Built across a cluster of coastal islands, Copenhagen represents Denmark at its finest. The compact Indre By (inner city) district includes the luminous Nyhavn canal, where rows of brightly painted 17th- and 18th-century houses line the waterfront. These historic buildings contain museums, cafés and the former home of Hans Christian Andersen.
The city is pleasantly walkable and offers a variety of transport options, including seasonal canal tours that provide excellent views of landmarks like the Little Mermaid statue on Langelinje Pier. A Copenhagen Card makes getting around easy while saving money: it provides free use of buses, the Metro and commuter trains and includes admission to numerous museums and attractions.
For historical context, visit Rosenborg Castle, set amid a beautiful rose garden and home to the Danish Crown Jewels. Nearby Amalienborg Palace, in elegant Danish Rococo style, hosts the daily Changing of the Royal Guard. Directly adjacent, Designmuseum Danmark presents a strong permanent collection highlighting the work of Denmark’s leading designers.
A smørrebrød open sandwich © Maxim Tatarinov | Dreamstime.com
In Indre By you’ll also find Strøget, one of Europe’s oldest and longest pedestrian shopping streets, which opens onto Kongens Nytorv (The King’s New Square). Overlooking the square is the historic Hotel D’Angleterre. Dating back to the 1700s, the hotel features high-ceilinged rooms, ornate public spaces and distinctive details such as a glass-mosaic roof above the Palm Court, as well as the Michelin-starred Restaurant Marchal.
No visit to Copenhagen is complete without trying smørrebrød — the classic Danish open sandwich served on dense rye bread and topped with ingredients like salmon, smoked chicken or pickled herring. Royal Smushi Café at Amagertorv is a popular spot for contemporary takes on this tradition, combining imaginative presentation with a charming café atmosphere that’s ideal for coffee and pastries.
For an evening of refined Nordic dining, consider no. 2, a celebrated bistro co-owned by sommelier Christian Aarø and chef Søren Selin. The restaurant highlights top Danish ingredients, an extensive wine list and a curated selection of regional beers, offering a memorable conclusion to a day exploring Copenhagen.