self guided food tour copenhagen

The Perfect DIY Copenhagen Food Tour

Copenhagen is home to one of the hottest restaurant and food scenes in the world. So if you’re lucky enough to be planning a trip to Denmark, then a Copenhagen food tour is a must.

There are so many great foods to try in Copenhagen, but you’re just not going to have time to get to them all.

Since this tour is an introduction to Danish food and aims to keep costs affordable, you will not find Noma or the Alchemist on this list. Instead, you’ll find local favorites that should fit in anyone’s budget.

So why a DIY Copenhagen food tour you ask? While there may be plenty of organized Copenhagen food tours in the city, I think making your own is the way to go.

Not only will you save a ton of money, but you’ll be able to move at your own pace and order what you want. Plus, you can break up the tour over the duration of your trip so you don’t have to eat too much in one sitting.

As any good Danish food tour should begin, we start with coffee. Let’s go.

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Table of Contents

DIY Copenhagen Food Tour

But first, some quick information about this tour.

First, you will be your own guide. You can use Google Maps to give you directions, time and distance between stops.

Second, the easiest way to get around Copenhagen is by bicycle. The infrastructure for bikes is incredible and you can rent a bike just about anywhere. So I encourage you to join the locals and make this Copenhagen food tour a culinary bike tour.

Most bike rentals in Copenhagen are by the hour, but if you plan to keep your bike for several hours, it usually makes more sense just to do a full day rental. I believe I paid about 8 Euro for my full-day bike rental.

Third, if riding a bike is not for you, you can also visit all these destinations as part of a DIY walking tour, though you may wish to hop in a taxi once in a while to speed up the process.

Fourth, let’s talk about languages. So the primary language spoken in Copenhagen (and Denmark) is Danish. As such, locals will almost automatically greet you and begin speaking to you in Danish.

However, the majority of Danes also speak English, and they speak it very well. So if you’re an English speaker, ordering food in Copenhagen will not be challenging.

Whether you’ve got just two days in Copenhagen or two weeks, this DIY Copenhagen food tour is the perfect way to get a taste of what the city has to offer.

The Corner 108

Every Copenhagen food tour should start off with a hot cup of coffee. If you’re a coffee lover like I am then you’ll be pleased to learn that the coffee culture in Denmark is strong.

There are great cafes all over the city, and just about all of them seem to have mastered the cappuccino. I know this because I checked. Maybe not all of them, but I had a lot of cappuccinos during my visit.

So if you want to start this private tour off right, make your way over to The Corner 108 Cafe.

They’re a cozy little cafe serving coffee by day but turn into a fancy wine bar by night. Get there right when they open at 8:00 a.m. to make sure you get first dibs on their fresh pastries.

The cafe is linked to the city’s famous Noma restaurant as both establishments share the same owner.

If you’re unfamiliar with Noma or New Nordic Cuisine, the restaurant has been listed as one of the top restaurants in the world since 2010, it is currently ranked 2nd.

So basically what you need to know is, both their coffee beans and their pastries are excellent.

Please come here, order at the counter, then have a seat and enjoy your coffee and pastry inside. It’s the perfect way to warm up before the rest of your Copenhagen food tour begins.

The Corner 108 Cafe is open daily until midnight. Monday through Friday they open at 8:00 a.m. and Saturdays and Sundays they open at 9:00 a.m.

The trendy food culture in Copenhagen has even spiced up traditional porridge, or oatmeal, depending on where you are from.

Make a visit to one of the many Grod locations in the city to grab a delicious and healthy breakfast in the morning.

Grod specializes in porridge, but they add fresh and unique toppings to make it special. The one I tried during my visit had fresh apples, caramel, and almonds.

Pair it with a cup of hot cocoa and its the perfect breakfast on a cold morning.

Grod has multiple locations throughout the city and hours can vary. However, typical hours are 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Selma is home to the famous Smorrebrod, or open faced sandwiches, that Copenhagen is known for. While plenty of other places around the city make and serve Smorrebrod, Selma is always named as the place to try it.

The menu at Selma includes about a dozen or so options of Smorrebrod. Most of the options include herring and a mix of other toppings, served on rye bread.

If you are not a fan of herring, you can also find pork, chicken, and vegetarian options on the menu as well. Their menu is seasonal, so offerings will change depending on the time of year.

Selma is open daily for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The last food order is accepted at 4:00 p.m. They are open for dinner Wednesday through Saturday from 5:00 p.m. to about midnight. The last order is accepted at 10:00 p.m.

John’s Hot Dog Deli

The hot dog is a big thing in Copenhagen and you can find them just about everywhere.

One of the most popular spots in the city to get yourself a dog is at a place called John’s Hot Dog Deli. They have a variety of different dogs and about a dozen or so toppings to choose from.

The staff here are incredibly friendly and will help you put together a dog that you’re going to like.

They are more than happy to make recommendations if you’re not sure what you’d like. They also have a great beer selection, serving beers from some of the best local breweries. They even have a few great ciders.

John’s Hot Dog Deli is open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Except for Fridays and Saturdays when they remain open until 3:00 a.m.

Hija de Sanchez

The al pastor taco from Hija de Sanchez is what dreams are made of. Seriously, it’s a damn good taco.

The al pastor is tender and packed with flavor. The pineapple is sweet, fresh and juicy, and they top it with just the right amount of cilantro and fresh onion. It’s simple, It’s perfect. You need to eat this taco.

Tacos are made quick and fresh to order. This is the perfect stop when you’re looking for something quick and delicious.

Hija de Sanchez is open Monday through Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

War Pigs Brew Pub was the most recommended restaurant when I told people I was planning a trip to Copenhagen.

I planned to grab dinner there my final night in the city but ended up next door because it looked packed and I was too shy to go in. Don’t judge me, I’m still regretting this choice.

So I’m including War Pigs on this list having never been there myself. But please go there, order the brisket and mac and cheese and tell me how great it is.

War Pigs Brew Pub is essentially a partnership between Danish brewery Mikkeller and American brewery 3 Floyds.

They came together to open a Texas Barbeque style restaurant that serves their Danish and American beers.

Everybody raves about this place and I really hope I get to return to Copenhagen one day so I can try this place out.

War Pigs Brew Pub is open Monday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to midnight, Fridays and Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Last, but certainly not least, you absolutely must end one of your evenings in Copenhagen at Mother.

Their pizza is fantastic and reminds me of pizzas I’ve had in Naples and New York. This place gets amazing reviews and there’s a good reason for it.

This was easily my favorite meal in Copenhagen. In fact, I liked it so much I went there twice.

Mother is open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Reservations are not necessary but they can get quite busy at times.

If you’d like to take a free walking tour to learn about Copenhagen’s history and culture, check out Sandemans New Europe walking tour.

If you’re looking to grab some drinks in the evening (or during the day, I’m not judging) I encourage you to add some beer tastings to your Copenhagen food tour.

The city is a popular destination for beer lovers due to the growth of the craft beer scene here.

In fact, the craft beer scene in Copenhagen is almost as hot as the food scene. Of all the breweries in Copenhagen, Mikkeller is probably the largest and most famous.

They actually have several international locations in places like San Deigo and Reykjavik. But you’re in luck if you’re in Copenhagen because they actually have 15 locations within the city. So basically, they are never too far away.

If you are like me and not a big fan of beer, you have to try their cider. In fact, just about all the breweries in Copenhagen will have a cider available, and most of them are quite tasty.

This was one of the things I really loved about Copenhagen during my visit.

I’ve been really getting into ciders lately but they are not as popular in the United States. But in Copenhagen, they take their ciders seriously, and it shows.

There are multiple Mikkeller locations throughout Copenhagen and you can find their beers and ciders at establishments around the city. For more information, visit their website.

Food Markets

If you’re looking to try a whole bunch of different things all at once, head over to the Elsinore Street Food Market.

The market features vendors selling everything from coffee to tacos to Christmas food. There are a few other street food markets around the city as well, though some are seasonal.

If you’re up for some day trips, there are also food markets in neighboring cities and across the bridge in Malmo, Sweden as well. You can read about the other markets here .

I sincerely hope you enjoyed this DIY Copenhagen food tour and that you have a new appreciation for Danish cuisine.

If you have any other great Copenhagen restaurant recommendations, please let me know. I’m always interested in new restaurant recommendations.

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Copenhagen’s Best: The Ultimate Self-Guided Walking Tour of the City

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Copenhagen is the vibrant capital city of the Scandinavian country Denmark. It is a city filled with so much energy, making you want to stay forever. The delightful fusion of history and innovation can be seen everywhere in Copenhagen. It is also very compact, with everything so close to each other that you will have so much to explore without having to travel from end to end.

This charming city is filled with picturesque canals, a combination of brightly colored row houses, stylish urban buildings, peppy street art, and of course, cobblestoned streets. One of the best ways to immerse yourself in this enchanting city is to wander around on foot. We enjoyed walking around Copenhagen and wanted to take you all along on our journey with this self-guided walking tour with all the hidden gems we found on our visit.

Oh yeah! We have included a nice map marking all the places for you to start using it right away, hassle-free. For convenience, we have made the entire route in a loop so you can start with any location closer to your stay. You need not travel far to just begin your walking tour.

Be prepared to walk a lot, but feel free to use the city’s extensive public transport when the distance between two places is a bit long. I have also suggested where and how you can alternatively choose to use public transport instead of walking. But the entire tour is completely doable only by foot, and don’t forget to take multiple coffee and snack breaks to cozy up in the Hyggelig cafes of Copenhagen.

Table of Contents

Why Take a Self-Guided Walking Tour of Copenhagen?

There are many guided walking tours that you could take in Copenhagen, but this self-guided walking tour is entirely flexible. Also, some of those guided walking tours could be a bit expensive. But I will also link some guided tours you could take during your visit.

Self-guided walking tours are not just budget-friendly but also a way to experience the city in a short time. Pre-booking tours can be a hassle sometimes. I always procrastinate making the bookings till the last moment until I forget or there are no more slots in the time I want. If you are like me, then this is perfect for you.

Good to know!

• Copenhagen is a bike-friendly city, but it is not recommendable to do this as a bike tour on your own as it could be dangerous if you don’t have the experience. You could always go on a guided bike or a segway tour, where you need not worry about the route and where to stop and park.
• Danish people are very friendly and nice, but they don’t like it when you walk on their bike lanes. To avoid pissing someone off, always stick to the well-laid pedestrian paths.
• While crossing a road, look out for speeding cyclists on both sides. Sometimes they just appear out of nowhere, and you will find yourself on the ground.
• Have fun exploring, and don’t be afraid to stray away from the route. Every place is well connected, and you might just find some new interesting places. (If you find something, do let me know. I will be thrilled to hear all about it).

