You’ve finally arrived in Copenhagen, and as you wander the streets and alleys of this charming city, you’ll quickly see why people fall head over heels for it. Colorful, picturesque houses line the harbor, blending seamlessly with sleek modern architecture in what feels like a design lover’s paradise. Cozy cafes, vibrant open green spaces, and cutting-edge art galleries all help to give Copenhagen its eclectic character. The people in Denmark live by “hygge”- that cozy contentment that comes from enjoying life’s simple pleasures – and this Copenhagen bucket list has heaps of that. When you bite into open-faced smørrebrød sandwiches and sample our creative craft brews, you’ll find countless ways to embrace hygge across this walkable city.
There’s no shortage of world-class museums, palaces, beaches, and hip neighborhoods to explore across Copenhagen. With so many possibilities, planning the perfect Copenhagen itinerary can feel pretty daunting. But take it from me – I’ve created this ultimate Copenhagen bucket list to inspire your adventures.
This guest post was written by Billy from BRB Gone Somewhere Epic
Disclaimer: This article may contain affiliate links. Without costing you anything extra, the small commission will help me produce more free content for you. For more information, please refer to my privacy policy.
Copenhagen’s Museums Reveal Denmark’s Captivating History
To dive deeper into Denmark’s vibrant cultural heritage, Copenhagen’s world-class museums hit the spot. Step into the intriguing history spanning from the Viking era to the modern day as you wander through their incredible collections and archives.
Be Wowed by Danish Artistic Genius at Louisiana Museum
Art lovers flock to Louisiana Museum, ranked not just as Denmark’s top art museum but one of Europe’s finest modern art collections. This world-class museum built right on Øresund Sound allows visitors to soak up stunning seascapes while admiring the works of Matisse, Giacometti, Henry Moore, and more modern masters.
Don’t miss Louisiana’s exceptional showcase of post-WW2 Scandinavian creativity – especially Denmark’s avant-garde CoBrA movement. Their sculpture garden dotted with abstract shapes and striking installations begs wandering while getting lost in artistic thought. Kids can explore their inner muse with hands-on art workshops using different materials and methods encouraged by the exhibits. Louisiana stays open late certain weeknights for jazz concerts, films, or talks that attract locals – the perfect culture fix while vacationing up north!
Step Back in Time at Open Air Museum’s Country Village
The wonderfully immersive Open Air Museum lets you meander through rural Danish history while visiting rescued historic homes from across the countryside. Friendly costumed interpreters demonstrate butter churning, blacksmithing, bricklaying, and other agricultural crafts to highlight traditions from the 1600s to 1900s.
Special events like harvest festivals, equestrian shows, or folk song gatherings bring the village vibrancy to life. From diminutive timber-framed homes to an impressive 16th-century manor house, each authentically restored structure provides glimpses into Denmark’s pastoral past. After exploring the charming Open Air Museum, you’ll have a deeper appreciation of Danish design and village living!
Relive the Epic Tales of Vikings at Denmark’s National Museum
History buffs find loads to love at Denmark’s National Museum, one of Scandinavia’s most extensive cultural history collections. Wander through thoughtfully curated exhibits spanning back to the Stone Age on through to modern times.
Especially fascinating are its ancient Viking artifacts like 3,000-year-old petroglyphs, gold jewelry, and weapons that fuel imaginations about the infamous Nordic warriors and explorers. After reliving Denmark’s epic history, you can pay respects to the country’s brightest minds like fairy tale icon Hans Christian Andersen at the peaceful cemetery on site.
Embrace the Hygge While Neighborhood Wandering in Copenhagen
If you’re spending at least 3 days in Copenhagen, I’m sure you want to experience the authentic and local side of the city. Get to know the real Copenhagen by wandering off the tourist track into the city’s postcard-perfect neighborhoods. Their vibrantly colored harborside houses, cozy candlelit cafés, and trendsetting boutiques reveal authentic local life and should be found on everyone’s Copenhagen bucket list.
Stroll Down Iconic Nyhavn
One of the most popular attractions in Copenhagen, the photogenic Nyhavn always stars in Copenhagen postcards with its canal lined by eye-catching facades in sherbet shades. After mandatory snapping beside the wooden ships docked in the harbor, cozy up waterside at one of the many quaint cafes for a delicious brew and bite into the popular Danish street food staple – a hot dog! If you’re visiting the city during Christmas season, you will be lucky to find here one of the best Christmas markets in Copenhagen.
