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Our guide to the most Instagram-worthy places in Copenhagen

Photo: Visit Copenhagen

Rich in history, culture and effortless edge, the Danish capital is a picture perfect urban haven

With scenic surroundings at every turn, the conscious city boasts attractions that have earned it a spot at the top of any tourists’ travel list, pushing aside age-old rivals like Berlin and Amsterdam as Europe’s ‘it’ city. What it lacks in size, it makes up for in character with beautiful architecture (both historic and modern), charming cobbled streets, and miles of green space and harbour fronts, paired with world-class museums and botanical gardens, inspiring the masses. Among its well-dressed locals and cyclists, you’ll also find all the interior design goals you can fit on a moodboard, courtesy of the city’s stellar culinary scene and an abundance of indie bars and boutiques to indulge in.

Copenhagen is a city for both the curious, which will elevate even the dullest of Instagram girds in no time. To put it simply, Copenhagen is an influencer’s playground. So whether you’re on the lookout for content spots or simply want to explore the best of the city, these are the places to be:

Photo: Getty

Did you even go to Copenhagen if you didn’t tag a picture at Nyhavn? The 17th century canal is the city’s most recognisable spot placed right at the heart of the entertainment district, where you’ll find bustling outdoor bars and restaurants overlooking little boats on the waterfront and pretty pastel-coloured houses - one of which was once home to Hans Christian Anderson when he wrote some of his finest material including The Princess and the Pea and The Tinderbox . No wonder it has a fairytale feel.

Photo: Martin Heiberg, Visit Denmark

‘Koedbyen’ is the city’s exciting meatpacking district located in the hipster hub, Vesterbro. What was once a gritty industrial site has become the most fashionable area in Copenhagen, known for its thrilling nightlife, galleries and bars - all of which make for excellent photo backdrops, be it day or night.

Louisiana Museum of Modern Art

It may be on the outskirts of the city but the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art is to Copenhagen what the MoMa is to Manhattan. The cultural hub hosts everything from visual art workshops to live music shows, as well as housing permanent collections and seasonal exhibitions at its beautifully designed museum building. It has an interesting history, originally founded in 1958 by Knud W, Jensen as a shrine to danish modernists. He named it after his three wives, who were all named Louise. Today, the museum is a hit among diverse art communities with endless picture opportunities both inside and the outside of its coastal location, where you might even spot Sweden on the other side if you squint hard enough.

Picking our favourite thing about Copenhagen is an impossible task but the charming little streets of ‘indre by’ are up there. Magstraede is one of the oldest streets in the city’s Old Town, with its tight cobbled path and historic architecture attracting many in for a cosy stroll. The alluring street has also become a popular picture location, not only because of its authentic beauty but as it’s tucked away on a backstreet, amature photoshoots can commence uninterrupted.

Tivoli Gardens

Photo: Daniel Rasmussen, Visit Denmark

One of Copenhagen’s biggest attractions, the famous Tivoli Gardens is an amusement park like no other. It’s where exhilarating adrenaline meets serene botanical bliss, and has attracted tourists, including the likes of Walt Disney, since the 19th century. Visit at night to see it covered in twinkling fairy lights or on a sunny day to witness a floral haven. Either way, you’ll walk out with a full camera roll storage on your iphone.

Ravage Copenhagen

Copenhagen doesn’t lack in its culinary department as the city is home to some of the best michelin star restaurants in the Nordics. However, some are more Instagrammable than others and Ravage Copenhagen belongs to that group. An influencer favourite, a picture at the French-inspired restaurant will have the likes rolling in, not least for the impressive food art but its chic interior and electric atmosphere. Make sure you opt for outdoor seating for picturesque backdrops.

Amalienborg Palace and Frederik’s Church

Home to the Danish royal family, it’s only fitting that Amalienborg Palace Square is one of the capital’s most ravishing landmarks. Once known as the highest-ranking building among Danish aristocrats, the square is built beautifully and is located just 200 meters from Frederik’s church, an equally breathtaking building that compliments the palace brilliantly. A couple of pictures here and Instagram will be thanking you.

Torvehallerne

It’s a well known fact that markets are among the most charming locations for the ultimate Instagram picture, and Torvehallerne does not disappoint. Placed right in the centre of the city, the world is your oyster in the buzzing food hall that houses everything from fresh local produce and gourmet dishes to gorgeous flower stalls and traditional Danish baked goods. Featuring a giant tent-like design, a walk through Torvehallerne radiates ‘hygge’ but most importantly, it deserves a dedicated spot on your Instagram feed.

Best Instagram Spots in Copenhagen: 17 Photo Locations You Can’t Miss

Copenhagen is one of the prettiest and most picturesque cities I have ever visited. The architecture is amazing literally everywhere and there is so much culture (you can enjoy numerous museums, churches…), botanical gardens and truly unique places (Tivoli Gardens, Superkilen…). The unique vibe of this city will make you want to take hundreds of pictures! If you are spending a few days in the city, you can check out my Ultimate 3-day Travel Guide to Copenhagen .

To stay focused and to get your Copenhagen adventure started, I will give you my top for the best photography locations that I found during my visit. Let’s get started!

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This is THE most famous area in Copenhagen. You must have seen it so many times on your feed. Nyhavn is a gorgeous waterfront with a rich historical background.  It used to be a gateway from the sea to the old inner city where most of the trade was made (and where apparently all the fun used to happen – wink wink- ). The backdrop of colorful houses that surround the canal is picture-perfect!

2 • Rosenborg Castl e

While strolling through the oldest and most visited park in central Copenhagen, Kongens Have (literally The King’s Garden), you will come across the wonderful Rosenborg Castle . Symbol of Dutch Renaissance style, this castle is open to the public for tours and houses a museum exhibiting the Danish Crown Jewels among other Royal Collections.

3 • Christianshavn’s waterfront

Christianshavn is a less crowded and more chill Nyhavn. You can take wonderful pictures of the picturesque buildings along the river. As a bonus, Munchies who is Copenhagen’s famous bubble waffle maker is located in the area. Instagram perfect? I think so!

4 • Church of our Saviour

The Church of our Saviour is located in Christianshavn. It is a fantastic Instagrammable baroque building due to its helix spire and external winding staircase that can be climbed to the top, allowing you to overlook the city in all directions. The views from the Church of our Saviour are some of the best in the city!

5 • Botanical Garden

The Botanical Garden is a must-see if visiting Copenhagen. It is a gorgeous garden covering an area of 10 hectares. The most notable and picture-worthy place is the Old Palm House dating from 1874 that is 16 meters tall and has white and rusty spiral stairs. The garden is free to visit but not the Palm House which costs 60 DKK for adults or 40 DKK for students.

6 • Tivoli Gardens

Tivoli is an amusement park that opened in 1843. It is the second-oldest operating amusement park in the world! This theme park is located in central Copenhagen and you can find a lot of restaurants, rides and even an aquarium. Fun fact: Walt Disney himself paid several visits to Tivoli and was so fascinated by the place that he was inspired by it for his own amusement park.

7 • Frederik’s Church & Amalienborg

Amalienborg is the residence of the Danish Royal Family. It comprises a palace surrounding the main square. At the end of the palace, you can find Frederik’s Church, also called Marble Church which is characterized by a gorgeous copper green dome. This place makes for a fantastic spot for Instagram and photography.

8 • Superkilen

This public park located in the Nørrebro district of Copenhagen is a rare and interesting mix of architecture, urban landscape, and art. It is filled with benches, swings and showcases worldwide diversity (you can find an outdoor Thai boxing ring, exercise gear from Santa Monica beach or even swing benches from Baghdad.) Super Instagrammable!

9 • Nyboder houses & Krusemyntegade

Nyboder is a historic district of old yellow/orange houses built in 1631 by Christian IV to accommodate his Danish Navy personnel and their families. Once you are in the area, you should walk by Krusemyntegade which is a super cute, colorful and Instagrammable street. During Spring and Summer, you can find climbing roses on the walls of some of the houses in Krusemyntegade.

10 • Magstræde Street

Magstræde Street is one of the oldest streets in the Old Town of Copenhagen. This charming intricate and colorful street is among the few in the city which still feature their original cobbling. This is one of the most photogenic areas in the city!

11 • The Wave at Ofelia Plads

This triangle sculpture located at Ofelia Plads is an interactive light and sound installation. It reacts to the movement of the crowd through its forty glowing triangles to create a truly unique and cool experience. Day or night, you will get amazing geometric shots! This installation is only displayed during the annual Copenhagen Light Festival that happens every year in February. You can look up the dates in advance to make sure you don’t miss it!

12 • Landemærket Street

Here is another row of old, colorful houses in central Copenhagen. It is located right next to the King’s Garden and the Cinemateket. In the late 16th century, this street marked the border between the urban area and the last undeveloped sections within Copenhagen’s embankments . Truly Instagrammable no matter where you take the picture!

13 • Kastellet

Kastellet is one of Europe’s best-preserved city fortresses. Built by Christian IV of Denmark, it now belongs to the Danish Ministry of Defense. On its premises, you can find a beautifully preserved windmill. Built in 1847, it replaced another mill from 1718 that was destroyed in a storm.

14 • Glyptotek

The Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek is an art museum built around the personal collection of Carl Jacobsen , the son of the founder of the Carlsberg Breweries. It nows comprises more than 10,000 works of art. In between the museum wings, you can find the Winter Garden . With its mosaic floors, palm trees, and copper dome, it is a perfect Instagram location.

15 • The Little Mermaid

The Little Mermaid is the most photographed statue in Denmark with more than 4 million snaps taken every year. As you can probably guess, it is incredibly touristy. If you want to take photos in peace, you should get there early morning.

16 • Christiansborg Palace

Located on the islet of Slotsholmen, the Christiansborg Palace used to be the Royal family’s home until the fire of 1974, after which they moved to Amalienborg Palace. Now, Christiansborg Palace serves as an official government building for the Danish Parliament, the Danish Prime Minister’s Office, and the Supreme Court of Denmark. The Palace, therefore, hosts all three supreme powers: the executive, legislative, and judicial powers. Don’t forget to visit the tower of the Palace !

17 • Bertel Thorvaldsens Plads

Bertel Thorvaldsens Plads is a public square located in front of Thorvaldsens Museum on Slotsholmen . Paved with large cobblestones and a reflecting pool, this square is an incredible spot for photography. The pool’s geometrical pattern makes for stunning and unique photos.

Have you been to Copenhagen? What are the most Instagrammable places in the city for you? Let me know in the comments below!

This article uses affiliate links. As a GetYourGuide and Amazon Associate, if you buy something through one of those links, I’ll get a small commission at no extra cost to you which helps me keep this little blog afloat. Thank you for your support!

Prepare your trip to Copenhagen! Check out the best guides here:

You may also enjoy:, top 10 most instagrammable places in prague, how to start your own travel blog (…, all the hidden gems in prague according …, 10 best things to do in malmö, sweden.

I really like Copenhagen it is one of my faves cities in Europe. Great article!

I loved COpenhagen too! Such a great city! Thanks for your comment Tiffany!

excellent points altogether, you just gained a new reader!

Thanks a lot, that is very kind 🙂

Palm house hasn’t been free for ages 🙁

Hi Rose, thank you for your comment. When I was there a year and a half ago I actually didn’t pay anything for the Old Palm House. I just looked it up and the Palm House is now not free anymore but the garden still is so I updated the article with the Palm House prices :).

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The Instagram Guide to Copenhagen

Expect to eat well, bike a lot, and see some stunning sights in Denmark's capital.

Maybe you’ve done the grand London – Paris – Rome travel loop. Great! For travelers interested in branching out from the well-trod travel path that many Americans take, may we suggest Copenhagen ? Located a short plane ride away from London, Berlin, or Paris, it’s the perfect add-on to any British or central Europe explorations. And once you’ve made it into the city limits, travel only gets easier. As one of the best biking cities in the world (no joke—it’s estimated that locals bike a collective 900,000 miles every day), you can safely get anywhere on two wheels. That is, if you’re not in the mood to use their abundant, and shockingly clean, public transit.

Since the city is home to Noma , aka the world’s most famous restaurant, the culinary scene has been forever elevated by the institute’s alumni. Translation: expect to eat well, even if the dollar to Danish Krone exchange rate means you’ll be paying more for the honor. High-end burgers , pastries , and twists on traditional Nordic cuisine —you may be able to make the foodie in your life weep with a single weekend trip. 

It’s also a city for dreamers, and not just because in 1971 an artist collective said no to taxes and yes to self-government, creating Freetown Christiania , an “independent” nation that’s still standing today. From Walt Disney getting big ideas from the local theme park (and borrowing other big story ideas from Danish dreamer Hans Christian Andersen), to bands like The Raveonettes, Mew, and MØ, chances are you already know and appreciate a few of the city’s creative representatives. And if you don’t, why not get acquainted via nearby festivals like Roskilde , Tinderbox , and Smukfest ?

Curious? Cool, read on. Here’s are just a few of the reasons to consider making Copenhagen your next international vacation spot.

Get an Eagle-Eye View 

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Wanna get above it all—or just see how cute Copenhagen’s buildings look from the air? You’ve got plenty of viewing options, including The Round Tower , Maersk Tower , and (for those who prefer their views with a drink), TRIO Restaurant and Bar . But the bragging rights go to Church of Our Saviour . Climbing up the spire’s 400 steps will give you a stunning 295 feet above ground view. Just be warned—when you hit the first outdoors viewing platform you’re only two-thirds of the way through your Stairmaster-worthy workout. The last 150 steps lead up a twisted narrow walkway before deadening at the top of a spire. (Seriously, it’s a tight squeeze.) So, while the viewing platform delivers one of the most stunning views of the city, this isn’t a climb for the acrophobia-challenged.

Say Hi to a Local Celebrity 

Created and installed in 1913, The Little Mermaid statue, located on the extremely walkable Langelinie promenade, has become the national symbol of Denmark. She’s also the most photographed sculpture in the world and has even inspired a deconstructed version . Because she’s such a high-profile resident, the bronze statue has also been targeted for vandalism, more than once, and has even lost her head. For additional fairytale monuments, be sure to visit Little Mermaid author Hans Christian Andersen, whose bronze tribute statue sits outside of Tivoli. 

Do Your Best Walt Disney Impression 

Speaking of Tivoli , it’s worth visiting the world’s second-oldest theme park, located just outside of the central station. (Fun fact: The world’s oldest theme park is also located in Denmark.) The 20-acre garden, theme park, and food complex was a direct influence on the creation of Disneyland. While the rides are fun (which include a looped roller coaster for the daredevils and a tribute to Hans Christian Andersen for the history buffs), the real draw is the ambience. Catch a show at the world’s only working pantomime theater, an elaborate cake at the Cakenhagen salon, or just wait in the garden for the nightly fireworks display. 

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Indulge Your Inner Bookworm 

Okay maybe a library isn’t your first stop on vacation—but hear me out, Copenhagen’s Royal Library lives up to its “Black Diamond” nickname. Stop by the shiny black, treasure chest-shaped building to appreciate the extremely modern architecture (which looks super cool from the top floor for the airy eight-story atrium!), or peep some extremely rare books, which thanks to the country’s egalitarian sprit, are always on display. And if your needs are more utilitarian, don’t worry, they’ve got free bathrooms and—because Scandinavia—an outstanding coffee shop. 

Take to the Water 

You can’t visit Copenhagen without noticing that the whole city sits on the water. Start your explorations at Nyhavn (literally translated “New Harbor”) whose adorably colorful buildings grace pretty much every Copenhagen postcard and souvenir in existence. But to see the real city (a.k.a., the non-touristy bits) you’ll have to get further out. Book a boat tour for an overview of the city (seriously just pick one—it’s a saturated market, pun slightly intended.) Get your steps in by walking through waterfront neighborhoods like Christianshavn, Amager, and Nordhaven. Ready to take the plunge? (Yes it’s clean!) Go ahead and jump in at the four approved harbor swimming areas, Islands Brygge, Kalvebod Brygge, Sluseholmen, and Fisketorvet. 

