#1: Frederiksberg Gardens

The Frederiksberg Gardens are very popular not only with tourists but also among the locals. They are free to enter, and you can waddle around as much as you want. The park is beautiful and has a rich history to it. 

The Frederiksberg Palace can only be entered when booking a tour as it is used. 

Waddling around the garden, you can see the Chinese bridge, water canals, the pacifier tree, and more.

See how our waddle around Frederiksberg Garden went in the blog post Best Things to Do in Frederiksberg Gardens, Copenhagen

#2: Freetown Christiania

On the island of Christiania lies a self-proclaimed autonomous neighborhood. It was established by hippies in 1971. It began as a social experiment and is known for a relatively liberal attitude towards drugs.

The main attraction was Pusher Street, where, till 2004, weed and hash were openly tolerated. Now it’s technically illegal, but the business still thrives.

#3: Agpalilik Meteor

Located in front of the Natural History Museum is the Agpalilik – one of the largest iron meteorites in the world. I mean, look at this giant. 

It fell in Northwestern Greenland around 12 000 years ago. It was discovered in 1963 and was taken to Denmark. It took several years to get the 20 tonnes giant here. It’s still sitting on the same steel sleight that was used to pull it free from the rocks. Now it weighs only 16 tonnes as the scientists cut a piece to study it. 

#4: Copenhagen’s Free Museums

There are three major museums in Copenhagen that are free to visit and well worth your time:

• The National Museum (Nationalmuseet): Denmark’s largest cultural history museum, with exhibitions ranging from Viking treasures to modern-day Denmark.
• The National Gallery (SMK – Statens Museum for Kunst): Home to the nation’s biggest art collection, featuring both Danish masters and international works.
• The Danish Resistance Museum (Frihedsmuseet): A powerful look into Denmark’s role during World War II and the stories of the resistance movement.

#5: Botanical Gardens

The Botanical Garden is part of the Natural History Museum at the University of Copenhagen and is completely free to waddle around. Covering 10 hectares, it’s home to thousands of plant and flower species from all over the world.

It’s the perfect place for a peaceful stroll, or even to sit and relax in one of the designated green areas. We visited during our trip and couldn’t resist also stepping into the Palm House and Butterfly House, beautiful spots, but note that those require a paid ticket.

Waddle over to our full blog post, Visiting the Copenhagen Botanical Garden.

#6: Statue of Hans Christian Andersen

Right next to Copenhagen’s City Hall stands the statue of the most famous Dane of all, Hans Christian Andersen. If you grew up with his fairy tales (and honestly, who hasn’t?), it’s a special moment to see his figure here in the heart of the city. The statue itself is quite large and makes for a great photo stop.

While you’ll find a few tourists gathered around, it’s usually not as crowded as other attractions. After saying hello to Hans Christian Andersen, take a moment to admire the impressive City Hall building and enjoy the spacious square in front of it.

#7: Kastellet: Copenhagen’s Old Military Fortress

Kastellet, which translates to The Citadel, is a historic fortress in Copenhagen and one of the best-preserved fortresses in Northern Europe. From above, its distinctive star-shaped design is easy to spot, and on the ground, you can waddle along the ramparts that trace the full shape.

Inside the citadel, you’ll find charming old red houses and peaceful surroundings. It’s a lovely place to wander, soak in the history, and enjoy a quiet break from the busy city.

#8: The Little Mermaid Statue

The Statue of the Little Mermaid is one of the classics to see when in Copenhagen. Many are disappointed when coming here, but that depends on your expectations. It’s a statue; what is there to expect. 

We liked the statue and combined it with the visit to Kastellet as it is close by. 

Be prepared for people in a queue waiting to take a picture. 

#9: Christiansborg Palace Tower

The Christiansborg Palace Tower is the highest point in Copenhagen, standing at 106 meters (347 ft.)—just 40 centimeters taller than the City Hall tower. From the top, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views over the city’s rooftops and skyline.