Tip!  Feel free to start the tour from any of the stops, as the entire route is a loop. Starting at Kongens Nytorv means your first stop is the Instagram-famous Nyhavn (the picture of the colorful houses by the canal is probably the first thing you will see when you search Copenhagen).

The Walking Route

How To Use The Map?

The locations from the walking route are numbered in the map. If required, zoom in and click on a number to view brief details about the location. Click ‘View in Google Maps’ to view the location’s complete details in Google Maps.

If you are planning to do the walking tour early in the morning, start with Nyhavn to escape the crowd, enjoy the views, and capture some great pictures. (Who doesn’t like a good picture?)

Let’s get started!

1. Kongens Nytorv

Kongens Nytorv, which literally means New King’s Square, is a “square” in central Copenhagen. It was built by King Christian V in the 17th century when the city walls were expanded. He had some strategic plans about making this the royal square, and the design was inspired by French architecture.

The lands around the square were later given to wealthy citizens of that time interested in constructing some notable buildings with specific conditions on their facades.

No wonder you could spot so many important buildings around the square with stunning architectural styles.

To the southern end, you could spot the Danish Royal Theater. Charlottenborg palace is located to the east and a luxurious 5-star hotel  Hotel D’Angleterre  on the west.

Kongens Nytorv is a noteworthy place to begin our tour (not just because of its proximity to Nyhavn). It could be a convenient location with easy accessibility to its metro station, which runs on all 4 lines.

Psst!   If you are wondering what that little quaint-looking kiosk located north of the square was, you are looking at Copenhagen’s former first telephone booth. It was constructed in a new-baroque style with handmade decorations. Now it is a coffee house. But doesn’t it look cute? The copper roofing gives the classic teal tint adding more charm to it.

Route Guide

Walk towards the eastern side of the square and take the exit towards the colorful houses, and you will reach your next stop at around 250m.

2. Charlottenborg Palace

Before being carried away by Nyhavn’s charm, check out the Charlottenborg Palace at the entrance of the colorful street of Nyhavn. Look around in the opposite direction of the row houses from where the canal starts. You will be looking at the Charlottenborg Palace, which once was the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts and currently houses the art gallery museum as  Kunsthal Charlottenborg. 

Walk alongside the canal, which starts near the Charlottenborg Palace.

Nyhavn is indeed colorful and has quite a captivating charm. The 17th and 18th-century row houses painted in bright colors are located along the canal side, filled with bars, cafes, and restaurants. This is not just a tourist delight; the locals also enjoy sipping a cold beer on a hot day, which makes it quite expensive.

This canal, docked with wooden ships, was once a bustling commercial port where ships worldwide would dock. The harbor was once packed with sailors who frequented the pubs and prostitution houses. Now all the old houses in the area are mostly renovated into restaurants, bars, and cafes. Nyhavn is also one of the main stops of the canal tours.

Tip!   Instead of visiting these cafes and bars priced for tourists, grab a hot dog or beer from the local shops, sit by the canal, and enjoy the views.

Psst!   If you want to capture some postcard pictures in Nyhavn, arriving early is the key. The place gets packed with people even on a cold winter morning once the canal tours open. Plan your visit at least an hour before the first canal tour of the day.

Also, watch your feet while you pose for pictures along the canal side. Falling into the waters, especially during winter, is not a pleasant experience at all. (We actually saw someone fall!)

Walk along the canal through Nyhavn on the side of the colorful houses till the end of the street, take a right along  71 Nyhavn Hotel,  and walk further until you reach the Danish Playhouse. The walk from  Nyhavn 17  to the theatre is about 450m.

4. Ofelia Plads and the Danish Playhouse

The Danish Royal Playhouse is an example of the modern architecture of Copenhagen. Do not hesitate to go take a peek at the beautiful cafe. Walk a little further from the Playhouse, and you will reach Ofelia Plads, which is just another square but on the waterfront. You can see great views of the Opera house across the canal to your right.

Walk towards the street along the canal on the left side of Ofelia Plads. Keeping walking for another 500m until you reach Amalienborg, the queen’s residence.

5. Amalienborg Palace

Visit the seat of one of the world’s oldest monarchies at Amalienborg Palace. However, only parts of the palace are open to the public. The rest remains the private residence of the Danish Royal family.

Amalienborg Palace has been the royal residence since the major fire which burned down their former residence of Christiansborg Palace.

Try to time your visit to watch the changing of guards ceremony, which happens here every day at 12:00 noon. You could also see the marching of the guards, which starts at 11:30 am from the Rosenborg Castle through the streets of the city ending up at the Amalienborg Palace at 12:00 pm. The length of the ceremony depends on the member of the Royal Palace who is at the palace on the given day. It is quite the site to watch, no matter if any of the royal family members are present or not during your visit.

You could see a building with a big teal-colored dome from the Amalienborg Palace. Walk towards the building for around 250m.

6. Frederik’s Church

You can spot the dome of Frederik’s church from many places as it marks an important landmark of Copenhagen’s skyline. This 18th-century church, also known as the marble church (Marmorkirken), has the largest dome in Scandinavia. It was primarily built in limestone due to budget constraints. But the original plan was to use marble throughout to reflect its name.

The church has the words “HERRENS ORD BLIVER EVINDELIG” inscribed in big golden letterings on the front portico, which means  “The word of the Lord endureth forever.”

It looks pretty stunning with its Rococo interiors. The church is free for the public to enter, so try to get a sneak peek if it isn’t too crowded.

On selected days, it is also possible to climb the dome to get aerial views of the city.

Psst!  I recommend going up the Church of Our Saviour or the Round Tower (which you will see later in the walking tour) as the aerial views of Frederik’s Church dome adorn Copenhagen’s skyline so beautifully.

Photo tip!   If you want to capture a picture of the church without too many people walking on the busy road, walk around the church to the backside, which almost resembles the front. You might have a better chance of getting a nice picture from there.

Walk around 800m to the next stop, St Alban’s Church. Along the way, you can see Denmark’s Design museum, an 18th-century Rococo-style building.

7. St. Alban’s Church

St. Alban’s church is an English-style church built in a Gothic Revival Style. The church was built during the 19th century to serve the growing English population in the city. It remains one of the very few churches in Copenhagen to conduct services in English. The church is free for the public but only open from April to September.

Walk around the church to see the  Gefion Fountain,  a large fountain near the waterfront. This was constructed as a symbol of a mythical story of the creation of the Zealand island on which Copenhagen is located.

Just next to the fountain, you will find the bridge  Gefionbroen .   Stroll across the bridge and go straight for about 450m along the waterfront to reach the iconic Little Mermaid.

8. Little Mermaid

Visiting Copenhagen and not seeing its famous Little Mermaid would be incomplete. Although it is a very miniature statue, it holds a special place in the heart of the city’s people and tourists. The Little Mermaid statue was inspired by Hans Christians Andersan’s fairytale of a mermaid who waits by the sea daily, longing to see her beloved prince. I am sure everyone would have heard a similar version of the fairytale in their own language.

However, this sculpture was commissioned after Carl Jacobsen fell in love with the ballet performance of this fairytale and had this iconic statue created. The Little Mermaid has gone through a lot since she was sculpted. Despite being vandalized many times, the Danish still restored and maintained her for the visitors to enjoy.

Depending on the time of the day, I am sure you will meet many people gathered around the little statue, so try to take a peek before continuing your walking tour.

Continue to walk in the same direction in Langelinie for about 300m until you find a staircase to your left going down to the citadel’s entrance. Climb down the stairs to reach Kastellet.

9. Kastellet

You will now be looking at the Norway Gate on the North side of the Kastellet. It is one of the most well-preserved fortresses in Northern Europe. The fortress is built in the shape of a pentagon, and the aerial view looks beautifully like a star-shaped flower surrounded by a ditch in the same shape. Explore the red-colored brick buildings and wander in the surrounding park to find the Kastelsmøllen. It is a Dutch-style windmill that replaced the original post mill in the 18th century after a storm destroyed it.

This windmill with popping red looks insanely picturesque, surrounded by a blanket of green grass. (Did someone say photo spot?)

Once you have reached the windmill, continue to walk further in the same direction to exit the Kastellet from the King’s gate on the southern side. You will know you have reached closer to the King’s Gate once you see St. Alban’s church at a distance.

Once you exit the King’s Gate, walk around 800m to reach Nyboder. Do not hesitate to take a coffee break at Original Coffee or any other Cafe on your way. I found almost every cafe really good, and I didn’t have any preference.

10. Nyboder

Nyboder is a charming row house district that formerly served as an accommodation for Danish Naval personnel and their family. The original construction started in the 17th century and was painted red and white. The current hue of yellow (it looks orange to me, though!) is almost referred to as the Nyboder yellow by the Danish.

It has become quite the Instagram spot, and you can easily understand why. I mean, the yellow or orange really does wonders in the background of your pictures. But they are actual residences of people, so please consider their privacy while snapping pictures.

Walk around 500m to reach the King’s garden.

11. Kongens Have

Kongens Have, which means the King’s garden is the garden right outside Rosenborg Castle, which gives it the name Rosenborg Castle Garden. This is one of the Copenhagen’s oldest gardens and was established as a pleasure garden for Christian IV in the 17th century. It was redesigned multiple times until the late 18th century when it was given the French Garden style. It is filled with various small statues all across the park.

This would be a nice place to have a picnic and capture the Rosenborg Castle’s facade.

Walk towards the Rosenborg Castle (of course, that’s the next stop).

12. Rosenborg Castle

Although you cannot visit the castle without an entry ticket or Copenhagen City Card, enjoying the beautiful facade of the 17th-century Dutch Renaissance-style castle is still worth it. It was built as a summer castle for Christian IV, along with the garden (Kongens Have).

Rosenborg Castle also holds the crown jewels, Venetian glass collection, and many portraits, which are now part of the castle museum.

Tip! If you have the time, right behind Rosenborg Castle, across the motorway, is the Botanisk Have which also has a beautiful tropical garden inside a dome-like structure called the Palm House. The park is free to enter, but entry to Palm House needs a ticket (free with the city card).

Walk around 650m to reach the next stop.

