Best Things To Do In Copenhagen
In 2024, we spent six delightful days exploring Copenhagen and completely fell in love!
It’s a city that’s perfect for walking (or cycling) around, embracing the atmosphere and indulging in a ridiculous amount of pastries and coffee.
Hygge (pronounced hoo-guh) is a Danish and Norwegian word that lacks a direct English translation, but it loosely conveys a feeling of cosiness, contentment, and well-being, often enjoyed in the company of loved ones, accompanied by good food and warm surroundings. It's about appreciating the small, comforting moments — like sitting by a fire with a cup of tea, lighting candles on a winter evening, or sharing a slow meal with friends. Hygge is a cultural concept popular in Denmark and deeply tied to simplicity, warmth, and being present.
Below is a selection of some of our favourite things to do in Copenhagen
Visit Nyhavn
Nyhavn ("new-hown") is an iconic spot you'll inevitably visit. While picturesque, it tends to be touristy and pricey.
Our tip? Grab some delicious pastries from local bakeries and head to this kiosk on Lille Strandstræde to pick up some wine and plastic cups. You can then sit on the water’s edge, enjoy the sunset and the vibes without falling victim to tourist traps. Public drinking is generally allowed in Copenhagen, provided you stay respectful (avoid buses, trains, and children’s play areas.)
Explore the city by bike
Copenhagen is one of the most cycle-friendly cities in the world, and hopping on a bike is hands down the best way to get around. The city is designed with cyclists in mind, featuring wide, dedicated bike lanes, bike-specific traffic lights, and even cycle bridges. It’s flat, safe, and efficient — you can get pretty much anywhere on two wheels.
We hired bikes through Donkey Republic, a brilliant bike rental app that made the whole process incredibly easy. You unlock your bike via your phone and can keep it for the day, or your entire trip, like we did. Having our own bikes the whole time gave us complete freedom to explore every part of the city at our own pace.
A popular route is the Harbour Circle — a scenic path that loops around Copenhagen’s waterfront. It offers a brilliant view of the city’s modern architecture, historical landmarks, and serene waterside spots.
Take a dip in the Urban Pools
Swimming and sauna culture is a big part of life in Denmark, and Copenhagen makes it incredibly easy to join in, right in the middle of the city. The harbour is so clean that you can swim in it, and there are several urban pools and harbour baths dotted around that are free and open to the public.
We loved starting our mornings with a cold plunge in one of the pools or designated swimming zones. It’s a proper wake-up call, but there's something so refreshing about jumping into crisp water, then drying off in the sun with a hot coffee in hand. It’s the kind of simple ritual that really captures the Danish way of life — no rush, just small moments of calm.
One of the best spots is Islands Brygge Harbour Bath, with diving platforms, lanes for swimming, and views across the water. It's equally popular with locals and travellers, and on a sunny morning, the atmosphere is unbeatable.
Spend the day at La Banchina
La Banchina is a hidden gem on the Refshaleøen waterfront, perfectly blending Copenhagen’s love for food, nature, and wellness.
This cosy café, natural wine bar, and tiny seasonal restaurant offers a range of options, from fresh pescatarian dishes to expertly selected natural wines and excellent coffee. The menu changes daily based on what’s in season,
It’s walk-in only, so on a sunny day, you’ll find lots of people lounging on the dock, diving into the harbour, and soaking up the easygoing vibe.
What makes La Banchina even more special is its wood-fired sauna and designated swimming area right by the water. You can book a private sauna session (fits up to 8 people), take a cold plunge, then warm up with a pastry or glass of wine in the sun, an ideal way to start or end the day.
There are no showers, but the sauna has a small changing room and a hose to rinse off. Whether it’s breakfast by the water.
You can easily spend an entire day here if it’s sunny!
No reservations: It's walk-in only, so arrive early on sunny days.
Sauna bookings: Reserve your sauna session in advance via their website.
