Copenhagen: Denmark’s Capital – the Top 10 Places of Interest
A trip to Denmark is relatively cheap and requires little effort. This isn’t the only reason to visit this country in the north of Europe, though! The landscape in and of itself is worth a trip. An almost mandatory stop on any trip to Denmark is its capital, Copenhagen. The city offers endless opportunities for sightseeing and exploring!
It doesn’t matter whether you’re planning a city break or whether it’s just a stop along the way, Copenhagen belongs on every traveler’s bucket list. We’re here to show you everything the city has to offer.
Copenhagen in a Nutshell
Copenhagen itself isn’t located on the Danish mainland, but on the islands of Zealand and Amager. However, a traffic bridge connects these islands with the mainland, which makes getting to Copenhagen very easy. Approximately 600,000 people live in Copenhagen. Many of them are Danes, but there are also some immigrants and international workers.
Because of the economic conditions, many companies have their headquarters in Copenhagen. The city is also very popular with students. Finally, it’s also home to the royal family – yes, Denmark still has a monarchy. A big contributing factor to the city’s popularity is its location on the waterfront, which creates a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere.
On your trip to Denmark, you should be prepared for every kind of weather, as it can change very quickly here. The summers in Copenhagen are rather mild, with average temperatures of about 18 °C. Due to the city’s proximity to the sea, however, the winters here aren’t too cold either.
You don’t have to worry about finding great food in Copenhagen! One of Denmark’s specialities is Smørrebrød. It’s an open sandwich with a variety of toppings. Danes are also well-known for their sweet tooth. You should definitely try the Wienerbrød, a sweet puff pastry that comes in many varieties.
Don’t feel like walking? Then you can easily explore Copenhagen using public transport. For example, there’s a CityBike project, which provides e-bikes all around Copenhagen. So if you want to enjoy the city like a local, grab a bike and spend the day cycling around.
Even though it’s one of the smaller capitals in Europe, there are a lot of events in Copenhagen! For example, there’s the Roskilde Festival in June and July. As it’s one of the biggest festivals in Northern Europe, you have the chance of experiencing a wide variety of bands and singers live. There’s always something going on in Copenhagen, whether it’s cultural events or sports games.
Besides festivals and events, Copenhagen can also pride itself on having the longest pedestrian shopping street in Europe! You can find countless brands and stores here.
The Top 10 Places of Interest in Copenhagen
Copenhagen doesn’t disappoint when it comes to sightseeing. Many people are familiar with the image of the mermaid statue in the harbor. However, that’s only a small part of what’s on offer. The city is home to a lot of interesting places, promising an exciting and unforgettable time. See for yourself!
The Little Mermaid
The Little Mermaid is the city’s most famous landmark. By the way, it’s also considered the smallest landmark in the world. It’s a bronze figure, located near Copenhagen’s promenade. At first glance, it may seem a bit unimpressive, but it’s still of great importance. You can visit the statue free of charge. If you want to know why the Little Mermaid is so special, take a guided tour through the city.
Strøget: the Pedestrian Area of Copenhagen
This is Copenhagen’s pedestrianized area. It’s not only great for shopping and wandering around, but it’s also historically significant. It’s the longest pedestrian zone in Europe and is lined by old buildings. Go and visit the numerous cafés and shops – this is the place to find a cute souvenir! Or you could take a guided tour to learn more about the history behind the area. Strøget is definitely worth a visit!
Nyhavn
The view of Nyhavn is one of the most famous images of Copenhagen. You’ll probably recognize the colorful houses and the small boats on the canal. Nyhavn is a district of Copenhagen. The brightly colored houses are typical for the area and ensure a lot of great photo opportunities. Just look for a quiet space and enjoy the lovely view. Many travelers consider this to be the biggest highlight of Copenhagen.
The Amalienborg
This is where the royal family lives. The Amalienborg is one of the most beautiful palaces in all of Northern Europe, and it’s not just royalists who’ll enjoy a visit here. Of course, some of the palace’s rooms are private, but a lot of them are also open to the public. You can take a guided tour of the halls and rooms and get answers to all of your questions. The Amalienborg Museum at the front of the palace gives you the opportunity to delve into the history of the Danish monarchy.
Rundetårn
Is there anything better than admiring a city from the top of a tower? Of course, this is also possible in Copenhagen. The Rundetårn, or round tower, offers you a great view of Copenhagen’s beautiful skyline. Even just the design of the tower makes it worth visiting. You have to follow a helical corridor, also called an equestrian staircase, to get to the top, from where you can see all of Copenhagen. As long as the weather’s good, the Rundetårn is one of the city’s most enjoyable landmarks.
The Botanical Garden
Don’t think the Botanical Garden is only for gardeners and plant parents! This large green space is for everyone. There are large greenhouses that welcome you to the world of botany. But young people and travelers primarily come here because of the great park. Especially in summer, there’s nothing better than having a picnic here. It’s also a nice change from the busy city. Just take some time and relax in this green space.
Frederiks Kirke
One of the most important sights in Copenhagen is Frederiks Kirke, a historical church. If you’re interested in history, a visit inside the church or even a guided tour is the thing for you. But you can also just admire the church from the outside. It’s also a great photo opportunity!
Christiansborg Palace
This is the third and final palace in Denmark’s capital. Although you’ve already been to two palaces, you really shouldn’t miss this one. It’s the seat of the Danish government. You can simply walk around the grounds and see the palace from the outside, or you can book an interesting tour to learn more about Danish politics. Sounds promising, right?
Many backpackers decide on a tour of all three palaces and dive deep into the country’s history. Listening to the tour guides is also just great fun!
The National Museum of Denmark
If you still can’t get enough of Danish history, then the National Museum in Copenhagen is the place to go. From artistic collections to fascinating exhibitions about the most important historical events, you’ll find everything your heart desires here. The museum is also a great choice for a rainy day in Copenhagen.
Rådhuspladsen: the Town Hall of Copenhagen
In English, this name translates to the town hall’s square. Visually speaking, the town hall is already a highlight in itself. The historical building is one of the most significant sights in Copenhagen. We highly recommend paying a visit to this square.
Conclusion
Backpackers are often unsure of whether to include Copenhagen in their trip across Europe. Many travelers are discouraged by the high prices. But if that’s also your concern, don’t worry! The city has a great backpacking community, and there are a lot of young people around. There are many ways of exploring Copenhagen on a budget. The hostels here are fairly cheap as well. They allow you to enjoy your time in Copenhagen without overstretching your budget.
For these reasons and because of its many sights, Copenhagen is one of the most beautiful capitals in Europe. Its relaxed atmosphere and the great views are attracting more and more visitors. Its many landmarks also guarantee that you’ll never get bored here.
So if you’re in the mood for a city break, and you’re longing for a trip, Copenhagen is the place to be!
