Denmark is compact, cycling-friendly, and genuinely distinct from its Scandinavian neighbors – home to two of Europe’s most visited attractions (Tivoli and the Little Mermaid), a world-class restaurant scene anchored by New Nordic cuisine, and a design tradition that influences much of how the world thinks about contemporary furniture and homeware.
Top Things to Do in Denmark
See our Beyond Copenhagen: Aarhus, Odense, Skagen & Møns Klint for the full picture.
Explore Copenhagen
Denmark’s capital is both the oldest and most developed part of the country – simultaneously a genuinely medieval city and one of Europe’s most design-forward capitals. The Strøget pedestrian shopping street, the Tivoli Gardens amusement park, the colorful Nyhavn canal district, and the Meatpacking District’s bars and restaurants all sit within easy walking distance of each other.
Tivoli Gardens
Founded in 1843 and still operating in central Copenhagen, Tivoli is one of the oldest amusement parks in the world. Walt Disney reportedly visited in 1952 before building Disneyland, and the influence on how theme parks think about integrated architecture and atmosphere is widely attributed to Tivoli specifically.
The Little Mermaid and Hans Christian Andersen
The bronze Little Mermaid statue on Copenhagen’s harbor, installed in 1913, commemorates Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale. Andersen himself was born in Odense (see below) but spent much of his adult life working in Copenhagen, and both cities have strong connections to his legacy.
The Hans Christian Andersen Museum, Odense
Andersen was born in Odense in 1805. The city’s H.C. Andersen Museum, fully renovated in 2021, now centers on his childhood home and garden, with a genuinely excellent new museum building by Kengo Kuma surrounding it. About 1.5 hours from Copenhagen by train.
Nyhavn and Copenhagen’s Waterfront
The brightly colored 17th-century merchants’ houses along the Nyhavn canal are Denmark’s most photographed image and genuinely central to Copenhagen’s character. The canal connects directly to the harbor, and boat tours from here are one of the best ways to see the city from the water.
Aarhus – Denmark’s Second City
A university city with a genuinely strong food and cultural scene, often described as more authentically local than tourist-heavy Copenhagen. The ARoS art museum (with its iconic rainbow panorama walkway on the roof) and the Den Gamle By open-air museum are both worth a visit.
Klitmøller (Cold Hawaii)
A small village on Jutland’s North Sea coast, nicknamed “Cold Hawaii” for its world-class windsurfing and surfing conditions. Denmark is predominantly flat – the country’s highest point is only 171 meters – so Klitmøller’s appeal is the coastal scenery and waves rather than mountain landscapes.
Cycling Culture
Denmark has one of the world’s best cycling infrastructures, particularly in Copenhagen where over 60% of commuters cycle to work. Bike rental is widely available and genuinely the best way to explore the capital and the flat Danish countryside.
The Food
New Nordic cuisine – seasonal, local, and genuinely influential on how the world thinks about fine dining – was largely born in Copenhagen, anchored by Noma (now closed in its restaurant form but its legacy still shapes the city’s food scene). Smørrebrød (open-faced rye bread sandwiches) and flæskesteg (roast pork with crackling) are the traditional essentials.
Is Denmark Expensive?
Yes – Scandinavian prices apply. Denmark uses the Danish Krone (DKK), not the Euro. Budget roughly €100-160+ per person per day for a mid-range trip. Copenhagen is particularly expensive; Aarhus and smaller towns run somewhat lower.
See our Copenhagen Travel Guide: Costs, Tivoli & the Harbour City for the full picture.
Visa Requirements
Denmark is part of the EU’s Schengen Area. Most nationalities can enter visa-free for short tourist stays – confirm current requirements for your specific passport at iVisa.com.
Where to Stay in Denmark
Rates change with season and demand – check current pricing before booking.
See our Best Time to Visit Denmark: A Month-by-Month Guide for the full picture.
1. NH Collection Copenhagen
NH Collection Copenhagen – a 5-star in central Copenhagen with strong business and leisure traveler reviews.
2. Kanalhuset
Kanalhuset – a highly-rated Copenhagen hotel with canal views and private check-in.
3. Radisson Red Aarhus
Radisson Red Aarhus – a well-rated, centrally located option in Aarhus with a bar and strong room quality.
Conclusion
Denmark rewards visitors who look past Copenhagen’s famous sights – Odense’s revamped Andersen museum, Aarhus’s genuine local energy, and the cycling culture throughout are all reasons to stay longer than a capital-city long weekend.
FAQs
Is Denmark expensive?
Yes – Scandinavian prices apply. Budget roughly €100-160+ per person per day. Denmark uses the Danish Krone, not the Euro.
When is the best time to visit Denmark?
May through September for the best weather and outdoor activities; winter for Tivoli’s Christmas lights and a more local, quieter version of Copenhagen.
Is Denmark safe?
Yes – very low crime rates, consistently among the safest countries to visit in Europe.
How many days do I need in Denmark?
Three to four days covers Copenhagen well; five to seven lets you add Odense and Aarhus without rushing.
What currency does Denmark use?
The Danish Krone (DKK) – Denmark is in the EU but not the Eurozone, so euros are generally not accepted for everyday purchases.
