Copenhagen combines modern art and culture, royal history, and an exciting restaurant scene to form an idyllic city experience. Furthermore, locals enjoy short workdays, free college tuition fees, and high levels of personal freedom which have all contributed to Denmark being among the happiest cities worldwide.
Consider sampling Rabarberhorns, an elegant seasonal pastry created by folding together rhubarb and marzipan into a milky dough. Or sample one of the brews offered at Coffee Collective – established in a garage, they specialize in exploring light and dark roasts with V60s, aeropresses and chemexes for maximum enjoyment!
1. Tivoli Gardens
Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen is one of the oldest amusement parks in the world. This iconic paid attraction delights both children and adults with its eclectic mix of exotic architecture, historical rides, performances, and exquisite landscaping – drawing both locals and international visitors since 1843. Hans Christian Andersen found inspiration here for his own fairytale-esque stories while Walt Disney found his theme park inspiration right here!
Tivoli now provides an unforgettable funfair experience that blends traditional rides with culinary treats and an exciting calendar of events. Boasting 30 thrilling rides, as well as 30 restaurants and bars offering everything from hot dogs and churros to “New Nordic” cuisine, Tivoli provides something fun for the entire family year-round – with blooming spring blooming days to sunny summer afternoons to cozy winter vibes and an entrancing Christmas atmosphere – something everyone will find something enjoyable at this year-round destination park.
At night, Tivoli Gardens will reveal itself in an entirely different light! Illuminated with thousands of lights, the park creates a truly memorable experience – we highly recommend visiting when the sun goes down!
If you’re planning a visit to Tivoli Gardens, we have several packages that combine hotel accommodation and admission fees into one convenient package. From budget to luxury options, you can find what works for your family here. Hotels located nearby or even walking distance of Tivoli Gardens ensure seamless experience!
2. Nyhavn
Nyhavn, Copenhagen’s famed waterfront and canal area, is an irresistibly charming attraction that must be visited. Offering restaurants, cafes and bars as well as historic ships moored along its narrow lanes, visitors will quickly see why so many love this spot so much.
The picturesque harbor and canal offer plenty of photo opportunites, while at the same time making for a relaxing afternoon or dinner outing. Many old houses lining its quayside now serve as restaurants or cafes, and its tranquil surface water makes for the ideal setting for an afternoon stroll or coffee break. No wonder so many artists and photographers find inspiration in its historic surroundings and fairy-tale charm!
Nyhavn is one of Copenhagen’s iconic sights and an epitome of its signature Danish spirit of coziness and togetherness – known by locals as “hygge.” This cozy canal features vibrantly colored 17th-century townhouses and restaurants as well as historical ships from that era, along with beer halls and sailors clubs for sailors – once notorious for beer, sailors’ clubs, prostitution – but it was also once home for legendary Danish author Hans Christian Andersen during 18 years!
Travel down the canal, and it is easy to imagine Hans Christian Andersen sitting at his house at number 20, writing fairy tales like The Tinderbox and Princess and the Pea. Andersen is honored in Copenhagen with a statue of The Little Mermaid along Langelinie promenade as well as numerous tributes throughout town.
3. Royal Palace Amalienborg
Royal Palace Amalienborg is an octagonal masterpiece. The four identical rococo palace facades form an octagon with their corner pavilions. At its centre stands an enormous equestrian statue honoring Amalienborg’s founder, King Frederik V.
When the Christiansborg Palace burned down in 1794 and rendered the royal family homeless, they acquired Amalienborg area and converted the mansions into their own residences. King Frederick VI himself designed these light and elegant classical structures based on plans by court architect Nicolai Eigtved.
Each palace in Christian VII’s kingdom was named for one of his sons: Moltke’s Palace (Christian VII’s Palace), Schack’s Palace (Crown Prince Frederik’s Palace) and Levetzau’s Palace (Frederik VIII’s Palace) all feature distinct designs with both Danish and French influences evident.
Interior of Palace of Copenhagen | You can see numerous works by well-known Danish artists like Jrgen Wolff and Johannes Brandt displayed throughout. Of particular note is Giambattista Tietjens’ masterpiece ceiling paintings in Queen’s Apartment.
Amalienborg offers visitors an unmissable spectacle: the Royal Guard is changed daily at noon from Rosenborg to Amalienborg for ceremonial changing of guard. If Crown Prince Joachim or Princess Joachim reside at Amalienborg as regents, the ceremony may also include flutes and drums!
Changing of the Guard Ceremony occurs from September to April when the Royal Family are resident at Amalienborg; prior to or following this period a limited ceremony takes place.
4. Selma
Director Ava DuVernay brings Selma back into focus in this moving 2014 historical drama from director Ava DuVernay. Based on the 1965 Selma-to-Montgomery voting rights marches led by Martin Luther King Jr. (David Oyelowo) and members of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference – Hosea Williams and John Lewis included – Selma features Tom Wilkinson playing President Lyndon B Johnson; Tim Roth as Alabama Governor George Wallace; Carmen Ejogo as Coretta Scott King; Tom Wilkinson as President Lyndon B Johnson; Tim Roth as Governor George Wallace of Alabama and Carmen Ejogo as Coretta Scott King
In January 1965, the SCLC and Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) began efforts to register African-American voters across the Black Belt region of Alabama and Mississippi. Early efforts met resistance from white segregationists who opposed their work; nevertheless, progress was made.
On March 7, 1965, King and the SCLC delegates planned to lead 600 marchers from Brown Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church to Montgomery to petition for reforms to Alabama’s voter registration system. When they attempted to leave at 10 am that morning, however, a force of police and sheriff’s deputies met them at Edmund Pettus Bridge and prevented their march from proceeding as planned.
Sheriff’s deputy had warned demonstrators to disperse or risk arrest, yet they refused. After failing to comply, officers tear-gassed and clubbed them in full view of television viewers watching live coverage of the march. On day two when another march took place, protesters encountered more lenient law enforcement personnel led by Baker (known for his restraint and appreciation from Albany residents), in order to avoid confrontation or further damage to Albany’s image; crowd sizes were smaller but demonstration was more successful than its predecessor.
5. TorvehallerneKBH
Copenhagen is widely considered one of Europe’s culinary capitals, yet you don’t need Michelin Star restaurants to experience its culinary splendor. Instead, head straight for TorvehallerneKBH –a bustling market located right at the center of town!
At Hallernes Market you will find an array of stalls, shops and cafes offering delicious local delicacies and produce. Enjoy organic ice cream, natural wines, artisanal cheeses, homemade sausages and hand-crafted bath and body products; or treat yourself to Hallernes smorrebrod (traditional Danish open-face sandwiches) as a tasty snack option.
At this market, there are two main halls dedicated to selling different groceries, food, drinks, and market goods such as flowers. You will also find fresh seafood stalls, butcher shops and specialty goods from overseas as well as several restaurants and cafes within its confines.
Popular eateries include Coffee Collective, Vita Boost and ASA Trading. For an organic treat that won’t break the bank, stop by Is a Bella for organic gelato in delicious flavors like caramelized fig to pistachio!
Torvehallerne offers food of the highest quality at relatively higher prices than other markets, and their food stalls have been carefully chosen to attract both locals and tourists. If you’re searching for fresh ingredients to take home or just grabbing lunch while exploring Copenhagen’s sights this is one of the must-do experiences!