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Last Updated on March 24, 2026 by Tracy
Explore the best things to do in Copenhagen, including bike tours, food markets, hotels, canal cruises, and travel tips for planning your trip.
After 4 wonderful nights in Iceland, we traveled on to Copenhagen. And it quickly became one of our favorite cities of the entire trip! We stayed here for 4 nights as well. Often ranked as one of the happiest places to live in the world, Copenhagen blends history, culture, food, and everyday livability in a way that’s hard not to love. Did you know that Copenhagen is said to be one of the happiest places to live on Earth? With up to 25 paid vacation days per year, award-winning food, art, and tons of history, not to mention a drinking age of 16, there are plenty of reasons to be happy!
The city was designed with people in mind, making it easy to explore on foot or by bike, much like Amsterdam. Whether you’re visiting for the food, history, canals, or cozy café culture, this Copenhagen travel guide highlights what we did, where we ate, where we stayed, and helpful tips to know before you go.
Getting Around Copenhagen
Copenhagen was built to be explored! It is known as the best biking city in the world, with bike lanes and even bike bridges to help cyclists get around quickly and easily. As a tourist, you obviously won’t have your own bicycle with you, but there are plenty of places to rent one, including most hotels. If you plan to explore Copenhagen by bike, be sure to familiarize yourself with local biking rules and etiquette, as cyclists take them seriously.
What We Did in Copenhagen
There is so much to see, do, and explore in Copenhagen. This was one of my husband and I’s favorite cities of the entire trip. The locals are friendly, the food is fantastic, and the amount of history packed into the city is truly impressive. Here’s a rundown of some of the highlights from our stay.
Bikes with Mike Tour
One of our favorite experiences in Copenhagen was the Bikes With Mike Ride & Dine Tour. This was not a leisurely bike ride – Mike is a fast peddler – but it was incredibly fun and informative. Along the way, we learned about Danish history, culture, and daily life while covering a lot of ground.
We visited Christiansborg Palace and its gardens. While the palace is no longer home to the king and queen, it’s still used by the Royal Family and houses the Danish Parliament and Supreme Court. One of the coolest parts of the tour was cycling right up to high-level government buildings – something you wouldn’t see in many cities.
The Little Mermaid statue was another stop (more on her story below), followed by a visit to Reffen, Copenhagen’s famous street food market, where we enjoyed amazing food and a beautiful sunset.
Our final stop was the Church of Our Lady, also known as Copenhagen Cathedral, which was absolutely stunning.
Guided Walking Tour
There are several free guided walking tours of Copenhagen that you can choose from. We went on this one and loved it! It is a wonderful opportunity to learn all about the city and its history for free from a local. You can also learn the best places to eat, and spots that you absolutely don’t want to miss that may not even be listed in guidebooks or online travel itineraries. The tours are free, but tipping your guide at the end is encouraged and well deserved.
Boat Rental on the Canals
One of the best ways to see Copenhagen is from the water, so we rented an electric boat to explore the canals. Boats can be rented by the hour, and while they’re slower due to eco-friendly power, it’s a relaxing way to experience the city.
We rented a GO Boat for an hour (you can rent it for longer if desired) and cruised through the canals – our only regret was not bringing along a nice bottle of wine to enjoy onboard.
Hot & Cold Plunge Experience
During our trip, we rented a hot tub for some relaxation and to try the hot cold plunge. These rented hot tubs overlook the harbor, and you can go from a nice cozy hot tub to a cold tub and back as often as you like. You can bring wine or beer to enjoy in the tubs while looking out at the harbor.
I will say that while this was an unique experience, it’s not one I would totally recommend. The location wasn’t our favorite.
Little Mermaid Statue
Did you know that the setting of the Little Mermaid fairytale by Hans Christian Andersen was Denmark? The Little Mermaid Statue in Copenhagen is a symbol of Copenhagen and Danish culture! The Little Mermaid statue is one of Copenhagen’s most iconic landmarks. The statue is inspired by the fairytale written by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen and the original story is much darker than the Disney version.
In the fairytale, the mermaid trades her voice for a human soul, but every step she takes is excruciatingly painful. When she fails to make the prince fall in love with her, she throws herself into the sea and turns into foam. Not exactly the happily-ever-after we’re used to, but fascinating nonetheless.
