Copenhagen Bike Tour: City Highlights, Nyhavn & Little Mermaid

Summary

Cycle past palaces, harbors & hidden corners on Copenhagen streets

You’ll ride through Copenhagen’s heart with a local guide—past royal castles, colorful harbors like Nyhavn, and iconic spots like the Little Mermaid. Expect laughter over mispronounced Danish words, unexpected smells (roasted almonds!), and plenty of real city life along the way. It’s three hours that feel both lively and quietly memorable.

What’s the experience like?

We were already wobbling a bit as we left Tropical Bikes—maybe nerves or just getting used to the Danish bikes. Our guide, Mads, grinned and told us not to worry: “Everyone looks awkward for the first five minutes.” He wasn’t kidding. The city just sort of flowed around us—locals in scarves pedaling by with baskets full of bread or flowers. We stopped at City Hall Square and Mads pointed out Tivoli Gardens across the street, which I’d only seen lit up at night before. It’s funny how different things feel in daylight, with the sound of bells mixing with distant laughter from somewhere behind the gates.

Christiansborg Palace was next, all stone and history. There was a faint smell of wet leaves (it had rained earlier), and someone nearby was roasting almonds—sweet, nutty air drifting over as Mads explained something about royal horses that I half-missed because a group of school kids zipped past us ringing their bells. We paused at Nyhavn—the harbor really is as colorful as everyone says but less postcard-perfect when you’re there in person; more messy, real. Boats bobbing, people leaning over railings eating ice cream even though it was chilly. I tried to say “Amalienborg” correctly and got it totally wrong; Mads laughed and so did an older woman passing by.

The wind picked up near Kastellet and the Little Mermaid statue (smaller than I expected), and my hands were cold but I didn’t mind much. We saw the Opera House from across the water—a weirdly quiet moment with just gulls overhead—and then wound through side streets toward Rosenborg Castle and the Round Tower. By then my legs were tired but in that good way where you know you’ve actually seen something instead of just ticking boxes. I still think about that view from King’s Square—gray sky, gold statues catching bits of light—and how easy it felt to be part of Copenhagen for a few hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Copenhagen city bike tour highlights

• Start at Tropical Bikes shop
• Visit Town Hall Square
• View Tivoli from Town Hall
• See Christiansborg Palace and Royal Stables
• Explore Royal Library buildings
• Visit Børsen Stock Exchange
• Pass Kongens Nytorv King's Square
• Pass Royal Danish Theatre
• Stop at Nyhavn harbour
• View Opera House across water
• Visit Amalienborg Royal Residence
• View Frederik Church from Amalienborg
• See Gefion statue
• Walk pier near Kastellet and Little Mermaid
• Pass Kastellet fortress
• Visit Little Mermaid statue
• See Rosenborg Castle
• Visit Round Tower in old town
• Return to Tropical Bikes shop

Top questions

How long is the Copenhagen bike tour?

The bike tour lasts approximately 3 hours.

What landmarks are included on this tour?

You’ll see City Hall Square, Tivoli Gardens (from outside), Christiansborg Palace, Nyhavn harbor, Amalienborg Palace, Kastellet fortress, Little Mermaid statue, Rosenborg Castle, Round Tower and more.

Is there a local guide on this Copenhagen highlights bike tour?

Yes, tours are led by a local professional guide who shares stories and personal favorites along the route.

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts and ends at Tropical Bikes shop in central Copenhagen.

Are helmets provided on the Copenhagen bike tour?

Yes, free helmets are included for all participants while supplies last.

What happens if it rains during the tour?

The tour runs in all weather conditions; rain ponchos are available if needed (while supplies last).

Can I store my luggage during the tour?

Yes, you can store your luggage at Tropical Bikes while you’re on the tour.

Is this bike tour suitable for children?

Children can join if accompanied by an adult; child bikes may be reserved in advance (limited availability).

What’s included

Your day includes a 3-hour guided bike ride through central Copenhagen with stops at major sights like Nyhavn harbor and Rosenborg Castle; use of helmet and rain poncho if needed; luggage storage at Tropical Bikes shop before or after your ride; plus time to rest in their lounge facilities before setting off or after returning.