The 14 Best Things to do in Copenhagen | Denmark

Frederik's Church, a large building with ornate green dome in Copenhagen

14 Best things to do in

Copenhagen

Tivoli Gardens opened
michelin star restaurants
miles of bike paths
carbon neutrality date
residents
cobbled streets lined with brightly coloured houses in Copenhagen
Aerial view of Freetown Christiania. Visiting here is one of the best things to do in Copenhagen

Top 14 Best Things To Do In Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a city with a fascinating history. Originally a fishing village, Copenhagen rose to prominence to become the Nordic capital by the 15th century. Establishing one of the world’s oldest monarchies, Copenhagen’s royal past blends seamlessly with modern day life. 

Cobblestone roads and palaces dotted across the cityscape create a unique ambiance and back drop to a city that offers cutting edge sustainable architecture, a mouth watering food scene, classical amusement parks and a blend of neighbourhoods that each have something special to offer. 

Trying to decide what to do in Copenhagen? We’ve got you covered with this list of the best things to do in Copenhagen.

1. Nyhavn

A fun and colourful harbour, Nyhavn is the picture perfect postcard of Copenhagen. A great place for a bite to eat or a pint in the sunshine.

2. Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek 

A collection of works of art and archaeological objects from Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome, Etruscan Culture, as well as Danish and French art of the 19th century.

3. Strøget 

A pedestrian, car free shopping area in old city Copenhagen. This popular tourist attraction in the centre of town is one of the longest pedestrian shopping streets in Europe at 1.1 km.  

4. Frederik’s Church 

This awe-inspiring Marble Church with the characteristic copper green dome has to be one of the most impressive churches of the city – and is definitely home to one of the best views in town.

5. Church of Our Saviour 

One of Denmark’s most famous churches. Ever since the serpentine spire was inaugurated in 1752, has been a popular pastime to climb the 400 steps to the top.

6. The Round Tower

The 17th century tower and observatory Rundetaarn, or the round tower, is the oldest functioning observatory in Europe and an icon in the Copenhagen cityscape.

7. Freetown Christiania

Freetown Christiania, is an unexpected liberal slice of Copenhagen. An independant zone of the city, you’ll find grafitti art everywhere, small shops and the scent of cannabis in the air.

a couple sit on the waters edge at Nyhavn in Copenhagen, one of the best things to do in Copenhagen

8. Rosenborg Castle

A royal home set in the King’s Garden in the heart of Copenhagen, Rosenborg Castle features 400 years of history, royal art treasures and the Crown Jewels and Royal Regalia. 

9. Tivoli Gardens

Tivoli Gardens amusement park in Copenhagen is a must for all. A playful part of Copenhagen’s history, it’s a fun day out. Centrally located, it’s very easy to get to and a glimpse into the local culture. 

10. Sustainable Architecture

Copenhagen boasts beautiful modern architecture projects across the city. Copenhagen has set ambitious goals for carbon neutrality, and the buildings area big part of the plans.

11. Copehagen Opera House 

Copenhagen makes the perfect setting for a breathtaking opera, ballet or theatre experience.

12. Botanical Garden

The Botanical Gardens are located in the centre of Copenhagen. The garden covers an area of 10 hectares and has beautiful glass greenhouses that date back to the 19th century.

13. Christiansborg Palace

Get inside 800 years of royal history at the awe-inspiring Christiansborg Palace. Once home to kings and queens, and now housing the Danish Parliarment, the Supreme Court, and the Ministry of State. Parts of the palace are used by the Royal Family for various functions and events.

14. Little Mermaid

The Little Mermaid statue was inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s famous fairy tale, and is one of the more popular waterfront attarctions.

Best Places To Hang Out in Copenhagen

Latin Quarter

Diverse and trendy, the Latin Quarter is a stones throw from the main shopping district. Hip cafes, independent shops and a young, lively vibe make this neighbourhood perfect for people watching and chilling with the locals.

