Copenhagen is a fun city filled with bikes, boats, and fairy tales. It’s the capital of Denmark, and many people visit to see the beautiful sights, eat yummy food, and learn something new. But sometimes, what you expect and what you get are not the same.
This article shares some of the most famous places in Copenhagen — and what they’re really like when you visit.
The Little Mermaid: Is That It?
One of the most famous statues in Copenhagen is the Little Mermaid. She’s based on a fairy tale by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen. You might think she’s super big or magical because she’s so famous.
But guess what? She’s really small! Only 1.25 meters tall — that’s shorter than most kids in 5th grade! She sits on a rock near the sea, and there are always crowds trying to take the same photo.
Some visitors feel disappointed. One travel writer said it was “one of the most disappointing tourist attractions in Europe.” Maybe it’s because everyone expects something grand and magical — and find something tiny and hard to see.
Strøget: Shopping Street or Just Another Mall?
Strøget is a long street where no cars are allowed — only people walking, shopping, or enjoying street music. It has shops, cafes, and cool street performers. Sounds fun, right?
But many of the stores are ones you might already know, like H&M or Zara. Some people think it feels like a shopping mall in any other big city. It gets crowded, and it can be hard to find something truly “Danish” or different.
If you’re hoping to find something really unique, Strøget might not be your favorite spot.
Christiania: A City Inside the City
Now here’s something really different: Freetown Christiania. It’s a neighborhood that started in 1971, when a group of people decided to live in their own way, outside the regular rules.
Christiania has colorful houses, murals (wall paintings), and a peaceful feeling. But there’s also a street called Pusher Street, where people openly sell cannabis (a type of drug). It’s not allowed by the rest of Denmark, but it still happens there.
Some visitors find Christiania interesting and cool. Others — especially families — feel a little uncomfortable. One travel guide even said, “Families with children may want to avoid Pusher Street.”
Torvehallerne: Tasty But Pricey
Torvehallerne is a famous food market in Copenhagen. It has stalls selling chocolate, smørrebrød (open sandwiches), coffee, and even fresh fish. It’s a great place to try Danish food!
But it’s also very busy — and many of the things cost a lot. If you’re just looking for a quiet, simple place to try something local, Torvehallerne might feel a bit stressful or too fancy.
Still, it shows how food is a big part of Danish life — even if it’s not perfect for every visitor.
So… What Should You Do in Copenhagen?
There are many fun things to do in Copenhagen, but not everything will be just like the photos or travel videos. That’s okay! Sometimes, it’s the surprises — the little parks, quiet streets, or weird museums — that become the best memories.
Before you go, ask yourself:
Would you rather visit the famous places (even if they’re a little disappointing), or explore places that no one talks about and find something totally new?
There’s no right or wrong answer — just your own adventure waiting to happen.
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Important Links for Further Reading & Planning
Visit Copenhagen (Official Tourism Website)
https://www.visitcopenhagen.com
The Little Mermaid Statue – Info & Location
https://www.visitcopenhagen.com/copenhagen/planning/little-mermaid
Strøget Shopping Street
https://www.visitcopenhagen.com/copenhagen/planning/stroget
Freetown Christiania – What to Know Before You Go
https://www.visitcopenhagen.com/copenhagen/planning/christiania
Torvehallerne Food Market
https://torvehallernekbh.dk
Travel Review – “Happy to Wander” Blog Post on Copenhagen
https://happytowander.com/copenhagen-travel-guide/
Wonderful Wanderings – Family Tips for Christiania
https://wonderfulwanderings.com/freetown-christiania-copenhagen-denmark/
Financial Times – Article on Copenhagen Culture & Tourism
https://www.ft.com (search: Copenhagen tourism)
Copenhagen Card (Tourist Discount Card for Attractions)
https://copenhagencard.com
Public Transport in Copenhagen (DOT Official)
https://dinoffentligetransport.dk
Research Materials:
🧭 Official Tourism Resources
- Visit Copenhagen – Official City Guide
Comprehensive information on attractions, events, and planning your trip.
🔗 visitcopenhagen.com - Wonderful Copenhagen – Capital Region Tourism Organization
Insights into sustainable tourism initiatives and regional highlights.
🔗 wonderfulcopenhagen.com - Copenhagen Visitor Service
Offers maps, digital guides, and personalized assistance for tourists.
🔗 visitorservice.kk.dk/envisitorservice.kk.dk+1visitorservice.kk.dk+1
🧜♀️ The Little Mermaid Statue
- Wikipedia: The Little Mermaid (Statue)
Detailed history and cultural significance of the iconic statue.
🔗 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Little_Mermaid_(statue)en.wikipedia.org+25mermaidsofearth.com+25simple.wikipedia.org+25 - StoryHunt: All You Need to Know About The Little Mermaid
Narrative on the statue’s background and its place in Copenhagen’s identity.
🔗 storyhunt.io/en/articles/the-little-mermaid-copenhagenstoryhunt.io+12simple.wikipedia.org+12vanityfair.com+12
🛍️ Strøget Shopping Street
- Visit Copenhagen: Strøget – The Main Shopping Street
Overview of shops ranging from budget-friendly to luxury brands.
🔗 visitcopenhagen.com/copenhagen/activities/stroget-main-shopping-street - Wikipedia: Strøget
Historical context and significance of one of Europe’s longest pedestrian streets.
🔗 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strøgetvisitnordic.com
🎨 Freetown Christiania
- Visit Copenhagen: Freetown Christiania
Insights into the autonomous neighborhood’s culture and visitor information.
🔗 visitcopenhagen.com/copenhagen/planning/christiania-gdk957761 - Wikipedia: Freetown Christiania
Comprehensive history and current status of the self-proclaimed autonomous area.
🔗 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freetown_Christiania - AP News: Christiania’s Efforts to Curb Illegal Activities
Recent developments on community actions against illicit trade.
🔗 apnews.com/article/1c562cd4989c10d5cfb867c9b56fefe2
🍽️ Torvehallerne Food Market
- Visit Copenhagen: Torvehallerne
Details on the market’s offerings, from fresh produce to gourmet foods.
🔗 visitcopenhagen.com/copenhagen/planning/torvehallerne-gdk545401tripadvisor.com+1travelsandtreats.com+1 - TripAdvisor: TorvehallerneKBH Reviews
Visitor experiences and ratings of the food market.
🔗 tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g189541-d548649-Reviews-TorvehallerneKBH-Copenhagen_Zealand.html - StoryHunt: All You Need to Know About Torvehallerne
In-depth look at the market’s history and current offerings.
🔗 storyhunt.io/en/articles/torvehallerne-copenhagen
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