Captivating Copenhagen: Best Things to Do in Denmark's Capital City

Copenhagen is a vibrant, colorful, whimsical, walkable city in central Denmark. As the capital city, it offers an abundance of history, culture, and beauty. If you're planning a family trip to this lovely piece of Scandinavia, read on for recommendations of interesting things to do for all ages.

Getting Around in Copenhagen

Copenhagen has a truly remarkable public transportation system. The trains are insanely swift and efficient, easy to navigate and safe to ride on.

Because getting around Copenhagen is a breeze, it a wonderful spot for a family vacation. There's so much to see and do - and you can get everywhere with surprising speed and convenience.

Things To Do in Copenhagen

Here are recommendations for some of the best things to do in Copenhagen. In no particular order...

1. If you google Copenhagen, you will probably see a picture of Nyvhys. These colorful shops and restaurants are perfectly picturesque and you won't want to miss seeing them. PRO TIP: Arrive as early in the morning as you can manage. Although the shops won't be open, you'll be able to experience this charming cityscape without crowds and will be rewarded with the opportunity to take fabulous photos without congested walkways. The late afternoons and evenings get very busy and some of the magic of the area is lost as a result.

2. Among Copenhagen's wonderful treasures is Glyptotek, one of the best art museums in the world. The curated collection is vast and the set-up is breathtaking. If you have been to the Getty Museums in Los Angeles, you will be able to picture what Glyptotek is like. Children (ages 0-17) are free!

* Be sure to visit the rooftop terrace for a breathtaking view of the city.

3. Denmark's system of government is a parliamentary democracy, which means that it has a multi-party structure where three parties debate, negotiate, and collaborate. Denmark is simultaneously a constitutional monarchy, which means that there is a royal family. To learn more about the royal family - King Frederick X and Queen Margrethe II (along with their four children, born in 2005, 2007, and then twins in 2011) - you can visit the Amalienborg Palace. The palace is one of the royal family's residences as well as a museum that showcases their lives. Try to arrive slightly before noon, which is when the Royal Guard marches from their barracks by Rosenborg Castle through the streets of Copenhagen to Amalienborg Palace for the changing of the guard.

4. If you can't get enough of castles, you may also want to visit Rosenborg Castle - a Renaissance castle, which was designed and built in the 1600s. This castle is a museum and no one currently resides in it.

5. The Botanical Garden is a lovely, inviting green space with a giant greenhouse and adjacent butterfly house on the property. The garden itself is complimentary, but the other spaces require paid admission.

6. Walk up about 250 steps to the top of the Marble Church where you can get a magnificent view of the whole city or step inside to marvel at the interior architecture. The church, which originally opened in 1894, bears the following inscription, HERRENS ORD BLIVER EVINDELIG, which means "The Word of the Lord endures forever." Entering the church is free; there is a cost for climbing the stairs.

ON OUR NEXT TRIP TO COPENHAGEN, DENMARK

Copenhagen, Denmark is an interesting and dynamic city with a plethora of things to do. For our next trip, I'd like to add the following destinations to our itinerary.

• Spend a day at Tivoli Gardens, an amusement park, which is said to have been Walt Disney's inspiration. It's right next to Glyptotek so we caught a glimpse of the park and it looked like a beautiful fairy tale atmosphere with a mix of nostalgic rides for small children and thrill rides for adventure seekers. Tivoli also offers live music and inspiring decor all throughout the year.
• Step back in history at the Museum of Danish Resistance, which tells the fascinating stories of the courageous Danish people who resisted the German occupation of Denmark during World War II.
• If you've read Shakespeare's Hamlet, consider touring Kronborg Castle, which is the setting for his famous tragic play about Hamlet's revenge of his father's murder.
• Dine al fresco at Café Bopa, a delightful restaurant that is named after BOurgeouis PArtisans, a group of resistance members who conspired against Nazi-occupants during WWII.
• Wander the grounds of Christiansborg Palace, yet another magnificent castle museum, which is still in use as the gathering place for the Danish Parliament, the Supreme Court, and the Ministry of State.

Clearly, we need to return to Copenhagen soon! So much to see and do!

FUN FACTS

• The native language in Copenhagen is Danish, but everyone that we interacted with spoke excellent English.
• Hans Christian Andersen - author of 156 fairy tales - is from Denmark and died in Copenhagen. Some of his most famous fairy tales are The Emperor's New Clothes, The Little Mermaid, The Princess and The Pea, The Little Match Girl, The Snow Queen, The Steadfast Tin Soldier, The Ugly Ducking, and Thumbelina.
• The Copenhagen Card may be a wise investment if you have several days in Copenhagen and want to see all of the top sights of the city. There is even an option that includes unlimited public transportation. Of Note: Each adult carrying a COPENHAGEN CARD can bring up to two children between the ages 3 -11 for free. This includes entry for attractions and public transport.

BOOK A CRUISE

Our family went on a 12-night European Capitals Cruise in late May aboard the Caribbean Princess with Princess Cruise Line and Copenhagen, Denmark was our fifth stop.

Princess Cruise Line is offering another European Capitals Cruise in May 2025 and Copenhagen is on the itinerary. We recommend it - 100%!