Copenhagen in Pictures: A Visual Guide to Denmark’s Coolest City

Welcome to Copenhagen – the capital of Denmark – a city with a population of 660,000 people and 675,000 bicycles! Yes, more bicycles than people. And with just 120,000 cars, Copenhagen is one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the world. People commute to work, exercise or travel throughout the city by bike, even at sub-zero temperatures and in the rain – the typical weather for a late December.

“Copenhagen is a pretty city equipped with palaces, museums, theaters, orchestras, an excellent ballet company, superb furriers and silversmiths, a handsome Renaissance waterfront, a network of canals, and the house where Hans Christian Andersen once lived.” – Phoebe Lou Adams (1965)

Despite the dark weather and the days being short (7 hours of daylight – with sunrise at 8:30 AM and sunset at 3:30 PM), Sasi and I enjoyed the trip to Copenhagen very much (except for the part of being one of the most expensive cities in Europe).

We stayed at the excellent Copenhagen Strand Hotel, close to the vibrant Nyhavn district and walking distance to all the major attractions. Plus having a fabulous breakfast included, helped to keep the costs down. A nice and warm touch was the offer of a rum based cocktail at the arrival.

Copenhagen Attractions

There are a lot to see and do in Copenhagen. Here are the main attractions.

Nyhavn

This iconic 17th-century waterfront district is lined with colorful buildings, restaurants, and bars. Take a canal tour, enjoy a meal by the water, or simply stroll along the picturesque harbor.

Christiansborg Palace

Visit the seat of the Danish Parliament, Prime Minister’s Office, and Supreme Court. View the royal reception rooms and enjoy views of Copenhagen from the tower.

Rosenborg Castle

Immerse yourself in the history of Denmark’s royalty by visiting this Renaissance castle. The castle houses the Crown Jewels and various historical artifacts.

The Crown Jewels

The Round Tower (Rundetårn)

Climb the historic Round Tower for panoramic views of Copenhagen. Built as an astronomical observatory in the 17th century, the tower offers stunning views of the city skyline and is a favorite spot for visitors and locals alike.

Strøget

This pedestrian shopping street is one of Europe’s longest and offers a mix of high-end boutiques, international brands, and Danish design shops.

Aerial view of Copenhagen with the Strøget pedestrian shopping street on the left. View from the top of The Round Tower.

Copenhagen Opera House

Admire the modern architecture of the Opera House, situated on the waterfront. Attend a performance or take a guided tour to appreciate the stunning interior.

Freetown Christiania

Venture into Freetown Christiania, a self-proclaimed autonomous neighborhood known for its alternative lifestyle, colorful murals, and eclectic atmosphere. Explore the unique community, art galleries, cafes, and street markets.

Tivoli Gardens

One of the world’s oldest amusement parks, Tivoli Gardens offers a magical experience with its rides, live performances, beautiful gardens, and a lively atmosphere.

The Little Mermaid

Visit the famous statue of Hans Christian Andersen’s Little Mermaid at Langelinie. It’s an iconic symbol of Copenhagen and a popular spot for tourists.

Danish Cuisine

Sample traditional Danish dishes like smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches), frikadeller (Danish meatballs), and æbleskiver (round pancakes). Visit food markets like Torvehallerne or try local delicacies at street food stalls for an authentic culinary experience.

The smørrebrød can be quite expensive with a price up to $22 USD per piece.

Smørrebrød

Street food is more budget friendly and quite tasty.

Danish Beer

With a beer-making tradition dating back thousands of years, Denmark has plenty to offer beer lovers. The variety is impressive, with prices reaching USD 10 or more for a 500 ml can. But it’s not just the beer that catches your attention – some of the names are just as memorable!

Names like Coitus Infinitus, We Are Afraid of Americans, Lust, Mango Mussolini (featuring an image of Donald Trump) and Malignant Narcissist (another nod to the same guy) would probably never make it past Canadian beer-name censorship!

Copyright Fanø Bryghus (Mango Mussolini) and Flying Coach (Coitus Infinitus)

What We Like

• The bicycle culture
• The Danish design and architecture
• The canals of Copenhagen
• The cobblestone sidewalks
• The variety of breads, chesses and beers
• The dedicated places for ice swimming
• The flower bouquets vending machines at the airport
• Gløgg – the Danish mulled wine for Christmas

Copenhagen Map

Related

• The Official Guide to Copenhagen
• The best neighborhoods to visit in Copenhagen (Lonely Planet)
• More stories from Europe