Top Copenhagen Sights

Below are my favorite sights and places I take my guests when I show them around Copenhagen. They may vary from yours, so I have included a more comprehensive list below.

My Top Ten Attractions in Copenhagen

1. Strøget

My number one attraction is the “Strøget” or the main walking street, because it is the center of Copenhagen for most people. People meet and gather along Strøget. Strøget is the world’s longest walking street and is closed to bicycles and vehicles except early in the morning when vehicles are allowed in for deliveries. Along Strøget you will find shops ranging from antiques to haute couture, cafes and restaurants, street entertainment, music, budget shops, ice cream parlors, crystal and amber, sweaters and lingerie, etc. This is a smorgasbord of shopping all in one place. The atmosphere along Strøget is so Danish, you can feel it just walking along. This is not a place you want to rush through, so take your time, window shop, browse the stores that interest you and remember to look up – there are gargoyles watching you as you walk along Strøget.

My second favourite places are at the end of the Strøget and they happen to be Nyhavn and Kongens Nytorv. Kongens Nytorv is the square right before you get to Nyhavn. From Kongens Nytorv you can sit on a bench and view some of the most spectacular buildings in Denmark, including the Royal Danish Theatre, D’Angleterre Hotel, Charlottenborg, Thotske Palace and, of course, Magasin du Nord. During the winter, they convert the square into an ice rink - for about 4 or 5 months – where you can skate for a small fee. During the summer it is a lovely place to sit and watch the hustle and bustle of the city pass you by. At night time, it is beautifully lit up. When you cross the square you get to Nyhavn, which is one the most photographed places in Copenhagen (besides The Little Mermaid). The area is rich in color. The buildings along the harbors are painted in various vibrant colors. Ships and boats of various sizes and shapes are tied along the harbor and tables are lined up outside the multitude of restaurants that inhabit the area. This is where people gather to relax, drink and meet friends. You can eat and drink at any of the cafes along the waterfront or you can do as many do - bring your own beer and food, plop down along the harbor and enjoy. Meet new friends or old friends and revel in the camaraderie that abounds in Nyhavn. This is the place to be – especially on a bright summer day. http://spisinyhavn.dk

3. Christiania

This is such an unusual place that it is something that everyone should visit. Christiania is what is called the “free city” and is home to nearly 1000 residents. The residents are mostly hippies and activists who do not pay taxes and have their own set of laws to live by (though recently this is changing). Christiania is a former military base which was converted in 1971. Drugs used to be sold freely here, but it now against the law to sell or purchase drugs. It is still done, but if you get caught, you won't be happy. Avoid buying drugs anywhere while in Denmark! You have been warned. Besides that, this is an interesting place to visit for those looking for something a bit different. FYI: The taking of photographs is frowned upon while inside Christiania. http://www.christiania.org

4. The Waterfront

Personally, I find the waterfront areas of Copenhagen very relaxing, yet also exciting. There are several areas which I highly recommend. First is an area called Langelinie, which is a bit north of Amalienborg Palace. Here you will find The Little Mermaid, as well as the area where the large ocean liners dock. While there check out the Kastellet (an old fortress) just to the west of Langelinie.

Another waterfront area is Holmen, which is on the other side of the harbor. If you begin walking down Overgaden over Vandet(which is the walkway on the east side of the river), you will get to Princessgade if you just follow the water. When you get to Holmen, you will find a very modern and relaxing area. From the harbor you can get a good view of Copenhagen. This is not a tourist area, but it is such a nice place to visit and walk around. There are several good restaurants in the area.

On the other side of Langebro,you find Det Kongelige Bibliotek (Library) on the west bank and Island Brygge on the east bank. These are both great areas to visit.

5. Tivoli

To me, Tivoli is the epitome of Copenhagen. It is an amusement park, but if you are going there for some wild, wonderful and thrilling rides, you will be sorely disappointed. Tivoli is not a great amusement park in that sense. It is more a park where you go to enjoy the atmosphere, the music, the lights, flowers and “hygge”. Yes, there is that word again. “Hygge” is a Danish term meaning to be cozy. Tivoli is “hygge”. I only go to Tivoli when I am with my wife; going alone is not fun. Tivoli is romantic. There is an ice rink, a dance hall, lots of games, food, drink and, most importantly, lots of music. Catch some of the free live shows and the fireworks at night. Tivoli is best experienced at night time. The Christmas market is also a lot of fun. (Not open all year around; check their schedule.)