Kødbyen / Meatpacking District

Perhaps the best place for a night out, Kødbyen is made up of former slaughterhouses turned cool restaurants, lively bars and eye catching studios. This is where Copenhagen’s cool kids hangout. Whether you’re looking for a raucous atmosphere for some pints with friends, or cutting edge cuisine, this is the perfect place to launch an all night affair into Copenhagen’s club scene.

a street in Copenhagen with 6 storey buildings in brown brick andwhite paint
wavy white lines along the dark ground at Superkilen park in Copenhagen
The Little Mermaid Statue on the waterfront in Copenhagen

Top Copenhagen Events

Copenhagen Fashion Week

Copenhagen Fashion Week is held twice a year and consists of three big fairs plus a mixed range of fashion shows at City Hall and the Royal Academy of Music. 

Copenhagen Carnival

The Copenhagen Carnival is an annual event taking place in Fælledparken and on the streets of Copenhagen during the Whitsun Holiday. Over the years it has developed into the largest Danish festival for World music.

Jazz Festival

Copenhagen Jazz Festival is an annual Jazz event, taking place each July. Featuring some of the world’s best musicians, greats like Miles Davis have performed in the past.

Pride Festival

Copenhagen Pride is an LGBT festival which is held every August in the City Hall Square, Copenhagen. A festive event, the city celebrates freedom, love and art.

Beer Festival

A large annual beer festival which takes place each year in Copenhagen. The festival mainly features micro breweries from all around the world.

Sakura Festival

Copenhagen Sakura Festival began in 2010 with a donation of 200 Cherry Blossom trees from Japan.

Featured Host

Nimb

The Nimb Hotel is combined beautifully with Tivoli Gardens in a refreshing and fantastical experience that unfolds before your feet. Classy and artisitic décor, playful and well thought out, each detail is part of a flawless curation. Boasting a roof top pool and bar, spa, fitness facilities and grand halls for events, the Nimb meets every need whilst exceeding all expectations.

Best Things to do in Berlin | Germany

lady wearing yellow walks towards Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany

Top 15 Best things to do in

Berlin

Unesco world heritage sites
different nationalities
museums
year of reunification
residents
Inside the Reichstag building in Berlin
Berlin Cathedral
Monument to the Murdered Jews of Europe, in Berlin

Top 15 Best Things to do in Berlin

A city at the heart of two world wars, and divided by the cold war, Berlin has seen much conflict and turbulence over the years. Since the wall came down, unification has fostered a transformation on the foundation of tolerance, diversity, creativity and technology.  

Today, Berlin is the economic engine of Europe. A vibrant capital with friendly locals, an exciting nightlife, and a food scene well worth exploring. Environmentally conscious, Berlin boasts many large parks, forests and lakes where the city’s 3.5 million residents relax, play and get together with friends in nature.

Berlin also has a vast network of cycle paths, making it perfect for staying active while exploring and checking out the many fascinating neighbourhoods and attractions. Berlin is consistently near the top of the annual quality of life rankings, and it is very easy to see why. 

What to do in Berlin

Ready to start planning your trip to Berlin? Here is our list of top attractions to help you decide what to do in Germany’s exciting capital.

1. Reichstag Building

A fantastic building with a fascinating history and architecture. Head to the top of the building to reach a large viewing terrace with breath taking views of Berlin.

2. Brandenburg Gate

The iconic Brandenburg Gate came to symbolise Berlin’s Cold War division into East and West Germany. Since the fall of the Berlin Wall, Germans have come to see it as a symbol of unification.

3. Berlin TV Tower

Standing at 368 metres into the sky, Berlin’s TV Tower is one of the city’s most recognizable and unique landmarks, and also the tallest building in Europe. From the top you can enjoy 360 degree views from the observation deck. The tower also has a restaurant that revolves while serving delicious cuisine.

4. Tiergarten

New Yorkers have Central Park, Londoners have Hyde Park, and Berliners have Tiergarten. Close to the city centre and on the edge of some of the city’s main attractions like the Brandenburg. The forest extends over vast areas of the city covering 210 hectares, nearly 519 acres in lush forest and green space.