Changing facilities: There are no showers, but you can change in the sauna's front room. A garden hose is available for rinsing off.
Bring: A towel, water bottle, and slippers.
Eat lots of Danish Pastries, and learn to make them
Pastry culture in Denmark is truly next level, it’s the main reason we went there in the first place!
Copenhagen is packed with world-class bakeries where the craftsmanship is incredible. Flaky, buttery, beautifully layered pastries that are often works of art in themselves. Whether it’s a classic kanelsnegl (cinnamon swirl), a rich spandauer (Danish with custard or jam), or a crisp morning bun, you’ll quickly see why Danish pastries are famous worldwide.
We had pastries every day and honestly never got bored. Each bakery had its own signature twists and standout items.
The 4 best bakeries in Copenhagen
You can read about our specific recommendations using the link above, but beyond just eating them, you can actually learn to make them too. At places like Copenhagen Cooking Class, you can take hands-on workshops where you’ll be guided through traditional Danish baking techniques — perfect if you’re keen to take a bit of that magic home with you. We did the Danish Pastry class and we highly reccomend it!
Drink lots of delicious coffee
Copenhagen takes its coffee seriously, and the city is full of excellent cafés where you can enjoy a perfectly brewed cup. Whether it’s a rich espresso, a silky flat white, or a hand-poured filter, the standard is incredibly high. Many cafés double as design-forward hangouts with cosy interiors, big windows, and that signature Danish hygge vibe.
We drank a lot of coffee on our trip as part of our daily ritual and below is a link to our favourite places.
Eat your heart out
Copenhagen’s restaurant scene is nothing short of legendary. It’s home to globally renowned spots like NOMA, but what really makes the city special is how effortlessly it blends high-end innovation with cosy, casual charm. Whether you're after a multi-course tasting menu or a plate of something simple but perfectly done, the standard across the board is outstanding.
Some of our personal favourites included Höst, where Nordic flavours are served in a beautifully designed, rustic space, and Poulette, a tiny fried chicken sandwich spot with a cult following that’s perfect for a quick, flavour-packed bite.
While we're talking about eating in Copenhagen, we have to mention some Danish classics that we enjoyed.
Smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches with rye bread and a variety of toppings)
Porridge (We loved the porridges at Grød)
Bolle med smør og ost (a soft bread roll served with butter and Danish cheese like Danbo. It’s a Danish breakfast classic, humble yet satisfying, and found in bakeries and cafés all over the city)
Visit the food markets
Copenhagen’s food markets are a brilliant way to experience the city’s flavours all in one place. Torvehallerne is a must-visit — a sleek indoor market near Nørreport filled with gourmet food stalls, fresh produce, local delicacies, and some excellent coffee and pastries. It’s perfect for picking up picnic supplies or enjoying a casual lunch with a bit of everything.
For something more laid-back and buzzing with energy, head to Reffen. Set on the waterfront in Refshaleøen, it’s an outdoor street food market with stalls serving everything from bao buns and tacos to Danish comfort food and craft beer. With communal seating, live music, and a stunning sunset view, it’s a great spot to hang out on a warm evening.
The Bear Tour of Copenhagen
If you’re a fan of The Bear, you’ll love retracing the steps from the Copenhagen episode — a standout moment in the series that captures the city’s calm, craftsmanship, and understated charm. It’s a great way to explore Copenhagen with a fun twist, especially if you’re into food and storytelling.
Make a day of it by visiting some of the key spots featured in the show. Start with a coffee and pastry from Hart Bageri, where Marcus trains in the episode, then stroll through the city’s backstreets, bike lanes, and along the harbour just like he does. It’s the perfect blend of sightseeing and screen nostalgia, and a fun way to experience Copenhagen through the lens of one of TV’s most loved shows.
