Hans Christian Andersen Experience, Copenhagen
Step off Copenhagen’s busiest square and into a theatrical journey through Hans Christian Andersen’s life and timeless fairy tales, brought to life with light, sound and storytelling.
The Hans Christian Andersen Experience on Copenhagen’s City Hall Square invites you into the imaginative world of Denmark’s most celebrated storyteller. This atmospheric, family-friendly attraction blends immersive tableaux, soundscapes and subtle scents to bring classic tales like The Little Mermaid, The Ugly Duckling and The Princess and the Pea to life. Alongside scenes from the stories, engaging displays trace Andersen’s journey from a modest childhood in Odense to literary fame, all housed inside the same building as Ripley’s Believe It or Not! for an easy combined visit in the heart of the city.
A brief summary to Hans Christian Andersen Experience
- Rådhuspladsen 57, Copenhagen, Indre By, 1550, DK
- +4533323131
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-7 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-7 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-7 pm
- Thursday 10 am-7 pm
- Friday 10 am-7 pm
- Saturday 10 am-7 pm
- Sunday 10 am-7 pm
Local tips
- Buy a combined ticket with Ripley’s Believe It or Not! in the same building if you plan a longer visit; it offers better value than purchasing separate entries.
- Plan 45–90 minutes inside and keep your ticket handy, as last entry is typically one hour before closing and queues can form in busy holiday periods.
- Audio and signage are available in multiple languages; take time to listen to the narration in each room as it adds depth to the visual scenes.
- The attraction is indoors and largely level, making it a good option for rainy or chilly days and generally suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.
- If you’re exploring City Hall Square and Tivoli, schedule the Experience for mid-afternoon as a calmer, seated break between outdoor sights.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Metro
Take metro line M3 or M4 to Rådhuspladsen Station, which lies directly beneath City Hall Square. From most central stops the ride takes 3–8 minutes and runs every few minutes throughout the day. A single zone 2 ticket in greater Copenhagen typically costs about 20–25 DKK and is valid on metro, buses and S-trains within its time window.
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Train and walk
From Copenhagen Central Station, reach the attraction on foot in around 8–10 minutes at a relaxed pace. The route is flat and fully paved, crossing busy city streets and passing Tivoli Gardens on the way. This option is suitable for most visitors, though those with limited mobility may prefer the short metro hop to Rådhuspladsen.
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City bus
Several city bus lines stop at or beside Rådhuspladsen, with journey times of 5–20 minutes from inner neighbourhoods depending on traffic. Buses share the same zone ticketing as the metro; expect to pay around 20–25 DKK for a short central trip. Services are frequent during the day but can thin out later in the evening and on weekends.
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Bicycle
Copenhagen’s dense bike-lane network makes cycling to City Hall Square straightforward from most central districts in 5–15 minutes. Public bike-share schemes and hotel rentals are widely available, usually charging either a modest unlock fee plus per-minute rate or a daily rental around 100–150 DKK. Rådhuspladsen has bike racks nearby, but spaces can fill quickly at peak times.
