Tivoli Gardens Copenhagen: Tickets, Rides & Opening Hours Explained
Tivoli is an amusement park in the heart of Copenhagen, right next to the central train station. It’s not just any amusement park; it’s the second-oldest in the world. The oldest, Bakken, also happens to be in Copenhagen. Tivoli Gardens first opened on August 15, 1843, and continues to enchant visitors today.
To be honest, we didn’t even plan on visiting at first. Amusement parks aren’t usually on our list. However, since Tivoli is included in the Copenhagen Card, we decided to go ahead. The moment we stepped through the gates, it felt like entering a completely different dimension. Read on to learn whether to plan a stop at the amusement park and what to prepare before your visit.
- How to Get to Tivoli Gardens
- What Makes Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen Famous
- Tivoli Gardens Opening Hours
- Tivoli Gardens Ticket Prices
- Facilities & Amenities at Tivoli Gardens
- Food & Dining at Tivoli Gardens
- Plan Your Visit to Tivoli Gardens
- Our Waddle Through Tivoli Gardens
- Pro Penguin Tips for Tivoli Gardens


How to Get to Tivoli Gardens
📍 Address: Vesterbrogade 3, 1630 Copenhagen, Denmark
Tivoli is between Copenhagen Central Station and the City Hall. You couldn’t ask for a better spot. With metro, bus, and train connections just steps away, it’s one of the most accessible amusement parks in the world. There are two entrances, the Main Entrance in Vesterbrogade and the Central Station Entrance in Bernstorffsgade.
If you’re arriving by train, waddle out of the Central Station and Tivoli’s main entrance is across the street. If you’re coming by metro or bus, get off at Rådhuspladsen (City Hall Square) and you’ll be right at the other side of the park.
If you prefer to arrive by car, Tivoli also makes it convenient. You can park in the nearby city zones or use APCOA PARKING’s facilities at the Tivoli Hotel & Congress Center, which often provide discounted rates for Tivoli visitors. Read more here. Still, with Copenhagen Central Station and City Hall Square right next door, it’s usually easier to hop on public transport and waddle in.
We waddled over from the station and were inside in minutes; it doesn’t get easier than that.
What Makes Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen Famous
Tivoli Gardens is famous for being the second-oldest amusement park in the world, yet it still feels fresh and magical today. Opened in 1843, it has inspired countless visitors—including Walt Disney, who drew ideas here before creating Disneyland. What makes Tivoli special is not just its rides but also its role as a cultural landmark, hosting concerts, ballet, and theater alongside its roller coasters and gardens. With its central location right in the heart of Copenhagen, Tivoli is a place where history, entertainment, and seasonal magic—like Christmas markets and summer fireworks—come together, making it one of the city’s most iconic attractions.
Tivoli Gardens Opening Hours
- From Sunday to Thursday, Tivoli is open from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
- On Fridays and Saturdays, the park stays open a little longer, from 11:00 AM to midnight.
Opening times can vary by season and events, so it’s always best to double-check the latest schedule on the official Tivoli website.
Tivoli Gardens Ticket Prices
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- Adults: 145 DKK
- Children under 3 years: Free entry
- Children (3–7 years): 65 DKK
- Penguins: Always free entry 🐧
- Copenhagen Card: Entrance is included
Ticket prices may change, so it’s a good idea to check the official Tivoli website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
We visited Tivoli with the Copenhagen Card, which already includes the entrance fee. Keep in mind that the entry ticket only covers access to the park, rides and games cost extra.
If you don’t have the card, you can purchase a regular entry ticket here.
For those with the Copenhagen Card who want to enjoy the attractions, you can buy an unlimited rides ticket (ride pass) separately here link. This combo gives you access to all the rides as often as you like.
You can also find ticket machines scattered through the park for your convenience in case you didn’t buy a Ride Pass. It is quite convenient, and you can pay by card.
Facilities & Amenities at Tivoli Gardens
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- Restrooms are conveniently located throughout the park.
- Restaurants & Cafés. From Danish classics to international cuisine.
- Shops & Souvenirs. Gifts, candy, and Tivoli-themed merchandise.
- Lockers & Cloakroom. Store bags safely while you explore.
- ATMs & Payment Options. Cash machines and contactless payment are accepted.
- Wi-Fi. Free access in many areas of the park.
- First Aid. Medical assistance available on-site.
- Accessibility. Wheelchair-friendly paths and facilities.
- Parking. City zones and APCOA facilities nearby (with discounts).
Food & Dining at Tivoli Gardens
Tivoli is as much about eating as it is about rides. With more than 40 restaurants, cafés, and food stalls, there’s something for every taste and budget. From quick bites to fine dining, you’ll never go hungry while waddling through the park.
Some highlights include:
- Tivoli Food Hall: a modern space with international street food, burgers, sushi, and vegetarian options. Perfect for a casual meal.
- Grøften: one of Tivoli’s oldest and most famous restaurants, serving traditional Danish dishes in a cozy, historic setting.
- Dining by the Lake: several restaurants offer terraces right by Tivoli’s lake, where you can enjoy dinner with a view of the illuminated rides and gardens.
- Snacks & Treats: from Danish hot dogs to candyfloss, ice cream, and churros, there are plenty of sweet stops for penguins (and humans).
- Fine Dining: Tivoli even has gourmet options like Nimb Brasserie inside the iconic Nimb Hotel, located right next to the park.
Plan Your Visit to Tivoli Gardens
- How Long to Spend: You can enjoy Tivoli in half a day if you only want to stroll, grab a meal, and take in the atmosphere. But if you plan on trying the rides, watching a show, or staying for evening fireworks, set aside a fullday.
- Best Time to Go: Tivoli is beautiful year-round, but it feels especially magical in spring (flowers in bloom), summer (outdoor concerts and fireworks), and Christmas (the park transforms into a sparkling winter wonderland with its famous market). Halloween is also a fun and spooky time to visit.
- Who It’s Best For: Tivoli really is for everyone—families with kids, couples on a romantic night out, groups of friends, and even solo travelers looking for a little magic in Copenhagen. Penguins too, of course. 🐧
Our Waddle Through Tivoli Gardens
Entering Tivoli Gardens feels like stepping straight into magic, as if you’re transported to a different world. We had just been waddling around Copenhagen, sightseeing and even checking out some trains at the Central Station for our upcoming trip outside the city. From that busy station side, it took just a few steps to reach the Tivoli entrance.
At the gates, the staff checked our tickets (or, in our case, the Copenhagen Card). Their elegant uniforms already hinted that something special was waiting inside. And they weren’t wrong.
The moment we waddled through, the noise of the trains and cars vanished. Suddenly, it was only rides, games, lights, and laughter. We didn’t know where to look first; every corner of Tivoli felt like a new discovery, and the outside world was forgotten. The sounds of traffic and the nearby train station disappeared the moment we stepped inside. All we could hear were rides whirring, games buzzing, and bursts of laughter filling the air. We looked around in awe, not knowing where to focus first.





