Things to do in Copenhagen

Things to do in Copenhagen

1. 
   DoLive music venueIndre By

   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
2. 
   DoTheatreIndre By

   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
3. 
   DoParkIndre By

   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.

   Open now · closes 10 pm·Free · Free entry
4. 
   DoLive music venueAmager

   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
5. 
   DoTheatreVesterbro

   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
6. 
   DoTheatreIndre By

   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.

   Open now · closes 11:30 pm·Price varies · Wheelchair accessible
7. 
   DoTheatreFrederiksberg

   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
8. 
   DoIndre By

   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.
9. 
   DoTheatreIndre By

   Glassalen

   A beautiful theatre designed by Poul Henningsen in 1946, which hosts plays and varietes

   Built 1946 · Wheelchair accessible
10. 
    DoBeachAmager

    Amager Strandpark

    Amager Beach

    Probably the largest beach in the near vicinity of Copenhagen, artificially constructed some years back. Includes a large sand island and an inner lagoon. There is usually a good range of activities going on, even outside the bathing season, such as windsurfing, diving, water skiing, sea kayaking and some hugely popular beach volleyball fields. If you're visiting during winter you have a chance to show your inner Viking with winter bath on the New Helgoland pier.
11. 
    DoLive music venueØsterbro

    Østre Gasværk

    Teatere

    This theatre is located in a remarkable old gas storage container. Mainly hosts musicals but also has plays and comedy on the program.

    Wheelchair accessible
12. 
    DoCinemaIndre By

    Imperial

    On a rainy day, you can go for a movie, in the largest single movie theatre hall in Northern Europe, seating a staggering 1102 people. Movies are with original language with Danish subtitles. Good quality regarding projector and sound systems.

    Daily 11:30-Last show·75-100 kr
13. 
    DoNorthern suburbs

    Experimentarium

    Science center

    Excellent "hands-on" science museum for kids of all ages. Rich with activities centered around nature and technology, and does wonders teaching complex subject easily through self experimentation. Has changing themed exhibitions (check website for current ones).

    Mon Wed-Fri 09:30-17:00, Tue 09:30-21:00, Sat Sun 11:00-17:00·135 kr for adults, 90 kr for children
14. 
    DoIndre By

    Tycho Brahe Planetarium

    The Planetarium

    Named after the Danish astronomer who formed the basis for the discovery of planetary motion, this planetarium features a small but good free exhibit on astronomy, a 4000-star projector, OmniMax theatre, and a restaurant.

    Mon 13:00-21:00, Tue-Sun 10:30-21:00·shows 130 kr · Wheelchair accessible
15. 
    DoLive music venueAmager

    Mogens Dahl Koncertsal

    Mogens Dahl concert hall

    The country's only privately owned concert hall, featuring some interesting architecture as it has been fitted into some old stables. The programme mainly features classical Chamber music, with artists from all over Europe.

    Prices vary
16. 
    DoParkØsterbro

    Fælledparken

    Fæleldparken is the big park behind the football stadium, the largest in Copenhagen. There is a lake, big trees and a pavilion with a cafe which hosts concerts during the summer, the outfit Salsa Brava also gives Salsa lessons in the park during the summer. Most of it is covered with grass, much of it marked as football fields. Go there for a game of football or another game, a picnic, or just lie in the grass. At May 1st, during the International Workers day, most of Copenhagen's population comes here in a peculiar mix of a political rally, and a seriously huge party.
17. DoLive music venueChristiania

    Loppen

    It is a rock club where various alternative bands play live. The room in the old artillery storage with low ceilings and sturdy dark wooden support pillars can fit up to 450 people. The low stage takes you face to face with the bands playing, creating an intimate atmosphere, much appreciated by local bands who often forgo bookings at bigger stages elsewhere to play there.

18. 
    DoCinemaNørrebro

    Empire Bio

    Independent Cinema, which is often described as the best in Copenhagen, despite - or because of - its modest size. Balances between independent productions and mainstream movies. As is the case with all Danish cinemas, international movies are shown in their original language.

    12:00-last show·from 50 kr · Limited wheelchair access
19. 
    DoTheatreIndre By

    The Pantomime Theater

    Pantomimeteatret

    A beautiful Chinese-style open-air stage, where the curtain is designed as feathers of a peacock. Famous pantomime plays of HC Andersen stories, Pjerrot and Harlequin.
20. 
    DoCinemaØsterbro

    Park bio

    The only cinema on Østerbro, has an atmospheric lobby with tall plants, caged birds, and a café. Plays many Danish and European movies.

    Usually 12:00-23:00·65 kr
21. 
    DoCultural centerNørrebro

    Literaturhaus

    The house of literature

    Housed in a former church, this is Denmark’s first live venue for literature. Here audiences can experience readings by national and international writers, participate in discussions, or participate in events cent red on music, film and other art forms or on their cross-fertilisation with literature.
22. DoLive music venueØsterbro

    Kaleidoskop K2

    Krudttønden

    Krudttønden is a cultural venue in Østerbro, with a mix of both concerts and theatrical performances, by both national and internationals acts. Also has a small café, that sometimes hosts various events.

    Hours vary·from 25 kr · Wheelchair accessible · Vegan options

23. DoParkNorthern suburbs

    Hellerup Strandpark

    This small beach,marina and park is hidden away at the end of a residential street of Strandvejen street. While the beach here is not as good as the other beaches in the area, it is less crowded and closer to the city. The small marina is open to visiting yachts, and there is cluster of Tennis courts right behind it.

