Posted 10 March 2023 in Travel Wanderlust

Places to visit while you are in Copenhagen

Who wouldn’t want to visit the happiest city in the world? Welcome to Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark. The city is steeped in history. The original Danish name means “merchants’ harbour” and through German translations, it landed at Copenhagen.

One of the friendliest cities, the locals are always smiling and ready to help. Characterised by its canals, cycling culture, and thriving economy, Copenhagen is a beautiful city and one which should definitely be visited.

Home to some magnificent palaces and churches, pastel-coloured houses of Nyhavn, an excellent transportation system, and the delectable Danish cuisine, the erstwhile Viking fishing village from the 15th century has transformed into the spectacular city that it is today.

Crisp Scandinavian weather, rich cultural heritage, and an overall vibe of warmth and friendliness, there are a few places to visit while you are in Copenhagen. The city is bound to leave you with unforgettable memories.

Definitely visit the following places in the city

1. Tivoli Gardens

One of the most popular sights and a place to visit while you are in Copenhagen, Tivoli Gardens is located in the centre of the city. It has an amusement park with rides, games, musicals, light and water shows, and concerts. Visitors to the Gardens can marvel at stunning views of Copenhagen from the ferris wheel, go on virtual-reality adventures in the arcade, and have a good time at cafés and bars serving scrumptious Danish specialties. One of Tivoli Gardens’ most attractive features is the roller coaster, named Rutschebanen, which is the oldest functional roller coaster in the world and has been in action since 1914. Groften is a famous restaurant inside the Gardens.

Timings: Tivoli Gardens is open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Fee: There are different entry fee structures, depending on if you want to get on the rides or single entry/multiple entries.

2. The Little Mermaid

Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s famous fairytale, The Little Mermaid statue is one of the most iconic statues of the city. Making for beautiful photos, the statue was a gift to the city from Danish brewer Carl Jacobsen, the founder of Carlsberg beer, and sits on the banks of Langelinie pier, peering at the waters in anticipation. Made from bronze and granite, the statue weighs about 175 kg.

As per the fairytale, the mermaid gives up everything to be united with a handsome prince. Every morning and evening, the mermaid swims to the surface of the water and waits for her prince.

3. Amalienborg Palace

History buffs should definitely pay a visit to Amalienborg Palace, the seat of one of the world’s oldest monarchies. Made of four identical buildings, Moltke’s Palace, used as a guest residence; Brockdorff’s Palace, home of the Crown Prince; Schack’s Palace, home to the Queen; and Levetzau Palace, which is used as a residence for other members of the royal family.

Amalienborg Palace is famous for its royal guard, known as The Royal Life Guard, and the changing of guards takes place every day at noon, which makes for a delightful watch.

Definitely pay a visit to Amalienborg Museum which is inside Levetzau Palace and gives tourists access to the private interiors of the recent monarchs, along with a historical exhibit on the Danish monarchy. Amalienborg Museum dates back almost 150 years to Christian IX and Queen Louise, who were known as “the in-laws of Europe,” as four of their children ascended the thrones of England, Denmark, Russia, and Greece.

Fee: Entry to Amalienborg Palace and Museum is about DKK 95 for adults, while children can enjoy the site for free.

4. Nyhavn

Colourful and captivating, Nyhavn is one of Copenhagen’s most iconic sights and recognisable spots of the city. Popular among locals and tourists alike, Nyhavn literally translates to “New Harbour,” and is a great place to gulp down a cold beer on a hot sunny day. The harbour was originally a commercial port where ships from all over the world would dock, and sailors would frequent the locality, visit the pubs and the alehouses.

Today, the old houses have been renovated and walking along the canal you will hear great jazz music, see many pavement cafés, and happy people everywhere. Grab a bite at any of the great cafés, and enjoy the beautiful views of the ships docked at the pier.

Book a canal tour from Nyhavn and enjoy a boat ride through the city’s idyllic canals, viewing Copenhagen from a different angle altogether. Take in the stories told by the guide and don’t forget to duck when you go through a particularly low bridge.

Timings: The harbour is open every day. While visiting during weekdays, be mindful of the timings. The Danish city wraps up very quickly during the weekdays, and the cafés and restaurants will most likely close early.
Fee: There are many operators of the canal tour. Check the prices and make bookings.

5. Frederiksberg Palace

Showcasing the rich heritage of the city, Frederiksberg Palace served as a summer palace of the erstwhile royal family. Exhibiting a baroque residence, the construction of the palace started in 1699 and finished in 1735. Frederiksberg Palace overlooks the stunning baroque gardens, canal, and lakes, making it one of the most picturesque places in the city.

6. Freetown Christiania

Nestled in the centre of the city, Freetown Christiania is home to about 850-1,000 residents and is often touted as the hippie part of Copenhagen. It is home to many concert venues, organic and vegan restaurants, art galleries, and great views of Christiania Lake.

7. Visit Carlsberg

Exploring the rich history of Carlsberg and the famous Danish beer, visit Carlsberg is a museum that is adjacent to the whimsically designed Carlsberg brewery. The museum offers insights into the brand’s history, explains the brewing process, and gives visitors access to stables and the famous Jutland dray horses.

8. Copenhagen Opera House

Copenhagen Opera House is one of the most amazing pieces of architecture in the city and the structure is simply spectacular facing Amalienborg Palace. With equally astounding interiors, the Opera House has been made from the highest quality ingredients. Jura Gleb limestone has been used in the exteriors while Pertantini marble from Sicily adorns the floor. The ceiling has over 1,05,000 sheets of pure gold.

This Opera House is located on the island of Holmen in central Copenhagen. Previously, the Opera House has hosted the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series, an annual event where some of the world’s best divers leap into the water from astonishing heights.

Travel tips

One of the most important tips while visiting Copenhagen is to carry the local currency, Danish Krone. While a part of the European Union, only some parts of the city accept Euros, and it is a hassle to keep changing currency. So, it is best to carry the local currency.
A visit to Copenhagen requires a visa. Make sure you have one beforehand to avoid last minute panic.
Make all reservations and bookings of accommodation and transportation in advance, else it can be expensive.
Be mindful of the timings. The Danish are very strict about their work and leisure, and during weekdays, the city goes to sleep early.

How to get there?

Copenhagen can be reached via road, rail, or air.

By air: Copenhagen Airport is one of the busiest airports in the area, serving the entire country of Denmark, and even some of the southern cities of Sweden. IndiGo operates comfortable and regular flights from India, making it easy to reach Copenhagen.

Best time to visit

March to August is generally the best time to visit Copenhagen. During this time, the weather is warm and there are a large number of popular events being held in the city. The prices are not as expensive during this period.

From May to September, Copenhagen witnesses peak tourist season and the streets come alive as there are many pop-up cafés that form on the sidewalks and an overall festive cheer in the air. Starting from October, the city starts to experience the cold weather.

Weather

Compared to other Scandinavian countries, Copenhagen’s weather is milder. Summers are relatively cool, while winters are moderately cold. Receiving about 765 mm of rainfall during the year, the city enjoys a temperate climate.

Conclusion

There are many beautiful places to visit while you are in Copenhagen and a visit to one of the happiest cities in the world is bound to fill you with happiness. The delicious food, amazing nightlife, and great shopping makes for a wonderful visit. Make reservations, hop on a flight, and be prepared to be mesmerised by the beauty that is Copenhagen.