Copenhagen, Denmark — Attractions
Tivoli Gardens
Copenhagen's world-renowned Tivoli Gardens are ever so much more than just a central city park. The relatively small area in the heart of the city is actually one of the world's most thrilling entertainment complexes, drawing about three million visitors during its five-month summer open season each year. Tivoli dates back to 1843 when Copenhagen was still a fortified city surrounded by tall ramparts and a deep moat. Today the Tivoli Lake is all that remains of the moat, which now reflects the incredible trademark fireworks displays that light the sky over the gardens twice a week. Tivoli is split in two, one section housing the beautiful miniature gardens where more than 100,000 flowers bloom, and the other the theme park with game arcades and thrill rides. Tivoli also boasts a concert hall and open-air stages where dozens of concerts, pantomimes and circus shows, many of them free, are offered during the season.
- Region/City Name
- Copenhagen
- Address
- Vesterbrogade 3
- Phone Number
- 3315 1001
- Website
- www.tivoli.dk
- Hours
- Open daily at 11am; closing times vary according to season, but usually between 11pm and 12am. See website for details
- Admission
- General Admission: DKK 95 (adults); DKK 50 (children 3-11 years), multi-ride tickets are DKK 205 (adults), DKK 170 (children). Season passes and concessions available
Historical Museums
The rich history of Denmark, from Viking days through to the Second World War resistance movement, is encapsulated in fascinating collections of artifacts housed in a series of museums in and around Copenhagen. The Prince's Palace in the city center houses the National Museum covering Danish history in general and a collection of international antiquities. The open air museum a few miles north of the city makes for a fascinating excursion with its 100 or so buildings, most relocated from elsewhere in the country, set out to illustrate what life was like in rural Denmark in days of yore. Visitors can get up to date on the history of the city itself in the Copenhagen City Museum, housed in the Royal Shooting Society's palace dating from 1787.
- Region/City Name
- Copenhagen
- Address
- The Copenhagen City Museum, Vesterbrogade 59. The National Museum, Ny Vestergade 10. Open Air Museum, Kongevejen 100
- Phone Number
- Open Air Museum and National Museum: 33 134 411. Copenhagen City Museum: 33 210 772
- Hours
- Copenhagen City Museum: Daily (except Tuesdays) 10am to 4pm, until 9pm on Wednesdays. National Museum: Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm. Open Air Museum: Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm (3 April and 30 September). Rest of the year Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 4pm (until 9pm on Thursdays throughout July)
- Admission
- Copenhagen City Museum: kr 20 (adults), children under 18 free; Fridays free for all. National Museum: Free. Open Air Museum: kr 25
Art Galleries
Copenhagen is a city with a proud heritage of art and design, well showcased in numerous museums and galleries as well as architecture. Among the most renowned collections are those housed in the popular Museum of Decorative Arts (traces the history of Danish design), the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art (featuring world famous artists), the National Gallery (more than 8,000 works dating from the 13th century to modern times) and the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek (antiquities, French impressionists and contemporary Danish art).
- Region/City Name
- Copenhagen
- Address
- Museum of Decorative Arts: Bredgade 68. Louisiana Museum of Modern Art: Gl. Strandvej 13, Humlebæk. National Gallery: Sølvgade 48-50. Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek: Dantes Plads 7
- Phone Number
- Museum of Decorative Arts: Tel: 3318 5656; Louisiana Museum of Modern Art: 4919 0719; National Gallery: 3374 8494; Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek: 3341 8141
- Hours
- Museum of Decorative Arts: Tuesday to Sunday 11am to 5pm. Louisiana Museum of Modern Art: Daily 10am to 5pm, until 10pm on Wednesdays. National Gallery: Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm, until 8pm on Wednesdays. Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek: Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 4pm
- Admission
- Museum of Decorative Arts: kr 50 (adults). Louisiana Museum of Modern art: kr 80 (adults), under 18s free. National Gallery: Free admission, charge for special exhibits. Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek: kr 50 (adults), under 18s free. Concessions available
Nyhavn Canal
The picturesque historic Nyhavn Canal, dating from 1673 when it was built to connect the inner city to the sea, is today colloquially known as the 'longest bar in Scandinavia'. This is because the pretty pastel-painted old townhouses that line the canal are fronted with numerous restaurants, pubs and cafes, full of action and entertainment 24 hours a day. The canal itself is crammed with old wooden sailing ships, adding to the atmosphere. Tourists enjoy not only the hospitality establishments along the canal but also visit the house at No.20 Nyhavn, home of famous fairy-tale writer Hans Christian Andersen, who wrote his first stories here between 1834 and 1838. Andersen later occupied two other houses in Nyhavn.