24. DoCultural centerNørrebro

    Lygten Station

    Cultural house and concert venue in a beautiful old disused station building, right by Nørrebro station. The area outdoors has tables and serves beer in the summer, inside there is a stage. Hosts art exhibitions, concerts (jazz and rock), film screenings etc. according to the program posted on their website.

    Opening hours varies·Usually free

25. 
    DoBeachØsterbro

    Svanemølle Strand

    Beach with a 130-m pier

    24/7 but there are lifeguards 10:00-18:00 in the summer·free
26. DoLive music venueChristiania

    The Opera

    Operaen

    The Opera on Christiania, not to be mistaken by the more conventional Operahouse nearby, is a combined music venue, restaurant and bar, with a wide variety of bands playing. Hosts a blues night on Sundays.

27. DoLive music venueAmager

    Bella Center

    Copenhagen Congress Center

    Copenhagen's prime exhibition and convention center, with over 123,000 m² of exhibition space. Fairly often there is an exhibition and event of some interest to the general public — check the current schedule on their website..

28. DoLive music venueNørrebro

    Folkets Hus

    House of the People

    Along with the park in front of the house, the place is a product of the squatting movement from the 1980s, and still carries some of the spirit of the old days. Go here for a cup of coffee, discussions, lectures, concerts or parties with left-wing peers. Or simply ooze or have a barbecue in the nice park in front of the house.

29. DoBike rentalFrederiksberg

    Forum

    Big hall used for exhibitions, conferences and concerts. Their website is in English and worth checking out, as they often has international acts on the programme.

30. DoLive music venueIndre By

    Tivolis Koncertsal

    Tivoli's big concert hall, hosts everything from plays, to classic, jazz and opera concerts.

31. DoNorthern suburbs

    Bellevue Theatre

    Stage by the Øresund coast, with a wide range of performances, from international ballet companies over comedy to conventional plays. Lists international performances, relevant for foreign visitors, on the English version of their website.

    Ticket office hours: Mon-Fri 15:00-18:00·Prices varies, but if you are 4 people under 25, tickets are 60 kr a piece.

32. DoFrederiksberg

    Camp X Theatre

    A modern, lightly experimental, theatre on Frederiksberg where English or other international performances, or visitors, are not unusual.

    Office: Mon-Fri 14:00-18:00, Sat 14:00-16:00

33. DoChristiania

    Christiania Jazzclub

    This Jazz club, housed in Christiania's children's theatre, has an amazing atmosphere. If you play any instruments, often you can go to stage and jam away at the late hours of the night after the band of the night have finished.

    Wed Fri 21:00-late

34. DoIndre By

    Cinematheque

    Part of the Danish film institute, this is a paradise for any cinephile. There are 3 movie theatres playing classics, cults, documentaries, art movies and exam projects from the film school. The basement houses a Videotheque, with over 3500 titles, that you are free to watch. There is also a book and video store with special movie titles, and books relating to cinematography. Lastly the building also has a restaurant and café.

    Mon-Fri 09:00-last screening·Many of the screenings are free, others cost 65 kr

35. DoVesterbro

    Copencabana

    Jump in the harbour for a swim at Copencabana harbor swimming bath. There is a jumping tower for fun, and a large pool, with sea water from the harbor. Not as popular as the larger harbor swimming bath at Islands Brygge, Copencabana is less overrun and better suited for more serious swimming.

    Closed

36. DoNorthern suburbs

    Dyrehavsbakken

    colloquially known simply as Bakken

    The world's oldest intact surviving amusement park, and has a reputation for being more folksy than its downtown rival, Tivoli. While the number of rides are hardly impressive, except for the large wooden "Rutchebanen" (lit. the rollercoaster) which dominates the park, the atmosphere it gets from the surrounding forest is quite enchanting, and the many old and very traditional pubs and restaurants is the real attraction of the place.

    25-Mar-29 Aug; hours vary but generally 14:00-22:00 are safe bets·Entrance is free. Wristband for all running amusements: 199-219 kr, discount booklets with 42 coupons: 210 kr

37. DoVestegnen

    Forbrændingen

    The main concert venue of this district. Almost 100 concerts each year but not much action during the summer. Stages upcoming Danish bands.

    Concerts usually start at 21:00·50-150 kr

38. DoNorthern suburbs

    Frederiksdal kano & bådudlejning

    Canoes, kayaks and row boat rentals, This is the outlet closest to Furesøen, Sophienholm and Hotel Frederiksdal. Also has pick up and delivery of Canoes for a minimum of 500 kr.

    Tue-Fri 10:00-18:00, Sat Sun 09:30-18:00·100 kr/hour, multiday trips from 200 kr/day, several discount packages available

39. DoVestegnen

    Friluftsbadet Badesøen

    Outdoor pool

    Features Europe's largest heated outdoor pool, 60 m in diameter, and two water slides, 45 and 60 m respectively. There is also Mini golf, Bocce, basketball and beach-volleyball fields on the large grass area.

    Mon-Fri 06:30-19:00, Wed 06:30-21:30, Sat Sun 8:00-19:00·55 kr

40. DoNørrebro

    Grøndal Centeret

    Grøndalscentret is a huge indoor sports complex, one of the largest in Northern Europe. Go for a good game of squash or bowling, do some swings in the gulf simulator or at the fencing operator, or a work out in the fitness center. And wind down in the cafe after wards. It is quite close to the Youth Hostel and Camping grounds.

    from 06:45-00:00·Varies

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Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Copenhagen (CC BY-SA 4.0). Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Place data from Overture Maps.