Copenhagen has some absolutely wonderful parks, and you should visit as many as you can. Some have castles in them, some have lakes, others have gardens filled with flowers galore, some of them are small and quaint with swans nestled among the reeds. My favorite park is undoubtedly Rosenborg Have. Located just north of the city center along Gothersgade, it is lovely park that is also home to Rosenborg Slot (Castle). This is wide-open park, which is very popular during the summer months. If you prefer someplace a little quieter, across the road are 2 other very great parks – Botanisk Have (Botanical Gardens) and, right next to it, Østre Anlæg. These are a bit smaller and more intimate. Find one of the numerous benches along the lakes and feed the birds, swans and geese. I have spent many a lunch hour reading in these parks – you feel like you are far away from the city. Very peaceful.

7. Dragør

Technically, this really can't be classified as an attraction, since it is actually a village. Back in 1979, I lived in Dragør for 9 months while working for the airlines. Dragør is a quiet little fishing village which was founded in the 12th century. As you walk down the cobblestoned main street, you will notice the well-preserved yellow painted homes. You can visit the harbor and get a fresh catch of day when the fishermen return from their daily runs. Sitting down by the harbor and having a beer or an ice cream is just a really enjoyable way to spend an afternoon. Catch bus 30 from the main train station and in about 30 minutes you will be there. It is the last stop, so just sit back and relax. Tip: When visiting Dragør, don’t forget to visit the old fortress and view the Øresund Bridge to Sweden. Also, you must bring some bread for all the ducks, birds and swans along the harbor front. It's the Danish thing to do!

8. Transport

When in Denmark, make it a point to try the various types of public transportation. It is not only something new, but it is fun and a great way to sightsee. First, try riding the bus - a good line to try is Line 15 to Østerbro or 26 towards Faergehavn Nord from the main train station. You can then catch many of the sights of Copenhagen since it circles the town, passing many of the popular tourist sites. If on Line 15, get off at Østerport Station and if on Line 26 get off at Indiakaj and walk over to Langelinie, which is just a few minutes' walk to the east. Just ask the bus driver to let you off near Langelinie. You could also get off the bus and take the same bus line back to where you started or choose a tourist area you wish to visit along the route.

Other bus lines will also take you to places like Dyrehaven, which is my next favorite attraction. (See next section.) Ask at the tourist office about which bus lines you need to take to get to any of the above attractions. Depending on where you are starting from, the information I give you may not be best suited for you. You'll also want to try the harbor bus. This is not the same as the canal boats. These are run by Movia (the bus company) and they make several stops along the harbor. A good place to catch a harbor bus is at the Kongelige Bibliotek (black building on the harbor) or the Opera House. These are yellow boats and you use a normal bus ticket on them. Also, don’t forget to ride the metro and the trains. With one bus ticket you can try them all – as long as you do it all within the allotted time period.

9. Klampenborg / Dyrehaven

Take the train to Klampenborg station and you have two great attractions at your doorstep. If you head to the beach, there you will find Bellevue Strand, which is a very popular beach. It is not very large, but it is a nice place to enjoy a summer’s day. The other option is Jaegersborg Dyrehave, which has several attractions. Dyrehave is a former royal hunting area, which has been turned into one of Denmark’s favorite picnic areas. With over 1000 hectares of woodland, the park is filled with wildlife (mostly deer). There are numerous walking paths and places to enjoy nature. There are bike paths, horse riding trails and picnic areas. Within the park you will also find Bakken and the Eremitagen Manor Home. The Eremitagen is at the center of the park and most trails will take you there. It is there that you will spot most of the deer. Bakken is an amusement park that has no entrance fee – yea! – (neither does the park), but you will pay to ride the various rides. There are also usually some children's shows and various restaurants and carnival-type stalls. It's a very popular place with the young.

Again, this is not actually an attraction, but it is something you should see. Take a day trip to Malmö in Sweden. (Not that I believe Malmö is that exciting, but you should experience the trip over Øresund Bridge.) Trains leave from the main station 2 to 3 times an hour and the cost is around 150 kroner round trip, depending on the type of ticket you get. The experience of going across the open water is fantastic. The bridge is a marvel of engineering. You can read more about the bridge by clicking on the photo to the right.

FYI Back in 2000, I walked across the bridge with a bunch of friends just after its completion. To be one of the first people to cross the new bridge, to experience the opening celebrations and enjoy the thrill of being in the middle of Øresund looking over the sides of the bridge was just awe-inspiring and WHAT FUN WE HAD! It was a great day, but, boy, were we tired. It is a long walk to Sweden – take the train!

Well, there you have it, my top 10 things you should see while in Copenhagen. Of course, there is much more to see and do. Below are some other great attractions which might tickle your fancy. Of course, if you are planning on staying in Copenhagen for a while, you should check out all these places, plus spend time exploring places that are not known as tourist attractions.

Here is a list of museums - large and small - everyone can find something that will tickle their fancy on this list. Or just click on the State Museum pic on the right.

Enjoy Copenhagen. It is a wonderful city.

Charlie

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