Choose from 42 Fun Things to Do in Copenhagen
ShowingFilter 21-40 of 42 listings.
City Hall Square (Radhuspladsen)
European cities are known for their quaint public squares that showcase the best of local life. These kinetic epicenters of entertainment, commerce and cuisine seem to attract locals and travelers alike"”particularly in Copenhagen. The centrally located City Hall Square (Radhuspladsen) is conveniently stationed in the middle of the city, near the iconic City Hall building.
Travelers who venture here are likely to stumble upon a performance or a protest, since this town square attracts as many artists as it does activists. In addition to the slice of local life City Hall Square offers visitors, travelers can also see some of the city's major buildings, like Politikens Hus, Denmark's top newspaper, and iconic sculptures like the Dragon Fountain and the Weather Girl here.
Practical Info
The square is located at the southwest end of Stroget"”a pedestrian walkway that links City Hall Square to Kongens Nytorv.
Address: Copenhagen 1599, Denmark
From $ 32
National Aquarium Denmark
The National Aquarium Denmark (also known as Blue Planet or Den Blå Planet) is one of Northern Europe's largest aquariums, with over 20,000 marine mammals and fish housed within its sleek modernist facade. Designed to resemble a whirlpool when viewed from above, the structure is set on the banks of the Oresund straight.
The Basics
A paradise for nature-lovers of all ages, the aquarium features hammerhead sharks, moray eels flitting over coral reefs, and crocodiles found lurking in the aquarium's tropical rain forest exhibit. Highlights include the Planet Shark exhibition, which features glass tunnels leading into the shark tank, as well as daily feeding shows and sea otter training sessions.
Visit on a hop-on, hop-off bus tour to explore at your own pace. The Copenhagen Card includes admission to the aquarium along with entrance to Denmark's famed Tivoli Gardens and unlimited access to public transportation.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The onsite TANG Bistro & Cafe serves up modern Danish food with views across the Oresund straight.
- Both indoor and outdoor areas are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, with level floors as well as wide doors and passageways. Wheelchairs are available to borrow.
- Lockers are available in the cloak room to store suitcases and personal items for a small fee.
How to Get There
Located in Copenhagen's Kastrup neighborhood, the aquarium is accessible by metro, car, and train. To get there via public transportation, take metro line 5A to Den Blå Planet, or catch the train to Kastrup Airport and walk. Free parking is available on-site.
When to Get There
The aquarium is open year-round, except on some major holidays. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time to speed up the process of admission. Wait times are longest in July and August, when Copenhagen is typically most crowded. The aquarium stays open until 9pm on Mondays, and is quiet and less crowded in the evening.
An Architectural Highlight
Danish architects 3XN designed the aquarium building in a striking swirling pattern, made to look like a whirlpool. The entrance to the building is the center of the whirlpool, and the building is surrounded with a reflecting pool so visitors can feel that they are truly entering the water.
Address: Jacob Fortlingsvej 1, Copenhagen, Hovedstaden, Denmark
From $ 27
Lapidarium of Kings (Kongernes Lapidarium)
In the vaults beneath Copenhagen's centuries-old King Christian IV's brewhouse lies the Lapidarium of Kings (Kongernes Lapidarium). Housing hundreds of royal sculptures, statues, and monuments amassed from all around the country, the collection serves as an impressive homage to Denmark's royal history.
The Basics
The Lapidarium of Kings displays almost 400 sculptures and busts of monarchs, mythological gods, and legendary heroes from Denmark's castles and gardens. You can explore the collection on a guided or self-guided tour. Entrance is free for holders of the Copenhagen card.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Lapidarium of Kings is a must for history buffs and fans of royal art.
- The lapidarium is accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
The Lapidarium of Kings is located in the vaulted cellars of the King Christian IV's brewery on Slotsholmen Island in central Copenhagen. The nearest metro station is Kongens Nytorv.
When to Get There
The Lapidarium of Kings is open only 12pm to 4pm from June through August, and for two weeks in October. It is closed on Mondays.
