I’ve been lucky enough to visit Copenhagen several times, and while I adore the city’s postcard-perfect canals and colorful Nyhavn houses, I’ve also learned that the real magic of this Danish capital lies beyond the usual guidebook stops. So, if you’re looking for things to do in Copenhagen that locals actually enjoy — and a few that I’d politely skip — this guide is for you.
First Impressions of Copenhagen
When you first arrive, Copenhagen feels like a storybook — clean streets, bikes everywhere, and that minimalist Scandinavian style that makes even a bakery look like a design studio.
But behind that calm exterior is a city that’s creative, quirky, and surprisingly cozy. Locals call that feeling “hygge”, and you’ll feel it in the way people linger over coffee, spend lazy afternoons by the canals, or gather with friends at food markets.
Things to Do in Copenhagen as a Local (+ What I Would Skip)
Table of contents
- First Impressions of Copenhagen
- Things to Do in Copenhagen as a Local (+ What I Would Skip)
- Central Copenhagen — Classic Charm with a Twist
- Christianshavn — The Soulful Island
- Nørrebro — Where Copenhagen’s Cool Kids Live
- Vesterbro — The Heartbeat of Modern Copenhagen
- Østerbro — Calm, Classy, and Surprisingly Local
- Frederiksberg — Green, Elegant, and Underrated
- Local Experiences to Try in Copenhagen
- What to Skip in Copenhagen
- Where to Stay in Copenhagen
- Best Restaurants in Copenhagen (That Locals Actually Love)
- Top Tours and Experiences in Copenhagen
- FAQs about things to do in Copenhagen
- Final Wrap-Up: Finding Your Own Copenhagen
Central Copenhagen — Classic Charm with a Twist
You can’t really skip the center. It’s the historic and cultural core, but there’s a local rhythm if you know where to look.
Stroll Through Strædet, Not Just Strøget
While most tourists crowd into Strøget, locals slip into Strædet — a smaller parallel street filled with indie boutiques, cozy bookshops, and design stores.
I spent an afternoon browsing handmade ceramics at Studio Arhoj, sipping coffee at The Coffee Collective, and chatting with the owner of a tiny vintage shop about Danish design.
☕ Pro Tip
Order a cortado at The Coffee Collective and sit by the window. People-watching here is a Danish sport.
Visit the Hidden Corners of Nyhavn
Everyone takes a photo here — but few people cross the bridge toward Christianshavn, where the crowds thin out. Still, if you come early (around 7 AM), you’ll catch fishermen unloading their morning catch and locals jogging by the canal.
Afterward, have breakfast at Union Kitchen Nyhavn — their avocado toast and espresso martinis have become a guilty pleasure.
🏨 Nearby stay: 71 Nyhavn Hotel — Check prices and availability on Trip.com
Inside Tip — The Church of Our Saviour View
Skip the Round Tower; climb the Church of Our Saviour instead. The spiral staircase outside the spire might look terrifying, but the view is unbeatable — rooftops, canals, and the entire harbor. Go right before sunset.
Christianshavn — The Soulful Island
Cross a short bridge and you’re in a different world. Christianshavn feels like a village inside the city, full of narrow canals, houseboats, and an effortlessly creative energy.
Wander by the Water
One of my favorite things to do in Copenhagen is simply to walk along Christianshavn Canal with a coffee from Sweet Treat or CUB Coffee Bar. Locals perch on the edge of the canal, chatting as boats glide past — it’s the most peaceful chaos you’ll ever experience.
Visit Freetown Christiania — But Do It Respectfully
Christiania is often misunderstood. It’s not just a “hippie commune”; it’s a living, breathing social experiment in self-governance. Photography is limited, so keep your camera down, smile, and explore the art studios and bakeries. I loved grabbing lunch at Morgenstedet, a vegetarian restaurant run by volunteers — hearty stews, homemade bread, and conversations that last for hours.
🎟️ Experience it like a local: Christiania Walking Tour — Book here on GetYourGuide
Swim at La Banchina
Locals adore La Banchina, a waterfront café where you can swim, sauna, and sip natural wine — all within 10 steps. I went in October, when the air was freezing, but the Danes assured me that a dip in cold water followed by the sauna is “good for the soul.” They were right.
🏨 Stay nearby: Copenhagen Admiral Hotel — View deals on Trip.com
Reffen Street Food Market
Take a short bike ride to Reffen, Copenhagen’s outdoor food paradise. More than 50 stalls serve everything from Nepali dumplings to Danish hot dogs reinvented with gourmet toppings. On weekends, live DJs and local craft brewers turn the space into a mini-festival.
