Where to Propose in Copenhagen

Copenhagen may be a small city but the compact capital of Denmark has everything you could wish for in a proposal location. Steeped in history, the elegant hotels, twisting spires, and beautiful squares contrast perfectly with modern Scandinavian design, cutting edge cuisine, and fashionable nightlife. Above all Copenhagen is a warm and welcoming city with hospitality at its core.

Copenhagen Proposal Ideas

Proposing With a View of Copenhagen

The Rundetaarn (Round Tower) in Copenhagen, its 17th-century brickwork and gilded 1642 rebus lit by low sun against a deep blue sky

In Copenhagen there are plenty of beautiful historic buildings and towers with great views over the city that would make ideal locations for a romantic proposal. Here are a few suggestions if you'd like a proposal with a view.

The Rundetaarn, or Round Tower is an icon of Copenhagen and is the oldest functioning observatory in Europe, built in the 1600s. Climb the spiral walk to the outdoor platform which offers a fantastic view of the old part of Copenhagen. On a Tuesday and Wednesday evening the tower is open from 19:00 to 22:00 so you can propose under the stars.

Another beautiful tower for a romantic proposal is the twisted golden spire at Vor Frelsers Kirke, or Our Saviours Church in the Christianshavn district. The baroque architecture is stunning and the tower glows beautifully in the evening sunshine, but only ascend this tower if your girlfriend is adventurous with a good head for heights as the staircase is external and the tower can move slightly in a strong wind. Traditionally you should touch the gold globe at the top of the tower to prove you've climbed it.

Slightly less adventurous couples might want to head to Rosenborg Slot, or Rosenborg Palace, originally built as a country summerhouse. The beautiful gardens and the impressive Dutch Renaissance architecture, complete with towers, make it well worth a visit. It also has an exhibition of Danish Crown Jewels, which could be the perfect place to present your girlfriend with a sparkling jewel of her own.

Proposing in a Copenhagen Garden

The glass Palm House of Copenhagen's Botanical Garden seen across the lake, framed by summer greenery and reeds

One of the striking things about Copenhagen is the number of lush green spaces that are to be found in the centre of the city. If the idea of a private outdoor proposal in a pretty garden location appeals to you, there are plenty of places you could consider.

The landscaped castle gardens at Frederiksborg Have are often described as one of the most romantic places in Copenhagen. Located in Hillerod, with three small islands in the castle lake, the garden has water cascades, tiny bridges, beautiful avenues, and a Chinese pavilion which makes a great proposal spot. The gardens are best seen on a boat tour.

The Botanical Garden in the centre of Copenhagen is a fabulous place to walk and admire the varied plants on display. The garden is usually peaceful as cycling and picnicking are not allowed, and the tropical Palm House near to the lake is a particularly good spot for a proposal. Another garden alternative would be the Baroque Park at Gammel Holtegaard with beautiful fountains and avenues, as well as open air concerts on a Sunday afternoon.

Art Museum Proposals in Copenhagen

The palm-filled Winter Garden beneath the glass dome of the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek in Copenhagen

Whether you're a fan of art or not, Copenhagen has some distinctive art museums that would make wonderful places to propose.

The Glyptotek Art Museum is located next to Tivoli Gardens and close to Copenhagen Central Station. It has over 10,000 works of art in a striking setting, but the best place for a romantic proposal is undoubtedly the Winter Garden, beneath the 100ft high dome. Be aware that the Glyptotek is closed on Mondays.

Named after the sculptor Bertel Thorvaldsen, whose plaster and marble sculptures can be seen there, the Thorvaldsen Museum is a colourful and dramatic building in the centre of Copenhagen. Give your proposal particular significance by proposing in front of Thorvaldsen's sculpture of Cupid and Psyche.

If you like your artwork a little more contemporary take a day trip north of Copenhagen and check out the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, which includes works from 1945 onwards from famous names like Andy Warhol, Picasso, Henry Moore, and Louise Bourgeois. Located on the coast near Humlebaek, you could either propose in the Lake Garden, or plan a seaside picnic proposal.

Romantic Restaurants in Copenhagen

On a visit to Copenhagen it's a great idea to try out some traditional Scandinavian cuisine, and dishes from the region tend to be hearty and comforting, featuring meat or fish. Favourites include roast pork with crackling or poached cod in mustard sauce. However, Danish food is also very appealing to look at, with good examples being the Danish open sandwich and the smorgasbord, a platter of different dishes.

For foodies Copenhagen has a few unexpected surprises up its sleeve; boasting a surprisingly large number of Michelin starred restaurants. Many restaurants have embraced New Danish Cuisine, which involves using traditional ingredients and cooking methods in new ways, and there are also plenty of international restaurants in Copenhagen to provide a variety.

Scandinavian Restaurants in Copenhagen

Formel B is a fantastic Michelin starred restaurant located in Frederiksberg. It serves a unique blend of classic French and Scandinavian inspired dishes such as Danish Lump Fish and Comte with Black Truffle. The atmosphere is cosy yet contemporary so ideal for a romantic meal for two.

Geranium is located on the eighth floor overlooking the Faelledparken in the centre of Copenhagen, and while the decor is simple and minimalist, the view over the city is sensational. It now holds three Michelin stars. The menu is innovative, using unusual ingredients, but also retains some of the staples of Danish cuisine such as langoustine and oysters.

