Copenhagen City Tours

Copenhagen is a city with so many tourist destinations that during your stay you will want to enjoy each one of them without exception. Do you want to know the essential ones?

Ana Caballero

Ana Caballero

11 min read

Copenhagen City Tours

Copenhagen | ©Aneta Jankowska

Copenhagen offers a wide range of walking, cycling, bus, boat and Segway tours. Whichever option you choose, you'll have the opportunity to explore the city's most emblematic sites, either accompanied by a professional guide or on your own.

You can take a panoramic ride on board the tourist bus, explore the historic centre of the Danish capital on foot and sample the local gastronomy. You can also take a bike ride through the main neighbourhoods of the city, sail along the canals, discover the interior of the Rundetårn Tower, Rosenborg Castle, among other of the best things to do in Copenhagen, which I will tell you about in a moment.

1. Discover Copenhagen through one of the city's tourist bus routes

Bus and Copenhagen| ©Amy Watson
Bus and Copenhagen| ©Amy Watson

One of the most popular tours in the city are the Hop on Hop off bus tours in Copenhagen. You can discover the main sights from the first floor of an open-top bus, while listening to commentary about each destination.

You will have the option to select between a ticket for the classic tour with 14 stops, or opt for a ticket for all lines, i.e. the classic circuit plus the colourful route with 7 additional stops, and the urban green route with 11 additional stops.

Whichever you choose, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a panoramic tour and, if you wish, get on and off the bus as many times as you like over the course of 72 hours. This way, you can explore the destinations of your interest on foot.

Among the stops included in this activity are Amalienborg Palace and Christiansborg Palace. Also, the Scrap Metal Sculpture, the Little Mermaid monument, the Town Hall, Tivoli Gardens, the Church of Our Saviour with its spiral spire, and many more.

Interesting details

  • Price: the price of the tour starts at 30€ per person.
  • Duration: the complete tour on board the bus lasts from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on the selected route.
  • Means of transport: tourist bus.
  • Advantages of this option: you can take a panoramic tour with the option of getting on and off the bus as many times as you wish to explore the desired destinations on foot.
  • Disadvantages of this option: The tour does not include the option of entry to some attractions.

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2. Take part in a guided bike tour and pedal through the city in search of its hidden gems

People around Copenhagen by Bike| ©Febiyan
People around Copenhagen by Bike| ©Febiyan

There are many ways to get around Copenhagen and bike tours are one of them. You will have access to places where cars and tour buses don't usually go, making it easier to discover some of the hidden gems of the Danish capital.

Before you start your tour (day or night), your guide will teach you some basic rules for riding a bike. This way, you won't have any problems when riding along the cycle paths.

During this adventure you will see the City Hall; Christiansborg Palace, which is the current parliament; the picturesque houses of the Nyhavn district; and the Amalienborg Palace, the royal residence. You will also be able to cycle along the waterfront, the free city of Christiania, Kastellet, and other destinations incorporated among the best bike tours in Copenhagen.

Interesting details

  • Price: the cost of this tour is approximately €217 per person.
  • Duration: Generally, the experience lasts three hours.
  • Means of transport: bicycle.
  • Advantages of this option: You will be able to easily access places where buses cannot go.
  • Disadvantages of this option: This is not a suitable experience for people with heart conditions.

Book a Copenhagen bike tour

3. Take a guided tour of the imposing Rosenborg Castle and marvel at the jewels it houses

Rosenborg Castle| ©Mike LaMonaca
Rosenborg Castle| ©Mike LaMonaca

During your stay you can take a guided tour of Rosenborg Castle. You will be amazed by its stunning Renaissance architecture, halls evoking the style of the 17th century, the period in which it was built, the gardens and the museum.

The tour, considered among the best castle tours in Copenhagen, starts at the Rosenborg Arches. There, you will connect with your guide and explore the garden area. You will see the pond that surrounds the building and, if you visit Copenhagen in spring, you will see the vivid colours of the roses and tulips that colour the green garden.

You will then enter the fortress to discover in more detail this architectural work erected by Christian IV, the Danish monarch nicknamed the builder king. The guide will tell you the history of the ruler and reveal some interesting facts about the war conquest.

During the tour you will also be able to visit:

  • The royal bedchambers and halls, all carefully decorated with period ornamentation, giving you an insight into how royalty lived in the past.
  • The jewels of the Danish Royal Household, housed in a special chamber. You will see an impressive collection from the 15th to the 19th century (earrings, necklaces, crowns, tiaras, sceptres, etc.).

Interesting details

  • Price: the price of the castle tour starts at 30€ per person.
  • Duration: the tour lasts about 90 minutes.
  • Means of transport: on foot.
  • Advantages of this option: thanks to the guide you will get detailed information about every corner of the castle.
  • Disadvantages of this option: the tour does not include entrance to the castle, so you will have to pay separately.