🍴 Local tip: Pair it with a local beer from Mikkeller, then sit by the water for the sunset.
If you love this kind of local food experience, check out my 4 Days Traveling Solo in Madrid Itinerary — the vibe is surprisingly similar.
Nørrebro — Where Copenhagen’s Cool Kids Live
If you ask any young Copenhagener where the real city pulse beats, they’ll say Nørrebro. It’s multicultural, artistic, and effortlessly stylish — a blend of Arabic bakeries, vintage stores, vegan cafés, and concept bars.
Walk Down Jægersborggade
This street defines the neighborhood. I found everything from third-wave coffee shops to ceramic workshops and independent design boutiques. Coffee Collective, Grød (for gourmet porridge), and My Favorite Cph (a cozy wine bar) became my regular stops.
🛏️ Stay close to the action: Hotel Kong Arthur — Check prices and reviews on Trip.com
Visit Superkilen Park
Superkilen is not your average park — it’s a living art installation. Each object represents a different country, from Moroccan fountains to Japanese playground swings. On a sunny day, you’ll see locals picnicking, skating, or just lying in the grass.
📸 Insider moment: Visit at sunset when the red section glows for perfect photos.
Assistens Cemetery — A Local Sanctuary
This may sound odd, but Assistens Cemetery is beloved by locals. It’s peaceful, leafy, and filled with history — the resting place of Hans Christian Andersen and philosopher Søren Kierkegaard. I spent an afternoon here reading under the trees, surrounded by joggers and couples having quiet picnics.
🏨 Where to Book Hotels in Copenhagen
Finding the right stay in Copenhagen depends on your travel style — from boutique hotels to cozy hostels and budget-friendly options.
Here are my go-to booking platforms that I personally use and trust:
🌍 Trip.com – Great for Hotel Deals & Packages
If you’re looking for flexible rates and flight + hotel bundles, Trip.com often has better prices than most booking engines — especially for last-minute stays in Copenhagen.
👉 Find hotel deals on Trip.com
🛏️ Hostelworld – Best for Budget Travelers & Solo Backpackers
Copenhagen’s hostel scene is incredible — clean, social, and stylish. Check out places like Steel House Copenhagen or Urban House by MEININGER.
👉 Book hostels in Copenhagen on Hostelworld
🏙️ Tripadvisor – Compare Hotels Before You Book
Not sure where to stay? Read reviews, browse photos, and see traveler insights before booking. I always double-check ratings here to make sure a “4-star” actually feels like one.
👉 See top-rated hotels in Copenhagen on Tripadvisor
✈️ Traveloka – Excellent for Regional & Short-Stay Deals
For travelers flying in from Southeast Asia or Europe, Traveloka offers great hotel + flight discounts, often with free cancellation and member rewards.
👉 Book your stay in Copenhagen on Traveloka
Nightlife in Nørrebro
When the sun sets, head to BRUS, a craft-beer bar inside an old factory, or Blume for cocktails that feel like art. Copenhagen nightlife isn’t loud — it’s intimate. Expect candles, vinyl records, and locals who actually want to talk.
🎟️ Tour tip: Copenhagen Craft Beer Experience — Reserve on GetYourGuide
Why Nørrebro Feels Different
It’s raw, authentic, and proudly diverse — exactly what modern Copenhagen represents. For me, this area captures the spirit of the city more than any monument could.
If you love exploring cities through their neighborhoods, you might enjoy my Paris Travel Destinations Guide or this detailed list of Best Paris Attractions Guide, which share a similar deep-dive local approach.
Vesterbro — The Heartbeat of Modern Copenhagen
If Nørrebro is the cool creative side of the city, Vesterbro is its effortlessly stylish older sibling — a mix of grit, design, and good living. It’s where I always end up in the evenings, glass of wine in hand, pretending I’ve become one of the locals.
Kødbyen — The Meatpacking District
This once-industrial area has evolved into Copenhagen’s food and nightlife hub. Locals come here after work to share craft beers, small plates, and laughter under the glow of string lights.
Start your evening with a beer at Warpigs Brewpub, where the Texas-style barbecue meets Danish craft brewing — it’s loud, friendly, and pure fun. From there, wander over to Fleisch, a small restaurant that honors its butchery roots with hearty Nordic dishes served in minimalist style.
🍺 Try this: The house IPA at Warpigs — hoppy, cold, and brewed onsite.
When the night gets late, join locals at Bak — a tucked-away bar with candlelight, jazz, and no hint of pretension.
