Slotsholmen is the cultural district of Copenhagen, as this islet houses some of the city’s most important landmarks. You get to learn about over 1,000 years of Danish history by visiting the iconic Christiansborg Palace, as well as Royal Danish Library, Danish War Museum, and the Danish Jewish Museum. Another must-visit is Christian IV’s Brewhouse, a 400-year-old brewhouse that exhibits over 300 statues and sculptures that once decorated the royal gardens and palaces of Copenhagen.

The Little Mermaid statue, built by Edvard Eriksen in 1913, is arguably one of Copenhagen’s most photographed landmarks. Commissioned by Carl Jacobsen, the 175 kg bronze and granite sculpture is based on the fairy tale by Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen. Today, the Little Mermaid statue is located at the Langelinie promenade, overlooking Copenhagen harbour. Visit at dusk to enjoy beautiful sunset views of the figure.

Strøget is a shopping street about 500 metres northwest of Christiansborg Palace. Spanning just over 1 km in length, it’s one of the city’s longest pedestrian streets, with diverse shopping options available. Expect to find big brands such as Prada, Louis Vuitton, and Mulberry along the street leading towards Kongens Nytorv (King's New Square). For something more budget-friendly, fast fashion brands such as Zara and H&M are located towards the southwest end, closer to Rådhuspladsen (City Hall Square).

Christiansborg Palace is an 18th-century government building that’s open to the public. Located on the Slotsholmen islet, the palace’s grand rooms often host royal banquets and political functions. When those are not happening, you can explore the Throne Room to see coronation thrones, marble pilasters, and the balcony where the Danish monarchs are proclaimed. Christiansborg Palace’s most impressive feature is the Great Hall, which has 17 tapestries depicting significant events of Denmark’s long history.

Tivoli Gardens Park, located in Vesterbrogade, is one of the oldest theme parks in Europe. Offering a variety of thrill rides, playhouses, and live shows, this Copenhagen landmark attracts visitors of all ages. A historical ride here is the Rutschebanen, a wooden rollercoaster dating back to 1914. Fatamorgana is a 45-metre-tall tower featuring mini bumper cars, fast-paced rides, and gondolas. Admission to Tivoli Gardens is priced at around 120 kr and 75 kr for children (3–7 years old). During the summer, tickets on Fridays after 7pm cost 175 kr and 100 kr, respectively.

Located in København, Carlsberg attracts beer lovers with its tasting sessions and historical setting. The old Carlsberg brewery is where you get to see several galleries dedicated to the history of beer in Copenhagen. Guided tours on a horse-drawn carriage are available every day from 12pm to 2pm. If you want to sample some of Carlsberg’s most popular brews, opt for the beer tastings (80 kr) as you get to try 3 types of beer while an expert shares interesting facts about the brewing process and ingredients.

Smørrebrød is an open sandwich with a variety of toppings, both sweet and savoury. It consists of a thick slice of buttered rye bread, typically topped with pickled herring, sliced cheese and tomatoes. Other variations include smoked salmon, roast beef, pickled cabbage, cucumber, and caviar. Thanks to its versatility, many Danish restaurants offer this traditional dish throughout the day, from breakfast to dinner.

Rosenborg Castle was built during Christian IV’s reign in the early 17th century, and is where you can see the Danish crown jewels and royal regalia. One of Copenhagen’s grandest palaces, this Renaissance-style building features well-preserved stone corridors and rooms that are decorated with wax models of former royal members. One of its most impressive interiors is the Knight’s Hall, where you get to see 2 coronation thrones flanked by silver sculptures of lions, and tapestries showing the Scanian War.

Rundetårn (Round Tower) dates back to the early 17th century, making it the oldest functioning observatory in Europe. While the tower stands at just under 35 metres tall, the observatory is accessible via a spiral walkway that’s about 268.5 metres in length. After a rather lengthy walk to the outdoor platform, you’ll be greeted with expansive views of Copenhagen. If you need a break, check out interesting exhibits at Library Hall, located halfway up Rundetårn.

Located about 500 metres southwest of Copenhagen’s Zoological Museum, Nørrebro is what many locals call the city’s hipster district. During the day, you get to shop at vintage shops and hang out at cafés. In the evening, it offers a variety of nightlife venues, from cocktail bars and brew houses to nightclubs and live music venues. Rust is a live music venue that hosts indie rock performances from 8.30pm on Fridays and Saturdays. If you’re feeling experimental, check out Ølsnedkeren, a rustic-style bar that serves a variety of homebrewed beer.