13. Torvehallerne

This is a one-stop for fresh produce, local delicacies, and much more. You will find a lot of shops, fish markets, and Danish pastries, making it a nice spot to eat your heart out before heading on to the remaining part of the walking tour. This is also a place loved by the locals, and during the good weather days, all the outdoor tables get filled up in a jiffy.

The market is quite unique with its glass enclosure which gives a unique vibe. Also, coffee lovers head straight to Coffee Collective , which boasts about their ethically sourced beans roasted in-house to make a perfect blend.

I have to be honest here. The next one will be a little further, and many more places are coming right after. It is just 1 km and still doable. But, if you are running short on time or would like to take a break from all the walking, you could ride the subway (Togbus as the Danish call it) from  Nørreport  to  Vesterport , which is just the next stop, and probably will take you a minute or two.

14. Palads Teatret (Nordisk Film Biografer Palads)

The Palads is the big pink-hued building you see when you come out of the subway in Vesterport. It is not very easy to miss because of the pink. It is a cinema with 17 auditoriums which is quite big. The building was Copenhagen’s former central railway station until early 1911. After a massive reconstruction, the former railway station took its new avatar as an entertainment center, the largest in Scandinavia at that time.

Over time it had multiple renovations to what is there at present. Now it is a functioning cinema, and it also hosts ballet and other cultural performances.

Photo tip! The colors of the building are pretty interesting and make for a perfect photo spot.

Psst!   Do tag me in your pictures on Instagram. I will be thrilled to see them!

Walk around 400m to the city hall square. On your way, check out the circular  Wallmans Circus Building . It has quite a beautiful facade. Also, right opposite the circus, you can see the Axel Towers, an example of Danish urban architecture.

For the Walking Enthusiasts

If you are up for more walking, you could visit  GammelTorv  and  Nytorv , two other smaller squares. GammelTorv is the oldest square in Copenhagen, and it has a beautiful fountain called  Caritas fountain .   Both the GammelTorv and Nytorv are interconnected. You could also see the  Copenhagen Court House  in Nytorv. The city hall square is around 400m from Nytorv.

15. Rådhuspladsen (The City Hall Square)

I guess, by now, you know what to expect here. Yes, the city hall of Copenhagen was built by Martin Nyrop, who designed the city hall taking inspiration from the Palazzo Pubblico in Siena, Italy. You could take a guided tour of the city hall and climb the tower to see the views.

Another interesting building around the City Hall Square is the Palace Hotel.

From the City Hall Square, walk around 700m to reach the BLOX. On the way, try to walk past the entrance to Tivoli Gardens. Unfortunately, access to the gardens is not free. Still, they usually have seasonal decorations around the entrance, which can be seen on your way.

BLOX is one of the newest additions to Copenhagen. It is also built in a modern urban style, making it a home to the Danish Architecture Center. It comprises cafes, public spaces, exhibition halls, and many more. The recent construction has transformed a rather boring open area into a waterfront meeting point. This, along with the new bike bridge, is an example of modern architecture aiming at creating a sustainable urban environment.

Psst!  In 2023, Copenhagen has become the world capital of architecture, and many activities will be happening around this area this year. Keep an eye out for the announcements! You might be there to witness some lovely events.

Walk across the Bryghusbroen bridge and continue for about 350m to reach the Black Diamond.

17. Det Kgl. Bibliotek

The National Library of Denmark, also called the Royal Library, is one of the largest libraries in the world. It is also the largest in the Nordic region. The main building, completed in 1999, is called the Black Diamond and is a stunning example of modern Danish architecture. The waterfront facade of the building shines like a diamond reflecting the waters. On a nice clear sunny day, you could see the shimmers coming out so strong that you could hardly look at the building.

I was lucky enough to see it on a clear sunny day (rare in winter), and it was spectacular.

Walk around 600m to visit the stock exchange building of Copenhagen.

Børsen is another architectural marvel, ordered to be constructed by King Christian IV in the 1620s. It is one of the oldest stock exchange buildings in the world. It also beautifully adorns the skyline of Copenhagen with its remarkable spiral tower, which almost looks like a unicorn horn to me. The tower is called  Dragespiret , which means the Dragon’s tower.

Walk for around 300m to reach the Christiansborg Palace. I am still in awe, wondering how surprisingly close everything is to each other. I have only experienced this in smaller towns where you can explore almost everything on foot.

19. Christiansborg Palace

Christiansborg Palace is Denmark’s center of power with a rich 800-year history. It houses the seat of the Danish parliament, the Supreme court, and the Prime Minister’s office. Many parts of the palace are used by the Danish Monarch, like the Royal Reception Rooms, Palace Chapel, and the Royal Stable, which can also be visited by the public.

You must purchase a ticket to enter the palace (free with a Copenhagen City Card). However, it is also worth looking at it from the outside. Multiple parts of the palace were reconstructed quite a number of times, as some parts were destroyed during two severe fires that happened in the past. The architectural style has changed over time, and you can now see a variety of styles over the ages of the Danish era.

We have almost come down to the last few places. So don’t give up yet! I know it is a really long walk. Go on for 300m to reach the Nikolaj church.

20. Kunsthallen Nikolaj

The church, constructed in the 13th century, was one of the oldest churches in Copenhagen. It has a magnificent tower that can be easily spotted from the skyline of Copenhagen. The fire of 1795 gruesomely destroyed most parts of the church. Later, after it was restored, it was officially discontinued as a church. The original building was completely destroyed, including its tower. Still, the new version retained most of the original tower’s designs and was also used as a naval museum. Currently, it is being used as a Contemporary Art Centre with various exhibits.

In around 270m, you will reach Copenhagen’s main shopping area.

21. Strøget

Be prepared to be amazed by a sea of shops in one of the longest pedestrian shopping streets in Europe (some claim it to be the longest and some not, but surely it is one of the longest). It is very common in Europe to have car-free shopping streets, and  Strøget  is around 1.1 km long, and you can find a store for almost every brand, many souvenir shops, and food stalls. Being in Denmark, you should, of course, go visit the Lego store, which also has a Lego display of Nyhavn, which is quite realistic.

If you visit in summer, you could find yourself hoarded by people as it gets very crowded on a good weather day, but it is worth taking a stroll around this area.

And you have almost made it. The next is the last stop of the walking tour. Walk for about 450m to reach the Round Tower.

22. Round Tower

Round Tower, from 1642, is one of the iconic buildings in Copenhagen. It has an observation deck at the top and, surprisingly, no stairs (Ok, Wait! There are a few at the top, but it is not much). The tower has a wide spiral path where you can reach the top by walking conveniently without losing your breath.

If you are into star gazing, you could also visit the tower on specific days when they offer star gazing nights during winter. Being the last stop and also one of the lovely places to get aerial views of Copenhagen, you could pay a visit to the observation deck for a price of 40 DKK, less than €10 . It is also free if you have a Copenhagen City Card.

Psst!   Try to visit during the golden hour and enjoy the sunset above in the observation deck.

Oh yeah! This is the last stop, but if you did not start at Kongens Nytorv, you could walk for about 800m to reach Kongens Nytorv. Also, walk past the street of  Landemærket,  which has several colorful houses (Photo spot may be).

Kongens Nytorv Metro  is also convenient for taking public transport to anywhere in Copenhagen.

Guided Tours in Copenhagen

If you prefer to go with a group on a guided tour to have a more authentic experience, check out the old-town walking tour of the city , which takes a little more than 3 hours and includes a cafe break to taste some Danish delights.

There are also a lot of free walking tours organized in the city, such as The Wonders of Copenhagen .

Did We Cover Everything in Copenhagen?

Oh no, absolutely not! Copenhagen is a huge city with many places to see and experiences to enjoy. However, we have covered most of the important locations and experiences in Copenhagen to take you around the best places that can be explored on foot.

Yay! if you had followed our itinerary, you would have walked at least 11 km until the last stop Round Tower. That’s awesome! You have crushed it. Let me know your favorite stop in the comments, or tag us on Instagram.

Now, that was a fantastic day. While in Copenhagen, why don’t you plan to ascend the Stairway to Heaven ? Or, If you are on a budget, you could explore  the best free things to do in Copenhagen .

If you have one more day left during your Copenhagen trip, consider visiting Malmö on a day trip . I have even compiled all the best photo spots in Malmö for you.

Hey, I am Kiki! A full-time software developer and hardcore travel enthusiast who is always up for a new adventure and the author of RooKiExplorers. I love to travel the world and enjoy talking about it, helping everyone around me plan their trips, and avoiding making the mistakes I made.

10 Perfect Malmö Photo Spots for Your Instagram (Including Map)

15 best free things to do in copenhagen (including map), 30 thoughts on “copenhagen’s best: the ultimate self-guided walking tour of the city”.

I’m yet to visit Copenhagen, however this is a very detailed and helpful self guided walking list that captures the beautiful and brightly coloured architecture.

Glad that you liked our post! Hope you get to visit Copenhagen soon and explore the beautiful city. 🙂

This is a great walking tour of Copenhagen to see the main sights. A great city for walking around. I agree about trying to tour on bike. I love your tips on how to get pics with less people in them!! Some new places here for a return visit for us.

Thanks for the compliments! We were also surprised that everything was so close to each other and easily explorable by foot. We also missed visiting a few places and would love to visit Copenhagen again. 🙂

I love a city where you can walk everywhere! I also love how detailed this post is and all the tips you shared – will definitely save this for my visit. Thanks for sharing!

Glad you found our guide useful! Hope you get to visit Copenhagen soon. 🙂

Great info and I love the photos! Would love to visit and I’ll be sure to use this guide when I do.

Happy that you liked our guide! Hope you get to visit Copenhagen soon and enjoy a walking tour. Do let us know what you liked! 🙂

Great post. I did both the walking tour and the self-guided tours. Copenhagen is such a great city for those who like to walk or cycle. After all, it’s a bike city!

Yes, indeed! Copenhagen is a great biking city with excellent infrastructure. 🙂

My husband and I usually do tour groups, but your guide to do self walking tour of Copenhagen is so detailed and well explained. It definitely seems doable on your own and I’ll be saving this if we ever visit in the future.

Copenhagen is easy to navigate around and you can definitely do the walking tour on your own. Do let us know how it went! 🙂

What a fun list of things to do in Copenhagen! The city has been on my wish list for some time now and I hope o can visit in the future. Especially the colourful houses look amazing!

