Things to Do in Copenhagen | DIY Art & Culture Tours Near Nyhavn

Some of the best things to do in Copenhagen are within walking distance of the city’s historic Nyhavn area. The waterfront neighborhood lays claim to some of the most charming restaurants in the city, and walks along the scenic harbor, laced with colorful boats and picturesque houses, never get old. The best thing about touring downtown Copenhagen is that top attractions are within a 20-minute walk from Nyhavn, and by walking (or riding a bike like locals!), visitors can see many more landmarks between major stopping points. Travelers who don’t care to backpack or pedal across the downtown district, however, have plenty of options. Thanks to Copenhagen’s convenient buses, trains and metro system, tourists can hop from attraction to attraction in a matter of minutes!

1. Things to do in Copenhagen | Nyhavn

One of the best places to stay in Copenhagen is in the historic Nyhavn area. The waterfront district once had a reputation for being a bit seedy, but through modern renovations and a fresh and artsy crowd, the area now attracts as many locals as it does tourists. Guests enjoy non-stop harbor views as well as easy access to colorful catamarans that take travelers on local canal cruises or sightseeing trips to Sweden. Besides the laid-back atmosphere and Danish vibe in Nyhavn, tourists will find three residences where author Hans Christian Anderson once lived.

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2. Things to do in Copenhagen | National Museum of Denmark

A 20-minute walk from Nyhavn, the National Museum of Denmark is a fun way to dive into Danish history and learn about the Vikings. Visitors can view ancient weaponry, medieval jewelry and the Sun Chariot, one of the museums most prized exhibits. The Sun Chariot was recovered in 1902 from a bog in Denmark’s Zealand island and dates to 1400 BC. It is believed to represent artwork from the Nordic Bronze Age and could have been used as a type of calendar. Other popular exhibits include Egyptian mummies and a hash stall from nearby Christiania commune.

As the largest museum of cultural history in Denmark, the National Museum of Denmark offers activities for the whole family. Adults get a free guided tour with the price of admission, and children can visit the Children’s Museum from Tuesday through Sunday or hunt for the Boredom Button on weekends.

National Museum of Denmark is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily from June through September. The museum closes on Mondays from October through May. An adult day pass for the museum is 95 krones; a family ticket is 80 krones; and children 18 and younger enter for free.

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3. Things to do in Copenhagen | Christiansborg Palace

It takes less than 15 minutes to walk to the Danish parliament from Nyhavn, and getting to view the 800-year-old Christiansborg Palace is well worth the stroll. The glamorous compound sets on its own island, called Slotsholmen, and visitors can witness for free the day-to-day action of the Supreme Court of Denmark, the Danish Prime Minister’s Office and the Danish Parliament. The Danish royal family also receives visitors at the palace from time to time.

Visitors will want to tour the Royal Reception Rooms, stop by the Royal Stables to see the palace horses and climb the Tower to enjoy a panoramic view of the complex. Tourists also like to explore Bishop Absalon’s Castle ruins and the remains of Copenhagen Castle, which are on display underneath the palace.

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4. Things to do in Copenhagen | Tivoli Gardens

From Nyhavn, travelers can be riding amusement park rides and dancing to live music in less than 20 minutes. Tivoli Gardens is by far one of downtown Copenhagen’s most popular attractions. Even guests who don’t like roller coasters still LOVE this theme park, because entertainment goes way beyond adventure rides at Tivoli Gardens. The park features the Tivoli Aquarium, Boulevard Garden – “The Hanging Gardens,” The Orangery greenhouse, a Chinese-Inspired Bamboo Forest and dozens of natural landscapes and scenic landmarks.

In addition to themed sections that are open daily, Tivoli Gardens hosts regular theater performances and music events for each day of the week. Catch folk music performances on “Mundo Monday” and a jam fest on “Friday Rock” night.

Tivoli Gardens is open from April 4 to September 22 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 11 a.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday. Ticket prices for adults (ages 8 and older) are 130 krones from Monday to Friday and 140 krones on Saturday and Sunday; children (ages 3 to 7) pay 60 krones daily. Two-day passes are available for 200 krones for adults and 75 krones for children.

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5. Things to do in Copenhagen | Amalienborg Palace

The queen’s winter residence stands just seven minutes away from Nyhavn, and visitors will be more than impressed with this amazing complex that still hosts the royal family. Constructed in the 18th century, Amalienborg Palace serves as one of Denmark’s greatest displays of Rococco architecture. The complex consists of four identically-styled buildings that encircle a statue of King Frederik V, which sits in the palace square. A tour of the Amalienborg Palace Museum explains the compound’s rich history and offers an intimate glimpse into royal quarters through a collection of furnishings and historic décor.

