Copenhagen Attractions

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Attractions

Attractions in Copenhagen are a mixture of living history and fun frivolous activity. Copenhagen is one large attraction in itself, as many of the cobblestone streets and rows of old Danish houses are much like they have been for centuries. Yet Copenhagen is adding ever more modern attractions to the heap of historic ones.

The unusual European habit of visiting unremarkable statues continues in Copenhagen as the Little Mermaid in Langelinie harbour is the city's most sought after, and often first, sight. Don't be disenchanted for long, as better attractions await in unique neighbourhoods, grand museums, and entertainment that can easily be reached on foot and are mostly centralised in the city centre.

A walk along Nyhavn Canal reveals the best of historic Copenhagen with old but well-preserved architecture and wooden boats showcasing the city's maritime history. The streets are full of shops and entertainment with a carnival-like appeal. To delve deeper into Danish history the National Museum at the Prince's Palace is a central Copenhagen attraction, as is The Copenhagen City Museum. There are dozens of museums in Copenhagen, offering everything from Old Masters at the Ordrupgaard art museum to the Tycho Brahe Planetarium.

Often-overlooked attractions in Copenhagen are the city's beaches, which have excellent facilities, though they can be crowded in fine weather. Of course, no visit to Copenhagen is complete without idling in the Tivoli Gardens or playing in its famous theme park.

Visitors can buy the Copenhagen Card, which gives them free entry to over 60 museums and attractions, free rides on public transportation, and discounts in many restaurants and shops. The cards are available in 24 hour and 72 hour varieties, and adult cards cost 31 euros and 62 euros respectively. You can buy the card at the airport or at many tourist offices around Denmark.

Tivoli Gardens

Copenhagen’s world-renowned Tivoli Gardens are ever so much more than just a central city park. The relatively small area in the heart of the city is actually one of the world’s most thrilling entertainment complexes, drawing about three million visitors during its five-month summer open... see full details

Copenhagen Art Galleries

Copenhagen is a city with a proud heritage of art and design, well showcased in numerous museums and galleries as well as architecture. Among the most renowned collections are those housed in the popular Museum of Decorative Arts (traces the history of Danish design),... see full details

Nyhavn Canal

The picturesque historic Nyhavn Canal, dating from 1673 when it was built to connect the inner city to the sea, is today colloquially known as the 'longest bar in Scandinavia'. This is because the pretty pastel-painted old townhouses that line the canal are fronted... see full details

Rosenborg Castle

The attractive Dutch Renaissance style Rosenborg Castle was designed by King Christian IV and served as his home until he died in 1648. Today the Castle is an important cultural institution, acting as a public museum detailing the history of Denmark's royal family as... see full details

Freetown Christiania

Freetown Christiania is a partially self-governing neighbourhood in the borough of Christianshavn, Copenhagen, dominated largely by a freethinking 'hippy' culture. Local rules forbid stealing, violence, guns, knives, bulletproof vests and hard drugs. Aside from its cannabis smoking affinity, Christiana is also well known for its... see full details

The Little Mermaid Statue

The Little Mermaid, basking on a rock at the Langelinie Harbour, is one of Copenhagen's biggest tourist attractions. The sculpture was put up in 1913, and over a million people visit the mermaid every year. At only about 4 feet (1.25m) high, she... see full details

Christiansborg Palace

When sightseeing in Denmark, the Christiansborg Palace is an architecture or history lover's dream, and a winter snowfall adds to its romantically royal appearance. This is further enhanced by the presence of ruins dating as far back as 1167 AD, when it existed as... see full details

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