 Taste the Flavors of the City 

A post shared by REFFEN by CPH Street Food (@reffen_copenhagenstreetfood) A photo posted by on

Since you’re going to be by the water anyway, grab lunch at Reffen . The mass of shipping containers turned street food market is located in the industrial district turned seaside neighborhood Refshaleøen. It also represents nearly every cuisine you could hope to sample. And bonus: everything from the buildings to food prep is done with an eye towards recycling, reducing, and reusing. Since it’s only a 15-minute ride from the city center, apply that same ecological mindset to your transit, and grab a rental bike to work up an appetite. 

Find an Eco-Friendly Ski or Hike 

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Among Copenhagen’s many ecological and word-play wonders is Amager Bakke, otherwise known as Copenhill . Opened in 2018, Copenhill burns 400,000 tons of municipal solid waste, while also serving as a free local hiking trail. Huff and puff your way to the top through fields of wildflowers (yes, seriously!) and grab a drink as you overlook both Copenhagen and Sweden. Or for about twenty dollars an hour you can take a run at the year-round skiing and toboggan course. 

Indulge in an Eco-Friendly Stay 

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Keep your visit in line with the ethos of the city by selecting an eco-friendly hotel like Axel Guldsmeden . Located in Vesterbro (a.k.a. the area around the central station that's blessed with lots of public transit options), the lush, Bali-inspired hotel features four-post beds, stone bathtubs, recycled towels, and linens, and (because the city has some of the cleanest water in the world, recyclable water bottles. Gorge yourself on an organic breakfast (with vegan options, of course), or take a beat to unwind in their vibey basement spa.  

Laura Studarus is a Los Angeles-based travel writer. Sometimes she can go several hours without a cup of tea. Follow her adventures on  Twitter  and  Instagram . 

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The Best Instagram Spots in Copenhagen

• annetravelfoodie on October 8, 2021

Looking for Instagrammable spots in Denmark’s capital city? On this page you’ll find the best Instagram Spots in Copenhagen. From colorful houses to street-art, all the pictures that will do well on you Instagram feed can be taken at these spots. These places are photogenic and great sights to visit when you’re in Copenhagen anyway. Scroll down to find out what the best Instagram spots in Copenhagen are!

Nyhavn You can’t visit Copenhagen and not go to Nyhavn. Probably the most Instagrammed spot of the city and a top sight in Copenhagen. The colorful houses at the waterfront make you happy instantly. Most of the houses are restaurants, so on sunny days it’s great to have a drink there. Although I also recommend The Bridge Street Kitchen food court for food and drinks on sunny days, which is just a 2 minute walk from Nyhavn.

Nyboder The colorful orange houses of Nyboder will look great on your Instagram profile! I was a bit afraid to only find one orange house when I went there, but there are actually several rows of these orange houses. With the green windows and red shutters they’re very photogenic. My orange rental bike goes great with it, don’t you think? You can rent these bikes with the Donkey Republic app, a convenient app with which you can rent bikes from almost every street in Copenhagen for a very reasonable price.

Christiania Creative squat-neighborhood Christiania is a great background for pictures with its street-art, creative spots and pieces of art. Please be aware though that in most places in Christiania it’s not allowed to take pictures. As they’ll be selling weed there, which the Copenhagen police doesn’t appreciate that much. This house had a sign that it was allowed to take pictures, so I didn’t second guess and took an Instagrammable picture with the peacock feathers.

Reffen It’s a bit further out of the city center, but a great walk and easy to reach on your rental bike: Reffen. It’s located at an industrial part of Copenhagen and also one of my favorite food spots in the city. At Reffen you find sea containers in all kinds of sizes and colors, all selling a different kind of street food. You’ll also find a playground and many picnic tables. It’s great for summer days and to hang out with friends.

Tivoli The second-oldest still operating theme parks in the world (the oldest one is actually also in Denmark) is located right in the city center of Copenhagen. Admitted, it’s not cheap to go to Tivoli as you first have to pay an entrance fee and then for the rides separately. That being said, you shouldn’t miss Tivoli when you’re in Copenhagen. Even if you don’t go in any of the rides, it’s a very pleasant park to walk around in and there’s a patch of grass that’s great for relaxing.

Skt Petri Without a doubt the most Instagrammable hotel of Copenhagen: Skt Petri. The rooms are spacious and beautiful, but also if you’re not staying at the hotel you can still enjoy its design. This picture is taken in the lobby, and you can also book a table at their restaurant or have a drink at their bar. Click here to read more about Skt Petri .

Rosenborg Castle Rosenborg Castle is a beautiful renaissance castle in Copenhagen. It was built in 1606 as a summer house, a very big summer house that is. Most castles are always a bit far out of the city, but Rosenborg Castle is located right in the city center.

Frederik’s Church Frederik’s Church can also be found in the city center of Copenhagen. It’s often called The Marble Church, and you will see why. It’s a wonderful piece of Rococo architecture and especially if you go early morning (before the crowds arrive) you can take a wonderful Instagram picture.

Click here for my favorite breakfast spots of Copenhagen.

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Instagrammable Copenhagen – Top 10 Copenhagen Instagram Spots you won’t miss

The capital of Denmark is one of the most Instagrammable places in the world, especially because of its pretty, colorful, and vibrant culture.

A fusion of the European and Scandinavian flare are the main reasons Copenhagen remains to be a must-see city for wanderers. Not to mention the fact that it is one of the world’s happiest countries.

Here are 10 of the prettiest places in Copenhagen to add color on your Instagram feed:

Multicolored houses lined up along a dainty river — that’s what Nyhavn is famous for. Here you'll get great Copenhagen buildings pictures.

Go all wacky and jolly while posing in front of this postcard-worthy place, and wait until your Instagram notification blows up from all the likes and the comments that you’ll get from your followers.

This area is also perfect for those who want to chill in the afternoon at a cozy cafe while listening to some fancy jazz music.

If we may suggest, bring a happy color suitcase with you and include that in the photo to complete the whole picture.

But if you’re not the type to be all colorful, stick with your neutral-colored suitcase to still be your authentic self while exuding that vibe as if you’re the next top model!Look at the best luggage brands for your very own hip and stylish bag.

2. Magstræde

This beautiful alley in Old Town Copenhagen is one of the oldest streets in the city. Like Nyhavn, it’s also filled with colorful houses that line up the streets. That is why it is listed in our Copenhagen Instagram spots!

After uploading your Nyhavn photo, upload your Magstræde photo next, but don’t worry about not being in the picture itself. A scenic shot of this alley is enough to give justice to the place even without you in it.

Trust me; you would still gain hundreds to thousands of likes once you make public this photo of the majestic Magstræde.

But if you’re really feeling creative, you can do a couple of unique and out of this world shots while having fun with your travel buddies.

After your photoshoot, you can take a break and enjoy the beauty of the place by securing a table at Gorm’s Pizza. This pizzeria with cute, colorful chairs can even be another place for your picture taking if you’re not tired from all of the previous ones.

3. Christianshavn

For the hip and the artsy, Christianshavn has a lot of art galleries and music houses. You can visit each one on a day’s tour, all while also experiencing their diverse street food offerings.

You’ll find a lot of interesting and Instagram-worthy stuff here, such as Pusher Street, with its trinkets that will tickle your senses. There’s even a tree filled with shoes and a house painted with murals on the outside.

You can explore this town by bike, or you can walk around to visit places and try new restaurants. You'll probably find some great Copenhagen Instagram spots if you walk through the coffee shops doors…

4. Freetown Christiana

Freetown Christiana is one of the most famous spots in Copenhagen.

Why? Because cannabis is being sold here freely.

But just because they sell pot here doesn’t make the town rough and scary. It’s a pretty alive town where people can be happy and gay without judgment.

This is where the creatives feel more themselves because of the workshops and artists that are thriving in the area.

If you’re into yoga, you can also do some of your routines here with professional yoga practitioners.

5. Frederik’s Church

Also known as The Marble Church , this Evangelical Lutheran church has amazing views of the city once you climb the top.

It remains to be one of the most beautiful churches in the country with its stunning dome to make your jaws drop even from afar. To have your photo taken here will instantly make your Instagram feed look regal and majestic.

Just remind your photographer not to crop the dome as it is the highlight of the photo! Here we go to get your Instagrammable Copenhagen picture!

6. Tivoli Gardens

Voir cette publication sur Instagram Une publication partagée par Tivoli (@tivolicph) le 16 Oct. 2019 à 6 :44 PDT

For your dose of adventure and playful photos, the Tivoli Gardens Copenhagen is for you. It's one of the funniest Copenhagen Instagram Spots for a photo shooting.

It’s a theme park located a few minutes away from the City Hall and the Copenhagen Central Station. Tivoli Gardens is an ancient attraction that continues to make people happy from 1843 up until this day ( book your skip the line ticket online ).

Don’t skip trying the Vertigo, Tivoli Gardens’ ride for the thrill-seekers! The point of visiting this theme park is to get your adventurous side jumping with joy, so to skip all the rides will bring no justice to the whole place!

Imagine how your photos would look and feel like when you pose in front of one of its nostalgic rides.

7. Copenhagen Bispebjerg Cemetery

Since when did cemeteries become Instagrammable in Copenhagen?

Although it seems less likely to happen, Bispebjerg Cemetery is really one of those hauntingly beautiful places that will make you want to photograph each corner.

Especially during spring, visitors from all over Denmark and from different countries visit this place as it becomes cherry blossom heaven.

You can stay right in the middle of one of the streets and have your photo taken under the beautiful pink blooms.

8. Rosenborg Castle

If renaissance is the name of your Instagram game, a trip to the Rosenborg Castle will validate your feelings!

It’s an ancient establishment; even the smell will make you feel like you have transported back in time. Good thing the authorities tasked to preserve this castle has done a great job making sure that people from different generations can still see this beauty.

There will be no royal guards to arrest you if you take selfies inside, don’t worry!

9. Church of our Saviour

The beautiful tower of the Church of Our Saviour is one of the many highlights of Copenhagen.

Its Danish architecture stands out from the surrounding buildings. So if you ever visit this city, make sure to show off your skyline photography and brag about it online. You'll be happy to publish this Copenhagen Instagram spot in your friend's feed.

It’s a joy to look at photographs, and you might inspire your followers to up their game and take better photos during their travels!

10. The Black Market in Nørrebro

The Black Market in Nørrebro is one of the hippest places in Denmark and in Copenhagen alone.

It becomes a bazaar during the weekends where people can get the best of Danish arts and crafts. It’s practically a cool urban space where locals and tourists can be themselves. Even the streets are lined up with cool curvy lines instead of traditional traffic lines.

This is definitely one of those spots where you can stay out of the extraordinary among your Instagram followers!

Ready to Capture the Copenhagen Instagram Spots?

If you’re looking for your next vacation spot, look no further. Copenhagen stands at the top of our Instagrammable places for travelers, no matter the gender! The next time you go trotting around Europe, be sure to visit Denmark and its pretty colorful places worthy of every shot in your digital or film camera!

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6 Copenhagen Photo Spots For Instagram That Are Swoon-worthy

Looking for some beautiful Copenhagen photo spots ? It’s not a secret one of the top places to visit in Denmark is Copenhagen . The scenery here will have you swooning over its European charm. I have listed some of the prettiest places in Copenhagen for you to capture beautiful pictures.

Also, you may need some Copenhagen Instagram captions I have some fabulous ones for your photos.

This article may contain affiliate / compensated links. For full information, please see our disclosure here.

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Copenhagen Instagram Spots Map

Keep all these Copenhagen photo spots handy in your Google Maps app. You can have all these beautiful locations handy with you on your phone.

6 Pretty Copenhagen Photo Spots

Let’s being with these Instagrammable places in Copenhagen. So grab your camera and let’s get started.

1| Nyhavn River

One of the best places to take pictures in Copenhagen is Nyhavn Canal, a beautiful waterfront aligned with multicolored Danish homes occupied with adorable shops, restaurants, and cafes. It is one of the most popular Copenhagen photo spots. 

The scenery is absolutely stunning and makes the ultimate backdrop for any Instagram photo.

Due to its popularity, you can expect tourists everywhere, but don’t let that stop you from taking your photos. Everyone seemed pretty respectful.

• Hours: The best time to arrive would be early morning at sunrise.
• Admission: Nyhavn is free and is open all day so no need to press for time to get there.
• How to get there: Take the metro lines M1, M2, M3, or M4 and exit Kongens Nytrov. Right when you step out of the metro station just walk straight ahead and you will see the canal.

2| The Round Tower

Another one of the top photo spots in Copenhagen, in my opinion, of course, is The Round Tower . You can also catch a breathtaking panoramic view of Copenhagen.

The Round Tower is one of the oldest observatories still working in Europe. The minimalistic interior, white walls, and pale wooden floors are simply astonishing.

To reach the final ascent to the tower you will walk around the ramp 7 1/2 times before reaching the stairs to catch a bird’s eye view of Copenhagen.

The observatory can get congested due to its popularity. Try arriving before doors open to snap uninterrupted photos.

• Hours: The Round Tower is open from 10 AM-6 PM. Tuesday and Wednesday the tower stays open until 9 PM. But, arrive during the day when there is light so your pictures can truly capture the crispness of the inside. If you arrive in Copenhagen during winter the sunset is around 3 PM so watch your time.
• Admission: The entrance fee to the tower is around  20DKK (3-USD).
• How to get there: You can reach the tower by taking the M1 or M2  lines and exiting at the Nørreport stop. From there it is a 5-minute walk to reach the tower. 

Related post: Copenhagen Instagram Captions

Not too far off from Nyhavn is one of the other popular Copenhagen photo spots, Strøget Street . Strøget is a pedestrian-only road filled with lots of shopping and one of the longest streets all over Europe! 

Besides all the shopping and dining there are beautiful streets off the beaten path. 

Purposefully take a wrong turn and there are a lot of charming alleys with cobblestone paths and buildings splashed with pale blues, yellows, and even neon pinks!

Take your pick on the many side roads from Strøget to snap a photo for your Instagram.

Strøget pretty much stays crowded, but if you take a stroll away from the action you can take pictures without interruptions.

• Hours: 24/7
• Admission: Free!
• How to get there: To arrive you can take a quick walk from the Nyhavn or take the M1 or M2 and exit at Gammel Strand. 

4| Copenhagen’s Botanical Gardens

One of the prettiest places in Copenhagen to take pictures is Copenhagen’s Botanical Gardens .

Sadly during my visit, the garden inside was closed due to the holiday.

However, if you find yourself with my luck, the outside is still worth visiting. You can still capture beautiful pictures of Copenhagen, Denmark with the mansion and waterfront on the landscape.

If you are fortunate enough to see the inside there is a Butterfly House built in the Summer of 2018. Supposedly you can catch butterflies fluttering all around the garden, which sounds amazing for the gram.

• Hours: Copenhagen’s Botanical Gardens is open daily from 8:30 AM-4 PM. It was pretty quiet when I arrived around 10 AM, maybe because of the Christmas holiday. I would assume like any location, arriving early is key to avoiding long lines and people photobombing your snaps! 
• Admission: Admission to enter is 60-DKK, which is less than 9-USD. 
• How to get there: Take lines M1 or M3 and exit Nørreport to arrive at the botanical garden.

Related post: What To Do With One Day In Copenhagen

5| Superkilen Park

Superkilen Park is one of the most unique Copenhagen photo spots. It is a funky hip skate park that expands half a mile long and is one of the best places to take pictures in Copenhagen.  

Superkilen is located in the Nørrebro District, more of the urban side of Copenhagen. This public park quickly became a major tourist attraction in Copenhagen.

It’s the perfect Copenhagen Instagram spot to get creative on the monkey bars, slides, skateboard ramps, and swings.

• Hours: 24/7, but arrive early to avoid the crowds.
• How to get there: To reach Superkilen Park by metro, take line M3 and exit Nørrebro. Take a right when you leave the station and it is about a 5-minute walk from there.

6| Freetown Christiania

One of the places to visit in Denmark is Freetown Christiania also referred to as “The Green Light District.” Christiania is its own city from the colorful and quaint Copenhagen you have been snapping photos of all day. You won’t find that here, but it is one of the most interesting Copenhagen photo spots.

