Christiania is a popular "anarchist commune" and "partially autonomous intentional community" in Copenhagen. It is spread over 7.7 hectares (19 acres) in the borough of Christianshavn and houses about 850 to 1,000 residents.

Christiania has been a source of controversy since its creation in a squatted military area in 1971. Its cannabis trade was tolerated by authorities until 2004. Since then, relations between Christiania and Danish authorities have been strained. Since the beginning of the 2010s, the situation has been normalized and the common Danish law now applies there.

Christiania is considered to be the fourth largest tourist attraction in Copenhagen (and it has half a million visitors annually), and abroad it is a well-known "brand" for the supposedly progressive and liberated Danish lifestyle. Many Danish businesses and organizations also use Christiania as a showplace for their foreign friends and guests. The purpose is to show something Danish that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

The people in Christiania have developed their own set of rules, independent of the Danish government. The rules forbid stealing, violence, guns, knives, bulletproof vests, hard drugs and bikers' colors. Additionally, within Christiania itself, no private cars are allowed. However, some 100+ cars are owned by residents and need to be parked on the streets surrounding the Freetown. After negotiating with city authorities, Christiania has agreed to establish parking areas for residents' own cars on its territory. As of 2005, parking space for only 14 cars had been established within the area.

Tip:
Come here to see another part of Copenhagen, but best to not come on your own!

Christianshavn is a vibrant and historic neighborhood in Copenhagen. Situated within the Indre By District, it spans several artificial islands between Zealand and Amager, clearly delineated from the city center by the Inner Harbour. Founded in the early 17th century by King Christian IV, Christianshavn was initially conceived as an independent privileged merchant's town inspired by Dutch cities. However, it was incorporated into Copenhagen by 1674 due to overwhelming competition from the larger city.

The area's development was closely tied to Christian IV's fortification efforts, which began in 1612. Between 1618 and 1623, a series of earthen embankments and bastions were constructed, later expanded in the 1660s and between 1682 and 1692. These fortifications, among Denmark's best-preserved from the 17th century, continued to play a defensive role into the early 20th century, with the last areas opening to the public in 1961.

Over the years, Christianshavn evolved significantly. From a working-class neighborhood in the 20th century, it gained a bohemian reputation in the 1970s and has since transformed into a trendy and diverse community. It mixes a variety of residents from businessmen and students to artists and traditional families, all contributing to its unique and lively atmosphere.

Christianshavn is structured around major landmarks such as the Christianshavn Canal and Torvegade, the main thoroughfare. The canal runs north-south, bisecting the neighborhood, while Torvegade runs east-west, linking it to central Copenhagen across Knippelsbro. At the intersection of these two, Christianshavns Torv marks the geographical heart of the neighborhood. To the east, Christianshavns Vold, part of the old fortifications, now serves as a key green space, enriching the area's scenic and recreational appeal.

The Royal Library in Copenhagen is Denmark’s answer to the question: How many books is too many? (They haven’t found the limit yet.)

This literary leviathan is both the national library of Denmark and the library for the University of Copenhagen. It is also one of the largest libraries in the world and easily the biggest in the Nordics.

It all began in 1648, when King Frederik III decided he really liked books-so much so, he started a library and filled it with Europe’s finest. By 1793, the place was open to the public, making it officially the most cultured hangout in the city.

A few centuries later-and after several mergers-the Royal Library absorbed just about every major library in sight: the University Library, the Danish National Library for Science and Medicine, the Danish Folklore Archive, and finally, in 2017, it joined forces with the State and University Library in Aarhus. Now, it reigns supreme as the Royal Danish Library, operating out of both Copenhagen and Aarhus, like a literary superhero with two lairs.

Inside are as many as 37 million physical items, over 2.4 million e-titles, manuscripts, music scores, maps, photos, rare prints, and four annual digital snapshots of the entire Danish internet. Yes, Denmark backs up its memes...

You can enter this bookish empire through the sleek and shiny modern wing known as the Black Diamond. Hop on the escalator inside-it’ll whisk you up into the old section, which is worth the detour just for its majestic interiors. Every Saturday at 3 pm, they offer public tours of the Black Diamond (for a fee, but hey-knowledge always comes at a price).

There’s also a cafe that serves up coffee with a side of river views, outdoor seating when the sun’s feeling generous, and a restaurant called Søren K. Don’t forget the gift shop-you might just find the perfect bookmark to go with your existential crisis there.

So, go ahead, wander in, and don’t expect to leave without having learned something...

New Harbor-with all its bright colors, wooden ships, and a dash of nautical nostalgia-is by far Copenhagen’s most photogenic waterfront. Here, 17th-century Danish townhouses line up like they’re auditioning for a postcard.