Tourists love to watch the changing of the Royal Guard, a three-part affair that includes a parade! The daily event starts at 11:27 a.m. from the Life Guard Barracks at Gothersgade (near Rosenborg Castle) when 36 musicians, 12 drummers and 36 guards make their way to Amalienborg Palace. Once at the palace, members of the Royal Guard relieve on-duty officers through a ceremonial changeover march, and while both on-duty and off-duty guardsmen update the queen of their daily activities, the Band of the Royal Life Guards hosts a small concert for spectators.

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6. Things to do in Copenhagen | The Round Tower

Known locally as Rundetaarn, The Round Tower is the oldest working observatory in Europe, and it is only a 15-minute walk from Nyhavn. The tower was built in the early 17th century by Christian IV to continue astronomical research started by astronomer Tycho Brahe, and while many scholars have used the tower for important research, it now mainly hosts novice astronomers and sightseers. The tower is part of the Trinitatis Complex, which contains a chapel for nearby Copenhagen University, the Trinitatis Church and an academic library, the first branch of Copenhagen University Library.

The observation deck is accessible via the tower’s most popular feature, a circular corridor that winds its way to the top of the tower. Although the tower stands just less than 35 meters tall, the corridor takes visitors on a 209-meter spiraling jaunt to the top. Once on the winding (stair-free) passageway, visitors will find the library hall and chapel, a small observatory and a viewing area with a glass floor. Several historical art and science exhibits also are on display, and the observation deck, of course, offers magical views of Copenhagen.

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7. Things to do in Copenhagen | Christiania

Even if travelers aren’t into hippies and hash, visiting the “freetown” commune of Christiania is a must-do while in Copenhagen. This unique settlement, just 15 minutes from Nyhavn, is known for its colorful housing and open hash and marijuana stands. But it also is famous for being a former shantytown turned social experiment. Once upon a time the area was overrun by homeless citizens, but when police were unsuccessful of clearing the area, the government opted to let residents of Christiania establish their own way of life.

Community members quickly banned all motor vehicles from entering the district, and local businesses established their own form of currency. Visitors are welcome to explore the area by foot or by bike, but not by car … or by horse, even though the animals roam freely throughout Christiania. Many tourists enjoy eating lunch at one of the many eccentric restaurants in the village and photographing the motley array of handmade houses that make up the community. Live music concerts are commonplace also, and many residents who take pride in their gardens are eager to show them off to passersby.

The entrance to Christiania is near the corner of Prinsessegade and Bådsmandsstræde. Visitors can venture in on their own or opt for a 60- to 90-minute tour for 50 krones. Tours are available at 1 and 3 p.m. from late June to the end of August.

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8. Things to do in Copenhagen | SMK – The National Gallery of Denmark (Statens Museum for Kunst)

Denmark’s largest art museum is just a 20-minute walk from Nyhavn, and visitors will be pleased with the vast array of classic artwork as well as modern pieces housed in SMK – The National Gallery of Denmark. SMK is famous for having the country’s most comprehensive collection of Danish Golden Age art, or contemporary art, and one of the world’s best Matisse collections.

Each weekend, SMK hosts the Children’s Workshop, in which visitors are encouraged to expand their imaginations and create art. Tickets to the Children’s Workshop are included with the price of admission (which is free for anyone under 18), and even though it’s called a Children’s Workshop, guests of all ages are welcome to join!

Visitors are welcome to explore the museum on their own or sign up for a guided tour: the cost is included with admission. Group tours are available for an additional charge. One-day tickets for adults (27 years and older) are 120 krones; young adults (18 and older) pay 95 krones; children younger than 18 years old enter for free. The museum offers a combined ticket for one adult and one young adult for 100 krones.

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9. Things to do in Copenhagen | Rosenborg Castle

Tourists who leave Nyhavn at 10 a.m. can be exploring Rosenborg Castle by 10:30. This historic structure was built in the early 17th century and now keeps watch over Denmark’s Crown Jewels as well as one of the world’s finest Venetian glass collections. Visitors can tour the Knights’ Hall to see the official coronation thrones and view numerous tapestries and well-preserved fixtures within the compound.

Other can’t-miss attractions include Christian IV’s Writing Room, Winter Room … and toilet! Exhibits showcase the king’s costumes and several precious heirlooms as well as regalia that was transferred from Copenhagen Castle to Rosenborg Castle during the reign of Christian V.

Rosenborg Castle is part of Denmark’s museum district and stands just outside The King’s Garden (Kongens Have), a gorgeous park with pavilions, formal gardens and a children’s playground. Tickets to Rosenborg Castle are 115 krones for adults (ages 18 and older); children age 17 and younger enter for free. Guests planning to tour more than one museum in the area can opt for the Park Museum Ticket, which costs 245 krones and grants entry into The David Collection, Workers Museum, Hirschsprung Collection, The National Gallery of Denmark (Statens Museum for Kunst) and The Natural History Museum of Denmark (Statens Naturhistoriske Museum).

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