The Collection
Gathered from royal palaces and gardens around Denmark, including Amalienborg, Fredensborg, and Rosenborg, highlights of the Lapidarium include the plaster version of French sculptor Jacques Saly's mammoth 18th-century equestrian statue of King Frederik V, which stands in the square outside the Amalienborg palaces, and a series of charming fishermen and farmers sculpted by amateur artist Jørgen Christensen Garnaas between 1764 and 1784. Also of note are two monumental statues of elegant women dressed in Classical Greek style by sculptor Johannes Wiedewelt and an energy-filled depiction of Hercules fighting the Nemean Lion, which King Frederick IV imported from Italy in 1709.
Address: Frederiksholms Kanal 29, Copenhagen, Hovedstaden, Denmark
Hours: Varies
Admission: Adults 50 DKK; Students 40 DKK; Children aged 4"“17 25 DKK
From $ 62
Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
Dramatically set on the shores of Oresund (the Sound), the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art is Denmark's leading modern and contemporary art institution. Behind its glass-fronted facade are more than 3,000 pieces, including works by Picasso, Warhol, and Bourgeois. Visitors also enjoy the museum's idyllic seafront sculpture park.
The Basics
The Louisiana Museum makes for a perfect day trip from Copenhagen. Peruse the institution's permanent collection as well as its temporary exhibitions, stroll through the oceanfront sculpture garden, and enjoy panoramic views of Sweden across the Oresund. The Louisiana's regular evening program features lectures and classical music concerts, while the Children's Wing offers free daily workshops where kids can paint, draw, and sculpt. Admission to the Louisiana Museum is free with a Copenhagen Card, which provides entry to 73 top landmarks as well as unlimited access to the city's metro, bus, and train networks.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Louisiana Museum is a must-do for art enthusiasts.
- The Louisiana CafeÌ serves fresh seasonal produce year-round.
- Backpacks, large bags, and umbrellas are not allowed in exhibition areas.
- You can use the coin-operated lockers on the lower level to store personal belongings.
- The museum is accessible to strollers and wheelchairs; wheelchairs and walkers are available free of charge.
How to Get There
Roughly 16 miles (25 kilometers) north of Copenhagen, the Louisiana Museum is easily accessed by car, the 388 bus, and the Danish State Railway. Take bus and train routes to Humlebæk Station, a 10-minute walk from the museum.
When to Get There
The Louisiana Museum is open year-round. Summer is the busiest season, when it's best to opt for an early-morning or evening visit to avoid crowds. In winter, you can cozy up by indoor fireplaces in the cafeÌ and enjoy holiday-themed events, while in spring and fall you benefit from mild temperatures and fewer crowds.
An Architectural Icon
The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art is a milestone of modern Danish architecture, noted for its seamless integration of art, architecture, and landscape. Founded in 1958 by Knud W. Jensen and designed by architects Vilhelm Wohlert and Jørgen Bo, the museum consists of understated glass corridors and horizontal buildings that fit gracefully into the surrounding terrain.
Address: Gl Strandvej 13, Humlebaek 3050, Denmark
Hours: Tues-Fri 11am-10pm; Sat-Sun 11am-6pm
Admission: Adults: DKK 125
From $ 62
Rosenborg Palace Gardens (Kongens Have)
Rosenborg Castle Garden (also known as King's Garden) is Denmark's oldest royal green space, established in the early 1600s by King Christian IV. Today the Renaissance-style park"”famous for its huge flower beds, hedges, and adjacent eponymous castle"”is a popular retreat for Copenhagen locals and tourists alike.
The Basics
Rosenborg Garden is one of Copenhagen's most famous parks, frequented by roughly 2.5 million people each year. Here you will find the neoclassical Hercules Pavillion, the iconic statue of Danish author Hans Christian Andersen, a rose garden, a symmetrical Renaissance garden, and numerous sculptures. Families with kids enjoy the park's artistic adventure playground, while travelers of all ages stroll the grounds, sunbathe, and picnic on spacious green lawns.
Visit on a hop-on hop-off bus tour to explore King's Garden at your own pace, or see the park on a cultural walking tour of Copenhagen to benefit from the knowledge of an experienced guide. If you who want to visit Rosenborg Castle (Rosenborg Slot), located adjacent to the garden, you get free entrance with a Copenhagen Card.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Rosenborg Garden is a perfect retreat from the bustling city center"”head there for a picnic lunch between sightseeing visits.
