Copenhagen Opera House Copenhagen
A modern architectural marvel on the Copenhagen harbor, hosting world-class opera and ballet with stunning waterfront views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience world-class opera and ballet.
Copenhagen Opera House Copenhagen
Best Time
Experience world-class opera and ballet.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A modern architectural marvel on the Copenhagen harbor, hosting world-class opera and ballet with stunning waterfront views.
"Architecturally stunning both inside and out, this place has several theatres in one."
🎯 Book Tours Early
Guided tours are popular; book in advance to secure your spot and learn about the architecture.
🪑 Seat Selection Advice
For best views, consider balcony seats in the middle section; avoid seats too close to the stage.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Architectural Marvel
A modern masterpiece of design, both inside and out, with stunning waterfront views.
Main Auditorium
Inside the Opera House
Experience world-class opera and ballet in a state-of-the-art 1400-seat venue.
Opera Park
Adjacent to the Opera House
A beautiful new green space offering stunning views and a tranquil escape.
Waterfront Views
Enjoy breathtaking sunset views of the Royal Palace from the top level.
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Consider a Guided Tour
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tours Early
Guided tours are popular; book in advance to secure your spot and learn about the architecture.
🪑 Seat Selection Advice
For best views, consider balcony seats in the middle section; avoid seats too close to the stage.
☕ Cafe with a View
Visit the cafe on the second floor for a treat and enjoy the harbor panorama.
🚶♀️ Explore Opera Park
Don't miss the adjacent Opera Park, a beautiful green space perfect for a stroll.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tours Early
Guided tours are popular; book in advance to secure your spot and learn about the architecture.
🪑 Seat Selection Advice
For best views, consider balcony seats in the middle section; avoid seats too close to the stage.
☕ Cafe with a View
Visit the cafe on the second floor for a treat and enjoy the harbor panorama.
🚶♀️ Explore Opera Park
Don't miss the adjacent Opera Park, a beautiful green space perfect for a stroll.
👔 Dress Code
No strict dress code, but smart casual is common; dress comfortably for stairs and intermissions.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Copenhagen Opera House for its stunning modern architecture and prime waterfront location. The guided tours are highly recommended for their insightful commentary on the building's design and history. While performances are top-notch, some find the cafe prices a bit high, and seating advice is crucial for the best viewing experience.
"We booked the guided tour of the Opera House, and it was well worth it.
Our guide was excellent — full of insightful commentary, tasteful humor, and fascinating royal anecdotes.
As an architecture student, I found the visit particularly enriching — not only for its perspective on Danish architecture, but also for its glimpse into the unique spatial logic of opera houses.
I would have loved to see the main hall from the stage perspective, but it was understandable — the scenography team was busy preparing for the next performance.
A memorable and thoughtful tour overall."
Gustav Lucas
"Visiting the opera house was an incredible experience. We took the backstage tour and got a fascinating look into how everything operates behind the scenes. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable, sharing detailed insights about the building’s history, architecture, and inner workings. Highly recommended for anyone interested in theatre and the arts!
The opera house park cafe is also worth the visit but reservations are recommended."
Jawahar A
"Architecturally stunning both inside and out, this place has several theatres in one. In fact the backstage is larger than the stage so it can provide space for several performances to occur simultaneously.
We had seats near the back in the orchestra section for the ballet, The Great Gatsby. It was a fabulous performance with good acoustics.
Pro tip: get there early enough for the behind the scenes tour."
Maria Thi Mai
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Copenhagen Opera House is easily accessible by public transport. You can take a bus or a harbor bus to the Operaen stop. It's also a pleasant walk or bike ride from the city center.
Yes, there is an underground parking facility beneath the Opera Park, which is adjacent to the Opera House.
Yes, taxis are available in Copenhagen. You can use apps like 'Big O' to book a taxi if needed, as Uber is not widely available.
Yes, the harbor bus (Havnebus) stops at the Operaen quay, offering a scenic way to arrive by water.
The Copenhagen Opera House is conveniently located about 10 minutes from the airport by car or taxi, making it an easy addition to your itinerary.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets can be purchased online through the official Royal Danish Theatre website or at the box office. It's advisable to book in advance, especially for popular shows.
Yes, guided tours are available and highly recommended for a deeper understanding of the architecture and history. Book these in advance as they are popular.
Many recommend balcony seats in the middle section for good views and sound. Avoid seats too close to the stage or those with potential column obstructions.
