Copenhagen Edit: Art, Culture & Coastal Escapes

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Advisor - Genevieve Marie
Curated By

Genevieve Marie

  • Arts & Culture

  • Food & Wine

  • City Travel

  • Copenhagen

  • Sightseeing

  • Local Culture

Advisor - Copenhagen Edit: Art, Culture & Coastal Escapes
Curator’s statement

This Copenhagen guide is your path through the city’s creative soul, plus a few easy side trips that make the whole magical experience even more unforgettable. Copenhagen is a city where fairy tales and modern design come together, with history flowing through its canals and creativity popping up on its cobblestone street. You'll find yourself drifting past spires on a canal tour, wandering into hidden gems tucked in quiet neighborhoods, and satisfying that foodie urge with incredible Nordic cuisine, flaky pastries, and sweets that locals take seriously.

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Things to do in Copenhagen

Rosenborg Palace

  1. Christiansborg Tower is the highest viewpoint in the city, offering panoramic views of Copenhagen. It’s free and accessible by elevator. After marveling at the views, visit the Christiansborg Royal Stables, where you’ll find majestic horses, traditional carriages, and ornate saddle rooms.

  2. A canal tour is a must! You’ll glide past architectural gems and historic neighborhoods like Det Kongelige Teater - Operaen (the Copenhagen Opera House), Christianshavn, and Nyhavn. The one-hour tour brings Copenhagen’s maritime charm to life and offers a relaxing perspective from the water.

  3. National Museum of Denmark covers 14,000 years of Danish and world history, with captivating exhibits ranging from the Vikings to 20th-century design to doll houses. Its immersive displays bring Danish identity and innovation to life through storytelling and artifacts.

  4. Nyhavn’s colorful waterfront houses, docked boats, and vibrant café scene make it a postcard come to life. Once home to Hans Christian Andersen, it’s the quintessential Copenhagen experience that blends charm and history.

  5. Langelinie Park is a waterside escape that merges art, history, and natural beauty. Here you’ll see:

    • The Little Mermaid: The iconic sculpture inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairytale

    • Gefion Fountain: A dramatic neoclassical fountain that depicts the Norse goddess Gefion

    • Kastellet (Bridge and Windmill): A fortress with ramparts and a classic windmill

  6. Designmuseum Danmark is housed in a former royal hospital and showcases the best of Danish design, from chairs (there’s a dedicated exhibit) and ceramics to fashion and poster art. It’s a must for fans of Scandinavian design.

  7. Changing of the guard at Amalienborg Palace: This daily tradition at noon blends military precision with royal pomp. Watch the guards march through the square in full regalia.

  8. Rosenborg Palace is a 17th-century Renaissance castle built by King Christian IV, tucked inside Copenhagen’s scenic King’s Garden. You’ll find lavish rooms, royal regalia, and Denmark’s crown jewels. With its turrets, moats, and manicured grounds, it feels like stepping into a fairy tale that is rich in history and royal splendor.

  9. Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek Museum was founded by the Carlsberg brewing family and showcases a mix of sculptures and French Impressionist art. The lush indoor garden atrium is gorgeous and as much of a highlight as the masterpieces on display.

  10. Tivoli Gardens is one of the world’s oldest amusement parks with fun rides, live entertainment, art installations, and beautiful gardens. The decor changes seasonally for summer, Halloween, Christmas, and Easter. If you can, go on a Friday or Saturday night to enjoy the fireworks!

Places to eat & drink in Copenhagen

The Union Kitchen

  1. DØP - The Organic Sausage Man is a street food classic, serving traditional Danish hot dogs made with organic ingredients. My favorite was the ristet hot dog (roasted hot dog) with mustard, ketchup, remoulade, fried onions, fresh onions, and pickles.

  2. The Union Kitchen is a charming restaurant near Nyhavn that serves a great brunch and becomes a wine bar in the evening with delicious, globally inspired small plates to share, such as ​​their variety of signature meatballs.

  3. Juno the Bakery serves incredible cardamom buns, pastries, tarts, cookies, and bread. Get there early to avoid the long lines and to snag your sweets before they sell out.

  4. TorvehallerneKBH food hall is a sensory feast, offering everything from fresh seafood to artisan cheeses to smørrebrød and local wines. It’s close to Rosenborg Palace and Gardens, so it's a perfect place to get your picnic before enjoying it at Rosenborg.

  5. Restaurant Karla is a warm and cozy spot that serves hearty and flavorful traditional Danish home-cooking, such as roast pork, salmon, herring, and indulgent mashed potatoes.

Need to know

Copenhagen’s public transportation is so easy to navigate, not only within the city but also for day trips. Here are some easy side trips you can take from Copenhagen, just a train ride away!

  1. Helsingør (Elsinore) is a charming coastal town 45 minutes away. See striking public art installations throughout the city in the forms of street art murals, sculptures, and statues. Check out the serene Carmelite priory and head to Kronborg Castle, also known as Hamlet’s Castle, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with Renaissance architecture, royal chambers, and underground passages. By the harbour, you’ll find the sleek Maritime Museum of Denmark, designed by Bjarke Ingels.

  2. Louisiana Museum of Modern Art is about 35 minutes north of the city and one of the world’s leading contemporary art museums. Its stunning seaside setting, outdoor sculpture garden, and world-class exhibitions make it a perfect day trip for art lovers. Be sure to have lunch at its sustainable restaurant, the Louisiana Cafe, which overlooks the Sound and Alexander Calder’s sculptures in its incredible garden.

  3. The Viking town of Roskilde is a 30-minute train ride away. The Viking Ship Museum offers a hands-on experience with reconstructed longships and maritime workshops, and the Roskilde Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, contains the tombs of Danish royalty.

  4. Malmö, Sweden, is only a 40-minute train across the Øresund Bridge. Sweden’s third-largest city is filled with striking modern architecture like the Turning Torso and public parks and cafes that are perfect for fika.

Advisor - Genevieve Marie

Travel Advisor

Genevieve Marie

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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Copenhagen page.