12 things to do in Copenhagen

Things to do in Copenhagen, Denmark. By Packing my Suitcase.

Copenhagen has been on my bucket list forever, even before I visited Stockholm back in 2011. I was always enchanted by the beautiful colourful buildings of the city, and curious to see what Kobenhavn – its name in Danish – has to offer. After a few attempts, this year I finally checked Copenhagen off my bucket list, and Denmark was nothing less than the 30th country I visited in my life.

I spent 6 days in Copenhagen during the Easter holiday, which allowed me enough time to get to know the city better, and in a relaxed way. I tried to breath in as much about the city as possible, not only for myself, but to share with all of you. In result, here are 12 things to do in Copenhagen, the things I enjoyed doing the most while I was in the city:

Nyhavn

Things to do in Copenhagen, Denmark. By Packing my Suitcase.

Post card of the city, Nyhavn – New Harbour – is a 17th century waterfront, a canal and also where you find several fun activities. Here you can take a boat tour, sit at one of its restaurants by the water, buy a snack at one of the food trucks and sit at the harbour or simply be mesmerized by the colourful and old buildings. It was my favourite part of the town, I just couldn’t stop staring at it!

Boat tour

Things to do in Copenhagen, Denmark. By Packing my Suitcase.

A boat tour through the canals is a must in Copenhagen, you will be impressed by what you will see during the tour. It was certainly one of my favourite activities in town, and I highly recommend it. No more details, or otherwise I will spoil the tour.

 [vimeo 124637532 w=200&h=300]

  • Guided in: Danish, English and German
  • Price: DKK 75 DKK / EUR 10

 

Jaegersborggade

Things to do in Copenhagen, Denmark. By Packing my Suitcase.

This street might be an off the beaten path, but if you have an extra time in Copenhagen or are staying around the trendy Norrebro neighborhood, I can recommend a stop here. Jaegerborggade is a street filled with cafes, bakeries and little restaurants.

Bakeries

Things to do in Copenhagen, Denmark. By Packing my Suitcase.

Copenhagen is famous for its bakeries, no wonder! Knowing this, if there is something you should do while in the city, is to try some delicious baked goods in any of the innumerous bakeries in town. My favourite bakery (I confess, I went there every day in the morning) was the tiny and busy Meyers Bageri, where I found the most amazing Kanelsnurrer (cinnamon snurrs) I ever tried!

Kanelsnurrer

Kanelsnurrer

The Little Mermaid

Things to do in Copenhagen, Denmark. By Packing my Suitcase.

Of course, you need to pay a visit to the most famous lady in the country after the Queen: the Little Mermaid herself. The bronze statue of the Little Mermaid was made by Edvard Eriksen, and it was really inspired by the fairy tale of the same name, written by the author Hans Christian Andersen. Since 1913 the statue attracts many visitors daily, and sadly it has been victim of vandalism several times along the years, and in the process got damaged and already lost its arm once and its head a few times!

  • No admission fee
  • Address: Langelinie, 2100 København Ø

 

Carlsberg tour

Things to do in Copenhagen, Denmark. By Packing my Suitcase.

Even if you don’t like beer – I have to confess this one too: I am not a big fan of beer – a tour at the Carlsberg Brewery is totally worth it. You will not only learn a little bit about beer, but you will also get to know the very interesting story of J. C. Jacobsen and its son Carl Jacobsen, founders of Carlsberg. You also have the option of choosing to do a beer tasting at the end of the tour! Cheers!

Beer Tasting

Beer Tasting

  • Price for the tour plus 2 beers/soft drink included: DKK 80 / EUR 10.70
  • Address: Gamle Carlsberg vej 11 1799 København V

 

Strøget

Things to do in Copenhagen, Denmark. By Packing my Suitcase.

The most busy street of the center city, Strøget is filled with stores, food trucks, musicians, cafes, and of course, people. Even if you don’t realize, you will pass by this street sometime during your trip, and if you do, make sure to make a stop at the famous Cafe Norden for a refreshing homemade lemonade!

Homemade lemonade at Cafe Norden.

Homemade lemonade at Cafe Norden.

Christiansborg Palace

Things to do in Copenhagen, Denmark. By Packing my Suitcase.

This stunning palace located in the center of Copenhagen on the tiny island Slotsholmen, is the seat of the Danish Parliament. It is possible to visit some rooms of the castle and the tower, but if you are not up to any of them, a walk around the castle is already worth it.

  • Admission Price: DKK 120 / EUR 16
  • Tower: free
  • Address: Prins Jorgens Gard, 1468 Kobenhavn K

 

Changing of the Royal Guard

Things to do in Copenhagen, Denmark. By Packing my Suitcase.

The guard change happens everyday at the Amalienborg, it starts at noon and it lasts around 40 minutes or more, depending on whether the Queen or any of the Royal family members are present in the palace or not. The change is very similar to the one in London.

 [vimeo 124637533 w=200&h=300]

Christianshavns Kanal

Things to do in Copenhagen, Denmark. By Packing my Suitcase.

Christianhavns Kanal is another beautiful waterfront in Copenhagen. It was constructed in the 17th century and was inspired on Dutch cities, reason why it is also called little Amsterdam. A walk around the canal is ideal for beautiful pictures and for spotting boathouses.

 Things to do in Copenhagen, Denmark. By Packing my Suitcase.

A walk by the sea

The Opera

The Opera

It is possible to take a beautiful walk from Nyhavn, passing by Amaliensborg, until the Little Mermaid, facing the Opera at all times. It is a very nice walk that I enjoyed doing. It enables you to see and visit many of the city’s landmarks in only one walk.

Find a nice view

Things to do in Copenhagen, Denmark. By Packing my Suitcase.
Walking through Copenhagen’s streets is already amazing, but seeing the city from above can be definitely breath taking. Finding a nice view to the city is a must do, and there are some great options for that, including the Round Tower, located in the heart of town.

Extras

There are many other fun and interesting things to do in Copenhagen. There are several museums you can visit, the famous Tivoli theme Park, castles and palaces, gardens and parks, lakes, and it is also possible to take many day trips from the city, for example to the Swedish city of Malmo or to the man made island Flakfortet. Many more activities you find on the official website of tourism of Copenhagen, which I found very useful to plan my 6-day-trip to the city.

 Things to do in Copenhagen, Denmark. By Packing my Suitcase.

About Allane

A Brazilian living in Germany. Married to Wolfi, mommy to Madu and Fitz, our Golden Retriever. Traveler, writer, photographer, diver, wine appreciator, dog Formula 1 fan. City girl, nature lover, believer of a better world one little change at a time.