The first street led us straight into the games alley, where all the action happens. Here you’ll find the classics like ring toss, balloon darts, shooting galleries, and even the hammer strength test, alongside more unusual games. We couldn’t resist trying the horse racing game. We didn’t win, but the thrill made it worth it.
If you’re like us and go cashless, don’t worry. Most of the games accept card payments, which honestly surprised us; we’d never seen that in an amusement park before. And if you do have cash in banknotes, there are handy machines that exchange them for coins, making it easy to join in the fun.
As we waddled deeper into Tivoli, more and more rides appeared at every turn. The park features around 30 attractions, catering to all ages, ranging from gentle family rides to thrilling roller coasters. Tivoli is divided into themed sections, each with its own unique atmosphere. We first entered the Asian (China) area, marked by a striking red gate, and later wandered into the Arabian-inspired section with its exotic details. Walking through Tivoli almost feels like traveling the world—just one waddle at a time.



Among the most popular rides are The Demon, the looping roller coaster, Rutschebanen, one of the world’s oldest wooden coasters, the towering Himmelskibet (which you can spot from afar), and the thrilling Golden Tower. Each attraction is carefully designed to blend with Tivoli’s enchanting gardens and architecture, making the whole park feel truly magical. You could easily spend an entire day waddling around here. Just be prepared, lines for the rides can get long, especially on weekends. To explore the full list of attractions, check the official Tivoli website.









History of Tivoli Gardens
- 843: Tivoli Gardens opened on 15 August 1843, founded by Georg Carstensen, who convinced King Christian VIII with the words: “When the people are amusing themselves, they do not think about politics.”
- Second-oldest amusement park in the world: Only Bakken, also located near Copenhagen, is older.
- Architectural charm: From the beginning, Tivoli combined rides, gardens, theaters, and restaurants—making it unique compared to other amusement parks.
- Hans Christian Andersen: The famous Danish writer visited Tivoli and was enchanted by its magical atmosphere.
- Walt Disney: Tivoli is said to have inspired Walt Disney when he planned Disneyland in the 1950s.
- Cultural hub: Over the years, Tivoli has hosted concerts, ballet, and theater, making it more than just a theme park.
- Modern Tivoli: Today, it blends historic rides like the 1914 wooden roller coaster Rutschebanen with modern attractions such as The Demon.
But you don’t need to go on rides to have fun. We didn’t manage to ride anything, due to the long queues and short time, but we had fun nevertheless.
There are various restaurants scattered around Tivoli. You don’t have to worry about getting hungry or grabbing a snack. There are many shops where you can buy souvenirs and other things.
An interesting fact about Tivoli is that the famous Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen was entranced by Tivoli, and apparently, Walt Disney came here as well to get inspired before opening his park, which carries his name Walt Disney World.








Pro Penguin Tips for Tivoli Gardens
- Where to Enter: If you want to skip the longest queues, waddle in through the Central Station Entrance (Bernstorffsgade) instead of the Main Entrance at Vesterbrogade. It’s usually quicker, and you’ll be inside faster.
- Best Time to Visit: Go in the late afternoon and stay until evening. That way, you get the rides during daylight and the magical lights once the sun sets. Pure Tivoli magic!
- Ride Pass vs. Entry Only: If you’re planning to hop on several rides, the Ride Pass (unlimited rides) is worth it. But if you’re more into strolling, games, and food (like us), the entry-only ticket is enough.
Tivoli is a playground for both young and old, and one thing is certain: you’ll have fun no matter how many times you visit. We waddled out with smiles bigger than when we came in. And if you happen to come during Christmas, Tivoli turns into pure magic. The sparkling lights, festive decorations, and its very own Christmas Market make it feel like stepping into a winter fairytale.
Tivoli is the kind of place where penguins, kids, and adults all feel the same: curious, happy, and ready for one more ride.
Pack your bag and have fun at Tivoli!
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