Historic places in Copenhagen

335 historic buildings, sites and memorials in Copenhagen.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first. Showing the top 40 of 335.

SeeMuseumIndre By
Nationalmuseet
National Museum of Denmark
This museum portrays the national history and cultural heritage of Denmark and is widely regarded as one of the best in Europe. The permanent collection is well laid out, an informative collection of national artifacts, perhaps the most impressive being those exploring Danish prehistory from the Bronze Age through to the Vikings. The museum also holds a collection of Classical and Near Eastern artefacts. The children's museum in the basement is a blast for the kids.
10:00-17:00 (closed on Mondays in winter) · 150 kr (135 kr online), children under 18 years old free. · Wi-Fi · Wheelchair accessible
SeeObservatoryIndre By
Rundetårn
The Round Tower
Climb the spiral, cobbled road up to the observation platform of this tower, for a wonderful view of the city.
10:00-20:00 (winter: 18:00) · 60 kr, students 40 kr · Limited wheelchair access · Built 1642
SeeArt museumIndre By
Christiansborg
the Parliament
This Neo-baroque palace, completed in 1928, after 11 years of construction - is unique in the world, housing both the executive power, the legislative power, and the judicial power of Denmark, in a single building. It is the 5th construction at the site, and the ruins of the original castle dating back to the 12th century - was excavated during the construction of the current palace, is open to the public (adult 85 kr, student 60 kr). Apart from the ruins there are a few other places that can be visited: free guided tours of the parliament building are conducted during summer months; Parliament's tower can be visited free of charge Tu-Su 11:00-21:00; the Royal Reception Rooms (including the Great Hall with the tapestries) 150 kr; the Royal Kitchen 85 Kr, the Royal Stables 85 kr; the Palace Chapel - free admission. Besides, there is a combination ticket which allows entrance to all of the aforementioned sights - 225 kr. You get a discount of 10 kr for all tickets when ordering online.
10:00–17:00, May-September opens one hour earlier · Free entry
SeeFortØsterbro
Kastellet
Frederikshavn Citadel
A superbly preserved and restored star-shaped citadel. First built in 1626 as St. Anne's Bulwark and completed in 1664, it was the stronghold at the northern end of the East Rampart, which arched through the city and remains in the form of the many parks extending down to Tivoli. The Citadel now houses the Danish Defense Intelligence Service, and is a popular spot for picnics. As well as two small museums with limited opening hours: Livjæger Museum and the museum in the North Gate which displays Garrison's Historical Collections.
24hrs daily · Free · Wheelchair accessible · Built 1664
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Marmorkirken
The Marble Church, Frederik's Church
Officially called Frederikskirken, this impressive church imposes a massive presence on the Copenhagen skyline, with its 31 m. diameter dome. Because of financial turmoil in the country, it took over 100 years to complete. The church takes its name from the original lower part of the structure which is made from Norwegian marble. Guided tours of the dome: adults: 35 kr, children (under 18) 20 kr (cash only); June 15-Aug 31: daily at 13:00; at other times: Sa Su at 13:00. Tickets are sold from 12:50. Visits might be cancelled due to services or concerts. Services in Danish on Sundays and holidays at 10:30.
Mon-Thu Sat 10:00-17:00, Fri Sun 12:00-17:00 · Free
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Krigsmuseet (previously: Tøjhusmuseet)
Danish War Museum (previously: the Royal Danish Arsenal Museum)
The Royal Danish Arsenal Museum covers the history of the Danish Defence, its collection dating back to 1604. It covers the development of weapons from the introduction of firearms to the present day, and is well known for its many activities for kids - especially its medieval knight days, during the schools autumn break in week 42.
Tue-Sun 10:00-17:00, closed Mondays · Adult 80 kr, adult with a child: 70 kr, children: free admission · Wheelchair accessible
SeeHistory museumIndre By
Naturhistoriske Museum
Natural History Museum of Denmark
Formerly called the "Geologisk Museum", still with a strong focus on geology. Has some impressive samples of minerals, rocks and fossils from all over the world on display. Including stones from the moon were brought back to the earth by Apollo 17, dinosaur fossils, and the kids favorite; glow in the dark minerals. The entry fee includes a visit to the palm house in the botanical garden.
Tue-Sun 10:00-17:00, Mondays closed · Adult 105 kr, children (aged 3-16) and students: 50 kr
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The University of Copenhagen Botanical Garden
The Botanical Gardens are one of several parks, dotted along the string of lakes, which used to form part of the old city fortifications. Run by the University of Copenhagen, the garden hosts Denmark's largest collection of living plants, including an impressive collection of orchids. The signature palm house is a huge greenhouse, with large tropical trees, and a sky walk in the canopy.
