Copenhagen’s charm is in its easy walkability, scenic waterways, and bike-friendly streets—making it a city that’s best explored through guided tours. Whether you’re interested in seeing royal palaces, cruising past the Little Mermaid, or tasting the city’s industrial past, Copenhagen offers a variety of tour styles to suit different interests. Our top picks include a lively walking tour that gets you up close to the city’s highlights, a bike tour that covers a lot in a short time, and a boat tour that shows Copenhagen from its stunning waterways. Each option provides a different perspective, and the best part? They’re all designed to help you enjoy Copenhagen like a local—minus the tourist traps.
We especially like the Copenhagen: City Highlights Walking Tour With Local Guide for its personalized stories and local insights, and the Copenhagen: Guided Bike Tour for its energetic pace and wide coverage. If you prefer a more relaxed experience, the Private Guided Boat Tour offers a peaceful way to enjoy the city’s waterfront with options to swim or explore. For those with limited time, the combined canal and city walking tour is a smart choice. For a budget-friendly option, the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus helps you see key sights at your own pace, though it’s less immersive than other tours.
1. Copenhagen: City Highlights Walking Tour With Local Guide
Discover Copenhagen’s famous sights on a small-group walking tour led by a local who knows the city inside out. This 2.5-hour stroll takes you past the Royal Palace, where you can feel like Danish royalty, and through tranquil, picturesque parks that locals love. Your guide shares personal stories, fun facts, and insider tips, making the experience more intimate and authentic. It’s a great way to get your bearings, especially if this is your first time in Copenhagen.
Guests consistently praise guides like Oskar and Kenneth for their warmth and knowledge. Visitors say guides like Oskar keep things fun and informative, while Kenneth offers stories only a lifelong resident can share. The tour finishes at Kongens Nytorv, giving you a perfect starting point for further exploration. The small group size ensures plenty of interaction and personalized recommendations. At a reasonable length for a city intro, this tour offers excellent value and a relaxed pace.
Bottom Line: If you want a friendly, detailed overview of Copenhagen’s main sights with a local touch, this tour is solid and well-reviewed. Perfect for first-timers wanting a gentle, engaging introduction.
2. Copenhagen: City Highlights Guided Bike Tour – Small Groups
For those who want to cover more ground quickly, the Bike Tour is a lively and eco-friendly option. Over 2 hours, your guide whisks you past top attractions like The Little Mermaid, Royal Palace, and Nyhavn. The bikes are stylish city models, and the groups are capped at 14, which keeps the experience personal. Using radio headsets, you’ll hear stories about each stop while enjoying the breeze and the freedom of two wheels.
This tour hits about 95% of Copenhagen’s highlights and is a great way to get a feel for the city’s layout. Local stories and fun facts bring history to life, and after the ride, you get a free map for further exploration. It’s an active way to see Copenhagen’s best sights in a short time, making it ideal for travelers on a schedule or those who love cycling.
Guests rave about the guide’s storytelling, noting how the small group size makes the experience more intimate. The tour is suitable for all fitness levels, though a moderate pace is maintained. The only downside might be the physical activity if you’re not comfortable on a bike.
Bottom Line: A quick, energetic way to see Copenhagen’s highlights while enjoying local stories. Best for active travelers who want a rundown in limited time.
3. Copenhagen: Private Guided Boat Tour with City Highlights
Sail through Copenhagen on a private boat tour with your own guide, offering a personalized experience from the water. Duration varies from 1 to 4 hours, so you can tailor it to your schedule. The boat is perfect for relaxing while taking in views of iconic sights like the Opera House, Our Saviour Church, and the Little Mermaid. You can also stop to swim, explore, or just soak in the scenery, enjoying drinks and music onboard.
This tour is a great option if you prefer a peaceful, scenic experience or want to see the city from a different angle. The flexibility of a private tour means you can customize stops and pace. Past visitors mention Oni, their guide, being knowledgeable and attentive, which enhances the experience.
The main advantage here is comfort and exclusivity, making it ideal for couples, families, or anyone celebrating a special occasion. The water-based perspective offers unique photo opportunities, especially during sunset.
Bottom Line: For a luxurious, customizable way to see Copenhagen, this private boat tour is perfect—especially if you want a relaxed, intimate experience on the water.
