Must-See Places in Copenhagen: Part 1

Copenhagen is one of those places that keeps you coming back for more. I’ve been there twice, and each time I found something new to love. There are so many must-see places in Copenhagen that it’s hard to see them all in one visit.

Copenhagen is full of things to fall in love with, from its historic palaces and castles to its beautiful churches. The countless towers offering stunning views of the city, and the canals reflecting its charming architecture. The vibrant neighborhoods and numerous cafés, with their constant shout of hygge every time you pass by them.

Copenhagen has a unique vibe that’s both relaxed and energetic, old-fashioned and modern.

There’s so much to see and do in Copenhagen that I decided to split this article into two parts, giving each spot the attention it deserves. Here are my must-see places in Copenhagen, Part 1:

If there’s one place that’s Copenhagen for me, it’s Nyhavn. That’s why it’s my number one on the list of must-see places in Copenhagen. 

Nyhavn is one of the city’s most iconic spots, and it’s easy to see why. This charming harbor is lined with brightly colored 17th-century townhouses, as well as numerous bars, cafés, and restaurants that create a lively atmosphere.

Originally, Nyhavn was a bustling commercial port where ships from all over the world would dock. Back then, it was packed with sailors, pubs, alehouses, and less respectable establishments, making it a lively — and sometimes noisy — part of town. Today, it’s one of the city’s most picturesque areas, perfect for a relaxing walk along the waterfront or some hygge time at a cozy café.

As you walk along the canal, you’ll also spot several historical wooden ships, some more than 100 years old, adding to the area’s nostalgic charm. Whether you’re admiring these old ships or enjoying a Danish pastry by the water, Nyhavn is a must-visit. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to sit back, soak in the atmosphere, and capture the moment. Whether it’s in your mind or with countless photos, every angle feels like a postcard. 

Water always adds a special touch to a city, whether it’s rivers, canals, or the sea. Think Stockholm, Amsterdam, or Bern — each city is beautifully shaped by its waterways. Copenhagen is no different. Originally dug in the 17th century to support trade and defense, the Copenhagen canals were crucial for the city’s role as a major trading hub in the Hanseatic League. Today, they offer a scenic and relaxing way to see the city.

A boat tour along the canals is a must-do, as it gives a totally different perspective on Copenhagen’s charm. As you cruise, you’ll glide past the colorful Nyhavn, historic buildings, and landmarks like the Opera House and the Little Mermaid statue. The narrow waterways are lined with picturesque houseboats and beautiful colorful buildings.

If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of His Danish Majesty’s Yacht Dannebrog, a magnificent symbol of Danish royalty. Named after the Danish flag, the Dannebrog was built at the Naval Dockyard in Copenhagen and has served as the royal yacht since 1932. Over its long service, this nearly 80-meter vessel has traveled more than 400,000 nautical miles (700,000 km), visiting ports in Denmark, Greenland, the Faroe Islands, and across Europe, as well as cruising the Mediterranean and Caribbean Seas. Today, it serves as the official residence for King Frederik X and the Royal Family during overseas visits and summer cruises around Denmark.

Even though we saw the yacht from land rather than on a boat cruise, it was still an impressive sight, reflecting Denmark’s rich maritime and royal heritage.

Right in the heart of Copenhagen, Amalienborg Palace offers a front-row seat to Danish royal life. The palace remains home to the royal family, with four grand buildings encircling a majestic square. These buildings are Christian VII’s Palace (Moltke’s Palace, used for guests), Frederik VIII’s Palace (Brockdorff’s Palace, where King Frederik X and Queen Mary live), Christian IX’s Palace (Schack’s Palace, the residence of Queen Margrethe II), and Christian VIII’s Palace (Levetzau’s Palace, which houses the Amalienborg Museum). The palace museum reveals the stories of Denmark’s past and present monarchs through beautifully preserved rooms and fascinating artifacts.

Another highlight is the Changing of the Guard ceremony, which takes place every day at noon. The guards march from their barracks by Rosenborg Castle through the streets of Copenhagen to Amalienborg, often accompanied by music.

The Marble Church, officially known as Frederik’s Church (Frederiks Kirke in Danish), is one of Copenhagen’s most beautiful churches. Located near Amalienborg Palace, the Marble Church is famous for its massive dome, one of the largest in Scandinavia. The dome, inspired by St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, stands 31 meters wide and is covered in beautiful green copper.

