17 Best Things to Do in Copenhagen, From Designer Shopping to Harbor Swimming
There are plenty of varied and fascinating things to do in Copenhagen. One of the wonders of Copenhagen is its ability to mix tradition with the new. The Danes are, quite rightly, proud of their heritage, yet possess an unmistakable appetite for daring new projects and experiences. With its ground-breaking food scene and glittering waterways, Copenhagen is still the epicenter for Scandi cool. The city is so much more than Tivoli, rye bread sandwiches, and The Little Mermaid—once you’ve seen, tasted, or experienced those, there are a raft of lesser-known things to enjoy. Here are the best things to do in Copenhagen to have the most fun in this brilliant, forward-thinking capital.
Read our complete Copenhagen travel guide here, which includes:
How we choose the best things to do in Copenhagen
Every review on this list has been written by a Condé Nast Traveler journalist who knows the destination and has visited that activity. When choosing things to do, our editors consider landmarks and experiences that offer an insider’s view of a destination, keeping authenticity, location, service, and sustainability credentials top of mind.
Experience a Michelin-starred pop-up at Tivoli’s Japanese Pagoda
New for 2025, the beautiful Nimb Hotel inside Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens is hosting a series of pop-up Michelin-starred dining experiences inside the famous Japanese Pagoda. The 50-seater restaurant will run over the summer and into autumn, inviting chefs from across Europe to bring a taste of their home cuisine to the Danish capital. Highlights have included three Michelin starred chef Tristin Farmer's (Gleneagles, Claridge’s, Maze by Gordon Ramsay) presentation of an innovative blend of Nordic and international cuisine; and Singapore’s renowned Odette, led by Chef Julien Royer, bringing three-Michelin-star French gastronomy with subtle Asian influences for a multi-sensory dining experience (August 25 through September 21).
Getty ImagesCelebrate Denmark’s new King and Queen at Amalienborg
On January 14, 2024, King Frederik X and Queen Mary of Denmark ascended the Danish throne, following the abdication of Queen Margrethe II. It was a momentous occasion and marks a wonderful opportunity to visit the official residence of the Danish royal family, Amalienborg Palace, which sits at the heart of Copenhagen. As one of the world’s oldest monarchies, Danish royal history is rich, and the pomp can be witnessed today, where every day at noon, the changing of the guard ceremony takes place. One can also go behind the scenes, with access to the private interiors of the palaces, with exhibits telling the stories of recent kings and queens and today’s head of state.
Getty ImagesHunt for one of Copenhagen’s famous “climate change benches”
Following a campaign by Danish public service broadcaster TV2, 15 everyday benches across the capital have been heightened by 33.5 inches to make a tangible point that by the year 2100, Denmark’s famously flat land could be under water. Scientists predict sea level rises of 4.5 feet, meaning that if the unthinkable happens, the elevated benches will just poke out above water level. Finding the benches takes one on a walking tour of the city, where some of Copenhagen’s most beautiful vantage points can be enjoyed, including The Lakes, which are located just north of the Old City. (Hint: the bench locations can be found via a Google search.)
Getty ImagesMarvel at natural diversity in the new Opera Park
Adjacent to Copenhagen Opera House is the city’s new Opera Park, a public green space on a former industrial island in the inner harbor. Architect-designed, it allows visitors to stroll through the diverse landscape with six themed gardens representing different global regions, including The Danish Oak Forest, The English Garden, and The Oriental Garden. There are species from around the world, attracting an abundance of birds and insects and green-keen tourists. It is also close to Copenhagen’s new Paper Island (Papirøen), where striking architecture creates an urban oasis, and a host of new bars and restaurants have emerged.
Getty ImagesDiscover rare Danish wines
Denmark’s countryside is transforming into a raft of vineyards—there are a reported 1,100 wine producers and 90 certified vineyards across possibly Europe’s most northerly recognized wine region. The cute Ved Stranden 10 bar celebrates this by hosting tasting sessions, where staff-visitor interaction is encouraged and knowledge is shared. Located close to the historic Gammel Strand in the city center and adjacent to one of the famous canals, Wednesday evenings are a good time to visit, where guest chefs and sommeliers impart passion about Danish and world wines.
Getty ImagesStroll through Freetown Christiania
There are few signs telling you that you’ve entered Copenhagen’s Freetown Christiania—the self-proclaimed autonomous neighborhood within the city, known for its alternative lifestyle and creativity that was founded in 1971 by a group of artists—but the ones that do exist inform you that you are leaving the EU. The notorious Pusher Street is being cleaned up, but the real gems are found further in, where winding alleys lead you through forests and past individually designed homes that are straight out of a Hansel and Gretel fairytale. Elsewhere, market stalls sell jewelry and other artisan objects, and the eclectic free-spirit vibe reigns supreme.