The first settlers in Freetown Christiania date back to 1971. Locals conform to the beliefs of collectivism, anarchy, squatter beliefs, and the hippy movement. Residents don’t consider themselves part of the country or even the continent.

If you want to take some photos of the unique street art inside the community, be cautious. Most of the places inside indicate photos are not permitted and taking pictures on Pusher Street is banned. 

Basically, you can capture an Instagram photo of the colorful green house that greets you at the gate.

• Hours: 24/7, BUT , I suggest going during daylight hours.
• How to get there: Freetown Christiania can be reached on the metro lines M1 or M2 and get off at the Christianshavn stop. You will have to walk down about a quarter of a mile to reach this unique ‘city.’

Related post: 446 Captions For Travel

Copenhagen Photo Spots Final Thoughts

You are bound to stumble across more picturesque gems along your route. However, in my opinion, these were some of the prettiest places in Copenhagen I discovered. Don’t forget to add these Copenhagen photo spots you your Google Maps trip planner .

Also, if you are looking for a witty quote for your photos, use my Copenhagen Instagram captions . Also, besides snapping photos be sure to explore the city with my Copenhagen travel guide.

Other Europe posts to checkout:

• Germany: Top Munich Photo Spots
• Austria: Best Places To Take Pictures In Vienna
• Switzerland: Zurich Layover Guide
• Belgium: Layover In Brussels
• Greenland: Things To Do In Nanortalik, Greenland

Like this pin about the top Copenhagen photo spots for Instagram? Share it with others or pin it for later. 

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16 Comments

Lovely pictures. Thanks for sharing.

Great places. Copenhagen has been on my bucket list for so long, hope to finally make it there this year

I hope you make it there too soon. It is one amazing city!

Love Copenhagen, it’s such a beautiful city!

It really is!

Copenhagen looks so beautiful! I love how many fun places you found to take pics. Round Tower is so neat inside!! And that Freetown painted building is awesome.

Copenhagen is one beautiful city. The Round Tower is stunning on the inside!

Fab post! You look so happy posing in Copenhagen’s prettiest places!! I LOVE you in that red hat. 😀

Thanks so much girl. Copenhagen can definitely make you happy!

Awesome places, I live in Denmark so I know all those places in detail. Glad you like Copenhagen

I fell in love with this city!

Interesting, I like that park, it’s somehow a bit weird to me, but still they’ve got some traditional elements! BTW, like your red hat 😀

It is a park to visit if you find yourself in Copenhagen. Thanks for the compliment on my hat!

Wow! have no words to express how beautifully you have described the beauty of Copenhegan. It’s wonderful and I’m already in love with the place.

Thank you so much for reading. It is such a beautiful place and I honestly felt I didn’t have the words to describe it’s beauty. I hope you get to visit one day soon. It quickly became one of my favorite cities!

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11 Best Copenhagen Photo Spots: A Guide to Capturing the Beauty of Denmark’s Capital

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read  full disclosure  for more information.

Looking for the best Copenhagen photo spots? You’re in the right place!

Copenhagen is one of Europe’s most photogenic cities. With its charming medieval streets, colorful waterfront neighborhoods, and sleek Scandinavian design, there’s no shortage of great photo opportunities in the Danish capital.

As a photographer and frequent visitor to Copenhagen, I’ve explored the city extensively to discover the best places to take photos. From iconic landmarks to hidden local gems, this guide covers the top Copenhagen photo spots you need to visit.

Whether you’re a travel photographer looking for inspiring urban scenes or simply want to capture great memories of your trip, read on for the ultimate list of where to take the best photos in Copenhagen.

Table of Contents

At a Glance: Best Copenhagen Photo Spots

Copenhagen Photo Spots

Nyhavn: copenhagen’s postcard-perfect harbor.

No list of Copenhagen photo locations is complete without the city’s most famous and picturesque street: Nyhavn. This quaint, colorful harbor is undoubtedly one of the best places to take photos in Copenhagen.

Nyhavn features a canal lined with 17th-century townhouses painted in bright, vibrant hues. With wooden ships docked in the harbor and café umbrellas lining the cobblestone walkway, it’s the quintessential shot of Copenhagen.

Aim to visit Nyhavn in the early morning or late afternoon when the light is soft for great photos.

Position yourself across the canal on the opposite pier to photograph the row of colorful townhouses head-on. You can also walk along the harbor to capture shots looking up and down the lively canal.

Don’t leave without getting the iconic shot of Copenhagen from the bridge at the mouth of Nyhavn. Make sure to time this for sunrise or sunset when you can capture the gorgeous glow reflecting off the colorful houses.

After photographing the scenic harbor, enjoy fun things to do in Copenhagen like grabbing a waterfront meal or canal tour departing right from Nyhavn.

The Little Mermaid Statue: An Iconic Copenhagen Landmark

Possibly Copenhagen’s most famous landmark, no trip to the city is complete without a visit to The Little Mermaid statue.

Depicting the famous character from Hans Christian Andersen’s fairytale, this bronze statue has been gazing out to sea from her perch on the rocky harbor since 1913.

The Little Mermaid is photographed millions of times per year, so arriving early in the morning will give you the best chance to take photos free of crowds.

Experiment with different angles, including close-ups of her face, as well as wide shots capturing the Copenhagen skyline behind her.

For a unique photo opportunity, time your visit to photograph The Little Mermaid at sunrise. Seeing the soft orange glow behind this iconic sculpture makes for an unforgettable shot.

TIP: The rocks surrounding the statue can be slippery, so take care when approaching the water’s edge to photograph this famous Copenhagen landmark.

Kastellet: An Elegant 17th-Century Citadel

On the edge of Copenhagen’s city center lies one of the best-preserved fortresses in Europe, the elegant Kastellet.

The citadel was commissioned by King Christian IV in the 1600s, designed in a beautiful Dutch Baroque style, complete with moats, earthworks, and regal copper-roofed buildings.

Kastellet makes for a fabulous photo location away from the tourist crowds. Capture shots of the photogenic windmill overlooking the grassy ramparts, curved arches reflected in the moat, and the charming church spire rising above the fortress walls.

Time your visit to Kastellet for the atmospheric hour just before sunset. The soft golden light illuminates the refined, symmetrical architecture and creates a dreamy fairytale vibe. 

Bring along a tripod to photograph the shimmering moat water and passing swans. Kastellet is truly a hidden gem for photography in Copenhagen.

Frederiksburg Castle: An Enchanting Hilltop Palace

On the outskirts of Copenhagen lies the magnificent 17th-century Frederiksburg Castle. Perched atop a hill within Frederiksburg Park, the sprawling Baroque palace and gardens are straight from a storybook scene.

Don’t miss the iconic view looking up the central canal towards the palace on approach. But be sure to photograph the estate from multiple vantage points within the grounds. 

Stroll down the tree-lined avenues radiating outward from the main palace. And capture romantic views looking back towards Frederiksburg’s copper domes rising above the lush greenery.

For enchanting views, head into the palace’s manicured baroque gardens. Photograph the pristine hedges, statues, and fountains from the royal viewpoint of the privileged few who once lived here.

Frederiksburg Castle provides a magical escape into the countryside, perfect for dreamlike photography.

Strøget: Copenhagen’s Bustling Pedestrian Street

To capture quintessential scenes of local life in Copenhagen, head to the busy pedestrian street of Strøget. Running through the core of the city, this vibrant thoroughfare hums with a constant flurry of activity from morning to night.

Capture candids of street performers, shoppers laden with bags, and cyclists whizzing by. Move to wide shots to place subjects within the surrounding facades, street art, and historic architecture along Strøget’s path.

For more intimacy, find a bustling cafe terrace along the street to photograph from and snap away as the action unfolds around you. Remember to ask permission before taking close-up portraits.

With so many photogenic moments happening every minute, Strøget is one of the best spots in Copenhagen to hone your street photography skills!

Church of Our Saviour: Panoramas with a View

Soaring above the Christianshavn district, the spiraling Baroque spire of the Church of Our Saviour dominates the Copenhagen skyline. For unbeatable cityscapes, make the climb to the top – but be prepared for the 400 winding steps!

The panoramic views from the spire look out over the red rooftops of Christianshavn and the colorful harbor below. Photographs capture both wide cityscapes, as well as downward perspectives of the church façade and streets surrounding below your feet.

For a unique perspective, try photographing the church through the spiral construction of its own spire as you descend. This vantage point really highlights the engineering marvel of the Church of Our Saviour rising dramatically towards the heavens.

Freetown Christiania: A Hippie Commune Turned Bohemian Neighborhood

For a completely unique photography subject, visit the semi-autonomous neighborhood of Christiania.

This self-proclaimed “freetown” is a former military base taken over by squatters in the 1970s seeking an alternative communal living environment.

Wandering the car-free streets of Christiania reveals an utterly distinctive hippie-era time capsule. Capture the bohemian vibes through impromptu street scenes of locals, creative DIY home constructions, graffiti-covered buildings, and weed-peddling stalls.

While photographing this unusual community, be sure to remain respectful of the private residents who call Christiania home. Ask permission before taking portraits, especially of children. 

For stunning cityscape shots, head to the far edge of Christiania known as Prinsessegade to photograph back towards downtown Copenhagen.

Superkilen Urban Park: A Burst of Color and Diversity

Conceived by architects Bjarke Ingels and Julien de Smedt, Superkilen is one of Copenhagen’s quirkiest photography hot spots. 

This sprawling urban park features objects sourced from around 60 different nations, creating a mosaic of global diversity right in the center of Copenhagen.

The result is a photographic treasure trove, bursting with pops of color, cultural symbols, and intriguing objects from palm trees to neon signs. Different zones include Red Square, Black Market, and Green Park, which all live up to their colorful names.

Experiment with composition to frame the landscape’s visual details. Try photographing down the lush palm tree-lined pathways, close-ups of the cultural installations, and wide shots capturing Superkilen’s tapestry of diversity.

Oresund Bridge: Gateway Between Two Countries

Looking to capture a unique perspective of Copenhagen? Go off-shore to see the skyline framed by the monumental Oresund Bridge.

At 8km long, this engineering marvel links Denmark and Sweden by road and rail. Hop on a local boat tour and head under the bridge to photograph its towering white cables glowing in the sun, with Copenhagen’s colorful waterfront district as the backdrop.

Photographing the bridge at dusk provides an exceptional opportunity for a silhouette shot, with the city lights beginning to sparkle behind it.

You can also capture the Oresund at daybreak against cotton candy skies for an unforgettable image. Just be prepared for chilly conditions out on the open water!

Vibrant Street Art Throughout Copenhagen

Beyond its photogenic landmarks and scenery, Copenhagen also offers incredible possibilities for street photography. As a hub for creative talent, the city streets burst with colorful street art just waiting to be captured.

Some top areas to spot amazing graffiti and murals include Freetown Christiania, Nørrebro, and the Meatpacking District. Head down alleyways and small streets off the main thoroughfares to find hidden street art gems.

Venture further north to the hipster enclave of Jægersborggade to find endless creative photo ops down this funky stretch. Keep your eyes peeled on building facades, doorways, and even electricity boxes splashed in vibrant paint.

Bonus Neighborhoods: Vesterbro and Nørrebro

Beyond the city center, Copenhagen’s trendy Vesterbro and Nørrebro neighborhoods provide endless lifestyle photo opportunities.

Photographing the indie boutiques, art galleries, and overflowing sidewalk cafes around trendy Værnedamsvej encapsulates Copenhagen’s bohemian side.

While the multi-cultural streets of Nørrebro offer dynamic shots of local street life in its bustling bazaar.

Capture candids of daily scenes like children playing, colorful markets, and winding bike lanes throughout these vibrant districts. Absorb their eclectic personalities into compelling neighborhood portraits through your lens.

As Copenhagen’s most photogenic boroughs away from the standard landmarks, Vesterbro and Nørrebro are well worth adding to your photography itinerary.

Tips for Amazing Photos in Copenhagen

Now that you know the top spots, here are some key photography tips for making the most of your Copenhagen picture-taking:

• Schedule your shoot during Copenhagen’s extended golden hours. Long summer sunsets (as late as 11pm!) provide great soft light. While blue hour at sunrise captures the city waking up.
• Rise early to beat the crowds at popular sights like Nyhavn and the Little Mermaid statue. Have some sites to yourself in the peaceful morning light.
• Use a tripod and neutral density filters for long exposures of Copenhagen’s water views and clouds moving above landmarks.
• Add a sense of scale by including locals, bikes, cars, or boats in the foreground of architecture and landscape shots.
• Pack warm clothing layers if shooting at sunrise, sunset, or near water. And have a light rain jacket on your Copenhagen packing list for the frequent showers.
• Consider renting specialized gear locally to try before buying. Or join a Danish photographer for personalized guidance and ideas.

Discover Your Own Copenhagen Photo Spots

Part of the joy of travel photography is stumbling upon your own undiscovered gems. Now armed with insider knowledge of prime Copenhagen photo spots and techniques, you’re ready to start creating your own visual memoir.

Remember to wander those side streets, chat with some locals, and just embrace serendipitous moments as they unfold. Keep your camera ready, and let Copenhagen become your own personal canvas through the lens!

Copenhagen Photo Spots: FAQs

Some of the top spots include Nyhavn harbor, The Little Mermaid statue, Amalienborg and Christiansborg Palaces, the colorful houses of Indre By, Rosenborg Castle, the Black Diamond library, and Superkilen urban park.

Take advantage of Copenhagen’s long golden hours by shooting at sunrise or sunset. Alternatively, visit sights early to beat the crowds and capture the city waking up in peaceful morning light.

Bring layers for changing weather, tripod for long exposures, wide angle lens to capture architecture and landscapes, ND filters for water shots, and a zoom lens for flexibility.

Generally, no special license is required and photography is allowed at most public sites. As always, respect locals’ privacy and ask permission before photographing people up close.

Top spots for vibrant urban photography include Christiania, Meatpacking District, Nørrebro, Vesterbro, and Jægersborggade. Keep your eyes peeled wandering any neighborhood!

Yes, tours and rentals are great for local insight, trying new gear, and gaining access to rooftops or private courtyards you couldn’t otherwise photograph.

Street scenes, candid city life, long exposures of waterfronts, and creative architectural compositions suit Copenhagen’s urban energy and Scandinavian aesthetic.

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Your Guide to Copenhagen—Where to Eat, Stay, and Shop in This Creative Capital

Cardamom bun, anyone?

Every year, I plan a fun solo birthday trip to celebrate and explore somewhere new. On my itinerary: eat a lot of delicious food, do some reflective journaling for the year ahead, and immerse myself in wherever I visit. This year for my thirtieth birthday, I took a three-week long sojourn to Copenhagen and Stockholm. To say I am beyond obsessed with both cities is an understatement. Though they’re becoming increasingly popular destinations, I was shocked by all the DMs I was getting on Instagram in response to the sights and eats I was sharing. A lot of you are planning trips to Copenhagen and looking for recommendations. So don’t worry, I compiled my recommendations into the ultimate travel guide packed with all the things to do in Copenhagen.

Things to Do in Copenhagen: Your Go-To Guide

For reference, I spent a full two weeks in Copenhagen. So I was able to space things out and travel and explore the city at a very leisurely pace. I’ve organized my list below based on the type of place and things to do, so I would recommend grouping places together based on neighborhoods and what sounds most interesting to you!

From being a foodie’s dream city, to design inspiration around every corner, Copenhagen has something for everyone. Let’s explore.

What to Know About Visiting Copenhagen

When to visit.

I was in Copenhagen the first two weeks of March, and while I live in Chicago, I was still surprised by how cold the city felt during this time. I was in a full coat and scarf most days, and I even considered picking up a beanie just to make sure I was warm enough. But my local friends all sung the praises of the beautiful summers, which just like Chicago, means light and airy clothing. They also mentioned how the energy of the city is completely different during the summer. Everyone comes to life, so expect an entirely different experience that time of year.

I personally enjoyed going during the off-season where there were very few tourists and crowds. Finding a little quiet in a busy city makes the bundling up worth it.

How to Get Around

I relied mostly on the trains and buses, both of which were incredibly easy to navigate and got me to most places I needed to go. Copenhagen is also very easy to navigate by foot, and I averaged around 15,000 steps every day just going place to place.

