When you think or Copenhagen, what comes to mind?
Brightly colored houses on the water, right?
This is the gorgeous neighborhood of Nyhavn, and while it is amazing, there are so many other things to do in Copenhagen. Read on to see the best ones and add them to your Travel Planning Checklist that you can grab from our travel resource library!
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Things to do in Copenhagen
1) the oldest amusement part in the world
If you go about 8 miles north of Copenhagen, you will find Bakken.
While it’s actually in the city of Klampenborg, it’s not that far off if you’re staying in Copenhagen. Bakken is actually the oldest operating amusement park in the world, having opened in 1583.
For the brave among us, you can take a ride on the wooden roller coaster which was built in 1932. We decided to sit that one out!
2) the beach
So maybe going to the beach wasn’t the first thing you thought about doing when you booked your ticket.
But it’s definitely worth it to spend some time at Amager Strandpark, located about 10 minutes by car outside of the city center. Take a stroll along the sand one afternoon for some great Baltic Sea air!
3) rent a bike
In order to see Copenhagen like a native you must rent a bike.
You can usually rent one at your hotel or at one of the stations. Cycling is one of the main forms of transportation in the city, as few people actually own cars.
But make sure you brush up on your skills before heading over there because trying to remember how to break in the middle of traffic can be quite overwhelming – trust us!
Once you get the hang of it thought you’ll blend right in!
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4) Eat a smørrebrød!
Even if you can figure out how to pronounce it, finding a smørrebrød won’t be hard!
Just about all of the small cafes and pastry shops offer them and have slightly different variations. Traditionally an open-faced rye bread sandwich, they can be topped with cheese, fish, or meat, and we didn’t try one we didn’t love!
5) Buy some art
If you’re looking for something more unique, head on over to CMYK – a basement shop which sells artwork from up-and-coming Danish artists.
Maybe you’ll find something that becomes highly valuable one day. Or maybe it will serve as a great conversation piece for your next party!
6) Go swimming in the city center
During the summer months you can find many of the locals taking a dip in the harbor or sunbathing on the lawn at the Islands Brygge Harbour Bath.
See the city like a native and don’t forget to pack your swimsuits. Oh and don’t worry – the water quality is inspected daily for purity standards, in true Copenhagen style!
7) Visit Tivoli
Tivoli Gardens is the second oldest operating amusement park in the world!
So in case you don’t want to trek outside of the city center you can buy a ticket and spend some time at this park which opened in 1843! They often have night events so be sure to check their website before you go!
8) Admire Nørrebro
Ask any young local where they hang out, one of their top answered is sure to be Nørrebro.
While it’s just a few minutes walking from Indre By (the city center) it feels like a whole different place!
If you’re up for something different, check the neighborhood out at night, where the street lights display the art in awesome colors and many venues have live music until late. Definitely not the Copenhagen you’d expect!
9) People watch in Nyhavn
If you are looking for a classic photo op, Nyhavn is where you’ll want to be.
It’s quite hard to miss, and accessible from anywhere on bike. Park yourself next to the canal and stop in at one of the local pubs for an amazing view with outside dining!
So there you have it, 9 amazing things to do in Copenhagen!
And don’t forget to subscribe for access to our free travel resource library! It will help you plan your Denmark trip like a pro and it only takes 5 seconds!
Happy travels!
– Veronica
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I’m going to visit Copenaghen next December, so I note everything!! Thanks 😉
So glad this was helpful! =)