25 Things You Can Skip in Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a beautiful and vibrant city with many attractions and activities to explore. However, as an expat in Denmark, you might find yourself wanting to skip some of the touristy spots and opt for more unique experiences. Here\’s a list of 25 things you can skip in Copenhagen and suggestions for alternative activities.

1. The Little Mermaid Statue

The Little Mermaid statue is undoubtedly one of the most iconic landmarks in Copenhagen. However, it can be underwhelming when you see it in person as it is quite small and usually surrounded by tourists. Instead of fighting the crowds, skip the statue and explore the nearby Kastellet fortress, which offers fantastic views of the harbor and a beautiful park to stroll through.

2. Tivoli Gardens

Tivoli Gardens is a popular amusement park in the heart of Copenhagen. While it\’s a fun spot for families with children, as an expat, you might find it too crowded and expensive. Instead, head to Dyrehavsbakken, the world\’s oldest amusement park, located just a short train ride north of Copenhagen. It offers a more authentic and less touristy experience with beautiful surroundings and free entrance.

3. Nyhavn Canal tourist traps

Nyhavn Canal is a picturesque spot with colorful buildings, restaurants, and bars lining the waterfront. However, it\’s also a tourist trap with inflated prices and crowds. Skip the overpriced restaurants and head to the nearby streets, where you can find more authentic and affordable Danish cuisine.

4. The Round Tower

The Round Tower is a famous landmark in Copenhagen that offers panoramic views of the city. However, the view from the top is not as impressive as other viewpoints in the city, such as the tower at Christiansborg Palace or the tower at the Church of Our Saviour.

5. The Carlsberg Brewery Tour

The Carlsberg Brewery Tour is a popular tourist attraction that offers a glimpse into the history and production of Carlsberg beer. However, as an expat, you might prefer to skip the tour and opt for a visit to Mikkeller Brewery, a local brewery that offers a wide range of craft beers in a cozy atmosphere.

6. Amalienborg Palace changing of the guard ceremony

The changing of the guard ceremony at Amalienborg Palace is a popular attraction in Copenhagen. However, it can be underwhelming as it only lasts a few minutes. Instead, explore the beautiful palace gardens, which offer a peaceful and picturesque escape from the city.

7. The Royal Reception Rooms at Christiansborg Palace

The Royal Reception Rooms at Christiansborg Palace are open to the public and offer a glimpse into the grandeur of Danish royalty. However, the rooms can be crowded, and the experience can feel impersonal. Skip the tour and instead explore the nearby Danish Design Museum, which showcases the best of Danish design and offers a more immersive experience.

8. The National Museum of Denmark

The National Museum of Denmark is a vast collection of artifacts and exhibits showcasing Danish history and culture. However, as an expat, you might find it too overwhelming and prefer to focus on specific aspects of Danish culture. Instead, visit the nearby Designmuseum Danmark, which offers a more curated and focused collection of Danish design.

9. The Cisterns Museum

The Cisterns Museum is an underground art museum located in a former water reservoir. While it\’s a unique and intriguing space, it can be claustrophobic and challenging to navigate. Instead, visit the nearby Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, which offers a beautiful setting and world-renowned exhibitions of modern and contemporary art.

10. Strøget shopping street

Strøget is a popular shopping street in Copenhagen with a mix of high-end shops and international chains. However, it can be crowded and overwhelming, especially during peak tourist season. Instead, explore the nearby side streets, where you can find unique boutiques and local shops offering Danish design and fashion.

11. The Copenhagen Opera House

The Copenhagen Opera House is a modern and impressive building with stunning views of the harbor. However, unless you\’re interested in attending an opera or ballet performance, you might find it too expensive and not worth the visit. Instead, explore the nearby Nyboder neighborhood, a historic area with beautiful yellow houses and a charming atmosphere.

12. The Hans Christian Andersen Museum

The Hans Christian Andersen Museum is a tribute to the famous Danish author and his fairy tales. However, the museum can be underwhelming and not worth the entrance fee. Instead, visit the nearby HC Andersen Parade, a street art installation featuring scenes from his stories and colorful murals.

