Top 14 Things Copenhagen Is Famous For

1. Happiest city in the world

What is Copenhagen known for? Having the reputation of being one of the happiest cities in the world tops the list! Many people wonder about the secret to Danish happiness, and there are a lot of factors that contribute, such as quality of life, friendly communities, efficient public transportation, healthcare, delicious food, beautiful cityscapes, and more. Copenhagen seems to have the complete package! While you’re here, try all the usual tourist traps: admire the colorful houses along Nyhavn, explore the top food markets, and enjoy dinner at Noma, one of the top restaurants in the city. But also try to explore the concept of hygge, a Danish word that defines the feeling or mood of coziness and contentment. If you exercise the latter, you might come to understand why the locals are known for being the happiest people in the world.

2. City of Spires

Among the many great things to see in Copenhagen, spires feature at the top of the list. Spires are a common architectural feature in many structures found around Europe, and Copenhagen is home to a number of attractions, particularly churches, with spires, earning it the nickname “The City of Spires” or “City of Green Spires”. Check out Christiansborg Palace and the Church of the Holy Ghost, or head to Kunsthallen Nikolaj, an arts center that was formerly known as St. Nicholas Church. A prominent green spire in the Neo-Baroque style sits atop the tower and is 90 meters (295 feet) long.

3. Restaurant Noma

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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While there are a number of cheap eats in Denmark, try dining at Restaurant Norma if you want to pamper yourself to a delightful culinary experience. It is the best place to explore the rich food culture of Denmark. Restaurant Noma is a world-class two-Michelin-starred restaurant in Copenhagen famed for its eclectic hands-on approach in providing an exquisite food experience in a soothing environment and a relaxed atmosphere. The restaurant began its operations in the early 2000s with chef Rene Redzepi and has gained popularity from the food community as a result of its intriguing menu. The restaurant boasts three seasonal menus; vegetable-based in the summer, sea-food based in the winter, and meat-based in the fall. Each dish is thought out carefully and prepared with locally sourced out ingredients from the Nordic region.

Restaurant Noma

Address: Refshalevej 961432 København Denmark

Website: Restaurant Noma

Opening hours: Tue - Wed 5:00pm - 11:45pm; Thur - Fri 5pm - 11:45pm; Sat 11:00am - 6:00pm (closed on Sun & Mon)

Price: From 105 USD

4. Sustainable city

Immerse yourself in the jovial bliss of being an eco-friendly tourist as you discover and explore Denmark’s fascinating surroundings. From the scenic amusement parks endowed with beautiful biomes to the enthralling water parks and climate-friendly citizens to match, Copenhagen is undeniably an epitome of a liveable charismatic city. Experience sustainability yourself as you take an exciting ride in an electric bicycle or take an exhilarating swim in the pristine waters of the city’s harbors, you can also choose to treat yourself to a palatable organic meal or enjoy a stunning accommodation in a sustainable hotel. Visit this beautiful eco-friendly plateau and witness the intriguing wonders of Denmark as a sustainable eco-friendly city.

5. Carlsberg

Nothing screams relaxation like a tasteful intriguing glass of beer served in a chilled ambiance, especially on a lazy weekend. Visit the iconic Carlsberg Breweries and get in tune with the light moments as you journey through Denmark’s beer-making history and drinking culture. Indulge your senses and enjoy a beer tasting experience like no other as the experts take you through their brilliant routine of crafting what is considered today as a world-class matured brew. Known for its excellent beer brands like Tuborg, Baltika, and Grimbergen Carlsberg is the most comprehensive brewing company worldwide with over two centuries of brewing and bottling under its belt.

Carlsberg Brand Store

Address: Bryggerhesten 3, 1778 Copenhagen

Website: Carlsberg Brand Store

Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 11am - 3pm (closed from Fri - Mon)

6. Royal Life Guards

Treat yourself to a memorable experience as you watch an exciting parade displayed by the admirable Royal Life Guards. Witness the fascinating change of guard ceremony as the Danish infantry march from the iconic Rosenborg Castle to the majestic royal residence in Amalienborg Palace where this exciting ceremony takes place. When the queen is in residence, however, the Royal Guard is often accompanied by the Royal Guards music band and it is possible to see the exciting full changing ceremony at this time usually towards early September to late April. This infantry regiment of the Danish Army consists of two battalions; the Royal Life Guards and the music corps.

