Copenhagen: Top 6 Spot you must See

On our second day in Copenhagen, we planned a jam-packed schedule. We wanted to squeeze as much as possible out of the city, especially since the next day we were headed for a quick trip to a completely different country. But more on that in the next part.

What’s the best way to start the day?

We kicked off the day with a visit to one of Copenhagen’s most iconic landmarks – Rosenborg Castle, located right in the city center and surrounded by the beautiful King’s Garden (Kongens Have). This Renaissance castle from the 17th century was built by King Christian IV, known for his passion for architecture and his eccentric taste. Originally intended as a summer residence, today it houses the Danish crown jewels, historical artifacts, and stunning interiors preserved in nearly original condition.

The atmosphere around the castle felt calm yet full of reverence. Armed guards stood watch around the grounds – something that took us a bit by surprise and made us instinctively keep a respectful distance. That feeling when you walk past soldiers with rifles and it feels like you’re in a historical movie – only with modern weapons. Some people were taking pictures, others simply watching in silence. Respect – you could feel it in the air.

Natural History Museum (Statens Naturhistoriske Museum)

After strolling through the gardens and around the castle, our next stop was the Natural History Museum (Statens Naturhistoriske Museum), located just across the street. Fun fact – the museum is part of the University of Copenhagen and is one of the largest natural science institutions in Denmark. But what we actually experienced there? That’s another story.

We expected to see dinosaur skulls, ancient skeletons, maybe early humans – the kind of things you’d find in traditional natural history museums or saw on Google maps. But when we arrived, we found out the main exhibition was under renovation. Bummer. Instead, they had only a photography exhibition – probably a competition – showcasing nature in its many forms, from desert landscapes to underwater worlds. As students, we paid 50 DKK for admission, just over €6, so we thought, “Well, since we’re here, let’s see what it’s about.”

We spent about an hour walking among the photos, occasionally stopping to admire some beautifully captured details. But honestly, it wasn’t what we had hoped for. More of a backup plan, like “okay, at least we saw something.”

Botanical Garden – Botanisk Have

It was only afterward that we realized the Botanical Garden (Botanisk Have) was actually part of the Natural History Museum – and the best part? Entry was included in our ticket. All we had to do was walk through the garden of the second building and step inside. And that’s when things got a lot more interesting.

This garden is one of the oldest and largest in Denmark, managed by the University of Copenhagen. Inside the greenhouses, we found hundreds of plant species from all over the world – tropical palms, carnivorous plants, succulents, massive ferns – all perfectly maintained. One of the main highlights was the Palm House, a giant glasshouse where you can climb a spiral staircase up to a viewing platform, offering a stunning bird’s-eye view of the jungle below. Yes, it gets hot and humid up there, but trust me – it’s totally worth it.

The outdoor area was a bit more modest and perhaps felt a little dull – probably because of the cold February weather– but the greenhouse experience made up for it. If you’re into greenery and exotic plants, I’d definitely recommend it. We wandered through a few of the paths, soaked in the atmosphere, and then – stomachs rumbling – headed back to the city center to finally grab some food.

How Did Our Day Continue – and How Did We End Up at TIGHT Restaurant?

After all the walking through greenery and wandering around the park, our stomachs started growling. But before heading off for food, we made a few quick stops in the city center.

The first was the Round Tower – or Rundetaarn in Danish. It’s probably one of the most iconic towers in Copenhagen, built in the 17th century by King Christian IV as part of an astronomical observatory. The best part? There are no stairs inside – instead, you walk up a spiral ramp that was once even used by horses. At the top, you get a beautiful panoramic view of Copenhagen, perfect for photos and a quick break. If the weather’s nice, you can even see the outer edges of the city. We didn’t go up, just walked around a bit – we had other plans.

Next, we stopped by the Lego Store Copenhagen, located right in the heart of the city. Since Denmark is the birthplace of Lego, skipping this would’ve been a crime. The store is huge and packed not just with boxes of Lego sets but also massive Lego sculptures – including a giant replica of the Nyhavn waterfront. You can read more about Nyhavn HERE. We ran around like kids for a bit, bought a small souvenir, and moved on.