🏨 Stay nearby: Hotel SP34 — Check prices and availability on Trip.com
Istedgade — Where Local Life Happens
By day, Istedgade is lined with organic bakeries, art galleries, and boutiques. By night, it transforms into a laid-back bar street. My favorite stop is Kihoskh, a quirky convenience store that doubles as a craft beer shop and café — locals grab a drink here before heading out.
And don’t miss Dyrehaven, a retro café that looks like your grandmother’s living room, serving open-faced sandwiches and Carlsberg on tap.
Østerbro — Calm, Classy, and Surprisingly Local
If Copenhagen had a “residential postcard” neighborhood, it would be Østerbro — quiet streets, beautiful townhouses, and families cycling to the park. It’s one of the best places to escape the crowds while still feeling central.
Explore Fælledparken
Fælledparken is Copenhagen’s largest park and a favorite among locals for running, picnics, and outdoor yoga. I loved renting a bike and simply circling its paths in the late afternoon — no schedule, just the sound of the city winding down.
🚴 Try this: Join locals for a morning jog, then grab breakfast nearby at Café Bopa — the pancakes are legendary.
Visit Nordhavn’s Seaside Vibes
A few metro stops north, Nordhavn is where the city’s modern architecture meets the sea. Think chic cafés, design stores, and locals diving into the clean harbor water. The Coffee Collective Nordhavn is perfect for a seaside espresso break.
🏨 Stay close: Charlottehaven Aparthotel — Check prices and reviews
Frederiksberg — Green, Elegant, and Underrated
Frederiksberg technically isn’t part of Copenhagen City — it’s its own municipality — but locals treat it as one of their favorite areas. It’s all about greenery, relaxed charm, and understated elegance.
Stroll Through Frederiksberg Gardens
This massive park feels like Copenhagen’s version of Central Park. Locals walk their dogs, families row boats on the lake, and you can spot the elephants from the Copenhagen Zoo next door.
I brought a pastry from Hart Bageri (founded by a former Noma baker) and found a bench near the canal — one of the most peaceful mornings I’ve ever had in the city.
🥐 Local secret: Arrive before 10 AM for fresh croissants — they sell out fast.
Frederiksberg Allé — Copenhagen’s “Mini Paris”
If you love architecture and café culture, Frederiksberg Allé is your street. Lined with lime trees and historic townhouses, it’s filled with wine bars and independent shops. Have lunch at Granola, one of Copenhagen’s most beloved brunch cafés — the vibe is vintage Paris meets Danish comfort.
☕ Try this: Their buttermilk pancakes with berry compote.
If you’re a fan of charming European neighborhoods, you might love my What to Do in Paris with Kids in 3 Days post for a family-friendly comparison.
Local Experiences to Try in Copenhagen
1. Go for a Harbor Swim
Copenhagen is one of the few cities in the world where you can safely swim in the harbor. Locals flock to Islands Brygge in summer — diving, laughing, and sipping rosé on the docks. Bring a towel, grab an ice cream from Hviids Is, and join them.
🎟️ Experience it: Copenhagen City Kayak & Swim Tour
2. Join a Bike Tour — The Local Way
Even if you’re a confident cyclist, it’s fun to join a guided ride to learn about city design and hidden corners.
🚲 Recommended: Copenhagen Highlights Bike Tour — Reserve on GetYourGuide
You’ll see everything from King’s Garden to quiet backstreets full of murals — and you’ll finally understand why Danes seem born on bicycles.
3. Discover Local Markets
- Torvehallerne: A foodie’s dream — local cheese, fresh flowers, coffee roasters, and smørrebrød stalls.
- WestMarket (Vesterbro): A bit less touristy, full of ethnic street food and after-work energy.
- Broens Gadekøkken: Summer pop-up near Nyhavn serving oysters, burgers, and chilled rosé.
🍽️ Foodie alert: If you loved this, check my Best Paris Attractions Guide — especially the sections on Paris food markets!
4. Visit the Designmuseum Denmark
Design is practically a religion here. Even chairs have biographies. The Designmuseum in Frederiksstaden is small but fascinating — Danish furniture, ceramics, and fashion through the decades.
🎟️ Get your ticket here on GetYourGuide — Designmuseum Denmark Entry
What to Skip in Copenhagen
Now, let’s be honest — not every attraction deserves your time (or money). Here’s what I’d gently skip after multiple visits:
The Little Mermaid
Yes, it’s iconic. Yes, Hans Christian Andersen wrote her story. But the statue itself is tiny, surrounded by tourists, and somewhat anticlimactic. If you’re nearby, take a peek — but don’t plan a trip around it.
Strøget Shopping Street
Unless you’re hunting for mainstream brands, you can skip it. Copenhagen’s true shopping gems are in smaller streets — Værnedamsvej in Frederiksberg or Jægersborggade in Nørrebro.