The tower is part of the third and present-day Christiansborg Palace, designed by architect Thorvald Jørgensen. To enter, head through the King’s Gate, located right beneath the tower. From there, you take the lift (the stairs aren’t open to visitors) straight to the top. At the summit, you can even enjoy a meal at the tower’s restaurant while taking in the views.

Want to see what the palace looks like from the inside? Waddle over to our blog post: Inside Christiansborg Palace: What to See in Copenhagen’s Royal Landmark.

#10: Nyhavn

Nyhavn is a 17th-century waterfront, canal, and entertainment district that once served as a bustling gateway from the sea into Copenhagen’s old inner city at Kongens Nytorv (King’s Square). For centuries, ships docked here with cargo and fresh catches from fishermen.

In its early days, Nyhavn was also notorious for beer, sailors, and prostitution, giving it quite a rough reputation. Over time, however, the area transformed into the colorful, lively canal you see today—lined with restaurants, bars, and historic houses. Even Hans Christian Andersen called Nyhavn home for around 18 years, during which he wrote some of his famous fairy tales.

#11: Historic Warships

An amazing Cold War museum, also known as the Historic Warships, is located in Copenhagen. Here you can waddle around and see several historic naval vessels up close. While there’s a fee to go inside the ships, you can still admire them from the outside for free.

We visited the submarine, and let me tell you, it was as tight and cramped as you’d imagine, but such a unique experience. Want to know more? 🐧 Check out our full blog post: Copenhagen’s Historic Warships: Inside Submarines and Naval Exhibits.

#12: Waddle around Norrebro Area

Nørrebro is one of Copenhagen’s up-and-coming neighborhoods, known for its young, laid-back vibe and creative energy. It’s a district full of cafés, street art, and a relaxed atmosphere that makes it perfect for a casual waddle.

A highlight here is Superkilen Park, a colorful and multicultural space that reflects the diversity of the area. It’s an interesting and fun place to explore, whether you’re into design, photography, or just enjoying a pleasant waddle.

#13: Guards outside Amalienborg Palace

Amalienborg is best known for its royal guards, officially called the Royal Life Guard. Every day, you can watch the changing of the guards at noon, as they march from their barracks at Rosenborg Castle through the streets of Copenhagen to Amalienborg, often accompanied by music.

The palace itself is made up of four identical buildings arranged around a grand square. Even though we missed the fullchanging of the guard, it was still lovely to waddle around the huge square and catch a glimpse of the guards on duty. Seeing them in their traditional uniforms felt like a little piece of living history.

#14: Copenhagen’s Royal Library

This one’s for the book lovers. The library building is impressive from the outside and just as beautiful once you step inside. You can enter freely, waddle around the halls, and soak up the cozy atmosphere surrounded by thousands of stories waiting to be discovered.

#15: GreenKayak

GreenKayak is an environmental NGO that lets volunteers help fight pollution while enjoying a paddle through Copenhagen’s canals. The idea is simple: you book a free kayak on their website, and in return, you collect any trash you come across during your trip.

It’s a wonderful way to explore the waterways, do something good for the planet, and waddle away with a unique Copenhagen experience.

#16: Amager Strandpark (Amager Beach Park)

Amager Strandpark is Copenhagen’s largest beach and a popular seaside public park. Located within easy biking distance from the city center and just a quick ride on the metro, it’s a perfect spot to escape the city and enjoy the coast. The park was originally founded in 1934, and in 2005 it was expanded with a two-kilometer-long (1.2 mi) artificial island, adding even more space for swimming, sunbathing, and strolling.

And if you visit, keep your eyes open, you might spot one of our hidden penguin stones, waiting to be found. 

#17: The Islands Brygge Harbour Bath

The harbor in Copenhagen is so clean that you can actually swim right in the city center, and both locals and visitors do it regularly. Imagine taking a dip with the skyline around you!

There are designated areas reserved for swimming, and the water quality is checked daily by the authorities to ensure it’s safe before anyone is allowed in. It’s a unique way to experience the city and one of the reasons Copenhagen is often ranked among the world’s most livable places.