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Citytrip Copenhagen

What to do in Copenhagen: Sights and tips

Copenhagen is a wonderful city to explore. It’s compact, easy to get around, and full of atmosphere. The Danish capital is a mix of history, culture, and modern design, making it a perfect city break destination. You can walk or cycle almost everywhere, and in summer the weather is usually pleasant for outdoor activities. Tessa spent a semester here as an Erasmus student and discovered many hidden gems. In this blog, we share our favourite attractions, food spots, and travel tips for a perfect city trip to Copenhagen.
Nyhavn in Kopenhagen
Amalienborg: het koninklijk paleis van Kopenhagen

Explore the City Centre of Copenhagen

If you love good food, Reffen Street Food Market is an absolute highlight. Located by the water, this creative food hub is built from colourful containers and wooden terraces. You’ll find a huge variety of international dishes here — from Mexican tacos and Thai curries to vegan burgers and local specialities. The vibe is relaxed, with plenty of space to sit outside, often with live music or small events. It’s especially fun on a sunny afternoon or summer evening.

Getting there is an experience itself: rent a bike and cross one of the city’s modern bridges for a scenic ride to the market.

Reffen streetfood en Kopenhagen
Streetfood eten in Reffen Kopenhagen

Try street food at Reffen

If you love good food, Reffen Street Food Market is an absolute highlight. Located by the water, this creative food hub is built from colourful containers and wooden terraces. You’ll find a huge variety of international dishes here — from Mexican tacos and Thai curries to vegan burgers and local specialities. The vibe is relaxed, with plenty of space to sit outside, often with live music or small events. It’s especially fun on a sunny afternoon or summer evening.

Getting there is an experience itself: rent a bike and cross one of the city’s modern bridges for a scenic ride to the market.

Uitzicht Church of Our Saviour Kopenhagen

Climb the Church of Our Saviour

For one of the best views in Copenhagen, head to The Church of Our Saviour in the Christianshavn district. Its tower is famous for the spiral staircase that winds around the outside of the spire. Climbing it can be a bit of a challenge, but once you reach the top — nearly 90 metres above the city — the view is absolutely worth it. You’ll see rooftops, canals, and even as far as Sweden on a clear day.

Entrance is only a few euros, making it one of the most affordable and memorable experiences in the city.

Uitzicht over Stroget in Kopenhagen
Drinken bij Original Coffee in Stroget Kopenhagen

Coffee break with a view at Strøget

After walking or cycling around, it’s time for a break. One of our favourite spots is Original Coffee, located near Strøget, Copenhagen’s main shopping street. This lively pedestrian street is full of shops, cafés, and street performers. From the upstairs seating area of Original Coffee, you can enjoy a calm moment with a great cup of coffee or tea while looking out over the busy square near Stork Fountain. It’s the perfect place to recharge before continuing your city adventure.

Binnenkant Thorvaldsens Museum in Kopenhagen
Binnentuin Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek in Kopenhagen

Cultural break: Visit a museum

Copenhagen is home to several museums that are both interesting and easy to visit. Thorvaldsens Museum is a great choice in the city centre — dedicated to the famous sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen and free to enter on Tuesdays.

Another must-visit is the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, right next to Tivoli. It has an impressive collection of art from ancient times to the 19th century, and a beautiful indoor winter garden filled with palm trees. Entry is free on Wednesdays, so plan ahead if you want to save money. Even if you’re not a huge art lover, these museums are inspiring places to wander through.

Tivoli Gardens pretpark in Kopenhagen
Tivoli Gardens pretpark in het donker

Experience the magic of Tivoli Gardens

No trip to Copenhagen is complete without a visit to Tivoli Gardens, one of the oldest amusement parks in the world. Located right in the centre, opposite the main train station, Tivoli is full of charm and nostalgia. The park combines rides and roller coasters with landscaped gardens, charming food stalls, and seasonal events. In the evening, Tivoli transforms into a fairytale setting, with thousands of lights creating a magical atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for thrills, live concerts, or just a romantic evening stroll, Tivoli is unforgettable.

What to do in Copenhagen? Our tips

Copenhagen is a city that’s easy to discover, yet always offers something new around the corner. Renting a bike is one of the best ways to explore, since the city is extremely bike-friendly. Take advantage of the free museum days (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) to make the most of your budget. The best time to visit is summer, when the weather is warm and outdoor life is in full swing. In spring and autumn you may encounter more rain, and in winter the days are short but cosy, with Christmas markets and candle-lit cafés.

Even though the city centre has plenty to offer, the surrounding areas of Copenhagen are also worth a visit. From historic castles and Viking history to nature parks and even a quick trip to Sweden, there are lots of exciting day trips. Curious? Check out our other guides for more inspiration on what to do in and around Copenhagen.