7. Frederick's Church

Discover the heady vibes and Christian culture of Copenhagen through your visit to the fascinating Fredrick’s church. Also known as the Marble church, for its stunning Romanesque architecture, the church forms an exciting focal point of the charming Frederikasstaden district located west of the Amalienborg Palace. This ancient charm features an intriguingly beautiful design with a large dome which seats on 12 columns and a beautiful spacious interior decorated with inspiration from the St.Peters Basilica in Rome. The church also features interesting artworks like the stained glass windows which depict angels to a stunning memorial for the stone masons who lost their lives while building this magnificent church.

Frederick's Church

Address: Frederiksgade 4, Copenhagen 1265, Denmark

Website: Frederick’s Church

Opening hours: Mon - Thu, Sat: 10am - 5pm; Fri & Sun: 12pm - 5pm

Price: Free

8. Cycling

A well-known fact about Copenhagen is that it is internationally renowned for its cycling culture and infrastructure, making it a city famous for cycling. The city’s commitment to promoting cycling as a sustainable and efficient mode of transportation has resulted in excellent cycling infrastructure and a high number of cyclists on the road.

Copenhagen boasts an extensive network of dedicated bike lanes, separate traffic signals for cyclists, and bike-friendly streets, all designed to prioritize the safety and convenience of cyclists. The city’s flat terrain, compact size, and well-connected bike paths make navigating on two wheels straightforward and enjoyable. This cycling culture has contributed to reducing congestion and pollution and fostered a healthy and active lifestyle for the city’s residents. As a result, Copenhagen has become an inspiration and a model for cities worldwide striving to promote sustainable transportation and create bike-friendly urban environments.

9. Smørrebrød

Smørrebrød is a traditional open-faced sandwich. This Danish culinary delight has its roots in Copenhagen’s rich culinary heritage and has become a beloved national dish. Smørrebrød consists of a slice of dense rye bread generously topped with various ingredients such as pickled herring, smoked salmon, roast beef, liver pate, shrimp, and many flavorful spreads and garnishes.

The art of creating smørrebrød lies in the balance of flavors and the artful presentation. In Copenhagen, you can find numerous restaurants, cafes, and delicatessens specializing in smørrebrød, offering various delicious combinations to satisfy all tastes. This traditional dish is a culinary delight and a cultural symbol of Danish gastronomy. Copenhagen’s fame for smørrebrød stems from its dedication to preserving and elevating this cherished culinary tradition, delighting locals and visitors with its exquisite taste and artistic craftsmanship.

11. Danish pastries

If you are wondering about what food Copenhagen is known for, you have to treat yourself to a delightful and unique experience as you retreat and indulge in a mouth-watering Danish pastry. Also known as Vienna bread, this incredible pastry was first introduced to the United States by Australian Bakers. Taking roots from the Viennoiserie tradition, a Danish pastry is a sweet, multilayered, and laminated pastry made from a yeast-leavened dough of wheat flour, eggs, milk, butter, cream, and sugar. Danish pastry is an exquisite delicacy prepared by making thin rolls of yeast dough, covered with thin slices of butter which go between layers of dough that are then rolled, folded, and chilled multiple times to create layers. Other Danish pastry products include Schnecken popularly known as cinnamon rolls, raisin swirl, pecan, spandauer, and lattice products.

Enjoy a magical experience

Indeed, Copenhagen is famous for being an exciting urban eco-city with lots of fascinating attraction venues and riveting activities to explore. There are simply so many street food to try and unique things to do in Copenhagen. Begin your memorable adventure in Denmark by visiting one of these attractions for an exciting discovery in Denmark.