The Proper Traveler

#10 - Roskilde Cathedral

Considered the most important cathedral in all of Denmark, the Roskilde Cathedral holds the origin of Scandinavian Gothic architecture. It was constructed over 800 years ago and had been used as an example for architecture around Scandinavia for hundreds of years. Here, this is the site of burials for prominent Danish monarchs, including the infamous Viking Herald Bluetooth. It is a perfect blend of old and new architecture along with a more modern art style. Today, Roskilde Cathedral has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1995.

Average Cost: 70 DKK (FREE with CC)

Hours: 1000 - 1600 (Monday - Saturday [October - April]); 1000 - 1700 (Monday - Saturday [May - September]); June-August stay open until 1800. Sundays vary depending on service, so check with website before your visit

#9 - SMK

What you’ll quickly understand about Copenhagen is that it’s a very artsy city. Copenhagen has countless art museums throughout the city, but we found the SMK to be the best. SMK has a collection in Danish and Nordic Art, European Art, French Art, and Nordic Art after 1900. It is a stunning building with lots and lots to see.

Average Cost: 130 DKK (FREE with CC)

Hours: 1000 - 1800 (closing 2000 on Wednesdays)

#8 - Kronborg Castle

This huge castle situated in the town of Helsingør, which is about an hour’s north of Copenhagen, right across from Sweden. This castle was built in 1420 and was the site to collect Sound dues for passing ships along the way. Kronborg Castle is also the castle described in Shakespeare’s Hamlet. If you’re into Shakespeare, you’ll enjoy walking through the castle and witness the story unfold right in front of you. Perhaps my favourite part (less so for others) is to walk through the dark, narrow crypts. It can feel like a maze at times and you often can’t see where you’re going (if you’re afraid of narrow spaces, being underground, or darkness, maybe skip this portion of the castle). Once you’ve walked through some of it, you can find a gigantic statue of Holger the Dane. There’s loads to do!

Average Cost: 125 DKK

Hours: 1000- 1700 daily

#7 - Canal Tours

You cannot go to Copenhagen and not go on a canal tour. Copenhagen is comprised of a bunch of canals and waterways throughout the city. Remember, you’re in Viking country, so you will need to step on a boat at some point, right? The canal boats are great if you’re done walking around the city but still want to take in the scenery and history of Copenhagen. The tour guides explain the architecture, some fun facts, and even take you up close to the famous Little Mermaid statue.

Average Cost: Varies

Hours: Varies

#6 - Round Tower

The Round Tower is situated within the city and is the perfect spot for overlooking the entirety of the gorgeous landscape. But be warned - there are no lifts up the tower. You will need to walk up it yourself. It is a dizzying spiral walk up to the top. This tower was used for astronomical purposes in the 1600s after Tycho Brahe’s successful research involving the stars. You can still see a massive telescope at the very top of the tower if you have the energy to keep going!

Average Cost: 40 DKK

Hours: 1000 - 2000 (April - September); 1000 - 1800 (October - March)

#5 - The Black Diamond

The Black Diamond is one of the more famous modern pieces of architecture here in Copenhagen. It was built in the 1990s and serves as an extension to the Royal Danish Library. It also houses multiple art exhibitions within the library, along with handwritten letters on display from Hans Christian Andersen. There is also a nice cafe, gift shops, and, of course, the library. We’re putting this one on our list because we think it’s a fantastic display of modern Copenhagen architecture and design - a must do when you’re here.

Average Cost: FREE

Hours: 0800 - 2000 (Monday - Friday); 0900-1800 (Saturday); closed on Sundays

#4 - Frederiksborg Castle

Ok, this one will make your jaw drop. If you’ve always wanted to get lost in a castle, then here you go! This castle seems to go on for ages… and we actually did get lost. This castle was built in the 1600s and was used to show off King Christian IV’s status and wealth as a ruling European monarch during his time. It is comprised of more than 70 rooms, ranging from guestrooms, to kitchens, ballrooms, bathing rooms, dining halls, and even Denmark’s largest portrait collection. It also overlooks exquisite gardens and water fountain displays. It is truly mesmerizing to walk through. We thought we were just in there for a couple of hours only to find out we had been walking around for about 5 hours.

Average Cost: 110 DKK (FREE with CC)

Hours: 1000 - 1700 daily

#3 - Tivoli Gardens

As stated in our previous blog, Tivoli Gardens is a treat for anyone who loves amusement park history (I know, weird thing to enjoy learning about, but I do). It is considered one of the oldest running amusement parks in the entire world. And, it’s beautiful! It’s so beautiful, that Walt Disney himself traveled to Tivoli Gardens to get inspiration for his new idea - Disneyland. You’ll see things that look familiar to the famous theme park in California, but more sophisticated and European. Just don’t go into this park thinking there’s going to be a bunch of thrill rides. Tivoli Gardens is not a place for thrill junkies, but rather a casual stroll enjoying the wonder and excitement of being a child again.

Average Cost: 160 DKK (FREE with CC) - rides not included

Hours: 1100 - 2200 (Sunday - Thursday); 1100 - 0000 (Friday - Saturday) [changes during winter holidays]

#2 - Nyhavn

When you see photos of Copenhagen (or even Denmark, for that matter), Nyhavn is usually what will come up. It is the entire section of Copenhagen that is surrounded by canals, sailboats, good food, great beer, and the perfect photo opportunity to take with friends and family. It doesn’t truly feel like a trip to Copenhagen without walking around Nyhavn. Yes, it’s touristy, but it’s a must-do when visiting Copenhagen. Lots of great memories will be shared with family and friends as you just sit back and relax.

#1 - The Viking Ship Museum

There is SO much to do in Copenhagen. It was a real challenge trying to figure out what should go on this list and what to leave out. Everybody has different preferences and what is appealing to them. That’s what makes Copenhagen so great: There really is something for everyone. As someone who comes from a Norwegian family, going to Denmark felt a little bit like home for me. And Copenhagen had a bucket list attraction I had been wanting to see for YEARS. The Viking Ship Museum was the bucket list item for me. To say that I was a little emotional would be an understatement. The Viking Ship Museum houses quite a few real, authentic Viking ships from the Viking period. All I can say is to get out and explore these huge ships and understand the history a little bit more. We found the guides to be very helpful and brought more knowledge that the museum plaques didn’t touch on. Be sure to take your time and take in the amazing story of Denmark’s past. You won’t regret it!

Average Cost: 160 DKK (FREE with the CC)