Things to do
Things to do in Copenhagen: 12 ideas for a long weekend
Copenhagen is easy to reach and easy to love. These are the twelve things we would do, from swimming in the harbour at Islands Brygge to street food at Reffen and art at Louisiana.
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It is a warm afternoon at Islands Brygge and people are jumping off the jetty into the harbour while the offices are still open. The water is clean enough to swim in, right in the capital, and nobody finds it odd.
Copenhagen is compact, flat and friendly, with almost everything within cycling distance. We have picked twelve experiences that show both the famous city and the local one, with tips on when to go and what you can skip.
Short answer: what should you do in Copenhagen?
Visit Tivoli and walk Nyhavn, cycle around the harbour and swim at Islands Brygge in summer. Eat smørrebrød for lunch, wander through Christiania and take the train to Louisiana for art overlooking the Øresund.
Best classic: Tivoli
Best free thing: the harbour bath at Islands Brygge
Best food: Reffen
Best day trip: Louisiana
Best view: the Round Tower
1. Tivoli
Tivoli is one of the oldest amusement parks in the world and one of the loveliest places in the city after dark, when the lights come on. It runs separate seasons for summer, Halloween and Christmas and closes in between.
The catch: entry costs money and rides are extra. Go on a weekday evening.
2. Nyhavn
The coloured houses along the canal are the most photographed street in Copenhagen. Eat somewhere else, but come early in the morning for the picture and the quiet.
3. Cycle the city
Copenhagen was made for bikes. Rent a city bike and follow the harbour from Nordhavn to Sydhavnen over the new pedestrian and cycle bridges.
4. Swim at Islands Brygge
In summer Copenhageners swim in the harbour. The harbour bath at Islands Brygge has bathing decks and diving towers and feels like a beach in the middle of town.
5. Smørrebrød for lunch
Smørrebrød, the Danish open sandwich, is lunch at its best: rye bread topped with herring, roast beef or prawns arranged with care. Add a snaps if you have the afternoon free.
6. Christiania
The self-governing community of Christiania in Christianshavn has existed since 1971. Walk through the green areas by the water and respect the signs asking you not to take photos.
7. The Round Tower
The seventeenth-century Round Tower has a spiral ramp instead of stairs all the way to the top. The view over the rooftops of the old town is the reward.
8. Reffen
Reffen on Refshaleøen is a street food market in an old shipyard, with stalls from around the world and seats by the water. It is open in the warmer half of the year.
9. Designmuseum and the King's Garden
Designmuseum Danmark shows why Danish design became famous, and the King's Garden by Rosenborg Castle is perfect for a break afterwards.
10. Torvehallerne
The food market at Nørreport has fresh produce, coffee and open sandwiches under a glass roof. A good spot for breakfast or a coffee between museums.
11. Louisiana
Louisiana in Humlebæk is an art museum with a sculpture park running down to the Øresund. The train takes under an hour from the centre, and it deserves a full day.
12. Kronborg in Helsingør
Hamlet's castle lies further north on the same railway line. Combine it with Louisiana if you start early.
Nimb Hotel
Nimb Hotel in Tivoli at night.
Where to stay in Copenhagen
Indre By and the streets around Tivoli put most of the city within walking distance. Our Copenhagen hotel guide covers the best areas.
Nimb Hotel: inside Tivoli
Nimb occupies the Moorish-style palace in Tivoli, and several rooms look straight down into the gardens. Step outside and you are in the park, with City Hall Square across the road. Expensive but memorable for a weekend built around Tivoli.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Nimb Hotel
Villa Copenhagen
The glass courtyard at Villa Copenhagen.
Villa Copenhagen: the old post office
Villa Copenhagen fills the former central post office by the main station, with a glass roof over the courtyard and Tivoli across the street. Arrive by train from the airport and you are there in a few steps. A smart, practical base for a first visit.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Villa Copenhagen
Good to know before you go
Tivoli has seasons: check the park is open when you travel.
Cycling is fastest: but follow the rules and signal with your arm.
Harbour swimming is seasonal: the harbour baths are staffed only in summer.
The Copenhagen Card: can pay off if you plan many museums and use public transport.
Copenhagen: frequently asked questions
What should you see in Copenhagen?
Tivoli, Nyhavn, the Round Tower, Christiania and a bike ride along the harbour cover the essentials. With an extra day, take the train to Louisiana.
Can you swim in Copenhagen harbour?
Yes. In summer the harbour baths at Islands Brygge and elsewhere are open and staffed.
How long should you spend in Copenhagen?
A long weekend of three days gives time for the main sights and a day trip.
Is Tivoli open all year?
No. Tivoli has separate seasons for summer, Halloween and Christmas and is closed in between.