Even on a budget, the Danes' capital is a popular place to visit due to its rich history and flourishing food scene.

This guide will help you find the best things to do in the capital city.

Make the most out of every adventure with help from our weekly newsletter delivered to your inbox.

Wander the waterfront for classic views of Copenhagen

The harborside location is one of the charms of the city. The most well-known spot in the city is the Nyhavn harbor. It is the obvious spot for a tourist photo, but it is also a great spot for a stroll. In a city known for being expensive, walking along the promenade and admiring the waterfront is free.

There is a statue on the harbor based on Hans Christian Andersen's story. The Opera House and the Gefion Fountain are open to the public and free to visit.

People relaxing in Kongens Have by Rosenborg Slot
The Kongens Have gardens are one of Copenhagen's best-loved green spaces © Jonathan Smith / Lonely Planet

Uncover the grandeur of Royal Copenhagen

The origins of the monarchy inDenmark go back over 1000 years. Amalienborg is where Queen Margrethe II and the Crown Prince live. The dome of the Marmorkirken is overlooked by the four buildings that make up the palace.

The Changing of the Guard takes place daily at noon at Amalienborg, with the Royal Life Guard on watch at all times. There is a small museum at the palace with a focus on kings and queens from the 1800s to the present-day.

There is a collection of tapestries depicting over 1000 years of Danes history in the Great Hall of the Royal reception rooms.

The fantastic treasury includes the stunning Crown Jewels, as well as intriguing historical items such as the former coronation thrones of Danes. The Kongens Have gardens are home to the most beloved green space in the city.

Boats on the canal in Copenhagen, Denmark
Cruise the boat-filled canal from Sankt Anne Gade bridge in Copenhagen © vladacanon / Getty Images

Go boating on Copenhagen's meandering canals

There are boat tours and kayaking adventures in and out of the city. One of the city's architectural gems is on the Christianshavn canal and is called the Black Diamond.

Hey Captain offers a great small group experience with each comfortable craft seating up to twelve passengers. The cost of the tour includes drinks. GoBoat allows you to be the captain of your own solar-powered boat, as well as doing concerts and other events on the harbor.

One-hour canal tours on boats that can accommodate up to 150 are a good way to get out on the water. Kayak Republic rents out green kayaks for free in exchange for picking up trash on the water in order to keep the waterways clean.

Take a deep dive into Copenhagen’s history

There are amazing artifacts and engaging exhibits in the museums in the city. There is a Bronze Age sun chariot and Viking rune stones in the collection of theDanish National Museum. An interesting look at the history, life and traditions of Danes from the Renaissance to the present day can be found in the 'Stories ofDenmark' exhibit.

The Museum of Copenhagen tells the story of the city through artifacts and displays on the city's buildings, people and culture. The Design Museum Danmark is closed for renovations at the time of writing, but will re-open in 2022.

There are many exhibitions on the connections between the country's celebrated architecture and design traditions and the Danes.

A slice of bread topped with meat, cucumbers, dried fruit, lettuce and orange slices
Smørrebrød is a popular lunch dish in Copenhagen © Marlanph / Getty Images

Sample new and not-so new Nordic cuisine

The New Nordic cuisine movement led to a reputation for its food scene around the world. There are 13Michelin-starred restaurants in central Copenhagen, and many otherMichelin-recommended options for enjoying Nordic cooking. There is a delicious sample of New Nordic flavors on the tasting menu at Hst.

smrrebrd is a must-try lunch dish in the capital city of the country. For a more modern take on this classic dish, visit Aamanns 1921, a restaurant that serves a more traditional version of the dish. Sampling baked goods from the historic Sankt Peders Bakery is one of the essential food experiences.

Discover Danish design

Strget is one of the longest streets in the world. There are a variety of shopping options here. Strget is home to some of the best design shops in the world such as HAY House and Stilleben. Pick up high-quality souvenirs at Illums Bolighus.

You can find independent shops and studios on Vrnedamsvej and Gammel Kongevej, which are located at the border of the Vesterbro and Frederikberg neighborhoods.

Cyclists ride through the hip streets of Norrebro
The energetic hipster district of Norrebro has been described as the coolest neighborhood in the world © ale de sun / Shutterstock

Dive into Copenhagen's hipster heaven

The capital of the region has become known for it's trendy vibe. Nrrebro has been named the cool neighborhood in the world.

Just like the Danes do, head to Refshaleen by bike and have your morning coffee and croissant at La Banchina. You can eat a locally produced lunch or snack at ens Have, an urban garden. Coffee Collective, which serves the best coffee in the world, is located on Jgersborggade, and you can also get a beer at the park.

Assistens Kirkegrd is a favorite place for Nrrebro locals to go for a walk. Oysters and Grill is a budget-friendly restaurant that serves fresh seafood and steaks. Nrre Bodega, Understellet and Diligencen are recommended dive bars that serve bottled beer.

Let your inner child run free at Tivoli Gardens

Few capitals can pull off an amusement park in the middle of the city. Tivoli Gardens is an escapist fantasy of fairytale pavilions, romantic gardens and funfair rides. Children will be taken to new lands by the Chinese lake, Moorish palace, and futuristic creations that are out of the imagination of HG Wells. There are fireworks displays, a pantomime theater, children's shows, and live shows. This is one of the top things to do in the city.

two people with bikes in front of colourful walls in Christiania
Cycling is as much a part of the culture as creativity in Copenhagen's Christiania © Pierre Aden/Getty Images

Discover another way of living in Freetown Christiania

Christiania is one of the most distinctive corners in the city. While opinions about its relevance in 21st-century Europe vary, the city's marijuana-smelling 'Freetown' continues to have an almost incomprehensible atmosphere.

The city's counterculture heart is home to a lot of people with drug and alcohol problems. Beyond its shabby main drag, you'll find a variety of craft studios, tranquil trails and the most imaginative dwellings in the world.

Don't forget to visit Christianshavn when you're in Christiania. There are canals with tiny, very old and crooked houses, sidewalk cafes, and good vibes here.

The article was first published in 2020.