Copenhagen is one of Europe’s most visited capitals, and for good reason. The Danish city blends colorful history with modern design, all wrapped around working harbors that double as recreation spaces.
So many first-time visitors get their bearings on a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus, but that’s far from the only way to see the city and arguably the least effective.
Canal boats can glide past the Little Mermaid and Nyhavn’s colorful townhouses. Bicycles, the preferred transport of locals, can be rented for guided tours or casual rides. For those willing to splurge, seaplanes lift off from the harbor to reveal a bird’s-eye view of the city and the Øresund Bridge.
Far from novelties, these Copenhagen tours offer new perspectives on the Danish capital city’s history, trendy neighborhoods, and daily life, often in ways a bus tour simply cannot.
Copenhagen Tours On The Water
Copenhagen grew up around the water and its canals remain one of the most rewarding ways to experience the city.
Sightseeing boats depart regularly from Nyhavn and Gammel Strand, gliding past landmarks such as the Opera House, Christiansborg Palace and the Little Mermaid.
These large, busy vessels usually include live or recorded commentary in English, making them a simple introduction for first-time visitors.
For something more intimate, smaller electric rental boats allow groups to chart their own route. Rental companies provide maps and basic instructions, then let passengers set off at their own pace, picnic baskets in hand. It’s a slower, quieter way to take in the waterways and harborside developments.
Active travelers may prefer to get even closer to the water. Kayak rentals and guided paddles give visitors a workout alongside a unique view of Copenhagen’s waterfront architecture.
Copenhagen Tours By Bike
Cycling is woven into daily life, so much so that Copenhagen is routinely ranked among the world’s most bike-friendly cities. Dedicated lanes crisscross the city, traffic lights are timed for bicycles and drivers are accustomed to sharing the road.
For visitors, that makes two wheels one of the most natural ways to explore, especially now tourists can be rewarded for renting a bike from multiple providers.
Guided tours introduce newcomers to safe routes and provide context along the way. Companies offer themed rides that take in royal landmarks, historic districts like Christianshavn, and green spaces such as the Lakes.
E-bikes and cargo bikes make the experience accessible to a wider range of riders. Families can load children into front boxes, while those less comfortable with long distances can rely on electric assistance.
Copenhagen Tours From The Air
Not many European capitals can be admired from a seaplane, but Copenhagen is one of them. Nordic Seaplanes operates short flights directly from the harbor, lifting off from the water and circling over the city before returning about 30 minutes later.
The experience offers sweeping views of Tivoli Gardens, the spires of the historic center and the Øresund Bridge stretching toward Sweden. On clear days, the flight reveals the city’s layout in striking detail.
Tickets are significantly more expensive than other sightseeing options, but the perspective is unmatched.
Walking Tours Of Copenhagen
Exploring Copenhagen on foot reveals details that can be easy to miss from the water or a bike. Specialized walking tours go beyond the main landmarks, focusing on themes that bring the city’s culture into sharper focus.
Food tours are among the most popular. Local guides introduce visitors to smørrebrød, traditional pastries, and New Nordic flavors, often with stops at markets or microbreweries. These tastings double as an informal history lesson, tying together cuisine, culture and everyday life.
History tours appeal to a different audience. Guides trace the city’s development from medieval lanes and copper-topped spires to the sleek waterfront landmarks and sustainable housing projects that define modern Copenhagen.
Walking routes also highlight how design and livability intersect, which is central to the city’s global reputation. These Copenhagen tours slow down the pace, offering a close-up look at the city’s character while still covering plenty of ground.