Built between 1670 and 1675 under the direction of King Christian V-using a workforce of Danish soldiers and captured Swedish war prisoners-New Harbor was designed to boost trade with the Dutch. In reality, however, it quickly became Copenhagen’s go-to district for beer, brawls, and brothels. Trade and trouble? Why not both?

In his turn, the famed Danish author Hans Christian Andersen also called New Harbor home for a whopping 18 years. He first moved into Number 20, the red house, in 1834. Then, he shuffled over to Number 18 and eventually spent his longest stretch lounging around Number 67 from 1848 to 1865. Basically, he was living that prime canal-side real estate life before it was cool.

After World War II, the harbor’s hustle slowed to a crawl, and the area nearly faded into obscurity. But the 1960s gave it a second act. In 1977, the Veteran Ship and Museum Harbor dropped anchor, and by 1980, the quay was pedestrianized-aka, turned into the selfie paradise and café haven we know today.

Take a stroll now, and you’ll spot all sorts of restored museum ships moored along the canal-each one with enough maritime drama to fill a Netflix series. At the far end of the harbor sits the Memorial Anchor, quietly honoring Danish sailors lost in World War II.

Wander a bit further south, and things take a modern turn. Jazz clubs, tattoo parlors, trendy cafés, and enough open-faced sandwiches to keep your Instagram busy for hours.

Tip:
If you're on a tight budget or just pretending to be Danish, skip the overpriced bar scene. Grab a beer or coffee from a convenience store, plop yourself down at the quayside, and soak in the view. For something classier, head to the Royal Playhouse at the far end-great drinks, decent prices, and panoramic views that will make your camera weep with joy.

And hey, if your feet are screaming for mercy, you can always hop on a boat tour right at the harbor entrance. One hour of effortless sightseeing and zero walking required.

Moltke's Mansion, also known as Moltke's Palace, is a striking example of Baroque architecture in Copenhagen. Situated at the intersection of Bredgade and Dronningens Tværgade, it stands as one of the prominent town mansions in the Frederiksstaden area, yet notably predates the neighborhood by about fifty years.

Constructed between 1700 and 1702 for Ulrik Frederik Gyldenløve, an illegitimate son of King Frederick III of Denmark, the mansion replaced an earlier structure from the 1680s on the same site. Initially called Gyldenløve's Little Mansion to differentiate it from his larger Charlottenborg Palace, it was renamed Moltke's Mansion in 1842 when it was acquired by Adam Wilhelm Moltke, Denmark’s first Prime Minister under the constitutional monarchy, marking a key period in its history. The mansion's construction was overseen by architect Ernst Brandenburger.

Moltke's Mansion is renowned for its elaborate Baroque style, including a main facade on Bredgade that features nine bays with giant pilasters marking its grandeur. The rich sandstone decorations include motifs of elephants, lion heads, and flowering vines. These elements, along with a sculpted balustrade, are primarily the result of modifications by Krieger.

Internally, the mansion boasts significant artistic contributions from Erik Pauelsen, especially in the Dronninggaard Salon. Named after the Dronninggård country house, this salon features murals and overdoors painted by Pauelsen, depicting idyllic scenes and topographical views. The first floor houses the Dronninggaard Chambers, which, along with the Green Room, features paintings of local landscapes such as the Hermitage Lodge and the Sound. The Golden Hall stands out with murals by Bjørn Nørgaard, which narrate the history of craftsmanship.

Today, Moltke's Mansion remains under the stewardship of the Association of Craftsmen in Copenhagen. It serves a functional role as a venue for banquets, meetings, and small conferences, continuing its legacy as a center of cultural and social gatherings. Its architectural beauty and rich historical layers make it a cherished landmark in Copenhagen's urban landscape, bridging the city's regal past with its present cultural fabric.

Also known as the Marble Church, Frederick’s Church is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Copenhagen – especially for its dome which is the largest in Scandinavia. This dome spans 31 meters and is supported by 12 columns.

Along with all other structures in Frederiksstaden district, the church was built to commemorate a member of the House of Oldenburg’s 300 years coronation jubilee celebrations. It was designed and erected by architect Nicolai Eigtved in 1740. King Frederick V laid the foundation stone in 1749. Eigtved died in 1754 due to which construction was hit by budget constraints and had to be stalled.

Johann Friedrich Struensee discarded the original plan in 1770 and the church remained incomplete for a while in spite of many efforts. For the next 150 years, the edifice remained in ruins. Carl Frederik Tietgen eventually got prominent architect Ferdinand Meldahl to design the church in its final form and financed its construction. Due to financial restrictions, the original plans for the church to be built almost entirely from marble were discarded, and instead, Meldahl opted for construction to be done with limestone. The church was finally opened to the public on August 19, 1894.