Copenhagen has a lot of fun things to do indeed! Hope you get to visit it soon. 🙂

The little mermaid statue is what made me want to visit Copenhagen but it looks like there’s plenty to do there !

Yeah, Copenhagen offers a lot more than the Little Mermaid statue. Hope you get to visit it soon! 🙂

I love that you created a self-guided walking tour. This is my favorite way to explore a city and you made it super easy to follow along – thank you!

Happy that you liked our post and found it useful!

Yes, walking tours are one of the best ways to explore a city indeed. We love them too! 🙂

What a fantastic walking tour you’ve put together – and the photos are so beautiful!

Happy that you liked our post! Thanks for the compliment. 🙂

love all the churches on this list- beautiful! It makes me laugh when I see the Little Mermaid statue on everything related to Copahagen… it’s a tiny statue but attracts so many tourists!

Yeah, completely agree about the Little Mermaid. It is way too popular. 😀

Copenhagen has always been high on my travel bucket list, and now reading your walking guide has inspired me so much more! I love the different colors, architecture, and exploratory ease the city has to offer. Great blog!

Thanks for the compliment! Happy that you liked our post and hope you get to tick Copenhagen off your list. 🙂

This article was very helpful and inspiring. I liked the way you organized the tour into four sections and covered the main attractions and landmarks of the city, such as the Nyhavn, the Little Mermaid, the Tivoli Gardens and the Christiansborg Palace. I appreciate the map and the directions you have provided. Thank you for sharing your experience and expertise with us!

Glad that you liked our post and all the details that we mentioned! Thanks for your kind words! 🙂

Hi! Thank you so much for sharing this info. I have a little window of time on my layover in Copenhagen and I was on the fence about going out to explore. (would I get lost, would it be worth it, could I even see anything? etc) Your article has given me the confidence to go out and do it! It’s perfectly detailed and I feel equipped and ready to get my adventure on. 😀

Thank you for the compliments! We’re so glad that you liked our guide. 🙂

As for your question, it completely depends on how much time you have because Copenhagen’s airport is one of the busiest airports. It might take you a while to get through the security check. So, we would recommend having some buffer time.

However, you could still do some part of the walking route and be able to do some sightseeing. You could easily get to the center of the city by train in 15 minutes and start your walking trip right away. If you plan well and have considerable amount of time, it is very much doable. It is definitely worth it! 🙂

Hi could you tell me which spot I’d closest to Copenhot, the outdoor hot tubs? Does your plan go anywhere near them? Thanks so much. X

Hi! CopenHot is not near this walking route, but it is reachable by public transport (about 25 minutes) from Christiansborg Palace. Hope this helps!

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Copenhagen Food Tours

This guided walking tour in Copenhagen combines eight fabulous tastings of the best food in Copenhagen with intriguing stories and insights into Copenhagen's food culture and history. Find out why, in recent times, Nordic food has been one of the most hyped cuisine in the world - and did you know that it even has its own manifesto? Delicious nibbels Taste some of the specialties from the sweet company Sømods Bolcher, more than 120 years old, or maybe try the most delicious open faced sandwiches from Aamanns or exclusive liquorice from Bülow. Enjoy the feeling while drinking a fabulous beer from a renowned micro-brewery. Recipes and secrets The tour takes four hours and starts at Torvehallerne . The guide reveals secrets behind the preparation of the food you taste and introduces you to the colourful local people who have been perfecting these recipes for generations. All food tastings are included in the price.

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Hygge & Happiness Tour

If you want to understand Denmark, you need to understand hygge. Take a peek into Copenhagen’s local life and find your own happy place on the hygge and happiness tour.

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Total Day Tour: Highlights & Hygge

Join us for the full Copenhagen package on this fairytale and hygge-filled tour of ‘the greatest hits of Copenhagen’. It’s a great starting point for your complete Danish experience.

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Join us on this short, immersive, and fairytale dusted experience of 15+ greatest hits of Copenhagen. It’s a great introduction to the best sights in Copenhagen and Denmark.

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Hear the rocky story of this controversial neighborhood, Vesterbro, and the development of the surrounding area as you share a couple of brews with the locals.

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Yummy Copenhagen: A Food Tour of Past & Present

Embark on a sensory journey off the beaten path with our intimate food tour, where passionate locals reveal the city’s rich culinary tapestry. We can’t wait for you to join us for an unforgettable experience where every morsel tells a tale of tradition, innovation, and the Danish love of food.

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This tour screams Copenhagen! Experience the true essence of this colorful and progressive city with a trip to the trendy neighborhood of Nørrebro.

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From start to finish Paulina made the tour super interesting and light-hearted! We certainly experienced the Hygge! The added food and drink experiences brought it all together perfectly!

Spending the morning with Jacob felt like hanging out with an old friend. I’ve been on many group tours during my travel abroad and this was probably the best. Thank you, Jacob, for helping me fall even more in love with Copenhagen.

Kristian was a passionate and informative guide showing us not only the highlights of Copenhagen but hidden gems as well. He was easy going and made the tour very personable. I could not recommend the full day option enough 10/10!

We had a great time on this tour, Kristian was an awesome guide and had lots of great information about the history of the city and its landmarks. The snacks we sampled on the tour were good too!

Very insightful tour into life in Denmark and the meaning of “hygge”. Kim was detailed and humorous. We even experienced hygge at the end having coffee and pastries in a cafe.

Michael was an excellent host. His energy, enthusiasm and positivity was infectious. We loved hearing about what hygge is and experiencing the Copenhagen hygge first hand. Would definitely recommend this tour!

Such a great way to take a leisurely stroll around Copenhagen and experience the city come alive in the morning. We started in a quiet part of town and ended up near all of the sites and areas of the city as people strolled about. I was the only person who booked a tour that day and am so glad they did not cancel due to low demand like other tour companies. Amanda was an incredible tour guide and offered great tips from a local for things to do afterwards.

We had a great tour with Karen, she gave us lots of history on the area and we got to sample a range of local beers while immersed in good conversation. Definitely recommend if you want to spend an afternoon learning from a local!

Mikkel and Karen were so much fun to chat with and learn from. It really felt like we were hanging out with friends and not on a tour. The beer was delicious and local. The story telling was historical with modern day stories mixed in. All in all, a wonderful experience!

Jacob and Peter were my guides. They were awesome! Both had great bits of information/suggestions throughout the entire walk. Very helpful for a first time visitor. Be sure to bring really good shoes, you’ll be walking throughout cobblestone areas. I recommend doing this first when you arrive in Copenhagen! It helps you get a feel for the city and where everything is.

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Welcome to Copenhagen! I’m Mie and I’m running Copenhagen By Mie & Friends with my husband, Lars, and a few friends. We quickly found out we had a knack for making friends and family fall in love with Copenhagen over the experiences we created for them. Ever since then we have been doing show and tell on our authentic, original and fun Danish adventures and we guess we’ve done well, since our lovely guests have raved about us in over than 1500 great reviews. Join us on one of our many adventures, and find out what all the buzz is about.

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Free Copenhagen Walking Tours

This post lists the best Copenhagen free walking tours you can take when visiting the capital of Denmark.

We show you free walks of the city center, Christianshavn, notable locations related to the Renaissance, as well as pub crawls.

There are a few different free walking tours available in Copenhagen that cover a variety of subjects and historic locations in the city.

City center tours are the most common, and you can expect these services to include both historic and notable locations in Copenhagen.

The tours listed below are run through us. More tours are available in the following sections.

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Here is a calendar with more of the best free walking tours in Copenhagen.

We even offer our own free, self-guided tour of the city center.

Some companies may also provide tips about the best restaurants, shops, and other attractions you may want to visit in the area.

If you’re more interested in seeing another side of the city, there are also tours covering Christianshavn , a historically Bohemian neighborhood that is considered by many to be the “alternative” district of Copenhagen.

There are also tours that cover the most historic aspects of the city, with a specific focus on Renaissance architecture and landmarks.

Free walking tours are technically pay-what-you-like tours. Instead of paying an upfront cost, you can pay the guide what you thought the tour was worth at the end.

This means these tours are very popular and affordable and attract large crowds.  

So, for travelers who want to ensure an experience with smaller groups of people, we recommend paid small-group tours .

• Overview + Schedule
• City Center
• Christianshavn
• Renaissance Sites
• 3-Day Itinerary

Alternatively, you may also want to consider a self-guided exploration game all about fairy tales and legends if you're looking for an outing your children might enjoy.

TIP: Take the popular hop-on-hop-off bus tour through Copenhagen for an easy mode of transportation that can help you cover more ground than you would while walking.

COPENHAGEN CITY CENTER TOURS

There are a lot of interesting things to see and experience in Copenhagen, including a variety of historic and cultural landmarks.

Each of the city center tours listed below is often referred to as a classical tour, as they cover the historic core of the city.  

In addition to sightseeing, you can also expect to learn a lot about the golden age of arts in this city, with an emphasis on architecture, famous authors, and more.

• Nyhavn Harbour

Attractions on these Copenhagen city center free walking tours:

• Rådhuspladsen

Christiansborg Palace

• Amalienborg Square
• Marble Church
• Copenhagen Cathedral
• The Round Tower
• Little Mermaid

If you’re interested in learning more about these locations, consider taking one of the following pay-what-you-wish walking tours or our self-guided version below.

Dinturia Tours

This company offers a daily, highly-rated walking tour of the city center called The Wonders of Copenhagen.

This tour is available daily at 10 a.m.

Copenhagen Guided Tours

Here you'll find a twice daily tour of the city center called Grand Copenhagen.

Discover the enchanting story of Copenhagen, a jewel at the Baltic's edge, transforming from a quaint fishing village into Denmark's vibrant capital. This city, shaped by battles against fire, plague, and invasion, stands today as a beacon of culture and creativity. Copenhagen is celebrated worldwide as a cradle of design, a playground for culinary aficionados, and a realm woven from fairy tales.

Embark on our Grand Tour to unravel the magic behind Copenhagen's rise to glory. Delve into tales of its visionary founder, uncover where to indulge in the finest Danish smørrebrød, and discover why the Danes are known as the happiest people on Earth!

This tour is available daily at 10:30 a.m. and 3:00pm.

They also offer the Christianshavn tour below!

Reservations are required. Book your tour or learn more .

Politically Incorrect Tours

This company takes a different approach to tours, providing a more humorous look at the history of Copenhagen as you discover some of the most notable sites in the city.

