What To Do On A Sunday In Copenhagen
Sunday is the perfect day to explore Copenhagen’s best attractions, from royal castles, palaces, and fascinating museums to scenic parks, ornate churches, and several attractions only open at the weekend. In addition, public transport regularly runs on Sundays, so getting around isn’t an issue.
Use this guide to discover the best ways to spend an unforgettable Sunday in Copenhagen.
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Tivoli Gardens The Best Place To Visit On A Sunday
No trip to Copenhagen is complete without a visit to Tivoli Gardens.
There are 31 rides to choose from, from the gentle Classic Carousel to the scary, scream-inducing Demon rollercoaster.
Even if you don’t like rides, it’s a beautiful place to wander, enjoy the colourful gardens, and have a meal or a drink with a view, take in a show, go shopping or watch a ballet on the lawn. An entry pass allows access to the park but no rides.
Tickets for individual rides can be purchased once inside the park, but if you plan on enjoying multiple rides, buying a Ride Pass may be more cost-effective.
Tivoli Gardens Opening Dates
Tivoli Gardens change with the seasons and are not open year-round.
Summer 22nd March – 22nd September 2024
Halloween 10th October – 3rd November 2024
Christmas 15th November – 5th January 2025
Tivoli Gardens Sunday Visitor Information
| Tivoli Gardens Sunday Opening Hours | 11 am – 10 pm |
| Ticket Price | 155 kr Entry Ticket The entry ticket doesn’t include any rides 259 kr Ride Pass An entry ticket must be purchased with the ride pass |
| Address | Vesterbrogade 3, 1630 København V |
| Website | Tivoli Gardens Website |
The Best Copenhagen Museums Open On Sunday
Copenhagen has many world-class museums open on a Sunday, so you’ll be spoilt for choice.
The National Museum of Denmark (Nationalmuseet)
For an in-depth look into Danish history, be sure to visit the National Museum of Denmark. With its vast array of exhibits, this museum provides visitors with a comprehensive account of Danish culture – from its ancient days when it was home to Vikings through to today’s modern society.
The museum includes permanent and changing exhibitions along with regular public tours of specific aspects of the museum.
Your ticket to the National Museum of Denmark includes entry to the Children’s Museum.
National Museum of Denmark Sunday Visitors Information
| National Museum of Denmark Sunday Opening Hours | 10 am – 5 pm |
| Ticket Price | 130 kr |
| Address | Prince’s Mansion, Ny Vestergade 10, 1471 København K |
| Website | The National Museum of Denmark Website |
The National Gallery of Denmark (Statens Museum For Kunst)
For art enthusiasts, visiting the National Gallery of Denmark is a must. Prepare to be amazed by its impressive selection that includes –
National Gallery of Denmark (SMK) Sunday Visitors Information
| National Gallery of Denmark Sunday Opening Hours | 10 am – 6 pm |
| Ticket Price | 130 kr |
| Address | Sølvgade 48-50, 1307 København K |
| Website | The National Gallery of Denmark Website |
Glyptoteket (Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek)
Glyptoteket has permanent exhibitions featuring Roman, Greek and Egyptian sculptures, French and Danish art and sculptures, and it’s the best place in Copenhagen to see works by Auguste Rodin, Matisse, Degas and Picasso.
Glyptoteket Sunday Opening Hours, Entry Price, Address and Website
| Glyptoteket Sunday Opening Hours | 10 am – 5 pm |
| Ticket Price | 125 kr |
| Address | Dantes Plads 7, 1556 København |
| Website | Glyptoteket Website |
The Danish Architecture Centre (DAC)
The Danish Architecture Centre is dedicated to architecture and design. It offers ever-changing exhibitions, events and tours and also features a permanent exhibition focusing on Danish architecture from the Vikings to the present day.
For a great view of Copenhagen harbour waters and the island of Slotsholmen, visit the DAC Cafe on the third floor.
For more great views of the city and its surroundings, check out my article, Where Are The Best Viewpoints in Copenhagen?