5. Gendarmenmarkt

Check out the numerous restaurants and cafés where you can sit and relax. Then enjoy the luxury shops and boutiques that are scattered throughout the square as well as along the trendy shopping mile, Friedrichstraβe.

6. East Side Gallery

At 1316 metres long, the open-air art gallery on the banks of the Spree in Friedrichshain is the longest continuous section of the Berlin Wall still in existence. Immediately after the wall came down, 118 artists from 21 countries began painting the East Side Gallery, and it officially opened as an open air gallery on 28 September 1990.

7. Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

A memorial to the Jews that were lost during the Holocaust. The memorial is a moving tribute that every visitor to Berlin should experience. We remember the tragedies that took place so that nothing like that happens ever again. On a site covering 19,000 square metres, the area is open day and night and accessible from all four sides.

victory column at sunset, Berlin

8. Berliner Dom

The magnificent protestant church, built in baroque revival style, the Berliner Dom is the city’s most important Protestant church. In addition to church services, the building is used for state ceremonies and events.

9. Museum Island

Berlin’s Museumsinsel (Museum Island) is a concentration of five amazing museums that collectively was awarded UNESCO World Heritage Status in 1999.

10. Berlin Nightlife

With legendary club nights that last well into the early hours, Berlin has earned a reputation for hedonism with no last call. If you love to party, then check out the Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg neighbourhoods.

11. Charlottenburg Palace 

Charlottenburg Palace is one of Berlin’s few sites that still reflect the one-time grandeur and opulence of the Hohenzollern family, which ruled the region from 1415 to 1918.

12. Alexanderplatz

Alexanderplatz in Berlin Mitte is one of the best-known public squares and one of the biggest in Berlin. It’s a hub for meeting people and easy walking distance to several attractions in central Berlin.

13. Victory Column

From Brandenburg Gate, take the broad boulevard Straße des 17, and right at the heart of the roundabout you can find the Victory Column with sweeping panoramic views.

14. Oberbaum Bridge

Berlin’s most beautiful and most photographed bridge is the two storied Oberbaum Bridge across the Spree. It links two former boroughs that are now one: Friedrichshain in the former East Berlin and Kreuzberg in the former West. 

15. Trabant Tour 

You can rent a Trabant and drive it yourself to get the real feeling of the East. These beautiful 4-seat Oldtimers are also at your disposal for guided tours.

Editor’s Travel Tips

Feast on Currywurst

Currywurst has been a German institution since it was invented in Berlin by Herta Heuwer in 1949. Heuwer lived in the British military sector of Berlin after World War II, where some soldiers had given her some ketchup, curry powder and Worcestershire sauce that they brought with them from the UK.

Best Time to Visit Berlin

The best time to visit Berlin is May through September, when the weather is ideal for café sitting, park lazing and leisurely city strolling.

aerial view of Berlin city spanning both sides of the river
Inside the German Historical Museum
postcards in Berlin

Best Things To Do In Eindhoven | The Netherlands

the Blob glass building in Eindhoven

Top things to do in

Eindhoven

Philips brought light to Eindhoven
nationalities
Michelin Star Restaurants
rd
Largest football stadium in the Netherlands
m
from airport to city centre

Best Things To Do In Eindhoven

Prepare to be inspired by creativity, innovation and design

There’s an intense passion for innovation and design that is deeply woven into society in Eindhoven. As a result, you can taste it in the vast and exciting food scene, and feel it in the thought-provoking art exhibitions that channel emotion through creativity. There’s a tangible representation of it in the galleries, shops and showrooms around the city. In summary, there’s an all encompassing creative energy in Eindhoven that draws you in and keeps you searching for more.

bicycle leaning against a red brick wall, with a black mini cooper parked beside it on a street in Eindhoven
Colourful street art in Eindhoven city centre
man in white t-shirt and black shorts walks up a set of blue metal stairs in the courtyard of an apartment block