As the name implies, they won't pull any punches on this outing.

This tour is available daily at 11 a.m.

A reservation is required. Book your tour or learn more .

CHRISTIANSHAVN FREE WALKING TOURS

This bohemian neighborhood is somewhat off the beaten path, allowing you to get a look at a side of the city that few tourists ever experience.

While you’re traveling around the alternative district of Copenhagen, you’ll learn about its origins dating back to the 17th century as well as the history of the area.

• Freetown Christiania

Attractions on this Christianshavn free walking tour:

• Hojbro Plads
• Absalon Statue
• Christianshavn Canal
• Church of Our Saviour

If these locations sound interesting, you can learn more about all of them by taking the following pay-what-you-wish walking tour.

Christianshavn Free Walking Tour

This tour will give you the opportunity to discover one of the more interesting neighborhoods in all of Copenhagen.

Running daily at 15:00 (3 pm), this tour lasts for approximately 1 ½ hours.

One of the more interesting stops on this tour is in Freetown Christiania, a community that is seen as a state within another state.

There are only about 1,000 citizens living in Freetown, but they consider themselves outside of both Danish and EU law.

In addition to their Christianshavn service, this company also offers free walking tours of the city center and notable Renaissance landmarks.

Reservations are required. Book this tour or learn more .

COPENHAGEN RENAISSANCE FREE WALKING TOURS

Although the city center tours are a great way to learn about a variety of historical sites in Copenhagen, this tour is specifically focused on notable Renaissance landmarks and attractions.

Whether you’re interested in this time period or you just want to see some of the best architecture in the city, this free walking tour is definitely worth consideration.

• Church of Our Lady

Attractions on the Renaissance tours:

Rosenborg castle.

• King’s Garden
• Torvehallerne market

If you’re interested in seeing locations such as these, consider the free walking tour listed below.

Renaissance Copenhagen Free Tour

Discover some of the most notable Renaissance landmarks in the city on this 1 ½ hour Copenhagen tour which is offered every Thursday and Sunday at 12 pm.

This tour actually ends at a marketplace with several food stalls, which is the perfect place to get some delicious Danish pastries if you’re hungry at the end of the outing.

Don’t forget that this company also offers a free Copenhagen city center tour and a free Christianshavn tour.

Reservations are required. Book the tour or find out more .

COPENHAGEN PUB CRAWLS

There aren’t currently any free pub crawls offered in Copenhagen, but that could change in the future.

That said, there are some paid services you might want to consider.

Although you’ll have to pay for a ticket to enjoy a pub crawl, it’s worth noting that most of these outings include at least a few free drinks and access to drink specials.

Prices typically range in price from 130 - 150 DKK, and you can find some of the best options on this list of Copenhagen pub crawls .

COPENHAGEN SELF-GUIDED TOUR

This self-guided tour of Copenhagen will cover some of the most notable landmarks in the city center, providing details about important locations such as Rosenborg Castle, Christiansborg Palace, Charlottenborg Palace, Amalienborg Palace, and more.

You may also want to consider an audio tour or a pay-what-you-want option, as both of these services are also either free or affordable.

Click the map to enlarge it or to download it to a smartphone.

This is the headquarters of the municipality and Lord mayor of Copenhagen, and the current building was first inaugurated in 1905.

The architectural style on display ii National Romantic, but it was also partially inspired by the Siena City Hall.

One of its most notable features is a gilded statue of Absalon above the balcony and clock tower.

Speaking of which, the clock on display here is Jens Olsen’s World Clock, an astronomical clock that tracks both lunar and solar eclipses, the positions of stellar bodies, and a perpetual calendar in addition to telling the time.

In addition to serving as the home of the municipal council, City Hall Square is also a popular location for concerts and celebrations every year.

There are a few interesting things to see in this square, including the Dragon Fountain, a statue of Hans Christian Anderson, and the Lur Blowers bronze monument which towers to the left of City Hall.

Tivoli Gardens

This is the second oldest amusement park in the world that is still operating to this day, and it first opened in 1843.

In addition to being such a historic location, it’s also the second most popular seasonal theme park in the world.

The original founder of Tivoli was Georg Carstensen, and he received a charter to create the amusement park by convincing King Christian VIII that “when people are amusing themselves, they do not think about politics.”

The earliest attractions here included a theatre, flower gardens, bandstands, a scenic railway, and simplistic amusement rides like a merry-go-round.

Tivoli originally hired Hans Christian Lumbye to compose music for their park, and his music was inspired by the works of the Strauss family, which garnered him the title “Strauss of the North.”

They still play his music to this day.

Over the years, Tivoli has brought in several new amusement park rides including the Rutschebanen, one of the oldest wooden roller coasters in the world.

This is the seat of the Danish Parliament. The building also serves as the Danish Prime Minister's Office and the Supreme Court of Denmark.

Since it serves so many purposes, this is technically home to the three supreme powers of the Danish political system: the executive branch, the legislative branch, and the judicial branch.

This is the only building in the world to house all three branches of government.

The building before you today is actually the third of its name, with two others being constructed on this exact site since 1167.

As a result of the different palaces constructed here, there are three eras of Danish architecture on display including Baroque, Neoclassicism, and Neo-baroque.

The equestrian statue in front of Christiansborg Palace depicts Christian IX. It was designed by Anne Marie Carl-Nielsen, wife of composer Carl Nielsen.

If you’re interested in seeing the interior, there are tickets available for the various buildings comprising the palace.

Even if you don’t feel like spending any extra money, you can visit the Christiansborg Castle Church for free on your way toward our next stop.

It’s also worth noting that access to the viewing platform in the Tower is entirely free to access, and this is the tallest tower in the city, offering some of the best views of Copenhagen.

This is actually one of the newer castles in Copenhagen, built in 1606 as a country summerhouse.

It’s also one of the finest examples of the Dutch Renaissance style of architecture.

Rosenborg Castle was originally used as a royal residence until the early 1700s.

While it has been used for that purpose two other times since then, the last time was in 1801.

This castle now houses a museum that exhibits the Royal Collections, which are artifacts from throughout the history of royal Danish culture from the 16th - 19th century.

This is also where you’ll find the Crown Jewels and Danish Crown Regalia, the coronation chair, the coronation carpet, the throne, and many other notable items.

While it’s not free to enter Rosenborg Castle, it is free to enjoy arguably the best view of this historic building from the King’s Garden.

You can also spend some time walking around and enjoying the fountain, playground, and other areas.

King’s New Square

This public square is centrally located near many notable locations in Copenhagen, including our next three stops: the Royal Danish Theatre, the Charlottenborg Palace, and Nyhavn.

This is the largest public square in the city, and it was laid out by Christian V in 1670.

You'll find an equestrian statue in his honor at the center of King's New Square.

The foot of the plinth has four statues depicting Alexander the Great, Minerva, Herkules, and Artemisia.

These statues symbolize fortitude, prudence, strength, and honor.

At the time when this square was built, it was intended as part of a plan to expand the city, and the result was that the city center moved from the medieval area of Gammeltorv to this new location.

The old kiosk in this square was built in the Baroque Revival architectural style in 1913 and served as a telephone stand for some time before being transformed into a small cafe.

Royal Danish Theatre

Although this theatre was originally built in 1874, the theatrical company itself was founded in 1748, and it first served as the theatre of the king.

Today, this theater is open to the public and hosts a variety of performance art including opera, ballet, and orchestra.

This is the home of the Royal Danish Ballet and the Royal Danish Orchestra, the latter of which has existed in one form or another since 1448.

The Royal Danish Theatre can seat up to 1,600 people at a time, and ticket prices range from somewhat affordable to quite expensive.

Charlottenborg Palace

Built in 1677 in the Baroque architectural style, this was originally the home of Ulrik Frederik Glydenlove, an important general who led during the Scanian War.

Ulrik was the half-brother of Christian V, who donated the land to him. This was the first building on New King's Square.

Eventually, when Ulrik became too old to take care of the house by himself, he sold it to Queen Charlotte Amalie in 1700, and that's where the palace earned its current name.

When Charlotte Amalie passed away in 1714, ownership of the palace was handed down to Christian VI, who would have a small theatre added to the residence.

Even before that, the Academy of Arts began using this palace for its activities in 1701, and the school would eventually be formally inaugurated in 1754.

Later on, in 1787, ownership of the palace was officially handed down to the Royal Danish Academy of Art, which still occupies the Charlottenborg Palace to this day.

This district of Copenhagen is one of the most photographed locations in the world, as it is lined with bright and colorful 17th-18th century townhomes that make for an excellent photo opportunity.

Author Hans Christian Anderson lived here in Nyhavn for 18 years of his life.

Fans of his work should definitely take a moment to look around and take in the view that likely inspired the great writer for many years.

Due to its accessibility by boat, this area was also frequented by fishermen and ships carrying various cargo, making it a fairly important economic location.

Over the years, Nyhavn developed a reputation thanks to its many bars serving beer and drinks to sailors and prostitutes.

That said, as ocean-going ships got larger, fewer came to port in Nyhavn, and thus there weren't as many sailors, and the reputation of the area slowly faded.

Today, this area is mostly a popular tourist destination for anyone who wants to snap a picture of themselves with the perfect background imagery.

Amalienborg Palace

This is the home of the Danish royal family.

Although it was originally built in 1750 for four noble families, it would eventually be purchased by the royal family, who have resided here for over 200 years.

The design of Amalienborg follows the Rococo architectural style.

There is an equestrian statue of the founder of the palace buildings, King Frederick V, at the center of the square.

The four palaces that make up Amalienborg are named after some of its former residents: Christian VII's Palace, Christian VIII's Palace, Frederick VIII's Palace, and Christian IX's Palace.

Amalienborg is guarded 24/7 by the Royal Life Guards who march every day at 11:30 am from Rosenborg Castle to Amalienborg to perform the changing of the guard.

This is also the site of Amaliehaven, a two-level garden with several beautiful sculptures and a central fountain.

And much, much more

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Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

A self-guided tour of Copenhagen

Last updated: July 1, 2022 . Written by Laurence Norah - 6 Comments

There are definitely more comfortable places to sit than on Hans Christian Andersen’s left knee. On top of that, instead of telling me a story out of the book that is resting on his right knee, he is staring over to the Tivoli, the famous theme park, completely ignoring me.

