Any local or visitor will tell you there is no lack of things to do in Copenhagen Denmark. They also say that Denmark is the happiest country on earth, but others say Disneyland is the happiest place on earth.
You guessed it! There is a connection between these two happy places. In designing Disneyland, Walt Disney took inspiration from Tivoli Garden’s amusement park when he visited there.
Of course, you’ll need to wait until the global pandemic is under control and travel is safe and allowed, you can set off on a vacation to Denmark to find out why people say it’s the happiest place on earth. We are sharing with you some highlights of things to do in Copenhagen and photos, so you can virtually explore, for now.
Hygee, The Happiness Factor
In his book, Meik Wiking outlines why he thinks Denmark, the country he claims as his rightful heritage, is indeed full of Hygee, which sprouts the happiness factor. What is “Hygee” (pronounced hoo-gah)? In Wiking’s book “The Little Book of Hygee”, he describes it as coziness, intimacy, and warmth.
Denmark has a high rate of public trust and generosity, per Angie McPherson in her National Geographic article.
What you can experience in just three days in Copenhagen is a taste of happiness while enjoying danishes at a bakery, a sense of freedom in Christiania; and also life as a royal in the Rosenberg Castle.
Biking in Copenhagen
If you are keen to have a truly local experience, then try bike riding. You’ll be riding alongside many locals as this is one of their “best things to do in Copenhagen.” But rider beware, the only time we felt stressed was riding bikes on busy streets during the morning rush hour – the locals take their bike riding seriously!
Tip: Study the rules and maps before you venture out on a bike ride, which is highly recommended as one of the best things to do in Copenhagen by many.
THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN COPENHAGEN
There are so many possibilities of what to see and do, so how does one choose what to do? First, you might talk to your friends how have been, second, explore social media sites, or third, get the Lonely Planet Guide which highlights all of the best of the best sights.
Below we’ve outlined a three day schedule that optimizes logistics and lays out what we suggest as the best things to do in Copenhagen:
Day One – Art Museum & Tivoli
Bot far from the Central train station, is the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, one of the top art museums in Scandinavia. See 5000-year-old Egyptian mummy’s, Rodin marble statues, and a large collection of Danish and French paintings, for instance.
Art lover, brewer, and a local icon, Carl Jacobsen provided the funding for the Glyptotek and the Museum of National History at Frederiksborg Castle, and donated “The Little Mermaid” statue to the city of Copenhagen, incidentally.
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Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek museum -
Auguste Rodin 1840-1917 “The Blessing” sculpture
As always, be sure to check the website for opening times and free days www.glyptoteket.com. The cafe here is in a glass dome winter garden, which makes for a nice stop for snack or lunch.
TIP: One might opt to get a “Copenhagen Card” which gives you free admission to 73 museums and attractions. Available at City Hall and other locations, the cost is about 600DKK for 48 hours use of the card (80 Euros). For instance, if you activate the card at noon on a Tuesday and have through noon on Thursday. https://copenhagencard.com/attractions
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the famous “Little Mermaid” -
Tivoli Garden’s rides
Tivoli Gardens has been around since 1843 and is a world of Hans Christian Andersen. This historic amusement park is full of rides, restaurants, casino games, and music/artist acts. It is without a doubt one of the top things to do in Copenhagen, for all ages. Entrance is free with the Copenhagen Card or 130 DKK without the card – rides and games are extra. https://www.tivoli.dk/
Day Two – A Palace, Stroget, and Christiania
Today, start out in Slotsholmen neighborhood by touring the Christiansborg Palace. Although the royals do not stay here, they have parties and greet guests in the reception rooms. If you’ve watched the political drama series “Borgen,” you will recognize some of the sites around the palace. See the changing of the guards, usually at noon every day.
Prior to your visit, be sure to check the website for visiting hours and entrance fees (the palace is closed during royal receptions). https://www.thedanishparliament.dk/visit
Shop and Walk the World’s Longest Pedestrian Street
Stroll and shop along Stroget, created in 1962, the world’s longest pedestrian street and main vein of the city.
From Stroget, you can easily get to the Round Tower built in 1642, with an observatory at the top. A student church and university library are also in the Round Tower. http://rundetaarn.dk
While at the Round Tower, plan to have dinner at sunset in the iconic waterfront Nyhavn neighborhood. Certainly the most photographed spot in Copenhagen with it’s colorful buildings. Nyhavn is absolutely one of the best things to do in Copenhagen.
For the free-spirited adventurers, visit the freetown of Christiania where you can freely buy all kinds of cannabis.It is a commune of about 1,000 people on an old military base, with a lake.
Take note, there are a few rules in the community: no running, no photos, and no hard drugs. Also, no gangs, weapons, or violence. Christiania governs itself, virtually free from all other governments. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freetown_Christiania
Day Three – More Palaces and a Brewery Tour
Today, start out inside the basement of the Rosenberg Slot where you can see the royal jewels and crowns, a real glitzy treat. There are four levels to explore in the Castle.