Danish War Museum
The Danish War Museum offers a stunning display of Danish history and weaponry from the 1500s till the present day with samurai swords to weapons of today.
In Cannon Hall, you see the cannons used to protect Denmark over the centuries, and in the Rust Chamber, you’ll learn about how wars were fought over land and sea for the past 500 years. There is also an exhibit showcasing what life was like serving as a Danish soldier in Afghanistan.
Changing of the Guards
The city of Copenhagen is a royal one, and it is home to one of the oldest monarchies in the world. One of the things we did during our trip was to watch the changing of the royal guard in the palace square.
The changing of the guard happens every day at noon, and the Royal Life Guard leaves their living quarters at Rosenborg Castle every day at 11:30 and marches to the castle. When the Royal Family is in residence, the guards are accompanied by musicians playing drums and flutes.
Viking Tour in Roskilde
We didn’t get to go on this tour during our trip, but it’s definitely on our list of things to do next time. You can go on a guided or self-guided tour of the Viking Ship museum, the Roskilde Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and Old Town.
From May through September, visitors can even sail on a reconstructed Viking ship, an unforgettable way to experience Denmark’s Viking history.
For a closer look at our trip, I’ve shared some of our favorite Copenhagen moments on Instagram – swipe through our Highlight or check out these posts: [post 1], [post 2], [post 3].
2–3 Day Suggested Copenhagen Itinerary
Copenhagen is an easy city to explore over a long weekend or as part of a larger European itinerary. With its walkable neighborhoods, excellent biking infrastructure, and efficient public transportation, you can see and do a lot without feeling rushed. Here’s a suggested 2–3 day Copenhagen itinerary based on what we experienced during our visit.
Day 1: Historic Copenhagen & Canal Views
Morning: Guided Walking Tour
Start your trip with a free guided walking tour of Copenhagen. This is one of the best ways to get oriented while learning about the city’s history, royal past, and hidden gems from a local guide. You’ll also get great tips on where to eat and what to explore later in your stay.
Late Morning: Little Mermaid Statue
After your walking tour, head toward the waterfront to see the iconic Little Mermaid statue. While smaller than many expect, the story behind the statue and its connection to Danish author Hans Christian Andersen – makes it a meaningful stop.
Lunch: Christianshavn Café
Make your way to Christianshavn for lunch at Christianshavn Boat Rental & Café. Enjoy a relaxed meal right on the water while watching boats pass by, and soak in the laid-back harbor atmosphere.
Afternoon: Canal Boat Rental
Rent an electric boat and explore Copenhagen from the water. Cruising through the canals offers a unique perspective of the city and is a fun, leisurely way to see colorful neighborhoods, historic buildings, and daily life along the waterfront.
Evening: Kayak Bar
Wrap up your day at Kayak Bar. Whether you rent a kayak or simply relax in a beach chair with a cocktail, it’s a lively spot to unwind and enjoy the canal views as the city transitions into evening.
Day 2: Biking, Food & Danish Culture
Morning: Bikes With Mike Tour
Dedicate your morning to the Bikes With Mike Ride & Dine Tour. This fast-paced but fun bike tour takes you through many of Copenhagen’s top sights, including Christiansborg Palace, military housing, government buildings, and Copenhagen Cathedral. You’ll cover a lot of ground while learning fascinating details about Danish culture and history.
Lunch: Reffen Street Food Market
The tour conveniently stops at Reffen, the largest street food market in Northern Europe. With more than 70 food stalls, bars, and coffee shops, it’s the perfect place to sample a variety of global flavors in a fun, energetic setting.
Afternoon: Danish War Museum
Spend the afternoon at the Danish War Museum, where you can explore Denmark’s military history from the 1500s to today. The museum’s exhibits are engaging and thoughtfully curated, making it well worth the visit.
Evening: Amalie Restaurant
For dinner, enjoy a traditional Danish meal at Amalie. This Michelin-recommended restaurant is cozy, refined, and perfect for trying classic dishes like smørrebrød in an elegant but comfortable setting.
Day 3 (Optional): Relaxation & Royal Traditions
If you have a third day, slow things down and enjoy some uniquely Copenhagen experiences.
