The capital of the European nation of Denmark, Copenhagen is home to nearly 800,000 people. This celebrated city got its start in the 10th century as a humble fishing village. Today, Copenhagen is Denmark’s center of culture, economy, and government. The city is filled with historic, natural, and cultural attractions that lure visitors from all over the globe. If you’re planning to visit, you don’t want to miss these tourist attractions in Copenhagen.
01 Little Mermaid Statue
One of the most iconic landmarks of Copenhagen, the statue of the Little Mermaid has been a fixture on the city’s waterfront since 1913. The statue commemorates the Little Mermaid’s author, Hans Christian Andersen, the celebrated Danish author and poet. The bronze statue is perched on a rock on the Langelinie Promenade and can be viewed 24 hours a day.
philip yk seok / Getty Images
02 Nyhavn
Nyhavn is a waterfront area that dates to the 17th century. The harbor is famous for its collection of historic wooden boats and colorful waterfront buildings. This popular tourist attraction is also home to theaters, galleries, cafes, restaurants, and tourist-friendly shops. When visiting Nyhavn, be sure to check out some of its highlights, like the Memorial Anchor landmark and Boat Theatre.
SuppalakKlabdee / Getty Images
03 Tivoli Gardens
A popular recreational feature of the city, Tivoli Gardens has been delighting residents and visitors since 1843. It features amusement park rides, cafes, theaters, gardens, food pavilions, and more. During the Christmas season, the entire park is strewn with lights. No matter when you visit, you’re sure to have an enjoyable time at this iconic Copenhagen destination.
04 Oresund Bridge
The Oresund Bridge is a motorway and railway that crosses the Oresund Strait, linking Norway with Sweden. At 25,000 feet, the longest combined railway and roadway in Europe is a celebrated feat of engineering — and no less dramatic for the sea that surrounds it. Oresund Bridge is particularly important to both nations as it links the major metropolitan centers of Copenhagen and Malmo. T
stbose / Getty Images
05 Kronborg Castle
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kronborg Castle is the famous setting for Shakespeare’s Hamlet. This incarnation of the historic castle dates to 1640, but its earliest version dates to a stronghold constructed during the 1420s. Located in the coastal town of Helsingor, the castle boasts an arresting view of the Baltic Sea and is only about a 40-minute drive from Copenhagen. Highlights include the ballroom and the artworks adorning the walls, and the richly appointed Royal Apartments full of paintings and gilt-and-leather furniture.
rusm / Getty Images
06 National Museum of Denmark
Copenhagen is home to the National Museum of Denmark, an important site showcasing Danish history and culture. Located near the Tivoli Gardens, the National Museum features a massive collection of Danish artifacts including a 2,000-year-old chariot, Nordic pottery, Bronze-age weaponry, and more. While the museum is especially notable for its regional collections, it also owns impressive artifacts from ancient Greece, Italy, the Near East, and more.
07 Christiansborg Palace
Located in the center of Copenhagen on the island of Slotsholmen, Christiansborg Palace has witnessed more than 800 years of Denmark history. The palace houses the nation’s parliament today but was originally designed as the seat of power for Danish royalty. Several of the castle’s wings are still in use by the current royals.
fotoVoyager / Getty Images
08 National Gallery of Denmark
The National Gallery of Denmark is home to the nation’s large collection of Danish Art, not to mention recognizable pieces by world masters like Bernini, Peter Brueghel the Elder, Durer, Matisse, and Picasso. The gallery owns 9,000 paintings and sculptures in addition to thousands of paper-based pieces. The building itself dates back to 1889.
PhotographerCW / Getty Images
09 National Aquarium Denmark
As the largest aquarium in Northern Europe is a major Copenhagen attraction. Surrounded by water on all sides, the National Aquarium resembles a whirlpool when viewed from above. It features a center tank and five arms, each filled with saltwater and freshwater creatures. Marvel at hammerhead sharks, moray eels, Philippine crocodiles, Nile perch, lionfish, snapping turtles, and more.
10 Stroget
If your idea of a great cosmopolitan experience is shopping, head to the center of the city and peruse the boulevard known as Stroget, one of the longest pedestrian byways in Europe. Stroget features high-end boutiques and chains as well as budget-friendly shops, and residents and tourists alike love to browse the stores. Other impressive sights like the Church of Our Lady and Stork Fountain are nearby.
anshar73 / Getty Images
11 Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
Step into a world where art meets history at the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, located right in the heart of Copenhagen. This exquisite museum, founded by the Carlsberg beer magnate Carl Jacobsen, houses an awe-inspiring collection that spans 6,000 years of civilization. Wander through galleries filled with ancient Egyptian sarcophagi, Roman statues, and French Impressionist paintings. The winter garden, with its palm trees and classical sculptures, offers a tranquil oasis in the city's bustling center.
12 Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
Escape the city's hustle and bustle with a visit to the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, nestled on the coast north of Copenhagen. This museum is not just about the art on its walls but also about the harmony between architecture and nature. Featuring extensive collections of modern and contemporary art, the museum's panoramic views of Sweden across the Øresund add to the immersive experience. Don't miss the Sculpture Park for outdoor artistic explorations.
13 CopenHill
For an adventure that combines sport, culture, and sustainability, head to CopenHill. This unique facility, built atop a waste-to-energy plant, offers year-round skiing, hiking, and the world's highest climbing wall. CopenHill is a testament to Copenhagen's innovative approach to urban living and leisure, offering breathtaking views of the city and a green footprint that's hard to match elsewhere.
14 Torvehallerne
Food enthusiasts will revel in the delights of Torvehallerne, Copenhagen's premier food market. With over 60 stalls selling everything from fresh fish and organic produce to gourmet chocolates and artisanal cheeses, it's a gastronomic paradise. Whether you're in the mood for a quick snack or ingredients for a gourmet meal, Torvehallerne caters to all tastes and preferences.
15 The Design Museum Denmark
Delve into the world of Danish design at the Design Museum Denmark. Located in a beautiful historic building in Copenhagen, the museum showcases the best of Danish design, from furniture to fashion, and its influence on global aesthetics. The museum's collections provide fascinating insights into the functionality, simplicity, and beauty that Danish design is renowned for worldwide.
Scroll Down
for the Next Article