Palmhouse:10:00-15:00, garden: Mar-Oct 08:30-18:00 Nov-Feb 08:30-16:00 · Garden free, palm house access included in the ticket for the Naturhistoriske Museum or 60 kr for adults and 40 kr for kids and students · Free entry
SeeAttractionIndre By
The City Hall
Rådhuset
The City Hall is open to the public, so you can stroll through the hallways, stairs, and study all the paintings, frescoes, and other decorations on your own. City Hall guided tours in English M–F at 13:00, Sa 10:00, 50 kr. Visit the tower: M–F 11:00 and 14:00, Sa at 12:00, 30 kr or free with Copenhagen Card. There is a nice little garden that cannot be seen from outside the city hall. The city hall is also home of Jens Olsen's World Clock - this mechanical masterpiece of a complete astronomical clock is in the foyer.
Mon-Fri 07:45-17:00 · Free · Built 1905 · Wheelchair accessible
DoIndre By
Nyhavn
On a sunny day, this is a top spot for oozing in the sun on the bulwark with a beer from the supermarket, or at the outdoor serving areas of the many (rather expensive) restaurants and cafe's dotted along the "sunny side" of the canal. For any self-respecting Copenhagener, this is a top priority on the first day of spring; while at the height of the tourist season, it is mainly left for the visitors to populate. Often there will be street performances, mostly improvised music concerts, somewhere along the canal - take a seat, and relax.
SeeHistoric siteØsterbro
Trekroner
Trekroner fortress
This 18th-century fort was built to guard the sea approach to Copenhagen's harbor in 1786. It has a special atmosphere, and some gorgeous views over Øresund. There are several well-preserved military buildings and fortifications. A restaurant and a café have been opened in a renovated building. The only access is via Canal Tour's green hop on hop off route (summer only).
Summer: 10:00-15:00 daily, closed the rest of the year · Admission is free, boat costs 35 kr
SeeMuseumChristianshavn
Nordatlantens brygge
Nordatlantens Brygge is a cultural house where you can experience culture and arts from the North Atlantic region. Housed in an old dock building, there are 3 exhibition halls with changing exhibitions, performances and lectures.
Mon-Fri 10:00-17:00, Sat Sun 12:00-17:00 · DKK 40 · Wheelchair accessible
SeeHistoric siteNorthern suburbs
Mindelunden
Ryvangen Memorial Park
Mindelunden is a memorial park in Hellerup where the Danish freedom fighters who died in World War II are buried. The park has among other things a memorial wall, tombs for the victims of the KZ-camps and a shooting range which the Germans used for execution.
Jan-Apr 10:00-16:00, May-Aug 10:00-19:00, Sep-Jan 10:00-16:00 · Free
SeeHistoric siteFrederiksberg
Møstings Hus
Changing art exhibition in small but very cute house next to the Frederiksberg Garden and a small idyllic pond. It is open to any artist that applies and is accepted by the municipality.
Tue-Fri 11:00-16:00 · Free entry · Wheelchair accessible
SeeModern art museumAmager
Kastrupgårdsamlingen
Set in a beautiful old mansion-like country home from the 18th century, this museum displays a large collection of graphics from mainly Danish artists, including a large collection of the somewhat internationally known Cobra artists. There are also a temporary exhibition space.
Tue-Fr 13:00-17:00, except Wed 13:00-20:00, Sat,Sun 11:00-17:00 · Free · Heritage listed · Wheelchair accessible
SeeArt museumØsterbro
Den Frie Udstilling
The Free Exhibition
This art exhibition was established in 1891, as a protest against a censored exhibition sponsored by the royal art board — hence the name. Mainly shows contemporary art. The exhibition is housed in a remarkable, restored building that resembles an ancient Greek temple.
Fri-Wed 10:00-17:00, Thu 10:00-21:00 · 20-45 kr
SeeHistoric siteIndre By
Amalienborg
Amalienborg is the Royal residence and consists of four identical classical mansions, each facing an octagonal courtyard. On the Queen's birthday (14th of January) and for other highlights in the lives of the royal family, the square is jam-packed with people waving the Danish flag and greeting the Queen. There is a museum in the Christian VIII Mansion displaying exhibitions of the period 1863-1972, and four generations of the royal family. There is changing of the guards each day at 12:00. (Marches from Rosenborg Castle barracks) The ceremony is most elaborate in the winter, when the Queen is in residence here; a scale-down version is performed the rest of the year when the Queen is in residence in her other palaces. After visiting the museum, Amaliehaven offers some beautiful views of the new Opera on the other riverside.
11:00-16:00 · adults 135 kr, students 90 kr (museum entrance), 10 kr less when ordering online · Wheelchair accessible
SeeMuseumØsterbro
Enigma
Museum for Postal, Tele, and Communications
So far only stage one of the new telecommunications museum is implemented. Which means that there is exactly one item on display, an old rusty Enigma machine. But it is free and they have a nice cafe and a museum shop with lots of expensive modern design. So if you are in the area it is worth a visit.
