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Amusement parks #1 in Copenhagen

Tivoli Gardens

4.5 · 89,830 reviews
Nostalgic, illuminated, and garden-centric.
Tivoli Gardens, Vesterbrogade 3, 1630 København V, Denmark
Interesting facts
1

Hans Christian Andersen visited Tivoli frequently, and it is widely believed that the park served as an inspiration for his fairy tale 'The Nightingale'.

2

Walt Disney visited Tivoli Gardens multiple times and drew significant design inspiration from its atmosphere for the creation of Disneyland.

3

The park's signature roller coaster, Rutschebanen, requires a manual operator to sit in the center of the train to control the braking mechanism throughout the ride.

4

Tivoli operates its own youth orchestra, which performs regularly within the park grounds.

5

The park features a dedicated 'Tivoli Guard,' a group of children aged 9–16 who perform in uniform and represent the park in ceremonies.

6

During the Second World War, certain park buildings were destroyed by acts of sabotage, including the original Concert Hall.

7

The park's Nimb Hotel building is constructed in a distinct Moorish palace style, standing in contrast to the surrounding Nordic architecture.

Overview

Tivoli Gardens is a 19th-century amusement park located in the heart of Copenhagen, featuring a blend of historic architecture, landscaped gardens, and modern thrill rides. Founded in 1843, it is one of the world's oldest continuously operating amusement parks. The park includes the wooden Rutschebanen, a roller coaster built in 1914 that remains one of the few still operated by a brakeman. The site is famous for its evening illuminations, utilizing thousands of LED lights and traditional bulbs across the gardens and structures. Visitors can access various performance venues, including the Pantomime Theatre, which retains its original 1874 Chinese-style stage facade. The park operates on a seasonal basis, transforming its themes for major holidays such as Halloween and Christmas. Unlike modern theme parks, Tivoli integrates open-air concert stages and dining establishments directly into its lush horticultural layout.

Photo spot

The view from the top of the Star Flyer swing ride provides a 360-degree panoramic perspective of central Copenhagen.

Insider tips

Purchase an 'Unlimited Ride' pass if you intend to go on more than three major attractions to save on individual ride costs.

Check the daily concert and theater schedule upon arrival, as these performances are often included with general admission.

Bring a light sweater or jacket, as temperatures in the gardens drop significantly after sunset even in summer.

What to avoid

Avoid dining only at the main entrance gate restaurants; higher quality and more atmospheric options are found deeper inside the garden areas.

Good to know

The park closes for short periods between seasonal themes (Summer, Halloween, and Christmas) to reset decor and attractions.

Etiquette

Casual, comfortable walking shoes are essential due to the significant amount of gravel pathways and walking required.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
4-6 hours
Best time to visit
Late afternoon on a weekday to enjoy the gardens in daylight before viewing the evening light displays.
Address
Tivoli Gardens, Vesterbrogade 3, 1630 København V, Denmark
55.674, 12.568
Get directions
Details
Signature AttractionRutschebanen (1914 wooden roller coaster)
Key Garden FeatureThe Chinese-style Pantomime Theatre

Frequently asked

Plan for about 4-6 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Late afternoon on a weekday to enjoy the gardens in daylight before viewing the evening light displays..

The view from the top of the Star Flyer swing ride provides a 360-degree panoramic perspective of central Copenhagen.

Close by you'll find The Round Tower, Christiansborg Palace, Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek.