Copenhagen Attractions - Top Ten Attractions in Copenhagen

Below you have a list of our favorite attractions and things to do in Copenhagen. 

1. The little mermaid (Den Lille havfrue)
This small statue has become a Copenhagen icon and a major tourist attraction. Unveiled in 1913 it was a gift from Carl Jacobsen, the son of the founder of Carlsberg. Carl was a great admirer of the ballet about the fairy tale of The Little Mermaid by the great Danish writer, Hans Christian Andersen.

The Little Mermaid is located by Copenhagen harbor at Langelinie

Please note that the little mermaid will be removed in April 2010 and will not return until October 2010. During that time the statue will take part in The Exposition in Shanghai. The intention is to use the statue to promote Copenhagen and Denmark.
2. The Round Tower (Rundetaarn)
Completed in 1642 the round tower has served as an astronomical observatory, part of a university library and a student church. Today, it very popular with Copenhagen visitors to experience the great panoramic view from the top platform. The tower is located in the center of the city, only a few mintue walk from Ströget shopping street.



3. Changing of the guards at Amalienborg Palace
Amalienborg Palace is the winter home of the Danish Royal family, located in a walking distance from the downtown area. Every day at noon, the changing of the guards takes place with new guards coming from Rosenborg castle. This routine has become quite popular with visitors, but besides the actual changing of the guards, the Amalienborg Palace is a great building that is fun to visit.


4. Parks
Copenhagen has several parks within the city limits that serve as a safe haven for local seeking relaxation from the city life. These wonderful parks have wide open space where people can take a walk or simply rig up a barbeque and take time off with friends and family in good weather. One of the most popular is Kongens Have (also known as Rosenborg Castle Gardens).
5. Royal buildings
Within Kongens Have is Rosenborg Castle. This former summerhouse of the royal family is now open for visitor tours with artifacts from 16th to the 19th century. Every year the castle attracts more than 200.000 visitors.
6. Beaches
You might not think of Copenhagen as a destination with beaches. Think again. Copenhagen has several beach parks open to the public and have been built up ambitiously over the last few years. Among them is Amager Strand Park, located only 10 minutes from the city center via train/car. This 2 kilometer long beach is very popular with locals in good weather with valley ball, wind surfing and many other activities available. The sea is not as warm as in southern Europe but perfect to cool down after lying in the sun.

7. Strøget shopping street
In daily talk this collection of shopping streets is called Strøget. Reaching from Råhuspladsen and all the way down to Kongens Nytorv it is the longest pedestrian shopping street in Europe. Strøget and near lying streets are filled with shops of all sorts, from memorabilia stores to high-end fashion stores mixed with the charming architecture, street artists and hot dog stands.
8. Museums
Copenhagen has a variety of museums displaying everything from modern art to artifacts. Among the most popular is the national museum of Denmark, located only a few minutes from RÃ¥huspladsen square. Admission to the museum is free and inside you will experience more than 14.000 years of Danish history from the Ice Age to current era. Guided tours are also available.

For more information on museums in Copenhagen check out our Culture section.
9. Nyhavn (New Harbor)
Often the symbol of Copenhagen, Nyhavn is a place like no other. This beautiful area by the harbor has a selection of traditional Danish restaurants and cafes. The outdoor seating is usually mostly occupied by people enjoying the atmosphere, leaving the restaurants them self mostly empty inside. During winter time there are gas heaters and blankets available. More often than not the area is packed with locals and tourists alike enjoying the vibe and sometimes free entertainment provided by street artists.
10. The Opera house Map
Donated to the Danish state by A.P. Møller and Chastine Mc-Kinney Møller Foundation in 2000 The Copenhagen Opera house opened its doors in 2005 positioning itself as one of the world’s most modern opera houses. A great deal of work went into the design and architecture of the house and a visit to the Opera is truly an experience for people interested in architecture. Guided tours are available as well as tickets to events at the Opera.