Visit Copenhagen/Martin HeibergDelve into 1920s glamour at Café Intime
Café Intime oozes old-world jazz glamour and intrigue. It celebrated one hundred years in 2022, and its walls hold a century of live music, gossip, and revelry. In the decades after it opened, the venue offered private, locked-off booths tended by one discrete server, enabling those in search of ultra intimacy a discrete place to meet without onlookers or judgment. The stained glass windows let in beautiful light from the Frederiksberg streets, and a glossy grand piano greets you at the door. It’s been known to launch stage careers, and the stories regulars share are mind-blowing glimpses into a bygone era. It’s an institution much loved by the locals and a rock of the city’s community. Drinks are almost secondary, but a good selection of European draft beers is available.
Lunch on a luxurious houseboat and visit Reffen
Copenhagen is surrounded by water, and boats offer some of the best views back over the city. Zelander offers a full-day rental of their luxurious houseboat, which is naturally stylishly decorated and comfortable, and food can be delivered on board. The houseboat is moored at Lynettefortet next to Refshaleøen. This former industrial district has become one of Copenhagen’s hippest areas and a hub for creativity, alternative urban development, festivals, and great food. The Copenhagen Contemporary Art Centre and Reffen, where you'll find more than 50 start-up food stalls worldwide, are must-visits.
Scrub up (with live music) at Copenhagen’s hidden bathhouse
Yes, it’s a 19th-century bathhouse in the beautiful Christianshavn region of Copenhagen, and yes, they offer steam rooms, massage, saunas, and treatments. But one of the best—most bonkers?—things about Sofiebadet is that they host regular live music shows while you enjoy a warm foot bath. A favorite is acclaimed saxophonist Cecilie Strange, who performs moving pieces while taking full advantage of Sofiebadet's beautiful acoustics. Get scrubbed, pampered, and absorb regular light ceremonies, which help you locate that inner peace you’ve been searching for. When it’s winter in the city, the warmth is also a welcome luxury.
Enjoy a stroll down “The Piss Trench”
Look away now if you have an aversion to foul language, but Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter can be accessed via a gentrified street called The Piss Trench (Pisserenden). It snakes its way through this now trendy, colorful, and quirky part of town that is known for its beautiful old-Danish-architecture buildings, cafés, and independent shops. The area was for many years the home of brothels, crime, and sleazy bars, hence the affectionate nickname. The Living Room café is a great spot for Danish rye bread sandwiches and one of the oldest and most cherished bakeries in town, Sankt Peders Bageri, is just around the corner, where cinnamon rolls are heavenly.
Shop for Danish fashion at Gammel Kongevej
Gammel Kongevej in Frederiksberg is the place to go for unique Danish designer clothing which hasn’t yet made it out to the wider world. It’s a pleasing mix of independent boutiques and high-end brands, including rare Danish couture pieces and artisan jewelry you won’t find in mainstream stores. There are also lots of antique shops and galleries in the area if an afternoon of snooping takes your fancy.
Alexander Spatari/GettyPet Granite Elephants at the Home of Carlsberg
The entrance to the Home of Carlsberg, from where the famous Danish beer originates, is marked by four life-sized granite elephant statues. Inside, tours are available, taking you through the history and heritage of Carlsberg from 1847 until today and ending with—you guessed it—a tasting session.
Beat the Blues with underground Jazz
Copenhagen boasts a vibrant jazz scene, and La Fontaine is one of the city's most iconic jazz clubs. Tucked away in a cozy basement in the city's heart, La Fontaine has been a cornerstone of Copenhagen’s jazz culture since its opening in 1959. Known for its intimate atmosphere and exceptional live performances, the club attracts seasoned jazz enthusiasts and curious newcomers to experience an impressive lineup of local talent and international jazz legends.
Visit Denmark/Kim WyonEat and eat more at Torvehallerne
The popular Torvehallerne fresh food market bills itself as “Copenhagen's entire pantry,” and numerous stalls sell ready-to-eat farm-to-table lunches and snacks. It’s a great way to sample the city’s stripped-back dishes and of-the-moment creations. Smørrebrød, Denmark’s famous open-faced sandwiches, can be found at Hallernes Smørrebrød, and there’s fresh seafood at Fiskerikajen. The architecture of the building impresses, greeting you with a huge glass and steel structure that shimmers when the sun shines. Inside, think London’s Borough Market with a Scandi twist.
Visit an indoor garden wonderland
More than just a florist, Tage Andersen—who trained as a pastry chef before opening his first flower boutique—looks and dresses as if from another era in breeches and hobnailed boots. The high-ceilinged room, which serves as his studio and exhibition space, is painted black and decorated with oversized birdcages (complete with exotic birds), vintage mirrors, and sculptures, as well as the many flowers in bloom. —Tabitha Joyce
Visit DenmarkSwim with the locals
From late June to early September, the wooden pontoons at Islands Brygge (on the north-western coast of Amager) are a great spot for al fresco bathing in the clean harbor water. Another winner is Amager Strandpark, where an artificial island forms a lagoon with three miles of sandy beach to stretch out on. —T.J.
Kentaroo Tryman/GettyCross “The Bridge” into Sweden
The Øresund Bridge, which carries road and rail from the Danish capital to Malmö in Sweden, was the setting for the hugely popular Nordic noir crime drama The Bridge and is one of the longest in the world. A “Round the Sound” train ticket allows unlimited two-country travel. —T.J.
This article was originally published on Condé Nast Traveller UK. This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
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