50 Unique Things To Do In Copenhagen: Denmark’s Trendsetting Capital!

17. Dine On Contemporary Nordic Cuisine In A Extraordinary Setting At Høst

There is no way I am going to claim this is the best restaurants in Copenhagen, no matter what the top food critics tell me I believe this is a very subjective term. All I am saying is that a night dining at this award-winning restaurant will be filled with plenty of surprises and, from my perspective, offers a perfect complement to any trip to Copenhagen.

Høst is the Danish word for harvest, so here you can expect innovative Nordic ingredients and seasonal delights to set the agenda, with a menu that is ever-changing (or so I was told by our extremely friendly and helpful server).

I also became slightly obsessed with the elegant yet rustic interior design that was everything I imagined Denmark would be: Danish mid-century furniture design, raw wood accents and exposed brick walls and creating an intoxicating ambiance that encourages you to linger – or maybe that was the wine pairings! It’s not just me that thinks this, however, as humble Høst has won titles such as the Worlds’ Best Designed Restaurant and the World’s Most Beautiful Restaurant.

If you are still not sold, dishes like grilled Norwegian Lobster with juniper pancake and pointed cabbage, raspberry sorbet with Norwegian Brown cheese, and crispy caramel and Witch flounder with fried chicken skin and sauce made from fermented asparagus await. Reservations full out quite far in advance, but their website offers a straightforward booking system and doesn’t be afraid to check at the last minute as cancellations inevitably occur.

18. Be Inspired At The Kunsthal Charlottenborg

Located in an iconic red building covered in ivy on the grounds of what used to be Copenhagens Botanical gardens, the Kunsthal Charlottenborg is one of Northern Europe’s biggest and most exciting exhibition spaces for contemporary art.

The exhibition space offers an ambitious program that showcases young foreign prospects and proven stars from Denmark and abroad. Kunsthal Charlottenborg offers an unyielding and modern setting of art that pushes boundaries while still being accessible and relatable. A wide variety of events also occur, such as artist lectures, exhibits, concerts, and film screenings, which complement the trend-setting exhibition program of Kunsthal Charlottenborg.

The official exhibition gallery of the Royal Danish Academy of Art, there is also an art cinema onsite with screenings offered for free in the ticket price. There is free admission for holders of the Copenhagen Card.

19. Admire The Glamorous Copenhagen Opera House 

The National Opera House in Copenhagen is was built in 2001 as a gift to the Danish people from the shipping magnate A.P. Møller. It is among the most modern opera houses in the world, and one of the most beautiful I’ve have ever seen – along with Oslo and Sydney.

The building has an area of 41,000 square meters. While it looks tall already from the outside, five of the 14 stories are actually hidden underground. The central opera stage has a capacity for a 1400-strong crowd. The Opera House exterior is lined with the limestone, and the foyer contains Sicilian Perlatino marble. The auditorium wall overlooking the lobby is covered with maple wood.

In contrast, the main auditorium roof is adorned in the gold leaf. Around 1.5 kilograms of gold in total! As you can imagine, the Opera House is one of the most expensive opera houses ever constructed with costs totaling well over US$500 million. Positioned just opposite the Amalienborg Castle, you can discover the Opera’s grand lobby, the famous light sculptures and shiny maple shell of the main stage on daily guided tours, or splurge on a show.

Tickets can be purchased online or at the Opera 2 hours beforehand. They are not cheap, but neither is this building or the quality of the shows within.

20. Explore The Remarkable Danish Architecture Centre

This is Denmark’s go-to meeting spot for architecture, design, and urban culture. The Danish Architecture Center’s goal and purpose are to foster collaboration between the construction sector and architects.

This is so everyone involved can more harmoniously contribute directly to the future development of Danish architecture and construction as a whole. There is a rotating array of exhibits for tourists to explore, all of which share knowledge about Danish architecture, city planning, engineering, and design concepts.

A must-visit for anyone with interest in architecture.

21. Uncover The Contemporary Art and Culture Of The North Atlantic Countries

Housed in a preserved warehouse dating to 1767, and one of Copenhagen harbor’s impressive buildings, the North Atlantic House is a recently-opened cultural center dedicated to promoting the rich cultural ride of Iceland, Greenland and the Faroe Islands – all of which are deeply connected to Denmark culturally and historically.