Mon-Thu 11:00-21:00; Fri 08:00-18:00; Sat Sun 10:00-16:00 · free · Wheelchair accessible
BuyIndre By
House of Amber
Known historically as 'Nordic Gold', amber is a quintessential Scandinavian jewelry. And there is no better place to get in than in this store, housed in a 17th-century house at the beginning of Nyhavn. The shops also runs a museum with an extensive collection of rare finds.
Daily 10:00-20:00 · Museum: 25 kr
SeeCastleIndre By
Rosenborg
A former royal residence, Rosenborg is not only a beautiful Renaissance proper castle, with a moat and all, today it is also a fascinating museum of cultural history. Rosenborg houses some of Denmark’s greatest cultural treasures, not least the Crown Jewels and the Danish Crown Regalia, and includes exhibits about the Danish monarchy over 300 years.
10:00-16:00 · 150 kr (140kr online), students 100 kr, free for under 17 years old
SeeLibraryIndre By
The Royal Library
Det Kongelige Bibliotek, Black Diamond (Den Sorte Diamant)
The library was founded in the 1650s and have an impressive collections of rare books and manuscripts, which includes a Gutenberg Bible, tormented philosopher Soren Kierkegaard's original manuscripts and "Out of Africa" author Karen Blixen's diaries, as well as a newer collection that includes most of the original drawings of the controversial Mohammad cartoons. Changing exhibitions of books and art, often from the libraries own collection, are displayed in a new striking building overlooking the harbor, called the black diamond.
Mon-Fri 10:00-17:00, Sat 10:00-14:00 · Free · Wheelchair accessible
SeeMuseumIndre By
Medical Museion
Museum of the History of Medicine
The museum communicates knowledge about the history of medicine, the study of the preparation of medicines and dentistry, by means of public exhibitions, publications, lectures and other museum-related activities.
Tue-Fri 10:00-16:00, Sat Sun 12:00-16:00 · Adults 75 kr, children under 16 and students 50 kr
EatGourmet restaurantIndre By
Kong Hans Kælder
Michelin starred French restaurant, open since 1976 and located in the oldest building in Copenhagen. The setting is amazing, with Gothic arches and a medieval atmosphere.
Mon-Sat 18:00-00:00 · Mains from 450 kr
SeeHistoric siteAmager
Kastrup Fort
Another of Copenhagen's old fortifications, which has been turned into an attractive park. Other than the outline, moat, walls and a few buildings remaining, there is not much to see here in terms of history. But there are some nice views over the sound and you can venture into the open part of the catacombs and see bullet holes from Nazi executions during WWII. A stroll here is easily combined with a visit to Amager Strandpark (see Do section), but otherwise probably not worth the effort.
07:00-18:30 · Built 1887
DrinkBreweryIndre By
BrewPub
This place has a really nice outdoor beergarden in a courtyard in one of the historic buildings downtown. The menu is specially designed to go well with the beers, that the brewery produces in their own basement. Also has indoor seating.
Mon-Sat 12:00-22:00 · 2 courses 280 kr, 2 beer menu 75 kr · Brews its own beer
SeeMuseumFrederiksberg
Music Museum
Musikmuseet
Trace the history of music, with a visit to Denmark’s most comprehensive collection of instruments from all over the world at the Danish Music Museum.
Sat Sun 10:00-17:00 · Adult 50 kr · Limited wheelchair access
EatSeafood restaurantIndre By
Krogs Fiskerestaurant
Historical seafood restaurant open since 1920. The restaurant environs are a taste of classical Copenhagen and can make you feel like you stepped back in time. Food is high quality, with fresh fish from Danish waters.
Mon-Fri 18:00-22:30 · Menus 750-1000 kr
SeeMuseumChristianshavn
Spejdermuseet
The scouts museum
Housed in a 250-year-old arsenal building, this museum showcases the history of the Scouts movement in Denmark, back to its beginning in 1905, through models, old equipment, posters etc.
Wed 17:00-20:00, Thu 14:00-17:00, Sun 11:00-15:00 · Free
SeeHistoric siteØsterbro
Brumleby Museum
Small museum in the old cooperative shop and library. It is run by volunteers living in Brumleby and they are happy to tell you everything about the museum and Brumleby.
Sundays 12:00-15:00 · DKK 25
SeeHistory museumØsterbro
Østerbro lille Museum
small local history museum run by volunteers at the archives of local history.
Fri 11:00-15:00 · free · Free entry
SeeMuseumIndre By
The Happiness Museum
A museum about the psychology, history, and geography of happiness—and why Denmark is often ranked the happiest country in the world. Created by the Happiness Research Institute, an organisation that studies happiness with the goal of improving people's well-being around the world.
