Destinations

Copenhagen has something for everyone. Modern architecture meets centuries of royal history, a buzzing retail scene meets beautiful green spaces and sustainable living. World-class museums and art galleries meet a thriving restaurant scene.

Here’s what our Cruise expert, Simon Giles, has to say about Denmark’s capital:

Copenhagen is a wonderfully walkable city. Take our complimentary shuttle bus into the city centre and from here, many of the city’s finest sights are within easy reach. Nyhavn harbour, with its canal lined by colourful houses is alive with activity during the summer and a great place to enjoy a coffee and watch the world go by. Wander through Amalienborg Palace square and see the changing of the guard outside of Denmark’s royal residence or discover the thrills of Tivoli Gardens, one of the world’s oldest amusement parks.

What to do in Copenhagen?

Simon has mentioned some of the highlights of Copenhagen, and there are plenty more to visit. The Nyhavn Harbour was once a commercial port, which has now been converted into a collection of colourful shops, cafes and restaurants, and has a great atmosphere.

Amalienborg Palace is the Queen’s residence in Copenhagen, made up of four rococo palaces and a grand square. Visit the museum housed in one of the palaces to learn about 400 years of Danish royal history and watch the changing of the guard at 12:00pm. For more history, visit Rosenborg Castle, a 400-year-old castle located in the centre of the city. While impressive from the outside, you can also discover the four sets of Danish crown jewels, made up of pearls, diamonds and emeralds, inside.

You could also visit Denmark’s most popular attraction, the Tivoli Gardens. Thrilling rides meet beautiful gardens, as well as more relaxing attractions. For some retail therapy head to Strøget, centre of Copenhagen’s major shopping area, or see the city from the water on a relaxing canal tour.

When is the best time to visit Copenhagen?

Our ocean ships tend to visit Copenhagen in summer, when temperatures average a comfortable 20°c and the city has a warm, lively atmosphere. As you walk along the harbour you’re serenaded by local musicians, the gardens dotted around the city are blooming and you can enjoy people-watching from pavement cafes. This walkable city is undoubtably at its best between June and September.

Where are the best places to eat in the city?

While you can enjoy all-inclusive fine dining aboard Spirit of Adventure and Spirit of Discovery, you may wish to dine in Copenhagen as you explore to get a flavour of its world-famous gastronomy. From quaint eateries serving traditional Danish cuisine to experimental restaurants with Michelin stars, there are plenty of places to get your mouth watering. It’s best to book early if you can!

Goldfinch is a hidden spot beside Nyhavn and is part of Copenhagen's New Asian Wave, serving up deliciously authentic Chinese cuisine. Unlike many of Copenhagen’s most popular eateries, you can gain a walk-in table!

Hart Bageri is renowned for baking the best sourdough bread in Copenhagen and has four locations around the city, so you can enjoy a freshly baked treat wherever you are. Hart also offers amazing pastries and British-inspired snacks, as the bakery was set up by British baker, Richard Hart.

For a deliciously healthy take on brunch visit The Sixteen Twelve, located in the Nørrebro neighbourhood. Gut-friendly fermented ingredients give this restaurant its popularity, and you can enjoy both sweet and savoury dishes.

Join one of our excursions to explore even more...

The Seaside Town of Dragoer

This scenic tour takes you to Dragoer, one of Denmark’s oldest and quaintest fishing villages. Set on Amager Island and lapped by the blue waters of the Øresund, Dragoer has retained its historic character, with conservation work starting as early as 1934.

In 1978, Dragoer became Denmark’s first ‘pedestrian town’, which is now protected by a local preservation plan. Historically, Dragoer was an international trading post for Hanseatic merchants, and it became a thriving fishing port during the 16th and 17th centuries.

Your guide will take you on a leisurely stroll through the cobbled back streets to the bustling harbour. Then you have free time to explore. Look around the village, browse for souvenirs in some of the small handicraft shops that line the main street or admire views of Øresund Bridge, which connects Copenhagen with the Swedish town of Malmö. Refreshments will be served at a hotel by the harbour before you travel back to Copenhagen.

Two Kingdoms in a Morning

Leaving the quayside, travel from Denmark to Sweden by crossing the Øresund Strait, via the Øresund Bridge, the longest combined road and rail bridge in Europe.

After a drive of approximately one hour, you’ll reach Malmö, Sweden’s second-largest city. Here you’ll stop for photos of the Twisted Torso skyscraper and enjoy a short city tour on your coach. Afterwards, you have some free time to visit Malmö’s main square, Stortorget, and the picturesque cobbled Lilla Torg or Little Square, before returning via the Øresund Bridge to Copenhagen.

Christianborg Palace and Tivoli Gardens

Visit the historic Christianborg Palace on this exciting optional excursion. It is the only building in the world to be the seat of all three supreme powers of a nation: the executive, the legislative, and the judicial. A visit will be made to the Royal Reception rooms, used by the Danish Queen for entertaining VIP visitors and foreign heads of state. Of special interest are the tapestries, given to the Queen on her 50th birthday to decorate the large banqueting hall.

You can also follow the trail of Danish author Hans Christian Andersen, author of the original Little Mermaid, The Ugly Duckling, The Princess and the Pea and more. Finally, enjoy a canal cruise to see the city from a different angle.