Book a private tour of Copenhagen

4. Take a walking tour through the streets of Copenhagen and see the highlights

Hoejbro Plads| ©Jorgen Kroner
Hoejbro Plads| ©Jorgen Kroner

Any time of the year is the best time to visit Copenhagen and experience its great historical, cultural and architectural heritage. During your stay you can take a walking tour through the streets of the city and follow a route from the old town to Nyhavn harbour.

This is an activity that you can do on your own or with a local guide, who will tell you the history of each place as you pass by. Whichever the case, the aim of this tour is to take you past the highlights of the Danish capital.

For example, some of the highlights are as follows:

  • The Hoejbro Plads. A rectangular square in the shopping area.
  • The Nikolaj Centre for Contemporary Art, located in the former St. Nicholas Church.
  • The Pistolstrade, an old alley dating back to the 17th century.
  • Rosenborg Castle, with beautiful gardens, incorporated into most guided tours of the city.
  • Frederick's Church, also called Marble Church. This is an old Lutheran church.

Details of interest

  • Price: the self-guided tour is free of charge. However, if you decide to join a guided tour, you will have to pay around €188 per person.
  • Duration: the guided activity lasts approximately three hours, but if you walk at your own pace there is no time limit.
  • Means of transport: on foot.
  • Advantages of this option: you will get a glimpse of the city's main attractions, which is ideal if you don't have much time during your stay.
  • Disadvantages of this option: You will walk a long route through the city, which may beinconvenient if you are travelling to Copenhagen with children.

Book a private tour of Copenhagen

5. Hop on a boat and join one of Copenhagen's canal tours

Nyhavn Canal| ©Harold Litwiler
Nyhavn Canal| ©Harold Litwiler

Join one of Copenhagen's best canal boat tours to see the city from a different perspective. You'll get privileged views of some of the Danish capital's hidden gems.

Typically, this tour passes the Copenhagen Opera House, the Marble Church, the Little Mermaid sculpture and Ophelia Square. Also, the picturesque Nyhavn and Christiania districts, the Trekroner Maritime Fort, the Amalienborg Palace, the Inderhavnsbroen Bridge, among other stops.

And, if you take the tour at sunset, you will see how the sun slowly sets creating a warm atmosphere while the city is illuminated by artificial light. It's an ideal setting for you to take some pictures of Copenhagen at night.

Interesting details

  • Price: the cost of the boat trip is approximately €59 per person.
  • Duration: the experience usually lasts two hours.
  • Means of transport: boat.
  • Advantages of this option: you will get different panoramic views of the city from the comfort of a boat.
  • Disadvantages of this option: the activity does not include any drinks or food.

Book a Copenhagen canal cruise

6. Visit the Torvehallerne market and sample traditional Danish cuisine

Torvehallerne Market,| ©Chenchen ZH
Torvehallerne Market,| ©Chenchen ZH

Whether you plan to spend 1 to 3 days in Copenhagen, or even more, there are some must-see tours that you should incorporate into your itinerary. This is precisely the case with a visit to Torvehallerne Market. There, you will taste traditional Danish cuisine and buy seasonal products.

You will find more than 80 stalls with handmade and agricultural products such as sprouts, vegetables, fruit, meat, fish and spices. There is also a variety of hot and cold drinks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and bakeries with baked goods.

You'll find everything from gourmet food to traditional Danish hot dogs consisting of bread, grilled sausage, gherkin, onion rings and a Danish sauce. As well as desserts and all kinds of chocolate products such as marshmallows, chocolates, cream balls, etc.

The best way to get to know this market is through one of the best food tours in Copenhagen. You will be accompanied by a guide who will tell you about the history of the place and the dishes you will taste along the way. You can also embark on this culinary adventure on your own.

Interesting details

  • Price: the price of the activity starts at 166€ per person.
  • Duration: the gastronomic tour can last up to 3 hours.
  • Means of transport: on foot.
  • Advantages of this option: you will taste the local gastronomy, learn about the history of each of the dishes and the oldest market in the city.
  • Disadvantages of this option: only a limited number of tastings are included.

Book a Copenhagen food tour

7. Take a segway tour of Copenhagen and get a different perspective of the city

People on the tour| ©image_less_ordinary
People on the tour| ©image_less_ordinary

The segway tour is another activity that allows you to explore the city and get a different perspective of the city. You will experience a different and fun city adventure with a local guide, who will tell you the history of each place.

Afterwards, you can join one of the best Segway tours in Copenhagen, where you will quickly learn how to ride the two-wheeled, self-balancing transport and start the tour. You'll cover long distances in just a few minutes and get to places where bicycles or cars can't go.