Tue–Sun 11:00–17:00 · Adults 95 kr, age 7–17 65 kr
SeeFrederiksberg
Copenhagen Zoo
The Copenhagen Zoo is one of the oldest in Europe tracing its history back to 1859. Its focus has shifted from displaying as many animals as possible, to providing large, world class facilities to the animals, earning the zoo a reputation as one of the best in the world. An open savannah area allows wildlife mixes with each other, and thete is a large elephant house designed by Norman Foster. It is the only zoo outside Australia to have Tasmanian devils on display. The zoo is amazingly kid-friendly, with many play areas, and some hands-on animal displays throughout the zoo. The zoo has a restaurant, fast-food places, and you are allowed to bring your own food, and eat in the picnic areas.
Opening hours varies greatly throughout the season, but Mon-Fri 09:00-16:00 & Sat Sun 09:00-18:00 are always safe bets. During high season daily: 09:00-21:00
SeeHistory museumFrederiksberg
Revymuseet
The museum of revue theatre
Revue theatre is still a very popular art form in Denmark, underpinned by the Danes love of black (or dry) humour. And since Frederiksberg has played an important role in the history of Danish theatre, it is only natural that you find a museum dedicated to art form here, telling its story from its beginning 200 years ago up to today's stand-up comedians. Unfortunately mainly caters to Scandinavians with some command of the local language, as the multimedia part of the museum, is the best.
Tue-Sun 11:00-16:00 · 35 kr
SeeArt museumØsterbro
Statens Museum for Kunst (SMK)
National Gallery of Denmark
Seven hundred years of Western art and cultural history lie under the roof of this striking Italian Renaissance building, which is itself situated in a nice park. Blockbusters include: Titian, Rembrandt, Picasso, Leger, Matisse and Emil Nolde. An array of other icons, paintings and sculptures are also on display.
Tue-Sun 11:00-17:00, Wed 11:00-20:00, Mon closed · Adults 110 kr, under 30 years 85 kr, under 18 years free
SeeHistoric siteØsterbro
Gefion Fountain
A large fountain featuring a large-scale group of oxen pulling a plow, driven by the Norse goddess Gefjon.
SeeArt galleryIndre By
Nyhavn
New Harbour
Nyhavn is a canal leading from the main harbourfront all the way to the Kongens Nytorv square, lined with colourful historic buildings. It was built to originally be what the name says - Copenhagen's new harbour. Over time, it became too small and lost its commercial and transportation importance, and in the 1970s it was designated as the historic port area, where historic boats and their replicas are moored. It is immensely popular with tourists and locals due to its picturesque nature and is full of restaurants, cafes and bars offering waterside gardens. Consider visiting in the evening to avoid the crowds, as it can become extreme during a sunny day. The restaurants lining its sides are rather expensive and have few vegetarian options.
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Sømods Bolcher
Soemods Candy
A historic drop-boiler started in 1891, here former times craftsmanship is celebrated and kept alive. Watch how the professionals cook drops and make colorful lollipops or engage yourself. Good variety of drops, known as bolcher in Danish. Particularly great with kids as they can see the candy being made. Has been owned by the same family since it first opened more than 125 years ago.
Mon-Thu 09:15-17:30, Fri 09:15-18:00, Sat 10:00-15:30 · 36-190 kr
SeeChristianshavn
Christianshavns Mound
Christianshavns Vold
Christianshavns Mound is part of Copenhagen's old defense system. It is now an excellent area for a walk surrounded by green and water, passing a number of historical buildings, cafes and restaurants. Christianshavns Mound was built by Christian IV in 1618-23 and was further developed in the following centuries. The defense purpose ceased towards the end of the 19th century and public access to the area was successively established in 1961.
Open 24 hours · Free
SeeHistoric site
Church of Our Lady
The Church of Our Lady (Danish: Vor Frue Kirke) is the Lutheran cathedral of Copenhagen. It is situated on the Frue Plads public square in central Copenhagen, next to the historic main building of the University of Copenhagen. The present-day version of the church was designed by the architect Christian Frederik Hansen (1756–1845) in the Neoclassical style and was completed in 1829.
Mo-Sa 08:00-17:00 · Limited wheelchair access · Wi-Fi · Built 1829
SeeAmager
Amagermuseet
A historical museum in two old farm houses, detailing the Dutch history of immigration on the island, who were invited to the island by the king to dam and farm the island after the Dutch model. There is also exhibits on historical interiors and textiles.
Tue-Sun 12:00-16:00 (summer only) · Adult: 65 DKK, During July and the Autumn Holidays: 80 DKK, Children under 18: Free

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Copenhagen (CC BY-SA 4.0). Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Place data from Overture Maps. Some descriptions from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).