Top Things To Do In Copenhagen For First-Time Visitors

So, if you’re after a short culture-packed European getaway, read on for my how-to guide on what to do in Copenhagen and getting the best out of a weekend in this buzzy little capital.

Copenhagen is a bite-sized city and ideal if you’ve only got few nights – you’ll still get a taste of Scandi culture, eat your fill of pastries, and burn off those calories either walking or cycling around to the perfect mix of cultural and outdoor activities. We found the locals welcoming and kind, taking full advantage of the sunshine offered which meant the vibes in the city were high.

My friends and I visited in May, so the weather was mild and sunny for most of the trip. Short sleeves for during the day with a spare umbrella and light jacket just in case, and long sleeves in the evenings. This was a great time of year to visit, as it gets busy once the summer months arrive (Jun-Aug) but we could still take advantage of warm sunny days.

The city is very walkable, however our preferred form of transport was actually using Lime bike rentals. There is an abundance of bike paths and many Danes opt to cycle themselves, so the roads are made for two-wheeled enthusiasts and it’s a great way to see a lot of the city when you’ve got limited time.

I highly recommend purchasing a LimePass, which you can do in the Lime app and makes trips much more affordable. Once you’ve got your wheels, it’s time to explore Copenhagen ...

Copenhagen and culture are synonymous, the city is home to the Danish royal family (one of the oldest monarchies in the world) and Denmark itself has a rich Viking history that is well worth discovering. The best way to do this?

• Visit one of the many museums, including the National Museum which is the largest for cultural history, covering everything from the Viking Age to modern history – or if you’re a fan of Scandinavian architecture and Danish design – pop into the Danish Design Museum; its rococo building is an attraction in itself, and seems to have a conveyor belt of fantastic exhibitions worth seeing.
• Wander the palaces, including Amalienborg Palace which is still being used as a residence for the Danish royal family, and Rosenborg Palace which houses the Danish crown jewels (and is located in a stunning park called King’s Garden named after King Christian IV).
• Music lovers can visit The Royal Danish Theatre, which has three different locations, or the DR Koncerthuset which is home to the National Symphony Orchestra and has an array of musical genre programs on offer.
• Visit Copenhagen Contemporary - Copenhagen's cool international art centre exhibits ultra-modern art installations that will blow your mind.

A visit to Copenhagen isn’t complete without hiring an electric boat and “sailing” along the river and in the canals. We hired one from GoBoat rentals which seats up to eight people and doesn’t require a licence. They’re easy to get the hang of and don’t go particularly fast, making them a pretty relaxing option. GoBoats are especially good at sunset – so make sure you pre-book as they're very popular being one of the most fun things to do in Copenhagen. You’ll have the option of either one or two hours – one hour is definitely enough to do the recommended loop, and it’s BYO! Handy hint: always use the bathroom before you get on the boat.

If you enjoy sunbathing, swimming or a nice meal with a water view - visit La Banchina. It’s technically a restaurant overlooking a part of the harbour where locals flock on a sunny day, and while it gets busy, the vibes are always high with plenty of swimmers and sunseekers, making it a great spot to hang out and relax for a couple of hours.

The restaurant itself offers an all-day café and wine bar menu, and also features a sauna you can book if you’re really wanting to live that Scandi life! Alternatively, harbour baths are a big part of Copenhagen’s outdoor fun things, so you can visit one of the many scattered around the city, all year round, to truly live like a local.

Head to the Kastellat Gardens for a stroll. The gardens are a historic fortress dating back to the 1600s with a functioning military barracks. Entrance is free to this picturesque harbourside green zone, situated right next to the aforementioned and much-loved little mermaid statue, and is easy to walk to or from along the promenade into the main city centre.

No visit to Copenhagen is complete without seeing the Tivoli Gardens, but don’t let the name fool you! It’s home to the world’s second-oldest amusement park (it’s even over a hundred years older than Disneyland) and is a playground for young and old with traditional theme park rides, lush gardens and music programs on offer.

Entrance isn’t free so it’s recommended to book your tickets during the summer months, especially if there are live music performances to ensure you don’t miss out. Fun fact: In 1951 Walt Disney visited Tivoli Gardens and what he saw inspired additional developments of Disneyland.

It’ll take a bit of fuel to keep you exploring over the few days you’ve allocated, and central Copenhagen is renowned for its culinary scene. If you’re a foodie, it’ll be important to do your research beforehand and make any relevant reservations to ensure you don’t miss out if you’ve got limited time in the city. You’ll find everything from upscale gastronomy experiences to casual bites in food halls.

My friends and I steered more towards casual eating so my three must-do’s would be firstly to stay in the Nyhavn area. You’ll be spoilt for choice with plenty of restaurants, bars and outdoor food courts – opt for one of the dockside venues for a casual burger and beer combo overlooking the water. Secondly, breakfast from Lagkagehuset means tasty cardamom buns, smoked salmon bagels and great coffee to get you ready for exploring.

Finally, the food hall next to Tivoli Gardens is a must-try, with a huge selection of smorrebrod (literally translates to ‘buttered bread’). These are open-top sandwiches which use dark rye bread and come with a variety of delicious toppings like seafood, chicken, meatballs and more!

If you have more than a few days to explore, there are also great day trips from Copenhagen which could either take you to historic castles, charming towns, or even into neighbouring Sweden. Either way, the Danish capital promises an unforgettable trip – chat to your Flight Centre Travel Expert about getting the most out of your Danish escapade.