In 2022 I spent the summer living in Copenhagen and fell completely in love with this city. Now, I frequently go back to this city that basically feels like a home away from home now.
Between the fairytale castles, daily harbor swims, and rhubarb cocktails, I made it my mission to uncover the coolest, most authentic things to do in Denmark’s capital. I'm not Danish but after months of exploring every canal, pastry case, and metro line, I’ve put together this ultimate shortlist of what you should actually do with your time in Copenhagen.
Here are 10 of my favorite things to do in Copenhagen, personally tested and approved.
1. Take a Canal Tour (and Secretly See the Little Mermaid)
I usually skip boat tours when I travel, but Copenhagen’s canals are the city’s best front row seat. Booking a seat on one of these canal tours on your first day when you're settling into the city, or maybe fighting jet lag.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#_R_13n2adkalhb5fiv5vddbH1_ iframeI loved sipping coffee while cruising past castles, adorable apartments, the Opera house and yep, even the Little Mermaid statue, all without the crowds. It’s one of the best ways to get a quick crash course on the city’s history and layout. I kick off every trip to Copenhagen this way and highly recommend you do too.
2. Eat Herring and Smørrebrød at Restaurant 1733
I had my first real Danish lunch here at Restaurant 1733: curry herring and open-faced sandwiches, all with views of Christiansborg Palace across the canal. This is where I officially became a herring girlie (who knew that's a thing??)
Bonus: the outdoor seating is adorable in the summer, and you can walk here right after your canal tour.
3. Tour Christiansborg Palace (And Drool Over That Rug)
This is the most underrated castle in Scandinavia. I toured palaces in Stockholm and Oslo, but Christiansborg wins for color, drama, and one iconic rug I still think about. The Danes are famous for neutral colors in clothing, but when it comes to their home decor they are all about whimsy and color, and this palace packs a punch.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#_R_1772adkalhb5fiv5vddbH1_ iframeThere's even a scavenger hunt app that made me feel like I was solving a mystery in a Netflix show.
Pro-tip: The Christiansborg Tower is totally free to visit and you get epic views of the city. If you're looking for a unique lunch, I'm still thinking about the Smørrebrød Is had at Meyers i Tårnet, the restaurant inside the Palace.
4. Swim in the Harbor Baths
Copenhagen lets you swim right in the harbor since the water is so clean, and I simply won't stop talking about how special this ritual is. I made it my mission to try every harbor bath in the city, but Islands Brygge was my favorite. We’d bring snacks, a book, and sometimes wine for the ultimate city swim day. You’ll feel like a local in the best way.
When I visited Copenhagen last spring for Eurovision, I booked an Airbnb right by Islands Brygge literally so I could plunge every day. Yes, it was cold since it was still springtime, but by the end of our 2 weeks I was lasting over 10 minutes in the water.
5. Brunch at Cafe Livingstone (Right on the Lakes)
My favorite brunch spot in town sits directly on the lakes. We had cardamom waffles, squash pancakes, and views of swans gliding past. It’s especially dreamy on sunny mornings. Pro tip: make a reservation—this place books fast.
6. Climb the Round Tower
This tower is shaped exactly how it sounds. It’s a gentle spiral up to the top (no stairs for most of the way), and the views of the city are beautiful, especially in the afternoon. It’s right in the middle of the main shopping street, so you can reward yourself with pastries and window shopping after.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#_R_1d72adkalhb5fiv5vddbH1_ iframeIf you love climbing tall things and aren't afraid of heights, you should also visit Church of Our Saviour, which is the church with the gold spire you can see from all over the city. You can actually walk on the exterior spire. I was too chicken to go all the way to the top, but my husband had a blast.
7. Explore Freetown Christiania and Visit a Giant Wooden Troll
Christiania is a wild and wonderful part of the city with its own set of rules and a truly unique vibe. It’s full of gardens, murals, and street food. I came here for the art and ended up falling in love with Green George, one of Thomas Dambo’s giant recycled trolls who lives right in the heart of it all.
8. Rent a GoBoat at Sunset
One of the most romantic things I did all summer was rent a little GoBoat boat with friends and sail around the canals during golden hour. We packed wine and charcuterie and watched the sky turn pink from the water. You don’t need a license to drive one, just vibes.
If you love being on the water, I recommend you also check out Green Kayak, a program where you can rent a kayak for free in exchange for picking up trash in the canal. I did this one day and gamified my trash pick up, and ending up bringing back the most of anyone that day.
9. Shop Danish Home Design
Even if you’re not buying, you need to browse Danish design stores for major design inspo.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#_R_1hn2adkalhb5fiv5vddbH1_ iframeI stopped at Studio Arhoj to watch them make glassware (and yes, I brought two home). Hay and Illums Bolighus were my other favorites. It’s like an art museum you can shop in.
10. Visit Tivoli Gardens at Night
Tivoli is the second oldest amusement park in the world and it's smack in the middle of Copenhagen.
I've been during the day and also at night, and loved it in the dark when the lights made everything glow. There’s roller coasters, concerts, and even a fancy food hall. I saw the Tour de France kickoff here once by accident. Anything can happen in Tivoli.
If you're craving more rollercoaster rides and Danish fun, head just outside the city by train to Bakken, the oldest amusement park in the world that's hidden in a forest. I went here with my friend and her son last year. Some of the rides were probably older than I was, but I still had a blast stuffing my face with Danish carnival food and whirling around treetops.
11. Eat Dinner at Reffen
Reffen is hands-down one of the coolest places to eat in Copenhagen. It’s a giant outdoor food market on the water filled with global food stalls, cocktails, beer huts, and usually live music.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#_R_1m72adkalhb5fiv5vddbH1_ iframeThe first time I came here was for midsummer and ended up chilling around a bonfire with locals. Now, I make a point to grab dinner here at least once a visit. You can swim here, too, if you’re feeling brave. Just hop on the 2A bus from Christiania and prepare to stay all night.
Copenhagen Tip:
Buy the Copenhagen City Card. It saved us hundreds of euros and got us into most museums, castles, and even covered public transit (including the metro from the airport). I downloaded it to my phone and used it everywhere.
This list barely scratches the surface on all the wonderful things to do in CPH, but if you only have a few days in Copenhagen, this is the perfect place to start.
Yahoo CreatorKara HarmsCreator of Whimsy SoulKara Harms is a San Francisco-based content creator who shares body positivity, travel, wine and lifestyle content. She is also an Airbnb Superhost of Whimsy Homes. Follow
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