Copenhagen is an exciting city, full of beautiful sights and fun activities. While we’ve already covered things you should see in the city (read: 7 Must-See Sights in Copenhagen), here is a list of 6 activities you should do while you’re in the Danish capital.
Explore the Canals by Cruise
Much like Amsterdam in the Netherlands, Copenhagen is also connected by several canals, though less extensive than Dutch capital. However, these canals still make-up a crucial part of the city’s landscape, so what better way to explore the city than through its waterways?
Sail down the canals as you watch the buildings and neighbourhoods go by while also floating alongside the many boats owned by locals, tethered to the sides of the canals. Canal cruises are also a great way to get a grasp of the city’s layout before you explore it on your own, and you’ll get to see some of Copenhagen’s most notable sights, including the stunning architecture of the Black Diamond Library, the unique tower of the Christiansborg Palace, and Amalienborg Palace with the grand dome of Frederick's Church in the distance.
Explore the City on Bikes
Copenhagen shares more in common with Amsterdam than just canals. The Danish capital’s main form of transport is also the bicycle, used by locals to travel along the roads and over bridges. So do as the locals do and rent a bike for a more active exploration of the city.
For something more in-depth, you can always join a cycling tour. Several companies offer bike tours around the city, which will allow you to learn more about Copenhagen with the help of a friendly and knowledgeable local guide.
Take a Tour through the Carlsberg Brewery
Carlsberg is a Dutch brand, so if you’re a fan of beer, visit the site of the first Carlsberg brewery, which was founded in 1847 by J.C. Jacobsen. Here, you’ll learn more about the company’s history and the beer making process, with guided tours also available at an additional cost if you want more details and information. Horse-drawn carriages were an important form of transporting the beer in the past, and you’ll also be able to visit the stables to meet some of the large, hard working horses.
What is a tour of a beer brewery without a taste of their famous beer? Luckily, with the admission ticket, a complementary cup of beer or soft drink is included, so take this chance to drink some Carlsberg straight from its source. Bottles and cans of Carlsberg are on sale of course, along with several other international beer brands.
Address: Gamle Carlsberg Vej 11, 1799 København V
Opening Hours:
Tuesday - Sunday: 10am - 5pm
Tickets:
Adults: 100 DKK
Students: 70 DKK
Eat Your Fill at Torvehallerne Food Market
Don’t just fill up on beer; visit Torvehallerne Food Market and be spoiled for choice with 80 stores selling a wide variety of fresh foods, drinks, and ready-to-eat meals.
Here, you will find all kinds of foods: fresh fruits and juices, local dishes like Smørrebrød and Danish pastries, international cuisine like tacos and sushi, sweet desserts like gelato and ice cream, as well as beverages like coffee and beer. These are just some of the many delicious foods waiting for you at this food market, and you’ll be sure to satisfy your tastebuds, no matter your dietary preferences.
Address: Frederiksborggade 21, 1362 København
Opening Hours:
Monday - Friday: 10am - 7pm
Saturday - Sunday: 10am - 6pm
View the City from Atop the Round Tower
After satisfying your cravings, what better way to walk it off than by doing some light exercise? Located in the heart of Copenhagen is the Rundetaarn, or the Round Tower. It was originally an observatory tower for astronomical research, and while it is no longer used for that purpose, artefacts of its past life still remain, making it a great place to explore.
The most unique thing about this tower is that there are no stairs to the top. Instead, you’ll be climbing up a spiral ramp that winds around the centre of the tower seven and a half times, making for a much less tiring climb. The white walls along the ramp make the whole space seem very soothing, a great minimalistic backdrop for any photos you might want to take.
There is so much more to the Round Tower than just the climb. Halfway up the tower, there is the Library Hall, which has changing exhibitions of various kinds, such as art and design. Also, if you’re visiting during the evenings between October and March, at the very end of the ramp, you can enter the Observatory, where you’ll find information about space, and right in the centre is a large functioning telescope. This telescope is still used today, making this tower the oldest functioning observatory not just in Denmark, but the whole of Europe.
Of course, once you reach the top of the tower, you’ll be able to step out and get a stunning 360° view of the city. From this great vantage point, you’ll be able to see several notable landmarks. On a clear day, it’s even possible to see all the way to the neighbouring country of Sweden!
Address: Købmagergade 52A, 1150 København K
Opening Hours:
Summer (April - September): 10am - 8pm
Winter (October - March): 10am - 6pm
The Observatory (open only in Winter): Tuesday - Wednesday 6pm - 9pm
Tickets:
Adults: 40 DKK
Children (5-15 years): 10 DKK
Children under 5: Free
Ride a Rollercoaster in Tivoli Gardens
At first glance, Copenhagen appears to be an unlikely destination for theme park lovers and thrill seekers, but there is in fact an exciting theme park right in the middle of the city. Tivoli Gardens was founded in 1843, and even served as one of the inspirations behind Walt Disney’s Disneyland parks. Here, you’ll find all kinds of rides, from the classic merry-go-round and ferris wheel to several coasters and thrill rides of varying intensity, making this a perfect place for a family outing or for people of all adventure-seeking levels.
In between the rides, make sure to stop by the Tivoli Food Hall, which has a wide selection of foods to satisfy your cravings, from local smørrebrød, to more international cuisine like Thai and Chinese food. There are also several restaurants, while fast food and dessert stalls are located throughout the park, so you will definitely not go hungry.
Part of Tivoli Gardens’ charm is its beauty, with amazing architecture and lush greenery. At night, the park comes alive with thousands of lights, giving it an almost magical feel. What’s more, concerts and performances are often held in the park at night too, which means that the Gardens will stay loud and alive long after the sun sets.
Address: Vesterbrogade 3, 1630 København V
Opening Hours:
Monday - Sunday: 11am - 11pm
(Not open throughout the year, check website for specific dates/seasons)
Tickets:
Check website for specific prices and packages
General Entrance Ticket does not include rides
So that was the top 6 things you should do when visiting Copenhagen. While you might not have time for everything on this list, even completing one of these activities will make your trip to the Danish capital that much more memorable.
