Copenhagen Solo Travel

Sharing is caring!

I don’t often say this but Copenhagen is the PERFECT city for solo travelers. So hint, hint, if you’re traveling solo for the first time, then Copenhagen solo travel is for you!

But why? Why is Copenhagen solo travel so amazing?

Well, if you’re a Copenhagen solo female traveler, like me, then you’re probably wondering about safety, right, especially if you’re planning 3 days in Copenhagen?

I mean:

Whenever anyone asks me about solo travel, the first thing they want to know is if a particular city is safe for solo travelers.

So, Gut Check Time:

Is Copenhagen safe to travel alone?

Heck yeah!

I felt so safe in Copenhagen that I could have walked around alone, butt naked, at 3 am, and not run into any problems.

Okay:

I don’t actually know that for a fact because I’m not THAT weird but you get the idea. Copenhagen, Denmark is SUPER safe for solo travelers.

Now:

The next question that I usually get is an inquiry about some of the fun things to do in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Trust Me:

If Copenhagen was as dull as dishwater then I wouldn’t have written this post because truthfully, I’m selfish and don’t want to fall asleep while I write.

So yes:

There really are a ton of fun and unusual things to do in Copenhagen, things that do in this ultra-hip, capital city in Scandinavia.

So read on if you dare!

Because in this article, you’ll find an assortment of things to do in Copenhagen, as well as some delightful places to eat in Copenhagen. You’ll also find a sprinkling of essential Copenhagen travel tips for anyone who is curious about what to do in Copenhagen solo.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure for more information. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

1. National Museet

Raise your hand if you’re fluent in Danish history?

(crickets, at least from the Americans)

Yeah, all I know is that I like a good Danish (the pastry) and that’s about it., which is why a visit to the National Museet is perfect for any Danish history heathen like me.

Because Legit:

At this museum, you’ll find almost every antiquity that was ever uncovered in Denmark, including items from the Stone Age (not my favorite age since all the antiquities look the same but whatever).

Looking for something snazzier?

Then check out the museum’s displays of Viking weaponry, rune stones, medieval jewelry, and a fancy smancy, 18th century Copenhagen apartment. They even have a finely crafted Sun Chariot that is over 3,000 years old! Say what?!?!?

Truly the perfect place for any solo traveler since well, you’re expected to be quiet in museums anyway. 

2. Louisiana Museum of Modern Art

Full disclosure:

I haven’t been here…Yet! I mean, I was only in Copenhagen for 3 days so a girl can only do so much! But I solemnly swear that I will absolutely visit on my next trip to Copenhagen! So I get brownie points for that, right?

Okay, quickly moving on before you lose all faith in me. 

Louisiana is a stunning museum, brimming with contemporary and modern that will make even non-art lovers swoon.

Not only are the exhibits ever-changing:

But they are super innovative and displayed amidst a labyrinth of corridors that take you through a never-ending expanse of well-manicured gardens and enormous trees; a path that culminates with a fantastic ocean view that is enhanced by a series of interesting (aka weird) abstract sculptures that I don’t understand. Lol.

I did Copenhagen winter travel so you can see why I skipped Louisiana. That and Google told me it would take forever and a half to get there.

***I looked it up and the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art is 30 km north of Copenhagen, in the town of Humlebæk. So if you want to visit, take the train there and get off at the Humlebæk station.***

Anyway:

They have such a badass collection of modern art that even pieces from greats like Pablo Picasso can stay in storage for a pretty long time.

But:

You will probably get to see pieces by such iconic Dutch artist Alberto Giacometti and Danish artist Asger Jorn.  I mean you are in Denmark so that kind of makes sense because of regional pride and all.

3. Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek

Let’s get the most important thing out of the way first!

This art museum is free on Tuesdays so visit then! Unless you’re lame like me and won’t be in Copenhagen on a Tuesday.

Additionally:

Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek is literally right across the street from Tivoli, so you can easily explore this amusement park after you see this charming art museum.

Now back to the museum:

Inside the museum, you’ll find a charming, glassed domed atrium where you can sit on a bench, relax under the palm trees, and enjoy the faint sound of water trickling through a centrally located fountain.

As far as the art is concerned:

This museum has one of the largest collections of Rodin sculptures in the world. Which makes sense since it looks like a giant truck carrying ancient statues exploded everywhere, but in a good way since these beauties practically have their own wing in the museum!

Additionally:

There is an assortment of paintings on display here that include, count them, 47 Gauguin paintings, as well as other pieces from Cézanne, Van Gogh, Pissarro, Monet, and Renoir (kind of like the D’Orsay Museum only in Copenhagen).

Yeah, you may have heard of one or two of those guys. 

But that’s why this museum is basically any art lover’s dream, even if you’re not a traveler of the solo variety.

4. Tivoli Gardens

Umm, when is an amusement park a bad idea? Because honestly, who doesn’t want to get all nostalgic as they hop on a carousel and take an impromptu stroll through yesteryear? Especially since Tivoli Gardens is home to one of the biggest Christmas markets in Europe. 

