Voted as one of the best city for quality of life, Copenhagen is a mesmerising place with quaint architectures, hip clubs and bars and increasingly cutting-edge restaurants. As Denmark’s most populous city, it is the cultural, economic and governmental centre of Denmark. With such a rich heritage, it is no wonder so many tourists flock to visit it despite its relatively high cost of living.
Did you know?
Copenhagen started as a viking fishing village way back in the 12th century.
1. Visit the Copenhagen City Hall
The Copenhagen City Hall is located in the City Hall Square in central Copenhagen. Standing at 105.6 metres tall, it is one of the tallest buildings in Copenhagen and thus offers great view over the entire city. The best thing is that it is absolutely free to enter whether you are a child or an adult! Do note that if you want to visit the tower, you will have to be escorted by a guide (and thus have to pay). The price is 30 DKK and if you want a guided tour as well, the price is 50 DKK. The City Hall welcomes some lucky couples to get married in its walls. I’m sure they don’t mind uninvited guests!
2. Visiting the Palaces/Castles
Copenhagen is a royal city and home to one of the world’s oldest monarchies. It is therefore almost impossible to have walked around the city not bumping into any castles, palaces, royal statues and monuments. It is A MUST to visit these amazing historical architectures and monuments. Having spent 2 days strolling through the streets of Copenhagen, here are some of the castles and palaces that I believe you should visit.
Rosenborg Palace
Built by one of the most famous Scandinavian Kings, Christian IV in the early 17th century, it houses an exquisite collection of Flora Danica and one of the world’s finest Venetian glass collections. Entrance to this place is however not free to people over the age of 17. Adults will have to pay 110 DKK while students will have to fork out 75 DKK.
Christiansborg Palace
The Christiansborg Palace is one of the most significant buildings in Copenhagen today as it contains the Danish Parliament, the Supreme Court and the Ministry of State. According to VisitCopenhagen, parts of the palace are being used by the Royal family for various functions. Entrance fee is not free and it varies depending on which part of the Palace you would like to visit. For more information, please click here.
3. Tivoli Gardens
Yes, Tivoli Gardens is an amusement park, but that doesn’t mean that the old wouldn’t be able to enjoy their time there. In fact, Tivoli Gardens is perfect for families. As the name suggests, Tivoli Gardens is not simply just an amusement park, it has amazing gardens too. There are many picturesque spots within the amusement parks itself. It is almost impossible to miss this, given it is located within a few minutes walk from The City Hall and Copenhagen Central Station. Here are just some pictures that I took while in the amusement park!
4. Nyhavn
Some people might call it Copenhagen’s Amsterdam but I am honestly offended by that description! Yes, Nyhavn is reminiscent of Amsterdam but why can’t it be the other way around? I am sure this place deserves all the praise that it gets without any association with Amsterdam. Nyhavn, which means “New Harbour” in english, is steeped in heritage. In fact, for the 450 years until 1617, the town didn’t extend its borders to neighbouring areas. Nyhavn is quintessential Denmark! It is one of the most iconic places of Copenhagen and is a perfect place to hang out or go for a canal tour.
5. Botanical Gardens
If you are seeking a temporary respite from the buzz of the city centre, look no further than the Copenhagen Botanical Gardens. Located just a stone’s throw away from the Rosenborg Palace, the Copenhagen Botanical Gardens is somewhere where you surely don’t want to miss. Right at the heart of the Botanical Gardens is the famous Palm House that is 16 metres tall and has narrow, cast-iron spiral stairs that lead up to the passageway. Visiting the garden itself is free but you would have to however, fork out a little bit of money to visit the Palm House. For more information on the ticket prices and visiting hours, please click here.
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