Finally, it was time to eat. It was already past 2 PM, so we settled on a spot called TIGHT, located right in the center. It’s a beautiful restaurant with two floors – we sat upstairs, where it was quieter and had a cozy view out the window. We went for something classic – some kind of game meat, and the main dishes cost around 25 €, which is pretty standard for Copenhagen.

To go with it, we ordered a craft IPA from Nørrebro Bryghus, a local brewery. The taste? Nice and balanced – a bit citrusy, slightly bitter, and a bit stronger than your average beer. The price? Around 69 DKK, which is just over 9 € per beer. But hey, for a true local experience, it’s totally worth it, right?

More Majestic Buildings with Towering Spires

After enjoying a delicious venison meal washed down with Danish IPA, we were feeling great and ready to hit the streets again. Luckily, we didn’t have to go far – our next stop was Christiansborg Palace.

This monumental building is located on Slotsholmen Island in the heart of Copenhagen and today serves as the seat of the Danish Parliament, the Supreme Court, and the Prime Minister’s Office. Fun fact – it used to be the royal residence, so it’s a truly important site in Danish history.

The palace courtyard felt like a place where equestrian parades are held regularly – sand-covered grounds, a circular riding track, and even a few horses visible in the distance. It all added a touch of historical charm that made us feel like we had stepped back in time, if only for a moment.

After a Quick Photo Break – Off to the Church of Our Saviour

After a quick photo break, we made our way to one of Copenhagen’s most iconic landmarks – The Church of Our Saviour (Vor Frelsers Kirke). This Baroque-style church, located in the Christianshavn district, is especially famous for its spiral tower, which stretches almost 90 meters high. The coolest part? You can actually climb all the way to the top, and the final stretch is on outdoor stairs – nothing like a chilly breeze and a panoramic view to wake you up after a heavy lunch.

During the visit, there’s also a short video presentation inside the church that explains the history of the building and the neighborhood – and yes, it’s available in English. The entrance fee was around €5, which is honestly a bargain for that kind of experience and view.

From the top, we had a full view of Copenhagen – colorful buildings, canals, parks, and even the more industrial parts of the city. Sadly, it was a bit cloudy that day, so we didn’t get much sunshine, but still – the view and the climb were absolutely worth it.

Christiania – The Cherry on Top of the Day

And as the cherry on top of our day, we saved a place that’s surrounded by legends and controversial stories – Christiania. This self-proclaimed “free town” is located in Christianshavn and was founded in 1971, when a group of hippies and artistic souls took over an abandoned military barracks and declared it an autonomous zone, independent from the Danish state.

Today, Christiania is a unique mix of art, anarchy, freedom and… let’s just say a bit of drug tourism. The police do drop by from time to time, but generally, they keep their distance – everyone knows that this place operates under a different set of rules than the rest of Copenhagen.

At the entrance, we were welcomed by a colorful wooden gate that felt like walking into a fairytale world. But reality hit a little differently. Just a few meters in, we arrived at Pusher Street, a well-known area where marijuana is sold openly– with stands, price tags, and a full-on product range. Don’t pull out your camera here – locals are not fans of being photographed, and there are signs everywhere saying “no photos”.

The atmosphere was… interesting. Smoke in the air, graffiti art, alternative vibes, and a mix of people – some looked chill, others a bit lost. You’ll also find quirky shops selling everything from t-shirts to gardening tools – a total mash-up. (You can find the location here.)

Overall, it was a one-of-a-kind experience – definitely not a place for everyone, but worth visiting at least once, just to feel that different kind of energy.

What’s next?

That little adventure wrapped up our day, and by then, we were more than ready to rest. The next day, we had plans to leave Danish soil and explore an entirely different country. Maybe you already have a guess where we went—but I’ll tell you all about it next time. If you don’t want to miss it, make sure to follow me on Instagram and subscribe to the newsletter—because the story isn’t over yet!

Cross your boundaries – that’s where the treasure you’re seeking is hidden.

Flying Easterner