There is no strict dress code, but smart casual attire is common. Many patrons dress up slightly, especially for classical performances.
While it's possible to find last-minute returns, it's not guaranteed, especially for sold-out shows. It's best to book well in advance.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
You can attend opera, ballet, or other performances, take a guided tour to explore the architecture, enjoy the waterfront views, and visit the adjacent Opera Park.
Absolutely! The building itself is an architectural marvel, and guided tours offer fascinating insights into its design and function. The surrounding Opera Park is also a lovely spot.
The Opera House offers stunning panoramic views of the Copenhagen harbor and the Royal Palace, especially beautiful during sunset.
Yes, the newly opened Opera Park offers a beautiful green space to relax and enjoy the surroundings. You can also find cafes nearby.
Photography policies can vary depending on the performance. Generally, photos without flash are allowed in public areas, but check specific guidelines for performances. Drone usage is prohibited around the Opera House.
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe on the second floor offering refreshments and light snacks with harbor views. The adjacent Opera Park also has dining options.
The cafe typically offers coffee, pastries, and light bites. It's a great spot to relax before a performance or during a break.
Reservations are recommended, especially during performance times, to ensure you get a table.
Yes, the area around the Opera House and the nearby Nyhavn district offer a variety of dining options, from casual eateries to fine dining.
Outside food and drinks are generally not permitted inside the performance halls. It's best to consume them in designated areas or before entering.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior architecture, the waterfront promenade, and the views towards the Royal Palace are excellent photo opportunities. The Opera Park also offers scenic shots.
No, drone usage is prohibited in the area around the Copenhagen Opera House.
Photography policies can vary. Generally, non-flash photography is allowed in public areas, but check specific rules for performances.
Sunset offers beautiful lighting for exterior shots, while daytime tours allow for capturing the architectural details.
The colorful Nyhavn canal is a short distance away and offers iconic Copenhagen photo opportunities. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Taking a guided tour can also be engaging for older children interested in architecture and how large buildings function. The waterfront location and the impressive scale of the building are often captivating for younger visitors. Pack snacks and drinks for before or after your visit, as dining options within the opera house itself are more geared towards adults.
🏛️ Architecture Enthusiasts
+1 Take a guided tour to delve into the design philosophy, construction challenges, and the innovative use of materials. Don't miss exploring the Opera Park, which beautifully integrates landscape architecture with the opera house's design. The park's layout and sustainable features are also noteworthy.
+2 Consider visiting during different times of the day to capture the building's changing appearance under various lighting conditions.🎶 Music & Performing Arts Aficionados
Even if you're not attending a performance, a guided tour offers valuable insights into the technical aspects of opera production and the building's specific design for acoustics and stagecraft.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Significance
+1The Opera Park, which opened in 2023, further enhances the experience. Designed by Cobe Architects, it's a vast green space that complements the opera house, drawing inspiration from the concept of an outdoor opera stage. The park's layout creates various vantage points that frame the opera house, making it the star of a natural theater. It incorporates sustainable planting and serves as a venue for outdoor concerts and cultural events, solidifying the area as a vibrant cultural hub.
+2Visitors often praise the interior design for its clean lines, use of materials like marble and oak, and the impressive acoustics of the main auditorium. The backstage area is also noted for its immense size, capable of hosting multiple performances simultaneously, highlighting the venue's state-of-the-art facilities.
Performance Experience & Seating
For opera and ballet, Reddit users often suggest balcony seats in the middle section, particularly those across from the Royal box, as they offer a good balance of proximity to the stage and a comprehensive view of the performance.
When selecting seats, pay attention to any 'limited view' notes, which might indicate columns. While some columns are minor, it's best to choose seats clearly marked with unobstructed views. Seats too close to the stage, especially in the first few rows, can sometimes offer a less complete perspective of the scenography and sound balance.
Beyond the Performance: Tours and Amenities
Complementing the performance venue is the Opera Park, a relatively new addition that has quickly become a favorite spot. This expansive green space offers a tranquil environment with beautiful landscaping and stunning views of the harbor and the city skyline. It's an ideal place for a leisurely stroll or to simply relax and soak in the atmosphere.
+1Within the Opera House, the cafe on the second floor is a popular spot for refreshments. It offers a chance to enjoy a coffee or a light snack while taking in the panoramic waterfront views. Reservations are recommended, especially during busy performance times, to secure a table.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit