Copenhagen Canal Tour

Much of Copenhagen is best seen from the water. An hour-long canal tour from Nyhavn or Gammel Strand glides through narrow canals and out across the harbour, passing Christiansborg Palace, the Opera House, the Black Diamond library and the canals of Christianshavn.

Tours also pass close to the Little Mermaid, the bronze statue inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s tale, which sits on a rock at the harbour’s edge. A guide points out the sights in English as you go.

The open boats pass under some very low bridges, so stay seated when asked. Take a jacket, as it can be breezy on the harbour. It makes a good first activity on arrival, giving you a sense of the city’s layout before you explore on foot.