A collaborative project between Denmark and the countries,  there are three galleries, and the center also houses the Icelandic embassy and the permanent representations of Greenland and the Faroe Islands.

The art here is bold, and its broad mandate allows for an array of innovative art to blossom here, including film, music, dance, visual arts, and debates – frequently inspired by nature and curated to encourage visitors and help them get in touch with the authentic Nordic culture.

And if that is not enough, there is a beautiful open-air dining space outside filled with a variety of hip dining options and beautiful views.

22. Get Lost In The Past At Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek

Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek is a world-renowned art museum in Copenhagen organized around the personal collection of Carl Jacobsen (the son of the original founder of the famous Carlsberg Breweries.)

The collection consists fundamentally of works of art and archaeological objects from Ancient Egypt, the worlds of Ancient Greece and Rome, as well as Danish and French art of the 19th century. The accumulation of Auguste Rodin’s works within is especially of note, and considered to be the most important outside France, as is the far-reaching collection of French impressionists,  Post-impressionists and Danish Golden Age paintings.

While most of the permanent exhibitions hail from this collection, there are also temporary special exhibitions that build on the perspective on the museum’s collection through loan works. There is free admission for holders of the Copenhagen Card.

23. Take In The Panoramic View Of Copenhagen From The Round Tower

Another included perk of the Copenhagen Card, the 17th-century tower and oldest functioning observatory in Europe, known as the Round Tower, is also the best place to get a magnificent 360° view of Copenhagen. And in a city as flat as Copenhagen, this can help you get your bearings!

First, however, you have to climb its unique spiral walk talk covers 209 meters (with a narrow staircase at the end) to get the 36m high viewpoint – which not might sound very high but gives is enough to get above everything else in the surrounding area!

It is built by King Christian IV – who you will quickly discover basically made everything famous in Copenhagen. There is also an intriguing library hall halfway that has now be converted to an exhibition space for local art, history, science, and an observatory is still used by amateur astronomers, but only open to the public on rare days during the summer.

Other great spots to get a view in Copenhagen include The Tower at Christiansborg Palace (which is free but with crazy, long lines) and the winding Spire at Church of our Saviour (also included on the Copenhagen Card).

24. Abandon Conformity And Give Yourself To The Freetown Christiania

Copenhagen’s most alternative neighborhood and a society within a society, this intentional commune covering 34 hectares with around 1000 residents is probably one of Copenhagen’s weirdest attractions – and most enjoyable.

A source of controversy ever since it was inception in a squatted military area in 1971, today, things are a bit more stable – and you will find an eclectic mix of homemade houses, colorful workshops, live music venues, organic eateries, intriguing art, and quiet nature.

Famed amongst tourists for its cannabis trade, which tend to strain relations with Danish police, today residents urge people who were friends of the neighborhood to help by not buying cannabis in Christiania due to the history of violence which it has brought. The use of trade of other harder drugs is ‘banned.’

I don’t recommend visiting for the drugs but to explore the intriguing concepts and community that has involved in this autonomous anarchist district in Denmark’s capital. Try time you visit for a Sunday when the atmosphere is buzzing, and Café Nemoland offers two free concerts on their open-air stage.

25. Give Free Rein To Your Inner Foodie At The Torvehallerne Food Market

One of Copenhagen’s culinary hot spots, this supermarket (not a supermarket), has been a long time coming, but it is well worth the wait!  Establish in 1889 on Israel’s Square, the market was closed in 1958, and it was only recently in 2011 the Copenhageners again got their city market square back – albeit in a much trendier form that embraces modern luxury, to say the least.

With over 60 staff offering on the best of Danish produce and cuisine, you could wander for hours grazing on delights ranging from gourmet chocolate to divine coffee, local cheese, smoothies, and inspired porridge, to name a few! Diversity, quality, and taste are the starting point for everything here, and it shows in everything on offer.

In true Danish style, the simple concept of covered market halls is transformed into so much more, a meeting place for innovative chefs, inspired ingredients and friends. There is a taste and a meal for everyone here, making the Torvehallerne Food Market the perfect place to explore with friends or fussy eaters!

While there is no other equivalent to Torvehallerne Food Market in town, for those who like to browse food outside of a traditional restaurant setting you could also consider WestMarket, offering food from all over the world, the smaller Tivoli Food Hall or the uber-cool Rebel Food collection of food trucks focussing on entrepreneurship and mouth-watering creations.