History Of Eindhoven

A short history of the City of Light

Eindhoven has a rich history that relates closely to the development and success of the international technology company, Philips. Founded in Eindhoven in 1891, Philips & Co quickly became the driving force for innovative technology. The company’s production of advanced technology began with lightbulbs, bringing light to the world and shining a spotlight on the city. As the company grew and expanded overseas, Eindhoven long remained the headquarters for the Philips company, and has since retained the aptly awarded name ‘City of Light’. Philips & Co were responsible for developing many of the socio-economical successes of Eindhoven, having provided thousands of jobs, extensive housing arrangements, and many employee rights that paved the way in the working industry and lead to a city of healthy and happy workers. 

A lasting impression

It appears that Philips laid the foundations for Eindhoven’s evolution into a city of advanced innovation and design. Creativity flows through the veins of the city as though there is something in the water that urges people to try new things and prove that there are no boundaries to imagination. Public displays of art and design are openly accepted in Eindhoven, encouraging people to channel their expressiveness in a way that allows everyone to take inspiration from it. Because of this, you see innovation everywhere you look and can feel the creativity igniting in your soul.

Left Brain, Right Brain

There’s one thing that really stands out about Eindhoven, and that is the emphasis on collaboration. Many of the world’s greatest inventions have come about as a result of people sharing and combining ideas to create something more spectacular than any one person could do alone. Above all, Eindhoven prides itself on showcasing the best of ‘the left brain and the right brain’. Interestingly, Eindhoven boasts talent in both the arts and technology, with people from all over the world coming here to think, share ideas, and create. As a result, creative ideas are combined with technological advances to bring about remarkable products and concepts. Inevitably, the approach of sharing insight from different perspectives can result in wonderful things.

Best Things to do in Eindhoven

There’s so much to see and do in Eindhoven. We’ve put together a selection of the best to get you started on your journey of discovery. Start planning your trip with this list of the 12 best things to do in Eindhoven.

 

1. Visit the Philips museum

Get an insight into the city’s history through this fun and interactive experience. Furthermore, you’ll leave with a new appreciation for the social projects that started hundreds of years ago and still positively impact lives today.

2. Discover Eindhoven’s epic street art

This can be found all over the city. Look out for work by Studio Giftig who have become increasingly well known for their incredible talent. To illustrate, see some of their best pieces in the Most Instagrammable Places In Eindhoven.

3. Go to a PSV football match

A trip to Eindhoven wouldn’t be complete without going to watch the local team play. PSV is a historic club founded by Philips & Co back in 1913. The club was started for Philips employees and grew to one of the best teams in The Netherlands.

people walk and cycle in front of a Philips buildings and a modern glass building in Eindhoven city centre

4. Eat all of the food!

Eindhoven is a foodie haven. With 12 Michelin star restaurants and countless more fine dining or casual eating options, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Check out our Best places to eat in Eindhoven for a selection of our favourites.

5. Take a day trip to Nuenen

Home to the world famous painter Vincent van Goghn, Nuenen is a picturesque village just outside Eindhoven.  Visit the Van Gogh museum then get a feel for the village with a walking tour, where you can visit the buildings that were subjects in some of Van Gogh’s most well-known paintings.

6. Explore Stijp-S

A former Philips industrial area, Strijp-S is now a hip centre for independent businesses and designers. Wander through the area and find renovated factories, innovative concepts, local artisans and thrift stores.

7. Relax in the city parks

We can’t be the only ones who love a bit of urban planning that brings ample green space to a city. Eindhoven has some great parks spread out across the city, ideal for resting your legs in the middle of a jam-packed day of exploring.

8. Take a trip to Piet Hein Eek

Bordering the old Philips estate, this former Philips factory has been transformed into a spectacular design hub, warehouse, and showroom. Now, local designers use this space to create and showcase their work, inspired by Dutch designer Piet Hein Eek who’s passion lies in creating something new from something old.

9. Light up your life at the new Motion Imagination Experience

A new addition to Eindhoven’s city centre attractions. Grab your camera and a few friends and head to Motion Imagination Experience to be swept away by the photographic moving light shows.