Well, I can’t say that’s good manners but I do understand why he is like that. Who even knows how many people sit on his lap on a daily basis to have their picture taken. Apart from that, it’s a really nice sunny day in Copenhagen, with the first flowers announcing that spring might finally have arrived after this long cold winter. So maybe Hans is just day-dreaming.

I, on the other hand, ain’t got time for that! I arrived here in Denmark’s capital yesterday and I have only today to see the city. Luckily it’s very walkable. Hey, why don’t you guys tag along? Yes? Cool! But I’m warning you: I’m a fast walker… Alright, let’s go!

Okay, so we’ve seen the statue of Hans Christian Andersen , the Danish author who is mainly famous for his fairy tales, like “The little mermaid”, “Thumbelina” or “The emperor’s new clothes”, for instance. The building next to him? That’s the City Hall . It has even got a bell tower you can climb. I like the little dragons in front of it best, though – and the Dragon Fountain on the Town Hall Square!

Dragons are a good way of starting a city tour, don’t you think? So now we’ll walk along H.C. Andersen Boulevard, with the Tivoli on our right, until we get to the Glyptotek , which is also on the right. Now, this is a bit of a pickle. I have heard really great things about this gallery. Not only because it houses a broad art collection and many works of famous European masters, but also because the building itself is quite special. There is for example a huge winter garden with palm trees in the centre of it. But I don’t think I have enough time to visit it today.

So let’s move onwards – we head towards the city centre now. Past the National Gallery to Christiansborg Palace . No, the Royal family doesn’t live here; this is the seat of the House of Parliament and the Supreme Court. Okay, so the king USED to live here, but the palace burnt down in 1794 and they had to move – but the Royal stables are still here!

Am I going too fast? If you want to, you can stay and go inside – the grounds have quite a history! No? Right, then let’s walk over Christiansbridge to Christianshavn . Look at the canals and the houses – reminds me a bit of Amsterdam. And do you see that twirly church tower over there? It belongs to the “Church of Our Saviour” , our next destination. You’re not scared of heights, are you? Because we are totally going up that tower!

Wow, good view! Oh look ,over there, that’s Christiana . I’m sure you’ve heard of it. In the 1970s a bunch of university students, hippies and artists occupied this former army base and finally declared it autonomous. They have their own supervision and don’t allow cars in their freetown, as they call it. It’s a big tourist attraction.

It’s another place I really want to see, but would like to take my time – and time is scarce today, so I’ll save it for my next trip. Now we’ll go back over Christiansbridge and take a right turn, walking along the waterfront. Aren’t we lucky with the weather? What a great day! Let’s go to “Nyhavn” , which means “New harbour”. It’s rather old, in fact, but very nicely done up. Can you imagine that this used to be a pretty disreputable area?

Indeed, it’s the place where all the sailors came once their ship had docked in Copenhagen, looking for wine, women and song. What exactly Hans Christian Andersen was looking for, we shall never know, but he liked this place well enough to live here. Nowadays the house front is beautifully restored and shines its colours at the spectators.

By the way, I’m getting a bit nibbly, what about you guys? The restaurants here at Nyhavn have a good reputation, but also a steep price… Wait a sec, do you see that place on the corner over there? They have a lunch special and you can even sit outside. Perfect.

Mmh, that was yum. Could you hand me the map, please? Let’s see… Here, if we walk up this street, “Bregaden”, we’ll automatically get to the Marble Church . Impressive cupola, right? And despite the name, it’s not all marble – there were some financial issues. Turned out that the Norwegian marble they started building it with was quite expensive, so a good part of it is Danish sandstone.

Let’s head over to the waterfront again, because Amalienborg Castle is right on the way. Look at the Royal guards, walking up and down. Oh no, I completely forgot: at 12 ‘o’ clock you can see the change of guards… Well, I guess we missed that. You could come back tomorrow to see it, if you want to. As long as the queen is in residence, they’ll do the change of guards at noon. Just check if the flags on the buildings are up – this indicates the queen’s presence.

Yeah, I know: it doesn’t really look like a Royal Castle, does it. It wasn’t meant to be one, either. The King ordered four nobles to built four identical palaces around the equestrian statue in the middle of the square. When the former Royal Palace burnt down – that was Christiansborg Palace, oh yes, I did very much tell you that! Where the parliament is! Really…- the King moved in here, and since then, it has been the Royal residence.

Right, on we go. We’ll walk along the waterfront again.

Can you guess what’s next? Exactly: the little mermaid! I’m quite excited. Let’s go through Churchill park – see this massive monument here?  That’s the Gefion fountain , which shows the Norse goddess Gefjun ploughing the earth with two oxen. Next to it is Denmark’s only Anglican church, St. Alban. Sure looks British, doesn’t it!

There are a number of sculptures in this park, but where now is Copenhagen’s landmark? Must be over there, where the cluster of people is standing… There she is, we have found her: the little mermaid ! Now that’s funny: so many people have said that they were disappointed by her size because they expected her to be bigger that I actually find her much bigger than I thought she would be.

Alright, where to now? Oh, the park over there? That’s actually not a park, but Kastellet , a military defence, built in the 17th century. It’s a star fortress – looks like a pentagram from above. Come on, let’s check it out! Going through the gate, it doesn’t feel too military, does it? It looks more like a neat little village although it’s actually the seat of the Danish Defence ministry. But the whole thing is also a public park and a historic site, so we can walk around, no problem. Look, there’s even a little wind-mill!

From here it wouldn’t be too far to the Lakes , a popular recreational area in Copenhagen. They have swans there, too – you know that the swan is Denmark’s national animal, don’t you? If you walk even further, you’ll get to the Assistens Cemetery , where a bunch of famous people are buried, Hans Christian Andersen being one of them. And don’t be surprised: cemeteries in Copenhagen serve as public parks, too. I guess you don’t throw a crazy party in one of them, but I did hear about barbecues…

Uhm, looking at my watch I think we should probably head back, though. We can walk past the Rosenborg Castle – it’s where the crown jewels live and many more Royal things you can look at. On the other side of it are the Botanical gardens. More parks than you can shake a stick at, definitely. Although the park surrounding the Rosenborg Castle is actually called King’s Garden.

Let’s check the map: so, if we walk down this street called “Landemaerket”, we should come to the Round Tower . This is the oldest functioning observatory in Europe! And that’s not all: you can walk all the way up to an outdoor platform, but not via stairs. They built a spiral walk inside that would allow a horse with a carriage to deliver books and other goods to the top – quite extraordinary, right?

We’re pretty much done, folks. Not that Copenhagen doesn’t have more to offer, but I think we covered a good bit of the most important sights. If we follow this road, we’ll pass St. Peter’s Church, and if we turn left there, we can have a look at the Copenhagen Cathedral. Can’t go wrong with churches when sight-seeing.

Hey, should we go back to the City Hall via the Stroget ? That’s a shopping district, pedestrianized and everything. They’ve got quite some unique stuff here, from budget to luxury. How would you like a bit of window-shopping? What, you would rather have a beer? Well sure, why not. You should have told me, than we could have gone to the Carlsberg Brewery – they do tours, beer included!

Man, I gotta say, you did really well, keeping up with me like that – it was a good day, wasn’t it? Tell you what: the first round is on me. How do you say “Cheers” in Danish again? Pardon? Right! So: to us and the many sights of Copenhagen – Skal!

During our time in Copenhagen we stayed at the Absalon Hotel ( full review here ) thanks to our accommodation partners on our trip: HostelBookers.com. Thanks guys!

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26th March 2024 at 10:48 pm

Hi, how many kilometers long is that walking tour of yours? Can it be done in one day? Cheers

Laurence Norah says

28th March 2024 at 5:39 pm

That’s a great questions! If you do everything and follow the route, it’s around 10km walking, or around 6.2 miles.

Enjoy Copenhagen!

28th March 2024 at 6:16 pm

Thanks for taking the time to answer. Will do that tour tomorrow then! Cheers

29th March 2024 at 9:23 am

Danine Gruber says

3rd May 2019 at 5:24 pm

I was curious how you got from airport to HansChristian statue… Metro, train or bus. We are coming from airport and have an early afternoon to latter evening layover. You’re foot tour sounds just like what would be perfect.

3rd May 2019 at 5:28 pm

We actually just walked as it was close to our hotel, and we walked nearly everywhere else too 🙂 Copenhagen is not so big and many of the central sights are easy to reach on foot 🙂

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Let's begin our culinary adventure next to the bustling Torvehallerne market, where we'll indulge in the flavors of organic Danish cuisine. Our journey takes us through Copenhagen's renowned food hubs: Torvehallerne market and Strøget, the iconic shopping district. Amidst high-end shops, quaint cafes, and historic landmarks, we'll delve into Viking history, Lego lore, and the legacy of famed writer Andersen.

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Copenhagen Bike Tour – Self-Guided or With a Guided Tour? Tips & Reviews!

Posted on Last updated: July 25, 2022

Thinking of doing a cycling tour in Copenhagen, but not sure where to start? You’ve come to the right place!

Biking in Copenhagen couldn’t be easier. This is a super bike-friendly city, with miles upon miles of cycle lanes, meaning that a large selection of attractions in Copenhagen are well connected by pedal power.

If you’re looking for the best way to see the city, then you should definitely embark on a bike tour in Copenhagen.

In this article I have outlined everything you need to know about doing a Copenhagen bike tour, both a self-guided independent one or by joining a guided bike tour.

I have outlined the exact cycling route I followed on my last Copenhagen trip, complete with map and details of each stop, as well as overviews for the best guided cycling tours in Copenhagen.

That way you can choose whether to go cycling in Copenhagen independently, or to join a guided tour. Whatever option you choose, doing a bike tour in Copenhagen will be great fun!

So what are you waiting for, let’s dive in and discover the best cycling tours in Copenhagen!

• 1 Why do a bike tour in Copenhagen
• 2 Copenhagen rent a bike
• 3 Map of my Copenhagen self-guided bike tour
• 4 Copenhagen self-guided bike tour details
• 5 Best Copenhagen bike tours – overviews & reviews
• 6 Should you join a bike tour or do it independently?
• 7 Where to stay in Copenhagen for your bike tour
• 8 What to pack for cycling in Copenhagen

Cycling in Copenhagen, Denmark

The iconic coloured houses of Nyhavn, Copenhagen

Why do a bike tour in Copenhagen

Copenhagen is an extremely bike-friendly city. According to VisitCopenhagen.com , 44% of all trips to work or school in the Danish capital are made by bicycle.

