Denmark is made up of three main regions, Zealand, Jutland, and Funen, and includes a total of 443 islands, though only about 70 of them are inhabited. It’s a relatively small country, which makes it easy to explore. Most people know it for its capital, Copenhagen (København), the main city to visit in Denmark, famous for the Little Mermaid statue, the colorful houses of Nyhavn, and its cozy, modern Scandinavian vibe.
Getting around is super easy, as the country is well connected by efficient trains, making it a great place to explore without a car. Whether you’re hopping between cities or heading to the coast, public transport is reliable and comfortable.
What you need to know
- Money: 1€ = 7,5 DKK
- Be aware that Denmark is quite expensive!
- To save money, definitely consider getting the Copenhagen Card (CPH). It may seem pricey at first, but it includes access to most major attractions and unlimited public transport. (You can buy the card here.)
- Getting to the city center from the airport is easy, just take the train, bus or metro.
- If you’re planning to visit other cities, check the train schedule in advance, some destinations are easier (and cheaper) to reach on certain days.
Top Activities in Copenhagen
Nyhavn neighborhood of colored houses
This is definitely the first place to go when you visit Copenhagen! The neighborhood is famous for its colorful houses along the Nyhavn canal, right in the heart of the city center. It’s probably the most iconic and typical spot in Copenhagen. You’ll find lots of restaurants and cafés lining the canal, and often street musicians playing, perfect for enjoying some good music while you eat or just relax by the water.
Boat tour on the canals
Who says Copenhagen says boat tour on the Nyhavn canal! There are lots of different companies offering canal tours, usually lasting about an hour. It’s a great way to explore the city from the water, you get to see both the main sights and even parts of the outer city. Honestly, it’s a perfect way to start your trip because it gives you a good overall view of Copenhagen.
The bridges are so low that you almost feel like your head is going to touch them if you don’t stay seated! The boat even scrapes the walls at times because it passes through such narrow spots. It’s all part of the experience!
Tivoli garden
The Tivoli Gardens are just incredible, honestly, it was one of my favorite places in Copenhagen! Located right in the city center, it’s not just an amusement park, it’s so much more than that. Of course, you’ve got the roller coasters and classic rides, but there are also attractions for kids and families, plus tons of places to grab candy, cotton candy, and all kinds of fun fast food.
If you have the Copenhagen Card, the entrance is included. If not, I definitely recommend buying your tickets in advance to skip the lines, it can get pretty busy, especially in the evenings.
The Little Mermaid Statue
For those who didn’t know, the legend and story of The Little Mermaid actually comes from Denmark.
If you do the boat tour, you’ll spot the statue from a distance. It’s located a bit outside the city center, right by the water. To be honest, there’s nothing too special about it. It’s just a small statue at the water’s edge, but it’s super famous and very touristic. Go in the morning if you don’t want anyone on your picture.
From the Little Mermaid, start walking back toward the city center. On the way, you’ll pass some really beautiful spots like the Gefion Fountain, the fortress Kastellet, the stunning Frederik’s Church, and the Amalienborg Palace, where the royal family lives. It’s a lovely walk with plenty to see along the way.
But if you’re not up for walking, don’t worry there’s a subway station nearby that will take you straight back to the center.
Christina neighborhood
Christiania is a unique and independent neighborhood in Copenhagen, known for its alternative lifestyle and self-governing community. It’s home to a mix of artists, free spirits, and people living outside the usual system. They have their own set of rules, like selling legally marijuana.
it’s a very chill and relaxed place, with a cool atmosphere. You’ll find great cafés and restaurants, and it’s a nice place to walk around and experience something totally different from the rest of the city.
I really recommend checking it out! Just one thing: avoid taking photos, people there are pretty protective of their privacy.
Church of our Savoir
If you want a great viewpoint over Copenhagen, then the Church of Our Saviour is the place to go. Just be prepared, there are a lot of steps to climb to reach the top, but the view is totally worth it!
The church has a big spiral tower that you’ll probably spot from different parts of the city, it really stands out. The entrance is included in the CPH, which is super convenient. Just make sure to go earlier in the day, as it closes at 5 PM.
Rosenborg Castle
Rosenbord castle is close to the city center
Top Activities Outside of Copenhagen
Roskilde a.k.a. the Viking village
Roskilde is only 30 minutes by direct train from Copenhagen. Look at which day has a direct train; otherwise, you might have to take a train and buses, which will take longer.
Houses are made of red bricks all over the city, and one of the city’s main attractions is the Roskilde Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Roskilde is also renowned for its Viking heritage. You can explore this history at the Viking Ship Museum, where five original Viking ships are on display.
If you do not have the CPH, I won’t recommend paying the expensive entrance fee; you can see the ships from outside.
The Castle of Kronor and Maritime Museum
Kronborg Castle is located about 40 minutes by train north of Copenhagen, in the town of Helsingør. The exterior is free to visit, and it’s already impressive from the outside, right by the water, with great views. You don’t need to pay if you just want to walk around the grounds.
If you decide to visit the inside, you’ll need a ticket. The interior has a lot of big rooms, but honestly, there isn’t that much to see compared to other castles, so it’s up to you if you feel it’s worth it.
Right next to the castle, there’s also the Maritime Museum, which is quite modern and well done. It’s a nice addition to the visit if you’re already up there.
Lousianna Art Museum
Between Helsingør and Copenhagen, there’s a modern art museum that’s worth a stop if you’re into contemporary art. Personally, I’m not a big fan of modern art, but I still enjoyed the visit because the outside area is really beautiful. There’s a large garden with views of the sea, perfect for a quiet break.
Just a heads-up: the food inside is quite expensive, so I recommend bringing your own snacks or lunch if you plan to spend a bit of time there.
Frederiksborg Castle
In my opinion, this is one of the most beautiful castles in Denmark. The gardens are massive and really stunning, and the best part is, access to the gardens is free for everyone.
Inside the castle, the rooms are very rich in detail, with lots of portraits in nearly every room, giving it a very historic and royal vibe. Don’t miss the chapel, which is especially beautiful and well preserved. The entire castle is surrounded by water, which makes even prettier to look at it.
Advice: All four of the places are included in the CPH and are on the same train line. In the order to visit them I recommend starting with the modern Art museum, Helsingborg, and finishing with Frederiskborg’s castle.
Odense
About an hour by train from Copenhagen, you’ll reach Odense, the city where fairy tales began. Why? Because Hans Christian Andersen, the famous author of The Little Mermaid and many other classic fairy tales, was born here.
You can visit his house, now a museum, and learn more about his life and stories. The city has both a new and an old part, and the old town is especially charming, with colorful houses and cobblestone streets that feel straight out of a storybook.
It’s a really nice day trip from Copenhagen, but you can also spend the night and continue your journey to Aarhus or Aalborg the next day.
Skagen
Finally, at the very top of Denmark, you’ll find Skagen, a beautiful little village known for its cozy atmosphere, with lots of shops and restaurants. To reach the very tip of the country, where the two seas meet, you can either walk about 3 km from the village center or take a bus (which runs every 30 minutes).
Once you’re there, the main activity is to hop on the tractor-pulled sand train that takes you all the way to the end of the sand strip. It’s a really fun and unique experience, and definitely something you should do while you’re there! And don’t forget your swimsuit, you can swim in the sea where the two waters meet, it’s a pretty cool feeling!
On your way to Skagen, you can stop in Aarhus and Aalborg,two nice cities that are worth a visit. There’s not a ton to see, but they make for a great break between Odense and Skagen, with a few spots to explore, grab some food, and stretch your legs.