Copenhagen

Nationalmuseet

National Museum of Denmark

This museum portrays the national history and cultural heritage of Denmark and is widely regarded as one of the best in Europe. The permanent collection is well laid out, an informative collection of national artifacts, perhaps the most impressive being those exploring Danish prehistory from the Bronze Age through to the Vikings. The museum also holds a collection of Classical and Near Eastern artefacts. The children's museum in the basement is a blast for the kids.

10:00-17:00 (closed on Mondays in winter) · 150 kr (135 kr online), children under 18 years old free. · Wi-Fi · Wheelchair accessible

Ny Carlsberg Glyptoteket

The Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek houses over 10,000 works, divided into two principal collections. One is of works from the Mediterranean cradle of Western culture, including classical Egyptian, Roman and Greek antiquities and Romanticist sculptures; the other of Danish and French art from the 19th and 20th centuries, including paintings by Monet, Pissarro, Renoir, Cézanne and van Gogh, as well as several bronze sculptures by Degas. Completed in 1897, the building is an attraction in its own right, especially the sub-tropical winter garden.

Tue-Sun 11:00–18:00, Thu 11:00-22:00, closed on Mondays · Adul 115 kr, under 27 85 kr, under 18 and Tuesdays free · Wi-Fi · Entry DKK 125

Rundetårn

The Round Tower

Climb the spiral, cobbled road up to the observation platform of this tower, for a wonderful view of the city.

10:00-20:00 (winter: 18:00) · 60 kr, students 40 kr · Limited wheelchair access · Built 1642

Christiansborg

the Parliament

This Neo-baroque palace, completed in 1928, after 11 years of construction - is unique in the world, housing both the executive power, the legislative power, and the judicial power of Denmark, in a single building. It is the 5th construction at the site, and the ruins of the original castle dating back to the 12th century - was excavated during the construction of the current palace, is open to the public (adult 85 kr, student 60 kr). Apart from the ruins there are a few other places that can be visited: free guided tours of the parliament building are conducted during summer months; Parliament's tower can be visited free of charge Tu-Su 11:00-21:00; the Royal Reception Rooms (including the Great Hall with the tapestries) 150 kr; the Royal Kitchen 85 Kr, the Royal Stables 85 kr; the Palace Chapel - free admission. Besides, there is a combination ticket which allows entrance to all of the aforementioned sights - 225 kr. You get a discount of 10 kr for all tickets when ordering online.

10:00–17:00, May-September opens one hour earlier · Free entry

Tivoli

main entrance shown on map

Tivoli is a garden built around a lake stemming from the old fortification of the city. It was opened in 1843 by its founder Georg Carstensen, just outside the city walls. Since then Copenhagen has grown up around it, and today the world-famous gardens and amusement park, is a magic and green oasis smack in the center of the city, between the central station and the city hall square. The magic is particularly obvious after dark, when the lights and lanterns in every colour of the rainbow, lights up everywhere. Main season is mid-April to late September. From mid November to late December there is Christmas in Tivoli. Tivoli is especially beautiful at night when coloured lamps light up everywhere. Pop/rock concerts every Friday night, sometimes with internationally known names. Some evenings end with fireworks, consult the programme. Also brass bands, pantomime theatre, etc., on the program.

Daily 11:00-23:00 (later on weekends) · Entry adults (8 years and up) 130 kr, children 3-7 years old 60 kr (discounts available online and for groups) · Limited wheelchair access

Thorvaldsens Museum

Bertel Thorvaldsen (1770-1844) was a Danish/Icelandic sculptor, who lived most of his live in Rome. He is one of the major internationally renowned Danish artists. The museum houses many of Thorvaldsens original models, and several marble casts makes the collection almost complete. It is big and impressive, and the building itself is a striking piece of architecture.

Tue-Sun 10:00-17:00 · Adult 70 kr, students 50 kr, children free, retired Danish citizens: Free. Free admission for all on Wednesdays

Kastellet

Frederikshavn Citadel

A superbly preserved and restored star-shaped citadel. First built in 1626 as St. Anne's Bulwark and completed in 1664, it was the stronghold at the northern end of the East Rampart, which arched through the city and remains in the form of the many parks extending down to Tivoli. The Citadel now houses the Danish Defense Intelligence Service, and is a popular spot for picnics. As well as two small museums with limited opening hours: Livjæger Museum and the museum in the North Gate which displays Garrison's Historical Collections.

24hrs daily · Free · Wheelchair accessible · Built 1664

Det Kongelige Teater

The Royal Theatre

A majestic old building on Kongens Nytorv, houses ballet, for which the theatre is world-renowned, and drama performances. There is a 65% discount for those under 30 on selected performances, to encourage young people to see the classic arts.

