Make the most of your time in Copenhagen! I’ve curated this list of the top 30 attractions in Copenhagen grouped by proximity. You could do each color in a day, or combine colors if you’re super speedy. As of January 2017, 35 DKK = about $5.00. Underlined text links to the attraction’s website.cggsa_copenhagen_map

1.  The Sandeman Tour

  • Sandeman Tours incentivize their guides to deliver quality by letting you decide what to pay them. You are expected to tip roughly 80DKK (10% discount for total assholes).

I’m a strong believer that in any city where they’re offered, going on a Sandeman Tours should be the first thing you should do. The guides are super knowledgeable about the cities history, and they will take you to many of the places listed below. Although the stops tend to be very quick (you might stop to admire the exterior of a cathedral but not go inside), these tours will give you a great sense of how you would like to spend the remainder of your time in the city. Furthermore, your guide’s stories about modern and historic life in Copenhagen could very well spark your curiosity about particular spots in Copenhagen. The tour meets at the Dragon Fountain by the City Hall/Town Hall Square (please verify this on the website, as the meeting place can change). Book online to guanantee a spot on the tour.

Below are the topics the tour currently covers, exactly as listed by Sandeman:

  • Copenhagen Town Hall
  • Tivoli Gardens
  • Danish Royal Palace
  • The Marble Church
  • Picturesque Nyhavn harbour
  • Hans Christian Andersen
  • Absalon – the warrior bishop
  • Nazi occupation
  • WWII resistance
  • Strøget shopping mile
  • The Lur Blowers
  • Nytorv and Gammeltorv
  • Kongens Nytorv
  • Danish Parliament
  • The Royal Danish Theater
  • Copenhagen Opera House

2. Thorvaldsens Museum

  • 60DKK Adults/45 DKK Students, Free on Wednesdays
  • Open Tuesday-Sunday 10 am – 5 pm, Closed Mondays

Immerse yourself in the work of Danish neoclassicist sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen.

3. Christiansborg Palace

  • Royal Reception Rooms: 90DKK Adults/80DKK Students
  • Royal Stables: 50DKK Adults/40DKK Students
  • All-Access: 150DKK Adults/125 DKK Students
  • Royal Reception Rooms & Kitchen: 10 am – 5 pm, Royal Stables: 1:30 pm – 4 pm
  • October – April: Closed Mondays

The palace offers free admission to the chapel and while the Parliament is in session, free tours of the public Parliament galleries. The Palace also has a game for children called “The Museum Mystery” that involves stopping a theif – turns out it’s an iphone app.

4. Ruins Under Christiansborg

  • 50DKK Adults/40DKK Students, Free with All-Access Christianborg Pass
  • Open 10 am – 5 pm, October – April: Closed Mondays

Go on a  medieval adventure!

5. The National Museum of Denmark

  • 75 DKK
  • Open Tuesday-Sunday 10 am – 5 pm, Closed Mondays

You won’t find a Danish cultural history museum like this anywhere else in the world! In all seriousness, learning  about the history will definitely make you appreciate your time in the country.

6. Tivoli Gardens

  • Price varies, roughly 120 DKK
  • Open:
    • Spring and Summer: April 6 – September 24
    • Halloween: October 13 – November 5
    • 44 Days of Christmas: November 18 – December 31

A bit of a misnomer, given that it’s an amusement park, not a garden. The Tivoli Gardens earns a spot on this list because it’s the oldest operating amusement park in the world (it opened in 1843!). The park is open for Spring, Summer, Halloween, and also goes all out for Christmas. My opinion on the park will not go uncontested, but here it goes: if you are only in Copenhagen for a few days, especially if it’s not around Christmas time, I would skip it. There aren’t that many rides, and how much culture can you get from an amusement park? That is an actual question, feel free to answer it in the comments section.

7. Walk around the Nyhavn neighborhood.

Although it’s included in the Sandeman’s tour, this picturesque is the stuff that postcards are made of – don’t forget your camera and be sure to soak it in. I would also recommend this neighborhood for a scenic jog (or a scenic selfie).

8. Kongens Nytorv

One of the most beautiful public squares imaginable. Be sure check out the old kiosk. It’s adorable and you feel like you’ve stepped into a time machine (if you ignore all the people taking pictures for their instagrams).

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