Tour guides Denmark > Copenhagen

5 ideas for guided tours in Copenhagen

• Tivoli Gardens

  

  During a stay in Copenhagen, a stroll through Tivoli Gardens is an experience that lingers. Opened in 1843, it is considered the very first amusement park in the world. It blends the elegance of a flower-filled garden with the lively spirit of a fairground.

  Visitors enjoy spending an afternoon here, moving between modern rides and pavilions with old-world charm. There are roller coasters, dizzying swings, and simple carousels that evoke another era.

  As evening falls, the atmosphere shifts. Hundreds of lanterns light up, façades reflect in the small lake, and the nearby pagoda draws every eye. The mood turns soft, almost magical, without feeling contrived.

  Just steps from City Hall Square and not far from the Nyhavn district, the park stays lively late into the night. Whether sharing a meal in one of its restaurants or strolling through the illuminated gardens, everyone leaves with the sense of having touched a tradition dear to the city’s residents.

• The Little Mermaid

  

  Among Copenhagen’s symbols, the Little Mermaid holds a special place. Inspired by the tale of Hans Christian Andersen, this bronze statue has watched over the harbor from the Langelinje promenade since 1913. A gift from Carl Jacobsen, heir to the Carlsberg Breweries, it was crafted by sculptor Edvard Eriksen.

  Visitors often expect a grand figure, yet its proportions surprise. Standing just 1.25 meters tall on a simple rock, it draws travelers from around the world every day. Many pause to see her up close, sometimes struck by her modest size.

  Her charm lies in that very simplicity. A figure turned toward the horizon, still and quiet by the water’s edge, as if listening to the city’s murmur. Over time, she has become more than a statue, almost a rite of passage for anyone discovering the capital.

  The visit pairs easily with a walk through Churchill Park nearby, or a stroll along the waterfront that leads to other lively districts. It’s then clear why this small figure remains Denmark’s most famous image—discreet yet unforgettable.

• Nyhavn

  

  The canal of Nyhavn, meaning “new harbor,” was dug in the 17th century to link the port to the city and the royal district of Frederiksstaden. Originally, goods were unloaded here and sailors sought respite in taverns that have since disappeared.

  Over time, the area changed. Colorful façades lining the water replaced the rough image of a sailors’ haunt with that of a lively, welcoming spot. On the sunny side of the quay, terraces fill quickly and form the heart of the atmosphere.

  Walking along the cobblestones, you notice pastel-toned houses, old sailing ships still moored, and water reflecting shifting light. It’s a setting far from static, one that breathes history while embracing art galleries, cafés, and restaurants.

• Rosenborg Castle

  

  Built between 1606 and 1631, Rosenborg Castle was commissioned by King Christian IV as a country retreat, at a time when the site still lay outside Copenhagen’s city walls. Its brick-and-copper silhouette reflects the splendor of the Danish Renaissance.

  The rooms open to the public hold an impressive collection: refined glassware, ancient tapestries, and finely carved furniture. But it’s the crown jewels, carefully displayed, that most captivate visitors curious about royal history.

  Around the castle stretches the Kongens Have, the King’s Garden, the oldest park in the city. Its leafy paths and flower beds remain a beloved strolling spot, for locals and travelers alike in search of a peaceful break.

• Christiania

  

  The district of Christiania, in the heart of Copenhagen, is a self-proclaimed free town. It was founded in 1971 by journalist Jacob Ludvigsen, who first occupied what had been a military area.

  Soon after, it was taken over by a community of hippies and declared an “autonomous and free territory,” where cannabis sales were tolerated. The area is mostly known for this experiment in freedom, though its history has also been marked at times by gang violence.

  Along the lakeside, you’ll notice small houses built with salvaged materials, often covered in plants. The walls form a kind of open-air gallery, covered in colorful murals and street art. As you walk through Christiania, music is never far—concerts spill out from cafés or take place outdoors, giving the neighborhood its distinctive atmosphere.