20 Must-Visit Attractions in Copenhagen
![The colourful buildings of Nyhavn are a popular tourist attraction in Copenhagen](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/20x11/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/gettyimages-516769472.webp)
Drenched in history and culture, Copenhagen is a striking city with world-class institutions, renowned restaurants and must-visit historic landmarks. Uncover the beauty of this Nordic city with a list of the 20 must-visit attractions in Copenhagen.
1. Copenhagen Zoo
Zoo
![Lion Against Plants At Copenhagen Zoo](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/gettyimages-672198657.webp)
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 recognised 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 travellers, you can roam around the zoo without losing much time by using fast track tickets that allows you to skip the queue.
2. Tivoli Gardens
Amusement Park, Park
![Tivoli Garden of Copenhagen](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/gettyimages-503755956.webp)
3. The Black Diamond
Library
![Sunrise of Royal Library in Copenhagen, Denmark (Black diamond)](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/gettyimages-614919730.webp)
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 architects 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. Kunsthal Charlottenborg
Historical Landmark
![Ai-Weiwei at Kunsthal Charlottenborg](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/ai-weiwei_kunsthal-charlottenborg_006_photo-by-david-stjernholm-3.webp)
5. Nyhavn
Historical Landmark
![Nyhavn area of popular bar and restaurant at beautiful blue sky, with colorful facades of old houses and old ships in the Old Town of Copenhagen, capital of Denmark.](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/gettyimages-1145769912.webp)
Created between 1670 and 1675 as a gateway from the sea to the inner city, Nyhavn was notorious for beer, sailors and prostitution, gaining a reputation as the city’s entertainment district. Now a popular tourist area, it has transformed into a lively space full of restaurants and shops. If you are looking for somewhere to sit back and people-watch during the summer, this is the place. Stop by Bo-Bi Bar just around the corner for a classic bodega vibe, where sailors, politicians and journalists would all rub shoulders in this smoky (and infamous) joint.
6. The Little Mermaid
Historical Landmark
![Little Mermaid |© News Oresund/ Flickr](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/9568217715_cf62626b5b_z.webp)
7. National Museum of Denmark
Museum, School
![Copenhagen. Denmark. The Gundestrup cauldron, richly decorated silver bowl, National Museum of Denmark.](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/t1rpx5.webp)
8. Børsen
Historical Landmark
![Old Stock Exchange (Borsen) in Copenhagen, Denmark](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/gettyimages-1157800371.webp)
The 17th-century stock exchange building, Børsen, is located in Christiansborg Palace on the island of Slotsholmen. With its majestic Dutch Renaissance architecture, it’s a recommended stop for architecture and history buffs looking to soak up Danish design. Now the home of the Danish Chamber of Commerce, the building is a prime example of the celebration of Danish design within the commercial and economical Danish landscape.
9. Kastellet
Archaeological site, Museum
![Kastellet](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/gettyimages-477819650.webp)
With its famous formation in the shape of a Pentagon with bastions at its corners, Kastellet is an example of a fortress at its finest. One of the most celebrated examples in all of Northern Europe, it was once part of the ramparts built to protect the city. These days its a public park that’s popular with families on the weekends.
10. Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
Museum
![Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/gettyimages-1073443912.webp)
The Glyptotek is home to an incredible selection of art and artefacts dating back 6,000 years. Funded by Carlsberg founder J. C. Jacobsen, he also donated his personal art collection to the museum. A prime institution in Denmark, Glyptoteket is an independent institution that has become an important landmark in Copenhagen.
11. Christiansborg Palace
Historical Landmark
![Grand entry to Christiansborg castle](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/hg1yck.webp)
12. Copenhagen Opera House
Opera House, Church
![Copenhagen Opera House](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/gettyimages-607279230.webp)
13. Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
Museum, Park
![Louisiana Museum of Modern Art](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/art-design-and-architecture-credits-louisiana-museum-of-modern-art-visitnordsjaelland-2-1200px.webp)
If there is one must-visit place in Copenhagen, it’s Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, the home of modern Danish and international artworks. Located 40 kilometres (25 miles) north of Copenhagen, the institution is home to over 3,500 pieces of art, including a permanent collection by the likes of Calder and Giacometti. The museum is also home to a sculpture park that features 60 different sculptures.
14. Tycho Brahe Planetarium
Historical Landmark
![Tycho Brahe Planetarium in central Copenhagen](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/gettyimages-185003463.webp)
15. Blue Planet
Aquarium
![The Blue Planet Aquarium, Copenhagen, Denmark. Architect](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/gettyimages-929384740.webp)
With over 400 species living within 7 million litres of water, the Blue Planet offers an exciting underwater experience in Northern Europe’s largest aquarium. Home to the brown-banded bamboo shark, the Atlantic goliath grouper and the redbelly yellowtail fusilier, the aquarium is a great place to visit if you’re looking to encounter unique sea creatures. While there, you’ll get to meet the big five: sea otters, hammerhead sharks, arapaima, giant Pacific octopuses and stingrays; watch the animals get fed and learn about the ocean.
16. The Round Tower
Historical Landmark
![Round Tower in Copenhagen, Denmark](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/gettyimages-594444282.webp)
Designed to continue the pioneering research of the astronomer Tycho Brahe, the Round Tower offers stunning views of Copenhagen. If your knees are in good shape, walk up its notable 200 metres spiral ramp that takes you to the top. The 17th-century observation tower was completed in 1642 and has become one of Copenhagen’s most popular attractions.
17. Amalienborg Palace
Historical Landmark
![Queens Royal castle denmark copenhagen](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/gettyimages-138270885.webp)
18. Botanical Garden
Botanical Garden
![The Palm House](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/gettyimages-184273771.webp)
Located off the busy streets of central Copenhagen, the Botanical Gardens oozes with serenity. Twenty-seven glasshouses can be found here, one being the 16-metre-tall (50-foot-tall) Palm House, which houses more than 13,000 species, with 600 of them being of Danish origin.
19. Rosenborg Castle
Archaeological site, Museum
![Denmark](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/gettyimages-584226052.webp)
20. Copenhagen City Hall
Historical Landmark
![Copenhagen City Hall, interior detail](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/gettyimages-610635464.webp)
If you have 30 minutes to spare, look no further than the City Hall tour that gives you insight into Danish history, including the story behind the Lord Mayor and council’s headquarters. If history isn’t your bag, at least enjoy the incredible views of Tivoli Gardens and see Jens Olsen’s World Clock – an advanced astronomical design.
This article is an updated version of a story created by Aliki Seferou.