Copenhagen Visitor Guide 2024: Everything you need to know

Denmark's capital Copenhagen is a city full of Nordic charm. The biggest city in the country, Copenhagen is home to Denmark's largest airport. Located on an island in the eastern part of Denmark, Copenhagen is connected to nearby Sweden by a bridge, making it a great base to explore multiple northern European destinations.

Copenhagen is a city that marries historical charm with impressive natural surroundings. With a long history as a vital port, Copenhagen embraces the sea that has shaped the city's character through the ages. But for all Copenhagen's long history as the capital of a powerful nation, Copenhagen is also a city that faces the future. One of Europe's most vibrant urban areas, Copenhagen is a regional leader in technology, innovation, and culture. With all that going on, it's also a great place to visit.

A weekend in Copenhagen

9 Best Ways To Experience Copenhagen In 2024

There's so much more to Denmark than bacon and beer. Its capital, Copenhagen, is a colorful cosmopolitan city that's steeped with culture as well as fun and exciting things to do. The Danish are a friendly lot too and you'll find many of the companies mentioned below are run by locals who will welcome you to their home city with a big smile and open arms, then take you to lots of places you may well have missed without them. Drop off your luggage at a Bounce bag storage in Copenhagen and enjoy the Danish capital to the fullest.

Best Walking Tour – Copenhagen Walking Tour

Copenhagen is a characterful city with a surplus of fascinating districts to explore. Set out on a three-hour stroll around with a personal guide from Copenhagen Walking Tours and you'll discover all of them. They'll take you from the splendor of the Amalienborg Palace to the Nyhavn harbor to the hip Freetown Christiania.

Plan your meander with Copenhagen Walking Tour by contacting them on 45-29-801-109 or by emailing copenhagenwalkingtour@gmail.com.

Best Tour With A Local – Copenhagen By Mie & Friends

Locals are always the ones who know where all the best places are. Go on a day out with Copenhagen By Mie & Friends and you'll not only see all the main city sights but get to learn how Danish people live and party. They'll take you to see the Little Mermaid and the Rosenborg Castle before introducing you to some great bars and restaurants where you can sample the locally brewed beer and eat traditional Danish food.

Get ready for a fun day in Copenhagen with Mie & Friends by calling 45-20-825-287 for more details or email them at info@copenhagenbymie.com.

Best Mystery Tour – Institute Of Wonder

There's nothing more exciting than not knowing exactly what is going to happen next. Go on a mystery tour of Copenhagen with the Institute of Wonder and as you follow the clues they give you, you'll find a surprise around every corner. It's fun, entertaining, and certainly puts a whole new slant on sightseeing.

Prepare for some fun with the Institute of Wonder by calling 45-50-374-265 or alternatively, email them at info@instituteofwonder.dk.

Best Segway Tour – Segway Cruise Copenhagen

Walking tours aren't for everyone and if you prefer two wheels, you'll love this. With Segway Cruise Copenhagen all you have to do is lean or tilt the handlebars of your Segway to get it moving in the right direction. You'll get to master those maneuvers in a traffic-free zone before touring the city with a guide.

Get ready to glide with Segway Cruise Copenhagen by calling 45-31-636-380 or email them at info@segwaycruise.com for more information.    

Best Cooking Class – CPH Cooking Class

Every country has its own distinct cuisine. Learn how to make the Danish dishes you fall in love with when you’re in Copenhagen by attending a CPH Cooking Class. Master the techniques of making great Danish pastries, the secrets of Danish open sandwiches, or the tasty and sweet meal accompaniment, potato kartofler.

Plan your CPH Cooking Class by emailing them at contact@cphcookingclass.com or call 45-31-120-639 for more details.

Best Cycle Tour – City Bike Adventures

Copenhagen has extensive cycle lanes and so exploring it alone on two wheels or on a day out with City Bike Adventures is the perfect way to see the city. Get off whenever you need a break from pedaling, see something you want to investigate more, or need a food or drink stop. Cycling is eco-friendly too so you'll be helping to save the planet at the same time as you're enjoying yourself.

Tour Copenhagen the eco-friendly way by contacting City Bike Adventures on 45-71-999-150 or email them at contact@citybikeadventures.com.

Best Nature-based Tour – Tip Top Tours

The countryside around Copenhagen is incredible. You can go on a walk through the forests in Zealand with Tip Top Tours that will make you forget civilization even exists until you reach the Forest Tower. The tower is a mind-boggling construction of wood that's forty-five meters high so there are amazing views over the treetops. The only setback is the spiral staircase you have to climb to go up it.

Sort your day out in the Danish forest with Tip Top Tours by calling them on 4531493456 or email them at vmwebhub@gmail.com.

