Things to See in Copenhagen: Iconic Landmarks and Local Favourites

Copenhagen, Denmark’s capital city, is a perfect blend of food, culture, festivals, history, and modernity. Copenhagen, with its colourful neighbourhoods, cobbled streets, and Scandinavian hygge (cosiness), captivates visitors with its charm and vibrant atmosphere. Just walking or cycling around the charming city and exploring its streets is a pleasure in itself, aptly getting the title “one of the happiest cities in the world.” However, there are many experiences to savour here.

Whether you are visiting for the first time or returning for another trip and wondering what to see in Copenhagen, the city offers plenty of iconic landmarks and hidden gems to explore. Every type of person can find something to enjoy; art lovers can explore the National Gallery of Denmark, fashion enthusiasts can shop at Bruuns Bazaar or Filippa K, and music lovers can attend June's Distortion Festival.

Top Places to See in Copenhagen

Here is a list of Copenhagen things to see that are sure to make your next trip unforgettable.

• The Danish Parliament
• The Little Mermaid
• Copenhagen Zoo
• Statens Museum for Kunst
• Bakken
• Amalienborg Palace
• The Meatpacking District
• Stroget

The Danish Parliament

One of the iconic things to do in Copenhagen is visit the Danish Parliament. Denmark's political system centers around Christiansborg Palace in central Copenhagen. Also known as Folketing, this palace is a historical landmark that houses the parliament, the Prime Minister’s Office, and the Supreme Court. The palace has undergone multiple reconstructions throughout its history. Standing on the site of Copenhagen's original fortress from 1167, it has undergone several reconstructions. Visitors can explore the public gallery to witness parliamentary debates, as well as the Royal Reception Rooms, Great Hall, and state chambers, offering a glimpse into Denmark's rich history. Its architectural splendour makes it one of the top Copenhagen things to see. It provides an in-depth exploration of Danish history. In the serene gardens with lush greenery, you can enjoy a peaceful retreat amidst the political center.

The Little Mermaid

Hans Christian Andersen's famous fairytale inspired the statue, one of Copenhagen's most iconic tourist attractions. Visiting the statue is one of the iconic things to do in Copenhagen. The Little Mermaid was a gift from Danish brewer Carl Jacobsen in 1913 to the city of Copenhagen. Perched on a rock at Langelinie Pier, the sculpture is a blend of bronze and granite. The ballerina Ellen Price, who starred in the ballet The Little Mermaid at the Royal Theatre in 1909, served as the inspiration for the sculpture. Millions of tourists visit the statue each year, making it a symbol of Copenhagen. Even after numerous acts of vandalism and decapitation, The Little Mermaid remains a cherished landmark in the city. The spectacular location and the grand ocean, harbour, and shoreline views surrounding the statue add to its allure and charm, making it one of the famous things to do in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Copenhagen Zoo

One of the oldest zoological gardens in Europe, the Copenhagen Zoo is best known for the new Elephant House that Sir Norman Foster built. Founded in 1859, the zoo actively promotes and maintains numerous European breeding programs. The zoo boasts over 4,000 creatures from various parts of the globe, making it one of the prominent things to see in Copenhagen, Denmark. It is one of Denmark’s most visited attractions. The zoo offers many immersive experiences, such as getting familiar with the iconic giant pandas while dining in the state-of-the-art Panda House or experiencing close encounters with polar bears. Built in 1905, the zoo boasts a wooden observation tower that provides a view of the city and surrounding parklands. You can see some of the exotic animals here, like turkey vultures, roseate spoonbills, Bactrian camels, black-capped squirrel monkeys, scarlet ibises, and more. There are plenty of food options available at the zoo, with many restaurants, snack stalls, and stands all around so add the zoo to your list of things to do in Köpenhamn.

Statens Museum for Kunst

The National Gallery of Denmark, SMK, features Danish and international art from the past seven centuries. It has a rich and varied selection of art, ranging from European classics of the Renaissance to the diversity of modern and contemporary art which makes it one of the best things to do in Copenhagen, Denmark for art enthusiasts. Visitors can see the gems by renowned artists like Mantegna, Nolde, Anna Ancher, Derain, Rubens, Matisse, Munch, Abramovic, Danh Vo, and Elmgreen & Dragset. This art gallery is especially famous for its beautiful collection of Danish Golden Age art, and it houses one of the world’s best Matisse collections. So, you must add this museum to your list of things to see and do in Copenhagen. You can also enjoy guided tours, attend performances, art talks, concerts, workshops, and much more. You can enjoy the art of the grand masters of art history and see the art of the rising stars of the art scene.