With all the other cycling they do, it adds up to a collective 1.44 million kilometres cycled daily by Copenhagen’s citizens.

It goes without saying that in Copenhagen there you will find tons of cycling lanes: 23 kilometres of cycle lanes on the road, 43 kilometres of off-road cycle lanes through green spaces, and 350 kilometres of curb-segregated cycle paths.

As such, exploring it by bicycle is one of the best ways to do so. Whether you choose to join an organised bike tour, or do your own self-guided tour, you’re sure to have an amazing time.

My mum cycling through the park next to Rosenborg Castle in Copenhagen

Copenhagen rent a bike

If you’re joining an organised bike tour in Copenhagen , they will provide a bike for you to use. If you choose to do your own self-guided tour, you will have to rent a bike.

There are plenty of bike rentals in Copenhagen, it’s a very bike friendly city after all! You can find one option for bike rental  here . 

Click here to rent your bike and explore Copenhagen independently!

Boats going for a canal cruise in Nyhavn, Copenhagen

Map of my Copenhagen self-guided bike tour

For those who want to do their own independent bike tour of Copenhagen, in this article I have outlined the exact route and stops that I followed on my last Copenhagen trip.

I have embedded a map below, so that you can see exactly where to go and how long it will take. I have designed an efficient bike route, so that you don’t find yourself cycling back and forth around the city.

This Copenhagen self-guided bike itinerary covers all the main attractions in the city, meaning you won’t miss a thing! As you can see from the embedded map below, the route only takes 40 minute or so to cycle.

That gives you plenty of time throughout the day to take your time with each stop, visiting the beauties of Copenhagen and taking coffee and food breaks along the way.

Copenhagen self-guided bike tour details

I always love a good map, but where exactly will you be going? I included a bit more information on each stop, and why you should be adding them to your Copenhagen itinerary .

Start in Tivoli – With its historic wooden roller coaster among many other attractions, this amusement park is world famous. It even inspired Walt Disney to create his own amusement park; Disneyworld.

Christiansborg Palace – Just a short cycle up the road is this Christiansborg Palace, which is the seat of the Danish parliament. It’s one of the most beautiful buildings in the entire city.

The entrance to Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, Denmark

The outside of Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen, Denmark

Borsen – Then it’s on to Borsen on your bike tour of Copenhagen. This 17th-century former stock exchange at the center of the city is also an important seat of government in the city.

Old Town (Indre By) – This colourful area is the most historic part of the city. Here’s where you’ll find many of Copenhagen’s sights, along with streets lined with charming old buildings.

There will be lots of pedestrians around, so make sure to be careful with your bike.

Børsen, the old stock exchange in Copenhagen

Exploring Indre By in Copenhagen

Nyhavn – An iconic part of Copenhagen. The 17th-century waterfront is renowned for its colourful townhouses that today play host to bars, cafes and restaurants.

Cycling along the canal, taking in the beautiful coloured houses and canal boats, is a unique experience that should feature on everyone’s Europe bucket list .

Here you’ll find also plenty of bars and restaurants with outdoors seating. You can take a break from the cycling, take a seat and enjoy some local Danish delicacies while enjoying the view.

The iconic coloured houses and canal boats of Nyhavn, Copenhagen

Rosenborg Castle – Home to the Crown Jewels of the Danish Royal Family, Rosenborg Castle was built in the 17th century by King Christian IV.

It’s also surrounded by a beautiful park, so you can easily spend some time cycling around it either before or after visiting the castle.

My mum wandering through the rose gardens of Rosenborg Castle in Copenhagen

Frederik’s Church – Known as the Marble Church, this impressive Baroque structure boasts the largest church dome in Northern Europe (you can get amazing views from up there, too!).

Amalienborg – The home of the Danish Royal Family, but it’s (partly) open to the public. You can visit and learn more about the history of the Danish Royal Family here.

Amalienborg Palace in Copenhagen, Denmark

Frederik’s Church in Copenhagen, Denmark

Gefion Fountain – This landmark fountain, situated in Langelinie Park, is a really nice place to stop off for a spot of people watching.

Kastellet – Translating to “the Citadel”, this 17th-century fortress is a well-preserved star-shaped structure that still plays home to the Danish military to this day. Otherwise, it’s a tranquil place to hang out.

Little Mermaid – Nearby is arguably the most iconic sight in the whole city. You’ll find the statue of the Little Mermaid in human form, sitting on a rock gazing out to sea.  

The Little Mermaid in Copenhagen, Denmark

Freetown Christiania – Next on your self-guided bike tour of Copenhagen, you can simply loop back to the boho district of Freetown Christiania and explore at your leisure.

The Freetown of Christiania is a unique neighbourhood, with an interesting history and lots of areas to explore. It’s a good place to end your bike tour, and spend some time relaxing.

Exploring the Freetown of Christiania

Best Copenhagen bike tours – overviews & reviews

But if you don’t want to cycle by yourself, or you want more information about the city as you go, never fear: there are plenty of tours you can join. Here are a few of the best.

3-hour City Highlights Bike Tour

Take to the city streets on two wheels on this 3-hour guided bike tour. Your professional guide will meet you at 10 a.m. at Rosenborg Castle, before heading on to a long list of top sights in Copenhagen.

These include the Little Mermaid statue, Nyhavn, Our Saviour’s Church, and Christiansborg Palace.

Click here to book your 3-hour Copenhagen City Highlights Bike Tour!

Entering Nyhavn in Copenhagen, Denmark

Gefion Fountain in Copenhagen, Denmark

3-Hour Guided Bike Tour in the Historical City

This well reviewed Copenhagen bike tour is a good option for you if you want to join only a small group tour. Book yourself a place, and you’ll be whizzing around the streets before you know it.

Your knowledgeable guide will take you around the city’s beautiful canals, taking in historical sites along the way, telling the tale of the history as you go.

Check out prices and availability for a 3-hour guided bike tour in Copenhagen historical city!

Discovering Frederik’s Church in Copenhagen, Denmark

Cycling past the canals of Copenhagen

Copenhagen 1.5-hour City Highlights Bike Tour

If a 3-hour tour seems like too much, or if you just don’t have the time, then this one-and-a-half hour bike tour of Copenhagen is a good option. It provides a great introduction to the city for first time visitors.

The tour is fun, and the guide is friendly, and you’ll be treated to a fantastic array of knowledge at the many sights you stop off at during the course of the tour.

Some of the sights on this tour include Rosenborg Castle, St Alban’s Church, and the very delicious Torvehallerne food market (make sure you arrive hungry!).

Click here to see prices and availability for your Copenhagen 1.5 hour city highlights bike tour!

The spire of Church of Our Saviour in Copenhagen

3-Hour Culinary Bike Tour

Speaking of hunger, if you’re looking for a Copenhagen cycling tour with a difference, then how about this one: a truly scrumptious combination of bicycles and food.

On this tour, you’ll be able to tuck into a mouthwatering array of delicious foods from Copenhagen’s most interesting neighbourhoods.

The tour includes the chance to sample dishes from six different venues, plus you’ll get to learn all about Danish gastronomy and Copenhagen’s food history as you go.

You’ll get to try Danish fish-meatballs, open sandwiches, and a particularly tasty dessert called Flodebolle; Danish pastries and locally brewed beer also feature on this culinary journey.

Check out prices and availability for your 3-hour culinary bike tour in Copenhagen!

Trying Smørrebrød, a traditional Scandinavian open-faced sandwich

Private City E-Bike History & Nature Tour

Just you and a guide will be heading off on this e-bike tour of Copenhagen – a great option for those who don’t want to pedal so much.

The city is full of history, so having a one-on-one, personal tour allows you to learn more and get a deeper insight into the local stories and culture of the city.

Not only that, but on this tour you’ll get to head out into some more natural green surroundings of Copenhagen, including Bispebjerg and Utterslev Mose.

The e-bike allows you to go further than a regular pedal bike, without as much physical effort.

Click here to book your private city e-bike tour in Copenhagen!

Entering the Freetown of Christiania in Copenhagen, Denmark

Should you join a bike tour or do it independently?

It ultimately depends on your travel style and preference, there isn’t a right or wrong way to do it. Since you’re going around a city with plenty of cycling lanes, you can easily do it alone.

It’s not like going mountain biking on a dangerous route where you could get lost and need a guide. That said, having a local guide is always an added plus.

If you join a tour you will have a local guide taking you to all the best spots in Copenhagen, both the famous and hidden ones, and telling you about their history as you go.

It will obviously be less independent, but you will learn more about Copenhagen, plus if you’re a solo travellers it’s a great way to meet other people.

Regardless of whether you choose to do it alone or join a tour, in this article I have listed everything you need to know for both. From the self-guided route to follow, to the best tours you can join, you have all the info!

Walking around the streets of Copenhagen, Denmark

Exploring the city centre of Copenhagen

Where to stay in Copenhagen for your bike tour

Since you’ll have a bike and will be moving easily around the city, it doesn’t really matter where you stay in Copenhagen . That said, I always recommend staying central, so you’re close to all the attractions.

I have listed below some cool accommodation options for every budget.

Budget – Kanalhuset :  This place offers good value for money in a waterside location. Rooms at this fashionable hotel are spacious, though simple, and boast large beds and period features. 

Click here to book your stay at Kanahuset!

Mid-range – 25hours Hotel Indre By :  This hotel is situated super close to a number of top sights. Plus, the rooms here are decorated with a mix of eclectic decor, with a cool, quirky vibe throughout the property. 

Check out prices and availability at 25hours Hotel Indre By!

Luxury – Hotel Sanders :  If you want to treat yourself, this elegant hotel is the place to do so. Boasting a rooftop garden, rooms here are decked out with designer furnishings and chic design features.

Don’t miss out, book your stay at Hotel Sanders here!

Exploring the famous Nyhavn in Copenhagen, Denmark

What to pack for cycling in Copenhagen

Besides the usual travel essentials , there aren’t many specific items you need for a cycling tour in Copenhagen. After all, it’s a big city, and you can easily buy anything that you forget at home.

That said, here are some things I highly recommend packing.

Camera – Copenhagen is a beautiful city, make sure you have a way to capture its beauty!

Comfortable shoes – Especially if you’re cycling, you’ll need a pair of comfortable shoes to get around the city.

Refillable water bottle – Tap water is good to drink in Copenhagen, so bring your own bottle to save money and plastic!

Umbrella – The weather in Copenhagen can be quite variable, so don’t forget to bring an umbrella with you!

