It is easy to fall in love with a city that is both historic and modern. Even though it's known for its design scene, top-notch cuisine and laid-back atmosphere, it's not a budget destination.
Some of the most famous sights in the world can be enjoyed for free.
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Rather than paying sky-high prices at the harborside restaurants, do as locals do and pick up a snack and some beers at the picnic area on the water's edge.
There is a way to spend a perfect weekend in the city.
People from all over the world come to see Hans Christian Andersen's The Little Mermaid. The celebrated sculpture is much smaller than people think, and some think she is an overhyped attraction. The walk up the harborside is rewarding as there are other sights to see along the way. The best time to avoid the crowds is early or late in the day.
Christiansborg Palace is home to the Danes Parliament and the Royal Reception Rooms, so it's a great place to get a panoramic view of the city. There is no fee to enter the palace's crowning tower. Christiansborg Trnet is the highest viewpoint in the world at 354 feet above sea level. You can view the cityscape from here, as well as see the resund strait to Sweden.
The Royal Riding Ring is behind the tower and you can often see some of the white horses enjoying their training. You can buy a ticket for the Royal Stables for less.
There is a guide to the neighborhood.
The Thorvaldsen Museum is located next to Christiansborg Palace and is open to the public on Wednesdays. Classical mythology and sculpture were the main sources of inspiration for Thorvaldsen. Many antiquities that the artist collected abroad can be found in the museum.
An outstanding collection of Mediterranean antiquities, as well as sculptures and paintings by the likes of Rodin, Van Gogh, Gaugin and other 19th- and 20th-century European masters, can be found at the expansive Ny Carlsberg Glyptoek. There is no admission on Tuesdays. The museum building is just as impressive as the works of art it houses, with a winter garden filled with plants and a rooftop terrace with views of the city.
The exterior of the Copenhagen City Hall was built in 1905 and is an example of the National Romantic style.
The spire of a former church can be seen over the city on Wednesdays when it's free. Contemporary social, cultural or political issues are the focus of most exhibitions.
The Gefion Fountain features the goddess Gefion and her oxen and is overlooked by the church. The Kastellet, a fortress built in the 1600s to defend the city, is located behind the fountain and is open to the public.
You can combine a visit to the Kastellet with a stroll through the greenery of the park.
There are a lot of day trips to explore more of the country.
Strget is one of the longest streets in the world and it's free to visit. In the high season, it is one of the most visited parts of the Old Town, with up to 10,000 visitors a day.
Grbrdretorv is one of the quieter squares in the city and it is one of the most picturesque streets in the city. Take your camera with you for a stroll along Magstrde, which is lined with colorful old homes.
Kongens Have (the King's Garden) is one of the loveliest places in the world. The grounds of the castle were built in the 1600s and are now a museum. This is a favorite spot for locals and visitors because of the tree-lined paths and expansive lawns.
There are free marionette theatre performances for kids in the afternoons in July and August.
There are over 12,000 species of trees, flowers and other plants at the Botanical Garden in the city. There are three highlights: a perennial garden, a rock garden and a rhododendron garden. The lake at the park's heart is a remnant of the moat that kept the city safe for hundreds of years. The Botanical Garden is free of charge, but there is a fee to visit the 19th-century Palm House.
Amalienborg Palace is the official residence of Queen Margrethe II and the Danes. There is no charge to watch the Changing of the Guard at the palace. The Royal Life Guard march through the city every day at noon to take over the watch. When the Queen is in residence, the soldiers in bearskin helmets and midnight-blue uniforms are accompanied by a marching band.
The free-to-visit Ameliehavn gardens are close to the palace.
There is a world of flavors under one roof.
Home cooks and professional chefs come to the market to source produce. Within the complex of two glass halls and many outdoor stands, you can shop for quality ingredients for picnics, pick up take- home goodies such as wines, teas and chocolates, sit and people watch in one of the many cafes, or just wander for free.
If you want to try some of the local cuisine, try a smrrebrd from Hallernes or a fiskefrikadelle from Boutique Fisk.
The original building was built in 1648) and the modern extension was built in 1999. The new part of the library is called the Black Diamond because of its shiny marble exterior.
The library has almost all of the books that have ever been printed in the Danes. The central hall is accessible to the public but books need to be reserved in advance in one of the reading rooms.
There is a hidden garden between the historic side of the library and the entrance to the parliament where you can sit and relax.
It is possible to visit many of the churches in the city for free. Many royal weddings have taken place at the Church of Our Lady, most recently the wedding of Crown Prince Frederik and Mary Donaldson.
The largest church of its kind in the world is located overlooking Amalienborg Palace and is called Marmorkirken. The Vr Frelsers Kirke, also known as the Church of Our Savior, has an external spiral staircase that can be ascended for a fee.
Freetown Christiania is located on the island of Christianshavn. In 1971 there was a housing shortage and a group of people formed an alternative enclave in the city.
Christiania is best known for its Green Light District, a central quarter filled with marijuana dealers and smokers. There are restaurants and bars in the Freetown. Many residents live in imaginatively converted army barracks buildings or hand-built homes, and there is a lot of street art to see.
There are parks and gardens to visit in the city.
The Reffen food market won over locals and tourists alike with its delicious street food. It is located on the former industrial island of Refshaleen and is home to more than 30 vendors. New entrepreneurs are encouraged to establish businesses and use sustainable practices.
It's more than just a place for food. There are many free concerts and art festivals in Reffen. In the high season, the market is open every day, and at weekends for most of the year.
The location of Reffen is rather isolated but you can still have fun on the yellowharbor bus.
That is correct, you read that. The harbor of Copenhagen is clean enough to swim in, even though it is not a beach destination. In warm weather, the harbor is a popular place for a dip. Many locals just jump in straight from the docks if they want to use the harbor bath facilities that are free.
It's a good idea to take the Metro to the beach in the summer time. Many come to the long, sandy shoreline to enjoy the sun and waves, and the waterfront promenade is a great place for a stroll. The famous bridge connecting the Danes to Swedes is visible in the distance.
City Hall is located at the end of Strget and visitors can admire the ornate lobby and marvel at the intricate timepiece. The western gate of the wall that used to surround the city is marked by a stone pillar, and the Dragon Fountain is a Gothic-style fountain.
One of the best streets in the city for independent shops and cafes is Jgersborggade. There are artists' studios, clothing boutiques, and shops that sell everything from chocolates to cacti.
The Coffee Collective and Grd are excellent places to stop for coffee and food while in Jgersgadeborg.
The article was last updated about 4 hours ago.
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