Sorry:

The carousel is about as hardcore as I get since I tend to get motion sickness. But regardless of my propensity to get physically ill on spinny rides, I would still love to visit Tivoli, especially alone and with the freedom to come and go as I please.

I know:

Tivoli Gardens is another one of those magical places that I missed out on because yeah, I was in Copenhagen in mid-January, enjoying the not so balmy weather.

But I can always go back!

I mean, this amusement park has been around since 1843, so clearly, it isn’t going anyway.

And that makes sense since this place evokes a sense of awe and wonder with its fantastical rides, vibrant twinkling lights, and an assortment of carnival games that make you yearn for those carefree days of childhood.

Plus:

They have a roller coaster that’s over a hundred years old! Talk about living history! And no, you won’t plummet to your doom since this ride has definitely been renovated a time or two in the past one hundred years.

Before you go:

Just check to make sure that the park is open. I was there the third week of January and, shocker, it was closed. But you’d be surprised since Tivoli is open for the Christmas season, from mid-November through January.

So check out one of the best things to do in Copenhagen at night and let me know what I’m missing! Also, do yourself a favor and skip the line by purchasing your tickets in advance.

5. Rosenborg Slot

And by slot, I don’t mean a slot machine.

Truth be told:

Slot in Danish actually refers to a castle, country house, or palace.

Therefore:

It should come as no surprise that this fab castle is a charming combination of turrets, gables, and spires, with a fancy moat through the gardens too!

Which makes sense since this palace was built by King Christian IV, in the early 17th century, to serve as his super snazzy summer home.

Later on, however:

Good old King Frederik IV was feeling a tidbit cramped and decided to build a much larger castle in Fredensborg, just North of the city.

Today:

Rosenborg Slot is a working museum since I visited and yeah, it was pretty awesome. Each room is arranged chronologically, displaying an assortment of furniture and decor that belonged to various Danish monarchs.

Whatever You do Though:

Don’t leave before visiting the basement! Here you can swoon at the sparkling beauty of the crown jewels, which consist of stunning pieces like Christian IV’s crown and Christian III’s jeweled sword.

***To avoid long queues during the summer, and to guarantee entrance for your desired time slot, buy your tickets online.***

***If you love royal castles, consider an exciting day tour, outside of Copenhagen, where you can explore the charming castles of Frederiksborg and Kronborg, in the old capital of Roskilde.***

6. Christianborg Slot

If Rosenborg Slot is a Quarterpounder with cheese, then Christianborg Slot is a Big Mac, with extra sauce!

Because Truly:

This palace (home to the Danish parliament, prime minister’s office, and supreme court) is ENORMOUS and matched in size, only by the sheer beauty of the interior.

There is so much to see and do here:

That I would definitely get a joint ticket, which includes a visit to the royal reception rooms (the tapestries, the dining hall, the Queen’s library and more), the ruins under the palace, the stables, the royal kitchen (kind of lame), and the palace chapel.

FYI:

To truly experience this wealth of history, you need at least a half day to see one of the best castles in Copenhagen!

Before you leave though:

Make sure to take an elevator to the top of the tower. I promise the panoramic views at the top are totally worth it.

One last thing:

Try and enter the palace at Slotsholmen, from Ny Vestergade. From here, you’ll enter the palace through a magnificent central courtyard (hint, hint, photo op) that has rows of well-manicured trees, and a statue of Christian IX on horseback

7. Nyhavn

Truthfully?

I found this little canal a bit underwhelming. Sure, it’s picturesque with the vibrantly colored houses that sit along the canal, quietly looking out over the iconic sailboats that gently rock back and forth, nestled up against the dock.

And that’s awesome:

Until you try and take a photo and almost get assassinated by a selfie stick wielding tourist. You try and walk it off, only to find overpriced restaurants and souvenir shops hawking lame shot glasses and keychains made in China.

Okay, it’s not THAT bad.

But this place is a far cry from the peaceful little canal where Hans Christian Anderson wrote many of his iconic stories.

But if I didn’t like it then why is it on this list of top attractions in Copenhagen for solo travelers?

Good question. I put it here because Nyhavn is one of the must-see sights in Copenhagen. Therefore, if it didn’t make the list, I’d probably get tarred and feathered.

So:

Check it out, take your Instagram awesome photos, enjoy the scenery, and bounce. If you want, you can also check out canal house number 9, which has been around since 1681! This is also a fab place to commandeer a canal tour of Copenhagen.

8. Christiana

The uniqueness of this autonomous, anarchist district where residents openly sell cannabis in the “green light district” is old news.

Sure:

Christiana is awesome and unlike anything you’ve ever seen, but it’s hardly a secret. Still worth putting on your Copenhagen travel itinerary though!

But I mean really:

There’s a cafe down the street called Munchies, need I say more?

Actually:

They sell those insanely delicious bubble waffles that you make into an ice cream cone and take 10,000 photos of so that everyone on Instagram contracts a serious case of food envy.