Rain jacket – The same goes for a light rain coat. Better safe than sorry!

Final thoughts on the best bicycle tour Copenhagen

There you have it, the ultimate Copenhagen bike tour guide! Have you been to Copenhagen before? How did you find it? Let me know in the comments below!

Whether you choose to do it independently, or whether you choose to join a guided bike tour, in this article I have outlined everything you need to know about a cycling tour in Copenhagen.

If you choose to do it independently, I have included a map and stops explanation for the exact cycling route I followed on my last trip to Copenhagen. 

If cycling alone isn’t your thing, I have included the best and most highly rated Copenhagen bike tours that you can find online.

Whether you choose to of a self-guided bike tour or you choose to join a tour, I hope you found this Copenhagen bike tour guide useful! If you have any questions, just let me know in the comments below!

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Highlights and Secrets of Copenhagen Private Walking Tour

• Private Tour with a local guide
• A Danish pastry + a coffee
• Entry/Admission - Copenhagen
• Entry/Admission - Rosenborg Castle
• Entry/Admission - Amalienborg Museum
• Ved Stranden 16, 1061 København, Denmark In front of the restaurant 'El Cava'. At the green benches.
• The Little Mermaid, Langelinie, 2100 København Ø, Denmark
• Wheelchair accessible
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• Near public transportation
• Transportation is wheelchair accessible
• Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
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• Rosenborg Castle
• Amalienborg Museum
• The Little Mermaid

Similar experiences

• You'll start at Ved Stranden 16 Ved Stranden 16, 1061 København, Denmark In front of the restaurant 'El Cava'. At the green benches. See address & details
• 1 Hoejbro Plads Stop: 15 minutes See details
• 2 Nikolaj Art Gallery Stop: 15 minutes - Admission excluded See details
• 3 Pistolstræde Stop: 10 minutes See details
• 4 Kongens Nytorv Stop: 15 minutes See details
• 5 Nyhavn Stop: 15 minutes See details
• 6 Rosenborg Castle Stop: 15 minutes - Admission excluded See details
• 7 Bredgade 28 Stop: 15 minutes See details
• 8 Frederik's Church Stop: 15 minutes See details
• 9 Amalienborg Museum Stop: 15 minutes - Admission excluded See details
• 10 Gefion Fountain Stop: 15 minutes See details

• Kelly P 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Delicious food in Copenhagen Interesting tour with a lovely guide, Karolina, delicious food. Only downside was the weather! Lots of facts about the history of Copenhagen and the food we were eating, the cardamom bun at Copenhagen's oldest bakery was my particular favourite Read more Written February 20, 2024
• KCandKB 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Incredible tour with great food and friendly guide We had a great time on our private tour with Magda! Though our tour was during the holiday season when many places were closed, we were able to take in so much of what Copenhagen had to offer. Magda was very generous with her time and was a lot of fun to chat with throughout our time together. We highly recommend the tour while you're visiting Copenhagen. Read more Written January 28, 2024
• Claire M 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent tour! We had a brilliant tour with Karolina. She was friendly, informative, open and her tour was the best possible start to our trip. The food was great, varied and very plentiful. We couldn’t recommend Karolina more highly- very knowledgeable and great company. Read more Written January 26, 2024
• rom1ma 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Copenhagen off the beaten track ! What a great day we had with Grazi! We booked this tour wanting to see more of Copenhagen and discover it off the beaten track and it really delivered! Without spoiling the surprise, we strolled through Copenhagen's streets and neighbourhoods, learned about Denmark's history, talked about Danish society and got well needed background information about Freetown Christiania and so much more... The addition of a stop at the butcher's shop and lunch at a traditional Danish restaurant took this already good day to a whole another level. Grazi's full dedication to tell us all about the stops and streets, go above and beyond to answer all our questions really made us feel like the trip was curated to our every need. On top of that, her openness and interest in knowing us made the whole journey feel more like a day with a friend than just a tour. We cannot recommend this tour enough! Read more Written January 12, 2024
• Erik_and_Cheryl 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Wonderful Local Food Tour Cheryl, Erik and three friends took this tour on November 12, 2023. I was in touch with our tour guide Magda prior the tour to make arrangements for Cheryl who is a vegetarian. Magda assured me that Cheryl would be fine. We were greeted by Magda who was right on time. She was very friendly and knowledgeable. She guided us on the tour pointing attractions, landmarks, telling stories and taking us to some excellent places to eat. We ate Danish hotdogs, a fish ball, local beer, schnaps and smørrebrød (I think that is all). Cheryl was able to get a vegetarian item at ever stop. We were all stuffed by the end of the tour. This is a really great way to get a guided tour and some great food all in one go. We highly recommend this tour. Thanks again Magda! Read more Written December 23, 2023
• susanpY4967SI 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Well worth the price! We had a delightful afternoon with Magda, our tour guide. She was warm, thoughtful, and had an impressive depth of knowledge. We took this tour on our first day in Copenhagen, and it provided a very helpful overview of the layout and history of the city. The food itself was delicious and varied, and we returned to several spots throughout our stay. More than that, Magda was able to give us insight to Danish culture and society that were invaluable. Although this was not a cheap tour, we felt that Magda’s expertise made it well worth the price. Read more Written December 20, 2023
• Roam40558294176 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great local food and some of the main city sights We loved our food tour of Copenhagen with Céline, our friendly and informative guide. Wandered round some of the main sights, learned a bit about the history of the city and munched our way through some tasty local dishes - what’s not to like about that! Read more Written November 11, 2023
• alicekavanagh1 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Friendly tour by a local with delicious food and drink We had a great walking tour with Rozelle. It felt like we were being shown round the city by a friend, as she was so warm and welcoming. The food was delicious - we wanted to try lots of Danish food that we wouldn’t necessarily be able to find on our own - and this definitely ticked the box. Thank you Read more Written November 4, 2023
• T2501NUmelaniel 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A Great Way to Spend a Day! This was an amazing tour, start to finish, with our wonderful guide Lesley! We saw some great sights, and learned so much about Malmo's history and customs, and we had an amazing lunch and afternoon dessert (Swedish desserts are absolutely delicious)! The absolute best part of the tour was getting to know Lesley, who was a delight to spend the day with! Read more Written October 10, 2023
• naomib570 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Superb , thorough Malmo tour Graziele was so pleasant and knowledgeable. She gave us an excellent tour of Malmo plus more when we got back to Copenhagen. We truly enjoyed ! Read more Written October 3, 2023
• eulaliaanderson 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Copenhagen's Secrets with Anders Our guide, Anders, expertly tailored our tour to our interests, showcasing Copenhagen's rich history and culture. We explored lesser-known spots, like Skydebanehaven and Wildersgade (I had to look up this names to write them properly), with his fascinating commentary. A visit to Freetown Christiania was the highlight. I highly recommend this tour for a unique Copenhagen experience. Read more Written September 20, 2023
• MimDColumbia_MD 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A fun taste of Malmö tailored to pre-teen kids! Lesley was very organized, professional and thoughtful! We appreciated her flexibility in altering the standard itinerary to accommodate our antsy grandchildren. The self-serve candy store was a big hit! So was the cool playground. It was a fun chance to get an insider's perspective of Malmö, Sweden during our Denmark family vacation. Read more Written September 2, 2023
• James M 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Food, History, and Culture The tour guide was very knowledgeable and provided history and popular culture insights between food stops. Very easy to talk to! Read more Written August 30, 2023
• Excursion26867912761 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A must do in Copenhagen Excellent experience! Graxi was made learning the history & culture fun and introduced us to some amazing foods! Highly recommend! Read more Written August 28, 2023
• Carrie-Ann S 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Incredible tour with fresh, local cuisine! Great guide! Highly recommend! Highly recommend this tour!! Grazi was an amazing tour guide! She customized the tour just for our family (6 adults) on the fly and took us to all of the highlights in Copenhagen we wanted to see, plus more! She was very knowledgeable about the city, it’s history and culture. All of the food was amazing. There was so much food we ended up taking the pastries to go! This tour was a definite highlight of our 10-day Scandinavian trip. Read more Written August 20, 2023

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A Tremendous Filipino Food Tour Debuts in Portland

Sobrang Sarap, a self-guided food crawl, will feature 16 Filipino-owned food businesses

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A new food tour wants to highlight the sheer variety of Filipino fare across Oregon. Sobrang Sarap is a brand new tour of 16 Filipino food businesses in the Portland metro area, Beaverton, Gresham, and Troutdale. In an email, the three minds behind the project — marketing company ALIST owner Amanda Mailey, artist Beatriz Lugt, and Baon Kainan food cart co-owner Geri Leung — say the crawl will last all of April.

Here’s how it works: As of April 1, food outlets feature at least one dish on their menu based on one key Filipino ingredient. Ask for the “chef challenge” at any participating location; week one is ube, week two adobo, week three calamansi, and week four pancit. The participants include James Beard Award 2022 finalist for Best Chef: Northwest and Pacific Carlo Lamagna’s Magna Kusina , Magna Kubo , Grind Wit Tryz , Chik and Chuck’s Coffee , and Sun Rice .The event ends with a bang on Sunday, April 28, at Kolectivo at 959 SE Division Street from 3 to 7 p.m. for a ticketed, family-friendly celebration.

Tillamook CEO to step down

Tillamook County Creamery Association CEO Patrick Criteser will hang his hat after 14 years in the leadership role, with Portland Business Times reporting that Executive Vice President of Brand Growth and Commercialization David Booth will step into the role. The transition will be immediate though no date was given for the change. “I have accomplished what I hoped to achieve for the farmer-owners of this amazing cooperative, so I’ve decided that the time is right for this transition,” Criteser wrote in a statement.

Sourdough pizza comes to big-time brewery

As of Wednesday, May 1, guests at Great Notion Brewing will no longer have to leave the premises to get a pizza. In an email, Pizza Thief and GNB announced a partnership at the NW 28th Avenue location with a full menu of pizzas, salads, and sandwiches. The much-acclaimed pies will be available noon to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and noon to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. New menu items will be available at the GNB outfit, though there’s no delivery.

Viennoiserie pop-up hits North Portland

Kalesa Coffee , one of Portland’s go-to cafes for fourth wave flavors from the Asian American and Pacific Islander diaspora, will play host Lamina Pastry on Saturday, April 6. Pulling on French and Cuban inspiration, Lamina owner Luis Lujan will serve pastelitos, financiers, kouign amann and more from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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