You might have also heard that Copenhagen is a very bike-friendly city, which I can say first hand is true. Just note that bike riding through the city means business, and if you’re looking for a leisurely jaunt, be sure to go during off-peak hours or stick to the parks without commuters.

Travel Tips to Keep in Mind

Most places don’t take cash. I’ve grown up always being reminded to take cash when traveling, however most places that I tried to pay with cash didn’t take it.

Use a multi-day train pass. You can use the DOT app to purchase a multi-day ticket or buy tickets at the train station as needed. Just be sure to have the ticket on you. While there isn’t anywhere to check in and out, you might be asked while on the train to show your ticket.

Always pack an umbrella. Despite days that the weather app didn’t have rain in the forecast, there was still the occasional surprise drizzle. It’s always better to be prepared!

Where to Stay: Copenhagen Hotels

While I stayed two weeks in the same place, I was attending a class for part of my trip and heard from many friends about the places they were staying as well. Consider this a collective list of recommendations.

• 25 Hours // Pilestræde 65, 1112 Copenhagen | website | Instagram

I stayed here for the two weeks I was in town. It was perfect for what I needed. Centrally located, spacious rooms, a gym, and a beautiful lobby space for working. I would definitely stay here again.

• Villa Copenhagen // Tietgensgade 35-39, 1704 Copenhagen | website | Instagram

One of my friends stayed here and spoke very highly of the hotel. A stunning lobby space, sauna, access to Rug (i.e., one of the city’s best bakeries), and a nice central location all give this hotel high marks.

• Hotel Sanders // Tordenskjoldsgade 15, 1055 Copenhagen | website | Instagram

While this is definitely a splurge, the Hotel Sanders is gorgeous. I spent a few afternoons working from the rooftop cafe and was in love. An incredible location in Indre By (the city center) with beautiful rooms, this would be a fun staycation splurge for a weekend trip.

Best Coffee Shops

You’ve heard correctly: Copenhagen is brimming with coffee shops. The one thing to note is that most are on the smaller side with not a lot of space to spread out with laptops and set up office for the day, so expect to stop in and out most places.

• Prolog Coffee // multiple locations | website | Instagram
• Coffee Collective // multiple locations | website | Instagram

The Carlsberg Byen location has a bit more room to work from!

• Wild Horses // Borgbjergsvej 1 2450 Copenhagen | website | Instagram
• April Coffee // multiple locations | website | Instagram
• La Cabra // multiple locations | website | Instagram

The Central location was always full and I never found a good time to go sit down unless it was later in the afternoon or first thing in the morning, but the Fredericksburg location had plenty of seating when visiting in the afternoons.

• Democratic Coffee // Krystalgade 15, 1172 Copenhagen K | Instagram
• HANS Coffee // multiple locations | Instagram

Best Bakeries

Hot take or perhaps popular opinion: waiting in line for an hour is not my vibe. So many of the reviews and thoughts I heard from friends was how they would wait in line for an hour to get the best cardamom buns in the city. That’s just not my style, and after trying the baked goods at each of these places, I don’t know that I think one is better than the other. They’re all really good, and if there was a line somewhere, I just went somewhere else.

• Lille Bakery // Refshalevej 213B, 1432 Copenhagen | website | Instagram

Couple this bakery with a visit to the Contemporary Art Museum. Just be prepared for a line.

• Juno the Bakery // Århusgade 48, 2100 Copenhagen | website | Instagram

The cardamom bun is good, but the lemon bun I had was amazing!

• Rug Bakery // Tietgensgade 39, 1704 Copenhagen | website | Instagram
• Andersen and Maillard // multiple locations | website | Instagram
• Hart Bageri // multiple locations | website | Instagram

Incredible chocolate chip cookie.

• Conditori La Glace // Skoubogade 3, 1158 Copenhagen | website | Instagram

Looking for a fun souvenir? Buy a tin of the Danish butter cookies from this patisserie to take home.

Copenhagen has some of the best cafe culture, and every place I visited had the most incredible food and vibes. You might recognize a few of the cafes on the list below from recommendations circling on social media, and yes, many of them do have long lines out the door during peak times. I found that going very first thing in the morning on weekdays or off-peak on rainy weekends helped me avoid waiting in lines.

• Atelier September // multiple locations | website | Instagram

Get the breakfast plate and definitely try the canelé.

• Apotek57 // Fredericiagade 57, 1310 Copenhagen | website | Instagram

The miso caramel croissant changed my life. This cafe also had lines out front before opening on the weekends.

• Sonny // multiple locations | website | Instagram
• Doomsday Deli // Guldbergsgade 10, 2200 Copenhagen | website | Instagram
• Studio x Kitchen // Dronningens Tværgade 52, 1302 Copenhagen | website | Instagram
• Format // Bredgade 68 1260 Copenhagen | website | Instagram

This is the perfect spot to grab a late breakfast or lunch while you’re visiting the Designmuseum.

• Audo // Aarhusgade 130, Copenhagen | website | Instagram

Another place that you can actually find a table to set up with a laptop if you need.

• Seks Bakery and Eatery // Krystalgade 6, 1172 Copenhagen | website | Instagram

Best Restaurants

You’re going to have no shortage of amazing restaurants to eat at while in Copenhagen. Choose your neighborhood and take a look around at all the different options you have available. Here are the restaurants I had a chance to visit while in the city, all of which I thoroughly enjoyed.

• Poppl Burger // Burgers | Strandgade 108 DK-1401 Copenhagen | website | Instagram

The seasonal veggie burger is incredible. Order a side of pickles and don’t skip the soft serve dessert.

• Apollo Bar // Bistro | Nyhavn 2, 1051 Copenhagen | website | Instagram
• La Banchina // Nordic Cuisine | Refshalevej 141, 1432 Copenhagen | website | Instagram

During the winter, this daytime cafe turns into a tasting menu restaurant with only 15 seats. This was one of my favorite meals during the entire trip. During the summer, take a dip in the water outside or warm up at the sauna.

• Bottega Barlie // Bistro | Fredericiagade 78, 1310 Copenhagen | website | Instagram
• BeitSalma // Lebanese | Fælledvej 13, 2200 Copenhagen | website | Instagram
• Høst // Nordic Cuisine | Nørre Farimagsgade 41, 1364 Copenhagen | website | Instagram
• Granola // French Cafe | Værnedamsvej 5, 1819 Copenhagen | website | Instagram
• Lilo Wine Bar // Wine Bar | Pilestræde 52, 1116 Copenhagen | website | Instagram

A hidden gem with the most incredible vegetable dishes.

• Delphine // Mediterranean | Vesterbrogade 40, 1620 Copenhagen | website | Instagram
• Selma // Danish Brewery | Rømersgade 20, 1362 Copenhagen | website | Instagram

Best Shopping

Copenhagen is famed for its vintage and fashion scene, neither of which I am well versed in, so you won’t find any good notes from me on that. However, I’m your girl for home goods, kitchen and ceramic pieces, and book stores.

• Norte Dame // Home goods | Nørregade 7, 1165 Copenhagen | website | Instagram
• Frama // Furniture + home goods | Fredericiagade 57, 1310 Copenhagen | website | Instagram
• Audo Home // Home goods | Århusgade 130, 2150 Copenhagen | website | Instagram
• Ark Books // Bookstore | Møllegade 10, 2200 Copenhagen | website | Instagram
• Tybo Ceramics // Pottery store | Sankelmarksgade 2, 1676 Copenhagen | website | Instagram
• Cinnober Bookshop // Bookstore | Landemærket 9, 1119 Copenhagen | website | Instagram
• What’s the Story // Stationery + paper goods | Landemærket 9, 1119 Copenhagen | website | Instagram
• New Mags // Bookstore | Ny Østergade 28, 1101 Copenhagen | website | Instagram
• Arket // Apparel + home | Møinichen Mansion, Købmagergade 33, 1150 Copenhagen | website | Instagram
• Bolia // Furniture | multiple locations | website | Instagram
• Trine Fournais Ceramics // Pottery store | Nyhavn 42B, sal kld, 1051 Copenhagen | website | Instagram
• Ferm Living // Home goods | Kuglegårdsvej 1, 5, 1434 Copenhagen | website | Instagram
• Hay Design // Home goods | Østergade 61, 2, 1100 Copenhagen | website | Instagram

Things to Do in Copenhagen

Copenhagen is what you make of it. If you’re into museums there are tons to spend hours in, castles for the history and royal buffs, and so many ways to plan time outdoors simply experiencing the joy of the city. Here are a few things to do in Copenhagen to add to your itinerary.

• Designmuseum Denmark // Bredgade 68, 1260 Copenhagen | website | Instagram

This was my favorite museum in the city. Every exhibit felt thought-provoking and inspiring, and all the design and fashion exhibits were beautiful to take in. I spent a couple hours going through the whole museum and then doing brunch at Format, but you could also get through the museum in about an hour if you hustled.

• Contemporary Art Museum // Refshalevej 173A, 1432 Copenhagen | website | Instagram
• Take a tour and spend a few hours working at the Royal Library
• Swim in the harbour
• Tour the many castles in the city, like Christiansborg and Rosenbrg Castle
• Visit the Round Tower
• Explore the market stalls at TorvehallerneKBH
• Take photos on the water in Nyhavn

What visit is complete without photos with Copenhagens colorful buildings?

• Tivoli Gardens // Vesterbrogade 3, 1630 Copenhagen | website | Instagram

While Tivoli gardens was closed for the season while I was there, everyone told me I should add it to my list when visiting over the summer.

• Rent a bike and explore the different neighborhoods
• Louisiana Museum of Modern Art // Gl Strandvej 13, 3050 Humlebæk | website | Instagram

Technically this museum is not in the city. You’ll have to take a regional train about an hour north of Copenhagen, but it’s worth the trip. The world-renowned museum has some of the most beautiful and peaceful grounds I’ve experienced, and the exhibits were all interesting enough to spend a few hours exploring.

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A Comprehensive Copenhagen Travel Guide for First Time Visitors

In need of a comprehensive Copenhagen travel guide? Don’t worry, I’ve just returned from a week long trip in Denmark’s capital city, so I’m jotting everything you’ll need to know below!

You know, visiting Copenhagen wasn’t necessarily high on my travel list, but I feel like I’ve always wanted to go. Way back in college one of my acquaintances studied abroad there, and I floated the idea of visiting. Since then, everyone I know has always had good things to say whether they were cursory travelers or professional ones.

This year, though, my friend, Alyshia , had a week off of work for spring break and asked if I wanted to go anywhere. At first we were looking at Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island but decided it was still way too cold to properly enjoy. Then we thought about somewhere in the Caribbean or South America but it was either too far for a week or too expensive since other Canadians were also escaping the cold. Finally, Alyshia plugged in some cheap flights from Toronto and came up with Copenhagen or Paris . Since we’d both already been to the latter, we immediately agreend on Copenhagen.

Flash forward a few months and we’ve just spent a fun week exploring the city, eating a wonderfully absurd amount of carbs, and walking up a lot of steps. Check out the below guide for all my best tips.

A Copenhagen Travel Guide for First Time Visitors

A brief history of copenhagen.

As with all places I write about, I’m starting with a bit of Copenhagen’s history. After all – how else will you know and appreciate what you’re seeing today?

Copenhagen (or København in Danish) began around the 1000s during the Viking Age, though the earliest historical records we have are from the 1100s. As you might guess from the waterfront location, it became a popular spot for merchants and fishermen and really anyone who used the sea for work.

One of the important moments in Copenhagen’s history was when it, with Norway and Sweden, established the Kalmar Union to counter the Hanseatic League ( of Bergen fame ). Think of it like a smaller EU.

The way it all came about is thanks to the typical royal inheritance debacles, but the union did last from 1397 to 1523. During that time Copenhagen became the center of the union as it became the seat of the monarchy and, naturally, it flourished culturally, economically, and socially.

The next big event in Copenhagen’s history is the Danish Golden Age. This age all started with a plague and a fire, almost giving the city a chance to start from scratch. During the Golden Age, which lasted for half of the 1800s, culture was front and center. From architecture to art to literature to music, a ton of important Danish figures emerged during this time. The most famous, of course, would have to be Hans Christian Andersen, aka one of the main creators of the modern fairy tale.

Today, Copenhagen has more or less retained its cultural reputation. Both Danish and Copenhagen culture is frequently referenced whether it’s style, food, interiors, or design. I’m sure we’ve all heard of hygge by now! Not to mention noma, the restaurant of all restaurants in the fine dining world (soon to be an RIP). If you watch “The Bear,” this is where Marcus trains when he goes to Copenhagen.

Hard to meet anyone who’s been, no matter the time of year, and had a bad time in the city!

How Expensive is Copenhagen?

I will not lie to you – like most Nordic countries I’ve been to, Copenhagen can get very pricey. I wouldn’t say it’s necessarily pricier than, say, San Francisco or New York City , but if you’re not used to those prices, you might find yourself pinching pennies a bit.

However, there are a lot of ways to offset the cost! The biggest one I’d recommend looking into is the Copenhagen City Card . I’m going to write a post breaking down the card’s cost vs. how often we used it, but when I tallied the total, we saved about $70 USD with the 120-hr card!

Other ways I’d say to save is to bring a water bottle to refill (tap water here is delicious). Stick to cafes, bakeries, food halls, and cheap eateries (even the “cheap places” are mouthwatering!). Walk as much as possible if you’re not using the card (really the city isn’t that big) and look into budget accommodation – especially off season.

Plus, check out the local grocery stores. You can easily make yourself sandwiches and snacks from Netto while on the go. Quite a few places have packed lunch sections to sit and eat.

When to Visit Copenhagen

Honestly, after being further north than Denmark in all the seasons, I would say you could visit Copenhagen any time of year and have a good experience.

Summer is obviously the most popular with warm weather, long, sunny days, and everything open. However, with all of that comes more expensive rates on hotels, tickets, and flights.

Winter sounds fun with all the hygge and it still gets quite a decent amount of daylight compared to other Scandinavian countries. I assume a lot closes though.

I really enjoyed coming over Alyshia’s spring break in mid-March! Like 99% of what we wanted to do was open, and we got really great deals on flights and hotels. I also noticed a few places either had slightly lower prices too. Temperature-wise it was around 30-50F depending on the day and mostly overcast.

I would say the sweet spot would be late April, early May or mid-late September. Some of the things I wanted to do like the Reffen Market or Tivoli Gardens were still closed in March but would be open in April. The weather is a bit better and because you’re still in the shoulder season, you should be able to find decent deals.

Where to Stay in Copenhagen

As someone who hates, hates walking with a suitcase for more than 15-20 minutes, I am a big proponent of staying close to stations. Luckily, Copenhagen has a really great train, metro, and bus situation so regardless of where you stay, you’ll be pretty close to something.

For first time visitors, I’d stay right by København H (Copenhagen Central Station). It’s a straight shot to the airport in under 30 minutes and will have you connected to not only everything in the city but will make any and all day trips easier. Plus it’s right by Copenhagen’s Meatpacking District which has a lot of cool cafes and restaurants.

We stayed at Go Hotel Ansgar since we were looking for something budget-friendly. I’d say the only downside was that the internet was pretty spotty, so don’t plan on making video calls or anything too intense. Otherwise, we didn’t mind the tighter quarters since we were pretty much out from morning til evening. Check current prices here.

Some other hotels we looked at:

Otherwise, I’d say stay near Kongens Nytorv or Gammel Strand to be central but in charming areas. Meanwhile Rådhuspladsen and Nørrebro are cool neighborhoods that feel a little more hipster, local but still easy to navigate.

How to Get into Copenhagen

I’m going to assume 90% of you reading this post are coming in by plane and flying into Københavns Lufthavn (Copenhagen Airport or CPH). Lucky for you this airport is really easy to navigate, it’s just really big and can feel like you’re walking for a while.

To take public transport, you can literally get on the train right at the airport in Terminal 2. Alyshia and I found each other by baggage claim and then went to get hot dogs at Steff’s Place. The ticket station and entrance to the train was right next to stand.

