The 13 best things to do in Copenhagen

What is it? If you want to travel like a true Copenhagener – go and get yourself a bike.  The entire city has cycle paths and traffic lights for the cyclists. If you want to go for a longer ride, Havneringen will take you on a 13km ride filled with exciting points of interest.

Why go? The route takes you past stunning architectural hotspots. Whizz past the Black Diamond Library, ride the famously elevated bike lane, cross some of the beautiful harbour bridges,  see the many docked houseboats in Christianshavn, explore the wild nature by Amager Fælled and see how the city is so easily connected. There are many spots for bike rentals in Copenhagen including Bycyklen.

What is it? Copenhagen’s new urban playground and food market with a focus on sustainable food, craftsmanship, and culture.

Why go? If you like ambient chilled summer vibes by the sea, with drinks and food galore, then Reffen is a must-go destination. It aims to bring the best national and international cuisine to the waterfront with a ‘reduce and reuse’ mindset. There are more than 40 stalls selling food here as well as creative upcycling workshops and cultural activities. Why not indulge in the classic and utterly moreish flæskestegs sandwich (roast pork with crispy crackling) or cool off at Denmark’s first shaved ice stall.

What is it? The greenest place in town with some spectacular glasshouses to boot.

Why go? The Botanical Gardens houses more than 13,000 species of flora and fauna from all over the world and has recently opened its new butterfly house, where visitors can explore the fascinating life of butterflies. There are also 27 glasshouses – and the notable Palm House from 1874, which features narrow spiral staircases leading to a walkway at the very top with a breathtaking view of the treetops. You can take a stroll in the park or sit down with a coffee on the terrace. The Botanical Gardens also have a pretty little flower shop that sells plants from the gardens as well as seeds – so you can bring the botanical magic to your own garden.

What is it? The Tivoli gardens are a theme park with a twist: think thousands of flowers, top class restaurants and bars, thrilling rides, fairytale carousels and stunning lanterns that light the entire place in the evening.

Why go? The 175-year-old park has one of the oldest running wooden roller coasters in the world – built in 1914 – so if you are in need of speed you know where to go.

What is it? Superkilen is an urban park in Nørrebro. It’s divided into three main areas: the Red Square, the Black Market and the Green Park.

Why go? Superkilen celebrates all the different cultures that live in the area and showcases objects from more than 60 different nationalities, who have all contributed ideas to the project. The Red Square is a modern, urban life with cafés, music, and sports. The Black Market is a classic square with fountains and benches and Instagram favourite: a hill with white stripes. The Green Park, with its rolling hills, is great for picnics and sports. Head to Heimdalsgade 22, a cosy little café, to grab a latte to enjoy while pottering around.

What is it? Founded in 1888, Glyptoteket is a museum dedicated to the ancient cultures of the Mediterranean as well as Danish and French art from the nineteenth century.

Why go? Glyptoteket has some of the most impressive rooms in Copenhagen, displaying the vast collections of art, sculptures and, mummies. The heart of the museum is the classic atmospheric winter garden from 1906, with tall palm trees, a fishpond and, a fountain. The dusty coloured walls and the Roman sculptures make for some serious eye candy - and every room you enter has something spectacular to offer. (Make sure to take an Instagram of the stunning ceiling.) Entry is free on Tuesdays.

What is it? It is the tastiest place in town – an indoor food market that should be your first stop on your Copenhagen food trail.

Why go? Torvehallerne is a foodie paradise where you’ll find anything your culinary heart could desire. The twin halls are bursting with seasonal produce, baked goods, meats, and seafood – as well as quick and scrumptious meals to take away or enjoy outside on the tables in the sunshine.  You can start your day with a tasty portion of gourmet porridge at Grød or try a bánh mì from LêLê street kitchen. Before you leave, why not grab an authentic Danish pastry from Granny’s House? One thing is for sure – you will not leave hungry!

What is it? This museum hosts exhibitions that showcase architectural wonders and city development.

Why go? DAC runs permanent exhibitions about Danish architecture and design as well as changing exhibitions throughout the year, all housed in an impressive new building – BLOX. It resembles modern-day building blocks stacked upon one another creating its own little city inside the city.  After your tour, you can relax at the rooftop café with scenic views of the harbour and Slotsholmen.

What is it? Nyhavn is quintessentially Danish and the oldest harbour in the city. It’s got some of the most iconic views of Copenhagen.

Why go? On a hot summer day, this entire waterside street is full of life. You can get the obligatory Instagram shot of the picturesque pastel-coloured houses or sit down and enjoy a cold drink and some traditional Danish food from one of the many pavement restaurants. Vaffelbageren, an ice cream parlour at the end of the street, bakes its own ice cream cones and waffles. The yummy smell entices you to go in – remember to add guf to your ice-cream – it is a dollop of pink raspberry flavoured liquid meringue and is utterly delicious.

What is it? A street that’s dubbed Copenhagen’s Paris, oozing french charm and ambience.

Why go? There are cafés, restaurants and speciality shops in abundance and a very Parisian atmosphere on the weekends. Sit outside at the nostalgic Granola coffee lounge and order a blødkogt æg med rugbrød (boiled eggs and soldiers), and one of their homemade juices. Afterwards, visit the quirky workshop of flower designer Poppy Kalas. Then finish with a coffee in the Central Hotel, the world’s smallest hotel.

What is it? Be the captain of your very own solar-powered boat and tour the Copenhagen harbour and canals. The Go Boats can carry as many as eight people and have a picnic table in the centre so you can bring your own lunch, or order one of theirs. And don’t worry, you don’t need a boating licence or any experience to operate the boat.

Why go? Everything looks different from the city’s canals. You could sail past the Opera House and Skuespilhuset, or turn into Christianshavn - and explore the beautiful ’Amsterdam of Copenhagen’ – the multi-coloured houses on both sides of the charming canals. It’s very atmospheric.

What is it? Art, architecture and breathtaking views of the sea and nature are magically combined at the Louisiana modern art museum.

Why go? Located 40km north of Copenhagen, this museum has ever-changing exhibitions and boasts stunning views of the sea, as well as a sculpture park for relaxing and a jetty for taking a dip in the water. The children’s wing is great if you’re visiting with little ones and the museum shop is filled with Danish design and cool contemporary objects – a destination itself.

What is it? The Cisterns are the old water reservoirs deep under the streets of Copenhagen. Once upon a time they supplied the Danish capital with drinking water.

Why go? The Cisterns were finally drained in 1981 and made into an exhibition space in 1996. After a wander in the picturesque Søndermarken park, visit the Bakkehuset museum and step into a piece of Danish history. Bakkehuset is an oasis of tranquillity and the mint coloured orangery serves traditional Danish smørrebrød in a pretty setting.