Copenhagen is a lively, welcoming city with a wide variety of activities. History lovers will find what they are looking for. Follow the guide!
Located on two islands, Copenhagen is a human-sized capital city filled with history and culture. Here, the modern architecture blends perfectly with royal palaces. And these are numerous, in this constitutional monarchy where the king and the queen enjoy great popularity. Visit the castles and palaces inhabited by the royal families through the ages, take a stroll along the harbor, visit a museum or have fun at one of Denmark’s oldest amusement parks! Here are the 10 fun things to do in Copenhagen if you like history.
1- The sculpture of the little mermaid
The sculpture of the Little Mermaid by Edvard Eriksen was given to the city of Copenhagen by Carl Jacobsen. The latter asked the sculptor to immortalize the Little Mermaid after having attended a ballet inspired by a fairy tale written by Hans Christian Andersen. The fairy tale tells the story of a mermaid who is ready to give up everything to join her prince charming on dry land. The famous statue, made of granite and bronze, represents this mermaid straight out of a fairy tale. The sculptor also used ballerina Ellen Price as a model for his work.
2- The National Museum of Denmark
The National Museum of Denmark is the perfect stop to discover Danish culture and history. With collections of artifacts dating from the Stone Age to the present day, you will become an expert on Denmark. The museum also houses exhibits including pieces from all over the world and from all ages!
3- The port of Nyhavn, a colorful district
The port of Nyhavn, very popular, is especially known for the colored frontages of the houses which border the channel. Some of them are more than three hundred and fifty years old! You can find many bars and restaurants and see old wooden boats that were once used for trade.
4- Tivoli Gardens, an amusement park not to be missed
Tivoli Gardens is one of the oldest amusement parks in Denmark and one of the most visited in the world. With thrill rides, roller coasters, and bumper cars, the park will delight young and old alike. You can also find restaurants, a hotel, a theater and of course, gardens.
5- The round tower, a three-hundred-year-old observatory
The round tower is still used today as an observatory for astronomers and tourists. To get to the top of the tower, you have to take the spiral staircase. At the top, you will have a magnificent view of the old town of Copenhagen. It is also possible to see inside the tower by standing on a glass platform built 25 meters from the first floor. Sensations are guaranteed!
6- Christiansborg Palace, the seat of the Parliament
Christiansborg Palace is located in the center of Copenhagen, on the small island of Slotsholmen. It is still used by the royal family for receptions and events and is also the seat of the current parliament. You can visit the ruins of the old castle, the stables, the kitchens, as well as a museum and a chapel.
7- Rosenborg Castle, a former royal palace
Rosenborg Castle was the residence of the royal family until 1710. Large tapestries are depicting the battles between Denmark and Sweden, life-size silver lion statues, and wax statues of the former royal families. Rosenberg Castle is where the crown jewels from the 15th to the 19th century are kept.
8- Strøget or the shopping paradise
Strøget is the longest pedestrian shopping street in Europe. It is always very lively, and you can find restaurants, luxury brand clothing stores, souvenir stores, and many others! There is so much traffic on this street that it is even forbidden for cyclists during the day.
9- Amalienborg Palace, the royal residence
Amalienborg Palace is the current residence of the Danish royal family. It consists of four main buildings, one of which is a reconstruction of the royal apartments used during the 19th and 20th centuries. You can also watch the changing of the guard every day at noon. The palace is the winter residence of the royal family and is also used for important events and receptions.
10- The Church of Our Savior, a breathtaking view of Copenhagen
The Church of Our Savior is popular for its staircase outside the building, which allows visitors to enjoy the view of downtown Copenhagen as they climb the steps to the top. The church is one of the few Baroque-style buildings in Denmark and is also known for its golden spiral spire that seems to wrap around the top of the building.
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