The city center of Copenhagen (København K) is where most first-time visitors start, and there’s plenty to explore on foot: from Danish design and cozy hygge shops to charming historic gardens and colorful old streets. Here are my top 10 things to do in Copenhagen city center, with a focus on shopping, cozy cafés and green corners.
1.
Strøget (Main Shopping Street)
Strøget is Copenhagen’s main pedestrian shopping street. It runs in a fairly straight line from Rådhuspladsen (near Tivoli Gardens) to Kongens Nytorv (near Nyhavn).
It can get very busy and touristy, so explore the quieter side streets around it, where many of the cozy cafés and smaller shops are. I’ve highlighted some of my favorites below.
2.
Danish Design & Hygge Shops in Copenhagen
It’s hard to pick a favorite Danish shop for cozy home decor and gifts, but Notre Dame, Det Gamle Apotek, and Illums Bolighus are my go-to spots for a cozy afternoon of browsing. To bring home a piece of Danish design, Studio Arhoj, HAY are great places to visit.
3.
Canal Tour from Nyhavn
A canal tour is a great way to see the main attractions and must-visit neighborhoods quickly from the water. Several boats depart from Nyhavn, where you’ll also find the ticket booths. Netto-Bådene offers very affordable tickets, and the guides know how to make the ride extra fun.
4.
Danish Bakeries: Pastries in Copenhagen City Center
Denmark is famous for its pastries, and there’s a bakery on almost every corner of Copenhagen. A favorite spot of mine downtown, with great seating and super tasty baked goods, is Rug Bakery, close to Tivoli Gardens. If you don’t mind a more touristy spot in the city center, BUKA is also great, especially its famous pistachio croissant.
5.
Designmuseum Denmark
Designmuseum Denmark is in the city center. Its permanent exhibition covers Danish design from the 20th century, and it also shows contemporary industrial design, furniture and craft by Danish and international designers. The building is beautiful architecture in itself, and the garden is open to visitors in summer.
6.
Kastellet Park
Kastellet sits at the northern edge of the city center is a 17th-century fortress that’s now a park, and one of the city’s larger green spaces. Walk along the grassy ramparts for views of the harbor, and look out for the old windmill.
The Classics Nearby (7-10)
7. Nyhavn: the postcard harbor. Best early morning or after dark. See why Nyhavn is worth a visit →
8. Tivoli Gardens: the historic amusement park with seasonal decor and lights. Ticket needed. More on Tivoli Gardens →
9. King’s Garden and Rosenborg Castle: coffee on a bench first, then the castle. Garden free, castle ticketed. More on King’s Garden →
10. The Lakes (Søerne): a walking route from the center toward Nørrebro. More on the Lakes →
These and more are in my full Top 10 Things to Do in Copenhagen guide.
