Copenhagen city breaks invite you to explore the most fashionable of the Nordic cities, known for having one of the coolest cultural scenes in all of Scandinavia. With its rich royal history, a reputation for culinary excellence, and some of Europe's best museums, Copenhagen is a destination brimming with style. Visitors from all over the world enjoy Copenhagen city breaks, drawn by its unique blend of historical charm and contemporary flair. For more inspiration, don’t forget to check out our Copenhagen holidays for a longer getaway.
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From historic landmarks to cosy cafés and vibrant neighbourhoods, Copenhagen offers endless experiences to explore during your city break.
Copenhagen has built up a reputation over the past few decades for pioneering European art and design. If you’re visiting for a short break, make sure you find time to sample some of the aesthetic pleasures on show at one of the city’s many galleries and museums. The Statens Museum for Kunst sprawls over two sharply contrasting buildings, a 19th-century palazzo and a minimalist extension. This contrast features in the collection itself, which encompasses masters such as Breughel and Rembrand alongside modern Danish heavy hitters like Per Kirkeby and Asger Jørn.
If you’d rather marvel at industrial design, the Designmuseum Danmark is an excellent place to spend a few hours. Or if history is more your area of interest, the Nationalmuseet has an extensive collection of artefacts dating as far back as the Stone Age.
The most photographed monument in Copenhagen is without a doubt the Little Mermaid statue on Langelinje Pier, built in 1909 by sculptor Edvard Eriksen. Further fairytale delights can be found at the Tivoli Gardens, a 19th-century entertainment centre that includes old-fashioned rollercoasters, vaudeville shows and hundreds of fairy lights after sunset.
There’s plenty to do here for both kids and adults alike. If you’re looking for a glimpse of alternative Copenhagen, Freetown Christiania is an area of the city founded in 1971 as a green, car-free neighbourhood, where you’ll find a number of art galleries and music venues.
If you’re in the mood for live performance, you can catch some opera in the state-of-the-art Operaen centre, or you can watch theatre and dance at Det Kongelige Teater and the Skuespilhuset. After sunset, kick back with a cocktail in one of Copenhagen’s many chic bars, from the award-winning 1105 bar to the laid back K-Bar. If you’d rather enjoy a glass of wine, the fashionable Ved Stranden 10 has an excellent menu and offers stunning canal-side views.
Getting around Copenhagen is a breeze, whether you prefer cycling through its streets or gliding along its scenic canals.
Copenhagen City is famous for its cycling culture, making it one of the best ways to experience the city like a local. With dedicated bike lanes and flat streets, getting around is a breeze. You can rent bikes from spots near major transport hubs, or use the city bike system, which offers affordable rentals by the hour. Cycle past iconic landmarks like the Little Mermaid statue, pedal through the charming streets of Nyhavn, or explore the lush paths of Fælledparken. Whether you're an avid cyclist or just looking for a leisurely ride, Copenhagen’s bike-friendly streets ensure a memorable adventure.
Copenhagen’s canals provide a unique perspective of the city, and a boat cruise is a must-do during your visit. DFDS Canal Tours offers a mix of waterbuses and guided tours, letting you glide past sights like Christiansborg Palace and the colourful houses of Nyhavn. For a more leisurely experience, opt for a private boat rental or one of the solar-powered GoBoats, where you can even pack a picnic. Exploring by water not only gives you a relaxing view of the city but also lets you uncover hidden gems along its picturesque waterways.
Absolutely! Copenhagen is a fantastic choice for a city break, offering the perfect mix of history, culture, and modern Scandinavian style. The city’s compact size makes it easy to explore iconic landmarks, like Nyhavn and Tivoli Gardens, in just a few days. Plus, with world-class museums, stylish shopping streets, and award-winning restaurants, there’s always something exciting to discover.
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