Danish Architecture Centre (DAC) Sunday Visitors Information
| Danish Architecture Centre Sunday Opening Hours | 10 am – 6 pm |
| Ticket Price | 115 kr |
| Address | Bryghusgade 10, 1473 København |
| Website | Danish Architecture Centre Website |
The David Collection (Davids Samling)
The David Collection features paintings, ceramics, glass, textiles, furniture, silver, calligraphy and sculpture.
The museum was built around the collection of Islamic art of Christian Ludvig David (1878 – 1960), but it’s so much more than just Islamic art.
The museum is housed inside C L David’s former home and features rooms laid out as they were during his lifetime.
Visiting the David Collection and borrowing an info tablet/audio guide, which focuses on over 100 Islamic art pieces in the museum, is free.
Discover all the free museums in Copenhagen with this guide to 17 Copenhagen Museums With Free Entry in 2024.
David Collection Sunday Opening Hours, Entry Price, Address and Website
| David Collection Sunday Opening Hours | 10 am – 5 pm |
| Ticket Price | Free Entry |
| Address | Kronprinsessegade 30, 1306 København |
| Website | David Collection Website |
The Danish War Museum (Krigsmuseet)
Housed inside an arsenal constructed during the reign of King Christian IV (1596 – 1648), the Danish War Museum features a collection of exhibits relating to a soldier’s life in Afghanistan, Denmark’s wars, the Danish navy and military treasures from around the world.
The collection includes coats of armour, swords, uniforms and a large display of canons.
There are information pods around the displays, and while the subject is sombre, the museum is well laid out and informative.
Danish War Museum Sunday Visitors Information
| Danish War Museum Sunday Opening Hours | 10 am – 5 pm |
| Ticket Price | 95 kr |
| Address | Tøjhusgade 3, 1220 København |
| Website | Danish War Museum Website |
The Museum of Copenhagen (Københavns Museum)
Focusing on Copenhagen from its Viking past to the present day, the Museum of Copenhagen is housed in a beautifully restored building constructed in 1893.
The Museum of Copenhagen’s permanent collections feature –
All information in the museum is in English and Danish.
The Museum of Copenhagen Sunday Visitors Information
| Museum of Copenhagen Sunday Opening Hours | 11 am – 5 pm |
| Ticket Price | *100 kr |
| Address | Stormgade 18, 1555 Copenhagen V |
| Website | The Museum of Copenhagen Website |
Museum of Copenhagen, Nikolaj Kunsthal & Thorvaldsens Joint Ticket
* Your ticket to the Museum of Copenhagen includes entry to Thorvaldsens Museum and Nikolaj Kunsthal. However, neither Thorvaldsens Museum nor Nikolaj Kunsthal is open on Mondays. The single-entry ticket is valid for up to 48 hours from when the ticket is first used.
It’s also worth knowing that The Museum of Copenhagen, Nikolaj Kunsthal and Thorvaldsens Museum offer free entry on Wednesdays.
Discover all the free museums in Copenhagen with this guide to 17 Copenhagen Museums With Free Entry in 2024.
Thorvaldsens Museum
Thorvaldsens Museum opened in 1848 and is the oldest public museum in Denmark.
The museum focuses on the Danish sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen (1770 -1844), his work, personal items, and the work of his contemporaries.
Bertel Thorvaldsen is buried in the middle of the museum courtyard.
Thorvaldsens Museum has its own app, which is worth downloading. While not everything is in English, it’s a helpful guide during your visit.
Thorvaldsens Museum Sunday Visitors Information
| Thorvaldsens Museum Sunday Opening Hours | 10 am – 5 pm |
| Ticket Price | *100 kr |
| Address | Bertel Thorvaldsens Plads 2, 1213 København |
| Website | Thorvaldsens Museum Website |
Nikolaj Kunsthal
Nikolaj Kunsthal is a contemporary art centre showcasing Danish and international works. What makes it unique is that it’s housed in a converted church that dates back to the 13th century; however, after one of Copenhagen’s many fires, the tower was rebuilt in 1591.
There are occasional visits to the 35-metre (114 feet) Nikolaj Kunsthal tower on a Sunday at 1 pm. A ticket for the tour costs 50 kr. Check out this link for details of upcoming tower tours.
The exhibitions at Nikolaj Kunsthal are constantly changing, so there’s always something new and exciting to discover.