The story behind the Marble Church is quite interesting. Despite its deceptive name, it’s actually not made of marble! The original plan was to use marble, but due to a tight budget, the builders had to switch to limestone blocks instead. Construction began in 1749, but these financial issues delayed the project, and it took 145 years to complete. The church finally opened its doors in 1894. Inside, you’ll find a peaceful and spacious interior with marble-like columns, intricate carvings, and stunning frescoes. If you’re into great views, make sure to climb to the top of the Marble Church’s dome. The 260 steps are a small price to pay for the incredible panoramic view of Copenhagen from the top.

Christiansborg Palace was once home to the Danish royal family. However, after a series of great fires, the royal family moved to Amalienborg Palace in the late 1800s and never returned.

Today, Christiansborg, also known as Borgen, houses the Danish Parliament, Supreme Court, and Prime Minister’s Office, making it the center of the nation’s political life. 

The palace tower, which is open to everyone and free to visit, stands 106 meters tall — making it the tallest in Copenhagen, just 40 cm taller than the City Hall Tower. If you’re in the mood to treat yourself, you can have a meal at the tower’s restaurant while enjoying the stunning views of the city. 

But the tower isn’t the only highlight. Various parts of the palace are open to visitors with a ticket. You can visit the Royal Reception Rooms to admire the beautiful tapestries and grand chandeliers or explore the Royal Kitchen, where you can imagine the grand feasts that were once prepared there. In the Royal Stables, you’ll find elegant horse-drawn carriages on display, while the ruins beneath the palace reveal the remains of the old medieval castle that once stood here.

Rosenborg Castle is a beautiful Renaissance castle found in the King’s Garden. Out of all the must-see places in Copenhagen, I find this one to be the most beautiful castle!

Once a royal residence, it now houses some of Denmark’s greatest treasures, including the crown jewels. You’ll see the delicate, glittering crowns of Danish kings and queens displayed in special vaults, adorned with table-cut stones, enamel, and gold.

Walking through Rosenborg Castle’s halls, each room tells a different story, from the grand throne room to the richly decorated private chambers. The craftsmanship and detail are so impressive that you can really get a sense of how the royals lived. After exploring the castle’s treasures, take a relaxing walk through the peaceful gardens — a perfect way to end your visit. 

Freetown Christiania is unlike anything else in Copenhagen. It definitely stands out as one of the most unique spots on my must-see places in Copenhagen.

Founded in 1971 by a group of idealists who took over former military barracks, Christiania is a self-proclaimed autonomous neighborhood, free from Danish taxes and government rules.

Today, around 900 residents call Christiania home, and the area has a unique 70s vibe with its colorful murals, eco-friendly architecture, and communal spirit. Here, freedom and self-expression rule, reflected in everything from the local art to the cozy cafés.

The area is car-free and promotes an eco-conscious lifestyle, with people walking or riding bicycles everywhere. The once notorious Green Light District, also known as Pusher Street, has shifted from its cannabis trading days to a quieter part of the community, though you might still hear occasional offers for drugs.

Visitors must respect local norms: avoid running (as it can cause alarm), steer clear of hard drugs, and be cautious with photography, especially around Pusher Street. While I’ve read that taking pictures is now more relaxed (as long as you don’t photograph the people living there), when I visited, there were “No Pictures” signs everywhere in Christiania. That’s why the photos of Christiania in this article are among the very few that aren’t mine.

Founded in 1843, Tivoli Gardens is one of the world’s oldest amusement parks and is said to have inspired both Hans Christian Andersen and Walt Disney. Located in the heart of Copenhagen, Tivoli combines classic charm with modern fun.

You’ll find everything from charming vintage carousels to thrilling roller coasters, including the wooden roller coaster from 1914, one of only seven worldwide with a brakeman on every train.

However, Tivoli isn’t just about the rides. The gardens themselves are said to be a breathtaking visual experience, with colorful flower beds, sparkling fountains, and fairy lights that turn the park into a fairytale wonderland at night. Unfortunately, we didn’t quite visit Tivoli at its most beautiful time — it was March, and part of the vibe was missing. However, we did spot some free-roaming peacocks and other birds!

Tivoli is also a hub of live performances, concerts, and festive events that add to the amazing atmosphere. And the food scene is just as vibrant as everything else. You can enjoy Danish classics, gourmet burgers, or quick bites at the Tivoli Food Hall. And don’t forget to grab a Danish treat—no day at Tivoli is complete without something sweet!

Okay, it’s now time to wrap up. I hope you’re feeling inspired for your next trip to Copenhagen! With so much to explore, you might want to start planning your visit right now. 

And don’t miss Part 2 of my guide where I’ll take you through the rest of my top picks in Copenhagen. You can find it here: Must-See Places in Copenhagen: Part 2.

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