Indre By
The medieval heart: narrow streets, castles and major museums, all within walking distance.
Between City Hall and Nørreport, Indre By holds most of the main sights. Pedestrian streets cross here, museums follow one after another, and Slotsholmen houses Danish power on its islet.
What To See Here
Rosenborg Castle
Christian IV’s Renaissance castle, an intimate setting for the Danish crown jewels.
Round Tower (Rundetaarn)
A 17th-century observatory reached not by a staircase, but by a spiral ramp.
Christiansborg Palace
Parliament, the Prime Minister’s Office and the royal reception rooms, all together on the islet of Slotsholmen.
SMK — National Gallery of Denmark
Seven centuries of European and Danish art, from Mantegna to Matisse, in a palace extended by a large contemporary wing.
National Museum of Denmark
From the Vikings to the present day: the story of Denmark, with the Trundholm Sun Chariot among its treasures.
The Black Diamond
The extension of the Royal Library: a block of polished black granite on the harbourfront, open to all and free.
Canal tour
The city seen from the water: the most relaxing way to take in Nyhavn, Christianshavn and the Opera House in one go.
The King’s Garden
Denmark’s oldest royal garden, surrounding Rosenborg: lawns, lime-tree avenues and summer picnics.
Botanical Garden
Ten hectares of collections right in the centre, and a 19th-century palm house.
Torvehallerne
Two glass market halls devoted to good produce: fish, smørrebrød, coffee, cheeses and pastries.