It’s become a tradition of mine to solo travel and visit somewhere new for my birthday. For my 36th year around the sun, I celebrated with a solo trip to the colourful city of Copenhagen in Denmark. I’ve always wanted to visit Scandinavia and Copenhagen has long been on my radar as the ideal city to explore as a solo traveller. With similarities to my first solo travel destination of Amsterdam, I loved the vibe of Copenhagen. With it’s thriving cafe culture (and pastries to die for), pretty canals, colourful buildings, bustling street food markets, museums, an historic amusement park and beautiful monuments (so many castles!), there is no shortage of things to see and do in Copenhagen.

I personally found Copenhagen to be a very safe city as a woman travelling alone and one I would highly recommend for any first time solo traveller. English is widely spoken, with most signs also written in English. So there is no need to let your lack of knowledge of the Danish language be a barrier to visiting Copenhagen. The city itself is easy to navigate, walkable, with access to a great public transport network. If you want to get the full Copenhagen experience, then you must hire a bicycle. The cycle network in the city is incredible, with dedicated cycle lanes and traffic signals.  Renting a bike is cheap and easy from one of the numerous bike hire shops across the city. 

STAYING AND GETTING AROUND COPENHAGEN

TOP TRAVEL TIP: I’d highly recommend getting the Copenhagen City Card which gives you unlimited access to public transport (train, metro, buses) and free entry to the city’s top attractions. All you need to do is download the free app, which works even without wifi and in airplane mode. The app is very user friendly and includes an interactive map with all the information you need about the 80+ attractions available. You can buy cards for 24, 48, 72, 96, or 120 hours and it is a great way to save money if you’re on a budget. I did the math and trust me, it was worth it!

I spent three days in the city which was just enough time to experience all the main sites and attractions. I would recommend allowing yourself 3 days minimum in Copenhagen to get the very best of what the city has to offer, and also give you the chance to experience all the neighbourhoods off the beaten track. I stayed in a hostel with a private room called Generator, an ideal central location with a great range of facilities and social events to help you meet new people.

So let’s get into it! Here are my recommendations for places to see and activities to enjoy in the city of Copenhagen!

Nyhavn

Quite possibly the most photographed and famous spot in the city, a stroll down Nyhavn is an absolute must when visiting Copenhagen. Along this colourful canal you can find one of the cities oldest buildings dating back to 1681, along with the former homes of the writer Hans Christian Andersen, who spent time living in numbers 18, 20 and 67. The canal is lined with historic tall ships and home to many restaurants, cafes and bars where you can sit outside and enjoy watching the world go by. In the summer don’t be surprised if you see people sitting all along the canal edge with their own drinks and picnics. I loved the bustling energy and vibe of Nyhavn. It’s a spot not to be missed when visiting Copenhagen.

Copenhagen’s Castles and PALACES

To say that Copenhagen loves a castle is an understatement! There are in fact eight Royal Castles and Palaces in around and the city and it was impossible for me to see them all during my three day visit. So I am going to recommend my top three to help narrow down your choice:

Rosenborg Castle dates back to 1634 and was famously King Christian IV’s pleasure palace. There is a room full of mirrors next to where the King was meant to keep a large collection of erotic items, along with a decadent room that holds an incredible Venetian glass collection. It is now home to the Danish Crown Jewels, as well as 400 years of royal treasures on display in the Treasury. You truly feel like you have stepped back in time here, with the dark woodwork, tapestries and rich array of paintings throughout. You can also enjoy taking a stroll through the grounds which are free and open to the public. Entrance to the Castle is included with the Copenhagen City Card or pre-book online to guarantee yourself entry.

Christiansborg Palace is the former home of the Danish Royal Family and now houses the Danish Parliament, the Supreme Court, and the Ministry of State. Step inside over 800 years of Royal history where you can enjoy lavish interiors and rooms still used by the Royal Family for state visits and official events. Included with the Copenhagen City Card, here you can also see ancient ruins discovered underneath the palace dating as far back as 1167, as well as the castle's former kitchens and the Royal stables. One of the main highlights of Christiansborg Palace is the Tower, which offers some of the best views of Copenhagen. It is free to access the tower, which you ascend via a lift, and there is also a restaurant to enjoy at the top.