Hans Christian Andersen Experience location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Hans Christian Andersen Experience
A fairy-tale world on City Hall Square
Step off bustling Rådhuspladsen and you immediately swap traffic and trams for storybook hush. Tucked inside a historic building on Copenhagen’s central square, the Hans Christian Andersen Experience is a compact, atmospheric museum dedicated to Denmark’s best-known author. Instead of glass cases and long texts, it relies on theatrical sets, lighting and sound to draw you into his most beloved tales. The entrance area gently introduces Andersen’s life and era before you pass into the darker, more immersive rooms. The mood is playful rather than solemn, with soft lighting, rich colours and the distant echo of turning pages and whispered narration setting the tone for the journey ahead.Stepping into beloved stories
The core of the experience is a series of scenes that recreate moments from Andersen’s fairy tales at near life-size. One room places you face to face with the Little Mermaid, half in water and half in shadow, while ocean sounds and a faint salt tang suggest the harbour that inspired her. Another sets you among barnyard reeds with the Ugly Duckling as seasons shift around him in light and sound. Elsewhere, a teetering stack of mattresses hints at a hidden pea, and a proud emperor parades in unexpected attire, all framed by carefully staged sets and gentle narration. Rather than rushing you through, the layout encourages a slow wander, pausing to notice small visual jokes or details that hint at the original texts.The life behind the fairy tales
Alongside the story scenes, a biographical thread runs through the museum. Short displays and audio moments trace Andersen’s path from his childhood in Odense, through his arrival in Copenhagen as a teenager, to the years when his tales began to circle the globe. You see references to the theatres he longed to perform in, the guesthouses and apartments he called home and the journeys across Europe that fed his imagination. This human-scale portrait emphasises his determination as much as his creativity. Simple visuals and maps highlight how widely he travelled for his time, and how often those travels later resurfaced in his writing. Without overwhelming dates or detail, the displays give enough context to help younger visitors connect the man with the magical worlds he created.A family-friendly stop in the city centre
The museum is deliberately manageable in size, making it well suited to families and mixed-age groups. Children can focus on the scenes and characters, while adults linger over biographical notes or listen more closely to the Danish and English audio. The atmosphere stays gently theatrical rather than intense, with most rooms dim but not dark, and sound kept to a soft, enveloping level. Because it shares an entrance with Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, it works naturally as part of a longer visit in the same building. Yet it also stands on its own as a focused introduction to Andersen in the very city where he lived and wrote. With Tivoli Gardens, City Hall and Strøget just steps away, it slots easily into a wider day of urban exploring.Fairy tales in the heart of modern Copenhagen
What gives the Hans Christian Andersen Experience its particular charm is the contrast between inside and out. One moment you are in the half-light of a fairytale forest; the next, you emerge directly onto one of Copenhagen’s liveliest squares, with cyclists, trams and neon lights replacing mermaids and tin soldiers. This juxtaposition underlines how thoroughly Andersen’s legacy is woven into the modern cityscape, from statues and street names to this dedicated attraction. For anyone interested in children’s literature, storytelling or Danish culture, it offers a concise, sensory-rich way to connect the real Copenhagen with the imaginary worlds that grew out of it.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Lur Blowers
0.0 km
Bronze Age horns meet early 20th‑century grandeur in this 20‑metre column, where two silent lur players keep watch over Copenhagen’s bustling City Hall Square.
H. C. Andersens Blvd.
0.2 km
A broad, bustling boulevard where Hans Christian Andersen’s legacy meets City Hall Square, Tivoli’s lights, and the everyday pulse of central Copenhagen.
Copenhagen Visitor Service
0.4 km
Central, modern orientation center offering expert advice, resources, and insider tips for exploring Copenhagen’s sights, culture, and neighborhoods.
Jorcks Passage
0.4 km
Historic 1890s covered arcade where telephone wires once connected a nation, now a charming shopping passage in Copenhagen's heart.
Frihedsstøtten
0.5 km
Statuesque tribute to Danish freedom: Frihedsstøtten stands as a majestic milestone marking the abolition of serfdom at the vibrant gateway to Copenhagen's Vesterbro.
Copenhagen Central Station
0.5 km
Historic brick-and-timber rail hub at the heart of Copenhagen, combining grand architecture, everyday convenience and instant access to the city’s main sights.
Strøget
0.5 km
Europe's pioneering pedestrian street where luxury shopping meets vibrant street culture and Danish heritage.
Gråbrødretorv
0.5 km
Medieval square in Copenhagen's Latin Quarter where historic architecture, local cafés, and bohemian charm converge.
Gammel Strand
0.5 km
Ledreborg Park blends magnificent Baroque landscaping, palace views and serene Danish woodland for a captivating escape near Roskilde, ideal for history and nature lovers.
Equestrian statue of Christian IX
0.6 km
A quiet yet powerful royal monument in Christiansborg’s riding ground, uniting a pivotal Danish king with the groundbreaking sculptor who cast him in bronze.
Amagertorv
0.6 km
Aarhus’s University Park blends Danish modernist architecture, lush gardens, and student life into one of the city’s most tranquil and historically significant green spaces.
