Top Rated Attractions in Copenhagen

Opened in 1996, Vega consists of two state-of-the-art concert halls: Store Vega, a larger venue accommodating 1500, and Lille Vega, a smaller venue for 500 that belts out live acts on a regular basis, in addition to a stylish bar and a lounge. Vega attracts a range of pop, rock and techno bands from Denmark and abroad. Please confirm specific events schedules and nightclub timings on the website.

Located on Kongens Nytorv, the Royal Danish Theater was built by architect Wilhelm Dallerup in 1874. The building is especially impressive at night when crowds flock to the theater in evening dress. Home of the Royal Theater Company, the Royal Ballet and the Opera, the theater has two stages: Gamle Scene (old stage) and Ny Scene (new stage). Gamle Scene has a magnificent auditorium. The ceiling is decorated with Constantin Hansen's Nine Muses. Sculptures of two of Denmark's most famous playwrights decorate the entrance: Ludvig Holberg (1684-1754) was sculpted by T. Stein in 1875 and Adam Oehlenschläger (1799-1850) made by H.W. Bissen in 1861. In 1929-31 the Ny Scene was built in a separate building, the controversial, art deco Strekassen. The ticket office is open from 1p to 8p, Monday to Saturday. Leftover tickets are sold at half price from 5p on the evening of the performance.

The ornate turrets of the regal Rosenberg Castle can be seen piercing the sky from a far distance, much like the far-reaching impact of Danish royalty. Built by charming Danish monarch Christian IV in characteristic Dutch Renaissance style, the castle has an almost fairy-tale-like location in Kongens Have. Rosenborg was originally a summer mansion outside the walls of the city, and was used as the royal residence sometime during the early eighteenth century. The castle is well-renowned for its opulently decorated rooms and copper roof, although the pièce de résistance is the Great Hall. It is known to feature stunning stucco ceilings, royal insignia, delicate frescoes and twelve tapestries that detail the victories of the throne in the Scanian War. The castle is surrounded by moats, and just outside the castle an exquisite rose garden makes its way along the manicured landscape. Ever since the absolutist monarchy, Rosenborg has been the home of the royal crown jewels and also serves as a museum of the royal family.

Christiansborg Slot is home to the Parliament, the Supreme Court and the Prime Minister's Department. Bishop Absalon built his castle on this site as far back as 1167, though in 1732 the building of a magnificent Baroque castle began at the request of Christian VI. Christianborg had to be rebuilt twice after it burned down, once in 1794 and once in 1880. A third Christiansborg was built between 1907 and 1923 in Baroque style according to architect Thorvald Jørgensen's drawings, and this is the one that stands on the site today. Behind the castle, you'll find stables and grounds that date from Christian VI's old Baroque building. In the summer, the riding grounds are used for theater performances and concerts (jazz, rock and classical music).

Founded in 1843, Tivoli Gardens is a unique amusement park located where the once-fortified city's ramparts used to be. In fact, the on-site lake is a remnant of the city's moat. Known around the world for its infectious carnival-style atmosphere and exciting attractions, Tivoli Gardens combine the charm of the yesteryear with the dynamism of the future. The park spans a staggering 80,000 square meters (861112.8 square feet) of space in the heart of Copenhagen, making it one of the largest amusement parks in the country. Tivoli Gardens has great attractions like a historic rollercoaster, a mythical pirate ship, and magically lit carousels. There are around 40 bars and restaurants, some of which are gourmet and many date as far back as 1843. World-class live entertainment is always provided, and the festivities get kicked into high gear during the Christmas season.

Bakken is one of the world's most popular and the oldest amusement park in the world. Similar to Tivoli, Bakken is located in the very scenic area of Dyrehaven. Back in the day, people visited Bakken to drink from the Kirsten Piils Spring in order to be cured by its waters. In 1830, the performers and entertainers arrived at Bakken and they have been there ever since. There is an outdoor stage where artists and performers entertain the audience. Best loved perhaps is the clown Pierrot, who performs at his little house several times a day. Pierrot jokes with the children and swallows fire. A visit to Bakken is often combined with a wonderful walk in the marvelous Dyrehaven. Entrance to the park is free, though the purchase of a wristband is necessary to get on the 33 rides in the park.