10 Fun Things To Do in Copenhagen, Denmark
Discover the best fun things to do in Copenhagen for your perfect trip to the charming Scandinavian city.
Copenhagen is continuously rated as one of the happiest cities in the world and it’s easy to see why. Full of gorgeous, northern European style architecture, cobbled alleyways, beautifully decorated shop windows and flowing canals a visit to Copenhagen is simply a must. With only a quarter of a million inhabitants, most of which take to the streets by bike, Copenhagen feels somewhat spacious, charming and extremely laid back. It’s packed with fun things to do and see all over Copenhagen.
Copenhagen is a wonderful city and I cannot believe that I hadn’t discovered the Danish capital sooner. We were lucky enough to explore Copenhagen with some Danish friends who gave us all the best tips for where to go for the most authentic weekend. These are the 10 places we found to be the most crucial for a complete experience and shouldn’t be left out of any trip to Copenhagen.
If you’re planning to be in Copenhagen exploring all the museums and attractions and using public transport, I’d recommend you consider using a Copenhagen Card.
This card, once purchased for the specified time frame allows you free entrance into 87 museums and attractions and public transportation is included. It’s definately worth it, especially if you want to visit most of the sights and museums.
*This fun things to do in Copenhagen post may contain affiliate links meaning I get a small commission on a sale at no extra cost to you. This goes towards the running of the blog and allows me to keep creating quality content like this for free.
WHERE TO STAY
Splurge – Manon Les Suites Guldsmeden
A no-thrills building from the outside, this has got to be the coolest hotel in Copenhagen if not Europe and if you’re looking for a special place to stay for your 3 days in Copenhagen this will be it. Sleek Danish design meets modern kitsch- spacious, well designed and the lighting in this property is perfect.
You may have already seen their courtyard pool somewhere on Instagram or Pinterest but there is so much more to this hotel. Their bar and restaurant are fantastic and the rooms are large, sleek and they get plenty of natural light too. Their gym is one of the best hotel gyms I’ve been to.
Check availability and rates TripAdvisor
Mid– Copenhagen Admiral Hotel
Set in an 18th Century listed building this fabulous hotel combines centuries-old Scandinavian architecture with modern Danish design. Each room is spacious, well lit and brilliantly designed with minimal Danish furniture and finishings that will make design lovers never want to leave.
Each room also sports the original Pomeranian pine beams of the building and its unique brickwork and archways. Added touches that will make your stay even better is the desk and workspace in each room, free wifi and a delicious organic breakfast served every morning. Did I mention it’s only a 5-minute walk from Nyhavn?
Check rates and availability booking.com | hotels.com
Budget – Annex Copenhagen
Annex is the perfect no-frills budget accommodation, well, budget for Copenhagen that is. While the cheapest rooms come with a shared bathroom the hotel is clean, brightly painted and airy. Rooms are simple but comfortable and the location cannot be any better- you’re 10 minute walk from most of Copenhagen’s best attractions.
Check rates and availability booking.com | hotels.com
As you’ll probably guess Copenhagen, like the rest of Scandinavia isn’t cheap. If you’re on a serious budget I’d suggest staying in a hostel dorm or sharing a VRBO rental with friends. We did the latter and it cost us about £25/$30 per person per night which is great for Copenhagen.
For more great Copenhagen last-minute hotel deals check the form below:
TOP FUN THINGS TO DO IN COPENHAGEN:
FREETOWN CHRISTIANIA
A visit to Copenhagen’s most hippie neighbourhood is a must. Strolling into the autonomist district of Christiania is like suddenly walking into a completely different world. Made famous for its history of anarchy and the open cannabis trade, Christiania was once a military base whose barricades were torn down by squatters who decided to settle.
Nowadays there are about 900 permanent residents who live by completely independent laws of the Danish government. Walk around the area and check out the different street art and houses as well as the cannabis stalls and local bars. Even if you’re not a smoker the whole concept of a squat turned free town is something worth exploring in itself.
TIVOLI GARDENS AT SUNSET
For the ultimate fun thing to do in Copenhagen Tivoli is a must. Tivoli is one of the oldest theme parks in the world but don’t dismiss it just yet as something purely for children. Did you know that Danish fairytale writer Hans Christian Anderson visited many times and Tivoli even inspired Walt Disney to create the Disney world we see today?
Tivoli’s attractions are diverse, to say the least, and there is something for everyone. From traditional, nostalgic rides to 100km/h, throw you up upside-down type rollercoasters. Tivoli is particularly enchanting at night which is why I suggest visiting just before sunset- you can see it by day, watch the sun go down and then see the park transform into a sea of fairy lights giving it an atmosphere of total magic.
GRUNDVIGS CHURCH
Why is a random church on the list of the 10 epic things to do in Copenhagen you may ask? That’s because this church is probably one of the most unique churches in the world architecturally speaking.
If you like minimalist, straight lines and smooth textures then don’t miss this church located in the Nordvest neighbourhood. Admire the unique expressionist architecture outside then be met by sweeping columns and brick ribs sending your eye skywards. This beautiful, well-lit church is the place to take some unique photos.
BRUNCH AT ATELIER SEPTEMBER
Is there anything more fun than eating delicious healthy food? Located in Central Copenhagen this minimalist cafe serves some of the best food we had in the Danish capital. Not only is the food genuinely delicious, but it’s also well presented and really authentically danish.
They use local, seasonal ingredients, the menu is small and everything is made to order. We came from brunch and had the rhubarb and danish strawberry porridge (with olive oil) and the grapefruit granola. Both were fantastic and the coffee and matcha were great too.
