Citytrip Copenhagen
15 best things to do in Copenhagen (3-day city trip)
List of 15 things to see in Copenhagen
- Tivoli Gardens: A fairytale amusement park in the city centre
- Rådhuspladsen: Large square with the city hall, near Strøget
- Strøget: Long shopping street full of atmosphere and street performers
- Kongens Nytorv: Royal square with grand buildings
- Nyhavn: Colourful harbour with cafés and terraces
- Amalienborg Palace: Royal palace with changing of the guard
- Frederik's Church: Marble church with an impressive dome
- Gefion Fountain: Large fountain with a mythological statue
- St. Alban's Church: English church in neo-Gothic style
- The Little Mermaid: Iconic statue by the waterfront
- Botanical Gardens: Peaceful garden with unique plants
- Børsen: Historic old stock exchange building with a distinctive dragon spire
- Royal Library: Modern library by the water
- Circle Bridge: Pedestrian and bicycle bridge with playful design
- Agnete og Havmanden: Sculptures in the water at Højbro Plads
Experience the Magic of Tivoli Gardens
Tivoli Gardens is one of the oldest amusement parks in the world, right in the city centre, across from the central station. The park is charming and nostalgic, with beautiful gardens, classic rides, and cosy eateries. In the evening, Tivoli is magical, with hundreds of lights illuminating the park. Even if you don’t like roller coasters, an evening walk here is a real treat. In summer, there are often concerts or light shows.
City Hall Square: lively square with the impressive city hall
City Hall Square, also called Rådhuspladsen, is right opposite Tivoli and is one of Copenhagen’s largest and busiest squares. Many people gather here to meet or take a break. The impressive city hall itself is a highlight, with beautiful architecture and a tall tower. From this square, you can walk straight onto Strøget, one of Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping streets, full of shops, cafés, and street performers, creating a lively atmosphere.
Kongens Nytorv: historic square with a royal atmosphere
Following the shopping street Strøget, you’ll reach Kongens Nytorv, which means “The New Royal Square.” This historic square features a beautiful equestrian statue of King Frederik V in the centre and is surrounded by grand buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries. The square is lively, often filled with street musicians and artists. It also serves as a gateway to other interesting spots, such as Nyhavn and the Royal Theatre.
Nyhavn: colourful harbour with cosy cafés and terraces
Nyhavn is one of the most photographed spots in Copenhagen. The colourful houses along the water create a beautiful backdrop for a relaxing walk. It’s also the perfect place to take a break and enjoy a coffee or a snack at one of the many terraces. In summer, the area is lively, often with live music. From Nyhavn, you can easily cross the bridge to Christianshavn or walk towards Amalienborg Palace.
Amalienborg Palace & Frederik’s Church: impressive architecture
Amalienborg Palace is the official residence of the Danish royal family. The palace consists of four identical buildings around a large square with an equestrian statue. Every day at noon, you can watch the changing of the guard, an impressive ceremony. Nearby is Frederik’s Church, also called the Marble Church because of its striking marble dome. It’s one of the largest churches in Copenhagen and worth a visit to admire its beautiful details.
Gefion Fountain & St. Alban’s Church: a peaceful spot
After visiting Amalienborg, you can walk to the Gefion Fountain, a large fountain depicting the legend of the goddess Gefion. It’s a popular spot for photos because of the impressive water sculpture. Right next to it is St. Alban’s Church, an English church in a beautiful neo-Gothic style that looks like a small castle. This quiet part of Copenhagen offers a nice break from the busy city centre and a lovely view of the harbour.
The Little Mermaid: the iconic waterfront statue
The Little Mermaid is perhaps Copenhagen’s most famous symbol. This small bronze statue sits by the water at Langelinie and is inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale. Although the statue itself is quite small, the location and story behind it attract many visitors. The area is also lovely for a walk, with views of boats and the harbour. Don’t forget to grab an ice cream from one of the nearby stalls!
Other fun places to visit in Copenhagen
Besides the well-known sights, Copenhagen has plenty more to offer. For example, you can explore the Botanical Gardens, where you can stroll among unique plants, or visit the old stock exchange (Børsen) with its distinctive dragon-swan tower. The Royal Library, also called the Black Diamond, is another architectural highlight. The modern Circle Bridge playfully connects different parts of the city. There’s always something new to discover!
Citytrip Kopenhagen? Tips and experiences
For a relaxed city trip, two to three days are ideal. This gives you enough time to see the main sights, do some shopping, and enjoy the cozy cafés and restaurants. Have you rented a bike? Then you can explore the city even faster and more enjoyably, just like the locals. Public transport is also well organized, making it easy to get around.
Copenhagen is a charming and versatile city where history, culture, and a lively atmosphere come together. Whether you enjoy walking along colorful canals, spending a day in a theme park, or simply savouring good food and beautiful architecture, Copenhagen has it all. Plan your trip, pack your bag, and get ready to be amazed by this wonderful city!