Price varies

Kongens Have

King's Garden

This park adjacent to Rosenborg is the most frequented park in the city. It is a place for a stroll, a picnic, drinking beers in the sun, or whatever you feel like doing. The topless sunbathers often inject a shock into foreign visitors. Also the marionette theatre in the eastern corner is doing plays every day at 14:00 and 15:00. Great for kids.

07:00-22:00 · Free · Free entry

DR Koncerthuset

Copenhagen Concert Hall

Part of the public broadcasters new and problem ridden headquarters in Ørestad, this gem designed by French architect Jean Nouvel is the main reason behind the massive budget overruns of the project — with its final price tag approaching USD 300 million, it is among the most expensive concert halls ever built.

Price varies · Wheelchair accessible

Det Ny Teater

The New Theatre

One of Denmark's top stages, usually lays stage to famous musicals or plays like Chicago, Phantom of the Opera etc, but the performance may in Danish so check ahead. The striking building is one of the most beautiful theatres in Northern Europe following a grand renovation in the 1990s, and received the prestigious 'Europa Nostra' award for the efforts.

Ticket Office: 12:00-17:00 · Price varies · Built 1908

Davids Samling

The David Collection

Art from the Islamic world, European 18th-century art, and Danish early modern art. Free guided tours are only in Danish and are given in the spring and autumn.

Tue-Sun 10:00–17:00, Thu 10:00-21:00, Mondays: closed · Free · Free entry

Skuespilhuset

The Royal Danish Playhouse

A 1000-seat national stage for the dramatic arts, with 3 stages. Opened in 2008, its beautiful piece of modern architecture overlooking the harbour. Even if you are not going for a play, the cafe in the foyer, Ofelia, is a nice place to sit and enjoy the view over the water and Christianshavn.

10:00-23:30 · Price varies · Wheelchair accessible

Marmorkirken

The Marble Church, Frederik's Church

Officially called Frederikskirken, this impressive church imposes a massive presence on the Copenhagen skyline, with its 31 m. diameter dome. Because of financial turmoil in the country, it took over 100 years to complete. The church takes its name from the original lower part of the structure which is made from Norwegian marble. Guided tours of the dome: adults: 35 kr, children (under 18) 20 kr (cash only); June 15-Aug 31: daily at 13:00; at other times: Sa Su at 13:00. Tickets are sold from 12:50. Visits might be cancelled due to services or concerts. Services in Danish on Sundays and holidays at 10:30.

Mon-Thu Sat 10:00-17:00, Fri Sun 12:00-17:00 · Free

Den lille Havfrue

The Little Mermaid Statue

This little lady is one of the most photographed in the world. Designed by Edvard Eriksen, Her statue was erected in 1913 to commemorate a play of the Little mermaid. The poor lady has lost her head several times, and is often subject to vandalism connected with political statements. Many visitors are often surprised by her modest size (1.25 m (3.3 ft) high). The Little Mermaid is a semi official symbol of Copenhagen.

Wheelchair accessible · Built 1913

Geranium

Reopened in new surroundings by chef Rasmus Kofoed who won the 2011 Bocuse d'Or, and is one of the best chefs in the world. The restaurant got three Michelin stars in 2016. The restaurant is along with Noma at the forefront of the revolution in Nordic cuisine that is current waging on. Danish newspapers and guides all agree; if you want to sample local gourmet, this is a very good place to be seated.

Booking is essential · Set menu for 1048 kr, wines double the price · Wheelchair accessible

Krigsmuseet (previously: Tøjhusmuseet)

Danish War Museum (previously: the Royal Danish Arsenal Museum)

The Royal Danish Arsenal Museum covers the history of the Danish Defence, its collection dating back to 1604. It covers the development of weapons from the introduction of firearms to the present day, and is well known for its many activities for kids - especially its medieval knight days, during the schools autumn break in week 42.

Tue-Sun 10:00-17:00, closed Mondays · Adult 80 kr, adult with a child: 70 kr, children: free admission · Wheelchair accessible

Naturhistoriske Museum

Natural History Museum of Denmark

Formerly called the "Geologisk Museum", still with a strong focus on geology. Has some impressive samples of minerals, rocks and fossils from all over the world on display. Including stones from the moon were brought back to the earth by Apollo 17, dinosaur fossils, and the kids favorite; glow in the dark minerals. The entry fee includes a visit to the palm house in the botanical garden.

Tue-Sun 10:00-17:00, Mondays closed · Adult 105 kr, children (aged 3-16) and students: 50 kr

The University of Copenhagen Botanical Garden

The Botanical Gardens are one of several parks, dotted along the string of lakes, which used to form part of the old city fortifications. Run by the University of Copenhagen, the garden hosts Denmark's largest collection of living plants, including an impressive collection of orchids. The signature palm house is a huge greenhouse, with large tropical trees, and a sky walk in the canopy.