- Region/City Name
- Copenhagen
- Email Address
- mail@nyhavn.com
- Website
- www.nyhavn.com
Rosenborg Castle
The attractive Dutch Renaissance style Rosenborg Castle was designed by King Christian IV and served as his home until he died in 1648. Today the Castle is an important cultural institution, acting as a public museum detailing the history of Denmark's royal family as well as acting as repository for the Crown Jewels and royal regalia, which are kept in the castle cellars and can be viewed by the public. The magnificent castle gardens are a welcome retreat from the city hustle and bustle.
- Region/City Name
- Copenhagen
- Address
- Øster Voldgade 4
- Phone Number
- 3315 3286
- Email Address
- museum@dkks.dk
- Website
- www.rosenborg-slot.dk
- Hours
- Open daily from 10am to 4pm/5pm during summer, and from 11am to 3pm during winter. Closed 17-26 December. Times can vary month to month so consult website for details
- Admission
- Entry to the gardens is free. The castle: DKK 75 (adults); children under 17 free
Freetown Christiania
Freetown Christiania is a partially self-governing neighborhood in the borough of Christianshavn, Copenhagen, dominated largely by a freethinking 'hippy' culture. Local rules forbid stealing, violence, guns, knives, bulletproof vests and hard drugs. Aside from its cannabis smoking affinity, Christiana is also well known for its inhabitants' love of meditation and yoga, and abroad it is celebrated as a showcase of the progressive and liberated Danish lifestyle. Christiania is considered a Losers' Paradisefor the creative and recreational values widely practiced in the area. However, visitors can enjoy the neighborhood's peaceful green environment and its magical combination of village and metropolitan life.
- Region/City Name
- Copenhagen
- Address
- Christianshavn
The Little Mermaid
The Little Mermaid, basking on a rock at the Langelinie Harbour, is one of Denmark's biggest tourist attractions. The sculpture was put up in 1913, and over a million people visit the mermaid every year. At only about 4 feet (1.25m) high, she is very small, with naked breasts and a fish tail; she seems to be in her true element when the waves crash against her rock. The sculptor, Edvard Eriksen, modeled the mermaid's head after ballerina Ellen Price. When the ballerina wouldn't model in the nude for the body, the sculptor's wife posed for him. There are some similarities between the Little Mermaid and the 'Pania of the Reef' statue on the Napier beachfront in New Zealand, and with Vancouver's 'Girl in a Wetsuit' sculpture.
- Region/City Name
- Copenhagen
- Address
- Langelinie Harbour
Christiansborg Palace
When sightseeing in Denmark, the Christiansborg Palace is an architecture or history lover's dream, and a winter snowfall adds to its romantically royal appearance. This is further enhanced by the presence of ruins dating as far back as 1167 AD, when it existed as Absalon's Castle. The complex consists of several different buildings, centered by a neo-baroque core, and is home to important institutions; the Danish Parliament, the Prime Minister's Office and the Supreme Court. The royal family uses the palace church, the Royal Reception Rooms and the Riding Ground Complex. From the front steps of the main castle, there are also some stunning churches within easy viewing distance. This attraction embodies the essence of Danish history, architecture and royalty.
- Region/City Name
- Copenhagen
- Address
- Slotsholmen
- Hours
- Open daily (except Mondays form October to April), 10am to 4pm.
- Admission
- Royal Reception Rooms, adults DKK70 and children DKK35; the Ruins, adults DKK40 and children DKK20.
Legoland Billund
Legoland Billund, the original Legoland Park, is a holiday must for children visiting Denmark. Opened in 1968, it plays host to numerous visitors from all over the world and is conveniently situated next to the original Lego factory. The features are divided into 'Worlds', including Denmark's iconic Miniland as well as Duplo Land, Imagination Zone, Legoredo Town, Adventure Land, Pirate Land, Lego City and the Knights' Kingdom. With a legendary selection of rides, shops and eateries, Legoland Billund has something to offer to everyone in the family, kids and folks alike!
