Why You Need to Visit Tivoli Gardens Copenhagen

Why should you visit Tivoli Gardens Copenhagen?

If you’re visiting Copenhagen, you’ve probably heard of Tivoli Gardens. After all, this historic amusement park from the 1840s is the second-oldest theme park in the world. You’ll find lots of retro rides, cute cafes and bars, and gorgeous gardens. Tivoli Gardens isn’t just a tourist trap, either. You’ll find it is very popular with the locals so during the evenings and after work it will get busy, too.

What you will find here

This post will tell you about when I went to visit Tivoli Gardens Copenhagen! I went on a beautiful, sunny, September Saturday. I’ll share what I thoughts about what was worth checking out and what you can skip. If you want more on Copenhagen, I have a full 3 day itinerary.

This shows the main entrance to Tivoli Gardens for the article about how to visit Tivoli Gardens Copenhagen. — ^{The main entrance to Tivoli Gardens.}

What Is there to do at Tivoli Gardens?

Watch the swing carousel

This is a beautiful traditional ride by the gardens and has that quintessential old-timey feel. It is also so beautiful on a sunny day as it is right by the garden.

This shows the swing carousel at Tivoli Gardens Copenhagen. — ^{The swing carousel.}

Visit Tivolis Springvand (Tivoli Fountain)

The Tivoli Fountain is right in the middle of the park and there are many cafes and restaurants nearby.

This shows the pantomime theatre at Tivoli Gardens. — ^{The pantomime theatre at Tivoli Gardens.}

Wonder about the Pantomimeteatret

The pantomimeteatret (pantomime theatre) is an old school outdoor theatre stage. It is a little kitsch (it was designed by architect Vilhelm Dahlerup who wanted to create something inspired by China – even though he had never been there) but it is still an iconic pantomimeteatret.

This shows the boats you can ride on in the lake at Tivoli Gardens. — ^{The boats you can ride on in the lake.}

Ride the Dragon Boats

The lake has dragon boats that you can ride. What is cool about this is that there are little Danish houses in the lake for the turtles and the birds to hang out. Look closely and you’ll be able to spot em!

This shows the pirate ship on display in the lake. — ^{The pirate ship on display in the lake.}

Wander the Alley

This is a small, bustling alleyway lined with shops and bars that gives off the vibe of a traditional Danish market town. In the late afternoon, this area gets incredibly packed!

^{The Alley is a bustling small street, popular with adults.}

^{Some of the flowers on display during the September flower festival.}

Visit the Nimb

This is a traditional manor and restaurant that is used for weddings and other events. While we were here there was a flower festival on and there were some beautiful arrangements outside.

Have a coffee in the park

There are so many gorgeous cafes and small eateries in Tivoli! If it is a beautiful day, I highly recommend grabbing a coffee and sitting in the sun.

^{One of the many cafes with outdoor seating.}

Take a photo on the bridge

The bridge at the lake has great views of many of the Tivoli rides and during spring and summer you’ll see lots of flowers around, too.

^{Photos are a must on the bridge over the lake.}

What are the best vegan eats in Tivoli Gardens?

LAKRIDS BY BÜLOW is a chocolate souvenir shop that has vegan chocolates, and Wagamama and Joe & Juice have vegan options on their menu. You can find the latter two down by the concert hall. Gorms Pizza, located in the Tivoli Food Hall also has vegan options on their menu!

^{Grab a coffee and enjoy the sunshine.}

When is the best time to visit Tivoli Gardens?

I think that it depends if you’re going for the vibe or if you’re going for the rides. If you’re interested in checking out the rides I recommend you come early. If you visit on a weekday, there will be less children too. If you’re there for the vibe, I think you can choose anytime! It is hard not to have a good time when everyone is! A sunny day or event like Halloween or Christmas time will only add to the merriment.

^{I went during September when there was a flower festival on.}

How do you get to Tivoli Gardens?

I recommend walking or biking around Copenhagen, but if you need to catch a train the closest one is København H or Central Station. It is right outside Tivoli Gardens, just cross the road!

What are the best hotels to stay in when visiting Tivoli Gardens?

If you want one of the best hotels to stay in when visiting Tivoli Gardens, The Nimb’s palatial hotel is definitely the answer if you want to stay right in the action! It has a gorgeous rooftop pool and sweeping views of Tivoli Gardens.

If you’re looking for something outside of Tivoli that is still close with great views maybe Villa Copenhagen might be the option for you!

Best places to book your trip

Did you love this post? By booking through these links, you can support me at no additional cost for you. Your support helps me write honest guides and helpful posts!

🖤 Book a hotel with Booking.com (this is my favourite website to book hotels)

🖤 Get an e-sim for your trip with Airalo

🖤 Book experiences with Viator.com

🖤 Book experiences with GetYourGuide.com

🖤 Book a car with Rentalcars.com

🖤 Book lounge access for your airport with Priority Pass (I’m an airport lounge girlie)

🖤 Find somewhere to leave your storage with Radical Storage

VERDICT

Is Tivoli Gardens Worth A Visit?

If you’re going to Copenhagen, you have to visit Tivoli Gardens. It would be a great shame if you didn’t get the opportunity to enjoy this historic, iconic, and retro spot! If it is your third or fourth visit to Copenhagen, maybe you can start to think about skipping it. But always check to see what events they have on before you make that decision!

Thanks for reading!

I’d love to hear your thoughts. If you’re on Instagram, you can find me over here: @apicturesquelife or youtube: @apicturesquelife and I’d be happy to connect!
xoxo,

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A Picturesque Life