What to do in Copenhagen
Visit the Little Mermaid
The symbol of the city is a life-size Little Mermaid perched on a granite rock. She's the sad protagonist from the romantic fairytale by Danish author H.C. Andersen.
Marvel at the artefacts in the Nationalmuseet
This museum contains a world-class collection of historical artefacts, from bog people and fifteenth-century BC sculptures to Viking weapons.
Take the family to Den Blå Planet
The Blue Planet is a jaw-dropping modern aquarium containing some 20,000 animals across 450 species.
Cruise along the canals from Nyhavn
This quaint, much-photographed harbour is located just alongside a strip of popular bars and restaurants. Join a canal cruise here.
Meet the animals of Zoologisk Have
Founded in 1859, Copenhagen's zoo is home to 3000 animals from 264 species. The stand-out sight is the Arctic polar bear habitat.
Get an adrenaline spike at Tivoli
At this magical amusement park, the oldest in the world, you'll find hair-raising rides, fairy gardens and unforgettable live shows. A 1-Day Unlimited Rides ticket is a good option.
Buy fresh produce at Torvehallerne
Beer from Mikkeller, Copenhagen's finest chocolate and porridge reimagined as dinner are just some of the edible surprises at Denmark's largest food hall.
Enjoy sweeping views from Rundetårn
Instead of stairs, the oldest working observation tower in Europe has a spectacular 209-metre spiral pathway.
View excellent art at Statens Museums for Kunst
Denmark's most enormous art museum, with exceptional collections of Danish and international art from the last seven centuries.
Soak up the atmosphere at Rådhuspladsen square
Buzzing Rådhuspladsen square is towered over by a grand red-brick city hall, and is the perfect place for a mustard-topped pølse. Take in the square and several other impressive Copenhagen sights on an Old Town Walking Tour.
Top image © PAUL ATKINSON/Shutterstock
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Accommodation
Copenhagen has a very good selection of hostels, mainly concentrated in the city centre and Nørrebro. Booking ahead is recommended on weekends and during summer months; otherwise turn up as early as possible during the day to ensure a bed. Hotel prices can verge on the astronomical but there are often online deals available and a few cheaper options in the centre. Private rooms (around 400kr) booked through the tourist office are usually an S-train ride away from the centre. Breakfast is not included, unless otherwise stated.
The Botanisk Have and art galleries
The Botanisk Have (Botanical Garden; May–Sept daily 8.30am–6pm, Oct–April Tues–Sun 8.30am–4pm; free), on the west side of Kongens Have, is dotted with greenhouses and rare plants. The neighbouring Statens Museum for Kunst (National Gallery; Tues–Sun 10am–5pm, Wed till 8pm; free, entry fee for some special exhibitions) has bright and spacious galleries holding a vast collection of art, from minor Picassos to major works by Matisse and Titian. Across the park on Stockholmsgade, Den Hirschsprungske Samling (The Hirschsprung Collection; Tues–Sun 11am–4pm; 75kr, free on Wed) holds a collection of twentieth-century Danish art, including work by the Skagen artists, renowned for their use of light.
The Carlsberg Visitors Centre
“Probably the best beer in the world” claims the advert. Well, you can decide for yourself at the Carslberg Visitors Centre (Tues–Sun 10am–8pm; 95kr) along Gamle Carlsberg Vej (buses #18 and #26). As well as learning how to create the perfect pint at the Jacobsen Brewhouse, you also get to sample two beers from a choice of Carlsberg, Tuborg and Jacobsen brews.