Hart Bageri - We see Marcus grabbing pastries from here
NOMA - The location where he was training is not known, but it could be NOMA or Hart
Danish hotdog at Joan’s Pølser at Kongens Nytorv
Marcus’ houseboat is situated in Frederiksholms Kanal, right by BLOX
Chicken sandwich from Poullette
Go for a walk in Kongens Have (King’s Garden)
Explore Copenagen’s canals
Copenhagen’s canals offer a unique and peaceful way to explore the city, and renting a boat or kayak is a great way to experience the city. GoBoat lets you cruise at your own pace with no licence needed. You can even bring food and drinks on board and enjoy a floating picnic as you glide past colourful buildings, houseboats, and iconic landmarks.
If you’re after something more active, rent a kayak and paddle your way through the quieter waterways — it’s a brilliant way to see the city from a completely different angle.
Visit Christiania
A visit to Christiania offers a glimpse into one of Copenhagen’s most unique and unconventional communities. Often called Freetown Christiania, this self-proclaimed autonomous neighbourhood was founded in 1971 when a group of squatters took over an abandoned military base in the area of Christianshavn. What followed was the creation of a self-governed, anarchist community built on principles of collective ownership, free expression, and alternative lifestyles.
Christiania became well-known for its open cannabis trade on Pusher Street, which was tolerated for many years despite being illegal. Over time, the area drew artists, free-thinkers, and those seeking an alternative to mainstream society. While the drug trade and occasional tensions with authorities have been a point of controversy, Christiania has also contributed to shaping Denmark’s social and cultural landscape, challenging norms and highlighting the value of community-driven spaces.
Though it's quieter now than in its heyday, it remains a fascinating place to explore, with colourful street art, homemade houses, and a distinct vibe you won’t find anywhere else in the city.
Shopping for Homeware
Copenhagen is a design lover’s dream, especially when it comes to homeware. The city is filled with beautifully curated shops that celebrate Scandinavian simplicity, craftsmanship, and functionality. A great starting point is the HAY House, a spacious flagship store showcasing colourful, contemporary furniture and stylish everyday objects — ideal if you’re after pieces that feel both playful and practical.
Beyond the big names, there are loads of independent stores scattered around the city. One of our favourites was the Frama Studio Store, set in a former pharmacy with minimalist interiors and timeless design pieces. Right next door is Apotek 57, a cosy little coffee shop that makes the whole experience even more special. Whether you're browsing for a new lamp or just want some inspiration, Copenhagen’s design scene is effortlessly cool.
Things that we missed
As much as we packed in, there’s always more to see. Copenhagen is that kind of city. Here are a few spots we didn’t make it to this time, but are commonly found on Copenhagen lists
Louisiana Museum of Modern Art: Just outside the city, this museum is set in beautiful surroundings and comes highly recommended by locals and travellers alike. We will definitely be here next time we come. The restaurant is meant to be amazing too.
Tivoli Gardens: Iconic and full of charm — while not really our style, it’s one of the oldest amusement parks in the world and loved by many.
Day trip to Malmö, Sweden: A quick train ride across the Øresund Bridge takes you into another country entirely.
Rosenborg Castle: A grand Renaissance castle housing the Danish crown jewels. It’s impressive, though we didn’t prioritise it this time round.
The Little Mermaid: Tiny and often underwhelming — we suggest cycling past, snapping a photo, and ticking it off.
Botanical Gardens: A peaceful, green escape in the middle of the city. We didn’t make it this time, but it sounds like the perfect spot for a slow wander among tropical plants and glasshouses.
Assistens Cemetery, Nørrebro: It might sound unusual, but this historic cemetery is one of Copenhagen’s most beautiful and tranquil green spaces. Locals use it like a park — you’ll see people strolling, cycling, and even enjoying picnics among the trees and gravestones.
Enjoy your Copenhagen adventure, and if you discover something we missed, let us know in the comments, we’re always looking for reasons to go back!
More from Copenhagen
In this guide, we share the best things to do in Copenhagen based on our trip, from iconic sights to local favourites and hidden gems we can’t wait to return to.