Copenhagen Central Post Building
0.6 km
A majestic neo-Baroque landmark intertwining Denmark’s postal history with Vesterbro’s vibrant urban fabric, located beside Copenhagen’s bustling central railway station.
Højbro
0.6 km
A historic iron arch bridging Copenhagen’s lively city centre and stately Slotsholmen, with hidden folklore sculptures stirring beneath its calm canal waters.
Christiansborg Palace
0.6 km
Explore the majestic Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen, a blend of history, culture, and stunning architecture that captivates all who visit.
Bishop Absalon
0.7 km
Dynamic equestrian monument to Copenhagen’s warrior-bishop founder, rising over central Højbro Plads with rich maritime symbolism and a direct visual link to Christiansborg.
Unmissable attractions to see
Ripley's Believe It or Not!
0.0 km
A compact oddities museum on Rådhuspladsen where shrunken heads, vortex tunnels and record‑breaking curiosities turn everyday Copenhagen into a world of wonders.
City Hall Square
0.1 km
Copenhagen’s grand urban living room: a historic civic square framed by City Hall, whimsical fountains, and the gateway to the pedestrian heart of the city.
Jens Olsen's World Clock
0.1 km
Descend beneath Søndermarken Park to discover Copenhagen’s historic water cisterns, now transformed into a mesmerizing underground art museum unlike any other in Denmark.
Rainbow Square
0.1 km
A small city-centre plaza with a powerful rainbow dedication, Rainbow Square turns everyday pavement beside Copenhagen City Hall into a quiet landmark for LGBTQ+ equality.
Copenhagen Free Walking Tours
0.1 km
Discover masterpieces from the Danish Golden Age and European classics to contemporary art in Denmark’s largest art museum, set by Copenhagen’s serene city park.
Copenhagen City Hall
0.1 km
Explore Denmark's Viking heritage along the scenic Skjoldungestien trail.
Statue of Andersen
0.1 km
A larger-than-life Hans Christian Andersen sits in bronze on Copenhagen’s City Hall Square, book in hand, gazing toward Tivoli Gardens in the city’s vibrant heart.
Weirdwalks Byvandring
0.2 km
Stroll the storied harbor promenade, discover Copenhagen’s iconic Little Mermaid, lush parks, and maritime sculptures along the scenic Langelinie waterfront.
Nytorv
0.3 km
Cobbled, compact and quietly dramatic, Nytorv blends royal-era markets, grim judicial history and Neoclassical authority at the pedestrian heart of old Copenhagen.
Nytorv 2
0.3 km
An everyday address on Copenhagen’s historic Nytorv, placing you between grand courthouse columns, cobbled markets of old and the pulse of the Strøget pedestrian zone.
Vandkunsten Springvand
0.3 km
Experience Copenhagen’s blend of urban cool and waterside relaxation at Islands Brygge, where harbor views, bathing, and local life come together in a thriving central district.
Gammeltorv
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s oldest square, where cobbles, Neoclassical facades and the Renaissance Caritas Well quietly trace eight centuries of urban life in the city’s historic core.
Museum of Copenhagen
0.3 km
Explore a thousand years of Copenhagen's history through artifacts, interactive exhibits, and the stories of its people.
Tivoli Gardens
0.3 km
Explore enchanting Rosenborg Castle in Copenhagen, home to Denmark’s Crown Jewels, opulent royal halls, lush gardens, and centuries of riveting royal history.
Magstræde
0.3 km
Copenhagen’s cobbled time capsule: a gently curving lane of colorful old houses, harbor history and quiet charm in the heart of the Old Town.
Essential places to dine
Hard Rock Cafe Copenhagen
0.1 km
Rock legends, legendary burgers, and unforgettable American dining in Copenhagen's vibrant heart.
Husmanns Vinstue
0.2 km
Classic smørrebrød, candles and aquavit in a historic Copenhagen cellar devoted entirely to the long, unhurried Danish lunch.
Dubrovnik Restaurant
0.2 km
Cosy Croatian tavern in Copenhagen’s inner city, serving generous grills and rustic Adriatic comfort food in a warm, wood‑panelled dining room.