13. The Royal Danish Arsenal Museum

The Royal Danish Arsenal Museum is a military museum showcasing the history of Danish warfare. However, as an expat, you might find it too focused on military history and prefer to explore other aspects of Danish culture. Instead, visit the nearby Danish Jewish Museum, a beautiful and thought-provoking space showcasing the history and culture of the Danish Jewish community.

14. The Copenhagen Zoo

The Copenhagen Zoo is a popular attraction with a variety of animals from around the world. However, as an expat, you might prefer to avoid zoos and instead opt for a visit to the nearby Botanical Garden, a beautiful and peaceful oasis in the middle of the city.

15. The Gefion Fountain

The Gefion Fountain is a beautiful and iconic fountain in Copenhagen, depicting the Norse goddess Gefion and her four sons. However, as a tourist attraction, it can be crowded and underwhelming. Instead, explore the nearby Kultorvet Square, a charming and historic square with beautiful architecture and a lively atmosphere.

16. The Royal Library Garden

The Royal Library Garden is a beautiful and peaceful oasis in the middle of the city, with a variety of trees, flowers, and sculptures. However, as a tourist attraction, it can be crowded and not worth the visit. Instead, explore the nearby Botanical Garden or the hidden gem of King\’s Garden, a beautiful park with a historic castle and a rose garden.

17. The Danish Film Institute

The Danish Film Institute is a museum and cinema showcasing the best of Danish film history and culture. However, unless you\’re a fan of Danish cinema, you might find it too niche and not worth the visit. Instead, visit the nearby Glyptoteket Museum, a beautiful and diverse collection of art from ancient times to modern day.

18. The Thorvaldsens Museum

The Thorvaldsens Museum is a museum showcasing the works of Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen. However, as an expat, you might not be familiar with his work and find the museum underwhelming. Instead, visit the nearby Museum of Copenhagen, which offers a fascinating look into the history and development of the city.

19. The Stork Fountain

The Stork Fountain is a charming and unique fountain in the heart of Copenhagen, depicting a family of storks. However, as a tourist attraction, it can be underwhelming and not worth the visit. Instead, explore the nearby Rundetaarn, a historic tower offering stunning views of the city and a unique spiral walkway.

20. The Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek Museum

The Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek Museum is a museum showcasing a diverse collection of art, including ancient Egyptian and Greek artifacts, as well as works by Danish and French artists. However, as an expat, you might not be interested in all the art on display and find the entrance fee too steep. Instead, visit the nearby National Museum of Denmark, which offers a fascinating look into Danish history and culture, with free admission.

21. The Copenhagen Card

The Copenhagen Card is a popular tourist pass offering free admission to over 80 attractions and free public transportation. However, as an expat, you might not find it necessary, especially if you plan to explore the city at a more relaxed pace. Instead, opt for individual tickets or explore some of the many free attractions and parks in the city.

22. The Round Tower

The Round Tower is a historic tower in the center of Copenhagen, offering stunning views of the city from its observation deck. However, as a tourist attraction, it can be crowded and not worth the climb. Instead, explore the nearby Christiansborg Palace Tower, offering similarly stunning views with less crowds.

23. The Nyhavn Canal

The Nyhavn Canal is a picturesque and historic area in Copenhagen, lined with colorful buildings and bustling with activity. However, as a tourist attraction, it can be crowded and overpriced. Instead, explore the nearby Papirøen Street Food Market, offering a variety of delicious and affordable food options in a trendy and casual setting.

24. The Little Mermaid Statue

The Little Mermaid Statue is a famous landmark in Copenhagen, inspired by the fairy tale of the same name. However, as a tourist attraction, it can be underwhelming and not worth the visit. Instead, explore the nearby Kastellet Citadel, a historic military fortress with beautiful architecture and a peaceful atmosphere.

25. Tivoli Gardens

Tivoli Gardens is a popular amusement park in Copenhagen, with rides, attractions, and beautiful gardens. However, as an expat, you might find it too crowded and expensive, especially during peak tourist season. Instead, explore some of the many beautiful parks and gardens in the city, such as the King\’s Garden, Frederiksberg Gardens, or the Botanical Garden.

As an expat in Copenhagen, there are many attractions and experiences to explore beyond the typical tourist hotspots. By skipping some of the more overrated or touristy places, you can discover the hidden gems and unique aspects of Danish culture that make this city truly special.