Copenhagen: City Highlights Bike Tour with Local Stops

Summary

Cycle past Copenhagen icons from Nyhavn to Torvehallerne with a guide

You’ll pedal through Copenhagen’s heart alongside a local guide, weaving past Nyhavn’s colorful harbor, pausing at Rosenborg Castle’s gardens, tasting fresh pastries at Torvehallerne Market, and meeting the famous Little Mermaid up close—all by bike. Expect laughter, small surprises, and moments that linger after you’ve left.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel so at home on two wheels in Copenhagen. The second we met our guide at the bike shop near the center—her name was Mette, quick to smile and somehow already knowing who needed a smaller helmet—I realized this wasn’t just about sightseeing. The bikes were sturdy but not fancy, which I liked. We wobbled out into the street (I’m not a daily cyclist back home), and suddenly there we were, gliding past pastel houses in Nyhavn. A breeze carried that briny harbor smell, and someone on a nearby bench was eating what looked like pickled herring on rye. I almost stopped to ask for a bite.

Mette kept us moving without rushing. She’d point out odd details—a lion statue here, some graffiti tucked behind a bakery—and tell stories that made even the big sights feel personal. At Christiansborg Palace, she explained how Danish politics worked (I’m still not sure I get it), but then she laughed about her dad getting lost there during a school field trip years ago. There was this moment at Rosenborg Castle where the sun hit the gardens just right and everything felt kind of golden and quiet, except for a group of kids chasing each other around the moat. I remember thinking, “This is what people mean when they say Copenhagen is livable.”

We stopped at Torvehallerne Market for coffee and pastries—flaky things with poppy seeds that left sugar on my fingers. It wasn’t long, but it felt like enough time to watch locals haggle over flowers or chat in that soft Danish way (I tried saying “tak” and probably sounded awkward). The Little Mermaid statue was smaller than I imagined—Mette joked everyone says that—but seeing her up close with all those tourists crowding around felt oddly intimate anyway. My legs were tired by then but not sore; honestly, it’s so flat you hardly notice you’ve been riding for hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Copenhagen city highlights bike tour

• Meet guide at central point
• Get settled on bicycles
• Ride through city sights
• See The Little Mermaid statue
• Visit Christiansborg Palace
• View Amalienborg Royal residence
• Stop at Rosenborg Castle
• Explore Nyhavn harbor area
• Climb gold tower for views
• Visit five circular viewing platforms
• See Copenhagen Cathedral
• Stop at Copenhagen Food Halls
• Visit national celebration center

Top questions

How long is the Copenhagen City Highlights Bike Tour?

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours from start to finish.

Is the bike tour suitable for beginners or non-cyclists?

Yes, Copenhagen is very flat and the pace is relaxed—suitable for most fitness levels.

What main attractions are included on this bike tour?

You’ll visit Nyhavn, Rosenborg Castle, Christiansborg Palace, Torvehallerne Market, and see the Little Mermaid statue.

Are bikes and helmets provided on this tour?

Bikes are included; helmets are available upon request.

Does the tour include food or drinks?

No meals are included in the price; however, there is a stop at Torvehallerne Market where you can purchase snacks or coffee.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is central in Copenhagen; details are provided after booking.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet your guide at a central location in Copenhagen.

Can children join this bike tour?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult.

What’s included

Your day includes use of an easy-to-handle city bike for three hours through central Copenhagen with stops led by a professional local guide; helmets are available if you want one. Food and drinks aren’t covered but you’ll have time to grab something tasty at Torvehallerne Market before finishing up back in town.