Although the itinerary of this tour often varies, the destinations you'll generally pass through include the following:

  • The pedestrianised Strøget, considered to be one of the largest streets in Europe.
  • The statue of the Little Mermaid, the main character in one of Hans Christian Andersen's stories.
  • Amalienborg Palace, occupied as a royal residence.
  • The Kastellet; this is a military fortification with a history dating back to the 17th century.

Details of interest

  • Price: the price of the activity starts at 68€ per person.
  • Duration: the tour usually lasts approximately 2 hours.
  • Means of transport: Segway.
  • Advantages of this option: you will cover a greater distance of the route in less time.
  • Disadvantages of this option: the activity is generally available from 10 years of age, so it is not suitable if you are travelling with young children.

Book a segway tour of Copenhagen

8. Take a free tour of Copenhagen's Christiania quarter

In Christiania| ©Jens Cederskjold
In Christiania| ©Jens Cederskjold

Your itinerary of at least 2 days in Copenhagen will not be complete without visiting the Christiania neighbourhood, also known as the hippie quarter of the Danish capital. Here, you will enjoy a unique atmosphere: urban murals and street art, bars, food stalls, natural spaces, people playing guitars, among others.

Whether you want to visit on your own or through a guided tour, you will find plenty of things to do in Copenhagen Christiania. For example, you can buy souvenirs in the souvenir shop, walk around the lake and through the commune with its sustainable buildings.

You can also visit the following destinations:

  • The Church of Our Saviour, with its characteristic baroque style.
  • The Skate House, where you can practice some tricks or simply enjoy the skateboarders' show.
  • The Woodstock Café, considered one of the oldest bars in the area.

Interesting details

  • Price: the tour on your own is free, but if you connect with a guide to accompany you, then the price of the activity could start from 47€ per person.
  • Duration: the guided tour usually lasts three hours, but if you do it on your own there is no time limit.
  • Means of transport: on foot.
  • Advantages of this option: you will discover one of the city's most colourful and lively neighbourhoods.
  • Disadvantages of this option: you will not be able to take photographs anywhere, as there are prohibited areas.

Book the Freetown Christiania Exploration Game

9. Join the tour of Copenhagen on board the city's tourist train

Strøget Street| ©Luis O. Boettner
Strøget Street| ©Luis O. Boettner

Whether you plan to spend 1 to 7 days in Copenhagen, touring the city's main streets by train proves to be another must-do tour. You will see some s ights that testify to the history, architecture and culture of the Danish capital.

This scenic tour has a triangular route that starts from Nytorv Square, thus running along the main artery of the city, Strøget Street. This is a pedestrian area dotted with shops, restaurants, cafes and all kinds of businesses.

From the comfort of the train cabins you will also see the Town Hall Square, the canals of the city, the Round Tower, Christiansborg Palace, the Cathedral, among others. You will get different panoramic views of the surroundings and you will be able to take pictures.

Interesting details

  • Price: the price of the tour is 13€ per person.
  • Duration: the train circuit lasts approximately 45 minutes.
  • Means of transport: tourist train.
  • Advantages of this option: as the train ticket is valid for 24 hours, you can get on and off the train as many times as you wish throughout the day.
  • Disadvantages of this option: this panoramic tour does not include an audio guide.

What will I see on the Copenhagen tours?

Amalienborg Palace| ©Henk Bekker
Amalienborg Palace| ©Henk Bekker

Copenhagen is a city that is characterised by its great architectural, cultural and historical heritage, which you will be able to see through its neighbourhoods. All of them, dotted with religious enclosures, palaces, castles, squares, gardens, sculptures, among other hidden gems.

During your stay you can see and explore the best palaces in Copenhagen, for example, Christiansborg Palace and Amalienborg Palace. Also, Rosenborg Castle, Frederick's Church, also called the Marble Church, Hoejbro Public Square, Tivoli Gardens, the Copenhagen Canal, the Little Mermaid sculpture, among others.

Book a tour to Roskilde, Frederiksborg and Kronborg

Tips for a tour in Copenhagen

Comfortable shoes| ©Alexandra Tran
Comfortable shoes| ©Alexandra Tran

When embarking on one of the tours in Copenhagen, it is important that you take into consideration some basic tips. This way, you can enhance your experience and get the most out of each activity.

For example:

  • Wear clothes that suit the season, i.e. if you are visiting Copenhagen in winter, you should dress in layers and wear shoes with good traction on your feet. And if you' re in Copenhagen in summer, you'll need breathable, lightweight and short clothes.
  • Buy the Copenhagen Tourist Card and save on entry to the main attractions, as most tours do not include access to museums, castles, palaces, etc.

Book the Copenhagen Card