Best museums in Copenhagen: our top 12

Copenhagen has museums for every period and interest, and choosing can be hard on a short trip. We picked 12 museums from our catalogue in three groups so you can find the right one quickly: art and design, history and culture, and hands-on experiences for the whole family. The order inside each group is editorial and based on open sources; open a card for the address and details.

How we chose

We took museums located in Copenhagen that have a card in our catalogue (27 cards in the category, checked 9 Nov 2026), and favoured places that are easy to reach from the centre and cover different interests. Prices and hours change, so always check the museum's own website.

Group 1. Art and design

The large art collections and the design museum. This group suits visitors who want paintings, sculpture and Danish design and are happy to spend several hours in one place.

Group 2. History and culture

From national history to the resistance movement and the ruins beneath the palace. This group suits visitors who want to understand the city and country behind the postcards.

Group 3. Experiences and family

Places where you can try, taste or learn something yourself, and that work with children. This group suits families and rainy days.

Practical tips

Many museums are closed on Mondays, so plan by weekday (museum websites, checked 9 Nov 2026). If you want to see several museums, the Copenhagen Card can cover many of them; sellers state over 40 museums and over 80 attractions in total (ticket sellers, checked 9 Nov 2026). Do the sums, and check your museums are on the list.

Sources: museum websites; ticket sellers (Copenhagen Card); catalogue cards on denmarkguide.dk (checked 9 Nov 2026).