Copenhagen: Bike Tour of Nyhavn, Palaces & Hidden Streets

Summary

Cycle past palaces, harbors and the city’s colorful heart with stories from a local guide

You’ll feel Copenhagen come alive as you ride past Nyhavn’s colors, royal palaces, hidden gardens and lively harbors with a local guide sharing real stories. Expect laughter in the rain, surprising quiet moments among crowds, and small details you’ll remember long after your legs stop aching.

What’s the experience like?

I clipped on my helmet (optional, but I figured why not) and tried not to look too nervous as our guide, Mads, handed out the radio receivers. He grinned and said, “Don’t worry — Copenhagen is built for bikes.” The air smelled faintly of coffee and rain on cobblestones. My bike felt lighter than I expected. We set off in a line that was only slightly wobbly at first — I’m blaming the excitement — gliding right onto Strøget while Mads started telling us about old merchant days and how locals still use this street for everything from shopping to protests. I remember a woman in a yellow raincoat ringing her bell and waving as she passed us; it felt like we were part of the city’s rhythm instead of just watching it.

We stopped at Kunsthal Charlottenborg for what Mads called “the best secret view of Nyhavn.” He wasn’t kidding. The canal stretched out below all those painted houses — blue, ochre, red — with boats bobbing gently and people laughing over open-faced sandwiches. I tried to take a photo but honestly, it didn’t capture half of what it felt like standing there with drizzle clinging to my sleeves. Later at Amalienborg Palace, we watched the royal guards do their slow march and Mads told us about some palace drama (I won’t spoil it). There was something quiet about that square even with tourists around — maybe it was the way everyone lowered their voices near the flag.

The wind picked up by the harbor near Kastellet and I could smell saltwater mixed with fresh bread from somewhere nearby. We paused at the Little Mermaid statue and yeah, she’s smaller than you’d think — but hearing about Hans Christian Andersen right there made me weirdly nostalgic for childhood stories. On the way back through tucked-away gardens behind the Black Diamond library, we all got a bit quieter; maybe tired or just soaking it in. By then my legs were jelly but I didn’t want to stop riding through those narrow streets where locals sat outside tiny cafés under wool blankets.

We ended where we started, handing back radios and ponchos (mine definitely got used), and Mads invited us to hang out for coffee or beer in their lounge. Someone asked him for more recommendations and he scribbled down three places on a napkin like it was no big deal. I still think about that view over Nyhavn — how ordinary life looked so bright from a bike seat in Copenhagen.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Copenhagen bike tour and sightseeing

• Check-in and receive radio receiver
• Cruise Strøget to The Kings Square
• Pass 18th century hotels and theatres
• See Birdbox mosaic and hear story
• Stop for photo at art centre near Nyhavn
• Visit stunning church architectural gem
• View Amalienborg Palace and royal stories
• Photo stop at Gefion Fountain
• Visit Little Mermaid statue and tales
• Cruise car-free harbor zone and Kastellet
• Stop at waterside with Opera House views
• Pass lively Ofelia Square events area
• Cruise Royal Play House boardwalk
• Explore colorful Nyhavn and take photos
• Pass Old Stock Exchange dragon spire
• Visit Black Diamond and hidden garden
• Stop at Christiansborg Palace Parliament stories
• Pass Latin Quarter and experience hygge
• Return to start, hand in radio, relax

Top questions

How long is the Copenhagen bike tour?

The tour lasts approximately 2 hours from start to finish.

Does the tour include stops at major landmarks?

Yes, you’ll stop at places like Nyhavn, Amalienborg Palace, Kastellet, Christiansborg Palace and more.

Is bike rental included in the price?

Yes, use of a stylish Copenhagen bike is included during the tour.

Are helmets provided on this Copenhagen bike tour?

Helmets are optional and available if you want one.

What happens if it rains during the tour?

Rain ponchos are provided free if needed so you can keep cycling comfortably.

Do I need to be an experienced cyclist?

No—Copenhagen is very bike-friendly and suitable for most fitness levels.

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts and ends in central Copenhagen at the same location.

Is there storage for luggage or bags during the tour?

You can store your luggage or bags for free from 9:00am–3:30pm at their lounge area.

What’s included

Your day includes use of a comfortable city bike (with optional helmet), radio headset so you can hear your guide clearly even in traffic, rain poncho if needed, warm clothes if you’re chilly plus access to free WiFi and luggage storage at their lounge before or after your ride—and when you finish cycling through Copenhagen’s highlights you’re welcome to relax with complimentary coffee or tea before heading out again.