Best Photography Tour – Shooting Copenhagen

There is no end to the amazing photo opportunities in Copenhagen, but if you're unsure of where to go or when to catch the best light then go with a local who does. Book a morning, afternoon, or even evening with Shooting Copenhagen and their local photographer will accompany you around the city while you snap off social media-worthy shots all your followers will be drooling over.

Prepare to take the photos of a lifetime by calling Shooting Copenhagen on 45-27-355-683 or emailing them at info@shootingcopenhagen.com for more information.

Best Free Tour – Copenhagen Free Walking Tours

When you're traveling on a budget, watching your expenditure is paramount. That doesn't mean you can't get an insight into the city and its culture from a qualified guide though. Go on a tour of the city with Copenhagen Free Walking Tours and you won't need to fork out for the experience. They'll take you to all the top sights as well as a few unknown ones, but at the end of the day, it's your choice if, or how much, you tip the guide.

Book your place with Copenhagen Free Walking Tours by emailing them at contact@copenhagenfreewalkingtours.dk or by calling them on 45-93-891-167.

Copenhagen makes for a great weekend destination. Easily reached from other cities throughout Europe and across the world, you can get an insight into the charm of the Danish capital in just a couple of days. With a relatively compact city center, Copenhagen is easy to explore even in a limited timeframe.

• Have some fun at the Tivoli Gardens. This charming 19th-century amusement park has become an icon of the city, and the quaint old-school rides and games are just as much fun for modern visitors as they were when they were first opened. Located in the heart of the city, the Tivoli Gardens are a great place to spend a few hours.
• Explore the fascinating harbor district of Nyhavn. Built around a canal, the brightly colored buildings of this district were once warehouses but are now home to bars and restaurants where you can try Danish cuisine. This lively neighborhood makes a great place to go for a stroll and enjoy the atmosphere, so drop off your bags at a Copenhagen luggage locker and see it for yourself.
•  Marvel at the opulent life of Danish royalty at Amalienborg. The winter residence of the Queen of Denmark, this stunning palace is partially open to the public on guided tours where you can learn more about the history of the Danish royal family and the country they rule.

Copenhagen lockers

Famously flat Copenhagen is a great city to explore on foot or by bike. Most of the main attractions are relatively close together, and walking will take you to interesting neighborhoods you might never have discovered otherwise. Make things easier on yourself by leaving suitcases or other gear at a bag storage service in Copenhagen. That way, it'll be much easier to see the city without carrying more than you need to.

Off the beaten path in Copenhagen

Besides the better-known attractions, Copenhagen is a place that rewards deep exploration with plenty of lesser-known attractions. Dare to stray from the tourist track and see the quirkier side of the Danish capital.

• The semiautonomous neighborhood of Christiania is truly unique.  Once a haven of countercultural types, the neighborhood has reinvented itself as a center for outsider art, unique restaurants, and other establishments you won't find anywhere else. Take a tour of the small but fascinating neighborhood, or simply wander the narrow alleys and see this testament to Danish tolerance.
• Breathe some fresh air in the Frederiksberg Gardens. This sprawling park was created for King Frederick IV, and contains his beautiful 18th-century palace. Take a boat ride on the lake or lounge on the grass on a sunny day and recharge your batteries amid nature. Don't forget to drop off your bags at a Copenhagen suitcase storage shop before enjoying a walk.
• Copenhagen is famous for its Little Mermaid statue. Far fewer tourists make their way to its quirky counterparts, the Genetically Modified Little Mermaid. Created in 2006, this quirky statue is just a short walk from the more famous original and is one of many unique sculptures in the area.

What to do alone in Copenhagen

Copenhagen is an extremely safe city, and in many ways is a dream for solo travelers. Drop off your bags at a luggage storage service in Copenhagen, and you'll find plenty to do whether you're alone or in a group.

• Copenhagen is one of the world's most bike-friendly cities. Even high-ranking politicians often peddle to Parliament using the city's many bike lanes. Rent a bike and explore the city on two wheels for yourself. You can take a bike tour with the group or grab a self-guided itinerary and explore for yourself.
• Copenhagen is a city of canals, and you can explore these attractive waterways on a canal tour. Many of the city's best-known attractions are close to the water, and a knowledgeable tour guide will explain what you're seeing as you cruise along the canals. It's a great way to learn more about the city while relaxing at the same time.
• Get above the city at the Rundetaarn. This iconic round tower is known for its spiral ramp instead of a staircase. At the top, you'll find a planetarium and a great view of the city. Not to mention the sense of achievement you'll get from completing the climb.

The best souvenirs in Copenhagen

Flying Tiger has become a worldwide phenomenon, but it started right here in Copenhagen. Full of toys, games, gadgets, and other items, Flying Tiger has a sleek Danish aesthetic and pleasantly low prices. It's a fun place to pick up something you never knew you needed. Or, you can visit the flagship Lego store and buy a set of what may be Denmark's most famous export. Finally, stop by Tom's Chocolates to pick up some unique Danish candy that will remind you of your trip.