Copenhagen grabbed me from the moment I first cycled along its canals. No other city nails the sweet spot between edgy and elegant quite like this place. When I sat at a candlelit table in Nyhavn, watching boats drift past those famous colorful houses while sharing smørrebrød with new friends, I got why everyone’s so obsessed with Danish hygge. And seeing the sunset turn Frederiks Church’s massive copper dome into liquid gold? That’s a moment I won’t forget.
From floating harbor baths where locals swim year round to the beautiful places in Copenhagen that blend old world grandeur with Scandinavian cool, here are 12 spots that proved why this city is pure magic. Get ready to fall for a place where royal palaces share streets with design shops and food halls.
Must-See Attractions in Copenhagen in 2025
Visiting Copenhagen in 2025? Spend the day at Amager Strandpark for a relaxing beach escape, explore the royal history of Amalienborg Palace, or admire the grandeur of Christiansborg Palace. Stroll through Copenhagen Zoo to see fascinating wildlife, enjoy shopping and dining in the city’s vibrant streets, or take in the blend of historic charm and modern attractions. Whether you’re into history, outdoor adventures, or cultural experiences, Copenhagen in 2025 has plenty to offer!
1. Amager Strandpark
- 🏆 Best For: Beach lovers 🏖️, water sports enthusiasts 🏄, picnickers 🧺
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Pristine sandy beaches, crystal-clear lagoon waters, stunning Øresund Bridge views
- 📸 Top Experiences: Swimming in the lagoon, kitesurfing along the coast, enjoying sunset picnics on the dunes
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Copenhagen Island Hotel – Modern waterfront hotel with panoramic harbor views
Need a beach escape without leaving the city? Amager Strandpark, just 5km from downtown Copenhagen, delivers urban paradise with Instagram-worthy coastal views. The innovative design creates a peaceful lagoon perfect for families and a wilder coastal side for adventure seekers.
I’ve never seen a sunset quite as magical as the golden hour here, when the Øresund Bridge glows on the horizon. Located on eastern Amager island, this 4.6km stretch offers easy metro access from central Copenhagen via Lines M1 and M2.
Wooden boardwalks connect sunbathing spots with nearby Den Blå Planet aquarium. Visit on summer evenings when locals gather for hygge-filled barbecues and beach games—the perfect way to experience authentic Copenhagen culture away from tourist crowds.
2. Amalienborg Palace
- 🏆 Best For: Royal history buffs 👑, architecture enthusiasts 🏛️, ceremonial tradition seekers 🪖
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Elegant Rococo architecture, perfectly symmetrical palace square, stunning royal interiors
- 📸 Top Experiences: Watching the daily changing of the Royal Guards, touring the royal apartments, admiring the equestrian statue
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel d’Angleterre – Luxury landmark hotel with royal connections
Channel your inner royal at Amalienborg Palace, where Danish monarchs have lived since 1794 in what might be Europe’s most impressive square. Located in Copenhagen’s elegant Frederiksstaden district, the four identical palaces create the perfect Instagram backdrop for architecture lovers.
The daily noon ritual of guards marching from Rosenborg Castle through city streets to Amalienborg offers a glimpse into living traditions that still captivate visitors. You’ll feel the weight of history standing in the octagonal courtyard beneath Frederik V’s statue.
Inside Amalienborg Museum, royal apartments showcase Danish design through the centuries. Its waterfront location provides a fascinating contrast between historical grandeur and the ultra-modern Opera House across the harbor—perfectly capturing Copenhagen‘s blend of old and new.
3. Christiansborg Palace
- 🏆 Best For: Political history enthusiasts 🗳️, royal art lovers 🎨, architecture admirers 🏰
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Imposing neo-baroque architecture, sumptuous royal reception rooms, ancient ruins beneath
- 📸 Top Experiences: Touring the Royal Reception Rooms, exploring the ancient castle ruins, watching equestrian training at the Royal Stables
- 🏨 Where to Stay: 71 Nyhavn Hotel – Historic waterfront hotel in converted warehouses
Power players will love Christiansborg Palace, the only building worldwide housing all three branches of government while still hosting royal events. Standing proudly on tiny Slotsholmen island in central Copenhagen, this architectural marvel offers a fascinating glimpse into Danish politics and royalty.
The Royal Reception Rooms left me speechless with their opulence—especially the Great Hall with Queen Margrethe II’s tapestries depicting 1000 years of Danish history. Below ground, excavated ruins reveal Copenhagen’s medieval origins.
Don’t miss the Royal Stables where Danish horses still train in centuries-old traditions. Located just minutes from Strøget shopping district, Christiansborg makes the perfect starting point for exploring Copenhagen’s historical center, with nearby Børsen (Old Stock Exchange) and Thorvaldsens Museum.