Palmhouse:10:00-15:00, garden: Mar-Oct 08:30-18:00 Nov-Feb 08:30-16:00 · Garden free, palm house access included in the ticket for the Naturhistoriske Museum or 60 kr for adults and 40 kr for kids and students · Free entry

Dansk Jødisk Museum

Danish Jewish Museum

The museum presents Jewish life in Denmark through 400 years, from the first immigrants in the seventeenth century until today. The exhibition space is designed by famous architect Daniel Liebeskind, and is quite striking - with its old traditional exterior contrasted by a very modern interior.

Opening hours Summer (June-August): Tue-Sun 10:00-17:00, closed on Mondays. Opening hours Winter (September-May): Tue-Fri 13:00-16:00, Sat Sun 12:00-17:00, closed on Mondays · Adult 60 kr, students & people over 65 50 kr, children free · Wheelchair accessible

The Betty Nansen Theater

A good, popular and long-running local theatre, back from the heydays of Frederiksberg theatre, but English performances are rare, so it is best suited for Scandinavian speakers.

Office: Mon-Fri 14:00-18:00, Sat 14:00-16:00 · 300 kr

The City Hall

Rådhuset

The City Hall is open to the public, so you can stroll through the hallways, stairs, and study all the paintings, frescoes, and other decorations on your own. City Hall guided tours in English M–F at 13:00, Sa 10:00, 50 kr. Visit the tower: M–F 11:00 and 14:00, Sa at 12:00, 30 kr or free with Copenhagen Card. There is a nice little garden that cannot be seen from outside the city hall. The city hall is also home of Jens Olsen's World Clock - this mechanical masterpiece of a complete astronomical clock is in the foyer.

Mon-Fri 07:45-17:00 · Free · Built 1905 · Wheelchair accessible

Jazzhus Montmartre

Cafe Montmartre

One of the best-known jazz clubs in Europe during the 1960s, Jazzhus Montmartre hosted the African-American expats in Europe such as Dexter Gordon, Kenny Drew, and Bud Powell. Local bassist Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen got his start here as a member of Powell's trio in 1962. Jazzhus Montmartre changed locations a few times before closing in 1995, but reopened in 2010.

Live music

Nyhavn

On a sunny day, this is a top spot for oozing in the sun on the bulwark with a beer from the supermarket, or at the outdoor serving areas of the many (rather expensive) restaurants and cafe's dotted along the "sunny side" of the canal. For any self-respecting Copenhagener, this is a top priority on the first day of spring; while at the height of the tourist season, it is mainly left for the visitors to populate. Often there will be street performances, mostly improvised music concerts, somewhere along the canal - take a seat, and relax.

Trekroner

Trekroner fortress

This 18th-century fort was built to guard the sea approach to Copenhagen's harbor in 1786. It has a special atmosphere, and some gorgeous views over Øresund. There are several well-preserved military buildings and fortifications. A restaurant and a café have been opened in a renovated building. The only access is via Canal Tour's green hop on hop off route (summer only).

Summer: 10:00-15:00 daily, closed the rest of the year · Admission is free, boat costs 35 kr

Nikolaj Art Gallery

Nikolaj Kunsthal

An old church housing changing contemporary exhibitions from newer Danish and international artists. Visiting will take about an hour and is well worth it if you like contemporary art.

Tue-Fri 11:00-18:00, Sat Sun 11:00-17:00, Mon closed; tower open weekends at 13:00 · 100 kr, children up to 17 and on Wednesdays free

Nordatlantens brygge

Nordatlantens Brygge is a cultural house where you can experience culture and arts from the North Atlantic region. Housed in an old dock building, there are 3 exhibition halls with changing exhibitions, performances and lectures.

Mon-Fri 10:00-17:00, Sat Sun 12:00-17:00 · DKK 40 · Wheelchair accessible

Mindelunden

Ryvangen Memorial Park

Mindelunden is a memorial park in Hellerup where the Danish freedom fighters who died in World War II are buried. The park has among other things a memorial wall, tombs for the victims of the KZ-camps and a shooting range which the Germans used for execution.

Jan-Apr 10:00-16:00, May-Aug 10:00-19:00, Sep-Jan 10:00-16:00 · Free

Cisternerne

Museum of Modern Glass Art

The museum is the old, catacomb like, water cisterns under Søndermarken park opposite the main entrance to Zoo, and the unusual environs, combined with the stained glass art and various sculptures makes the museum quite unique.

Open Fri 14:00-18:00, Sat Sun holidays 11:00-17:00. Closed Dec-Jan · 70 kr

The Bakkehus Museum

Bakkehuset (lit. 'The Hill House') is a historic house museum on Rahbeks Allé in the Frederiksberg district of Copenhagen, Denmark. Dating from the 1520s, it has served a number of functions over the years, including as a farmhouse, inn, private home, psychiatric hospital and orphanage. It is particularly associated with the Danish Golden Age when it was owned by Knud Lyne Rahbek and his wife, Kamma Rahbek, used it as a venue for her salons.

Tue-Sun 11:00-16:00 · 30 kr