Man in grey t-shirt and blue hat cycles past an interesting orange house in Eindhoven

10. Get a bird’s eye view at Happy Hour

Sunset is the ideal time to visit the Skybar and look down on Eindhoven from above. Put your feet up and enjoy a delicious, travel-inspired cocktail as you reflect on the day and plan your next steps. It’s a beautiful way to appreciate how green Eindhoven is, and to see some of the city’s  interesting structures from above.

11. Step inside Cafe Thomas

Prepare to be blown away by the impressive art work that encompasses Thomas Hall. An inspiring piece by Studio Giftig, this is not to be missed. The best part? This is now a trendy bar, so you can take it all in as you sip a cold beer.

12. Visit the Van Abbemuseum for contemporary art

With permanent installations and guest exhibitions exploring topics that are currently prominent in society, the Van Abbemuseum is a thought provoking experience you will not want to miss.

Eindhoven Events Calendar

Spring & Summer

Lakedance

Head to Aquabest for the best summer festival around. Dance in the sand with a cocktail in hand, as the music plays on and on. Be free, have fun, and soak up the summer vibes.

Van Moll Fest 

A weekend full of fantastic beer. Delivering beers from the best Dutch, European, and US breweries, Van Moll Fest is a great opportunity to get together with your mates and appreciate international craft beer.

Foodstock

Based on the laid back weekend vibes of Woodstock, this summer food festival has free admission and loads of food, drinks and music on offer. An ideal place to chill out and eat a wide range of foods from around the world.

Autumn & Winter

Dutch Design Week

The largest design event in Northern Europe, DDW is not to be missed. As the design capital of the Netherlands, Eindhoven is the perfect place to host an event showcasing creative and innovative designs. Held in October each year.

Lichtjesroute

This celebration of light began as a commemoration to Eindhoven’s liberation after the Second World War. Each year, a 22km route around the city is lit up with light bulbs and lamps for everyone to enjoy. A beautiful event for the city of light.

Glow Festival

The yearly Glow festival is a firm Eindhoven favourite. Spectacular light installations pop up all over the city, creating a glowing art exhibition with moving and interactive lights.

Upcoming Events

New events are continuously being added to the calendar in Eindhoven. Get up-to-date information about activities and events from This Is Eindhoven, the city’s official tourism board.

inside an industrial building in Eindhoven, with metal beams and large pipes, and large glass windows
three horizontal blue lightning strikes with a yellow light behind. The official Eindhoven city logo
Inside a shopping mall in Eindhoven with glass roof and coloured lights inside the shops

Editor’s Travel Tips

Where to Eat

Eindhoven is a bit of an underdog when it comes to the food scene. There’s so much choice and variety, from Michelin Star restaurants to grab and go treats and everything in between.

Best Photo Opportunities

Despite residents often playing down the aesthetics of Eindhoven, we found it to be a surprisingly beautiful city. There’s so much architectural variety and brightly coloured street art, plus innovative design concepts that are nothing less than intriguing and pleasing to the eye.

Featured Host

Kazerne

If you want to melt into the beauty of all things art and design, Kazerne is the place to stay. Former military police barracks and an industrial warehouse have been transformed into an exciting platform that brings light to the extraordinary ways in which design can shape our lives. The elegant blend of original features and carefully selected art and design create an entirely unique experience. Home to 8 luxury guest suites and lofts, 2 restaurants, and multiple exhibition spaces, the art and design within the suites and around the property change regularly as new exhibitions are showcased.

Featured Host

The Match

For the city explorer and nightlife lover. Hotel The Match is everything you need a city centre hotel to be. Nothing more, nothing less. Located right in the heart of the action, The Match carries the motto ‘Check in, stay out’ and encourages guests to get outside and explore, returning to the hotel simply to shower, change, or take a nap. There’s no breakfast or onsite restaurant, but an endless selection of places to eat and drink right outside the front door. With a cool street-style design and wall art, this hip hotel is the ideal base from which to discover the very best of Eindhoven.

