Things To Do
in Denmark
Denmark is a compact, modern Nordic country known for its high quality of life, design-forward cities, and scenic coastline. Copenhagen blends historic architecture, world-class restaurants and excellent cycling infrastructure. Outside the cities, rolling heathland, cliffs, islands and forested parks invite outdoor exploration year-round.
Danes value hygge — comfort, coziness and simple pleasures — which shapes the country’s relaxed atmosphere.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the iconic Nyhavn harbor, where colorful buildings line the waterfront. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a cozy café, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. Afterward, stroll along the canal and maybe hop on a boat tour to see the city from a different perspective.
Visit the historic Amalienborg Palace, home to the Danish royal family, and witness the changing of the guard ceremony. After touring the palace, head to Rosenborg Castle to explore its stunning gardens and marvel at the Crown Jewels. Spend some time wandering through the nearby King's Garden, a perfect spot for relaxation.
As the sun sets, make your way to Tivoli Gardens, one of the world's oldest amusement parks. Experience the enchanting atmosphere with lights and flowers while enjoying dinner at one of the park's many restaurants. Cap off the evening with a mesmerizing performance in the specially designed open-air theatre.
Travel to Roskilde, known for its deep Viking roots, and start by visiting the spectacular Roskilde Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Admire the impressive architecture and explore the graves of Danish kings and queens. Then head to the nearby Viking Ship Museum to learn about maritime history.
After lunch, take a guided tour of the museum to see the well-preserved Viking ships and participate in hands-on experiences like traditional boat building. Stroll along the harbor to enjoy the serene views and vibrant atmosphere. If you’re in the mood for a side adventure, consider taking a canoe out on the fjord.
Return to Copenhagen and find a local eatery that serves traditional Danish cuisine. Try smørrebrød, open-faced sandwiches, paired with a local beer or akvavit. Wind down your day by exploring the lively Vesterbro neighborhood, home to trendy bars and cafes.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-20 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🍺Pint of beer (pub) | $6-9 |
| 🚆Regional train ticket (short to medium trip) | $5-25 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $100-200 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- High safety and efficient public services
- Excellent cycling infrastructure and walkable cities
- Rich cultural heritage and world-class cuisine
- Beautiful coastal landscapes and well-maintained nature areas
- Relatively high prices compared to many destinations
- Short winter daylight hours and cold, windy weather
- Some rural areas can be quiet with limited public transport
- Popular tourist sites can be busy in summer
- "Hej" - Hi / Hello
- "Tak" - Thank you
- "Undskyld" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Hvor er toilettet?" - Where is the toilet?
- "Tal du engelsk?" - Do you speak English?
- "Hvor meget koster det?" - How much does it cost?
- "Velbekomme" - Enjoy your meal / You're welcome
Places to Visit in Denmark
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic row of colorful 17th- and 18th-century houses lining a canal—excellent for golden-hour and street-scene shots.
A small but world-famous bronze statue on the waterfront; best photographed early morning to avoid crowds.
Dramatic white chalk cliffs with sweeping views over the Baltic Sea—stunning for landscape and sunrise photography.
Captures classic Danish architecture, manicured gardens and seasonal blooms; beautiful in spring and summer.
A Renaissance castle set on a lake with reflective water views perfect for symmetrical compositions.
Colorful narrow streets and the ARoS rooftop rainbow panorama create unique urban photo opportunities.
Architectural landmark connecting Denmark and Sweden; dramatic shots from coastal viewpoints, especially at sunset.
Food in Denmark
Denmark Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Open-faced rye sandwiches topped with pickled herring, roast beef, liver pâté or shrimp; excellent at traditional lunch restaurants and specialty cafés.
Must-Try!
Pan-fried meatballs (typically pork/beef) served with potatoes and gravy; a homestyle comfort food found in classic Danish eateries.
A summer berry pudding served with cream — a Danish dessert classic often enjoyed at cafés and local festivals.