Waterfront Hygge in Christianshavn
On the flip side of the canal, Christianshavn channels ultra-hygge charm down its cobblestone lanes with residents gathered laughing around candlelit tables. Make the climb up the wildly spiraling stairs of the Church of Our Savior’s tower for bird’s eye views rewarding your burning thighs!
Embrace Freedom in Freetown Christiania’s DIY Community
Only in Copenhagen can you stumble upon a self-governing hippie commune in the middle of the city! Freetown Christiania sits on abandoned military barracks transformed into a vibrant eco-village with DIY infrastructure.
You’re welcome to visit Christiania’s homes, art galleries, and music venues, and eat at their restaurants. Since 1971, Christiania has provided a freewheeling social experiment in sustainable living. Residents foster a liberating atmosphere focused on creativity unhindered by government interference. While taking photos is banned and there are controversies around its hash-dealing, most visitors keep an open mind to see how communal ideas manifest themselves.
Soak Up Nørrebro’s Multicultural Energy
Vibrant Nørrebro represents Copenhagen’s beautifully blended future with immigrants from over 170 countries calling this diverse neighborhood home. Strolling Nørrebro’s atmospheric streets lets you practice saying hej (hello) to new friends from every corner of the globe.
Grab a cheeky kebab between browsing Middle Eastern grocery stores stacked to the ceilings with intriguing ingredients or nab vintage Danish furniture at elbow-to-elbow flea markets. Peeking down color-popping side streets reveals local life in action – from steamy Ramadan iftars to summer park hangouts that welcome newcomers. Nørrebro’s awesome arts scene and alternative cafes churning out stellar coffee make it easy to lose whole days soaking up good vibes in this cultural melting pot.
Indulge in Iconic Danish Cuisine
From open-faced smørrebrød sandwiches to buttery pastries, Danish cuisine dazzles. Tantalize your taste buds by sampling authentic local dishes during your Copenhagen travels. The classic snacks and meals on this Copenhagen bucket list promise drool-worthy flavors!
Crunch Down on Rød Pølse Hot Dogs
No Copenhagen bucket list is complete without tasting Denmark’s beloved red hot dogs steaming from street carts around the city. Pop open your paper sleeve to find the garlicky wiener topped with crispy fried onions, sweet remoulade, pungent mustard, and cucumber pickles.
Enjoy Open-Faced Sandwiches of Smørrebrød
Perfect the art of a perfectly balanced smørrebrød open-faced sandwich with your choice of topped bread. Standard toppings range from thin slices of meat, fish, cheese, or cooked veggies, while adventurous foodies can sample leverpostej (pâté), pickled herring, or curried chicken salad.
Indulge in a Sweet Pastry from a Bakery
From cinnamon rolls to fruit tarts, flaky Danish pastries tempt from every corner bakery. Try the vanilla custard-filled cream puffs called flødeboller which are a quintessential Danish treat. You may spot sticky sweet klejner fritters dusted in powdered sugar around Christmas time too.
Escape to Copenhagen’s Beaches & Green Spaces
Between ticking attractions off your Copenhagen bucket list, pencil in plenty of time outdoors exploring lush gardens, sandy beaches, and vibrant greenways just minutes from the city center.
Beach Hop Along the Waterfront
Copenhagen boasts over 10 miles of harbor swimming areas and stunning beaches, some even downtown! Dig your toes into the sand at family-friendly Amager Strand with shallow swim areas and beach volleyball. For a tranquil escape, head further north to Bellevue Beach tucked beneath the Bellevue Terrace gardens.
Did you know that the harbors and waterfronts in Copenhagen are clean to swim in? This is a true testament to Denmark’s sustainable culture. You can read more interesting facts about Denmark here.
See Fairytale Towers Rise Over Kastellet Park
Beautifully preserved 17th-century fortifications give Kastellet Park its fairytale ambiance next to the harbor. The moats, turrets, and winding cobblestone lanes make it seem straight from a storybook. Locals and tourists alike love escaping into Kastellet’s green spaces surrounded by iconic Danish architecture.
