Tivoli Gardens
Tivoli
Opened in 1843, the world's second-oldest amusement park and the inspiration for Disney. A nostalgic park with evening lights, vintage roller coasters and open-air concerts.
Tivoli Gardens lies opposite Copenhagen Central Station, beside City Hall Square. It opened in 1843 and is the world's second-oldest amusement park still in operation. Walt Disney visited many times and drew on it when designing Disneyland. The park combines rides, gardens, lakes, restaurants and performances. The wooden roller coaster Rutschebanen, dating from 1914, still has a brakeman who operates the train by hand. Vertigo and The Demon are thrilling rides. The Moorish-style Nimb Hotel and a Chinese pagoda reflected in the lake are signature views. Colorful lights come on every evening, summer weekend nights bring fireworks, and the open-air stage hosts free concerts (the Friday-night rock series). The Tivoli Concert Hall also presents symphonies and ballet. Tickets come in two types: an entry ticket of about DKK 155–175 (entry only), and rides require an Unlimited Rides wristband (about DKK 285) or single-ride tickets. The Copenhagen Card includes entry. Recommended: visit in the evening, stroll the gardens and try the rides first, then watch the lights after dark, and finally dine at one of the park's many restaurants, from hot dog stands to Michelin-starred establishments. At Halloween the park is decorated with pumpkins. The Christmas season (mid-November to early January) brings one of Northern Europe's most famous Christmas markets, with an ice rink and mulled wine. Getting there: 2 minutes' walk from Central Station, or 3 minutes from Rådhuspladsen metro station. Notes: opening dates and hours change with the seasons, so check the official website. Summer weekend evenings are very crowded. The park offers luggage storage, and arrangements can also be made before departure.
Opening hours
Summer approx. 11:00–23:00 (until 24:00 Fri–Sat); seasonal closures, see website
Nearby sights
- Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
- National Museum of Denmark
- Strøget
- Torvehallerne
- Rundetaarn (Round Tower)
- Christiansborg Palace
- Copenhagen Botanical Garden
- The Black Diamond (Royal Danish Library)