Built as a summer residence for Christian IV it became his favorite residence, and after the 1700s Rosenborg became the place kings put their finest and rarest objects. https://www.visitcopenhagen.com/copenhagen/rosenborg-castle-gdk410582
Once your Copenhagen Card time runs out, plan to spend some time touring the gardens and area outside and around Frederiksberg Slot, and it’s lake and beautiful gardens. The slot now houses the Danish Officers Academy, so access to the Castle is off limits, but the gardens are worth the visit. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g806262-d7098939-Reviews-Frederiksberg_Slot-Frederiksberg_Copenhagen_Zealand.html
Rich in history, and one of the oldest in Europe, the Copenhagen Zoo is next to the Frederiksberg Slot. It dates back to 1859. You can get a panoramic view of Copenhagen from the top of the 110-year-old tower. https://www.visitcopenhagen.com/copenhagen/copenhagen-zoo-gdk1077921
Carlsberg Brewery an icon in Copenhagen
Have you worked up a thirst yet? World famous Carlsberg Brewery is likely what your beer loving friends will recommend as one of the best things to do in Copenhagen. However, it doesn’t matter if you drink beer or not, Carlsberg and J.C. Jacobsen are part of the DNA of Copenhagen.
A self-guided tour will take you through the old brewhouse, the worlds most extensive collection of unopened beer bottles, a sculpture garden, and horse stables. As a result of it’s popularity, there is a new hotel now next to the famous elephant statutes and tower, which used to be the entrance to the old brewery.
Sometimes they offer free horse carriage rides, check the website for more details. If beer is your thing, then your’ll want to sample a few of the world-famous Carlsberg beers.
What to Eat in Copenhagen
Danishes, be sure to try the danishes. I know, cliche, but everyone should have this culinary experience in Denmark. Have no fear, there is something for everyone at Anderson Bakery. Coffee First has delicious brews to perk you up for more sightseeing.
Lunchtime? Set out to find a sausage wagon for a famous Danish hotdog a “Polse.” There are not hard to find in the busy corners and streets of Copenhagen.
Prefer fine dining? The ten top restaurants with a view are listed at HonestCooking.com.
Tip: You might try for a dinner reservation at The Standard instead of the very popular and famous Noma, which requires months in advance to get a reservation.
Claus Meyer from Noma, Meyers Madhus, and jazz musician Niels Lan Doky joined forces to open The Standard – a combined restaurant and jazz club. Get a table on the patio overlooking the river for stunning views at dusk & sunset.
WHERE TO STAY
Iconic Neighborhood
In your pretrip planning you’ll have the fun of researching where to stay in Copenhagen. Are you into iconic neighborhoods, then 71 Nyhavn Hotel might be for you. One of the few 5-star hotels in Copenhagen, and with high traveler ratings on TripAdvisor, for instance.
Rates at 71 Nyhavn Hotel start at about 1,800 DKK, per night. The hotel’s website offers a best rate guarantee. Check the currency exchange rate for your home currency at https://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/ . June 2019: 2,000 DKK is 305 USD or 268 Euros.
These executive rooms with a view of the canal, are located in the Yellow Warehouse and are equipped with luxury branded 160cm beds from Carpe Diem. The contemporary bathrooms are large and come with either shower or bathtub.
Grand, Historic and Royal Places to Stay
If history is your thing, you might enjoy a stay at the historic Scandic Palace Hotel in a redbrick building from the 1900s conveniently located near Tivoli, The Tycho Brahe Planetarium. The hotel restaurant Kobenhavns Universitet boasts a vegan, lactose-free, and gluten-free breakfast buffet. Previous guests at the Scandic Palace include Audrey Hepburn, Errol Flynn, and Judy Garland. Superior rooms with king beds start at about 1800 DKK per night.
Live like a Royal
Do you prefer something more grand and royal, like a castle, perhaps with a spa, for instance? One can add the Kokkedal Castle Copenhagen to the list of best things to do in Copenhagen. With it’s fairytale exterior, and with it’s own forest, beach, and sea, you certainly won’t be bored staying here!
Rates start at about 1400 DKK up to about 3500 depending on the time of year and room type: Hotel, castle, or spa rooms with packages to include golf or polo. As outlined in the post Tips to Save Money on Travel, try staying off season to get a better rate and experience less crowds.
You might be surprised from the photos, but it is not necessary to be on your honeymoon, anniversary, or attending a wedding to stay here. So, if you feel like a king or queen, why not indulge in a little royalty?
Tourists don’t always get insight into what it’s like to live in the community they visit. We stay in a hotel, visit the top tourist sites, go out to eat, and go on to the next destination. Yet, the only glimpse we have into the day-to-day living in a city is the faces and attitudes of the people coming and going to work. Does Denmark live up to its happiest place on earth label? Go see for yourself and let us know what you think.