Overrated Canal Tours
They’re lovely but crowded. Instead, book a private or small-group canal experience where the guide personalizes the route and shares local stories.
Local Things to Do in Copenhagen That Are Worth It
To balance it out, here are a few things I always recommend to friends:
- Morning coffee at Atelier September
- Picnic in King’s Garden (Kongens Have)
- Winter evening at Tivoli Gardens, when the lights make everything glow
These are the timeless things to do in Copenhagen that make the city unforgettable — a blend of nostalgia and fresh energy.
Where to Stay in Copenhagen
Whether you’re here for a weekend escape or a longer adventure, your stay can make or break your trip. I’ve tested a handful of hotels — from stylish boutiques to eco-conscious havens — and here are my personal favorites.
Axel Guldsmeden Hotel – Eco Luxury in Vesterbro
I keep coming back to Axel Guldsmeden, a Balinese-inspired, sustainable hotel in the heart of Vesterbro. Organic toiletries, candlelit rooms, and a courtyard spa that feels like a secret garden.
Hotel SP34 – Design Lover’s Dream
Tucked into the Latin Quarter, Hotel SP34 blends Danish minimalism with warmth. There’s free wine hour every evening — which, in Copenhagen, feels like a gift.
71 Nyhavn Hotel – A Romantic Waterfront Stay
If waking up to the sound of boats and sunlight reflecting on the canal sounds dreamy, 71 Nyhavn is for you. The rooms sit inside converted warehouses, preserving the city’s maritime soul.
Kong Arthur Hotel – Tranquility by the Lakes
A hidden gem near Nørreport, Hotel Kong Arthur feels like a retreat within the city. The breakfast buffet is exceptional, with local cheeses and organic pastries.
Best Restaurants in Copenhagen (That Locals Actually Love)
Copenhagen is a Michelin-starred wonderland, but locals know where to find authentic, affordable food that doesn’t feel staged.
Restaurant Schønnemann – Traditional Smørrebrød
This is where you’ll taste Denmark’s most famous open-faced sandwiches — layered with herring, roast beef, and shrimp. It’s been around since 1877, and you’ll likely be the only tourist there.
Mother – Casual Pizza Heaven
In the heart of the Meatpacking District, Mother serves wood-fired sourdough pizzas in a lively, communal atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where you’ll start talking to the table next to you before your pizza arrives.
Bastard Café – Scandinavian Brunch in Style
A bright, airy café in the city center — perfect for brunch or people-watching. Try the Nordic breakfast plate with rye bread, cheese, and smoked salmon.
Vækst – Fine Dining in a Greenhouse
If you’re craving something elegant but not intimidating, Vækst is magic — Scandinavian cuisine served amid hanging plants and soft lighting. Order the tasting menu with paired wines for a true Copenhagen culinary memory.
Top Tours and Experiences in Copenhagen
I love exploring independently, but a few guided tours genuinely enhanced my understanding of the city. Here are the ones I’ve personally enjoyed (and can vouch for):
Copenhagen Highlights Bike Tour
See the city through a local’s eyes — riding through neighborhoods, gardens, and along the canals.
Food & Culture Tour
Taste your way through Copenhagen’s culinary scene — smørrebrød, cheese, chocolate, and Danish pastries.
Canal Cruise with Live Guide
If you’re short on time, this is the most relaxing way to see the city — plus, the commentary is often done by locals with plenty of humor.
Danish Design & Architecture Tour
Perfect for anyone fascinated by Scandinavian minimalism and city planning. You’ll visit the Designmuseum, Ørestad, and iconic architectural landmarks.
FAQs about things to do in Copenhagen
What’s the best season to visit Copenhagen?
- Spring: Cherry blossoms at Bispebjerg Cemetery.
- Summer: Outdoor dining and harbor swimming.
- Fall: Hygge season — cozy cafés and warm pastries.
- Winter: Tivoli Christmas markets and candlelight everywhere.
Final Wrap-Up: Finding Your Own Copenhagen
Every traveler has their own version of Copenhagen. Some fall in love with its design and architecture; others with its food, its calm, or its ability to make everyday moments feel extraordinary.
For me, the best things to do in Copenhagen aren’t about ticking off sights. They’re about connection — chatting with locals at a bar in Nørrebro, savoring pastries by the lakes, or taking a spontaneous swim in the harbor.
Copenhagen taught me the beauty of slow travel — of doing less, but feeling more.
So, skip a few “must-sees,” find your favorite café, and let the city unfold naturally. That’s when you’ll see Copenhagen not as a destination, but as a feeling — one you’ll want to return to again and again.