You haven't been to Copenhagen if you miss these basics!

Who is Misha? 

Hi fellow traveler! 🫶

I am Misha, an international student living in Copenhagen for her Masters degree. 👩‍🎓

💎 I created this guide to mostly help myself - whenever someone comes to CPH, I know EXACTLY where to take them & what they HAVE to see to say that they have been in Copenhagen. 

👑 Scroll down to see all of the MUST-SEEs in Copenhagen, from the past & the present, from tips & tricks for budgeting to places to eat out!

Before you head to Copenhagen ⚠️

🌦 Prepare for all kinds of weather! It can be quite despicable in CPH & you have to be ready for everything.

🌬 Forecasts are not very accurate for Copenhagen, as the weather can change every 10 minutes, but 1 thing is sure: bring a raincoat and prepare for some strong wind!

My No.1 Tip!

Take a ✨️FREE✨️ walking tour of CPH! 

See the biggest attractions in under 3 hours & gain an understanding of Danish history, life and customs. 

I took the Grand tour of Copenhagen & learnt so much, while having the chance to connect with other travelers. 

Grand Tour of Copenhagen

www.copenhagenfreewalkingtours.dk

The tour starts at 10:30 every day, you can pay whatever you feel like the tour/tour-guide deserves & you learn all about the history of Denmark and Copenhagen.

It’s the perfect way to start exploring the city!

 Must-See Places You Shouldn't Miss ⁉️

City Hall Square

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Start your day off right by visiting the City Hall Square! It is free to enter the City Hall & check out the exhibition in the courtyard (also, you will find free public toilets here!)

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The Round Tower

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Located today on one of the city center's busy shopping streets, it's easy to escape the crowds and walk up the wide spiral path to the top of the tower. King Christian IV built the tower in the early 17th century at a time when Denmark was famous for its astronomical achievements thanks to the astronomer Tycho Brahe. Today, the observatory is still used by amateur astronomers and many visitors and is the oldest functioning observatory in Europe. PRICE: 40 DKK (5.5 EUR, 5.7 USD)

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Rosenborg Castle

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Rosenborg Castle is a renaissance castle located in Copenhagen, Denmark. The castle was originally built as a country summerhouse in 1606 and is an example of Christian IV's many architectural projects. PRICE: 130 DKK (17.5 EUR)

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Amalienborg

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Amalienborg is the official residence for the Danish royal family, and is located in Copenhagen, Denmark. The Danish Head of State, Queen Margrethe ll, resides in the palace during autumn and winter.

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Kastellet

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Kastellet is a citadel located in Copenhagen, Denmark. It is one of the best preserved fortresses in Northern Europe. It is constructed in the form of a pentagon with bastions at its corners. Join many other Copenhageners in their runs or walks in the surrounding park and gardens on the castle, on your way to the iconic (but overrated) little mermaid statue!

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The Little Mermaid

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The iconic but overrated Little Mermaid statue is by Edvard Eriksen, depicting a mermaid becoming human according to the fairytale by the Danish author Hans Christian Andersen. Attention! The sculpture is displayed on a rock by the waterside at the Langelinie promenade and it is ONLY 1.25 metres tall and weighs 175 kilograms!

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Nyhavn

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Probably the most photographed place in Copenhagen, Nyhavn. Nyhavn is a 17th-century waterfront, canal and entertainment district in Copenhagen, Denmark. Stretching from Kongens Nytorv to the harbour front just south of the Royal Playhouse, it is lined by brightly coloured 17th and early 18th century townhouses and bars, cafes and restaurants. Tip: Walk around, take pictures, but don't eat in any of these restaurants. They are expensive, especially for Copenhagen! Tip 2: Many canal tours start from here, which is a perfect way to see the city from a different perspective. If you want to save some money, you can jump onto one of the many water busses at the end of Nyhavn & see almost the same sights!

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Freetown Christiania

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Freetown Christiania, also known as Christiania or simply the Staden, is an intentional community and commune in the Christianshavn neighbourhood of the Danish capital city of Copenhagen. It began in 1971 as a squatted military base. Nowadays, you will find beautiful art, streetart and loads of little shops, stands and, of course, otherwise illegal substances in Denmark, for example weed. Take a stroll of a bike ride through this vibrant community & discover all of their alternative housing and ways of living. Definitely a must-see in CPH!