Also you can download the DOT Billeter app to buy directly on there but I couldn’t get it to connect to my credit cards. If you use the Copenhagen card, airport transfer is included.

By Train or Bus

For those of you coming in by bus or train, you’ll likely go right to København H (Copenhagen Central Station). Sometimes it shows up as Köpenhamn H. Just know whether you see København H, Köpenhamn H, or Central Station, they’re all the same.

How to Get Around Copenhagen

If you’re ready to walk, you can very easily walk everywhere in Copenhagen. Like we took the metro and buses a lot since we had unlimited rides, but if you’re trying to save money and want to, this city is incredibly walkable. Tons of sidewalk space and just easy to navigate. I can just picture visiting as a college student and managing to walk all around!

By Bus/Metro

Copenhagen has a really great metro and bus system. It costs about $3.50 USD per ride so that can definitely add up if you’re not careful, especially when some of the rides could be 15-20 minute walks.

Most metro trains we took came every 2-5 minutes while buses were definitely a little rarer. The further out of the center you get, the longer the wait in between the buses. When we went to find the troll, Kaptajn Nalle, buses were very 20-30 minutes.

Obviously, Copenhagen is bike city! There are bike lanes everywhere, and from what I can tell most people get around on their two wheels. As a tourist, I’d only bike if you feel comfortable with it as I imagine it’d be pretty annoying to have someone causing issues in the bike lane during rush hour.

From what I can tell most hotels will have bikes available to rent – ours has a whole line of them. As for parking them, I saw plenty of bike parking lots, but, again, ask your hotel for guidance!

Notable Sightseeing Places in Copenhagen

There are a lot of cool things to do and see in Copenhagen , but to give you the very basics, here are the top five:

This little waterfront strip is THE place to see in Copenhagen. Pretty much every establishing shot on film and every prominent photo of the city was taken right here. It spans about nearly 1500ft (450m) and is full of colorful buildings and boats. If you want to do a canal cruise , they usually leave from here too.

I imagine it’s swarmed come summer, so visit early for a more peaceful atmosphere. Or come in the shoulder season and even in the afternoon it shouldn’t be too bad.

Skip any food here, from what I’ve read none of it is particularly remarkable and is more expensive than walking 5 minutes away towards Kyngens Nytorv.

Most things are closed on a Monday but not Rundetårn (The Round Tower). It’s one of the best ways to get a bird’s eye view of Copenhagen and dates back to the 1600s. It’s actually the oldest functioning observatory in Europe, and you can see its telescope once you climb up.

Bonus: When you get back down, go to the døp hot dog cart for an excellent hot dog – ask for everything on it!

The Little Mermaid Statue

If you can’t tell by the absolute terrible quality of the photo above, I didn’t go check out Den Lille Havfrue or The Little Mermaid on land. Maybe if I go in warmer weather, I’ll walk over, but for now I was fine viewing it from our canal tour’s boat.

This statue is dedicated to the fairytale and is part of Hans Christian Andersen’s legacy in Copenhagen. It’s also been named as one of the most disappointing landmarks to see in person, so keep your expectations low! And if you do go over to see on land, combine it with a trip to Amalienborg Castle and Kastellet, a start-shaped fortress.

Tivoli Gardens

I’m so bummed Tivoli was closed while we were there! This amusement park is literally right by Central Station (like we walked by it constantly) and is one of the most popular amusement parks in all of Europe. They even say it inspired Walt Disney to create Disneyland.

Everyone I know and every blog, Reddit post, and Instagram Reel or Tiktok had Tivoli on their list of things to do in Copenhagen, so you know it’s not just a tourist thing. Just know if you only get an entrance ticket, you’ll have to pay for each ride, so book a ticket with unlimited rides to make the most of it.

One of the Palaces

Within Copenhagen, you can visit Amalienborg (the current home to the royal family), Christiansborg (home to Danish parliament), or Rosenborg (where the crown jewels are kept). About an hour away is Frederiksborg (the “Versaille of Denmark), and Kronborg (Hamlet’s Castle). That’s all to say, you’ve got five different palaces to choose from, so take time to see at least one.

I will say the palaces that are in Copenhagen are pretty quick visits as only part of them are actually open to the public, so you could easily plan to visit all three in a day if you wanted to. Many even have combination tickets to make it more affordable.

Where to Eat in Copenhagen

The thing I noticed about Copenhagen is that it’s really hard to have a bad meal here. Maybe around Nyhavn there are crappy menus, but honestly this city takes its gastronomy very seriously. There’s a reason it’s home to over twenty Michelin-starred restaurants!

Either way, whether you want a cheap hot dog or can score reservations at the most exclusive fine dining restaurant out there, you will eat well while you’re here.

Cafes and Bakeries

You guys know I love a good café, and Copenhagen does not disappoint! There are cafés and bakeries (or bageris) all over , and we probably stopped into at least two or three a day. Not only will you get delicious coffee, most places will have something to eat or, at the very least, an extremely delicious array of freshly made baked goods.

We usually started off with breakfast at a café near whatever landmark we wanted to go, and I often switched it up with matcha lattes and hot chocolates. Who knew Denmark was known for its matcha skills?!

Another really good option for eating in Copenhagen is looking up the various food halls. There are quite a few options, and while we were there we managed to make it to Torvehallerne where I tried some Danish porridge (grød).

I will say a lot of the open air food halls/markets like Reffen or Broens Gadekøkken are closed until at least April, so double check times on their websites.

Hot Dog Stands

As someone who’s not even a big hot dog person let alone someone who adds a ton of toppings to her dogs, I am OBSESSED with Danish hot dogs. I remember hearing Iceland had really fantastic hot dogs too but didn’t get a chance to try one, so I wanted to make sure I ate at least one while here.

Turns out we ate four, including one quite literally after we met at the airport. You can’t go wrong with a stand, and there’s at least one in every major square. Heck as soon as you exit Central Station, there’s a great hot dog stand right there.

Michelin Restaurants

Like I mentioned above, Copenhagen has well over twenty Michelin-starred restaurants and is home to what might be the most famous (maybe infamous?). I wouldn’t say I’m the biggest foodie on the planet but even I’ve heard of noma!

If you’re someone who seeks these restaurants out or are traveling with a fine dining foodie, you’ll have a bevy of options right at your finger tips. We didn’t visit any of them as we were on a budget and I had so many cafes, hot dog stands, and fast food-style places I wanted to try, but maybe on a future trip!

Vietnamese Cuisine

Here’s something totally random I noticed – Copenhagen seemed to have a lot more Vietnamese cuisine than I could have ever expected. Given that I lived there and love the food, I do tend to notice Vietnamese restaurants whenever I travel. I truly don’t think I saw so many places as I did in Copenhagen.

We wound up going to Hanoi Alley in Nørrebro because we were hiding from the rain. As much as I love cafes, I was craving something heartier and nothing tastes as good as beef pho on a cold, rainy day!

Day Trips from Copenhagen

Fredricksborg.

As I mentioned Frederiksborg Slot is like Denmark’s Versailles. It’s about an hour on the train in Hillerød and was built in the 1600s for King Christian IV. It has this huge, Renaissance design, so I’d really like to go one day. We just ran out of time!

Hamlet’s Castle in Helsingør

One castle we did do a day trip for was Kronborg Slot in Helsingør. It’s also about an hour on the train and became famous when Shakespeare set his most famous play there, naming the castle Elsinore. A number of famous actors have participate in productions there from Laurence Olivier to David Tennant ( and me, of course, hehe )! Kind of cool to imagine getting the chance to witness Laurence Olivier acting out Hamlet in the Hamlet castle, but I also spent a whole semester studying that play so that might be a niche interest.

While you’re here there’s also the Maritime Museum which is supposed to be award-winning. Truthfully, I wanted to make sure we had time for the next spot on our list, so we skipped it.

Louisiana Museum of Modern Art

About halfway between Kronborg and Copenhagen is a very cool modern art museum. The exhibits have so much going on and the location is right on the coast, so you could easily turn this into a full day trip on its own. The nice thing is that it’s open pretty late, so even if you want until the afternoon, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy.

Malmö, Sweden

Fun fact – you can pop over to Sweden in under an hour! Heck, even in the airport you’ll see signs for Malmö. It’s Sweden’s third largest city and sounds like a cool spot to visit on its own whether it’s for historic architecture, castles, or cool museums. Since we didn’t plan to go, I couldn’t tell you what was there exactly but it sounds like people who go enjoy it.

Shopping in Copenhagen

Copenhagen has some really fun shopping whether you’re looking for specific deals at the GANNI Postmodern Outlet or for quirky creations at Studi Arhoj. I mean, there’s a good reason people love Danish interior design and Copenhagen street style. I promise I’ll have a whole other post on shopping to share everywhere we went!

Safety & Health in Copenhagen

You know, I’m sure there’s crime in Copenhagen but this has to have been one of the safest major capital cities I’ve ever been to. The “sketchiest” part was in Freetown Christiania, and honestly, I’ve seen worse on a normal day in HCMC or Philly .

I feel like the worst crime to worry about is pickpockets but even then there doesn’t seem to be a crazy epidemic like in Barcelona and Paris. I mean, this is a city where people just leave their babies in strollers outside of restaurants – it’s a pretty safe city.

Likewise for health – this is the kind of place were you not only can you drink the tap water, it’s actually delicious. And there are so many nice, clean public bathrooms everywhere even in the metro stations.

That’s all I can think of to put into a single Copenhagen travel guide. I’ve got a bunch more posts coming because I really enjoyed this city, but in the meantime let me know if you have any further advice or questions below!

For more Scandinavian travel, read these next:

• 18 Fantastic Things to Do in Bergen, Norway
• Lofoten in the Winter: A Little Guide
• 3 Days in Stockholm: A Beginner Itinerary
• All the Best Things to Do in Örebro, Sweden

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Copenhagen in Winter – Is It Worth Visiting?

January 22, 2023 by Silvia 12 Comments

Living in Norway, I’ve of course visited Copenhagen many times over the years, but only ever in summer, so I wasn’t sure what to expect from Copenhagen in winter. I guess in my head Copenhagen is such a summery place, so when my flight back from the Faroe Islands included a stop in Copenhagen I was excited to see what winter in Copenhagen is like. 

Okay, so Norwegians are probably the only people in the world who would consider Copenhagen a summer destination, but I swear all the things my family usually did in Copenhagen were totally summery. Or maybe we really appreciated that extra degree or two of warmth down “south”?

In the end I decided to give Copenhagen in February a chance because then I could take the train through Sweden back to Norway instead of getting yet another flight. I’ve been feeling quite guilty about the number of flights I have planned over the next couple of months, sorry planet.

But guys, it turns out Copenhagen winter is actually magical! I mean, I should have known – this is the land of hygge after all.

And it turns out loads of Norwegians also love Copenhagen in the colder months, because I heard Norwegian  everywhere . Though again, I probably should have known. I mean, when I was telling my (Norwegian) mother about my plans to visit the Faroe Islands she was just like, yes, yes, that sounds lovely, but when I then said I’d be stopping in Copenhagen for a few days she got  so excited.

Like, really? Since when is Copenhagen, a city I’ve already visited many times before, more exciting than the Faroe Islands? I think it must be a Norwegian thing. And if that Norwegian thing is contagious I think I must have caught it, because I really loved my time in Copenhagen.

Table of Contents

Things to Do in Copenhagen in Winter

I’m new to this season in Copenhagen, but for me the best Copenhagen winter activities all revolved around one thing: getting cosy. I mean, hygge much?

My plan was pretty much to spend my entire time in Copenhagen hopping from cafe to cafe, with a few shopping breaks in between.

But then I remembered that my friend Lena aka  Travel Monkey , whom I met in Finland in January, lives in Copenhagen. We made some last minute lunch plans and then she sweetly showed me some of her favorite Copenhagen haunts so that this blog post wouldn’t solely consist of my multiple trips to Sephora and that same coffee shop around the corner from my hotel.

Lena is originally from Ukraine but has been living in Denmark for over five years now and it was interesting to hear from her about the ups and downs of life in Copenhagen.

Explore Nørrebro &  Jægersborggade

Nørrebro is full of trendy cafés, bars, and boutiques, as well as cheap kebab and Asian food places. The most famous street here is Jægersborggade , which has become super hip(ster?) with art galleries, local design and vintage shops, and of course more cafés and restaurants.

Brunch at Mirabelle

While in Nørrebro you can get brunch at Mirabelle, which has amazing bread and pastries. 

California Kitchen

I also love California Kitchen, which makes for a lovely tropical feeling escape from the chilly winter outside. 

Seriously though, while the experience here is more Californian than Danish, I’d still recommend popping in just to see how the Danes deal with Scandinavian winters (by pretending they’re actually in San Francisco). Plus their poke bowl is delicious!

Sample the porridge at Grød

I actually took this photo on a summer visit to Copenhagen

Another cosy Nørrebro staple is the trendy restaurant  Grød , which features a menu consisting solely of porridge dishes. I mean, what’s better winter food than porridge?

This is also the perfect place to get those cool Instagram shots of Copenhagen – at least I found myself stopping every few meters to snap another photo.

Andersen & Maillard bakery

Copenhagen has so many amazing bakeries that it’s hard to narrow down the list! But if you’re still hungry while in Nørrebro I highly recommend Andersen & Maillard for delicious pastries. 

Torvehallerne food market

After Nørrebro you can head back across Dronning Louises Bridge to the Torvehallerne food market- two big market halls full of stands with local produce, restaurants, bakeries, bars and coffee shops. So much yum in such a small space! Seriously, if I lived in Copenhagen I would be here all the time – especially during the winter, as it has those lovely outdoor vibes without actually being outside in the freezing cold. Win win!

The Torvehallerne are open from 10 am to 7 pm on weekdays (8 pm on Fridays), 10 am – 6 pm on Saturdays, and 11 am to 5 pm on Sundays.

There was also a flower market outside the Torvehallerne which reassured me that Copenhagen will always have some of its summer vibes!

You know how I said my mom got so excited when I said I was going to Copenhagen? She also will excitedly point out any flowers she spots outside in the winter like it’s some sort of sorcery. The Norwegian love for Copenhagen is starting to make more sense…

Seriously though, I once put a plant outside for about three minutes and it immediately shrivelled up and died. I guess Copenhagen winter really isn’t as harsh as Norwegian winter!

From the Torvehallerne you can then make your way to Copenhagen’s Old Town, with its cobblestone streets and even more shops and cafés.

Café Paludan

And of course you can stop in Cafe Paludan to peek at all the books lining the walls.

Lena told me a lot of people try to get sneaky Instagram photos in here and I don’t blame them! Seriously though, if you want to instantly make a place cosy, line the walls with books. So simple, yet so effective. 

Take a photo at Knabrostæde and Magstræde

Speaking of Instagram, apparently the area around the intersection of Knabrostæde and Magstræde is the place to get your shots, or at least you’ll see loads of people posing for photos there! It was already getting dark when I was there so I refrained from getting any Instagram photos, but I can definitely see the appeal.

And you’ll also pretty much always see a line of people outside of La Glace, Copenhagen’s oldest pastry shop, though Lena said she’s not sure how often she sees locals lining up there so maybe these days it’s more of a tourist attraction.

Huset & Bastard Café

And then I think one of the best Copenhagen winter hangouts must be Huset .

Founded in 1970, Huset is Copenhagen’s first culture house, hosting live music performances, theater productions, indie film screenings, and other shows. Though my favorite part of Huset is their board game café, Bastard Café . If you’re in Copenhagen on a particularly cold winter’s day, this is where I’d recommend heading!

For that matter, even if you’re in Copenhagen on a warm sunny day I would still try to stop in Huset – it’s just such a cool space, and definitely worth checking out if you want to get a feel for life in Copenhagen.

Shopping on Strøget

Strøget is actually one of Europe’s longest pedestrian streets, stretching from City Hall to Kongens Nytorv, and it’s home to so many fun shops. 

Buka Bakery

Buka is right on the main shopping street in Copenhagen, so it’s a super convenient stop when you need an energy boost between shops. My friend recommended Buka and I was skeptical at first because it’s in the shopping district but oh my goodness, they have the best almond croissants in all of Copenhagen. I now go here on every visit to Copenhagen, and you should too! 

