Copenhagen offers something for everyone, whether its canal cruises, Danish cuisine or local lifestyle known as hygge – something everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime! Summer months offer primetime travel conditions but expect crowds and high hotel and airfare rates.
Public transportation in NYC provides easy, user-friendly access across busses, metro and trains with one streamlined ticketing system that encompasses them all – with ticket kiosks or online sales making your purchase convenient, plus using the DOT Mobilbilletter app to plan your route.
City Center
This central Copenhagen hotel is just steps from City Hall Square and boasts stunning views over the National Museum of Denmark. Stroget, Copenhagen’s main street, can also be reached easily on foot while its rooftop terrace provides panoramic city views. Each of the spacious, clean, comfortable rooms are welcomingly managed by friendly and accommodating staff members – an experience not to be missed when traveling around Copenhagen!
Copenhagen is one of Europe’s smaller capitals, and all its top attractions can be reached within walking distance from each other. This makes exploring on foot easy – though be warned – one of Europe’s more costly cities! A stay near Copenhagen Central Station would be recommended, since most attractions can be found there in an easily navigable environment.
Christiansborg Palace is an incredible sight, housing 800 years of Danish royal history within its towers and galleries. The park surrounding it features beautiful fountains and monuments for added intrigue – perfect for taking an enjoyable stroll when the weather permits!
One must-see attraction in Copenhagen are its scenic canals, lined with charming houseboats and impressive old buildings. Take a canal tour from Nyhavn or near Christiansborg for some iconic sightseeing.
Freetown Christiania, just over the Knippelsbro bridge from the city center, is also worth seeing and features an iconic Vor Frelsers Kirke as well as numerous shops and bars.
Stroget is the place for shopping enthusiasts of any kind; from luxury designer clothing to a branch of Lidl, as well as plenty of food stalls and cafes that will satisfy your appetite.
Denmark boasts an abundance of hotels that span from budget to luxury, ranging from budget hotels to luxurious options. Many are highly-rated, providing great value for money. There are even family-friendly options like Next House Copenhagen that boast rooms from private options with hotel-quality finishes to dorms with private pods – perfect for any staycationing family!
Kastellet Park
Kastellet Fortress stands as one of the finest examples of preserved northern European forts, built as part of Copenhagen’s ramparts by King Christian IV from 1624 and designed as a five pointed star surrounded by a moat. Inside this historic fortification can be found historic buildings including churches and windmills that remain fully preserved today.
If you’re seeking an escape from Copenhagen’s hectic pace, this oasis of calm should do the trick. Traditional cobbled walkways and pretty painted buildings create a pleasant ambience, while high walls of a fortress allow visitors to stroll all around them; although keep in mind it is an active military establishment and may close for security purposes at times.
As well as museums and galleries, the fortress offers restaurants and cafes. One of its oldest buildings, built during King Frederik IV’s reign in 1704 in heavy Baroque style, is Church of Kastellet with its exquisite interior featuring a chapel often used for concerts. Another landmark is Gefion Fountain that depicts Norse goddess Gefion leading herd of oxen.
The fortress is home to the Royal Garrison Library and Defence Intelligence, as well as the Danish Home Guard. You can visit its museum and walk its grounds; for optimal views of all its beautiful structures, plan a visit on a clear day. Admission to the fortress itself is free; parking fees must be paid prior to entry.
Start your morning run or stroll right! Nyhavn, with its waterfront and canal district filled with 17th century townhouses from across Copenhagen’s waterfront and canal district is easily accessible on foot from King’s New Square to Amalienborg Palace to Esplanaden to Kastellet or vice versa – and don’t forget to watch noon’s Changing of Guards ceremony at Central Guard House; lucky visitors might even catch an outdoor concert here during summer!
Amalienborg Palace
Amalienborg Palace is an essential stop for fans of Danish history and royalty alike. Comprised of four different palace buildings surrounding an octagonal square with statue, Amalienborg was originally home to one of Copenhagen’s noble families before fire destroyed Christiansborg Palace in 1794 and they decided to turn all four palaces into royal residences; each has its own distinct character on the inside!
Each palace serves various functions, such as hosting official receptions and celebrations, on its respective square. Furthermore, it houses Frederick V’s impressive equestrian statue which has become one of the world’s most striking landmarks; additionally the palace itself is open to the public and houses multiple museum collections.
Amalienborg’s greatest draw is its collection of period rooms restored to depict life in the royal family from 1863-1947. Some are open to visitors, including Christian X’s (1870-1947) study – who is Grandfather to current Queen Margrethe II. Christian and his heirless couple spent lavishly, as evidenced by items found in both studies.
Christian VIII’s Palace and witness the changing of the guard are also available for visitors to enjoy, along with period rooms. At 12:00 noon daily, Den Kongelige Livgarde (the Crowned Guard) marches from its barracks in 100 Gothersgade by Rosenborg Castle through Copenhagen streets to Amalienborg to change.
If the King or Queen are present at Amalienborg Palace, the changing of the guard takes place with a full regiment rather than smaller contingent. Since this isn’t always possible, it’s best to check with the tourist information center beforehand to see if any members of their royal family will be in town.
The Amalienborg Museum, housed within Christian VIII’s palace, provides insight into the daily lives of past kings and queens. You can visit private rooms of former rulers that remain exactly how they were when they resided there.
Frederick’s Church
Marmorkirken (Made of Marble), is an impressive landmark located in Frederiksstaden and one of the city’s most beloved churches. It’s easy to understand why: its copper green dome lights up beautifully at night!
Nicolai Eigtved was responsible for designing Frederiksstaden Church and its accompanying surrounding areas in 1740, including Frederiksstaden church itself. This structure was constructed to commemorate a member of House of Oldenburg celebrating 300 year coronation jubilee celebrations; and features Scandinavia’s largest dome measuring 31 meters supported by 12 columns.
Construction had to be suspended midway due to cost issues; even King George IV himself laid the foundation stone at an elaborate ceremony in 1749 but progress was limited from there due to financial restrictions preventing architects from finishing their plans; various attempts were made at restarting construction but none proved fruitful.
Carl Frederik Tietgen became involved and secured Ferdinand Meldahl as architect to design the church and even finance its construction. Due to financial restraints, initial plans to construct using mostly marble were dropped in favor of more economical limestone alternatives; finally opening to the public on August 19, 1894 with gold letters on its entablature proclaiming: HERRENS ORD BLIVER EVINDELIG (The Word of the Lord Persists for Ever).
Today, Frederick’s Church stands as one of Copenhagen’s premier cultural monuments. Open daily to the public and popular for weddings alike, Frederick’s is open all year-round; couples often wait in line outside before walking down its aisle! Although free entry is offered within its walls, if visiting its dome there will be a small fee required; opening hours vary during summer months (from 1 pm every day until Friday 1 pm) while open weekends only from 9 am-1 pm throughout the rest of the year.