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
Shared Tour (English)
German Tour
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
911 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Excellent Tour!!
Dale S,Jun 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent guide and tour of the city. This is a great way to visit the highlights and to learn about the history and local landmarks.
Preferred that it was a...
Barbara B,Jun 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Preferred that it was a small group which made it very personal. Tour guide was friendly and informative. Nice easy pace for walking tour; guide even went out of her way to lead us back towards our hotel
Awesome experience!
nicholasnY112HX,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Lots of fun! The tour guide, Morton, did a good job of explaining the history and leading us on a beautiful tour.
Great tour!
Melissa M,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a wonderful experience on the tour and would recommend it to anyone wanting a great introduction to the city. The itinerary was thoughtfully planned and covered an impressive range of Copenhagen's highlights. We met at Copenhagen Central Station and visited Tivoli Gardens, the beautiful Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, Christiansborg Palace, and the striking Black Diamond library. The canal portion of the tour was a real highlight, offering fantastic views of the Copenhagen Opera House, Nyhavn, and the historic Børsen. The tour continued with visits to many of the city's most iconic landmarks, including The Little Mermaid, Gefion Fountain, Kastellet, Churchill Park, Kastelsmøllen, and the magnificent Marble Church (Frederiks Kirke). Seeing such a wide variety of historic, cultural, and architectural sites in a single tour gave us a wonderful appreciation for Copenhagen and its history. What truly made the experience exceptional, however, was our guide, Jacob. From the moment the tour began, he was incredibly friendly, welcoming, and approachable. His positive attitude set the tone for the entire experience and made everyone feel comfortable and engaged. Jacob's storytelling was outstanding. Rather than simply reciting facts, he shared stories and historical context that brought each location to life. His explanations were clear, entertaining, and perfectly paced, helping us understand not just what we were seeing, but why each place is important to Copenhagen's history and culture. Whether discussing royal history at Christiansborg, the legends behind Gefion Fountain, or the significance of Kastellet and Churchill Park, his stories made every stop memorable. The combination of a well-designed itinerary, beautiful canal cruise, and Jacob's excellent guiding made this one of the best city tours we have taken. If you're visiting Copenhagen and want an informative, enjoyable, and welcoming introduction to the city, this tour is an excellent choice. Highly recommended!
Great tour!!
MelissaTX,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a wonderful experience on the tour and would recommend it to anyone wanting a great introduction to the city. The itinerary was thoughtfully planned and covered an impressive range of Copenhagen's highlights. We met at Copenhagen Central Station and visited Tivoli Gardens, the beautiful Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, Christiansborg Palace, and the striking Black Diamond library. The canal portion of the tour was a real highlight, offering fantastic views of the Copenhagen Opera House, Nyhavn, and the historic Børsen. The tour continued with visits to many of the city's most iconic landmarks, including The Little Mermaid, Gefion Fountain, Kastellet, Churchill Park, Kastelsmøllen, and the magnificent Marble Church (Frederiks Kirke). Seeing such a wide variety of historic, cultural, and architectural sites in a single tour gave us a wonderful appreciation for Copenhagen and its history. What truly made the experience exceptional, however, was our guide, Jacob. From the moment the tour began, he was incredibly friendly, welcoming, and approachable. His positive attitude set the tone for the entire experience and made everyone feel comfortable and engaged. Jacob's storytelling was outstanding. Rather than simply reciting facts, he shared stories and historical context that brought each location to life. His explanations were clear, entertaining, and perfectly paced, helping us understand not just what we were seeing, but why each place is important to Copenhagen's history and culture. Whether discussing royal history at Christiansborg, the legends behind Gefion Fountain, or the significance of Kastellet and Churchill Park, his stories made every stop memorable. The combination of a well-designed itinerary, beautiful canal cruise, and Jacob's excellent guiding made this one of the best city tours we have taken. If you're visiting Copenhagen and want an informative, enjoyable, and welcoming introduction to the city, this tour is an excellent choice. Highly recommended!
Great tour
NorthStar53408924675,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great, informative tour! The tour was the perfect length and really hit the highlights of Copenhagen.
Perfect sample of Copenhagen in 3 hours
JorgeP1487,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Flat streets make the walk manageable. Visited all major areas and major attractions, help planning future places to visit. Very knowledgeable and friendly guide.
Beautiful Copenhagen!
Cecilia P,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I loved the tour. Martin is very knowledgeable.
Genuine local guide
PrincessTwilight,Jun 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00First rate tour by Mathias, a genuine local guide. Great introduction to Copenhagen. Very informative with lots of local knowledge.
Informative and enjoyable city tour of the city
oekrogh,Jun 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Well organize combination walking and canal tour of Copenhagen. Morten our guide was informative and excellent. We covered quite a bit of territory in 3 hours. I would highly recommend this wonderful overview of the city.
Related Experiences
![[MAX 8pp] Gelato, Wine & Cheese in San Gimignano from Florence](https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/attractions-splice-spp-720x480/r/33/90/04/00/caption.jpg)
Operated by Go like a local