Copenhague

Amalienborg is the home to HM Queen Margrethe II of Denmark and CrownPrince Frederik and his family. You cannot guarantee yourself a glimpse of the Royals, but you can guarantee something else if you visit at noon. Each day, the Danish Royal Guard march from Rosenborg Castle to Amalienborg Palace where the Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place. The ceremony takes place daily with the guard leaving Rosenborg Castle at 11:30 to arrive at Amalienborg Palace for the ceremony at 12:00. The Amalienborg museum is wonderful, but if you are pressed on time - our recommendation is to prioritize Rosenborg Castle, but make sure to witness the changing of the guard and the march to Amalienborg Palace at noon.

This early 17th century Palace was once the summer house of King Christian IV, but now it's a museum that holds some of Denmark's most impressive treasure. Make sure to see the Crown Jewels and the Coronation Thrones. After your visit, unwind in the King's Garden (Kongens Have) surrounding the castle. It's the most visited green space in the city and the PERFECT spot for a picnic and a bottle of wine. If you time your visit right, you can watch the Danish lifeguards who guard the treasury at Rosenborg march to Amalienborg Palace - home of the queen! They leave daily at 11:30 to arrive at Amalienborg by noon.

Christianborg Palace is now the home of the Danish government including the Parliament, Prime Minister's office, and the Supreme Court. TIP: You can purchase a ticket to tour the palace, but we highly recommend a visit to the top of the tower. This is one of the best FREE activities in Copenhagen - you can enter through the main entrance and look for a sign and queue that say "the view". After a security check, you can take two elevators and a staircase to the tower above Christianborg for a remarkable (and free) view of the city.

We always recommend seeing Copenhagen from the water - the harbor, canals, and access to the sea is what put the city on the map. In a way, without experiencing the harbor and canals, you aren't really experiencing Copenhagen. The main reason why we love a canal tour is that it gives you an overview of the entire city in a short period of time - then you can plan what you want to go back to and experience on the ground! It's the perfect way to orient yourself with Copenhagen!

If you're looking for a great view of Copenhagen (and farther to Sweden) we think this is the best paid-entry view in the city. Just be sure you aren't afraid of heights. You can climb to the very top of the church's spire on the EXTERIOR staircase - yes, on the outside of the building. The golden spire is a staircase that you can access (weather permitting). Your entry includes a video lesson on the history of the church and its roll in the city as you ascend to the finale - walking to the top of the gilded spire! Fun fact, the walk to the tippy-top is 400 steps and the spire was inaugurated in 1752! NOTE: Although you can enter the church for free, you pay to climb the tower and there is ALWAYS a long line - you really need to book a time slot in advance even with the Copenhagen Card (which grants you free entry). Get a Copenhagen Card here: https://bit.ly/43JOdLt and then reserve your spot with the link below.

Christiania is a very interesting visit for those with an open mind. It's a bit gritty and unpolished, so make sure to understand the nature of the neighborhood before you enter. The crowd is usually a mix of tourists, those who live in Christiania, and others who flock to the alternative nature of the setting. IMPORTANT: Be sure not to film or take photos on Pusher Street (but we would suggest that you don't take any at all). Note that there is a drug culture in Christiania, mostly around hash and marijuana. Even if it's tolerated inside of the neighborhood, it is not legal in Denmark - so proceed with caution in that regard.

The National Museum of Denmark is incredible, especially if you're interested in Viking History. We have been fortunate enough to collaborate with the National Museum of Denmark for a couple of YouTube videos in Copenhagen and their other efforts in Jelling - and their staff is TOP NOTCH. The exhibitions are creatively displayed and a special attention is taken to make them interactive. It's easy to navigate the museum and explore in English, and compared to other museums in Copenhagen and elsewhere, the National Museum of Denmark is very "kid friendly".

We can't get enough of Tivoli - we have been season ticket holders since we moved to Copenhagen in 2017. A few Tivoli tips: - Basic entrance to the park does not include rides, you can pay extra for an unlimited ride wristband or purchase ride fare inside the park from machines. - We normally recommend that you commit half a day to Tivoli, especially if you're short on time in the city. You can also exit and reenter if you get a hand stamp. - Crowds are the biggest after school/work hours so that's a perfect time to leave and see another attraction or get a bite to eat in a more affordable setting (food inside Tivoli can be pricey) - Check Tivoli's website before you plan your visit to make sure they are open. Also, there are events and concerts where the rides close early (but your admission includes the event/concert)

Nyhavn is iconic - you've seen it on postcards, every Google search of Copenhagen that you've done, and probably walked past a decal of it at the airport. That said, you can expect that everyone else did too and it will be a bit crowded when you head there. A few tips to help you beat the crowds and make the most of Nyhavn: 1.) For the best view, walk on the side of Nyhavn with the even number house numbers - you'll get the best view of the most-photographed and scenic side of Nyhavn 2.) While on the "even numbered" side of the street - take note of No. 20 - few people notice, but it's a red house where Hans Christian Andersen lived in May 1835 3.) Eat and drink elsewhere! Nyhavn is notoriously expensive, and no locals eat or drink there, you have much better options nearby like Union Kitchen for a bite to eat or the Tipsy Mermaid for a craft beer. 4.) If you are thirsty, you can walk to 7-Eleven and grab a can of beer or small wine bottle for a much more affordable price and you can still sit on the edge of Nyhavn, dangle your legs and enjoy the vibe without the tourist trap prices 5.) The BEST photo spot is the first bridge that crosses Nyhavn as you walk towards the main harbor - don't forget your selfie stick! 6.) You can save time and get a Canal Tour right from Nyhavn to see more of Copenhagen fast and from a cool perspective on the water (booking link below) BONUS TIP: Come back at night - Nyhavn is just as beautiful in the evening and even more vibrant, so swing back later in your day and see another side of iconic Nyhavn.