- Region/City Name
- Copenhagen
- Address
- Billund
- Phone Number
- +45 7533 1333
- Website
- www.legoland.dk
- Hours
- Seasonal, open April to October.
- Admission
- Adults DKK 275; Children and Seniors DKK 245
Bakken Amusement Park
The oldest amusement park in the world and one of Denmark's favorites, Bakken Amusement Park has delighted countless visitors since it first opened in 1583. Featuring 34 thrilling rides and roller coasters, a love tunnel, merry-go-round and even dancing, Bakken also has open-air eateries where exhausted families can relax and refuel.
- Region/City Name
- Copenhagen
- Address
- Dyrehavevej 62
- Phone Number
- 3963 3544
- Email Address
- bakken@bakken.dk
- Website
- www.bakken.dk
- Hours
- Open 1 March to 31 August from 9.30am 5pm (Fridays 9.30am 4.30pm); 1 September to 28 February from 10am 4pm (Fridays 9am 3pm). Closed weekends.
- Admission
- Free. Wristbands allowing access to a minimum of 10 rides start at DKK 199
Denmark Aquarium
Boasting more than 300 species of marine life form across the globe, the Denmark Aquarium features over 70 aquariums with the largest containing 85,000 liters of water. Other facilities include a café where visitors can take a break and grab a bite to eat, and there are feeding time shows and even touch pools for the little ones to enjoy.
- Region/City Name
- Copenhagen
- Address
- Kavalergården 1
- Phone Number
- 3962 3283
- Email Address
- danmarks@akvarium.dk
- Website
- www.akvarium.dk
- Hours
- Open November to January from 10am 4pm; February to May and September to October from 10am 5pm (Wednesdays from 10am 8pm); July and August from 10am 6pm (Wednesdays from 10am 8pm); Closed 24, 25, 31 December and 1 January.
- Admission
- DKK 100 (Adults); DKK 55 (Children)
The Mystic Exploratorie
The Mystic Exploratorie is a fantastic, yet slightly creepy and somewhat thrilling attraction for kids of all ages to enjoy. Swap heads with the person next to you, try the ghost wheel or try the electric chair if you dare!
- Region/City Name
- Copenhagen
- Address
- Østergade 16
- Phone Number
- 33 323 131
- Website
- hcandersen.com/Sider/Hovedside_Mystic_UK.html
- Hours
- Open daily from 10am 6pm. Closed 1 January and 24, 25 and 31 December
- Admission
- DKK 67 (Adults); DKK 54 (10-14); DKK 34 (under 10)
Copenhagen Zoo
Founded in 1859, the Copenhagen Zoo is one of the oldest in Europe and features an amazing selection of animals from all over the world. Featuring an Elephant House, a favorite with children of all ages, the Copenhagen Zoo is the only zoo outside of Australia to feature Tasmanian Devils. Other notable animals include red pandas, hippos, yaks and camels.
- Region/City Name
- Copenhagen
- Address
- Roskildevej 38
- Phone Number
- 72 200 200
- Email Address
- zoo@zoo.dk
- Website
- www.zoo.dk
- Hours
- Open 365 days a year from 9am 4pm on weekdays and 9am 5pm on weekends. From 27 June 16 August open until 9pm
- Admission
- DKK 140 (adults); DKK 80 (children)
Eskperimentarium
Featuring almost 300 interactive exhibitions for children of all ages to enjoy, the Eskperimentarium is a hands on science museum that aims to encourage children to take an interest in science while learning and enjoying themselves at the same time. With permanent and temporary exhibitions, visitors can be sure that there is always something fun and exciting for children to enjoy.
- Region/City Name
- Copenhagen
- Address
- Tuborg Havnevej 7
- Phone Number
- 39 273 333
- Email Address
- info@experimentarium.dk
- Website
- www.experimentarium.dk
- Hours
- Open daily from 9.30am 5pm. (Tuesdays 9.30am 9pm)
- Admission
- DKK 148 (adults); DKK 97 (children)
