Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark in Northern Europe, is a sophisticated city that was beloved by fairy tale author Hans Christian Andersen. It’s a beautiful port town brimming with colorful buildings, historic palaces, and refined Nordic design.
A key characteristic of Copenhagen is that its major attractions are compactly clustered in the city center, making it incredibly enjoyable to explore by bike or on foot. However, with so many sights, many travelers might wonder ‘where should I focus my visit?’
In this article, we’ve carefully selected five ‘true tourist attractions’ that are absolutely essential to visit if you’re staying in Copenhagen. Beyond a mere catalog, we’ll delve deep into their historical origins and the profound charm you can only experience by walking through them.
Nyhavn
📍 Address: Nyhavn, 1051 København K, Denmark
When you think of Copenhagen, the ‘postcard-perfect’ scene that first comes to mind is Nyhavn. Meaning ‘New Harbor’ in Danish, this area features charming, colorful wooden houses lining a canal built in the 17th century. It once thrived as a lively pub district where sailors would gather after long voyages to relax.
The presence of fairy tale author H.C. Andersen is indispensable when discussing Nyhavn. He deeply loved the atmosphere of this harbor town, incredibly moving his residence along this canal three times during his lifetime. Today, his former homes at numbers 18, 20, and the red building at 67 (where he spent his early career and later years) remain, and you can find plaques commemorating his life. Standing at the wellspring of inspiration where stories were born, you’ll feel a depth beyond just a beautiful landscape.
Today, Nyhavn is one of Copenhagen’s premier recreational spots, lined with stylish cafes and seafood restaurants. Classic wooden sailing ships from the late 19th and early 20th centuries are moored in the canal, and ‘canal cruises’ departing from here are hugely popular among tourists as the best way to see the city from the water. However, it can get very crowded during peak daytime hours and weekends, and eateries along the canal tend to have ‘tourist prices.’ For enjoying a quiet atmosphere and taking photos, the best times to visit are early morning or during the ‘magic hour’ at sunset.
Amalienborg Palace
📍 Address: Amalienborg Slotsplads, 1257 København K, Denmark
Amalienborg Palace, still used today as the official residence of the Danish Royal Family, features four elegant Rococo palaces standing symmetrically around a beautiful octagonal square. Originally built as aristocratic mansions, the Royal Family moved here in 1794 after Christiansborg Palace, the former royal residence, was destroyed by fire.
The biggest highlight at Amalienborg is the ‘Changing of the Royal Guard’ ceremony, which takes place daily at 12:00 PM. Dressed in large bearskin hats and distinctively Nordic light blue trousers, the Royal Life Guards depart from Rosenborg Castle at 11:30 AM, marching through the streets of Copenhagen with musical accompaniment. Compared to the ceremony at Buckingham Palace in London, it’s more compact, but its distinguishing feature is the ‘remarkably close proximity between spectators and guards.’ With no strict barriers, you can witness the perfectly synchronized march and rifle changes on the cobblestones of the square with incredible immediacy.
While the main focus of the ceremony is in front of Christian VII’s Palace, the guard moves clockwise around the square to their various posts, allowing for photo opportunities from different angles within the plaza. However, be seriously careful not to get too close to the guards or the palace; always follow the instructions of local police officers and rules. If you have extra time, a visit to the ‘Amalienborg Museum’ on the premises is highly recommended. It preserves the real living spaces of past royalty, offering a fascinating contrast between the palace’s strict exterior and the private lives within.
Christiansborg Palace
📍 Address: Prins Jørgens Gård 5, 1218 København, Denmark
Christiansborg Palace (Christiansborg Slot) is more than just a historical building; it’s a ‘living center of state,’ housing Denmark’s Parliament, Supreme Court, and Prime Minister’s Office. It is located on Slotsholmen island, the ‘birthplace of Copenhagen,’ where Bishop Absalon built a fortress in 1167. Having suffered two fires in the past, it’s also a rare building that blends three architectural styles: Baroque, Neoclassical, and Neo-Baroque.