Danish butter pastries and cookies — try buttery viennoiserie at bakeries across the country.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
High-end food halls offering fresh produce, smørrebrød, seafood, artisanal chocolate and coffee; great for sampling local specialties.
A large, creative street-food hub on Refshaleøen with international stalls, craft beer and relaxed waterfront seating.
A converted warehouse with a wide variety of vendors serving both Danish and global dishes in a communal setting.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Being on time is important for social and business appointments.
Danes value privacy and modesty; avoid loud phone conversations on public transport and respect personal space.
Interactions are often informal and direct; honesty is appreciated but keep criticism constructive.
Hosts may ask guests to remove shoes at the door—follow their lead and bring clean socks if needed.
Appreciate simple, cozy moments — low-key socializing over shared food and good conversation is a cultural hallmark.
Safety
Tipping in Denmark
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not obligatory—service charges are usually included; rounding up small amounts, leaving change or 5–10% for exceptional service is appreciated but not required.
Cards are widely accepted (chip-and-PIN), and contactless payments are common. MobilePay is very popular among Danes. Cash is increasingly rare, though useful in small towns or markets.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
April–May brings blossoming parks and longer daylight; weather can be changeable—pack layers and a light rain jacket. Shoulder-season crowds are moderate and many attractions reopen.
June–August offers the warmest weather, long daylight (midnight sun-like light in the north), outdoor festivals and swimming—expect busy tourist areas and higher prices.
September–November features colorful foliage, crisp air and fewer tourists; some coastal winds and rainy spells make layers essential.
December–February is cold, often windy and with limited daylight; Christmas markets and hygge-filled cafés make it charming, but bring warm clothing and waterproof footwear.
Denmark at Night
Hiking in Denmark
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Walk along dramatic chalk cliffs with marked paths and steps to beaches—excellent for geology and sea views.
Rolling hills, heathland and coastal scenery with varied trails suitable for day hikes and birdwatching.
Large forested area in Jutland with dense woods, lakes and marked hiking and mountain-biking routes.
Scenic hill country near Viborg with lakes, viewpoints and varied terrain ideal for moderate hikes.
Island trails offering dramatic rock formations, medieval ruins (Hammershus) and Baltic Sea panoramas.
Airports
How to reach Denmark by plane.
Primary international gateway with frequent connections throughout Europe and the world; well-connected to central Copenhagen by metro, trains and buses (about 15–20 minutes by metro).
Serves Jutland and tourist regions including Legoland; convenient for western Denmark with regional and some international flights, car rental and bus connections.
Regional airport serving eastern Jutland with domestic and limited international routes; good for accessing central Jutland and Aarhus via bus or taxi.
Northern Jutland hub with domestic and seasonal international services; transfer options include regional trains and buses.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population, concentrated in urban centers and suburban areas, with high rates of education and urban employment.
Significant communities from countries like Turkey, Poland, Pakistan, and more recently Syria and other EU nations; culturally diverse neighborhoods in cities.
Large student populations in university cities (Copenhagen, Aarhus) contributing to vibrant cultural and nightlife scenes.
Smaller towns and villages with older demographic profiles and strong ties to fishing, agriculture and local traditions.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular spectator and participation sport with strong domestic leagues and national team support.
A national favorite with successful club teams and a strong international presence; widely played at school and club level.
Both a practical transport mode and a popular sport—Denmark hosts competitive events and has extensive recreational routes.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available in most cafés, restaurants and street-food markets; modern Danish restaurants often offer full vegetarian tasting menus on request.
Vegan choices have grown significantly — big cities have dedicated vegan cafés and clear menu labeling, but rural areas may be more limited.
Gluten-free bread and options are common in urban eateries; always confirm with staff, since traditional dishes rely on rye and wheat.
Staff are generally helpful and used to dietary requests; communicate allergies clearly and, when in doubt, carry translations for severe allergies.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Denmark.