Note that the Nikolaj Kunsthal will be temporarily closed during exhibition renovations; check the website for upcoming exhibition dates.
Nikolaj Kunsthal Sunday Opening Hours, Entry Price, Address and Website
| Nikolaj Kunsthal Sunday Opening Hours | 11 am – 5 pm |
| Ticket Price | *100 kr |
| Address | Nikolaj Plads. 1067 Copenhagen K |
| Website | Nikolaj Kunsthal website |
Visit Nyboder – The Yellow Houses
Nyboder, constructed in 1631 to accommodate naval personnel and their families during the reign of King Christian IV, is a photogenic collection of yellow terraced houses close to the Marble Church and Amalienborg.
Construction began in 1631, and by 1640, six hundred and forty houses had been built. At its peak, Nyboder was home to 15,000 residents. Today, you can explore the impressive memorial rooms, which offer a glimpse into one of the buildings.
While small, a visit to the Yellow House Memorial building showcases the living quarters, second-floor and outdoor spaces, paintings, and historical items, including an admiral’s naval uniform donated by the late Prince Henrik. And if you’re interested, the staff have a wealth of stories to tell and are incredibly interesting.
The yellow houses, except for the memorial rooms, are still homes of military personnel. So please don’t go prying or peeking into the windows of people’s homes.
Nyboder, The Yellow Houses Visitor Information
Nyboder, the Yellow Houses are only open on Sunday, but they are closed on Easter Sunday, Pentecost Sunday, and between Christmas and New Year.
| Nyboder Sunday Opening Hours | 11 am – 2 pm |
| Ticket Price | 20 kr |
| Address | Sankt Pauls Gade 24, 1313 København |
| Website | Nyboder Website |
Visit Cisternerne At Søndermarken
Cisternerne is an underground reservoir converted into a contemporary art space. Each season, one exhibition runs from the middle of March until the end of November.
In 2024, Cisternerne features Start The Lament, a sound installation by artist Taryn Simon exploring how we deal with grief.
The exhibition space is dimly lit and has winding walkways, so take care not to step in the 10 cm deep water or touch the stalactites hanging from the ceiling.
Practical Information For Visiting Cisternerne
The entrance can be found through the pyramid-shaped glass domes.
Access to the Cisterns is via stone steps with no wheelchair or stroller accessibility.
Note that Cisternerne is closed from December until the middle of March.
Cisternerne Sunday Opening Hours, Entry Price, Address and Website
| Cisternerne Sunday Opening Hours | 11 am – 6 pm |
| Ticket Price | 115 kr |
| Address | Roskildevej 25A, 2000 Frederiksberg |
| Website | Cisternerne Website |
Visit The Royal Lifeguards Museum (Livgardens Museum)
The Royal Lifeguards Museum (Livgardens Museum) is spread over seven rooms and features military information from the time of Frederik III to the present day. It contains a wealth of knowledge in both English and Danish, including numerous photos and displays showcasing military dress through the ages.
Additionally, you can learn about the duties, uniforms, and training of the Danish Royal Lifeguard, established in 1658.
The museum is only open on Saturday and Sunday, so take your opportunity to visit this small but interesting museum.
Royal Lifeguard Museum Visitor Information
The entrance to the Royal Life Guard Museum is on Gothersgade. The museum is next to Rosenborg Castle, but there is no entry to the museum from the castle.
| Royal Lifeguard Museum Opening Hours | 11.30 am – 3 pm Sat & Sun only |
| Ticket Price | Free Entry |
| Address | Gothersgade 100, 1123 København |
| Website | Livsgarden Museum Website |
Explore Copenhagen Castles And Palaces
Copenhagen has a rich historical past which can be seen all over the city but none more so than at Rosenborg Castle, Christiansborg Palace and the Amalienborg Palace Museum.
Visit Rosenborg Castle (Rosenborg Slot)
Rosenborg Castle, completed in 1607, was originally built as a summer house for King Christian IV. The Castle offers a glimpse into his life, with rooms preserved as they were during his and other monarchs’ reigns.
Visit the King Christian IV’s bedroom, where he died in 1648. Admire the Knights Hall with the coronation chairs and the bronze lions which guard deceased monarchs as they lie in state, and be wowed in the the well-guarded treasury housing the crown jewels.