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Running from the rain? 🌧Seek refuge in these places!

National Museum of Denmark

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Check out the interactive Viking exhibition at the National Museum of Denmark! Follow a journey of a viking, learn about their ways and debunk some of the many myths that followed these early explorers. PRICE: 120 DKK (16 EUR)

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The Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek Art Gallery

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This Art Gallery & Museum is the ultimate place of refuge - visit their cafe or take a stroll in their beautiful inner courtyard. The building itself is worth visiting! PRICE: DKK 125 (17 EUR). Under 27/students: DKK 95 (12.7 EUR)

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Designmuseum Denmark

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The Designmuseum Denmark is a museum in Copenhagen for Danish and international design and crafts. PRICE: 130 DKK (17 EUR) Students 90 DKK (13 EUR)

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Danish Architecture Centre

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If anything, you should at least take a walk around this controversial Danish building! Danish Architecture Center, is Denmark’s national center for the development and dissemination of knowledge about architecture, building and urban development. PRICE: 115 DKK (15 EUR)

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Copenhagen Opera House

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Another controversial building worth seeing at least from the waterfront! The Royal Danish Opera is a home for the unmatched live experience of opera and symphonic music. PRICE: 150 DKK (20 EUR)

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Black Diamond - The Library

@lovinglifewithmisha

The Black Diamond is a modern waterfront extension to the Royal Danish Library's old building on Slotsholmen in central Copenhagen, Denmark. Its quasi-official nickname is a reference to its polished black granite cladding and irregular angles. Grab a coffee in their cafe by the waterfront & explore the old and modern parts or the library. PRICE: FREE

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Grab a bite to eat🍴

Broens Gadekøkken

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This outdoor foodcourt will keep your belly warm even in winter. You can check out the ice rink in winter months & grab a cold beer in summer! FYI: This is not a cheap place to eat, but those are quite hard to find in CPH. Scroll down for my ultimate cheap eats hack!

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Tivoli Food Hall

@lovinglifewithmisha

Despite being right next to the attraction park, you do not need a ticket to get in here! Enjoy lunch or dinner with trying typical Danish foods such as Smørrebrød or have some international cuisine such as Italian or Japanese! Also not the cheapest of places to eat, but it is indoors and has a great market vibe.

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Warpigs Brewpub

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Not only beer but a great buffet place with American-style cuisine!

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Yes, you can eat cheaply in Copenhagen! 

For this, download the "To Good To Go" App & save some food from being wasted! 💸

Too Good to Go

www.toogoodtogo.com

You can get some great deals on buffet food, sandwiches & pastries and even fruits and veggies on here. 🥐

This app is super popular in Copenhagen, so don't think twice when booking a meal! 

Need some energy? Check out these cafes! ☕️

Lagkagehuset

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This bakery & coffee chain is everywhere in Copenhagen & high quality is guaranteed!

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Espresso House

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Another coffee chain that you will grow to LOVE for their amazing baked goodies!

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Paludan Bog & Café

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This cosy cafe is located in a book store/library! I would kill for their chai latte hehe!

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Have some fun in the city! 🎫

Tivoli Gardens

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Enjoy an afternoon at Tivoli, riding the rollercoasters or admiring their decorations - every season or holiday is honoured here! PRICE: from 155 DKK (20 EUR)

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Copenhagen Zoo

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A great place especially for kids! If you are looking for a budget option, take a stroll in the park next to the zoo - you can see elephants and other animals for free from there ;)

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CopenHill

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Now you may know that Denmark is not a super hilly country, bud did you know that Copenhagen has its very own artificial hill that you can SKI on all year round? You can also hike and climb on the roof of this ultra-modern energy plant! Hiking is for free & you can rent ski gear on the spot! Go here for some alternative views of Copenhagen!

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& last but not least, rent bikes for a true Copenhagen way of living!

🚴‍♀️ Cycle round Christiania or by the waterfront to get the best views. 

Thank you so much for reading my CPH Basics Guide! 🫶

➡️ If you enjoyed this guide & found it useful, please leave a comment below. I would also love to hear any feedback or things you may be missing too!

➡️ If you TRULY loved it, don't be afraid to tip the author!