Copenhagen Botanical Garden

Lena also recommended a trip to the Copenhagen Botanical Garden, but I didn’t end up having time before my train to Gothenburg the next day.

But I do love visiting botanical gardens in the winter, as the greenhouses always make for a lovely tropical escape from the cold!

Okay full disclosure, these photos are from a summer visit to Nyhavn. But while I do think of Nyhavn as the ultimate summery place to visit in Copenhage, it will still be beautiful in the winter as well! You just might not want to spend as much time sitting outside here as you do in the summer. 

Tivoli Gardens

And of course we can’t forget Tivoli! I imagine the Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen’s amusement park and garden, would be magical in the winter as well, especially around Christmastime when you can enjoy Christmas treats and mugs of spiced wine. But I decided to skip Tivoli this time, since I’ve visited many times before and it really was a bit windy to be going on park rides.

Packing for Copenhagen Winter

If you’re nervous about visiting Scandinavia in winter, rest assured that Copenhagen is the pretty much the mildest place you can visit in the region. That said, it can still get quite cold, so you’ll definitely want to pack layers!

You’ll want to bring lots of layers, and ideally a couple of sweaters with wool in them. Wool keeps you incredibly warm, and it has the added benefit of repelling odors, so you can get away without washing your sweaters on your trip – always a plus when you’re on the road! Personally I always wear a cashmere sweater as a base layer, because it is sooo soft and warm.

Long underwear doesn’t have to be itchy and uncomfortable. And you’ll be surprised what a difference a thin pair of silk leggings will make under your jeans. I love these silk leggings , but you can find a lot of other options on Amazon as well.

And if you’re wondering what to wear your thermals under to blend in with locals, jeans are really popular here! You’ll see lots of baggy and wide leg jeans here, but in general the style is very relaxed and comfortable. 

Winter boots

I wear  these Sorels , which I love because they don’t have fur on them so I can wear them in the spring and autumn. They’re waterproof as well, which is perfect for Copenhagen, which can get quite wet in the winter.

It might seem like an investment, but you will be so miserable if you don’t have proper footwear here. Plus locals will all be wearing snow boots (in fact Sorels are really popular here), so you will look like you’re from Copenhagen!

You can probably get away without these if you’re just going to be in the city center, but if you’re nervous about walking on ice,  ice grips  can be a real life saver. They’re cheap and take up very little luggage space, so personally I always pack them when I’m going anywhere that might be icy.

You’ll want to bring a winter coat, scarf, hat, and gloves, but I wouldn’t worry too much about what kind. Copenhagen doesn’t get as cold as Norway, so you don’t need to go out and buy a down jacket and wool accessories. Just use whatever you have and you should be okay, especially if you’re wearing layers!

Winter skin care

If you’re not used to cold weather then your skin might just go a bit insane when you get to Scandinavia. Like, in the rest of the world I totally have oily skin, but in Norway it’s quite dry. So you might want to bring a better moisturizer than you’re used to using.

I also recently started using face oil and OH MY GOODNESS IT IS LIKE MAGIC. I use  this one from Clarins  and it seriously transformed my skin. I still use the Shiseido cream afterwards, but this would work fine on its own and then you wouldn’t have to worry about it freezing when you go outside, because it’s oil. You can buy it  at Sephora here , or  on Amazon here .

Where to Stay in Copenhagen (perfect for Copenhagen winter)

Luxury copenhagen accommodation.

On this winter trip I stayed at The Square , which to be honest I really only chose because it was so close to Copenhagen’s central train station. But when I arrived I was totally amazed by how lovely it was!

I loved the design – I find so many big hotels end up looking the same, but The Square really stood out to me – and the rooms were so nice. Mine had an amazing view of the city hall square.

the square in front of the city hall is under construction at the moment

I had no idea when I booked it, but funnily enough Lena actually used to work at The Square! And she confirmed that their breakfast room has one of the best views in the city.

I also really appreciated how close The Square is not only to the train station, but also to the Old Town and shopping areas. Check here for current prices and availability at The Square .

I’ve also stayed at Hotel Astoria , which I also chose for its convenient location right next to Copenhagen Central Station. This hotel has so much history – the rooms even have the old double doors where train workers would hang their uniforms after work. It’s not quite as nice as The Square, but it’s still a great option. And the breakfast is fantastic! Check current prices and availability here. 

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February 22, 2018 at 12:53 am

I’m sold – Copenhagen looks beautiful! Lots of warm and cozy places to duck out of the cold (and let’s be real, it doesn’t look nearly as bad as the Canadian cold!).

Silvia says

March 2, 2018 at 11:03 am

Yeah, it’s funny how some places can look so bleak in the cold, whereas others, like Copenhagen, just look more cosy.

Royal Rajasthan Tour says

February 23, 2018 at 7:31 am

Great, Copenhagen is looking so awesome and its things are really great to enjoy. You shared great information about that beautiful place and stunning photos you shared that beautiful destination.

Victoria @TheBritishBerliner says

February 27, 2018 at 7:39 am

I’ve been to Denmark in both the winter and summer, and you’re absolutely right, it hardly matters when you visit, as Copenhagen is just so much fun!

And being that I live in Germany, Copenhagen is just “across the bridge” depending on which side you’re coming from!

‘Nice one!

March 2, 2018 at 11:01 am

Yesss you’re so close to Copenhagen there!

Bea & Csaba says

February 27, 2018 at 12:50 pm

Oh wow. We are visiting Copenhagen in two weeks for the first time, so I hoped you have something good to say about winter time in Copenhagen when I saw the title of this post. No disappointment. 😀 Having an upcoming long weekend, of course, we were searching for cheap air tickets, and there it was: Copenhagen. We are really excited and a little bit intimidated by the cold, haha. We like walking around in a city, especially in one that we visit for the first time. We’ll see whether we have the weather and the mood for that.

March 2, 2018 at 11:00 am

Ooh fun! I think you’ll love Copenhagen in winter – there are so many cosy places to warm up.

Best flight deals says

March 5, 2018 at 6:02 am

This guide to Copenhagen is really very helpful, I get the things which I wanted to know about this city. Thanks for sharing this post.

Erin S says

March 7, 2018 at 10:59 pm

In February 2017, my 15 year old son and I went to Copenhagen – it was awesome! So cozy and chill – we had breakfast at Torvehallern everyday. What a great city in winter.

March 10, 2018 at 2:04 am

Ooh that sounds lovely!

November 10, 2018 at 3:46 pm

Hello, can I ask something, is it ok we can visit denmark in winter time? Like I mean we visit this coming january with my friends is it ok? I know its winter time. Can we still roaming around and visit some area in copenhagen or any place in denmark? And speaking of the camera you used for taking pictures all of these places you showed on this blog. What camera you used? Its very nice and good quality.

Cindy B says

September 2, 2019 at 1:38 am

Thanks so much, we have travel from Norway to England in November, and will spend two days in Copenhagen visiting some of your recommendations. Take care.

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Once a full-time nomad, I'm now trying to find a balance between continuing to explore off the beaten path places around the world while also building a home in Norway. Want to know more? Head to my About page !

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Christmas in Copenhagen

The merriest of times in the merriest of places. Copenhagen simply oozes Christmas spirit and "hygge" of course. Experience the exclusive atmosphere of Copenhagen Christmas, where traditional customs are mixed with plain fun and good times.

Warm and cosy or chilly and refreshing

There is nothing like stepping into a warm and cosy setting after a full day in the brisk December weather. Or the other way around. If you want to go all the way, you do like many of the local Copenhageners, and dip into the icy waters of the harbour. It's a special treat, that you will remember for a long time. On the contrary, if you're more into warm and relaxing experiences, going to one of the many spas in Copenhagen might be more up your alley, after a day at the ice rink.

Spa and wellness

Broens Ice rink

Ice Swimming

Food and delicacies.

The Danish Christmas food is a huge part of the Danish Christmas "hygge". Check out our guides to where to find the best traditional restaurants, cafés, bars, and pastries for the holidays.

Glögg Guide

Glögg is the perfect drink to consume after a cold day or while you stroll through one of Copenhagens many Christmas Markets.

Traditional Danish Christmas lunch

Danish Christmas is tied to a lot of traditions, and Danish Christmas food is a complete chapter in itself.

Christmas beer - a Danish tradition

Special Christmas beers are Copenhagen favourites as the spirit of Christmas is in the air - You’ll love them too.

The best bakeries and pastry shops

The tradition of Christmas pastries goes a long time back, but the last decades' focus on elevated gastronomy has sparked a new pastry revolution.

It's a classic you can't miss out on

The Tivoli Gardens are something special all year round and worth a visit for young and old. But of course, Tivoli is going all in on bringing the fairytale Christmas atmosphere you would expect.

Christmas in Tivoli

Get your dose of the special atmosphere

Holiday shopping

Coming home from Copenhagen emptyhanded won't do. Got to go find the perfect gift for your dearest ones or even make it yourself. Check out the many vintage and second-hand stores for that unique Christmas present.

Second hand and Vintage

Creative spaces

Experience the floating santa lucia parade in copenhagen’s canals..

13 December, you can experience an alternative take on the traditional, Danish Santa Lucia parade, when kayaks sail through the canals dressed in lights and Christmas decorations.  

Santa Lucia parade in kayaks

Christmas experiences.

Christmas markets are plenty in Copenhagen and so are places to check out fine art. We recommend doing both.

Christmas Markets

Art and culture in Copenhagen

Copenhagen Christmas Walk

Fairytale castles and palaces.

The history of Copenhagen is something that can't be denied and some of the most evident examples are the many castles and palaces scattered around the city and beyond city limits. You might just find the true historical holiday cheer here.

Rosenborg Castle

Christiansborg Palace

Kronborg Castle

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Is Copenhagen Worth Visiting In 2024? Things To Do & Reasons To Visit

Wondering whether or not Copenhagen is worth visiting?

Then you’ve come to the right article as I’ve written a complete and in-depth guide to whether it’s worth visiting Copenhagen.

Before visiting a country, I always do some research into whether it’s worth visiting. And by landing on this article, it’s likely you do too! No one wants to visit somewhere that doesn’t live up to expectations, right/

Is Copenhagen worth visiting?

This is a question I asked before my trip to the Danish capital. After spending 3 days in Copenhagen , I feel confident to answer the question of whether Copenhagen is worth visiting or not.

Is Copenhagen Worth Visiting? YES!

In my opinion, Copenhagen is definitely worth visiting . 100%. It’s such a unique city and so different from the rest of Europe.

I visited Copenhagen as a solo traveller, but I saw many families, couples and friend groups too. Copenhagen is a great place to visit for anyone!

A huge plus is that flights are usually quite cheap too. From Europe anyway. I got return flights from Dublin to Copenhagen for €30, which is an absolute steal! Flights costing 10x that to Copenhagen would still be worth paying.

There are so many unique selling points for Copenhagen, but one of the best is how safe Copenhagen is. As per The Economist’s 2021 report , Copenhagen is the safest city in the world . Yes, the whole world.

The vibe in Copenhagen is so relaxed and easygoing. You get a real sense of relaxation and safety in Copenhagen, the people are so chilled out and nothing bothers them. Copenhageners know how to live life.

Copenhagen is also home to some incredible restaurants and hotels. Not to mention how many great things there are to do in Copenhagen. Whether you stay for one day or one month, you’ll always find more things to do in Copenhagen.

10 Best Things To Do In Copenhagen

That being said, you may wish to find out what there is to do in Copenhagen before making your own mind up as to whether is it worth visiting. So without further ado, here are 10 of the best things you can do on a trip to Copenhagen.

1) Take a canal tour: The canals in Copenhagen run right through the city, and there’s no better way to see Copenhagen’s main landmarks than by taking a canal tour . The unique perspective of the city along with the peaceful boat journey makes a canal tour a top thing to do in Copenhagen.

2) Visit Nyhavn: When you search for images of Copenhagen, Nyhavn is what comes up. Nyhavn is the coloured houses in Copenhagen along with the canal in front. It’s beautiful and picturesque in photos, and in real life, it is simply stunning. You have to see it during a trip to Copenhagen, some would say Copenhagen is worth visiting for Nyhavn alone.

3) See the parliament, Christiansborg Palace: Christiansborg Palace is one of the most iconic buildings in Copenhagen and it’s definitely something you need to do during a trip. You can also go to the top of the tower (for free) and get a beautiful, birdseye view over Copenhagen.

4) Pose with The Little Mermaid: The Little Mermaid is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Denmark. It’s a statue of a mermaid along the canal and you can get right down to it as it is on the shorefront. To be honest, I found it a little underwhelming, but cool to see nonetheless.

5) Feel like a Royal at Rosenborg Castle: One of the most beautiful buildings in Copenhagen is Rosenborg Castle and inside are incredible museums. You can see the thrones of the King and Queen of Denmark and also the Crown Jewels. It’s definitely a must-do.

6) Walk to the top of the Round Tower: The Round Tower also offers an indescribable panoramic view of Copenhagen. The view from the top allows you to see right over the city and beyond. And it’s also included in the Copenhagen Card , so you can go up for free.

7) Have fun at Tivoli Gardens: Tivoli Gardens, the third oldest operating theme park in the world is guaranteed to be a fun day out in Copenhagen. There are so many exciting rides and amusements, as well as endless places to eat. Make sure to buy your Tivoli Gardens Tickets in advance to save waiting in a huge queue to get in.

8) See the animals at Copenhagen Zoo: In my opinion, Copenhagen Zoo is one of the best zoos in the world. I got to see pandas and polar bears for the first time. It’s such a good day out! I’d recommend Copenhagen Zoo to anyone, without a doubt.

9) Learn a bit of history at the National Museum of Denmark: Filled with Danish and Scandinavian history, stepping back into the days of the Vikings is a must-do when visiting Copenhagen. I’m not a huge fan of museums but I still really enjoyed checking out the National Museum of Denmark.

10) Take a tour of Amalienborg: The Queen of Denmark’s winter residence is great to look at, but you can also take a tour of the building which is a worthwhile experience. Witnessing the changing of the guards, as with any royal landmark in Copenhagen, is unbelievable.

What Is Copenhagen Known For?

Copenhagen is famous for being the capital of Denmark and one of the main cities in Scandinavia.

Copenhagen is also known as one of the happiest cities in the world , as well as the number one safest city in the world.

The superlatives for Copenhagen continue, you may also have heard before that Copenhagen is one of the most cycling-friendly cities , even ahead of Amsterdam. It ranks as the 4th most bike-friendly city in the world.

The nickname for Copenhagen, “The City of Spires” could not be more true, as a view over Copenhagen from the Round Tower or Christiansborg Tower show how many spires there are in the city’s skyline. Copenhagen’s medieval and Renaissance architecture is second to none.

And of course, it would be impossible to mention Copenhagen without mentioning Tivoli Gardens or Nyhavn, two of the most popular things to do.

Best Time To Visit Copenhagen

In my opinion, Copenhagen is a great place to visit any time of the year , with different times having different benefits. That being said, I would recommend different months.

If you want to experience Copenhagen in okay weather, try to go in the spring. The weather will be beginning to get warm, but you will avoid the crowds of the summer months.

If you want to experience Copenhagen in winter weather with the chance of snow and enjoy the festivities of Christmas, visit in December. Tivoli Gardens in December is one of the best sights in Copenhagen , and you will create memories to last a lifetime.

Personally, I love visiting countries in Scandinavia in winter. I think it’s the best time to visit because when you think of countries like Iceland , Norway, Finland, and Denmark, of course, you think of cold weather.

But as I said, you can visit Copenhagen all year round and have a great trip. I first visited Copenhagen in January , but I loved it so much I’m heading back there in December for my second time in Copenhagen in one year.

Where To Stay In Copenhagen

The best part of Copenhagen to stay in is near Copenhagen Central Station. Not only will you be next to the station and have easy transport access to and from the airport, but you are right next to most of the main attractions in Copenhagen.

Everything in Copenhagen is within walking distance, more or less. If you stay in the area near København H ( Danish for Copenhagen , so it’s Copenhagen Central Station), you are 5 minutes away from Tivoli Gardens , 15 from Christiansborg and 25 minutes walk from Rosenborg. Just to name a few examples.