AOC is a superb New Nordic restaurant located in the vaulted cellar of Moltke's Palace, a seventeenth century mansion close to Amalienborg. It holds two Michelin stars, and the seasonal menu features dishes such as langoustine in ponzu beurre blanc and veal sweetbread smoked in hay. It's a lovely spot to propose too, as couples are seated side by side rather than across the table. The restaurant was founded by a sommelier, so the wine cellar is well worth exploring.

International Restaurants in Copenhagen

Era Ora, translated as 'about time' is a superb Michelin starred Italian restaurant in Christianshavn. The ethos of the restaurant is to combine tradition and respect for fresh authentic ingredients with imagination and culinary innovation. Make a visit to Era Ora a real experience with one of their legendary wine tastings.

Kiin Kiin is the ideal choice for a top class Thai meal, and is one of the few Thai restaurants to be awarded a Michelin star. The restaurant is located in the vibrant Norrebro district of Copenhagen and serves modern Thai cuisine in a contemporary interior.

Kong Hans Kælder is an excellent French restaurant located in a twelfth century stone cellar near Kongens Nytorv, said to be the oldest commercial building in Copenhagen. It was the first place in Denmark to win a Michelin star, back in 1983, and now has two. The classic French menu features dishes such as black lobster and truffled quail, and the candlelit vaulted room makes a wonderfully romantic setting for a proposal dinner. Be sure to leave room for the famous dessert trolley.

Romantic Activities in Copenhagen

Make the most of your time in Copenhagen and plan a few additional romantic activities for you and your new fiancée to enjoy together.

Take the Hamlet Castle Tour to Kronborg at Elsinore, the castle where Shakespeare set his play, and carry on to the royal palace at Fredensborg
Book tickets to see a show at the beautiful Copenhagen Opera House
Visit Tivoli Gardens, the second oldest amusement park in the world
Take a boat tour around the canals to get a different perspective on the city, passing Nyhavn's colourful merchants' houses and the waterfront library known as the Black Diamond
Pay a visit to Hans Christian Andersen's Little Mermaid at Langelinje Pier, the small bronze statue that has become the symbol of the city
Take a paddle boat ride on the lake at Frederiksberg Have, winding through the canals of the landscaped gardens, where you can sometimes spot the elephants of the neighbouring zoo through the trees
Take a carriage ride from Klampenborg Station through Dyrehaven, a former royal hunting forest still roamed by herds of wild deer

Where to Stay in Copenhagen for Your Proposal Trip

Copenhagen has an excellent selection of hotels and whether you're looking for an historic five-star luxury hotel, or a contemporary design or boutique hotel, you can be sure you'll find the perfect place to stay.

Luxury Hotels in Copenhagen

For historic luxury the five-star Hotel d'Angleterre is the perfect choice. Standing on the elegant Kongens Nytorv square since 1795, the hotel has some beautiful suites that are ideal for a romantic getaway. It reopened after a major restoration and stands a short walk from the Nyhavn waterfront and the Amalienborg Royal Palace.

For timeless elegance the NH Copenhagen Grand Joanne is an impressive Copenhagen landmark that blends old world glamour with modern luxury. Set in a restored 1920s building on Vesterbrogade, close to Tivoli and the Central Station, it makes a good base for seeing the sights of Copenhagen.

Another extravagant hotel in Copenhagen is the Hotel Phoenix which has decor inspired by Louis XVI, with marble floors and gold chandeliers. It is located close to the Amalienborg Royal Palace, the Royal Danish Theatre, and the lovely Nyhavn waterfront.

Located in Copenhagen Harbour the Admiral Hotel is a striking design hotel in the centre of the city. Housed in a converted eighteenth century warehouse the hotel has individually designed rooms that aim to capture the mood of the building's history while each remaining totally unique.

For contemporary luxury, the AC Hotel Bella Sky will make your proposal trip even more memorable. A winner of "Best Architecture in Europe" at the International Hotel Awards, its two leaning glass towers are a striking landmark in the Ørestad neighbourhood. Enjoy the views from the bar on the 23rd floor.

Boutique Hotels in Copenhagen

For something unusual check out the Hotel Kong Arthur, a medium sized hotel with Danish designed rooms beside the Lakes and the gardens of Rosenborg. It dates back to 1882, and a good breakfast is served in the glass atrium.

If you'd like to stay a little outside Copenhagen, the Skovshoved Hotel is a modern version of a romantic seaside hotel. Located close to Dyrehaven, it is surrounded by historic fishermen's houses and an area of natural beauty that can be explored by bike or even by horse drawn carriage.

Add a little novelty to your Copenhagen vacation when you stay at CPH Living, a floating hotel anchored in the city harbour. The hotel has 12 rooms with modern maritime design and large water-facing windows, and you can also enjoy panoramic views from the private sun deck.

In the same building as the old Hotel Fox you will now find SP34, a boutique hotel named after its address on Sankt Peders Stræde. The playful artist-designed rooms have given way to a calmer Scandinavian look, and it makes a stylish base in the centre of the old city.

For a relaxed stay try the Andersen Hotel in the trendy Vesterbro district, close to the Central Station. Its rooms take their theme from Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tales, each one named after a different story.