10 Best Things to Do in Copenhagen That Will Make You Fall in Love with Scandinavia

Scandinavia, a region in Northern Europe that includes Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, is known for its high quality of life, stunning natural landscapes, and modern cities. Among its top destinations is Copenhagen, a charming city in Denmark that attracts many tourists from all over the world. Whether you're wandering along the canals, exploring royal palaces, or trying out New Nordic cuisine, there are plenty of unforgettable things to do in Copenhagen, Denmark. Once you set foot in the happiest city in Europe, you won’t feel like returning from this fairy tale. So, what are you waiting for? Embark on a Copenhagen trip and let your heart skip a beat!

The capital and largest city of Denmark, Copenhagen is packed with some of the most spellbinding things to see. Copenhagen isn’t just a city; it’s a love letter to Scandinavia’s values of balance, beauty, and connection. When talking about today’s utterly chaotic and materialistic world, taking a pause and falling in love with life itself is what makes one truly feel alive. Travellers would certainly agree, while they open their hearts to the earth and get immersed in the beauty of being. For Indian travellers planning a Europe trip from India, Copenhagen serves as an ideal Scandinavian gateway.

So don’t be surprised if the place strikes you with a cupid’s bow, for its natural splendour and unadulterated, Nordic way of life!

You might be wondering what is so magical about this destination? With the countless things to do in Copenhagen, Denmark is where old-world charm meets contemporary ideals. You’ll walk along cobbled streets lined with centuries-old buildings and realise you’re not just escaping, but living an experience. However, we understand that with so many things to see in Copenhagen, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed within this wonderland. This is where Veena World Tour Managers step in and make it a breeze for you as you go about the city!

If you are planning a vacation to Copenhagen and thinking about what to do, here is our ultimate guide on the best things to do in Copenhagen, for your next memorable trip in this brilliant, forward-thinking capital!

Stroll Through Nyhavn’s Colourful Canals

An emblematic waterfront with pastel façades, wooden boats, and cafés that feel postcard-perfect, Nyhavn is a definitive hidden haven. Strolling here or opting for a canal cruise channels the effortless fusion of history and clean design. Scandinavian living, which is often idolised for its warmth and comfort, is brought to life here with vibrant settings, calming vibes, and a fascinating local scene.

• Best Time to Visit: Early mornings for fewer crowds and the perfect photos, late afternoon for a lively atmosphere.
• How to Reach: You can hail a taxi or reach by bus from Copenhagen Central Station.

Lose Yourself in Tivoli Gardens at Twilight

If you are looking for a unique Nordic fairy-tale escape in the heart of the city, this one is for you! Tivoli Gardens, consistently listed as one of the top things to see in Copenhagen, is regarded for its old-world charm, lush gardens, and amusement rides. In the evening, fairy‑light pavilions, Moorish architecture, and live shows evoke a sense of Scandinavian nostalgia and whimsy.

• Opening and Closing Timings: The Garden opens at 11 AM and closes at 10 PM.
• Entry Fee: 479 DKK for adults, while the ticket for children under three is free.

Step Into the Royal Kingdom with Rosenborg Palace

Copenhagen’s palaces take the crown for being one of the finest things to see, as they are enigmatically called living storybooks. Sitting on the throne since the 17th century, Rosenborg glimmers as a fairy-tale castle surrounded by the King’s Garden. Enter the kingdom and you will get a glimpse of Denmark’s Crown Jewels and royal regalia. Here, nostalgia makes an entrance with Nordic monarchy and opulence wrapped in understated Scandinavian elegance. You can enjoy your visit seamlessly as well-structured Copenhagen tour packages often include skip-the-line tickets for major attractions like Rosenborg Palace.

• Opening and Closing Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM.
• Entry Fee: 140 DKK for adults, Children under 18 can enter free of charge.

Indulge in the Taste of Nordic Cuisine and Smørrebrød Culture

If you are a foodie and contemplating on what to do with the food scene in Copenhagen, we’ve got you covered! As epitomised by Noma and other Michelin-starred restaurants, Copenhagen chimes itself in giving you a taste of new Nordic cuisine. The city celebrates seasonal, local ingredients with an artistic flair. If you wish to indulge in timeless Danish flavours, you can savour the traditional smørrebrød at places like Schønnemann or Torvehallerne. Once this food culture hits your taste buds, you will be back craving more!

• Schønnemann Timings: 11:30 AM - 5 PM
• Torvehallerne Timings: 10 AM - 7 PM

Ride a Bike or Walk Like a Local

Did you know that Copenhagen is the most walkable city in Europe? It is also praised for its eco‑friendly and democratic transportation infrastructure. If you’re looking for some fun stuff to do in Copenhagen, you can ride a bike or stroll like a local along the city’s colourful, cobbled streets. With hundreds of miles of protected bike lanes, cycling here isn’t just transit, but a lifestyle. The experience allows visitors to feel the pulse of urban Nordic life up close. Combine it with pedestrian zones and you feel truly part of the city’s sustainable design ethos.

