Top 10 Attractions, Activities, and Culinary Delights in Copenhagen

Traveling to Copenhagen has never been simpler for North American visitors, thanks to a new flight by American Airlines from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). Launched in June 2024, this service marks the airline's return to the Nordics since its 2019 cessation of flights to Reykjavík, Iceland. The new route connects to over 85 destinations across North America and arrives in Copenhagen daily at 11 a.m., ideal for starting your adventure in the Danish capital.

Regardless of whether you fly into Copenhagen with American Airlines or any other U.S. or international airline, skip the car rental from the airport. The city boasts an excellent public transit system that can whisk you to the city center in just 20 minutes. Download the Copenhagen Card app for access to over 80 attractions and all public transport directly from your mobile device. Here are our top recommendations for what to do once you arrive.

1. Hire a boat or a (free) kayak

Enjoy a few hours on the water discovering Copenhagen’s picturesque and vibrant canals by renting a GoBoat for a self-steered adventure or a GreenKayak, which you can borrow for free if you dedicate your time to cleaning up the canals. (There’s no required minimum amount of trash; your effort is what counts.) For a more interactive experience along the water, consider booking a Hey Captain canal tour, where guests are encouraged to socialize and engage with fun conversation starters.

2. Savor a communal dinner paired with craft beer

An increasing number of venues in Copenhagen are fostering connections among visitors in a world increasingly dominated by technology. Experience communal dining at Absalon Church, where you’ll share a table and enjoy meals with strangers, collaborating to serve each other and clear the table afterward. This former church often hosts lively ping-pong matches after dinner. After making new friends at Absalon, head to Warpigs or Åben in the nearby Meatpacking District for a refreshing beer.

3. Explore the Carlsberg City District

You can easily spend several hours wandering through the Carlsberg City District, the former headquarters of the renowned brewery now being transformed into one of Copenhagen’s most thoughtfully designed neighborhoods, thanks to an ambitious urban development project that won the World’s Best Master Plan award in 2009. Start with a third-wave coffee at Coffee Collective Carlsberg Byen, then stroll through this stunning blend of historic and contemporary architecture, including the boutique Hotel Ottilia, set in an old beer storage facility. Enjoy sunset drinks on the rooftop terrace or relax in the lobby bar, which features a unique selection of gins and lagers. At the Home of Carlsberg museum, discover the intriguing history of the Jacobsen family, founders of the Carlsberg brewery, their equitable philosophy on the science of beer, and a notable family feud. Don’t miss grabbing a burger at Gasoline Grill or dining at Beyla for exquisite vegan and vegetarian options.

4. Enjoy a bike, architecture, or leisurely tour

Spend a morning or afternoon cycling around the city with Cycling Copenhagen, which offers excellent overview tours or deep dives into up-and-coming neighborhoods. For a culinary twist, try The Bicycle Chef. The Danish Architecture Centre also hosts architecture walking tours, including a must-see tour of the incredible urban development area Nordhavn—ideal for anyone interested in modern architecture, urban planning, and sustainability. Alternatively, you can book a themed city walk with Slow Tours Copenhagen, exploring topics like “Women in Copenhagen” or “Green Copenhagen,” which focuses on sustainability initiatives in Nordhavn. While in Nordhavn, don’t forget to take a dip at the Strandbad, a free public bathing area.

5. Discover exceptional art and design museums

Utilize your Copenhagen Card to catch a train to the seaside and spend your morning immersed in art and architecture at the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in Humlebæk, roughly an hour from Copenhagen. Once back in the city center, explore a diverse collection of Danish and European art at the National Gallery of Denmark, the largest art museum in the country, or visit the Design Museum of Denmark, which reopened in 2022 after a major renovation and now features a permanent exhibition on Danish Modern design. As an added perk, the museum shops are excellent spots to pick up some last-minute Danish souvenirs. For a unique experience, check out the Cisterns, an underground art venue housed in an old reservoir within a park.

6. Explore the trendy Refshaleøen neighborhood

Make sure to set aside time for Refshaleøen, a former industrial zone on the Copenhagen harbor that has transformed into a trendy neighborhood filled with some of the city’s best bakeries, restaurants, and art galleries. Enjoy lunch at Lille Bakery, then treat yourself to afternoon coffee and pastries at Hart Bageri. Discover modern art at Copenhagen Contemporary or hit the slopes at CopenHill, a power plant featuring a ski slope built from recycled steel, concrete, and aluminum. Wrap up your day at La Banchina, a seafood spot offering fresh oysters, fish sandwiches, and natural wines, where you can also warm up in saunas before and after taking a dip in the harbor. Another great dinner option is Øens Have, one of Scandinavia's largest urban farms, where meals are served in yurts.

7. Savor Copenhagen’s renowned culinary scene

The acclaimed Noma restaurant has put Copenhagen on the culinary map, but it’s one of three Michelin three-star restaurants in the city, along with Jordnær and Geranium. Reservations at these establishments often fill up months in advance. If you miss out on a table, fear not—there are many other places to experience the Nordic culinary movement. For instance, the one-Michelin-starred Alouette focuses its menu on local farms, and Aure, located next to Noma, earned a Michelin star just three months after opening. Don’t miss the innovative Alchemist, known as an “experience” rather than just a restaurant.

8. Visit one of the world’s oldest amusement parks

Tivoli Gardens in central Copenhagen is the second oldest amusement park globally and inspired Walt Disney’s Disneyland in Southern California. Whether you want to wander the beautiful grounds or enjoy some of the vintage rides, Tivoli offers a delightful and whimsical experience for all the senses.

9. Indulge in pastries and sweet treats

No visit to Copenhagen is complete without indulging in pastries. Rise early and join the queue at Juno the Bakery, founded by a former Noma chef, known for some of the finest cardamom rolls in the city. Other standout bakeries include Andersen & Maillard, which also serves as a coffee roastery and offers a range from classic croissants to unique pistachio and coffee cake “cubes,” as well as various breads. Københavns Bageri, an artisanal spot in the Carlsberg City District, often features cardamom rolls and croissants alongside kringles and cookies. Don’t forget to visit local candy shops to stock up on black licorice and gummy candies, many of which aren’t available in the U.S., making them perfect travel gifts for friends and family back home.

10. Take a day trip to Kronborg Castle

For those wishing to venture beyond the city limits, the Copenhagen Card grants access to public transport throughout the entire capital region. Use it for a day trip to Kronborg Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site famously known as the inspiration for Shakespeare’s Hamlet, located in Elsinore, about an hour's train ride north of Copenhagen.

Where to stay

For a centrally located luxury experience, consider Hotel D’Angleterre, the oldest hotel in the city, embodying true elegance with recently renovated suites and a Michelin-starred restaurant, Marchal—an indulgent choice for a multi-course fine dining experience featuring dishes like Danish roebuck filet and langoustine bisque. Alternatively, for a trendy and contemporary option, check out Hotel Bella Grande. This stylish new hotel, inspired by the quirky Wes Anderson aesthetic, is run by the team behind the popular Coco Hotel and offers a delightful Italian dining experience at Donna. For a tranquil and distinctive stay, book Kaj Hotel, which offers a cozy room on a houseboat floating in a small canal, just a short walk or bike ride (or quick bus trip) from the vibrant Refshaleøen neighborhood. The unit accommodates up to four guests and provides two kayaks, complimentary wine, as well as coffee and porridge for breakfast.