- Entrance to the garden is free, but tickets are required to see Rosenborg Castle.
- The King's Garden contains a cafe, located in the Hercules Pavilion.
- All garden paths are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
How to Get There
Rosenborg Garden is located in central Copenhagen and is easily accessible on foot, by bike, or by public transportation. Several buses stop at the garden, and the nearest metro station is Nørreport St.
When to Get There
The King's Garden is open year-round. Summer is the best time to visit, when temperatures are warm, the flower beds are blooming, and the lawns can be crowded with sunbathers. The park hosts a puppet show for children in midsummer, and several bands perform in the garden during the Copenhagen Jazz Festival in July.
Rosenborg Castle (Rosenborg Slot)
A trip to King's Garden isn't complete without a visit to the adjacent 17th-century Rosenborg Castle, home of the Danish crown jewels and the famous Knight's Hall, where three life-size silver lions stand guard over the coronation throne. Other castle highlights include one of the world's finest Venetian glass collections, portraits of Johann Friedrich Struensee and Queen Caroline Mathilde, and an extensive collection of royal regalia.
Address: Oster Voldgade 4A, Copenhagen 1350, Denmark
From $ 31
Karen Blixen Museum
The Karen Blixen Museum at Rungstedlund honors the memory of the Danish author who may be best known for her book, Out of Africa. Blixen was born at Rungstedlund in 1885 and returned to live there after she returned from years in Kenya. The oldest part of the house dates to 1680 and its sits on 40 acres of land on the shores of the Oresund Strait. The rooms of the main building remain almost exactly as they were when Blixen died in 1962 and provide a look into her daily life. A small gallery room displays her paintings, several African portraits and charcoal drawings and the west wing includes a documentary exhibition, museum shop and cafe.
The land behind the museum has been designated as a bird sanctuary and is open to the public. From the museum's main entrance, a pleasant walk will take you along a path past a pond and through an orchard until you arrive at the foot of a hill where Blixen is buried.
Practical Info
The Karen Blixen Museum is located next to Beach Road close to Rungsted Harbor, north of Copenhagen. If you don't have a car, it can be reached by bus 29 or 388 from Copenhagen. The ride takes about 45 minutes to an hour. Bus 388 runs almost to the museum entrance while bus 29 stops about a 20 minute walk away.
Address: Rungsted Strandvej 111, Rungsted Coast, Denmark
Hours: Sept, and May 1-Jun 30, open Tues-Sun 10am-5pm; Jul 1-Aug 31, open Tues-Sun 10m-5pm and Mon 12pm-7pm; Oct 1-Apr 30 open Wed-Fri 1pm-4pm and Sat-Sun 11am-4pm
Admission: 75 kr
From $ 62
Carlsberg Brewery Museum (Carlsberg Bryggeri)
The Carlsberg Brewery was established in 1847 by J.C. Jacobsen. The visitor's center showcases the history of Danish beer and has dioramas to illustrate various processes involved with brewing.
After a self-guided tour in the museum you walk through a garden and stables with Jutland dray horses. In the courtyard there is a smaller replica of the Little Mermaid Statue that Carl Jacobsen commissioned for Copenhagen. You can enjoy an authentic glass of beer in the brewery, as well as some traditional Danish food. There's also a giftshop for souvenirs with Carlsberg insignia for beer connoisseurs.
Practical Info
Situated at the site of the original Carlsberg brewery, the Carlsberg visitors center offers an entertaining peek into the world of beer. The brewery is accessible from Copenhagen by the 18 or 26 bus.
Address: Gamle Carlsberg Vej 11, Valby 2500, Denmark
Hours: 10am - 5pm Tue - Sun. Closed Dec 24-26 & 31, Jan 1, and Mondays
Admission: Adults: DKK 65 (includes 2 beers or soft drinks)
From $ 31
Round Tower (Rundetårn)
The Rundetårn (or 'Round Tower' in English) is perhaps the best place in Copenhagen to enjoy panoramic views of the city's skyline with its fairytale old town and many spires. The observation deck is located 35 meters (115 feet) above street level, offering an expansive view of inner Copenhagen
The tower was built by King Christian IV, the famous architectural innovator of Denmark, to be an astronomical observatory. A wrought iron lattice runs along the edge of the platform, featuring Christian IV's monogram. The Rundetårn was mentioned in two Hans Christian Andersen fairytales and is commonly used as a metric to compare heights of buildings in Denmark.