Bakken

The oldest amusement park in the world, just 10 minutes north of Copenhagen, Bakken offers a nostalgic and fun-filled day out with rides and games. The park has 32 rides for all ages and levels of thrill-seekers, as well as 78 other attractions like shooting stalls and gaming arcades. One of the adventurous things to do in Köpenhamn is to get on the 82-year-old wooden rollercoaster, the oldest ride in the park. At Bakken, you can experience seasonal retreats and festivals during Harvest Week and Christmas. During Harvest Week, there is a hay bale maze, face painting, a scary Halloween area, a food tour, a pentathlon, fall-inspired food, and much more. The amusement park decorates itself for Christmas with trees, snow, and Christmas lights. Visit this amusement park to witness Denmark's largest mistletoe, explore the Christmas market, indulge in the Bakken beer experience, and enjoy live music. The park perfectly combines children's amusements with family entertainment, and the festivals make it one of the best stuff to see in Copenhagen.

Amalienborg Palace

The Danish Royal Family calls this palace, located in the heart of Copenhagen, Denmark, home. Constructed in the 1750s, the palace serves as the center of the Frederiksstaden neighbourhood. With one of the oldest monarchies in the world, visiting this palace is one of the unique things to see in Copenhagen, Denmark. Visitors can explore the Amalienborg Museum in Christian VIII's Palace and see the original fittings and furnishings from 1863 to 1947 in the royal study room. Moreover, you can witness the performance of military discipline and traditions in the Changing of the Royal Guard ceremony. With the lavish interiors of the palace and the museum, you can learn a lot about Danish royal history. Add this palace to your Denmark tour packages and enjoy the marvellous architecture of the palace and gain a deeper appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of Denmark.

The Meatpacking District

For a taste of modern Copenhagen, visit the meatpacking district, a local favourite. This area consists of two parts—The Brown and The White—and is a part of Copenhagen’s Vesterbro neighbourhood. The once industrial and gritty part of the town has transformed into a trendy and fashionable area, boasting art galleries, a vibrant nightlife, and some of the best restaurants in the city. Today, with many restaurants and eateries, this meatpacking district has become a foodie haven, so make it one of the important things to see and do in Copenhagen. When it comes to nightlife, this meatpacking district is undeniably one of Copenhagen's hotspots, boasting a variety of clubs.

During long summer nights, you can witness numerous young crowds congregating outside between bar-hopping activities. In addition to exploring restaurants and clubs, you can visit numerous contemporary art galleries that showcase artwork from both established and emerging artists, making it a perfect place for Denmark sightseeing. This place is perfect for foodies and culture enthusiasts alike.

Stroget

One of Europe’s longest pedestrian streets, Stroget is a haven for fashion enthusiasts that features budget chains and designer brands, which makes it on the list of one of the top Copenhagen things to see. You can visit this place and shop at many international high fashion brands such as Prada, Max Mara, Louis Vuitton, Hermes, and Gucci. But if you are looking for some budget-friendly stores, you can shop at H&M, Vero Moda, Weekday, or Zara. Apart from shopping, there are several Copenhagen things to do and see, such as Helligandskirken, the Church of Our Lady, Stork Fountain, and many more. You can see many street performers, especially at Amagertorv Square, with performances by acrobats, magicians, and musicians. After a day of shopping and sightseeing, you can relax at one of the many cafes or restaurants in the area.

Copenhagen seamlessly blends modernity, history, and culture, offering a memorable experience for every traveller. From the timeless allure of landmarks like The Little Mermaid and Christiansborg Palace to the vibrant energy of the Meatpacking District and Stroget, there are many unique and memorable Copenhagen things to see, where you can explore its rich tapestry of attractions. Whether you're marvelling at Danish art, enjoying a fun-filled day at Bakken, or simply soaking up the city's hygge vibe, Copenhagen promises unforgettable memories. So pack your bags, embrace the charm of Denmark’s capital, and let Copenhagen surprise you with its many treasures.