Pick up a leaflet and use their multimedia guide (remember to take earphones) to get the most out of your visit, as there is a lack of signage inside the castle.
There is very little heating inside Rosenborg Castle, so remember to bring warm clothes.
Rosenborg Castle Sunday Visitors Information
| Rosenborg Castle Sunday Opening Hours | 10 am – 4 pm 10 am – 5 pm 23rd Mar – 31st Oct |
| Ticket Price | 140 kr |
| Address | Øster Voldgade 4A, 1350 København |
| Website | Rosenborg Castle Website |
Save Money: Buy A Combined Ticket For Rosenborg And Amalienborg
You can purchase a combined ticket for Rosenborg Castle and Amalienborg Palace Museum for 215 kr. The combined ticket allows one entry to both Rosenborg Castle and Amalienborg Museum and is valid for two days. Check the websites for their opening days, as they are not open on Mondays all year round.
The joint ticket to Rosenborg Castle / Amalienborg Palace Museum can only be purchased at the ticket offices. It is not available to buy online.
Whichever ticket you purchase, you MUST reserve a time slot for your visit to Rosenborg Castle.
Visit Amalienborg Museum (Amalienborgmuseet)
The Amalienborg complex comprises four palaces constructed in the 1750s.
However, only a small part of Christian VIII’s palace, the Amalienborg Palace Museum, is open to the public.
There’s plenty to see inside Amalienborg Palace Museum, with rooms laid out as they would have been during the monarch’s reign, but it doesn’t have the same atmosphere as the other palaces in and around Copenhagen. But of course, you’re visiting a museum rather than the palace.
The changing of the guard takes place outside Amalienborg Palace every day at noon.
Amalienborg Museum Sunday Visitors Information
| Amalienborg Museum Sunday Opening Hours | 10 am – 4 pm 10 am – 5 pm 22nd Jun – 1st Sep |
| Ticket Price | 125 kr |
| Address | Amalienborg Slotsplads 5, 1257 København K |
| Website | Amalienborg Museum Website |
Visit Christiansborg Palace
On the 14th of January 2024, the abdication of Queen Margrethe II was signed at Christiansborg Palace. At 3 pm on the same day, Mette Frederiksen, the Danish Prime Minister, announced the succession to the throne of King Frederik X from the balcony overlooking the statue of King Frederik VII.
Christiansborg Palace may look old, but the building you see today was built in 1928. However, there has been a palace on this site for over 800 years.
Christiansborg Palace complex comprises the following –
The Royal Reception Rooms
The Royal Reception Rooms include the Grand Hall with its impressive, colourful Bjørn Nørgaard tapestries, commissioned for HM Queen Margrethe II’s 50th birthday, the library and the banqueting hall.
The Royal Reception Rooms also include the Throne Room, where a succession of the throne is announced from the balcony.
You can see Bjørn Nørgaard’s sketches, used by the weavers to create the tapestries, at Køs Museum of Art in Public Spaces in Køge, a pretty medieval town just over half an hour by train from Copenhagen and well worth a visit. Take a look at this article, What To See And Do in Køge, to learn more.
Listen To Tales Of The Reception Rooms, Tapestries And The Ruins
Download the free Useeum App and listen to the history and tales of the Royal Reception Rooms, the Tapestries and the Royal Ruins on your phone (remember to take earphones).
The Royal Kitchen
The Royal Kitchen is as it was during the reign of Christian X and contains one of the largest collections of copperware in Europe.
The Ruins
The ruins of the first castle, built in 1167, can be seen in the cellar.
The Royal Stables
Inside the royal stables, you can admire a collection of carriages, including the oldest one, which dates back to 1778. If you’re fortunate, you may see one or more of the horses being exercised in the exercise yard, pulling one of the royal carriages.
Christiansborg Palace Chapel
Christiansborg Palace Chapel was almost destroyed by fire when a firework hit the roof in 1992. What you see today is a reconstruction, faithful to the original. For more information, take a look at Best Churches In Copenhagen Even If You’re Not Religious.
If you’re planning a visit to Christiansborg Palace, especially the Royal Reception Rooms, it’s important to know that they may be reserved for events and official occasions hosted by the royal family. Ensure you check the website to confirm that they are open to the public on the day of your visit.