26. Step Into The World of Shakespeare’s Hamlet At The Kronborg Castle

Yes, I am talking about leaving Copenhagen again – but with the Copenhagen Card and Denmark’s incredible public transport, this brief excursion up the coast toHelsingør (Elsinore) is simple and easy, and entirely worth it!

Occupying a strategically important headland overlooking the Sund, a narrow stretch of water between Denmark and Sweden, the Royal castle of Kronborg is not only one of the most unique places in Denmark, but also holds tremendous symbolic value to the Danish people.

Built-in 1574, this outstanding Renaissance castle remains intact to this day. It has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status, not just for its fortifications, but because between 1429 and 1857, over 1.8 million shops passed through at the narrowest point of the sound, and all paid a toll at Kronborg Castle. As a result, Denmark was in a position to create essential alliances in the region, and the fortress remains today a symbol of Denmark’s historical power.

For many visitors, however, Kronborg Castle is more famed as the setting of Shakespeare’s Hamlet (and the even more famous ‘To be, or not to be: that is the question’ line).

During the summer months, Kronborg Castle today plays host to a troupe of actors who move through chambers, rooms, and courtyards playing out this world-renowned drama of murder, lust, and tragedy in a surprisingly tasteful manner.

Of course, even without the Hamlet connection, you should visit Kronborg for its magnificent yet straightforward beauty as a castle complete with original spires, towers, columns, and copper roofs.

27. Get Close To Wildlife and Faux Nature At Jægersborg Dyrehave

Whether you decide to visit Kronborg or not (hint: you should) on the same train line but just 22 mins out of Copenhagen at Klampenborg station you will Jægersborg Dyrehave, or just the Deer Park. Another UNESCO World Heritage site as part of the Par force hunting landscape in North Zealand, a collection of royal hunting grounds on a custom-designed landscape with ruler-straight forest roads with squares in the Baroque style. Yes, basically the monarch’s grand way of claiming his power over nature.

Today is Dyrehave is notable for it’s huge, ancient stands of oak trees and large populations of red and fallow deer – as well as being a popular recreational area for biking, hiking or horse riding.

The reason it makes the list of top things to do in Copenhagen, however,  is the ability to get up close with the deer, some of who might even post for a selfie if you are lucky, and much-needed escape it offers from the chaos that Copenhagen inventible presents in peak tourists season. The city is lovely, but everyone needs to escape sometimes, right!

Bikes are available for hire near the front gate, or if you are feeling extra eager, you can cycle from Copenhagen city, and explore at your own pace. There are many different highlights here, but be sure not to miss the Hermitage Hunting Lodge, a Baroque masterpiece built by  Christian VI in 1736 to host royal banquets at  Dyrehaven.

If you are lucky enough to be in town on the first Sunday in November, you should also try to attend the Hubertus Hunt, an annual cross-country horse race with up to 40,000 spectators marking the end of the hunting season!

28. Take That Picture-Perfect Photo Of Copenhagen At Iconic Nyhavn

No list of the best things to do in Copenhagen would be complete concerning Nyhaven, the 17th-century waterfront, canal and entertainment district once filled with alehouses, ladies of the night, and dirty sailor but now filled with beautiful colored old houses covered into upscale restaurants.

As you might expect, you will have to face an onslaught of selfie-stick wielding tourists who would trample over their children to get the perfect shot, and the restaurants – will nice – are not the best in the city, but don’t let this dissuade you…Nyhavn is a well-polished gem, with a lively atmosphere and plenty of fabulous people watching.

True fans will want to hunt down No. 67, which was home to Hans Christian Andersen between 1845 and 1864, or No. 18, where he lived from 1871-1875 and is now home to an Andersen-themed souvenir shop. During the day, wander along the promenade and admire the colorful mansions and old historic boats, and during the evening, grab your partner’s hand and sneak a kiss with the soft tones of jazz in the background. Utterly romantic.

Unlike the disappointing Little Mermaid Statue, Nyhavn is proof that something being touristy does not mean it is not worth visiting.

29. Visit The Most Important Building In Denmark, the Christiansborg Palace

Technically the third Christiansborg Palace after the first two burnt down, the latest iteration of the Christiansborg Palace contains not only multiple museums for tourists enjoyment and rooms reserved for use by the Royal Family for functions – but also the Danish Parliament Folketinget, the Supreme Court, and the Ministry of State.