Morning: Changing of the Royal Guard
Arrive at the palace square by noon to watch the Changing of the Royal Guard. For the full experience, catch the guards as they leave Rosenborg Castle at 11:30 am and march through the city.
Afternoon: Explore or Shop
Use your final afternoon to wander Copenhagen at your own pace, browse local shops, revisit favorite neighborhoods, or relax at a café.
Evening: Sunset at the Harbor
End your trip with a casual dinner or drinks along the harbor, soaking in the atmosphere that makes Copenhagen such a special place to visit.
Optional Day Trip: Roskilde
If you have extra time or are planning a return visit, consider a day trip to Roskilde. Visit the Viking Ship Museum, tour Roskilde Cathedral (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and explore Old Town. From May through September, you can even sail on a reconstructed Viking ship.
Where We Ate In Copenhagen
One of the best parts of visiting a new place is being able to try out all of their local cuisines and Copenhagen did not disappoint! The food here is wonderful, and the city of Copenhagen has 30 Michelin stars awarded across 19 different restaurants. There are 3, three three-star restaurants in Copenhagen, which is the most that any single restaurant can receive. No Michelin stars are required to experience a wonderful meal here, though. Here are some of the places we enjoyed.
Amalie
Amalie is a cozy restaurant in an 18th-century townhouse near the castle. This Michelin recommended restaurant has an expansive menu of traditional Danish meals. There are lots of Smørrebrød (pronounced “smuhr-ruh-bruh”) and herring dishes to choose from, with this staple Danish fish prepared in different ways. Smørrebrød is an open-faced sandwich and is a staple menu item for Danish lunches, and many are served with pickled herring as a topping.
Amalie is classy yet comfortable, and they are open Monday through Saturday for lunch; and reservations are required.
Christianshavn Cafe
Christianshavn Boat Rental and Cafe is a floating cafe where you can sit and enjoy a meal while watching the water and the people passing by. The cafe is located directly across from the Christianshavn Metro station. They are open daily for lunch and dinner, and it’s the perfect place to grab a meal and a drink right on the water.
After your meal, you can rent a boat or simply sip on your cocktail as you watch them pass by. You have been able to rent boats here since 1896, and for the past 20 years, you can grab a meal and listen to a band while you watch the boats in the harbor too.
Kayak Bar
Kayak Bar offers more than just tasty cocktails, burgers, and paddle-worthy snacks, as the name suggests, you can also rent a kayak to paddle the canals here. If kayaking is not your style just pull up a beach chair and watch as others float on by!
Reffen
Reffen is the largest street food market in all of Northern Europe. There are more than 70 vendor stalls, multiple bars, and a coffee shop. If you are in Copenhagen, you must check it out! There is so much amazing food to choose from, and it has a fun and friendly atmosphere too.
We stopped here as part of our Bikes With Mike tour, and we have no regrets. The food was amazing, and the people were too!
Where We Stayed in Copenhagen
During our visit, we stayed at the Admiral Hotel. This four-star hotel is located right in the heart of downtown Copenhagen, giving you easy access to dining, shopping, theaters, and adventure! There are 366 Scandinavian-designed rooms, and every one of them is stylish and comfortable, from their single rooms to their executive suites.
There is room service available virtually all day long, as well as an on-site restaurant, so you don’t have to leave the premises for a fantastic meal but if you are anything like us, you will want to spend your time exploring the city!
Additional Hotels to Consider
71 Nyhavn
Brightly colored 18th and 19th-century townhouses line the canals of Nyhavn, which was once a bustling port. The streets are lined with restaurants, bars, and cafes, and here is where you will find Hotel 71 Nyhavn. This historic warehouse turned hotel offers a calming oasis in its 130 rooms, most with a waterfront view. You are just steps away from the Amalienborg Palace, the Royal Theater, and so much more! This elegant, charming, and historical hotel has a cozy Italian restaurant on site,and there is a breakfast buffet served daily with a traditional Danish breakfast in the historic warehouse cellar.