Practical Info
The iconic Round Tower is located in central Copenhagen, about a 20 minute walk from town hall. Come take a guided tour to learn about the history of astronomy in Denmark in the 17th century and about the tower and library hall that functions as a museum today.
Address: Købmagergade 52A, Copenhagen 1150, Denmark
Hours: 10am - 5pm Mon - Sat (open at 12pm on Sundays). Closed on Dec 24 - 25 and Jan 1
Admission: Adults: DKK 25, Children: DKK 5
From $ 62
Ruins Under Christiansborg
Built on the island of Slotsholmen in Copenhagen harbour, the neo-Baroque Christiansborg Palace is one of the city's most important landmarks. Completed in 1928, it is the fifth palace to stand on this spot and was once the residence of the Royal Family. Today it is the powerhouse of Danish politics and home to the Parliament and Supreme Court.
Much of the palace, including the Throne Room, Banqueting Hall and Royal Stables, can be viewed by guided tour. But Christiansborg also hides a secret, for it is constructed over the ruins of two of the earlier castles, the eldest being 800 years old. Deep below the palace lies a maze of atmospheric ruins that transport visitors right back to medieval Copenhagen.
The earliest ruins are of a stronghold constructed in 1167 by Bishop Absalon; he was the founder of Copenhagen and his medieval fortress had a fortified wall to keep out marauders. Still evident among the ruins today are its protective wall, pillars in the chapel and the remains of a medieval "˜rest room'.
After this first fortification burnt down in 1367, it was replaced by another, grander castle, from which the foundations of the mighty Blue Tower are still visible. This is where King Christian IV incarcerated his political enemies in the 17th century and where he imprisoned his daughter Leonora Christina for 22 years in retaliation for her husband's treason.
A short video and information boards explain the history of these dark, meandering passageways, and detail the turbulent backstory of Christiansborg Palace, which features on many shore excursions and walking tours of Copenhagen.
Practical Info
The ruins are open May"“Sept daily 10am"“5pm; Oct"“Apr Tue"“Sun 10am"“5pm. Admission for adults is 50 DKK; students are 40 DKK; young than 18 go free. Admission is also free with the Copenhagen Card. English-language guided tours of the ruins take place on Saturday at 12pm. Be forewarned, there is very limited parking around the palace. If taking public transportation, take the Metro to Kongens Nytorv or buses 1A, 2A, 26, 40 or 66 to Christiansborg.
Address: Prins Jørgens Gård 1, Copenhagen, Hovedstaden, Denmark
Hours: May"“Sept daily 10am"“5pm; Oct"“Apr Tue"“Sun 10am"“5pm
Admission: Adults 50 DKK; Students 40 DKK; young than 18s go free. Free with Copenhagen Card.
From $ 62
Cirkusmuseet
Tucked away in the town of Hvidovre south-west of Copenhagen, Denmark's Circus Museum is housed at Avedørelejren, a red-brick former barracks now given a new lease on life as an entertainment complex.
This cute, colorful little museum "” even the souvenir store has a cheery, red-and-yellow circus theme "” presents the history of the circus in Denmark and has Europe's biggest display of wonderful faux-furry, feathery and sparkly costumes, lots of circus posters from across the ages, old photographs of animal trainers and rare movie footage of magicians and acrobats.
Best of all, much of the museum is thoroughly interactive and visitors can try out circus tricks for themselves; in the fall and winter seasons there are circus performances at the museum, when visitors can watch clowns, conjurers and acrobats. There's a packed year-around schedule of events and workshops, at which visitors can try their luck on trapezes, ropes, juggling, uni-cycling, plate-spinning or conjuring "” and all instructors are professionals so safety is paramount.
Practical Info
The museum is open Sun"“Thur 10am"“3pm. Admission for adults is 50 DKK; younger than 18 go free. Admission is also free with the Copenhagen Card. Multilingual guided tours cost and additional 400 DKK. If visiting via car, free parking available. The city of Hvidovre is 20 minutes south-west of Copenhagen by road via Brostykkevej. If using public transportation, bus number 1A stops at Avedørelejren, just steps from the museum.