• Bike Rental Prices: Starting from 100 DKK per day

Feel the Nordic Spirit in Copenhagen’s Nature Havens

You can feel Scandinavia’s deep love for the outdoors as Copenhagen pulses with tranquil stretches of nature. Whether it’s picnicking under ancient trees at King’s Garden, kayaking through the city’s canals, or walking the wild beaches of Amager Strandpark with views stretching to Sweden, you’re never far from water, wind, and sky. Cited as one of the best things to do and see in Copenhagen, these places are designed with nature woven into every corner. This beautiful city invites you to slow down, breathe the crisp ocean air, and reconnect with that essential Nordic rhythm. Why? Because life is all about balance, beauty, and belonging to the landscape.

• Best Time to Visit: Early Summer and late spring.
• How to Reach: You can take a metro from the M2 metro line or a bus from Copenhagen City Center.

Escape to Kastellet and the Little Mermaid – A Nordic Tale by the Water

Wander the star-shaped 17th-century fortress of Kastellet, where grassy ramparts, windmill silhouettes, and military charm meet wide-open skies. Just beyond lies the iconic Little Mermaid statue, modest and poetic, much like Scandinavia itself. As you escape, you will realise that this quiet waterfront corner of Copenhagen evokes the Scandinavian soul; introspective, myth-touched, and deeply connected to nature and folklore. This is a place where history, literature, and landscape all breathe together.

• How to Reach: You can take a train or bus, or walk in proximity to the city centre.
• Entry Fee: Free for all visitors.

Experience Hygge at a Candlelit Café – Where Scandinavia Slows Down

You might have heard of hygge, that untranslatable Danish word for cosy contentment. And the best way to experience it? In one of Copenhagen’s candlelit cafés. From Atelier September, Kompa’9, to a tucked-away espresso bar in Nørrebro, the warm lighting, minimalist interiors, and slow-drip coffee culture wrap you up in quiet joy. These cafés are Scandinavia's emotional terrains; calm, intentional, and designed to nourish the soul. Often listed in the finest things to do in Copenhagen guide, this kind of intimacy is an unmissable beat for every traveller.

• Atelier September Timings: 7:30 AM - 4 PM
• Kompa’9 Timings: 9 AM - 6 PM

Explore Freetown Christiania – Copenhagen’s Hippie Commune

Tucked inside the city yet fiercely, Freetown Christiania is Copenhagen’s most rebellious heartbeat. You will witness murals, gardens, and independent and handmade homes that form a self-governed community rooted in freedom and creativity. Being one of the coolest stuff to do in Copenhagen, exploring this hippie commune should totally be on your bucket list! A place unlike any other in Europe, this pocket of counterculture reflects the Scandinavian balance between individuality and collective care. It’s raw, imperfect, and beautifully human.

• How to Reach: You can get there by metro, bus, or even by bike.
• Nearby Attractions: The Church of Our Saviour, Amalienborg Palace, Nordatlantens Brygge

Cross the Øresund Bridge: A Gateway to the Scandinavian Dream

Stretching nearly 8 km across the sea, the Øresund Bridge connects Copenhagen to Malmö, Sweden. An architectural marvel and a symbol of Nordic unity, this sleek, sculptural link allows you to live your North European dream to the fullest. It's a modern expression of the Scandinavian mindset; open borders, shared progress, and design that moves with the landscape, not against it. You can drive or take the train across the Øresund which will give you a cinematic view of the coastline, wind turbines, and Nordic light shifting over the water.

• How to Reach: You can take the Øresundstag regional train, or reach by bus.
• Nearby Attractions: Malmö’s Turning Torso, Malmö Castle in Sweden, and Kronborg Castle in Denmark.

When unfolding the bewitching tales of Scandinavia, the northern lights are just the beginning. From the warm embrace of hygge cafés to the enchanting fairy-tale-like escape at Tivoli Gardens, there are plenty of fascinating things to do in Copenhagen, Denmark. This north European gem isn’t just a major city - it’s a breathing expression of everything that Scandinavia stands for. Think of it as a gentle yet powerful nudge to the region’s values, aesthetics, and rhythms of life.

So, are you ready to fall in love? If yes, dive into the fantasy land of Scandinavia with intricately handcrafted Denmark tour packages by Veena World! These packages typically combine Copenhagen's urban charm with countryside experiences, giving travellers a complete picture of the Danish culture.

FAQs

Q1: Where can I see Copenhagen from above (without the tourist crowds)?

Skip the Round Tower and head to the Church of Our Saviour in Christianshavn. You can climb its iconic spiral tower and get panoramic views — it’s a bit of a workout, but worth it.

Q2: Are there any cool experiences for design lovers that aren’t museums?

Visit The Apartment, a stunning design showroom inside a private residence. It’s curated like an art gallery and feels like stepping into a magazine. By appointment only — very Copenhagen.

Q3: Is there a local food experience that’s not just smørrebrød?

Try Grød in Nørrebro, a cosy spot serving gourmet porridge. Sounds simple, but it’s an iconic modern Danish comfort food, topped with things like caramel, apples, or goat cheese and herbs.

Q4: Is there a unique way to explore Danish history?

Visit the Assistens Cemetery in Nørrebro which is a beautiful park-like space where locals picnic, walk, and reflect. Quiet and poetic.

Q5: What’s a cool experience most tourists miss entirely?

A: Try renting a bike and riding out to Dragør, a picturesque fishing village near the airport. Cobblestone streets, yellow houses, and harbour views; it’s like stepping into a time capsule just 30 minutes from the city.