) DKK 10 (1.50 USD)

4. Tivoli Gardens

Tivoli Gardens

Discover Tivoli Gardens, the inspiration for Walt Disney and the creation of Disneyland. With vibrant gardens, attractions, and charming architecture, this 19th-century amusement park blends old-world charm with modern thrills for a magical experience. My favorite? The stunning tulip gardens!

Cost: Adult (8+): DKK 140-160 ($20-23), Children (3-7): DKK 80 ($11.50)
Admission is free with the Copenhagen Card. Rides are not included but can be purchased from DKK 149-299 ($21.50-43)

5. Copenhagen City Hall

Copenhagen City Hall
Jonathan, Flickr, License CC-BY-SA

Built between 1892-1905, Copenhagen City Hall’s design was inspirated by Siena City Hall in Italy with intricate frescoes and ornate halls. From the top of its tower, visitors can take in beautiful views of the city. In the center of the building is a lively garden, a peaceful gem without the crowds. Today, the building is headquarters to the Copenhagen City Council and Lord Mayor of the municipality of Copenhagen.

Tour Cost: DKK 60 ($9) Per Person
Guided tours in English occur Monday – Friday at 1 PM and Saturday at 10 AM.

Tower Cost: DKK 40 ($6) Per Person
Admission is free with the Copenhagen Card. Tower visits are available Monday – Friday at 11 AM and 2 PM and Saturday at 12 PM. 

6. Copenhagen Botanical Garden

Copenhagen Botanical Garden

Located just a few steps from Nørreport Station, the Copenhagen Botanical Garden is an oasis with Denmark’s largest living plant collection. This free public green space offers a tranquil escape filled with rare trees, shrubs, and herbs, inviting visitors to roam and relax among over 13,000 plant species spread across various sections, including Danish plants, perennial and annual plants, and a Conifer Hill boasting coniferous trees. The garden also features historic glasshouses dating back to the 19th century and three gene banks, preserving botanical heritage. Explore 27 glasshouses, including the iconic Palm House with a lovely cast-iron spiral staircase and butterfly house with 600+ butterflies in the summer months. This peaceful retreat should be at the top of your Copenhagen list!

Cost: Free

7. Rosenborg Castle

Rosenborg Castle

Rosenborg Castle embodies Danish royalty and history, dating back nearly 400 years and containing Denmark’s most precious treasures, including the crown jewels and royal regalia. Lavish portraits, ornate tapestries, and intricate details showcase the opulent lifestyle of past monarchs such as Christian IV who commissioned the summer residence in the early 18th century. Rosenborg Castle is among the best-preserved Renaissance castles globally with the preservation of architectural details, historical artifacts, and royal treasures.

Cost: Adult: DKK 140 ($20), Student DKK 90 ($13), Children (0-17) Free
Admission is free with the Copenhagen Card.

8. Amalienborg Palace

Amalienborg Palace

Serving as a seat of one of the world’s oldest monarchies, Amalienborg Palace allows guests to explore the private residence of past kings and queens. Rooms are adorned with military, Victorian, and knightly influences, showcasing over 150 years of royal history and changing tastes. Be sure to witness the iconic Changing of the Royal Guard, a daily spectacle where guards march from Rosenborg Castle to Amalienborg, accompanied by music.

Cost: Adult: DKK 125 ($18), Student DKK 80 ($11.50), Children (0-17) Free
Admission is free with the Copenhagen Card.

9. Danish Parliament (Borgen)

Danish Parliament

Before visiting Denmark, I had watched Borgen on Netflix and loved it. Although the show was not actually filmed at Borgen due to legal restrictions, it was named after it. The building wields legislative power in the county, with the monarch’s role primarily ceremonial in signing off laws passed by the parliament. The building is open to the public with a reservation and offers insights into the workings of the Danish Parliament including glimpses of the Prime Minister’s portraits, board committees, and the historic chamber itself. The tour is 45 minutes long and is well worth the trip!

Cost: Free
Reservations are required and can be made at thedanishparliament.dk/visit

10. Copenhagen Zoo

Baby Tapir and Giant Panda at the Copenhagen Zoo

Copenhagen Zoo has more than 4,000 animals from all over the world and is one of Denmark’s most visited attractions. For American readers especially, did you know the only pandas in the US are at the Atlanta Zoo? I personally had never seen pandas in person and put Copenhagen Zoo on my list largely because of the two giant pandas, Xing Er and Mao Sun, that live here.

Cost: Adult: DKK 249 ($36), Children (3-11) DKK 149 ($21.50)
Admission is free with the Copenhagen Card.

11. Kronborg Castle

Kronborg Castle

Step back in time at Kronborg Castle, where drama and history collide. This iconic castle is renowned as the inspiration for Shakespeare’s Hamlet and proudly listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Although not technically located in Copenhagen, but rather a 40-minute drive north of the city, this site is one of the top stops as part of the Copenhagen Card. Kronborg Castle stands majestically in Elsinore, offering breathtaking views across the Sound to Sweden. Once a stronghold of kings and queens, this important site once controlled the waters between Sweden and Denmark, shaping years of maritime history. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the castle’s extensive and mysterious tunnels – my favorite part of visiting this castle!

Cost: Adult: DKK 125 ($18), Students: DKK 115 ($16.50), Children (0-17) Free
Admission is free with the Copenhagen Card.

12. Frederiksborg Castle

Frederiksborg Castle

Discover the enchanting Frederiksborg Castle, a magnificent Renaissance complex commissioned by King Christian IV in the early 17th century. Frederiksborg Castle is the largest of its kind in the Nordic region and showcases lavish architectural details that underscore the monarch’s power and prestige. Outside of the castle are lush gardens, including The Baroque Gardens and the Landscape Gardens, which cannot be missed when visiting. Frederiksborg Castle is a 35-minute drive north of Copenhagen and is also included in the Copenhagen Card.

Cost: Adult: DKK 110 ($16), Students: DKK 90 ($13), Children (0-18) Free
Admission is free with the Copenhagen Card.

13. Viking Ship Museum

Viking Ship Museum

Embark on a voyage back in time at the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde, located 35 minutes west of Copenhagen and included in the Copenhagen Card. Here are five original Viking vessels from the 11th century, including the famous Glendalough Sea Stallion – the world’s largest Viking Age warship reconstruction at 98 feet (30 meters) long. I’ve been fortunate enough to visit several Viking ship museums in the Nordic region and these vessels are truly amazing.

Cost: Adult: DKK 125-160 ($18-23), Students: DKK 80-105 ($11.50-15), Children (0-17) Free
Admission is free with the Copenhagen Card.

14. Jægersborg Dyrehave Nature Preserve

Jægersborg Dyrehave Nature Preserve

I unfortunately ran out of time for this stop during my visit to Copenhagen but this will be the first thing I do when I vist Copenhagen in the future! The Jægersborg Dyrehave Nature Preserve is a forest park 20 minutes north of the city with more than 2,000 free-range red and fallow deer. Enjoy a peaceful walk through this beautiful park with the sure chance of seeing the deer that call Jægersborg Dyrehave home.

Cost: Free

Map of Stops

I highly recommend purchasing a Copenhagen Card, which gives free admission to more than 80 attractions across Copenhagen and unlimited public transport.