This makes Christiansborg the only building in the entire world to house all three of a country’s branches of government, with the supreme executive, legislative and judicial power based here. A bold move for a palace that has already burnt down twice, I would say. The main palace today was completed in 1928 in the historicist Neo-baroque style, but if you are interested, the Christiansborg Palace Chapel dates to 1826 and is the neoclassical style.

You can take free guided tours of the Danish Parliament every Sunday which take about 45 minutes (be sure to book online beforehand) or visit the five separate museums housed within the complex: the Royal Reception Rooms, the Theatre Museum, The Royal Kitchen, the Ruins and the Royal Stables. Yes, all are also included with the Copenhagen Card!

30. Celebrate Diversity, Inclusivity And All Things Queer At Copenhagen Pride

Gay, straight or unicorn – I could not in good conscience leave any list of top things to do in Copenhagen complete without a mention to Copenhagen Pride, a world-class colorful and festive occasion combining political issues with concerts, films and a parade.

It is so refreshing to see a city embrace all its citizens so completely. If you are lucky enough to visit during Pride Week in August, you will find an entire city bedazzled in more rainbows and glitter than you ever thought possible.

Utterly fabulous right?

Open to all, the main square of Copenhagen outside of the town hall hosts live music, speeches, and entertainment throughout the week – including an epic Drag extravaganza, which lasts for over four hours and plenty of local and international performers.

Also of note are the interesting human rights discussions in various locations throughout the week. And did I mention it is all free (but please try to donate)

On Saturday, the Copenhagen Pride parade takes place, and 2018 was the largest ever recorded with 180 different floats and 40,000 people taking part to celebrate diversity and promote equal rights for LGBT+ people worldwide.

I especially loved seeing all the young children and older Danish generations out with Pride. This level of acceptance is what makes Denmark such an incredible destination to visit, and I suspect part of the reason why the Danes are often named at the happiest people on Earth.

Even if you are not visiting Copenhagen during Pride Week, there are other annual events to look out for, including the Copenhagen Winter Pride Week in February, the Pride Christmas In December, or the Folkemøde – The people’s Political Festival in June.

Failing that, take a wander down Studiestræde and the surrounding streets, home to the majority of the cities gay bars and plenty of cool thrift shops and LGBT+popular cafes during the day. If you are curious, you can read more about the Copenhagen gay scene here.

31. Expect The Unexpected At Cisternerne

Cisternerne is an exceptional and rather underground exhibition space that is both spooky and beautiful. A place where art becomes one with the physical environment.

Since 2014 Cisternerne has focused on the dream of creating a powerful space for reflection and interactions with an ever-changing array of temporary displays. The fusion of underground architecture, history, and nature that combine here with site-specific world-class art interactions is utterly unique and difficult to describe. Cisternerne escapes from traditional customs of an exhibition: art and architecture are one, and you’re not only looking at art – you’re fully absorbed in the environment.

This is truly an underground art scene (pun intended). I recommend you book well in advance to avoid missing out on whatever innovative display is taking place during your visit to Copenhagen. There is free admission for holders of the Copenhagen Card.

32. Spend The Day In Artful Bliss At The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art

The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art is one of the world’s preeminent modern art museums. Situated on the coast overlooking the sea, it strikes a sublime balance of nature, architecture, and art.

It is considered a milestone in modern Danish architecture—the museum, situated 25 miles north of Copenhagen with a spectacular view across the to Sweden. Needless to say, visiting here is a remarkable experience the draws tourists from all over the world and ensures Louisiana has an all-year-round appeal. It is actually the most visited museum in Denmark.

Around ten unique exhibits are held here annually and include a prestigious selection of contemporary and modern art paintings, sculptures, and videos dating from World War II to the present day. The sculpture garden overlooking the sea between the two wings of the building is particularly superb.

There is free admission for holders of the Copenhagen Card.

33. Spend The Day Getting To Know The Ordrupgaard Museum

The marvelous Ordrupgaard Museum on the outskirts of Copenhagen exhibits French Impressionist art and Danish art from the Golden Age with an impeccable collection of paintings by artists such as Monet, Gauguin, and Hammershøi.

Originally located in a small county home, an extension to the building was made by Zaha Hadid in 2005, giving the museum a stronger architectural profile and more space for special exhibitions. The house of furniture designer Finn Juhl is located next door, and since 2008 has been opened as a separate, additional part of the Ordrupgaard Museum.

