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Bucket list experience:

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

A veritable national treasure, this fairytale theme park opened in 1843 and features beautifully landscaped gardens, fairground stalls, bandstands, theatres and plenty of amusement park rides. Perfect for kids (and big kids), it’s especially magical on a summer’s evening when illuminations twinkle and fireworks explode overhead.

It’s also interesting historically, thanks to the many well-maintained period buildings, such as the Chinese-style open-air Pantomime Theatre dating from 1874. Every visitor should take a ride on the iconic Rutschebanen (rollercoaster), the oldest wooden rollercoaster still in operation and one of only seven attractions in the world that is operated by a brake man on each train.

Tivoli is a must-visit attraction that captures Copenhagen’s soul.

Price from: £15
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 4+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

Tivoli is located right in the centre of town, just a few minutes’ walk from the main station. There’s an interactive map of the website, and handouts are available at the ticket desk.

When to do it

Tivoli opens for ‘seasons’: Summer, from mid-April to mid-September; Halloween for last two weeks of October to early November, and Christmas, from mid-November to January 2. In season it opens seven days a week. It’s closed between seasons.

Tivoli is always extraordinary, but the lion’s share of the entertainment – which includes music, dance and pantomime performances – happens at night.

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

Nimb Hotel

Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark

Unrivalled, one-off boutique hotel overlooking Tivoli Gardens, with opulent suites and one of the city’s best rooftop pools.

Official star rating:

Villa Copenhagen

Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark

A stylish and sustainable designer hotel in the centre of town, set in a lovingly-restored 1900s building. All the main sights are within easy reach.

Official star rating:

Axel Guldsmeden

Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark

Balinese-inspired eco-hotel that stands out as one of the Danish capital’s top boutique choices. Located in hip Vesterbro, five minutes from Tivoli World.

Official star rating:

Steel House Copenhagen

Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark

Contemporary, upmarket hostel with excellent facilities attracting trendy travellers of all ages. Close to the Central Station and the cool restaurants of the Meatpacking District.

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

Boat tours of Copenhagen’s canals

Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark

Unmissable boat tours through the city’s historic centre, ideal for seeing all of the main sights and getting an insight into the city’s culture and history along the way.

Best for ages: 4+ | £10 | 1+ hours

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Rosenborg Castle

Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark

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

Amalienborg Palace Museum

Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark

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

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

Glyptoteket art museum
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Glyptoteket art museum

Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark

This treasure trove of art and archaeological artefacts is in two parts; there’s a fine collection of antiquities from Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, Rome, and Etruscan Cultures. The modern collection features French sculpture from the 19th century – notably sculptures by Rodin – French Impressionist painting from 1800 to 1950, notably by Paul Gauguin, and a collection of Danish Golden Age Art.

Best for ages: 18+ | £14

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External view of the Museum of Copenhagen building in the city center
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Museum of Copenhagen

Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark

The city’s historical museum showcases hundreds of years of history dating back to the Vikings, through interactive exhibits, installations, and local historical artefacts. Worth a visit for history buffs and anyone interested to understand where the city came from, and how events have created and shaped the buzzing metropolis it is today.

Best for ages: 13+ | £11

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exterior of the very popular brewery Mikkeller with a restaurant inside
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Craft beer at Mikkeller

Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark

Started in 2007 by two friends, this pioneering craft beer success story has since spread to multiple cities, including Stockholm and San Francisco. A Copenhagen institution now recognised worldwide, it’s the place to go for consistently great tasting beer and some enticingly experimental brews.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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Christiansborg Palace
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Christiansborg Palace

Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark

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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