Kids are enthused about tiptoeing through the low tunnels and exploring nooks hiding twisted trees and lush bushes within the grassy grounds. Historical reenactments and summer jazz concerts keep culture alive at Kastellet. Pack a picnic to dine alfresco under the shade of the old military barracks now converted into modern offices.
Wander through the Royal Botanical Gardens
The sprawling University of Copenhagen Botanical Garden offers 200 acres of blissful nature in the center of the city to relax. Seasonal tulips and roses explode with vibrant colors in the springtime. Exotic Arctic species flourish in climate-controlled greenhouses year-round. Plop down on the grass with a good book when you need respite from the city.
Marvel at Superkilen Park’s Quirky Design
Designed by artists, Superkilen Park playfully celebrates Nørrebro’s diversity across three city blocks. Notice anything looks familiar? The park’s benches, drinking fountains, trees, and lighting come from over 50 countries around the world. Kids love to climb on the funky monkey bar installations too! Picnic under cherry trees from Japan before testing out the neon rocket slide from Russia. Superkilen gives you a taste of global cultures without even needing a passport.
Pedal with the Locals on Copenhagen’s Bike Paths
Copenhageners proudly claim the title of the world’s best bicycling city – and rightfully so with more bikes than people! Pedal like a local across the city center’s extensive network of cycle tracks and winding harbor trails to get your blood pumping.
Coast along The Lakes trail for a scenic workout passing emerald parks and glassy blue waters. Or push yourself uphill through enchanting Deer Gardens, one of my favorite hidden green spaces. Pack a picnic blanket and refreshments to reward yourself with an al fresco lunch after all that exercise. Finding a grassy meadow or sandy beach for a rewarding break never takes long when biking in Copenhagen.
Click here to choose your bike tour around the city!
Do you still have energy left? Copenhagen Nightlife Beckons!
As Copenhagen’s cool grungy-chic vibe shifts after dark, the city invites visitors to stay out late enjoying world-class nightlife. Trendy cocktail bars mix up innovative drink concoctions as DJs spin beats at underground clubs. Here’s where to grab a drink and dance the night away.
Mingle with Locals over Craft Beers
Denmark continuously ranks as one of the globe’s top beer-loving nations. Quench your thirst by sampling unique brews created at over a dozen microbreweries now found across Copenhagen. Many trendy bars like Mikkeller tap microbrews straight from the tanks at onsite breweries.
Pro tip: keep an eye out for specialty stouts and India pale ales only available on location. Skål!
Heat Things Up at Copenhagen’s Top Clubs
When you’re ready to dance as dawn approaches, Copenhagen serves up sparkling nightclubs pumping out enticing beats across multiple floors well into sunrise. Check event schedules at venues like Culture Box and Bakken for the hottest electronic music DJs passing through the city.
If Techno tunes aren’t your groove, keep the party going at TopGunn rocking everything from new wave 1980s hits to current chart toppers. You’ll have plenty of space to bust a move with its five distinct music rooms each having a unique vibe.
Savor Slow Mornings Over Breakfast
Before the night owls knock off to bed as the sun rises over Copenhagen, early birds can reward themselves with a hearty Danish breakfast. Sit down to the quintessential local morning meal of sliced bread, cold cuts, cheeses, jams, and freshly brewed coffee.
At cozy cafés like Lagkagehuset bakery, fuel up with a kanelsnegl (cinnamon swirl) Danish pastry and strong cappuccino or espresso. Their creamy skyr yogurt garnished with homemade granola and fruit makes for a lighter but no less decadent start to your day.
For only 75 DKK, snag an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet at Bertels’s Brasserie. Return as often as you like to sample scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, mushrooms sautéed in butter, assorted yogurts, and their irresistible chocolate fountain gushing out melted goodness!
Final Thoughts on the Copenhagen Bucket List
From world-class museums and postcard-worthy castles to cutting-edge cuisine and quintessential hygge, Copenhagen captivates. By following this ultimate Copenhagen bucket list covering top attractions alongside these insider local travel tips, you’re guaranteed to plan an exceptional Danish getaway filled with wow moments!
Hej hej, safe travels, and enjoy making wonderful memories in Denmark’s charming capital city. Don’t forget to save this post for your next city trip!
Discover more from happy when abroad
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
