Denmark’s capital Copenhagen mixes the modern world with centuries of history like few other destinations, on one hand a forward-thinking eco powerhouse, and on the other a charming Neoclassical gem.
(Photo: visitdenmark.com)
Copenhagen is a place of two sides. Dubbed Northern Europe’s cosiest capital, the Danish city basks in the warmth of endless coffee shops and cutesy bakeries, but at the same time it is cool, contemporary and extremely chilled. While some things are a must-see – Little Mermaid statue: check – there are many local spots to discover, from traditional hot dog kiosks to excellent micro breweries. Here are five of the best private tours to help navigate the city:
City Kickstart Tour
For anyone in Copenhagen for just a couple of days wanting a quick introduction to the city before they explore for themselves, check out this tour. It’s aimed at being a taster, rather than an indepth look at the city, and as such is refreshingly simplistic. Each knowledgeable local guide explains the city’s best bits in their own way, whether it is their favourite family-owned restaurant or best bar to grab a beer, with personal stories and tips and tricks woven in. Book it for when you arrive and you’ll be all set to make the most of the city. From €35.97 per person.
Book at withlocals.com
Copenhagen: Scandinavian Delights Food & Drink Private Tour
Sample the locals delights such as Smørrebrod (Photo: getyourguide.com)
There is more to Scandinavian cuisine than grabbing meatballs on the way out of your local budget furniture megastore. Danish foods in particular have recently blazed a trail for ultra-local, eco-minded and seasonal ingredients, but there is also room for old school classics that will keep you warm in the northern cold. This tour attempts to give a taste of both worlds, stopping at a ‘Kiosk’ to enjoy Ristepølse, a classic Danish hot dog, as well as trying the open sandwiches known as Smørrebrod. There will be an opportunity to try other delicacies that Copenhagen has to offer, such as Fiskefrikadeller, a fish meatball served with the best Danish beer, and visit Torvehallerne Market to dive deeper into Danish gastronomy. With a three hour duration, this private tour with a local guide includes tastings and beers. For the price you might be better off doing it yourself but if you really want to learn something (rather than just taste) it’s a good option, but only serious foodies need apply.
Book at getyourguide.com
Copenhagen: Highlights & Secrets Private Walking Tour
This top-rated tour makes a good fist of combining Copenhagen’s thousand-year-old history with its transformation into a chic urban metropolis. The main sticking point is the price – € 115 per person for 3.5 hours – but the guides are extremely knowledgeable and there are plenty of hidden spots thrown in that other tours miss. It takes in the narrow streets of Old Town, the colorful port of Nyhavn, and St. Nicholas Church, now transformed into contemporary art centre. Live like a local at Kongens Nytorv, the favorite meeting place of the Danish people, and stroll the gardens of Rosenborg Castle and Amalienborg Palace. Of course there is a visit to the most popular monument in Denmark: The Little Mermaid. From € 115 per person.
Book at getyourguide.com
Private 90 Min Hippies and Christianshavn Tour
If a trip to The Little Mermaid has you yawning into your glass of Gløgg, then maybe it’s time to check out some slightly less obvious sides of Copenhagen’s history. Yes, the Freetown Christiania is also a big tourist pull (it’s the fourth largest attraction in Denmark in fact) but it’s history is certainly a lot more offbeat than a lot of traditional Copenhagen, starting as a squatted military base in 1971 and turning into a semi-autonomous hippy commune. Here’s the thing though, tours aren’t allowed inside Christiana, so guides do have to tell you all you need to know from outside, including the best places to visit and avoid. Politically Incorrect Tours, who run it, also are generally well received but you may find some of the try-hard jokes don’t quite land. Probably best suited for young (and possibly slightly inebriated) visitors. From € 268.32 per group up to 15.
Book at getyourguide.com
2 Hours Copenhagen Segway Tour
A Segway is a fun way to cover a lot of ground (Photo: viator.com)
Ah, the Segway, the precursor to the electric scooter and the best way to looking like you’re riding an unruly dolphin through the streets of a capital city. That said, this Segway tour adds a bit of extra fun to the standard Copenhagen tour and is a great way to get a bit of bonding going with friends and family as dad nearly faceplants into a traffic calming measure. You’ll also cover a lot more ground, meaning that in this tour’s two hours and 15 minutes you’ll see the Little Mermaid, Nyhavn, Christiansborg, and Amalienborg, as well as a few off-the-beaten-path spots that cars cannot reach. This is a private tour, exclusively for your party, meaning a more personalized experience. From €82.33.
Book at viator.com