Address: Hovedporten 6, Hvidovre, Hovedstaden, Denmark
Hours: Sun"“Thur 10am"“3pm
Admission: Adults: 50 DKK; younger than 18 go free
From $ 62
Copenhagen Zoo
Founded in 1859, Copenhagen Zoo is one of the oldest zoological gardens in Europe. The animal inhabitants of the 27-acre (11-hectare) zoo span all corners of the globe, including rare and endangered species such as polar bears, rhinoceros, giraffe, zebra, and lions.
The Basics
Marvel at local wildlife in the dedicated Nordic area, which houses reindeer, muskox, brown bears, and gray wolves. Other highlights include the Elephant House, designed by legendary British architect Sir Norman Foster to house the zoo's Asian elephant breeding program, the kids' favorite Hippopotamus House, and a collection of native Oceanic animals, including the only Tasmanian devils to be found in captivity outside of Tasmania.
Most Copenhagen hop-on, hop-off bus tours visit the zoo along with city highlights such as the Carlsberg Brewery in Vesterbro, the Little Mermaid statue, Tivoli Gardens, City Hall, and the National Aquarium Denmark. Admission to the zoo is also included with a Copenhagen Card.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Copenhagen Zoo is a must-see for animal lovers and families with kids.
- The zoo's labeling system indicates easy access to certain areas for the elderly and families with young children.
- A limited number of wheelchairs are available for loan at the main entrance.
- Two restaurants, Konnild's and Provianten, are located inside the zoo.
How to Get There
While hop-on, hop-off bus tours provide easy transportation to Copenhagen Zoo and other city attractions, it's also possible to arrive via public transportation. Bus 6A from Central Station stops right at the zoo, and you can also take the train from Valby Station or the metro from Fasanvej Station. Paid parking is available opposite the main entrance along Roskildevej and Sdr. Fasanvej.
When to Get There
The Copenhagen Zoo is open daily and hours vary by season. Ticket sales close 30 minutes to one hour before zoo closing time, depending on the season. Animal feeding times vary weekly but are listed on the website a few days ahead of time.
Frederiksberg Gardens
Copenhagen Zoo is located inside the Frederiksberg Gardens (Frederiksberg Have), one of the city's largest green spaces. Here you can find a romantic landscape complete with lakes, canals, winding paths, and even a Chinese gazebo and waterfall. The vast park provides an escape from the city bustle and is a popular spot to sunbathe and picnic during good weather.
Address: Roskildevej 32, Frederiksberg 2000, Denmark
Admission: Varies
From $ 27
Charlottenborg
Charlottenborg is the official exhibition gallery of the Royal Danish Academy of Art and is the biggest venue for contemporary art in Copenhagen. The palatial residence was constructed in the 17th century for Ulrik Frederik Gyldenløve. Queen Dowager Charlotte Amalie bought the Baroque palace in 1700, and her name has been affixed to it ever since.
Charlottenborg presents 4 - 5 exhibitions per year. It has become famous for its open submission spring exhibition, which is reviewed by a jury before the selection is shown. The fall exhibition is by invitation only. In addition to its exhibition space, Charlottenborg also has a Mezzanine available for many mediums of expression of the contemporary arts, from performances to debates.
Practical Info
The exhibitions are internationally oriented and suited to art enthusiasts in any form. The entrance is accessible from both Kongens Nytorv and Nyhavn. For the metro, get off at the Kongens Nytorv stop. For the bus, take the 1A, 15, 19, 26, or 350S.
Address: Nyhavn 2, Copenhagen 1051, Denmark
Hours: Tues - Fri 12pm - 8pm (until 5pm on weekends). Closed Mondays
Admission: DKK 60
From $ 62
Danish Revue Museum (Revymuseet)
A rather niche museum housed in a Neo-classical country house in Copenhagen's affluent Frederiksberg district, the Revue Museum (Revymuseet) is dedicated to 150 years of Danish humor and the country's long tradition of producing satirical and comical revues.
The intriguing collection grew from the private collection of Ida and Bent From, who were famous as actors on Copenhagen's revue stages in the 1960s; with artifacts dating back to 1849, displays includes Art Nouveau revue posters, elaborate fur-lined costumes that sparkle with jewels, set designs, props and a series of ornate, pierrot-style face masks.