One of the best hotels is Zoku Copenhagen . It’s rated 9.1/10 on Booking and is in the perfect location in Copenhagen. Zoku is also relatively affordable compared to other hotels in Copenhagen, which is a very expensive city . You can’t go wrong with booking a stay at Zoku Copenhagen, I would recommend it.

If you are visiting Copenhagen on a budget or you are a solo traveller, I recommend staying in Next House Copenhagen . It’s the fanciest hostel I have ever stayed in, with personal pods, a football pitch and 5 bars. As I said, everything is within walking distance so it’s a great spot to stay in to save money on transport.

➡️ Best hotel in Copenhagen: Zoku Copenhagen ➡️ Best budget-friendly hostel in Copenhagen: Next House Copenhagen

How To Get Around Copenhagen

The best way to get around Copenhagen is by walking or cycling. Most of the main attractions and tourist sights in Copenhagen are within walking distance of each other.

Cycling will allow you to experience Copenhagen as a local, as it is the most common way to get around. Copenhagen is incredibly cycling-friendly, with bike lanes on every road.

Taking a bike tour in Copenhagen is also a great thing to do as part of your trip!

You can choose to take public transport, which is included in the Copenhagen Card , but I personally prefer to walk or cycle as it allows me to see parts of Copenhagen I may have otherwise missed.

To get to and from the airport, the best way is to take the train (also included in Copenhagen Card) which takes about 15 minutes and arrive at Copenhagen Central Station, which is also the best part of Copenhagen to stay in.

Is Copenhagen Worth Visiting: FAQ

Below are some related questions to “Is Copenhagen worth visiting?” along with my answers.

It’s impossible to pick a winner between Copenhagen and Stockholm. Both are unique cities and offer different things. Stockholm is slightly cheaper than Copenhagen, but Copenhagen is more popular for tourism. So both Copenhagen and Stockholm have their perks. If you can visit them both, do it. It’s very easy to get between the two, there are regular trains.

Copenhagen is a great place to visit because it is such a different experience from the rest of Europe. The architecture and buildings in Copenhagen are so beautiful, and the churches are incredible. Copenhagen is known as “The City of Spires” for a reason. There are so many great things to do in Copenhagen ranging from Nyhavn and Tivoli to Copenhagen Zoo and the Little Mermaid.

Copenhagen and Amsterdam are two very similar but very different cities. It’s impossible to pick a winner between the two. Amsterdam is more popular to visit and has more tourists, and is much cheaper. But Copenhagen offers a much more unique culture and is very different to the rest of Europe. Both cities are worth visiting at some point!

Yes! I visited Copenhagen in January and had an amazing time. Despite Tivoli Gardens being closed, there are still so many things to do. The crowds are also non-existent. At times I was the only person outside Christiansborg Palace! Hotels are also cheaper to stay in too, as it’s a less popular time of the year to visit. This only makes it even more worth visiting, having fewer tourists is always a bonus.

Without a doubt, yes! Copenhagen Zoo is the best zoo I have visited anywhere in the world. There is such a wide variety of animals. I got to see pandas, leopards and polar bears for the first time! There is also an amazing viewpoint which allows a great view over Copenhagen. Of course, a huge benefit of visiting Copenhagen Zoo is that it is included in the Copenhagen Card, so admission is free. Not to mention the amazing churros I had at Copenhagen Zoo. It would be worth visiting for those alone!

Conclusion: Is Copenhagen Worth Visiting

To conclude, the answer to “Is Copenhagen worth visiting?” is yes, undoubtedly. Copenhagen is an amazing city break and such a unique city compared to others in Europe.

There are so many great things to see and do such as Tivoli Gardens, Nyhavn and Rosenborg Castle. You’ll always find something.

It’s a popular destination, but not too touristy like Paris or Rome, so Copenhagen makes for a great trip.

I would recommend it to anyone. I hope you enjoy your trip to Copenhagen!

Now that you know it’s worth going to the city, it’s time to decide how many days you are going to spend in Copenhagen .

Josh Band is the founder of A Backpacker's World. He is a full-time traveller currently on a mission to visit every country in the world. As a full-time traveller, Josh knows exactly how to make the most of any trip and shares these tips with his readers. Josh mostly travels as a backpacker on a budget, so he is also an expert when it comes to getting the most of your money while travelling.

Fire Devastates Copenhagen’s Historic Stock Exchange

Its signature 184-foot spire collapsed, but rescuers salvaged some of the valuable artworks inside

Sonja Anderson

Daily Correspondent

Copenhagen’s 400-year-old  Stock Exchange partially collapsed in a blazing fire on Tuesday. As sirens blared and smoke billowed, first responders and passersby sprang into action to evacuate some of the building’s artistic treasures.

“A piece of Danish history is on fire,” wrote Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in a translated  Instagram post during the catastrophe. “The stock exchange is one of Copenhagen’s most iconic buildings. A symbol of 400 years of business history in Denmark.”

The fire began on the Exchange’s roof on April 16. The disaster caused no casualties, but the Exchange’s signature central spire was reduced to rubble, reports Jan M. Olsen of the  Associated Press (AP). Police have not yet determined the cause of the blaze.

The Exchange, or the Børsen, is one of Denmark’s capital city’s oldest structures, according to the  New York Times ’ Derrick Bryson Taylor and Maya Tekeli. Located in the heart of Copenhagen near Denmark’s parliament,  Christiansborg Palace , the Exchange’s architectural majesty made it a major tourist attraction: It’s known for its red brick walls, a roof of green copper and—until the recent fire—a 184-foot spire resembling the intertwined tails of four silver dragons.

Finished in the early 1600s, the Børsen exemplifies the Dutch Renaissance architectural style. Christian IV , the king of Denmark and Norway in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, commissioned the project “with the aim of turning Copenhagen into a major trading center,” writes  BBC News ’ Paul Kirby. The building housed the Danish stock market until 1974, and it’s currently home to the country’s Chamber of Commerce.

As the fire raged, Brian Mikkelsen , chief of the Danish Chamber of Commerce, and his staff were seen flipping through a record of paintings housed inside the building, reports the AP. He said a team of rescuers used crowbars and other tools to remove valuable artworks and carry them to nearby buildings. Civilians on the street stepped in to help, an effort Jakob Engel-Schmidt, Denmark’s culture minister, called “touching.”

One of the rescued works, Peder Severin Kroyer’s From Copenhagen Stock Exchange , is over 13 feet long, per the Danish newspaper Avisen Danmark . Five or six people were required to carry the 1895 painting to safety.

Mikkelsen told reporters that rescuers were able to save many works, per the AP. Nevertheless, he described the damage as “a national disaster.”

As Engel-Schmidt tells the Times , the building’s artworks “tell us something about ourselves as a nation and as a people,” and the building itself is part of the Danish psyche. “That’s why there are people standing in the streets, looking incredibly sad,” he adds. “It affects me, too.”

For four centuries, the Børsen has stood as a Copenhagen landmark, with its dragon spire contributing to the capital’s reputation as the “ city of towers ,” as Denmark’s king, Frederik X , said in a translated  statement yesterday.

“We have regarded the historic building as a beautiful symbol of our capital and a building that we, as a nation, have been proud of,” he added. “The Queen and I would like to thank all those who, since early this morning, have ensured that no one has been hurt, and who have fought to save as much as possible of both the building and the many cultural treasures and works of art that Børsen contains.”

On Wednesday, firefighters worked to extinguish the “last pockets” of fire, according to the AP . Officials started speaking about rebuilding, which could take “up to ten years.”

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Sonja Anderson is a writer and reporter based in New York City.

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Copenhagen fights the last pockets of a fire that destroyed a 400-year-old landmark

Emergency management work in the former Stock Exchange of Copenhagen, Boersen, Wednesday, April 17, 2024. A fire raged through one of Copenhagen’s oldest buildings on Tuesday, causing the collapse of the iconic spire of the 17th-century Old Stock Exchange as passersby rushed to help emergency services save priceless paintings and other valuables. (Liselotte Sabroe/Ritzau Scanpix via AP)

Emergency management work to secure the area after a fire in the former Stock Exchange of Copenhagen, Boersen, Wednesday, April 17, 2024. A fire raged through one of Copenhagen’s oldest buildings on Tuesday, causing the collapse of the iconic spire of the 17th-century Old Stock Exchange as passersby rushed to help emergency services save priceless paintings and other valuables. (Liselotte Sabroe/Ritzau Scanpix via AP)

Emergency management work to finish extinguishing the fire and to secure the area in the building of the former Stock Exchange of Copenhagen, Boersen, Wednesday, April 17, 2024. A fire raged through one of Copenhagen’s oldest buildings on Tuesday, causing the collapse of the iconic spire of the 17th-century Old Stock Exchange as passersby rushed to help emergency services save priceless paintings and other valuables. (Liselotte Sabroe/Ritzau Scanpix via AP)

Firefighters work on the building after a fire broke out at the Stock Exchange in Copenhagen, Tuesday, April 16, 2024. The fire was reported Tuesday morning in the historic building, which was undergoing renovation. (Ida Marie Odgaard/Ritzau Scanpix)

Firefighters work on the building after a fire broke out at the Stock Exchange in Copenhagen, Tuesday, April 16, 2024. The fire was reported Tuesday morning in the historic building, which was undergoing renovation. (Mads Claus Rasmussen/Ritzau Scanpix)

Fire rages from the dragon spire of the Stock Exchange in Copenhagen, Denmark, Tuesday, April 16, 2024. A fire raged through one of Copenhagen’s oldest buildings on Tuesday, causing the collapse of the iconic spire of the 17th-century Old Stock Exchange as passersby rushed to help emergency services save priceless paintings and other valuables. (Ida Marie Odgaard/Ritzau Scanpix via AP)

Former Danish Minister of Culture and current CEO of Danish Business, Brian Mikkelsen, left, assists with the evacuation of paintings from the Boersen burning in Copenhagen on Tuesday, April 16, 2024. A fire raged through one of Copenhagen’s oldest buildings on Tuesday, causing the collapse of the iconic spire of the 17th-century Old Stock Exchange as passersby rushed to help emergency services save priceless paintings and other valuables. (Ida Marie Odgaard/Ritzau Scanpix via AP)

People react to a fire as the Old Stock Exchange building burns in Copenhagen, Denmark, Tuesday, April 16, 2024. A fire raged through one of Copenhagen’s oldest buildings on Tuesday, causing the collapse of the iconic spire of the 17th-century Old Stock Exchange as passersby rushed to help emergency services save priceless paintings and other valuables. (Ida Marie Odgaard/Ritzau Scanpix via AP)

CEO of Danish Business, Brian Mikkelsen, and others carry paintings out of the burning building as the Stock Exchange burns in Copenhagen, Denmark, Tuesday, April 16, 2024. A fire raged through one of Copenhagen’s oldest buildings on Tuesday, causing the collapse of the iconic spire of the 17th-century Old Stock Exchange as passersby rushed to help emergency services save priceless paintings and other valuables. (Ida Marie Odgaard/Ritzau Scanpix via AP)

People ride bicycles as smoke rises from the Old Stock Exchange in Copenhagen, Denmark, Tuesday, April 16, 2024. A fire raged through one of Copenhagen’s oldest buildings on Tuesday, causing the collapse of the iconic spire of the 17th-century Old Stock Exchange as passersby rushed to help emergency services save priceless paintings and other valuables. (Emil Nicolai Helms/Ritzau Scanpix via AP)

Fire and smoke rise out of the Old Stock Exchange, Boersen, in Copenhagen, Denmark, Tuesday, April 16, 2024. One of Copenhagen’s oldest buildings is on fire and its iconic spire has collapsed. The copper roof of the 17th-century Old Stock Exchange, or Boersen, that was once Denmark’s financial center, was engulfed in flames Tuesday. (Ida Marie Odgaard/Ritzau Scanpix via AP)

The spire collapses as fire and smoke rise out of the Old Stock Exchange, Boersen, in Copenhagen, Denmark, Tuesday, April 16, 2024. One of Copenhagen’s oldest buildings is on fire and its iconic spire has collapsed. The building, which is situated next to the Christiansborg Palace where the parliament sits, is a popular tourist attraction. Its distinctive spire, in the shape of the tails of four dragons twined together, reached a height of 56 meters (184 feet). (Ida Marie Odgaard/Ritzau Scanpix via AP)

Firefighters work as smoke rise out of the Old Stock Exchange, Boersen, in Copenhagen, Denmark, Tuesday, April 16, 2024. One of Copenhagen’s oldest buildings is on fire and its iconic spire has collapsed. The building, which is situated next to the Christiansborg Palace where the parliament sits, is a popular tourist attraction. Its distinctive spire, in the shape of the tails of four dragons twined together, reached a height of 56 meters (184 feet). (Emil Helms/Ritzau Scanpix via AP)

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COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — Danish firefighters toiled Wednesday to extinguish the last pockets of a fire that gutted Copenhagen’s 400-year-old stock exchange building the previous day, as owners of the structure looked ahead to rebuilding the iconic landmark.

Tuesday’s blaze, which destroyed half of the building and toppled its dragon-tail spire, was believed to have started on the roof during renovations, but the cause remained unclear and police had yet to enter the burned part of the building to investigate.

No injuries were reported despite a hectic scramble in the first hour of the fire to remove valuables, with citizen volunteers helping officials and firefighters in an effort that managed to salvage much of the building’s priceless artwork.

“This is sad, so sad,” 44-year-old civil servant Mikkel Jensen said Wednesday as he looked up at twisted scaffolding still clinging to the ruins of the Old Stock Exchange.

The building, which dates from 1615 and is named the Boersen in Danish, is known for its green copper roof and distinctive 56-meter (184-foot) spire in the shape of four intertwined dragon tails.

Morten Langager, manager of the Danish Chamber of Commerce, which was headquartered in the Old Stock Exchange and owned the building, said it should “rise again.” His boss, chamber head Brian Mikkelsen, said the building will be rebuilt “no matter what” and that the board backed the idea.

The building was undergoing extensive renovations, and there are detailed records of the entire structure’s architecture, including photographs taken just last week of the dragon spire by the National Museum in Copenhagen.

However, no decision has yet been made about who will reconstruct the building, a project which would cost millions, if not billions of kroner (dollars). A cautious estimate said it could take up to 10 years.

Many in Denmark compared Tuesday’s fire to the April 2019 blaze at Notre Dame that destroyed the spire of the 800-year-old cathedral. Its restoration is slated for completion this year.

The extent of the damage, caused by flames and the tons of water poured to extinguish them, was still unknown.

“A lot has disappeared in the fire,” said Tim Ole Simonsen of the Greater Copenhagen Fire Department, which was working to secure remaining outer walls. Up to 40 shipping containers, filled with concrete, will be put around them to stabilize them, the fire department said.

That work will continue through the night. “The work is extensive and requires a large amount of equipment,” the fire department said in a statement.

Police hadn’t yet been able to enter the burned part of the building to begin investigating the cause of the fire, said Brian Belling, a Copenhagen police officer in charge of the investigation.

“It can take a long time to find the cause of a fire,” Belling said.

When the fire engulfed the building on Tuesday, passers-by, Chamber of Commerce staff, police officers and members of an army unit that had been sent to help raced inside the building to save its treasures.

Mikkelsen, who was one of the employees who ran in, told public broadcaster DR that the building had made a plan for what to save in a “worst case” scenario. When it became too dangerous for people to go up to the first floor, firefighters with breathing gear were sent in to retrieve priceless items, he said, adding that many of the building’s most valuable contents, which included irreplaceable paintings and other works of art, had been saved.

Among items saved was the huge 1895 painting “From Copenhagen Stock Exchange” by Danish artist P.S. Krøyer, the Chamber of Commerce said.

About an hour after the first reports of the fire on Tuesday, the blaze engulfed the spire and sent it crashing onto the building, which was shrouded by scaffolding, and onto the street behind.

The fire sent huge billows of smoke over downtown Copenhagen, and many government offices located nearby remained closed Wednesday because of a strong smell of smoke in the buildings. Employees were told to work from home.