Frederiksborg Castle is located just outside the city in nearby Hillerød and it was by far my favourite. Positioned on a lake, Frederiksborg is like something out of a fairytale. The castle was built by King Christian IV in the early 17th century and is in fact the largest Renaissance building in Scandinavia. The interior has some of the most lavish and decadent rooms I’ve ever seen, most notably the castle chapel. The gardens are equally as impressive and gives you the chance to enjoy the Castle’s beautiful surroundings. Make sure to enjoy a ride on the little ferry that takes you around the lake too! It is free to visit Frederiksborg with a Copenhagen City Card.

TOP TRAVEL TIP: The best way to get to Frederiksborg is by taking the S-train (line A) from Copenhagen Central station to Hillerød. You can then walk to the castle in 20 minutes enjoying Hillerød town along the way, or catch the number 301 or 302 bus from Hillerød train station to the castle entrance.

Tivoli Gardens

Did you know that Copenhagen is home to one of the world’s oldest amusement parks? Tivoli Gardens is situated in the heart of Copenhagen and first opened its doors in 1843. It is also home to one of the oldest running wooden roller coasters in the world which was built in 1914 and is it one of Tivoli's most popular rides. Tivoli is packed with thrilling rollercoasters, amusement rides and arcades that promise hours of entertainment.

Rumour has it that Walt Disney was inspired to create Disneyland after his many visits to Tivoli Gardens. It’s not hard to see why as there truly is a magical awe about the place. Compared to most modern day amusement parks, Tivoli is far more understated and wholesome which is what I liked about it. It truly was enchanting to wander through the grounds and soak up the atmosphere, especially at night with all the magical twinkling lights.

There are also a wide selection restaurants and a food hall here, along with tranquil gardens to enjoy a relaxing stroll. Even if you are not a fan of rollercoasters (I just about braved the Tivoli big wheel), Tivoli is still well worth a visit. The Copenhagen City Card will only cover the entrance to Tivoli Gardens. If you wish to go on the rides, you will need to get individual Ride Tickets or an Unlimited Ride Ticket pass.

Christianshavn

Christianshavn was without doubt my favourite neighbourhood to explore in Copenhagen. It has a network of islands connected by charming canals and is the perfect place to simply wander and soak up the idyllic atmosphere. You’d be forgiven for thinking you had stepped into the streets of Amsterdam here, with the vast network of charming canals and old colourful buildings. That’s because back in the early 17th century, King Christian IV of Denmark wanted to create an independent merchant town outside of Copenhagen and he drew much inspiration from Amsterdam. Make sure to take in the architecture as you wander the streets here. The colourful and century old buildings here are what make this neighbourhood so charming and you may even spot some buildings that are wonky due to them sinking over time! You will find plenty of charming cafes, bars and restaurants in Christianshavn, as well as one of the cities most popular attractions.  Make sure to climb the 400 steps up to the spire of the Church of our Saviour in the heart of Christianshavn. The final 150 external steps take you to the top of the spire and will give you the best views of Copenhagen. Access is included with the Copenhagen City card but due to limited space in the tower, you must pre-book in advance online. 

Freetown Christiania

The self-governing freetown of Christiania is definitely one of the most unique places to see in Copenhagen. Established in 1971 when abandoned army barracks were taken over by hippies, Christiania is now a self-autonomous district with a thriving community. Residents do not consider themselves part of Copenhagen, Denmark or the European Union. They do not pay taxes, have no cars and the homes are built by residents themselves. They even have their own flag and there are currently up to 1,000 people living there. Christiania has been shrouded in controversy in modern times due to the green light district, known as Pusher street, which had a very active drug trade. However in 2024 residents took action and dug up Pusher street to make way for a new social housing development, wanting a safer Christiana for future generations and visitors to enjoy. Christiana is for me what travel is all about: an opportunity to open your mind to a totally different way of living. There is a real alternative charm about Christiana, where you will find street art, cafes, food stalls, craft markets and art galleries to enjoy. Christiania also hosts many cultural events, including live music festivals which are open for residents of Copenhagen and tourists to enjoy.