The original building, Zaha Hadid addition, Finn Juhl house, and expansive English style garden grounds with art park ensures the Ordrupgaard Museum has something for everyone -however some areas are currently closed as further additions are coming in 2021. Watch this space.

34. Mingle With Locals At The Huset-KBH Culture House Copenhagen

Huset-KBH (or simply ‘Huset’) is the original and largest cultural house in Denmark, established in 1970. It occupies three old townhouses as well as a separate former warehouse.

Today Huset hosts over 1000 unique events annually, spread over five separate levels, which also include a theatre and a cute café for playing board games. A sort of anything goes space – you never know what you will encounter here. From live music, theatre shows, alternative cinematic films to spoken word and stand-up comedy, Huset is anything but boring. An impressive space for performances by emerging and popular artists alike.

Whether you understand Danish or English, this venue provides amazing experiences for all. For those on a budget, Huset often holds many free events. This special house of culture has a remarkable heritage covering multiple decades and is very significant to many Copenhageners. Because of its colorful history, cultural distinctiveness, and music programs, locals continue to love it today – and will be impressed you made it here.

The shared experiences at Huset also make it a wonderful place to seek out truly local interactions, which can be difficult in a city so popular with tourists.

35. Max Out The Credit Card As You Shop Up A Storm In Copenhagen

You only live once, right? So don’t miss the opportunity to explore the excellent array of shopping streets and stores available in Copenhagen. Sure, you can find all the big-name brands here like H&M, Zara, Prada, etc. – but you want Danish design. Well, luckily, you can find this in spades anywhere in the city, and most neighborhoods have their own specialized shops and vibes.

Danish fashion is fast gathering an international reputation as cool, effortlessly chic, and wearable. Still, there are also countless vintage and second-hand shops, flea markets, department stores, or (dare I mention) Danish design shops to tempt you.

Have you even been to Copenhagen if you don’t return without a designer chair? Try the award-winning Normann Copenhagen design store a repurposed Østerbro area cinema – even if it is to dream…

While I could decimate an entire article to merely shopping in Copenhagen, I will give you my favorite spots: try  Strøget for one of Europe’s longest pedestrian streets and mainstream brands, Jægersborggade for hip art galleries, vintage fashion, incredible coffee, and an underground wine bar or Loppemarked I Bella, Copenhagen’s biggest flea market (click here for dates).

But really, half the fun is finding your own favorite quirky store. So don’t be afraid to get lost and explore a little!

36. Embrace Your Inner Dane And Hire A Bike To Discover Wonderful Copenhagen

You thought the Dutch were obsessed with biking – then you haven’t yet experience Copenhagen, ranked the world’s top cycling city in the world for the past years in a row.

With over 375 kilometers of dedicated bike paths in the city alone, its no wonder bikes far outnumber cars in the central city and your biggest fear with quickly become getting taken out by a cyclist as you step out of the curb without looking the right way (this might be the kiwi in me…).

So why fight it?

Cycling in Copenhagen is a fast, convenient, and fun way to explore this city, and bikes can quickly be hired – download the Donkey Bike hire app to rent and drop off bikes anywhere around the city. Another option is to take a bike tour around the city, like the fabulous food+bike tour offered by Foods of Copenhagen – which might be a better option of the initiated and slightly nervous!

Either way, Copenhagen is made for cycling, with bicycle routes on practically every street. Besides, can you say you have experience Copenhagen if you haven’t seen it by sweeping through the city on a super-cycle highway!

37. Get Spiritual – Or Just Take A Break – At Frederik’s Church

Also popularly known as the Marble Church, Frederik’s Church is an extraordinary baroque church, the largest church dome in Scandinavia, and the towering focal point of the Frederiksstaden district.

Inspired by the St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, this impressive masterpiece with its iconic copper green dome is an Evangelical Lutheran Church, which took almost 150 years from its groundbreaking in 1979 to finally complete in 1894 – thanks to budget cuts and the death of its architect.

If you time your visit correctly, there is a magnificent view from the top of the dome, which can only be visited at 1 pm daily during summer at 1 pm on weekends during the rest of the year – but expect long lines.

Otherwise, pop in at any other time to admire it’s dome interior and stained glass window…or as a peaceful spot to relax for a moment from sightseeing while garnering divine inspiration for your next move!