There are several tour routes, but the ‘Royal Reception Rooms’ are an absolute must-see. Still used for state dinners and official events hosting foreign dignitaries, they exude a taut elegance and profound grandeur. Among them, the ‘Great Hall’ with its impressive tapestries is particularly breathtaking. Adorned with 17 monumental tapestries designed by Danish artist Bjørn Nørgaard, they vividly depict a thousand years of Danish history, from the Viking Age to the present day.
Furthermore, if you want a panoramic view of Copenhagen, the 106-meter-high Tower (Tårnet), which you can ascend for free, comes highly recommended. Accessible comfortably by elevator, it offers breathtaking 360-degree views, from the orange-roofed Old Town to the sea stretching far towards Sweden. As an active government building, thorough security checks are in place, and some rooms may be inaccessible during official events, so be sure to check the schedule on the day of your visit.
The Little Mermaid
📍 Address: Langelinie, 2100 København Ø, Denmark
The symbol of Copenhagen is ‘The Little Mermaid’ statue (Den Lille Havfrue), perched delicately on a rock by the sea. Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale of the same name, it was created by sculptor Edvard Eriksen in 1913. It’s often jokingly referred to as one of the ‘world’s most disappointing tourist attractions,’ primarily because many visitors expect a monumental sculpture like the Statue of Liberty.
The statue stands about 1.25 meters tall, a scale close to life-size. However, her melancholic and somewhat lonely expression, as she gazes out at the sea, perfectly captures the pathos of the story: unrequited love for a human prince, eventually fading into sea foam. Rather than during the crowded daytime, observing The Little Mermaid in the soft light of early morning or the tranquility of dusk will allow you to immerse yourself more deeply in Andersen’s world.
The true charm of this spot also lies in the ‘walking route’ to get there. The approach from the nearest Østerport Station, passing through the verdant Kastellet fortress (a beautiful star-shaped citadel) and viewing the Gefion Fountain while strolling along the Langelinie promenade, is one of Copenhagen’s most pleasant walks. If you visit with the perspective that ‘beauty lies in smallness,’ you’ll truly appreciate this city’s icon.
Tivoli Gardens
📍 Address: Vesterbrogade 3, 1630 København V, Denmark
Tivoli Gardens is not just a ‘park.’ Sprawling directly opposite Copenhagen Central Station, it’s one of the ‘world’s oldest amusement parks,’ opened in 1843. Its allure is immense; fairy tale author H.C. Andersen reportedly conceived story ideas while walking here, and legendary even has it that Walt Disney himself visited from America and used it as a model for ‘Disneyland.’
Stepping into the park, you’ll find an exotic and retro space where various themes, such as Asian and Arabian, coexist. For thrill-seekers, we recommend ‘Demon,’ which speeds at 80 km/h, and ‘Rutschebanen,’ the world’s oldest wooden roller coaster, built in 1914. Tivoli’s charm lies in the coexistence of modern thrills and the nostalgic, rattling excitement of its classic rides.
For travelers, the best way to enjoy it is at night. As dusk falls, the park is illuminated by countless lights, transforming into a magical, fairy-tale-like world. With everything from first-class restaurants to traditional cafes serving Danish open-faced sandwiches, ‘smørrebrød,’ visiting for dinner is a sophisticated choice. It’s a highly flexible and ultimate entertainment space where you can either just soak in the atmosphere with an entrance ticket or ride all the attractions with a ride pass.
Tips for Enjoying Copenhagen Sightseeing 120%
Copenhagen’s tourist attractions are concentrated in the city center, allowing you to get around very efficiently by utilizing the metro, buses, and harbor buses. If you plan to visit multiple attractions mentioned, such as Tivoli Gardens, Christiansborg Palace, or Rosenborg Castle, we highly recommend purchasing the ‘Copenhagen Card.’ It offers unlimited public transport for a specified period and includes admission to major museums and attractions, ultimately leading to significant savings and time efficiency.
Furthermore, Copenhagen, being a coastal city, often experiences strong ‘winds’ regardless of the season. Even if it looks sunny and warm, the perceived temperature can drop significantly in the shade or near the Langelinie waterfront area (where The Little Mermaid statue is located). Therefore, it’s a golden rule for travelers to always carry a light jacket or windbreaker in their bag, even in summer, to stay comfortable while exploring.