Botanical Gardens and palm house

If you are looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle, I would highly recommend taking a stroll through Copenhagen’s Botanical Gardens and tropical Palm House. The Botanical Gardens are in fact Denmark’s largest collection of living and rare plants and it is free to enjoy the grounds. Closely located to Rosenborg Castle and Nørreport Station, enjoy a relaxing stroll through the array of landscaped rock gardens and gardens before stepping inside the Palm House. This beautiful Victorian glass structure was built back on 1872 and was based on the Crystal Palace from London’s Great Exhibition in 1852. Inside you will find a beautiful green oasis of subtropical and tropical plants and you will feel like you have been transported into a tropical jungle. One of the best features of the Palm House is that you can climb spiral staircases to walk around the dome and enjoy seeing the plants from above. If you visit during the summer, you can also enjoy a visit to the Butterfly House and enjoy these beautiful creatures up close. Access to the Palm and Butterfly House is included with the Copenhagen City card.

Best of the rest

Best tours of Copenhagen

Copenhagen Free Walking tours offer a selection of guided tours across the city, including a Grand Tour of Copenhagen which takes in all the main landmarks and attractions, as well as a tour of Christianshavn and even a foodie tour for those who love to experience local cuisine when travelling. I’d also recommend taking a Canal tour to experience seeing the city from the vast network of waterways. TOP TRAVEL TIP: Start your Canal tour from Ved Stranden, which is included with your Copenhagen City Card. Do not take a canal tour from Nyhavn because you will be charged an additional fee.

Best food spots in Copenhagen 

If there is one food type you have to enjoy in Copenhagen, it is the pastries! If you love cafe culture and delicious buttery treats, then Copenhagen is the city for you. My favourite cafe’s with the most delicious pastries I can recommend are Buka (try the raspberry and mascarpone pastry or pistachio croissant) and Andersen & Maillard (try their signature cubed stuffed croissants). Of course when in Copenhagen, you must try the Danish signature dish Smørrebrød, an open face sandwich. I loved Restaurant Schønnemann where you can enjoy traditional Danish cuisine. I had a classic ham and cheese Smørrebrød together with a lovely glass of rhubarb and ginger schnapps.

Copenhagen is also a great place for street food markets! I loved the vibe of Broens Street Kitchen which can be found next to the Inner Harbour Bridge between Christianshavn and Nyhavn. I’d highly recommend visiting here at sunset to enjoy a drink whilst taking in the amazing views of the harbour area. Reffen has also become a very popular destination to visit for foodies in Copenhagen. It is a little out of the way from the centre, but you can catch the public bus 2A to Refshaleøen,  or cycle from the city centre. 

Best rainy day activities

It’s known to rain in Copenhagen, so it’s good to have some indoor activities planned! Copenhagen offers a great selection on museums, some which are unique including the Museum of Illusions, Home of Carlsberg for beer lovers and the Design Museum housing the world’s largest collections of Danish furniture and contemporary pieces.

If you are a history lover, then I would highly recommend visiting the Danish Resistance Museum, which offers an immersive experience into life in Copenhagen during World War Two. I’ve been to many museums in my time, but this has to be one of the best I have had the privilege to visit. What makes it so special? It follows the real life stories of five people who lived during the Nazi occupation of Copenhagen through interactive audio guides and displays. It was educational, informative and truly fascinating. There was a particular moment where the last words of a number of resistance fighters were heard which they wrote just days before their execution which was incredibly moving. It is free to visit the museum with a Copenhagen City Card.

Thank you so much for reading my blog post about visiting the city of Copenhagen. I hope this guide has given you ideas and inspiration to help plan your own trip to the Danish capital. I’d love for you to share your comments or questions here.