Highlights include more than 100 film clips from popular revues and silent movies, sound recordings, play manuscripts and many comical black-and-white images of stars of the Danish revue. Special exhibitions are organized to celebrate great figures of Danish comedy including actors Marguerite Viby and Osvald Helmuth. The museum also has a schedule of themed, guided tours and a program of contemporary satirical reviews and cabarets (tickets extra). Combine a visit with a visit to the nearby Storm P Museum, which is dedicated to Danish satirist Robert Storm Petersen, or stroll around nearby Frederiksberg Have (gardens), which are included on several cycling tours of the city.
Practical Info
The museum is open Tue"“Sun 11am"“4pm. Admission for adults is 35 DKK; students & children aged are 4"“17 25 DKK. Admission is also free with the Copenhagen Card. If taking public transportation, take the Metro to Frederiksberg or buses 16 or 26 to Frederiksberg Runddel.
Address: Allegade 5, Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Hovedstaden, Denmark
Hours: Tue"“Sun 11am"“4pm
Admission: Adults 35 DKK; Students & children aged 4"“17 25 DKK. Free with the Copenhagen Card.
From $ 62
Ordrupgaard Museum
Between 1892-1916, Willhelm Hansen and his wife established one of Northern Europe's most considerable collections of Danish and French art. They willed their villa and its contents to the Danish state, and it became the Ordrupgaard Museum. Today the museum, which has a building extension designed by internationally acclaimed architect Zaha Hadid, houses one of Northern Europe's most considerable collections of Danish and French art from this time period. Between the museum's permanent collection, its changing special exhibitions, the home of renowned architect/designer Finn Juhl and its collection of modernist art, a sculpture park (Art Park Ordrupgaard), a cafe and a nearby restaurant, you can easily spend an entire day here on a nice break from the bustle of the city.
Ordrupgaard Museum is housed inside a mansion on expansive surrounding grounds, so you can explore the park and neighboring forest after visiting the exhibits. Because it's not easily accessible from the city by public transport (first by train, then by suburban bus), a popular way to visit the museum is on a day tour from Copenhagen.
Insider's Tip: Students visit for free after 5pm on Wednesdays.
Practical Info
Ordrupgaard is located about 5 miles (8km) from the center of Copenhagen. To reach it by public transit, take the S-train to Klampenborg or Lyngby Station, and then take bus 388 to Vilvordevej. It is a 2-minute walk from there to the museum.
Address: Vilvordevej 110, Charlottenlund, Denmark
Hours: Tuesdays, 11am-9pm; Wednesday-Sunday, 11am-6pm.; Closed Mondays
Admission: Adults, 110DKK; Students, 100DKK; Children younger than 18 visit for free
From $ 62
Old Stock Exchange (Børsen)
Denmark's Old Stock Exchange, which was built in 1625, is one of the oldest building in Copenhagen and home to some of the city's richest history. The original structure housed some 40 stalls for trading and was flanked by water on three of its four sides. Between 1658 and 1659 the lead roof was removed in piecemeal and used to fashion cannonballs to combat the Swedish occupation of the nation. It wasn't until a few centuries later that roof was full restored.
Although the Old Stock Exchange is iconic in the city's history, it's not open to the public. Travelers can explore the land around the building, but it's difficult to actually get inside. Only those with invites to dinners, conferences or galas are typically lucky enough to pass through the doors. Visitors should still keep their eyes out for the swirling dragons' tail spire that sits atop the red brick building, which represents the original kingdoms of Denmark, Sweden and Norway.
Practical Info
Borsen is located at 1217 Kobenhavn K in Denmark.
Address: 1217 Kobenhavn K, Copenhagen, Denmark
Hours: Not open to the public
Admission: Varies
From $ 13
Danish Museum of Hunting and Forestry (Dansk Jagt Og Skovbrugsmuseum)
Denmark's North Zealand is a rural region traditionally given used for farming and forestry. This heritage is celebrated in the family-friendly Danish Museum for Hunting and Forestry (Dansk Jagt Og Skovbrugsmuseum) which opened in 1942. It has since much expanded and is located on the Hørsholm estate north of Copenhagen, in the Baroque former stables and barns of a now-demolished castle.
