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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 13 January, 2023
Expert travel writer: Sarah Marshall

The historic centre of Copenhagen, including both the mainland side and the island of Amager, is diced and diced with some rather picturesque canals. The canals link many of the major city sights, including Nyhavn, The Little Mermaid, Amalienborg Castle, Holmen, The Opera, The Royal Library (The Black Diamond), Christiansborg, The Stock Exchange, Langelinie, and Christianshavn Canal.

That makes a kanalrundfart (canal tour) a must in Copenhagen – it’s an enjoyable, lazy way to tick off the key sights, get orientated, and gain an understanding of the city’s rich history – there are fascinating facts and insightful commentary along the way. It’s the perfect way to start a first-time visit.

Price from: £10
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 4+
When: All year around
Duration: 1+ hours

Getting there & doing it

Tours leave from Nyhavn and Gammel Strand (doesn’t matter which), departing at least every half hour. There are multiple variations, routes and languages, so check before you board.

Various tour options exist, but the most common is a one-hour guided tour that completes a basic loop. A more flexible option is hop-on hop-off electric harbour buses, which stop at nine designated stops on both sides of the water from Sluseholmen to Refshaleoen. Visit The Royal Library, Islands Brygge and Nyhavn for the price of a bus ticket.

When to do it

Tours run all year round, seven days a week.

Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Hotel Sanders

Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark[0.2 miles]

Cosy but classy townhouse hotel tucked discreetly into a quiet street behind Nyhavn canal, mixing city centre convenience with neighbourhood appeal.

Official star rating:

Hotel D’Angleterre

Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark[0.2 miles]

Glamorous grand dame hotel with all the five-star trimmings. One of the finest places to stay in Copenhagen, overlooking the historic King’s New Square and close to the city centre.

Official star rating:

71 Nyhavn Hotel

Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark[0.3 miles]

A stylish hotel in a grand 19th-century warehouse conversion, overlooking Copenhagen’s handsome harbour.

Official star rating:

Hotel Skt Petri

Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark[1 miles]

This standout Scandinavian trendsetter mixes chic rooms and classy dining, is located on an attractive street in the heart of the quaint Latin Quarter.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Copenhagen

Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark

Compact, sexy, culture-rich and charismatic, this most stylish, progressive and tastiest of all the Nordic capitals never disappoints.

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Amalienborg Palace Museum

Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark[0.5 miles]

The official residence of the Royal Family welcomes visitors for behind-the-scenes tours of a real working palace, offering an insight into the lives and history of one of Europe’s oldest monarchies.

Best for ages: 8+ | £15

Design Museum Denmark

Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark[0.8 miles]

A huge collection of international applied art and iconic Danish industrial design that showcases Denmark’s world-class creative talent, that took the design world by storm in the 20th century.

Best for ages: 8+ | £15

Rosenborg Castle

Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark[0.9 miles]

A splendid Renaissance castle in the city centre, home to Denmark’s crown jewels, a collection of precious gems – including some of the world’s finest emeralds – and displays of weapons, scientific instruments, a set of toy soldiers and other royal treasures.

Best for ages: 13+ | £15

Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

nterior of ILLUM - premium department store. A skillfully decorated shopping paradise, offering everything from fashion and beauty to home decor and design.
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Illum

Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark[0.5 miles]

Copenhagen’s answer to Selfridge’s is this upscale, 5-storey department store and a good find for foodies. The basement has an excellent food market, and the rooftop restaurants are a pleasant, centrally-located spot to stop in for refreshments in between shopping and sightseeing. There’s also a Japanese teahouse on the 4th floor. Open daily.

Best for ages: 8+ | Free

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Georg Jensen flagship store
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Georg Jensen flagship store

Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark[0.6 miles]

The flagship store of this legendary Copenhagen brand, with the world’s largest selection of their beautifully designed and crafted silverware.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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Royal Copenhagen flagship store
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Royal Copenhagen flagship store

Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark[0.6 miles]

Established in 1775, this specialist combines high-quality porcelain with uniquely Danish style. A Danish institution, this is its flagship store.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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Christiansborg Palace
Experience

Christiansborg Palace

Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark[0.7 miles]

Once used by the Royal Family, Christiansborg is now the seat of the Danish government, the Prime Minister’s Office and the Supreme Court. The palace features royal reception rooms, a great hall bedecked in tapestries, royal stables, a kitchen and a royal chapel – all of which can be explored independently or on guided tours.

Best for ages: 13+ | £19

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