But Christiana really is awesome, even if it’s not a total hidden gem. 

I mean, I’m from New York, one of the street art capitals of the world, and I can honestly say that I have never seen anything like this eclectic assortment of rad art (sounds like outdated verbage but somehow, rad describes Christina perfectly).

 Be forewarned:

Residents do NOT like when you take pictures of the cannabis stalls. Therefore, keep your eyes open for rather obvious signs that say, “No pictures please”. Yup, totally missed that so things got awkward FAST.

But Other Than That:

The people are super chill, the art is super awesome, and the experience is neat since you see signs that announce, “Now leaving the EU”. And not to worry, you don’t need a passport if you want to add Christiana to your Copenhagen weekend itinerary.

***Another great way to experience Copenhagen is to book an alternative Copenhagen tour through some of the hippest districts in the city, like Vesterbro and Christiana. ***

9. Frederiksberg Have

One of those super beautiful parks in Copenhagen that you kind of need to visit, even if you’re traveling alone.

Is it slightly romantic?

Yes. But the quaint stone bridges, charming streams, perfect rows of trees, and quiet walking lanes all come together to create a divine greenspace, even if it makes me feel like I’m in a Jane Austen novel, minus the inevitable tragedy.

But what Danish park would be complete without a palace or two?

So in addition to all the aforementioned awesomeness, this park is home to Frederiksborg Slot, the royal family’s summer residence that has now become the Royal Danish Military Academy. And no it’s not opened to visitors. And yes, I learned that the hard way.

Which is fine since you can explore one of the park’s more unusual attractions instead!

Suttetræet, or the sucky tree, is a badass, 250-year-old tree that has hundreds of pacifiers dangling from its branches. Apparently, when a child turns three, they must hand their pacifier over to the tree for safe keeping. Crazy fun right?

Definitely one of the more hilarious things to see in Copenhagen. 

10. Little Mermaid Statue

I have to mention it because this statue is probably the most photographed attraction in all of Denmark. But honestly, it’s small, disappointing,  and underwhelming at best.

So, should you visit the Little Mermaid Statue?

Probably not. However, since this literary icon is so synonymous with Copenhagen, you’ll probably feel inclined to stop by. Just be prepared to be less than impressed.

All you need to do is go, see the statue, take a photo, and then devote the rest of your precious time to exploring something cooler, like the nearby Gefion Fountain or the lovely Kastellet Fortress that you need to walk through to find this lame ass, I mean culturally significant, tribute to Hans Christian Anderson’s immortal children’s story.

11. Bertels Salon

So my passion for libraries and books is closely followed by my passion for…FOOD.

I just wish I could eat anything I want and not get fat…sigh.

Anyway, suffice it to say that my love of food led me to, Bertels Salon, a cafe that is known for having the BEST cheesecake in all of Copenhagen (And lines out the door to prove it. FYI no cash, only cards).

And yes, even this New Yorker thinks the cheesecake here is amazing!

This cheesecake is light, fluffy, delicious, and doesn’t sit in your stomach like a led brick. I got the pistachio cheesecake and have absolutely no regrets.

Just Note That:

This cafe gets super crowded because the food and ambiance are both bangin’. So if you hate crowds, just grab a slice to go, or twelve, and take it to your room or the park or any place that doesn’t have mobs of people (perfect for anyone who doesn’t want to feel awkward eating alone).

12. Rundetårn (Round Tower)

I’ll admit It:

You’ll probably find this the Round Tower listed on any Copenhagen activities brochures within a 15-kilometer radius of the city.

And For Good Reason!!

The round tower was a 34.8-meter tall observatory that was later turned into a racetrack! Now, the only races here are races, between tourists to the exquisite, panoramic views of Copenhagen first!

Originally, I thought the Round Tower was gonna be super lame. 

You know, just another over-priced, tourist trap that you feel obligated to visit because since your ever demanding Instagram account is constantly yearning for more photo ops.

But it was so much more:

For the bargain basement price of DKK 25, not only do you get stunning views of Copenhagen but you also get to explore an observatory, some modern art installations, and the Trinitatis Church.

We call this three for one, Copenhagen sites of interest!

13. Paludan Bog and Cafe

Paludan Bog and Cafe is a place where every booklover’s dreams come true.

No Really! It’s NOT Just Another Coffee Place!

As a proud, card-carrying member of the nerd herd, this cafe/book lovers paradise is a place where all my nerdiest dreams came true. An added perk? They serve yummy cheesecake too!

Can it get any better?

No, not unless they start serving their cheesecake with a side of Ryan Gosling. #justsayin’

But back to real life. 

Not only does this fabulous cafe serve everything from coffee to cakes to lunch and dinner, but this cafe is also a second-hand bookstore. I mean I couldn’t buy anything since I’m not fluent in Dutch but a girl can dream.

So:

So beeline it over to one of the best cafes in Copenhagen, snag a nice cozy armchair, and enjoy the uber quaint bookshelves that line the walls,

14. The Cisterns