Denmark’s capital, Copenhagen, is by far the largest city in the country. It is a striking city with world-class institutions, renowned restaurants, and must-visit historic landmarks. Here are several unmissable places in Copenhagen that you should know.
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Unmissable Places in Copenhagen
1. Tivoli Gardens
Walking from Town Hall Square and crossing H.C. Andersens Boulevard brings you to the inspiration behind the Disney theme parks, the famous Tivoli amusement park, and pleasure gardens dating from 1843 (main entrance Vesterbrogade). Here, you’ll find more than 20 attractions including a roller coaster; roundabouts; halls of mirrors; pantomime, puppet, and open-air theaters; a wealth of restaurants and cafés; flower gardens; and a Moorish-styled concert hall, which is particularly pleasing when lit up at night. The park is famous worldwide and appears in many movies. Indeed, some might say it’s the most famous attraction in Copenhagen. At Christmas, Tivoli becomes an extravagantly decorated wonderland.
2. Copenhagen Zoo
Polar bears roaming, lions roaring and chimpanzees swinging – that’s just some of the sights that await you at the Copenhagen Zoo. Home to over 4,000 animals and 264 species, the zoo is also recognized for having the world’s best elephant facilities. Experience Denmark’s largest wildlife sanctuary where you’ll also find an artificial rainforest, African plains, and an icy Arctic enclosure. Great for travelers, you can roam around the zoo without losing much time by using fast-track tickets that allow you to skip the queue.
3. The Black Diamond
This is one of the unmissable places in Copenhagen. Situated in central Copenhagen, the Black Diamond is the extension of the Royal Danish Library. With its imposing exterior that reflects its surrounding landscape, it’s hard to miss this cultural gem designed by the Danish architect Schmidt Hammer Lassen. The Black Diamond has its finger on the pulse as the cultural platform for local and international leaders in their creative fields.
4. Strøget
This pedestrian street runs on and on, and whether you’re up for high-street or high-end shopping the chances are you’ll find what you’re looking for here.
It’s among the largest pedestrian malls in the world and even if the prices aren’t for the faint-hearted.
If you want to find some independent shops then follow Strøget into the Old City and then try one of the narrow side streets.
There’s a wonderful mix of old specialty businesses that go back generations and hip boutiques for young fashionistas.
5. Christiansborg Palace
On the tiny island of Slotsholmen is the Danish seat of government and an attraction that should be top on any visitor’s agenda. Christiansborg boasts more than 800 years of history and today, the palace is home to the Parliament, the Prime Minister’s Office, and the Supreme Court. In addition, several parts are still used by the Royal House, although thankfully, much is open to the public. Occupying the site where Bishop Absalon built the earliest fortifications of the city in 1167, the ruins of the bishop’s castle and the medieval fortress were discovered when the present palace was under construction. They can now be seen by visitors.
6. National Museum of Denmark
An easy ten-minute walk from Tivoli along Vestergade brings you to the National Museum (Nationalmuseet), a must-see attraction for anyone with an interest in Danish history and culture. Some impressive runic stones are on display, and the Danish history collection includes a sun chariot that is more than 2,000 years old, Romanesque and Gothic church fittings, Danish porcelain and silver, and collections of antiquities and coins. The ethnographical collection, including items from Greenland, gives an excellent impression of life among the Eskimos. Other areas covered include Asia, Africa, and Oceania as well as the culture of the Indians. Here, you’ll also find the Prince’s Palace (1744), a Rococo building influenced by the French style of the period.
7. Botanical Garden
Occupying 10 hectares right in the middle of Copenhagen, these gardens are valued as much for their botanical wealth as the majestic iron and glass structures that house them.
The glasshouses date from the 1870s and the most impressive of these is the conservatory complex built in 1874.
Some of the species here are 200 years old.
In all, there are more than 13,000 plant species on display at the gardens.
See if you can find the Arctic house, in which hi-tech air-conditioning recreates a polar environment for the gardens’ Arctic species.
