10 of the Most Instagrammable Places in Copenhagen
Copenhagen operates like a fine-tuned machine with its well organized social systems, efficient public transportation, ultra-wide bicycle lanes and expansive network of walkways. Ease of movement makes the Danish capital a convenient destination for all types of travelers, from solo explorers to large groups. However, make sure to stop and enjoy the numerous museums, churches, botanical gardens and city parks (such as Kongens Have and Kastellet) that have their own vibe and set of characteristics. Here are a few great photo ops to get your Copenhagen adventure started.
1. Nyhavn
For the most quintessential snap of Copenhagen, Nyhavn is an absolute must-see. Nyhavn is a storied port where ships continue to dock today, set against a backdrop of colorful houses. The docking area is lined with cozy cafés, shops and information centers; check out Hans Christian Andersen’s dwelling at No. 20 and the oldest Nyhavn building at No. 9, dating back to 1681. With its wide spectrum of colors and tangled skyline of nautical masts, Nyhavn is certainly a favorite Copenhagen tableau.
2. Tivoli Gardens
With a history spanning two centuries, Tivoli Gardens is a midtown amusement park famous for its vibrant light displays. Tivoli was considered to be on the outskirts of town when it was first constructed, but today it lies in central Copenhagen, directly adjacent to Copenhagen Central Station. Tivoli is most alive at night when the lights illuminate the rides, restaurants and markets, and with a brand new indoor food court, Tivoli now offers more dining options than ever before. Be aware that there will always be considerable crowds and long lines, but it’s worth it when you can enjoy the lights while you wait.
3. Vor Frelsers Kirke
The tower of Vor Frelsers Kirke is easily recognized on the Copenhagen skyline due to its brick and gold twisting spire. According to legend, the architect of the tower mistakenly designed it to twist in the wrong direction and, distraught from his blunder, threw himself from the top. While dramatic, the story isn’t true — but visitors still enjoy a trip to the top for an excellent view. If the tower isn’t open, it is still worth stopping in to see (and possibly hear) the spectacular 1698 pipe organ, having miraculously survived three centuries and still functioning after its 1965 restoration.
4. Christiania
Adjacent to Vor Frelsers Kirke is the free community of Christiania, a self-sustaining commune founded on the cornerstones of non-violence, forward-thinking and community care. There are several entrances into Christiania, including a lakeside path that leads to some of the residences. While this district is an incredibly photogenic place with beautiful street art, please note that photography is not permitted everywhere due to Christiania laws, which do not necessarily align with the laws in Denmark. For this reason, look for signs that say “Photo OK” (like the one in this picture) and, more importantly, keep an eye out for signs that adorn photo-free zones, like on Pusher Street.
5. Amalienborg
Amalienborg is Denmark’s royal palace as well as the residence of the Danish royals, whom are descendants of the oldest monarchy in the world. The vast plaza is secured by the Royal Guard, and the changing of the guard takes place at noon each day. Visit the Amalienborg Museum to learn about Denmark’s most recent royals as well as the history of the monarchy, then head over to Frederiks Kirke to check out the stunning dome in the background. Amalienborg is beautiful, but the church dome makes the view truly spectacular and complete.
6. Strøget
Lined with a variety of shops and chains, Copenhagen’s favorite pedestrian street is a bustling destination for locals and visitors. Technically not just one street, the Strøget area covers the streets of Frederiksberggade, Nygade, Vimmelskaftet and Østergade, as well as the squares Nytorv, Gammeltorv and Amagertorv. Find musicians and markets in the squares or along the streets and enjoy access to a selection of budget chains as well as luxury brands. Additionally, look for favorite Strøget attractions such as the lovely church, Helligåndskirken.
7. Rundetaarn
While you’re roaming around Strøget, keep an eye out for Rundetaarn (Round Tower); it’s pretty hard to miss. If you want a good leg workout, climb to the top for a great view of the Copenhagen from midtown; you can even see over to Øresund Bridge and Sweden on a clear day. This 17th century tower was originally built as an astronomical observatory, meant to mirror that of famous Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe. If you are visiting Copenhagen in the springtime, check to see whether or not you’ll be around for the Rundetaarn Unicycle Race; it’s just as spectacular as it sounds, and yes, it is a unicycle race up and down the tower.
8. The Wave at Ofelia Plads
This nested triangle sculpture at Ofelia Plads is the stuff of geometric dreams. It was a part of Frost Festival this past winter, and is a tunnel that consists of forty glowing triangles that stand about 4 meters in height. The triangles light up, change colors and make noises to create a truly dynamic experience. To get to Ofelia Plads, take the metro to Kongens Nytorv and make your way to Nyhavn; Ofelia Plads is adjacent to this. Get the perfect angle every time when you visit The Wave, day or night.
9. Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
Denmark isn’t necessarily a tropical paradise, but you’ll be able to bask in the shade of palm trees under the dome at Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek. This art myseum and sculpture house is filled with all sorts of sculpted masterpieces, from elaborate caricatures to an array of noses. In addition to sculpted works, the museum also plays host to paintings and a refreshing indoor garden, with rotating exhibits throughout the year. Also, be advised that the museum is closed on Mondays but is open until 10pm on Thursdays.
10. Cirkelbroen
For those who are fans of Olafur Eliasson, the Danish-Icelandic artist who designed the award-winning Harpa in Reykjavík, definitely check out Cirkelbroen (Circle Bridge.) Aptly named, this bridge consists of five simple circle bases and three masts that are meant to represent docked ships. According to the architect, this bridge is a celebration of pedestrian life; walking from ship to ship in the harbor is something that Eliasson remembers fondly from his childhood. Impeccably designed and simple, this bridge is perfect for a snap.
Feature photo of the harbor of Nyhavn (Photo by Yoann JEZEQUEL Photography/Getty Images)
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.