Must-See Places in Copenhagen: Part 2

In Must-See Places in Copenhagen: Part 1, I took you through some of the city’s most iconic spots — the colorful harbor of Nyhavn, the beautiful Renaissance Rosenborg Castle, the unique, self-proclaimed autonomous community of Christiania, and more. 

But Copenhagen is a city full of surprises, and there’s still so much to explore. Here’s my list of must-see places in Copenhagen, Part 2:

Strøget isn’t just any shopping street — it’s the heart and soul of Copenhagen’s city center. Stretching over a kilometer, it’s one of Europe’s longest pedestrian streets.

Strøget has everything from high-end boutiques and famous brands to unique local shops. You’ll find big names like Prada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Mulberry, as well as more affordable options such as H&M, Vero Moda, Only, and Zara.

Strøget is definitely at the top of the list of must-see places in Copenhagen for shopaholics. However, even if shopping isn’t your thing, Strøget still has plenty to offer. It’s the perfect place to enjoy Copenhagen’s street life, with street performers, cozy cafés, and plenty of places to sit back and people-watch. Whether you’re here for a shopping spree or just to explore, Strøget is a great way to experience Copenhagen’s city vibe.

Church of Our Saviour, or Vor Frelsers Kirke in Danish, is famous for its unique spiral spire, which offers one of the most breathtaking views in Copenhagen. Climbing the 400 steps to the top is an adventure for many, especially as the last 150 steps wind around the outside of the spire. But once you reach the top, the panoramic view of the city is well worth the effort. Since the tower’s opening in 1752, it has been a popular spot, with hundreds of thousands of visitors making the climb each year to see Copenhagen from 90 meters up.

Inside the church, the baroque architecture is equally impressive, with a grand organ and beautifully detailed interiors. Built in the baroque style during the reign of Christian V, construction of the church began in 1680 and took 14 years to complete.

It was a lengthy process largely due to the challenges of its ambitious design, the construction techniques of the time, and financial constraints, along with the need to source high-quality materials. However, it was definitely worth it! Today, the Church of Our Saviour stands out as one of the most beautiful churches with one of the most iconic spires in Copenhagen.

Built in the early 17th century by King Christian IV, the Round Tower was inspired by Denmark’s astronomical achievements and the work of astronomer Tycho Brahe. After Brahe’s death in 1601, the King built the tower as a way to continue Brahe’s research. Today, the Round Tower houses Europe’s oldest functioning observatory, still used by amateur astronomers.

The Round Tower offers one of the best views in Copenhagen, and the journey to the top is half the fun. Instead of a traditional staircase, you’ll find a spiral ramp that winds its way up the tower. As you make your way up, you’ll pass by small exhibitions and even a glass floor where you can peer down into the tower’s core. Once you reach the top, there’s a beautiful panoramic view of the city’s rooftops and spires.

Inside the tower, you’ll also find a library hall that once held the university’s entire book collection. Author Hans Christian Andersen used to visit the library and found inspiration for his work there. Although it’s no longer a library, it now serves as an exhibition space showcasing art, culture, history, and science.

The Little Mermaid is one of Copenhagen’s most iconic landmarks, and while she might be smaller than some visitors expect, she’s full of charm. This bronze statue is inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale and captures the heart of this beautiful story about a mermaid who gives up everything for love. The statue was a gift to the city from Danish brewer Carl Jacobsen and has been sitting on Copenhagen’s waterfront since 1913, perched on a rock, looking out to sea. 

Over the years, The Little Mermaid has had a rough time. She’s been vandalized several times — losing her head twice, her arm once, and even getting covered in paint. Thankfully, she’s always been fixed up and put back in her spot by the water.

Although she often shows up on lists of the most overrated attractions in the world and Europe, I think The Little Mermaid is still a must-see. Her quiet presence by the sea is a simple reminder of the power of fairy tales and the rich stories that are part of Danish culture. And if you ask me, she’s no more overrated than the Manneken Pis in Brussels!

Copenhagen City Hall, located in the heart of the city, is distinguished by its red brick facade and towering clock tower that’s hard to miss. Completed in 1905, it’s a vibrant hub for local government and community events. Inside, you’ll find impressive murals and the beautiful Carillon clock that chimes every hour. 

The tower, open to the public, is the second tallest in Copenhagen, just 40 cm shorter than Christiansborg Palace’s tower. From the top, you’ll get a fantastic view of the city and the lively City Hall Square below.

Kongens Nytorv, lit. The King’s New Square, is a lively square dating back to the 17th century. It’s the starting point of Strøget, the famous pedestrian shopping street where you can find everything from quirky boutiques to cozy cafés. 

At the center of the square stands the impressive statue of King Christian V, rearing up on his horse. Erected in 1693, the statue celebrates the king’s significant role in expanding and modernizing the city. Christian V was known for his ambitious urban development projects, including the creation of several key buildings and landmarks in Copenhagen. His reign is remembered for bringing a new architectural and cultural flair to the city, making him a key figure in Copenhagen’s history.

The Meatpacking District, or Kødbyen as locals call it, is one of Copenhagen’s trendiest neighborhoods. Once a busy industrial area for butchers and meat processing, it has transformed into a vibrant hub for food, art, and nightlife. The district’s old white and gray buildings still retain their gritty, industrial charm, but now they’re home to a mix of trendy bars, stylish restaurants, art galleries, and creative spaces.

By day, you can explore a variety of eateries offering everything from fresh seafood and organic street food to traditional Danish smørrebrød. The area is also home to several art galleries and shops, showcasing both local and international talent. At night, the Meatpacking District comes alive with energy, as people head to the trendy bars and clubs for a fun night out.

One of the district’s highlights is the weekend market, where you can sample delicious local produce, baked goods, and other culinary treats.

Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, known as Glyptoteket, is a hidden gem for art lovers and history enthusiasts. Founded in 1888 by the wealthy brewer Carl Jacobsen (yes, the same Jacobsen who gifted The Little Mermaid to Copenhagen), this museum boasts an impressive collection of ancient and modern art. Inside, you’ll find everything from Greek and Roman sculptures to French Impressionist paintings. You’ll see artifacts from Egypt and Greece, as well as masterpieces by artists like Monet and Van Gogh.

The museum’s design itself is also worth a visit, with its beautiful glass dome and serene inner courtyard filled with lush palm trees.

From the vibrant energy of the Meatpacking District to the historic charm of City Hall and the artistic treasures of Glyptoteket, Copenhagen truly has it all. Whether you’re exploring the lively Kongens Nytorv, going on a shopping spree at Strøget, climbing to the top of the Church of Our Saviour or the Round Tower, or soaking in the fairy-tale vibe of The Little Mermaid, there’s no end to the wonders this city offers. With so many incredible places to discover, Copenhagen is a city that keeps you coming back for more!

Stay tuned for a more in-depth look at Copenhagen’s must-see places in separate pieces! And if you haven’t checked out the first part of my must-see places in Copenhagen yet, you can find it here: Must-See Places in Copenhagen: Part 1.