A series of statues of prominent theologians and ecclesiastical figures, including one of the eminent Danish philosopher Kierkegaard (who, incidentally, had become very critical of the established church by the end of his life), encircles the grounds of the building.

Why You Should Visit:
This church really has the wow factor; as beautiful inside as it is out (also, rather unique and unusual as it is circular inside).

Tip:
The dome can be visited – for a small fee – every day at 1pm sharp in summer but only at the weekend (Sat/Sun) in winter. Very impressive view from above!

Amalienborg Palace is the official residence of the Danish Royal Family. This palace complex features four rococo palaces constructed between 1750 and 1758. All are built around the octagonal square where you will find King Frederik’s equestrian statue. King Frederik ruled Norway and Denmark between 1723 and 1766 and was instrumental in the construction of Frederiksstad of which Amalienborg palace is a part.

Land for the palace was acquired by King Christian IV who ruled Norway and Denmark between 1577 and 1648. Queen Sophie Amalie, King Frederik III’s consort constructed the first palace in this waterfront area between 1669 and 1673. This palace was destroyed by fire in 1689.

King Frederik IV constructed the second royal palace at Amalienborg during his rule between 1671 and 1730. This was a two-storied small summer residence that featured a charming French garden. It was named Sophie Amalienborg.

In the 1980s the palace was restored as residence for the Crown Prince, storage facilities for the Queen’s Reference Library and a museum for the Royal House of Glücksborg. The museum features private royal apartments from 1863 to 1947 including original fittings and furnishings.

King Frederik V, in his effort to create a separate city outside Copenhagen, constructed Frederik’s City or Frederiksstad that featured exclusive homes for the noble families and aristocrats. All buildings were in Baroque style. Later on, additions were made to these buildings in rococo architectural style. Make sure you include Amalienborg Palace in your itinerary when you visit Copenhagen.

Why You Should Visit:
Considered as one of the best examples of the Rococo architecture style, this complex is beautifully preserved and feels more intimate than its European counterparts.

Tip:
Arrive at midday for the changing of the guard, an interesting display that takes around 10 minutes.

One of the most impressive and well-preserved fortifications in Northern Europe, Kastellet, as it is called, has bastions at the corners and is designed in the form of a pentagram. As you enter its grounds, you will find a number of buildings including a windmill and a church. This historic site which also serves as a public park is frequented by locals and tourists alike.

It was in 1626 that King Christian IV started construction of Kastellet. Economic constraints forced him to drop his grand plans of building a large castle here. King Frederik III, his successor continued with the construction which was later extended by Henrik Ruse, the Dutch engineer after the Swedish siege between 1658 and 1660.

Kastellet was built as an effort by Copenhagen to defend itself against England in the 1807 Battle of Copenhagen. A.P. Moller and Chastine McKinney Mollers General Fund made possible a complete renovation of Kastellet between 1989 and 1999. Currently, it is owned by the Danish Defence Ministry and the area is used by Defence Intelligence, Danish Home Guard, Chief of Staff, Royal Garrison’s Library and the Defence Judge Advocate Corps.

Locals visit Kastellet to enjoy a pleasant walk on a sunny day. Tourists visit this fortification for its rich heritage and children love to play around with the birds and animals here.

Why You Should Visit:
The high walls of the fortress offer a lovely view of the harbor, and the fact that half of it is still a working base means it's kept in tip top shape.
Very pleasant area to take a quiet stroll or run, and with a charming windmill to boot!

Tip:
Can get windy on a cold day so do cover up.

On your trip to Copenhagen, take time off to visit the harbor where you will find the Little Mermaid statue. This statue is the icon of Copenhagen and is visited by tourists from across the world. The unimposing statue is based on one of Hans Christian Anderson’s fairy tales.

After enjoying a ballet on this fairy tale at the Royal Theatre, Carlsberg founder’s son Carl Jacobsen commissioned the statue in 1909. It was modeled after none other than Ellen Price, the prima ballerina (well, partly, at least).

The statue is made of bronze and was painstakingly created by expert sculptor, Edvard Eriksen. Unveiled in 1913, the statue has Ellen Price’s head and Eline Eriksen, the sculptor’s wife’s body.

The Little Mermaid statue surprisingly weighs only around 175 kg and is 1.25 meters tall. Its small size is a surprise for first-time visitors who expect to see something grand and huge.

Why You Should Visit:
To watch people fall into the water as they try to get a photo with the statue (this happens more often than you'd think).

Tip:
The perfect spot for taking a picture is from the promenade overlooking the statue to the left. It's a great photo op, not only of the mermaid but the Copenhagen harbour behind.