A Beginner’s Guide to Visiting Copenhagen: Top Places to Visit

Copenhagen is a city filled with history, culture, and natural beauty. Located in the heart of Denmark, this charming city has something for everyone, from art galleries to world-class restaurants. From the cobblestone streets of the old city center to the modern architecture of the new harborfront, Copenhagen is a great destination for tourists visiting for the first time. Here is a comprehensive guide to some of the best places to visit in Copenhagen.

History of Copenhagen

Copenhagen is the capital and most populous city of Denmark, with a population of over 1.3 million. It is located on the eastern coast of the island of Zealand, and its history dates back to 1043 when it was first established as a Viking fishing village. The city has grown into a major international hub and is home to some of Europe’s most iconic landmarks. It is renowned for its cultural attractions and vibrant nightlife, and its many museums, galleries, and music venues attract millions of visitors each year.

Throughout its 1000-year history, Copenhagen has been influenced by its location at the crossroads of Northern Europe and its status as Denmark’s capital. It was founded by the Vikings in the Middle Ages and was home to the powerful Hanseatic League in the 16th century. The city was heavily bombed during the Second World War and then experienced an economic boom in the 1970s and 1980s. Today, Copenhagen is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city with a flourishing arts scene, a rich cultural heritage, and incredible architecture.

Places to Visit in Copenhagen

Copenhagen is full of incredible sights and attractions for visitors to explore. From its beautiful parks and lakes to its world-class museums and galleries, there is something for everyone in this vibrant city. Here are some of the top places to visit in Copenhagen:

The Little Mermaid

The Little Mermaid statue is one of Copenhagen’s most iconic landmarks. It was erected in 1913 to commemorate the centenary of Hans Christian Andersen’s fairytale of the same name. The bronze statue, which stands on a granite plinth overlooking the Øresund strait, has become a symbol of Copenhagen and has become one of the city’s most visited attractions.

Tivoli Gardens

Tivoli Gardens is one of Copenhagen’s most popular landmarks, with millions of visitors flocking to it each year. Founded in 1843, it is one of the oldest amusement parks in the world and features a variety of rides, restaurants, gardens, and other attractions. The gardens are surrounded by beautiful buildings including two concert halls and a theatre, making it a great place to visit for entertainment and relaxation.

Christiansborg Palace

Christiansborg Palace is a grand complex located on Slotsholmen island in central Copenhagen. It houses Denmark’s parliament, supreme court, and royal residence. The palace is a popular tourist attraction and offers guided tours throughout its main halls and chambers, including the royal reception rooms, royal chapel, stables, treasury, and royal kitchen. Visitors can also climb to the top of the tower for stunning views over Copenhagen.

The National Museum

The National Museum of Denmark is located on Prince’s Square in central Copenhagen. It houses an impressive collection of artifacts from prehistory to modern times, including Viking remains, medieval arms and armor, art from the Golden Age period, and contemporary artworks. The museum offers various temporary exhibitions throughout the year that explore different aspects of Danish culture through art, history, and archaeology.

Nyhavn Harbor

Nyhavn Harbor is one of Copenhagen’s most popular attractions. This colorful waterfront district was once a busy commercial harbor but today it is home to countless restaurants, cafes, bars, and galleries that line its narrow streets. It is also one of the best places to take a boat ride on the Øresund strait or simply sit back and enjoy the view.

The Round Tower

The Round Tower is one of Copenhagen’s oldest landmarks and is located in the heart of the city. This 36-meter-high observation tower was built in 1642 as an astronomical observatory but today it is open to visitors who can climb up its winding spiral ramp for spectacular views over Copenhagen. The tower also houses a small museum dedicated to astronomy, where visitors can learn more about the history of astronomy in Denmark.

Rosenborg Castle

Rosenborg Castle is an impressive Renaissance castle located in central Copenhagen. The castle was built in 1606 by King Christian IV as his royal residence and today it serves as a museum that houses an extensive collection of royal artifacts including crowns, jewelry, artworks, tapestries, furniture, and porcelain from the 17th century. Visitors can explore its beautiful gardens or take a guided tour through its interiors to learn more about Denmark’s royal history.

Popular Tours

Copenhagen has plenty of great tours that offer visitors an insight into its rich culture and history. Here are two popular tours that are ideal for first-time visitors:

Copenhagen Highlights Tour

The Copenhagen Highlights Tour is an ideal way for visitors to get acquainted with this beautiful city. This two-hour walking tour takes guests on an exploration of some of Copenhagen’s most iconic sights including Amalienborg Palace, Nyhavn Harbor, Christiansborg Palace, The Little Mermaid statue, Strøget shopping street, Kongens Nytorv Square, Rosenborg Castle Garden and much more. Along the way guests will get to hear stories about these historical sites from their experienced guide. At the end of the tour guests will have gained a comprehensive introduction to this wonderful city. Book a Copenhagen Highlights Tour here.

Copenhagen Canal Cruise

The Copenhagen Canal Cruise is a great way to explore this beautiful city from the water. This 90 minute cruise takes guests on an exploration of Copenhagen’s canals as they pass by some of the city’s most iconic landmarks including Amalienborg Palace and The Little Mermaid statue. Along the way guests will get to learn about the history of these sites from their knowledgeable guide as well as enjoy stunning views from the comfort of their boat. At the end of this cruise guests will have a much better understanding of this great city. Book a Copenhagen Canal Cruise here.

Conclusion

Copenhagen is an incredible city with plenty of sights and attractions for visitors to explore. From its beautiful parks and lakes to its world-class museums and galleries, there is something for everyone in this vibrant city. Whether you want to explore its rich history or take a boat ride along its picturesque canals, there are plenty of great tours and activities that will help you make the most out of your time in Copenhagen.