Top 6 things to do in Copenhagen

Denmark is a country that fascinates and interests many people. Its capital, Copenhagen, is on the coastal islands of Seeland and Amager, and although it can be a little expensive, it is well worth a visit. Some describe the city as “too good to be true”, “unreal” or “straight out of a fairytale”. In this article, discover the six or so activities that your faithful travel companion Navaway has selected for your trip to Denmark’s capital par excellence. On the programme: historical and cultural discoveries, surprising places, and a stroll at the end of the day… What more could you ask for? Between two visits, you can also sample the local sweet and savoury specialities. Isn’t life great?

What to do in Copenhagen?

1. Rosenborg Castle

Category: €€/Cultural

Description: In the city of Copenhagen, some visits are essential: like Rosenborg Castle. Located in the centre of the Danish capital, its tumultuous history dates back to the 17th century and is an important part of Danish history. What’s not to be missed? The changing of the guards is absolutely breathtaking to watch! It takes around 2 hours to visit this immense residence, which was once home to the royal family. You’ll find glittering interiors, as well as the crown jewels and the many objects and jewels that sparkle and shine. Not forgetting that there is a slightly scary part: the visit to the basement, which is nevertheless one of the must-sees for visitors. We’ve already mentioned the interior, but the surrounding gardens are not to be overlooked, so captivating are they: perfect for a romantic stroll.

2. Tivoli Gardens

Category: €€/Cultural/Insolite

Description: We know that some of our readers are adventurers at heart. That’s why you’ll have to visit Tivoli Gardens, an ancient amusement park in the centre of Copenhagen. Did you know? It’s one of the most visited and oldest amusement parks in the world. A true antique that still attracts as many visitors as ever! Since it opened in 1843, it has been home to all kinds of rides and attractions that you wouldn’t believe. It’s a great activity for children and fun for parents, while ensuring that the whole family has a great time together. The park has played host to many famous personalities, including Danish novelist Hans Christian Andersen, and contains one of the world’s largest carousels. What’s best? Visit during the festive season, like Christmas or Halloween… For even more thrills!

3. The National Museum of Denmark

Category: €€/Cultural

Description: A true cultural holiday is nothing without a visit to a museum. That’s why we recommend a visit to the National Museum of Denmark, which has exhibitions on the Stone Age, the history of the Vikings, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and modern Denmark. When you step inside, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back in time several centuries, some 20,000 years: it’s the country’s most important museum, telling the story of its history, and most of the objects you can find there come from the private collection that King Frederick III kept under seal in his residence. Today, these marvels are on display for all to see, and one of the most beautiful treasures that continues to fascinate visitors is the Viking golden horns. A little anecdote on this subject: they were stolen and later replaced by a replica.

4. Tour the city by bike while sampling the local gastronomy

Category: €€/Cultural/Gastronomic

Description: Many visitors enjoy visiting Copenhagen by bike. In fact, the city is quite well equipped for this type of transport: it’s cheap, easy to use, environmentally friendly, and allows you to pass through narrow streets where a bus or car wouldn’t fit. It’s also a fun activity to do with the family or as a couple, and will help you discover the city from top to bottom. You can also discover some of the local specialities that Denmark, and Copenhagen in particular, has to offer. The cuisine here is known for being fresh and seasonal, with good natural produce. As you explore the delicatessens, you’ll come face to face with craft beers, succulent street-food, sweet treats that will thrill even the most reluctant gourmets, and mouth-watering vegetables. A real culinary excursion…

5. The Church of Notre Sauveur

Category: €€/Cultural/Sporting

Description: Here’s another must-see monument if you’re ever in Copenhagen: the Church of Our Saviour. In 2007, the citizens of Copenhagen voted this mighty building “the best viewpoint in the city”. Is that enough to convince you, dear friends? Since it was inaugurated in 1752, the monument has welcomed a large number of visitors every year – almost 200,000 – who have no hesitation in climbing the spiral staircase to take in the unique view. However, we’ll tell you in advance: you’ll have to climb no fewer than 400 steps and a height of 90 metres, but believe us, it’s well worth the effort. Once you’ve climbed the steps, you’ll finally reach the golden globe that governs the structure. Here you’ll discover a gold sculpture of Jesus Christ. The interior of the monument is also well worth a visit: with its nearly 3-century-old organ, a treasure trove for lovers of art and music.

6. See The Little Mermaid

Category: €€/Cultural

Description: Last but not least, here’s the Little Mermaid, one of Denmark’s most famous statues. Many describe it as the symbol, if not the emblem, of Copenhagen. It is a contested icon that has been the victim of numerous acts of vandalism over the years. It is made of bronze and rests on a rock on the shores of the Baltic Sea in the capital’s own harbour. Created more than a century ago, in 1913 to be precise, it measures 125 centimetres and weighs almost 180 kilos. There are a whole host of legends and anecdotes about it, which intrigue and arouse the curiosity of visitors. There’s a whole mystery surrounding this mysterious character invented by Carl Jacobsen, who is none other than the son of the founder of the Danish beer company Carlsberg. The aim was in fact to pay tribute to the writer Hans Christian Andersen through his novel “The Little Mermaid”.