Dedicated to highlighting the relationship between man and nature for the last 15,000 years, the spacious museum has plenty of stuffed wildlife "” there's even a taxidermied stag dating from the 1600s "” and skeletons to horrify and delight in equal measure. Exhibits include one of Europe's largest collections of ancient Danish and Faroese hunting weapons and accessories, from traps to decoys, as well as forestry tools past and present, from simple saws to modern chainsaws.
Although there is plenty here to entertain adults, the museum provides many attractions purely for kids. They can dress up like Stone Age hunters or lumberjacks, track animals, learn to saw up logs and take a ride on tractors. There are special exhibitions and activities for families, from clambering across rope ladders to learning about native animals in their natural habitat.
Practical Info
The museum is open Tue"“Sun 10am"“4pm. Admission for adults is 70 DKK; seniors & students are 60 DKK; younger than 18 go free. Admission is also free with the Copenhagen Card. The city of Hørsholm is 30 miles (48 km) north of Copenhagen and can be reached in 45 minutes by road off the Route 19, or by train from Copenhagen Valby train station to Rungsted Kyst in 35 minutes (services depart every four hours).
Address: Folehavevej 17, Hørsholm, Copenhagen, Hovedstaden 2970, Denmark
Hours: Tue, Thur"“Sun 11am"“5pm, Wed 11am"“8pm
Admission: Adults: 68 DKK; Seniors: 58 DKK; Students: 55 DKK; younger than 16 go free
From $ 62
Kunstforeningen Gl Strand
An exhibition center given over to promoting contemporary art, Kunstforeningen GL STRAND is located in the center of Copenhagen on Gammel Strand, one of the city's busiest harbor-side streets. Tucked away in an elegant 1750s townhouse since 1952, the Kunstforeningen was renovated and expanded in 2010 by Danish architectural practice Vilhelm Lauritzen.
As well as hosting up to eight exhibitions per year from up-and-coming Danish talent and international big names (Mario Testino's celebrity photos featured in 2016) in its light and airy purpose-built galleries, the venue has an arts movie house and stages a packed schedule of talks and lectures. Facilities also include a well-stocked bookshop and a pleasant courtyard cafe; this is a lovely spot to while away an hour after visiting the museums around Christiansborg Palace.
Practical Info
The center is open Tue, Thur"“Sun 11am"“5pm, Wed 11am"“8pm. Admission for adults is 68 DKK; seniors are 58 DKK; students are 55 DKK; younger than 16 go free. If taking public transportation, take the Metro to Kongens Nytorv or buses 1A, 2A, 6A, 15, 26, or 29.
Address: Gammel Strand 48, Copenhagen, Hovedstaden, Denmark
Hours: Tue, Thur"“Sun 11am"“5pm, Wed 11am"“8pm
Admission: Adults 68 DKK; Seniors 58 DKK; Students 55 DKK; younger than 16 go free
From $ 62
Hard Rock Cafe Copenhagen
Copenhagen's branch of the international Hard Rock brand is ideally located just outside the main entrance to the magical Tivoli Gardens and acts as the perfect fast-food antidote to over-excited children who have over-exerted themselves on the rides. It's also a stone's throw from the main, pedestrianized shopping drag of Strøget and the edgy nightlife district of Vesterbro. The glass-fronted restaurant has a psychedelically orange and matt black ground-floor bar in which to sample Danish beers or a choice of cocktails, plus two floors of restaurant selling the world-famous menu of steaks, chicken wings and burgers. Hard Rock Cafe Copenhagen opens daily at 10am in the morning and also serves up a legendary American Brunch, for which late-night party people wait in lines for on weekend mornings.
The simple, spacious, 1980s-inspired interior of the restaurant is the perfect backdrop to Hard Rock's iconic displays of rock "˜n' memorabilia"”from Pete Townsend's Gibson guitar and a sick bag signed by Mick Jagger to drums played by Metallica in Copenhagen on their 1966 world tour. The Rock Shop souvenir store sells logo-ed sweats and Tees as well as hats and there's a covered terrace outside the restaurant, which is heated in winter; to the rear another outdoor terrace leads directly into Tivoli Gardens.
