Walk & Canal Tour: Copenhagen Highlights + Changing of the Guards
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Experience the best of the city with a local host on this intermediate-level combined walking and canal tour by Go Like a Local. Discover top sights, hidden gems & enjoy a 25-minute harbor ferry ride, ending with the Changing of the Guards at the royal palace.
Note: This walking tour requires a steady pace and is not suitable for those with walking difficulties.
We begin with a 1-hour walk before boarding the electric harbor ferry, (if it´s not full). Your host shares stories, and tips as we glide through the city’s waterways.
After the ferry, we continue on foot, passing the 1600s fortress and the Little Mermaid. A short café stop offers time to rest before reaching Amalienborg Palace.
The 9:00 & 09:30 AM tours finish with the full Changing of the Guards at noon. Later departures include a smaller version of the ceremony.
If the ferry is full or out of service (rare, mostly weekends), we follow the scenic canal route on foot instead, covering the full itinerary with 2 extra km.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
What To Expect
Copenhagen Central Station
Copenhagen Central Station – where our local adventure begins We meet inside Copenhagen Central Station, right in the middle of the main hall, beneath the large round analog clock next to the 7-Eleven. (There are two 7-Elevens, so look for the one by the clock.) It’s an easy and central spot — a classic Copenhagen meeting point that almost every Dane has used at some point in their life. Our small-group walking tour begins here, at the city’s historic and bustling transport hub. For more than a century, this grand station has connected locals, travelers, and stories from near and far — making it the perfect place to begin your journey through the city. Before we head out, your local guide will share the story behind this landmark and set the tone for your authentic Copenhagen experience, blending history, culture, and the everyday rhythm of local life.
Tivoli Gardens
Tivoli Gardens – where history, magic, and inspiration meet We’ll stop outside the enchanting Tivoli Gardens, one of the world’s oldest and most beloved amusement parks, and a true cultural landmark in the heart of Copenhagen. Founded in 1843, Tivoli has captivated visitors for generations with its timeless charm, twinkling lights, and romantic atmosphere — a place where locals and travelers alike come to feel a touch of wonder. From the outside, you’ll get a glimpse of the historic entrance and ornate pavilions, and I’ll share the fascinating story of how Tivoli inspired Walt Disney to create Disneyland after his visit here in the 1950s. Beyond the rides, Tivoli represents the very essence of Danish “hygge”, creativity, and design — a living symbol of how Copenhagen blends tradition, art, and joy into everyday life. A short stop, but one that captures the city’s playful soul and its enduring love for imagination.
Options
Combo Canal + Highlights (Eng)
Two tours in one: Walk & Canal Tour 9:00–12:00, lunch break on your own, then the Highlights & Hidden Gems Tour 1:00–3:00 PM. Duration: 6 hours
Private Tour
Private Walk & Canal tour: Discover Copenhagen with your own host: hidden gems, a scenic harbor ferry ride, and the Royal Changing of the Guards
German Tour
Shared Tour (English)
What‘s Included
Born-and-raised local host
Personal recommendations
Harbor ferry ride through the canals included
Premium small groups
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
885 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Beautiful Denmark
Behzad V,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00A must-do tour in Denmark! Thanks to Brian, our guide, the experience was even more enjoyable. His fascinating stories about Viking life, Denmark’s medieval past, and its modern history brought the country’s rich heritage to life. A wonderful way to learn about and appreciate this lovely country.
Great tour!
2BWanderlust,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide was fantastic, very enthusiastic and knowledgeable. Highly recommend to get a sense of the city.
Guide Kim Made It an Excellent Experience
aussiestardust,Jun 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Wonderful way to get an overview and history of Copenhagen before exploring the sites in greater detail. Our guide Kim was excellent - very friendly, extremely knowledgeable and a great sense of humour.
Great Tour and Fantastic Guide!
NJNellie,Jun 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had such a wonderful time on this tour! Our guide, Bob, was so knowledgeable, funny, and kind. He made sure we saw so many of the highlights of Copenhagen and was very mindful of the different walking abilities in our group. Always checking on everyone. Was great to do the canal portion by ferry, really added to the tour. Highly recommend!
Very interesting tour
Trail26208926581,Jun 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very nice tour and the guide was very knowledgeable would highly recommend
Great walking tour
665luanc,Jun 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Kris and Ken were fantastic guides. Very friendly and knowledgeable. Thoroughly enjoyed this fun and informative tour.
A walk on the historical side!
aileena388,Jun 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00This tour covers a lot of ground. It would be good to go on the first day as it points out many intersting places to return to. The trip down the canal offers an opportunity to see Copenhagen from a different perspective.
Friendly and knowledgeable
V5783QCerics,Jun 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Kris and Kim were great guides. We learned a lot a bout the history of Copenhagen. They were very knowledgeable , approachable, and friendly.
Copenhagen with a (retired) Cavalryman
louvretk,Jun 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We joined the morning and afternoon tours, and it was really worth it. The rain did not dampen our spirits because Mr Kim was kind, professional, knowledgeable, and entertaining. His stories, trivia, jokes, and tips were really catered to the Copenhagen-curious. Definitely a good way to get an in-depth feel of the city.
Interesting and friendly
655ianh,Jun 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Bob is a good guide, knowledgable, friendly, humorous. We were given a good introduction to the city and its history and architecture.
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