4. Copenhagen Zoo
- 🏆 Best For: Wildlife enthusiasts 🦁, families with children 👨👩👧👦, architecture admirers 🏢
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Innovative naturalistic habitats, award-winning enclosure designs, historic Victorian buildings
- 📸 Top Experiences: Observing polar bears in their Arctic Ring, watching the elephant herd in their award-winning house, exploring the tropical house
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Scandic Falkoner – Family-friendly hotel near Frederiksberg Gardens
Forget outdated zoos—Copenhagen Zoo reimagines wildlife conservation for the Instagram age with its architectural marvels and ethical approach. Nestled in upscale Frederiksberg, just 3km from downtown, this 19th-century institution balances historic charm with cutting-edge design.
The Norman Foster-designed Elephant House stands as my favorite example of how thoughtful architecture can enhance animal welfare. Floor-to-ceiling glass lets you observe these intelligent creatures in natural light.
The immersive Arctic Ring offers above and below-water viewing of polar bears. Located adjacent to beautiful Frederiksberg Gardens, the zoo makes a perfect day trip combined with exploring this elegant neighborhood known for its cafés and boutiques. Visit during feeding times for the most active animal viewing.
5. Den Blå Planet, National Aquarium
- 🏆 Best For: Marine life lovers 🐠, architecture enthusiasts 🌊, photographers 📸
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Stunning whirlpool-inspired architecture, immersive ocean tunnels, dramatic lighting effects
- 📸 Top Experiences: Walking through the underwater tunnel, watching hammerhead sharks, touching rays in the touch pools
- 🏨 Where to Stay: CPH Studio Hotel – Modern accommodations with views of Øresund Strait
Architecture buffs and ocean lovers unite at Den Blå Planet, where the building itself rivals the marine life inside. Located in Kastrup, just 15 minutes from central Copenhagen and minutes from the airport, this aluminum-clad swirl emerges from the Øresund coastline like a futuristic vortex.
I’ve visited aquariums worldwide but never felt as immersed as when walking through the transparent ocean tunnel while hammerhead sharks glide overhead. Northern Europe’s largest aquarium houses over 20,000 animals in 53 exhibits.
The thoughtful layout takes you through various water environments, from tropical reefs to Arctic seas. Easily reached via metro (Kastrup Station) or the harbor bus, combine your visit with nearby Amager Strandpark for a perfect day exploring Copenhagen’s eastern coastline attractions.
6. King’s Garden
- 🏆 Best For: History lovers 🏰, relaxation seekers 🧘, picnickers 🍇
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Meticulously maintained Renaissance garden design, ancient tree-lined avenues, seasonal flower displays
- 📸 Top Experiences: Strolling the geometric hedge patterns, picnicking beneath ancient trees, visiting Rosenborg Castle
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Sanders – Luxury boutique hotel near the gardens with elegant Danish design
Need a midday escape from city sightseeing? Kongens Have (The King’s Garden) offers Copenhagen’s most sophisticated green space, where locals have perfected the art of urban relaxation. Located in the heart of the city center, these Renaissance gardens have hosted royal picnics since the 1600s.
The strict geometric design showcases Denmark’s impeccable design sense long before modern Danish design became famous. When spring arrives, I love watching thousands of crocuses carpet the lawns in purple blooms.
Don’t miss the famous statue of Hans Christian Andersen or adjacent Rosenborg Castle housing the Danish Crown Jewels. Perfectly positioned near Nørreport Station and the Botanical Gardens, King’s Garden provides the ideal starting point for exploring central Copenhagen’s cultural highlights.
7. Kronborg Castle
- 🏆 Best For: History buffs 📜, Shakespeare fans 🎭, maritime enthusiasts ⚓
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Imposing Renaissance architecture, breathtaking seaside location, UNESCO World Heritage status
- 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring the casemates, attending Shakespeare performances, admiring the grand Ballroom
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Marienlyst Strandhotel – Elegant lodging with stunning views of Kronborg
Step into the real-life setting of Shakespeare’s Hamlet at Kronborg Castle, where literary history meets stunning Danish architecture. This massive Renaissance fortress sits dramatically on Denmark’s northeastern coast, guarding the narrow strait between Denmark and Sweden.
I couldn’t believe how the afternoon light transformed the stone walls into a golden masterpiece. Underground, the mysterious casemates house the sleeping statue of Holger Danske, Denmark’s legendary hero. Above ground, the spectacular King’s Chamber and enormous Ballroom showcase royal Danish opulence at its finest. Summer visitors can catch live Shakespeare in the courtyard—an unforgettable cultural experience beneath open skies.