Visit Christiansborg Tower
Christiansborg Tower can be visited free of charge between 11 am – 5.30 pm on a Sunday. You can find information about Christiansborg Tower in my article The Best Towers and Viewpoints in Copenhagen.
If you’re looking to save money while exploring Copenhagen, check out these two articles to learn about all the great activities that won’t cost you a penny! From free museums to indoor and outdoor activities, discover the many ways to enjoy the city without breaking the bank.
Christiansborg Palace Ticket Prices
Tickets for the Christiansborg Palace complex can be bought individually or as part of a combined ticket, which saves 40% on standard admission prices if bought separately.
The combined ticket covers the Royal Reception Rooms, The Kitchen, The Stables and The Ruins, which are all in the same area. The ticket is valid for one month.
| Royal Reception Room Ticket Price | 105 kr |
| Royal Kitchen Ticket Price | 65 kr |
| Royal Ruins | 65 kr |
| Royal Stables Ticket Price | 65 kr |
| Combined Ticket | 175 kr |
| Christiansborg Chapel | Free Entry |
| Address | Prins Jørgens Gård 1, 1218 København |
| Website | Christiansborg Palace Website |
Christiansborg Palace Sunday Opening Hours
| Attraction | Sunday Opening Hours |
|---|---|
| Royal Reception Rooms | 10 am – 5 pm July – August 10 am – 6 pm |
| Royal Kitchen | 10 am – 5 pm July – August 10 am – 6 pm |
| The Ruins | 10 am – 5 pm July – August 10 am – 6 pm |
| Royal Stables | 1.30 pm – 4 pm July 10 am – 6 pm The horses are away from 15/6 – 7/8 |
| Palace Chapel | 10 am – 5 pm every Sunday 10 am – 6 pm every day in July |
Relax in One Of Copenhagen’s Many Parks
Parks in Copenhagen are open on Sundays, and there are plenty to choose from.
You can see wild deer at The Deer Park, which is also home to Bakken, the world’s oldest-running amusement park (Bakken opening times are seasonal, so check out the opening times before visiting).
Kastellet (The Citadel), founded in 1626 by King Christian IV, is one of Northern Europe’s finest fortifications. It’s open to the public and still serves as a military barracks. Even though it’s not technically a park, Kastellet is a beautiful, open green space in the city.
Or visit The Kings Garden, with its rose garden, sculptures and view of Rosenborg Castle and the moat.
Parks in Copenhagen, with the exception of Tivoli Gardens, all have free entry.
Take a look at my article, Explore The Top 10 Best Parks In Copenhagen, to find great spots for a picnic, enjoy nature, or relax and enjoy the peace.
Watch A Free Sunday Concert At Nemoland In Christiania
Freetown Christiania is an autonomous neighbourhood known for its unique atmosphere and community spirit.
Each Sunday during the summer, Christiania hosts free concerts on the stage at Nemoland. Entry to Christiania is always free, so buy a beer, sit back and enjoy.
Check out the Nemoland Website for all the Sunday concerts.
Visit Copenhagens Stunning Churches
As tourist admission and taking photographs are understandably not allowed during church services, check the Sunday opening hours in this article, The 12 Best Churches in Copenhagen, Even If You Aren’t Religious, before you visit.
If you’d like to attend a service, the best churches in Copenhagen article also has links to church websites. In addition, a few churches offer English-language services.
Sunday Shopping In Copenhagen
Not all shops are open on Sunday, so for more information, including opening hours, check out my article Are Shops Open On Sunday In Copenhagen?
Public Transport on Sundays In Copenhagen
Copenhagen’s public transport is efficient and regularly travels throughout the day and night. As a general rule, there are no differences between the weekday travel times and the Sunday schedules.
Plan Your Journey Using Rejseplanen
Rejseplanen is a journey-planning public transport app that makes exploring Copenhagen and the whole of Denmark easy. You can also use Rejseplanen to buy your tickets.
I’m Happy To Help If You Have Any Questions
As a Copenhagen local, I can provide insider tips and recommendations to make your visit to this amazing city even more enjoyable. Feel free to get in touch if you’d like help with your trip.
