There are plenty of things to do in Copenhagen – actually, probably too many to cram in during a weekend break! For a short trip to the Danish capital, it is hard to work out which to do and which to skip. This post on my top five things to do in Copenhagen can help you to plan your weekend away. But which of the main things to do in Copenhagen should you skip on your trip to Denmark? Read on for my recommendations on places you don’t need to make time for when visiting Copenhagen.
5 things to do in Copenhagen #1: Nyhavn’s colourful harbour
Nyhavn is the perfect picture-postcard place you probably know from Instagram. Nyhavn was previously known for crime. These days, it is full of pretty bars, cafes and restaurants. The heart of the city is here.
From Nyhavn, you can take a boat tour, which lets you see the sights from the water. And leads us on to…
5 things to SKIP when visiting Copenhagen #1: The Little Mermaid
While many people head to the Little Mermaid statue while visiting Copenhagen, you can definitely skip it. The quickest way to see the statue is actually from a boat tour. Unless you specifically want to tick it off your list of things to do in Copenhagen, your time can be better spent on other things in the city.
5 things to do in Copenhagen #2: Freetown Christiania
Freetown Christiania is a must-see, for me. The former commune is full of colour and street art and you can even buy a stake in the area to support it. Freetown Christiania felt safe to me, so don’t let scare stories put you off from going while visiting Copenhagen.
Check my post on what Freetown Christiania is like when visiting Copenhagen for more information and photos.
5 things to SKIP when visiting Copenhagen #2: Christianshavn
If you only have time for either Freetown Christiania or Christianshavn when visiting Copenhagen, skip the latter. Christianshavn is beautiful and full of canals, but if you’ve been to Amsterdam it’s not as special.
Christianshavn is the area where a lot of top Copenhagen restaurants are located. It might be a must-see area for foodies, but for others you can skip it from your list of top things to do in Copenhagen.
5 things to do in Copenhagen #3: The Round Tower
Aerial views a must for me as they provide a great way to see the city and take photos. The Round Tower is an experience in its own right, with the spiral staircase well worth the low entry fee.
The views from the top are superb and as The Round Tower is in a shopping area, you can tick off buying some souvenirs from your things to do in Copenhagen list at the same time.
5 things to SKIP when visiting Copenhagen #3: Tivoli Gardens
Theme parks in the heart of the city are fairly unusual, so it is easy to see why Tivoli Gardens comes highly recommended. You can buy a ticket just to walk around, but if you don’t plan on trying rides, why bother?
Skip Tivoli unless going on some rides would be top of your list of things to do in Copenhagen.
5 things to do in Copenhagen #4: City Hall
If you’re on a whistle-stop tour of the Danish capital, aim for City Hall. Located slap-bang in the city centre, many of the most impressive buildings in Copenhagen are around City Hall.
5 things to SKIP when visiting Copenhagen #4: Amalienborg Palace
Checking out palaces is often recommended as one of the top things to do in Copenhagen, but they’re skippable. Unless you have a particular interest in royal families, there’s no need to make time for Amalienborg Palace when visiting Copenhagen.
Most Copenhagen palaces are away from the other main sights, so that time could be better spent…
5 things to do in Copenhagen #5: Eat a cardamom bun – or two!
You can’t go to Copenhagen without having a cardamom bun. Well, you can… but you shouldn’t.
Most bakeries in the city do a fantastic version of this Copenhagen classic, but Juno The Bakery is a top recommendation. You’ll be doing enough steps while visiting Copenhagen to justify a sweet treat.
5 things to SKIP when visiting Copenhagen #5: Rosenborg Slot
Copenhagen’s castle is an impressive 17th-century building, but only history buffs need to make time for a trip to Rosenborg Slot. While it is fairly central, walking to the castle is still a bit of a trek. If you prize seeing the Danish crown jewels when visiting Copenhagen, then go to Rosenborg Slot. If you’re not bothered, you can definitely skip this in favour of some other things to do in Copenhagen.
Read next: My post on spending 48 hours in Copenhagen
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