8. Nyhavn
- 🏆 Best For: Photographers 📷, foodies 🍽️, canal cruise enthusiasts 🚢
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Colorful 17th-century townhouses, historic wooden ships, lively waterfront atmosphere
- 📸 Top Experiences: Waterside dining, canal boat tours, visiting Hans Christian Andersen’s former homes
- 🏨 Where to Stay: 71 Nyhavn Hotel – Boutique hotel in converted warehouse
Grab your camera and appetite—Nyhavn’s rainbow-colored townhouses create Copenhagen’s most Instagrammable backdrop for craft beer and smørrebrød. This former commercial port from the 1600s now serves as the heart of the city’s entertainment scene.
Historic wooden ships bob alongside the canal while outdoor cafés buzz with locals and visitors. The houses numbered 18, 20, and 67 once sheltered beloved author Hans Christian Andersen. My favorite time to visit is during golden hour when the colorful facades glow magnificently against the water. For the full experience, hop on an evening canal cruise to see the harbor lights reflect in the water while sipping Danish aquavit.
9. Rosenborg Castle
- 🏆 Best For: Royal history enthusiasts 👑, garden lovers 🌷, jewelry aficionados 💎
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Dutch Renaissance architecture, stunning royal collections, surrounding King’s Garden
- 📸 Top Experiences: Viewing the Crown Jewels, exploring the lavish royal chambers, picnicking in the gardens
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Christian IV – Charming boutique hotel near the castle
Marvel at Danish royal treasures inside Rosenborg Castle, where you can get closer to crown jewels than at any other European palace. Built by King Christian IV in central Copenhagen, this compact Renaissance palace packs centuries of royal history into its elegant rooms.
The spectacular treasury houses gleaming crown jewels and ornate coronation thrones guarded by three silver lions. Outside, Kongens Have (King’s Garden) offers Copenhagen’s most beloved green space. The garden’s geometric flowerbeds and tree-lined paths provide perfect picnic spots. On summer evenings, watching locals gather here with wine and cheese feels like joining the ultimate Danish garden party.
10. The Botanical Garden
- 🏆 Best For: Plant enthusiasts 🌿, architecture admirers 🏛️, peaceful retreat seekers 🧘
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Historic glasshouses, diverse plant collections, tranquil lakes and pathways
- 📸 Top Experiences: Visiting the Palm House, exploring the Rock Garden, discovering the butterfly house
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Ibsens Hotel – Eco-friendly boutique hotel within walking distance
Escape the urban bustle without leaving the city at Copenhagen’s Botanical Garden, where 13,000 plant species create a peaceful green oasis in the university district. The garden’s centerpiece will stop you in your tracks—a soaring Victorian Palm House with spiral staircases and tropical canopy views.
Winding paths lead through specialized collections including Danish native plants and medicinal herbs. The tranquil Rock Garden showcases alpine species around bubbling streams. Winter visitors shouldn’t miss stepping inside the steamy glasshouses—they’re particularly magical when Copenhagen’s weather turns gray. The garden changes dramatically with the seasons, making it worth multiple visits throughout your stay.
11. The Little Mermaid
- 🏆 Best For: Fairy tale lovers 🧜♀️, literary pilgrims 📚, iconic landmark seekers 🗿
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Poignant bronze sculpture, harborside setting, connection to Hans Christian Andersen’s story
- 📸 Top Experiences: Morning photography session, harbor walk, discovering nearby Kastellet fortress
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Admiral Hotel – Historic waterfront hotel in converted 18th-century warehouse
Yes, she’s smaller than you imagined, but The Little Mermaid statue captures Copenhagen’s fairy-tale spirit in one perfect harborside moment. This modest bronze figure has been the city’s unofficial symbol since 1913, despite standing just 1.25 meters tall.
The contemplative mermaid sits on her granite boulder at Langelinie promenade, gazing longingly toward shore. Early morning offers the best experience—fewer crowds and gorgeous light for photos. Extend your visit by exploring the nearby star-shaped Kastellet fortress with its red buildings and windmill. From here, you can follow the harbor promenade downtown for stunning water views and cool sea breezes.
12. Tivoli Gardens
- 🏆 Best For: Thrill-seekers 🎢, nostalgic souls 🎡, evening ambiance lovers ✨
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Enchanting gardens, historic amusement rides, magical evening illuminations
- 📸 Top Experiences: Riding the wooden roller coaster, enjoying evening concerts, watching the illuminations
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Nimb Hotel – Luxury boutique hotel within Tivoli Gardens
Walt Disney found his theme park inspiration at Tivoli Gardens, and one evening here will show you exactly why this 1843 amusement park still captivates adult visitors. Located in central Copenhagen, Tivoli perfectly balances nostalgic charm with sophisticated entertainment.
Thrill-seekers shouldn’t miss the wooden Roller Coaster from 1914—it’s among the world’s oldest still operating and requires a brakeman on each train. As night falls, thousands of twinkling lights transform the gardens into an enchanted wonderland. Between rides, enjoy craft cocktails at stylish bars or dinner at Michelin-recommended restaurants. The seasonal decorations make Tivoli especially magical during Halloween and Christmas markets.