NH Collection Copenhagen
This nearly 400-room hotel has a lot to offer as well. There is a restaurant, Nu & Da with homemade meals, appetizers, and desserts or stop in the bar for a drink and a homemade snack. Walk to the colorful neighborhood of Nyhavn, the Royal Library, located right next to the harbor, and many rooms have waterfront views. During spring and summer, enjoy a cocktail on the rooftop bar ROOF from April until August.
Nobis Hotel
Located next to Tivoli Gardens, City Hall Square, and Copenhagen Central Station. The building may be historic, but inside you will find elegant and contemporary five-star luxury. Noi restaurant, and the Marble Bar.
Best Time to Visit Copenhagen
There is truly no “bad” time to visit Copenhagen. The city is beautiful year round, some seasons may be better for your visit depending on the activities you want to enjoy during your trip.
Summer
We were here during the summer, and while it’s much cooler than Tampa, the temperatures were comfortable, staying between 68 and 77 degrees. Don’t forget that summer days are long with 17 to 19 hours of daylight so you will have plenty of time to explore. There’s a very festival-like atmosphere in the summer with lots of food trucks, markets, live music, and open-air cafes that you may not see during other seasons.
Fall
Fall temperatures in Copenhagen average 50 to 59 degrees, so while it’s comfortable, it can get a little chilly if you are spending a lot of time outdoors. Layers of clothing will keep you comfortable throughout the day. Fall is an excellent season for hiking through forests like Gribskor or exploring museums. You are likely to find lots of harvest festivals and plentiful pumpkins and apples.
Winter
The Winter season in Copenhagen is cold and snowy but very beautiful. The average temperatures are 32 to 41 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s a great time to go ice skating, shopping, or exploring the many museums and churches. If the cold doesn’t bother you, you can go winter bathing on the beach. Alternatively, you can enjoy the fantastic food and stay warm and cozy in one of the many local cafes!
Spring
Spring in Copenhagen is absolutely beautiful with flowers blossoming everywhere. Temperatures average 41 to 59 degrees, and layers are recommended. Cycling around the city and waterfront dining are some of the top recommended activities for spring. It’s also a beautiful time to go hiking, and if you need some retail therapy, explore the shops around the city.
What To Drink in Denmark
Denmark is Europe’s northernmost grape-growing region, and it produces some excellent and even award-winning varieties. Denmark’s first vines were Chardonnay, Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc, all cool-climate grapes that grow well in the region.
You might not automatically think about Denmark when you think of wine, but they have some really nice offerings to try.
Akvavit
Akvavit is considered the national drink and is often consumed at celebrations such as Easter or Christmas dinner as a celebratory beverage. Akvavit is made from grains or potatoes and is quite strong and flavored with herbs like dill.
Beer is another popular Danish alcoholic beverage with many craft brews to choose from; some you may be familiar with include Carlsberg and Tuborg.
Know Before You Go
As always, before traveling to a new city, it’s nice to know a little about the area. Here are a few things to know about Copenhagen before you arrive.
Language
The official language of Copenhagen is Danish, but you won’t have any trouble communicating. Danish children learn to speak English from a young age in school, so the majority of people you meet will be fluent in English.
Currency
The local currency of Copenhagen is the Danish kroner, while some places accept US dollars, not all of them will. Nearly everywhere will accept Euros, but you come out better using the kroner, and all of the prices you see will be in kroners or DKK. If you want to get the most “bang for your buck” , exchange your currency for kroners.
VAT Tax
Like Iceland and most European countries, Copenhagen has a VAT, or value-added tax, added to the price of goods and services. In Copenhagen, the VAT tax is 25% and non-EU residents can apply for a refund of the VAT on purchases of DKK 300, you can learn more about it and how to receive a refund here.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Copenhagen
Our trip to Copenhagen was unforgettable, and we would absolutely visit again. From biking through historic streets to enjoying incredible food and waterfront views, the city offers something for every traveler. If you have the opportunity to visit, I hope that this post gives you some great ideas about where to stay, where to eat, and what to see and do!
Love Europe as much as we do? Here are a few of our other favorite European vacations:
- Athens and Crete: A 7-Day Family Travel Adventure Filled with Food, Culture, and Unforgettable Memories
- Our Unforgettable Iceland Vacation
- Why We Fell In Love with Beaune France
Have you been to Copenhagen? What was one of your favorite things to do?
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