Practical Info
Located at Vesterbrogade 3, the Hard Rock Cafe is open Monday through Wednesday and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to midnight. On Thursday, it closes at 1 a.m., and on Friday and Saturday, it closes at 2 a.m. Walk straight in from Tivoli Gardens, or stroll from the city center in 10 minutes.
Address: Vesterbrogade 3, København 1620, Denmark
Hours: Mon-Wed & Sun 10am-12am, Thur 10am-1am, Fri & Sat 10am-2am
From $ 27
Casino Copenhagen
Sharing its Modernist home with the four-star Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel on Amager Island on the Oresund, Casino Copenhagen is the city's only casino and the largest in Denmark. Its interior is a mass of subdued lighting and it has an atmosphere of subdued concentration; there are nearly 30 gaming tables for roulette, blackjack, poker and Texas Hold"˜em players and the casino also offers more than 140 high-return slot machines in floodlit arcades. Live sports including horse racing and football can also be viewed on big screens.
There are several bars, restaurants and private members clubs on the premises, and unusually for informal Denmark, there is a smart-casual dress code that excludes sportswear, headgear, shorts and t-shirts for both sexes. A variety of casino packages are available to guests of the Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel and other visitors but these must be ordered in advance.
Copenhagen Casino is featured on sightseeing Copenhagen hop-on-and-off tours and shore excursions around Christiania.
Practical Info
The casino is open daily 2pm"“4am. Admission for day tickets are 95 DKK but entry is free on Wednesdays 2pm"“6pm as well as with Copenhagen Card. The minimum entry age is 18 and all visitors must bring valid photo ID. If visiting via car, parking is available (25 DKK). If taking public transportation, take the Metro to Islands Brygge.
Address: Amager Blvd 70, Copenhagen, Hovedstaden, Denmark
Hours: Daily 2pm"“4am
Admission: Entrance tickets: 110 DKK; free Wed 2pm"“6pm and free with Copenhagen Card
From $ 62
Copenhagen Cruise Port
Copenhagen cruise port is a bustling travel hub. Over 300 ships arrive in Denmark's capital every year"”a city famous for its seamless urban design, 17th- and 18th-century architecture, and thriving bike culture. The port is a great starting point for cruises to the Baltics, St. Petersburg, Britain, and even Greenland.
The Basics
After arriving at Copenhagen cruise port, you can head off on a city sightseeing shore excursion to see highlights such as Tivoli Gardens, an iconic Danish amusement park; Christiansborg Palace, home to the Danish Parliament; and the changing of the guard at Amalienborg Palace, the Danish royal family residence since the late 18th century. You can also opt for a harbor cruise along the canals of the Christianshavn and Frederiksholm districts, passing by colorfully painted townhouses, bobbing houseboats, and the legendary Little Mermaid statue. For a more personalized experience, hop-on hop-off tours allow you to see Copenhagen on your own schedule.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Copenhagen has three cruise terminals: Langelinie Pier (Langelinje Quay), Nordre Toldbod, and Ocean Quay (Oceankaj). Ocean Quay, located in Copenhagen's North Harbor, handles the majority of cruise ship turnarounds.
- Langeline Pier offers a variety of nearby shops and cafeÃŒÂs, as well as the Copenhagen Information Center, a currency exchange, and ATMs. At the information center you can buy the Copenhagen Card, which offers discounts or free entry to numerous sights and museums throughout the city.
- Long-term car parking is available at Ocean Quay for a fee, but there is no parking at Langelinie Pier or Nordre Toldbod.
How to Get to Copenhagen from the Cruise Port
Arriving in Copenhagen, you will disembark at either Langelinie Pier, Nordre Toldbod, or the Ocean Quay terminal. Langelinie Pier and Nordre Toldbod are both within a 30-minute walk of the city center, but you can also take bus 26, which runs every 20 minutes. City bikes are available near Langelinie Pier"”you can check one out for the day if you prefer to pedal your way around Copenhagen. From Ocean Quay, take bus 27 to Osterport Station. From there, you can get to the city center in 10 minutes by bus or S-train. Taxis are also available at all three piers.
Port Information
The local language in Copenhagen is Danish, but most locals speak at least some English. The currency is the krone, and credit cards are accepted throughout the city.
Address: Denmark
From $ 32