4. 3-Hour Private City Walking Tour with a Canal Tour ticket
Combine the best of two worlds with a walking tour plus a canal cruise, perfect for those short on time but eager to see a lot. You start with a 2-hour walk exploring landmarks like Nyhavn, Kongens Nytorv, and Amalienborg. The guide shares insights into Copenhagen’s history and culture, making this a comprehensive introduction. Then, you hop onto a boat for a 1-hour canal tour, giving you a new perspective of attractions such as the Royal Opera and Christiania.
Guests appreciate how this tour maximizes time, offering both land and water experiences in one package. The guide’s knowledge and friendly attitude make the stories come alive, and seeing the city from the water provides a fresh view of familiar sights.
Ideal for travelers wanting a quick yet rich experience, it’s especially suitable for those who prefer walking but want a water perspective without booking separately. The tour doesn’t include admission to certain sites, so plan accordingly.
Bottom Line: A smart, efficient way to see Copenhagen from both street level and water, with a knowledgeable guide making it all informative and enjoyable.
5. City Sightseeing Copenhagen Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
If flexibility is your priority, the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus provides a budget-friendly way to see Copenhagen’s major sights at your own pace. With a 24, 48, or 72-hour pass, you can hop on and off at key locations like Nyhavn, Amalienborg, Rosenborg Castle, and more. The modern double-decker buses come with free headphones and an audio guide in 12 languages, giving a layered experience.
While it’s not as immersive as walking or biking, it’s great for covering a lot of ground in a short time or for travelers with mobility concerns. The routes include multiple lines, passing through bustling neighborhoods and quieter parks, so you can tailor your day.
Reviews mention punctuality and the convenience of staying on the bus for longer stretches, but some note the price is a bit high for the number of stops. Still, if you prefer a relaxed, overview-style experience, this is a good choice.
Bottom Line: An easy, flexible way to see Copenhagen in a variety of neighborhoods, perfect for those with limited time or on a budget.
6. Private City Kickstart Tour: Copenhagen
Ideal for first-time visitors, the Private Kickstart Tour offers a quick, personalized introduction to Copenhagen’s most iconic sights. In about 1.5 hours, your guide takes you to Copenhagen Cathedral, The Round Tower, and other essentials, sharing stories and tips along the way. This tour can be tailored to your interests, with multiple start times available, making it flexible for tight schedules.
Reviews highlight guides like Maria and Ivana for their knowledge and engaging storytelling. The tour is perfect if you want a concise orientation that leaves you with ideas for further exploration. It’s especially suited for travelers arriving in the city for a short stay or needing an efficient overview.
While it doesn’t go deep into history or offbeat spots, its focus on the highlights makes it a good starting point. The private aspect ensures a more relaxed, focused experience than group tours.
Bottom Line: A swift, customized way to get acquainted with Copenhagen’s top sights, ideal for first-timers or anyone short on time.
How to Choose
When selecting your Copenhagen tour, consider your budget, time available, and interests. If you want a relaxed, personal experience, the Private Guided Boat Tour or Private Kickstart Tour are great. For active travelers, the bike tour offers quick coverage and local stories. If your goal is to see many sights without breaking a sweat, the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus provides flexibility and affordability, especially with longer passes.
Keep in mind the weather—water and bike tours are more enjoyable in good conditions—and book early during peak seasons to secure your preferred times. Combining options, like a walking tour followed by bike rental, can give you a well-rounded experience.
Final Thoughts
Copenhagen offers a broad spectrum of tours that cater to different travel styles. For a detailed and personal introduction, the City Highlights Walking Tour is fantastic. If you’re after a dynamic, energetic overview, the Bike Tour is hard to beat. For a scenic, relaxed experience, a private boat tour offers a peaceful escape to enjoy the city’s waterways.
Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, while those seeking a quick primer for their trip might opt for the Kickstart Tour. Whichever you choose, booking early ensures you won’t miss out on the best times. Copenhagen’s compact size means you can pack in a lot—so pick a tour that matches your pace, interests, and schedule, and you’ll return home with great stories and plenty of photos.
This list is just the beginning—each tour has its own charm. Whether you’re cruising, strolling, or pedaling, Copenhagen is a city best explored at a comfortable, curious pace. Happy sightseeing!