The buildings must be cleaned and their ventilation checked before government ministry staff can return, said Rasmus Brandt Lassen, head of the Danish Building and Property Agency.

“We have told them that they should expect to work at home for the rest of the week,” Brandt Lassen said.

The exchange is considered a leading example of the Dutch Renaissance style in Denmark. The Chamber of Commerce moved into the building after Copenhagen’s stock exchange left in 1974.

Its dragon spire was one of the many of topping the city’s churches and castles, which have earned Copenhagen its nickname as “the city of spires.” Other copper-covered belfries include the serpentine spire of Our Savior’s Church, those of the Renaissance Rosenborg Castle downtown, and the tower of the Christiansborg Palace which houses the Danish parliament.

A main road running past the Old Stock Exchange remained closed Wednesday.

Copenhagen’s mayor hopes to learn from Notre Dame reconstruction after historic building fire

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Copenhagen’s mayor said Thursday she contacted her Paris counterpart to see what could be learned from the reconstruction of the Notre Dame cathedral in the French capital, after a fire devastated the Danish city’s 400-year-old stock exchange building .

Firefighters were still at the scene two days after a blaze destroyed half of Copenhagen’s Old Stock Exchange, which dates from 1615, and collapsed its iconic dragon-tail spire.

The Danish Chamber of Commerce, which was headquartered in the Old Stock Exchange and owns the building, has said they want the building to be reconstructed. However, no decision has yet been made about who will finance a reconstruction, a project that would cost millions, if not billions of dollars and take years.

Sophie Hæstorp Andersen, the Danish capital’s mayor, told the Associated Press that she had been in touch with Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo to discuss how the French handled the reconstruction of the Notre Dame cathedral after an April 2019 blaze ravaged the 800-year-old landmark. Its restoration is slated for completion this year.

Hidalgo gave “some good inputs on how to move quickly, how Paris handled donations and the restoration which must be done fast,” Hæstorp Andersen said.

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“We stand before a huge task when it comes to rebuilding Boersen together with the Danish Chamber of Commerce ... but we know this can be done quickly,” she said, using the stock exchange building’s Danish name.

She added that Hidalgo has invited a Danish team to meet those behind the rebuilding of Notre Dame’s spire.

Tuesday’s blaze was believed to have started on the roof during renovations, but the cause remained unclear and police had yet to enter the burned part of the building to investigate.

Work continued Thursday to stabilize the building, with the Greater Copenhagen Fire Department saying they expect to be working at the scene for at least another day.

“The walls are very unstable,” firefighter spokesman Tom Ole Simonsen said. Containers filled with concrete have been erected around the Old Stock Exchange to support it.

The copper roof had collapsed inside the shell of external walls and on Friday, they will try to remove the burned parts from inside the building with a huge crane, Simonsen said.

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“It still smolders and glows inside,” Simonsen said. He added that the highest alarm was sounded Tuesday six minutes after the fire department was alerted.

Several streets around the charred building, including a main road running past it, will remained closed until Monday at least, Simonsen said.

When the fire engulfed the building on Tuesday, passers-by, Chamber of Commerce staff, police officers and firefighters raced inside the building to save its treasures. Many of the building’s most valuable contents, which included irreplaceable paintings and other works of art, had been saved. Among them was the huge 1895 painting “From Copenhagen Stock Exchange” by Danish artist P.S. Krøyer, the Chamber of Commerce said.

The exchange, known for its green copper roof and distinctive 184-foot spire in the shape of four intertwined dragon tails, sits on the waterfront next to the Danish parliament.

The building is considered a leading example of the Dutch Renaissance architectural style in Denmark. The Chamber of Commerce moved into the building after Copenhagen’s stock exchange left in 1974.

Olsen writes for the Associated Press.

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Fire ravages 17th-century Old Stock Exchange in Copenhagen, toppling the iconic spire

The Associated Press

The roof of the 17th-century Old Stock Exchange, or Boersen, that was once Denmark's financial center was engulfed in flames Tuesday. Emil Helms/Ritzau Scanpix via AP hide caption

The roof of the 17th-century Old Stock Exchange, or Boersen, that was once Denmark's financial center was engulfed in flames Tuesday.

COPENHAGEN, Denmark — A fire raged through one of Copenhagen's oldest buildings on Tuesday, causing the collapse of the iconic spire of the 17th-century Old Stock Exchange as passersby rushed to help emergency services save priceless paintings and other valuables.

Danish Culture Minister Jakob Engel-Schmidt said it was "touching" to see how many people lent their hand "to save art treasures and iconic images from the burning building." One man jumped off his bicycle on his way to work to help.

A gunman killed 3 people and wounded others at a Copenhagen mall

Brian Mikkelsen, chief of the Danish Chamber of Commerce, which is headquartered in the Old Stock Exchange, and his staff were seen scrolling through a binder of photos of paintings to be saved. The works were carried to the nearby parliament and Danish National Archives around the corner.

"We have been able to rescue a lot," a visibly moved Mikkelsen told reporters. "It is a national disaster."

He also took part in saving valuables from the flames, and said they had to use tools including like a crowbar to remove them.

The fire began Tuesday morning in the copper roof of the Old Stock Exchange, or Boersen, spread to much of the building and the roof, parts of which also collapsed, and destroyed the building's interior, said firefighters spokesman Jakob Vedsted Andersen.

People watch as fire and smoke rise out of the Old Stock Exchange in Copenhagen. Emil Helms/Ritzau Scanpix via AP hide caption

People watch as fire and smoke rise out of the Old Stock Exchange in Copenhagen.

"The fire is still not under control," Vedsted Andersen said, adding that half the building was destroyed and collapsed. He said that there was no risk of the blaze spreading to other buildings. Firefighters said they expected to be at the scene for the next 24 hours.

Tommy Laursen of the Copenhagen police said it was too early to say what caused the fire and that they would able to enter the building in "a few days."

Firefighters who reportedly pumped water from the nearby canal were seen spraying water through the doorway of the Old Stock Exchange's gilded hall that is used for gala dinners, conferences and other events and where many paintings hung.

To rebuild Notre Dame's fire-ravaged roof, carpenters use centuries-old techniques

The building, next to the Christiansborg Palace where the parliament sits, is a popular tourist attraction. Its distinctive spire, in the shape of the tails of four dragons twined together, reached a height of 56 meters (184 feet).

Huge billows of smoke rose over downtown Copenhagen and could be seen from southern Sweden, which is separated by a narrow waterway.

Ambulances were at the scene but there were no reports of casualties. A spokesman for the company working on renovating the building said the carpenters who worked on the roof had all come out.

Up to 90 members of an army unit were deployed from a nearby base to cordon off the area and "secure valuables," Denmark's armed forces said.

This photo combo shows the Old Stock Exchange in Copenhagen in 2019, top, and on fire on Tuesday below. The building is situated next to the Christiansborg Palace and is a popular tourist attraction. Linda Kastrup/Ida Marie Odgaard/Ritzau Scanpix via AP hide caption

King Frederik wrote on Instagram that "they woke up to a sad sight" of "an important part of our architectural heritage" being destroyed.

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen wrote on Instagram that it hurt to see that "irreplaceable cultural heritage" and "a piece of Danish history is on fire."

The building and the spire had been encased in scaffolding. The roof, masonry, sandstone and spire of Boersen — built in 1615 and considered a leading example of Dutch Renaissance style in Denmark — was being renovated, said the Chamber of Commerce, which moved into the building after Copenhagen's stock exchange left in 1974. The chamber owns the building.

Mikkelsen said they had planned to have the royal family, the Danish government and other dignitaries see the Old Stock Exchange after the renovation later this year. "That won't happen now," he said.

It was unclear what will happen to the iconic building.

Engel-Schmidt, the culture minister, wrote on X that "I will do everything I can so that the dragon spire will once again tower over Copenhagen," and said it had been "a symbol of Denmark's strong history as a trading nation."

The adjacent Christiansborg Palace has burned down on several occasions, and most recently in 1990 a fire broke out in an annex of the Danish parliament, known as Proviantgaarden. However, the Old Stock Exchange was unscathed.

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That annex, which lies in the block behind the Old Stock Exchange, was evacuated as a precaution, as were ministries in the street behind the burning building.

Police said on the social media platform X that a main road in Copenhagen was closed and people should expect the area to be cordoned off for some time. Several bus lines were rerouted and Danish media reported huge traffic jams.

Queen Margrethe, who turned 84 Tuesday, toned down the celebrations because of the fire, broadcaster TV2 said. A band with the Royal Life Guard was to play for the former monarch outside the Fredensborg Castle, where she is staying for the spring and summer, but that was canceled.

Denmark's Old Stock Exchange blaze: Copenhagen mayor to take lessons from Notre-Dame

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Historic Copenhagen stock exchange, one of the city's oldest buildings, goes up in flames

By Li Cohen

Updated on: April 16, 2024 / 10:47 AM EDT / CBS News

As Paris celebrated five years of recovery since its Notre Dame Cathedral erupted into flames, Copenhagen experienced its own blaze of tragedy at a historic building. The Danish city's old stock exchange building, which dates back to the 17th century, erupted into flames on Tuesday in what onlookers could only describe as a tragedy. 

"This is our Notre Dame ," a local craftsman told Danish TV, according to CBS News partner BBC .

The cause of the fire, which started around 7:30 a.m. local time, is not yet known and no casualties have been reported, but the flames have ravaged the historic building and several nearby streets have been closed, local media reported. The old stock exchange, otherwise known as Børsen, dates back to 1625 and is one of Copenhagen's oldest buildings, the website maintained by Danish Tourist Offices says. 

Included in the damage is the building's iconic spire, which legends say protects the building "against enemy attacks and fires," according to the tourism site. The spire, which was designed in the shape of entwined dragons' tails, stood at 184 feet tall. 

"The Old Stock Exchange has many times been mysteriously spared from damage when fires have broken out in neighbouring (sic) buildings," the site says. "Christiansborg Palace (the present-day Danish Parliament) has burnt down on several occasions, and even recently in 1990, a fire broke out in the Proviantgaarden in Slotsholmsgade (Slotholm Street). On this occasion, as before, the Old Stock Exchange survived unscathed."

But on Tuesday, it fell. Video from the Associated Press shows the spire crashing down. The AP said the fire is believed to have started in the building's copper roof, much of which collapsed before the flames spread to other areas of the building. The roof was originally made of lead, but that material was removed during the 1658 Swedish siege to be used for musket balls. The copper was applied in 1883 and was in the process of being replaced with 100% recycled copper, the Danish Chamber of Commerce says. Scaffolding was present on much of the building's roof when the fire erupted.  

"This morning, we woke up to a sad sight, as smoke over the roofs of Copenhagen gave evidence of the destructive fire at Børsen," Frederik X , the king of Denmark, said in a statement on Tuesday. "An important part of our architectural cultural heritage was and continues to be in flames." 

He said Børsen has remained a "distinctive landmark of Copenhagen" for generations. 

"Until today, we have considered the historic building as a beautiful symbol of our capital and a structure that we, as a nation, have been proud of." 

Morten Langager, director of the Danish Chamber of Commerce, said first responders are working to save " everything that can be saved ," the office said on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. The Associated Press captured video of people rushing to save paintings from the building.

"This is a national treasure," Elisabeth Moltke told AFP. "A lot of Danish paintings , originals are in there. I've been in there several times and it's a magnificent building so it makes me feel very emotional." 

Chamber of Commerce employee Carsten Lundberg told AFP that they're "lost for words." 

"It's a 400-year-old building that has survived all the other fires that burned Copenhagen down to the ground," they said. "It's a dreadful loss." 

Li Cohen is a social media producer and trending content writer for CBS News.

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Artworks carried to safety as fire blazes at Copenhagen’s old stock exchange

Spire collapses as fire engulfs Danish landmark, which houses one of country’s most valuable art collections

Firefighters at Copenhagen’s historic former stock exchange have been battling a huge blaze that has engulfed the 17th-century building’s roof, toppled its distinctive spire and threatened one of Denmark’s most valuable art collections.

“We are witnessing a terrible spectacle. The Bourse is on fire,” the Chamber of Commerce, which occupies the building next to Christiansborg Palace, the seat of the Danish parliament, wrote on X. “Everyone is asked to stay away.”

Dramatic footage showed huge plumes of black smoke rising from the Dutch Renaissance-style building, which was undergoing renovation and clad in scaffolding. Police said they had blocked off a main road and part of the city centre.

Copenhagen’s fire service said the blaze was reported at 7.30am. The extensive scaffolding around the building was making it significantly harder to tackle the flames, it said, while the Bourse’s copper roof was trapping the heat.

“The extinguishing work is very difficult,” said a fire service spokesperson, Jakob Vedsted Andersen, adding that there were substantial areas of the building that firefighters could not yet access because it was too dangerous.

Parts of the roof had collapsed and the fire had spread to several floors, Vedsted said. About 120 people were fighting the fire but only about 40% of it was under control and the operation was expected to continue for at least 24 hours, he said.

About 90 conscripts from the Royal Life Guards, an army unit, were also helping to cordon off the site and secure valuables inside, local media reported.

The Bourse, commissioned by King Christian IV and built between 1619 and 1640, was topped by a 56-metre (184ft) spire in the shape of the tails of four dragons entwined. The building housed Denmark’s stock exchange until 1974.

The dragons on the roof were seen as symbolically protecting the exchange from enemies, as well as from fire, the Chamber of Commerce said on its website. The spire also had three crowns at the top, symbolising the kingdoms of Denmark, Norway and Sweden.

Ulla Kjaer, a senior researcher at the National Museum of Denmark, described the spire as “absolutely iconic”, adding: “There is no other like it in the world.”

King Frederik said Denmark’s royal family “woke up to the sad sight” of “part of our architectural heritage” being destroyed, while the prime minister, Mette Frederiksen, said “irreplaceable cultural heritage” and “a piece of Danish history” was on fire.

The deputy prime minister, Troels Lund Poulsen, described the blaze as “our own Notre-Dame moment”, referring to the devastating blaze that destroyed the roof and spire of the medieval Paris cathedral in April 2019, five years ago almost to the day.

Denmark’s culture minister, Jakob Engel-Schmidt, said on X that 400 years of Danish cultural heritage were in flames. It was “touching to see Bourse staff, emergency services and passing Copenhageners … saving art treasures”, he said.

People were seen rushing in and out of the building carrying works of art to safety , and Danish media reported an annexe of the parliament and several ministries nearby, including the finance ministry, had been evacuated.

The head of the Chamber of Commerce was among those helping to save historic paintings from the building. The pictures were carried to the nearby parliament and the Danish National Archives, which sent 25 staff to help with the rescue operation.

“We have been able to rescue a lot,” a visibly moved Brian Mikkelsen told reporters, adding that many works had already been removed from the Bourse for the extensive renovation. The blaze was nonetheless “a national disaster”, he said.

The Bourse holds one of the country’s most valuable collections of art, including the iconic From the Copenhagen Stock Exchange, by the 19th-century Danish-Norwegian artist Peder Severin Krøyer, which was carried to safety by eight people.

Finished in 1895, the painting shows a large group of men in coat-tails standing in the exchange hall. It was paid for by the people portrayed, with those in the front having paid 550 Danish kroner to be the most visible, and cheaper rates for those at the back.

Kasper Nielsen, of the auction house Bruun Rasmussen, told local media that Krøyer’s picture was worth millions of kroner, adding: “If, God forbid, the entire Stock Exchange burns down, we are looking at the loss of top-end, inalienable cultural heritage.”

Christiansborg Palace has burned down several times. Most recently, a fire broke out in an annexe of the parliament known as Proviantgården in 1990. Police asked people to avoid the inner part of the city.

Tommy Laursen, of the Copenhagen police, said it was too early to say what caused the Bourse fire and police would not be able to enter the building for “a few days”.

French investigators believe the massive blaze at Notre-Dame – which was also undergoing major renovation at the time – was caused by either a cigarette end or an electrical short circuit.

Most of the cathedral’s lead-clad timber roof was destroyed but the vaulted stone ceiling prevented massive interior damage and allowed priceless relics and artwork to be rescued. Notre-Dame is due to reopen in December.

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