Top Things to do in Lisbon | Portugal

Praca do Comercio

Top 14 best things to do in

Lisbon

Years Old
people living in lisbon
Hills in the city
avg. annual hours of sunshine
mile long suspended bridge

Top Things to do in Lisbon

Proud past, dynamic present, exciting future

Lisbon has recently seen a boom in tourism, and when you begin to scratch beneath the surface, you can easily see why people are flocking to Lisbon. The romantic European capital has a long and impactful history, traditional arts, rich culture and incredible food. 

Lisbon is an international city with a diverse and multicultural population and an increasing number of expats. Lisbon offers unique experiences for everyone. Popular favourites are enjoying Fado concerts, trying delicious local cuisine and exploring the distinct neighbourhoods with funky bars and classical architecture.

The energy and buzz of the city is palpable. There is a distinct entrepreneurial flavour to the city along with an emerging tech and innovation industry.

At the same time, the easy going, warm Mediterranean vibe invites people outdoors to sit outside a café to sip coffee or relax with a beer by the waterfront. No matter what your taste or travel style, Lisbon has something for everyone. Looking for what to do in Lisbon? Check out the list we have put together below.

Barrio Alto Tram
MAAT museum in Lisbon

Best 14 Things to do in Lisbon

A rich and exciting history sets the scene for the vibrant city that Lisbon is today. There are endless things to see and do, from castles and towers to museums and cathedrals. You can easily fill your days without even trying. Here’s a few top sights and must-do activities to get you started.

    Ride the Rails on Tram 28

    Ride on one of Lisbon’s iconic trams, taking tram 28 for a classic journey between Martim Moniz to Campo Orique

    Discover the Religious Influence on Lisbon

    Explore the beautiful churches and cathedrals dotted around the city, like the Convento da Ordem do Carmo and the Sé de Lisboa

    Explore the Hilltop Castle

    Visit Castelo de São Jorge and take in the history and stunning views

    Take a Look at the Tiles

     Check out the impressive azulejo tiles in Alfama

    Take a Walk Around Belem

    Spend a day exploring Belem Tower and the 25 de Abril Bridge

    Discover the Modern, Creative Side of Lisbon

    Visit the amazing MAAT Museum

    Head up the Elevador de Santa Justa

    Ride the Santa Justa Lift that takes you from the lower to upper level streets in Baixa

    Go Out All Night

     Head to Barrio Alto to have a drink in one of the cities coolest bars

    Relax by the Riverside

    Hangout by the waterfront and soak up the laid back atmosphere

    Make a Day of it at the Market

    Check out the Time Out Market for an epic culinary experience

    Sightseeing in Sintra

    Take a day trip to Sintra to explore the charming town and many palaces including the iconic yellow Pena Palace

    Beach Days are the Best Days

    Take the train to the beautiful beach town of Cascais

    Snack on Crispy, Rich Portuguese Tarts

    Indulge in a few Pastel de Nata, Portugal’s infamous egg tarts

    Get Around Town on Two Wheels

    Rent an electric scooter to zip around the city

    Looking for great restaurants? Check out Audrey’s Cafe and Alfama Cellar

    Belem Tower in Lisbon, Portugal
    25 de Abril bridge
    Top things to do in Lisbon, Santa Justa lift
    Jeronimos Monastery
    Alfama Rooftops
    Praca Dom Pedro IV
    Tiled building facades
    Pastel de Nata

    When to Go

    High Season: June – September 
    Highs of 28°C, sunny

    Shoulder Season: March – May, October
    18°C – 23°C, mostly sunny with a small chance of rain

    Low Season: November – February
    Highs of 17°C lows of 8°C, sunny with a little bit of rain

    What to Pack

    • Comfortable shoes for walking
    • Sunglasses
    • Sun cream
    • A light jumper (evenings can feel a bit cool, even in the summer)
    • Waterproof jacket or umbrella in case of showers
    • Currency: Euros
    • Camera (obviously)