Restaurant Puk
0.3 km
Historic Danish restaurant in Indre By, Copenhagen, serving classic smørrebrød and comfort dishes in a centuries-old setting with authentic local atmosphere.
ferment, ramen izakaya
0.3 km
Intimate basement izakaya where fermentation, organic ingredients, and Nordic sensibility transform ramen and bao into deeply satisfying art.
Krebsegaarden
0.3 km
An intimate art-filled townhouse in central Copenhagen where creative tasting menus, warm storytelling service and an epic cheese course turn dinner into an evening-long occasion.
Spisestedet FEED
0.3 km
Discover exquisite flavors and an inviting atmosphere at Spisestedet FEED in the heart of København.
Rio Bravo
0.3 km
Western‑themed Copenhagen stalwart serving hearty Danish classics and steaks late into the night in a nostalgic saloon setting off City Hall Square.
Restaurant Kronborg
0.3 km
Warm, candlelit hygge in Copenhagen’s old town, where classic Danish smørrebrød, hearty lunches and aquavit bring traditional flavors to a cosy side-street dining room.
Vækst
0.3 km
Greenhouse-style Nordic dining in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, where seasonal vegetable-focused menus meet warm, softly lit interiors wrapped in lush foliage.
Københavner Cafeen
0.4 km
Traditional Danish comfort food and smørrebrød served in a cozy, low-lit cellar restaurant on a historic Copenhagen side street steeped in hygge.
La Baracca Tivoli - Food Hall
0.4 km
Handmade Italian pasta and wine in the heart of Tivoli Food Hall, offering relaxed, counter-service dining steps from Copenhagen Central Station.
Restaurant Karla
0.4 km
Century-old Danish restaurant serving beloved classics and authentic smørrebrød in the heart of Copenhagen, steps from major museums and city attractions.
Restaurant 1733
0.4 km
Traditional Danish smørrebrød and hearty classics served in a cosy 18th‑century townhouse on Nybrogade, with canal views and warm, informal hospitality.
Restaurant Tight
0.4 km
Cozy multi-level townhouse restaurant in Copenhagen’s Old Town serving Nordic cuisine with a sunny southern twist, generous portions and a warm, brick-and-beam atmosphere.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Wonderful Souvenirs
0.0 km
Compact, colourful and central, Wonderful Souvenirs on Frederiksberggade is a one-stop Strøget shop for easy Copenhagen-themed gifts and keepsakes.
Danish Souvenirs
0.1 km
Central Copenhagen’s one‑stop Strøget shop for Little Mermaid trinkets, Viking keepsakes and easy last‑minute gifts before you say farvel to Denmark.
Viking Souvenirs
0.1 km
Lively Strøget souvenir shop packed with Viking‑themed gifts, Danish icons and suitcase‑friendly mementos, ideal for quick last‑minute presents in central Copenhagen.
Souvenir Shop
0.2 km
Compact, convenient and central, this Frederiksberggade souvenir shop on Strøget is a quick one‑stop for classic Copenhagen gifts and mementos.
Carmen Copenhagen
0.2 km
Compact vintage treasure trove in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, where characterful clothes, curated racks, and cozy atmosphere turn slow browsing into a small adventure.
Wasteland
0.3 km
A high-energy vintage hub in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, packed with curated 80s, 90s and Y2K streetwear, denim and accessories in a distinctly urban setting.
København K
0.3 km
Hidden in a Latin Quarter courtyard, København K is a long-standing Copenhagen vintage shop packed with curated second-hand fashion, denim and quirky homeware finds.
Quirky Lane
0.3 km
Copenhagen's eclectic pink-walled vintage boutique where sustainable fashion meets curated character.
Notre Dame
0.3 km
A cozy Copenhagen interiors institution packed with colorful Nordic homeware, thoughtful design and giftable treasures opposite the Church of Our Lady.
Welcome Giftshop & Souvenirs
0.3 km
Central Copenhagen’s hygge-filled stop for Scandinavian design and classic Danish souvenirs, perfectly placed on Nygade just off Strøget’s busy pedestrian flow.
Danish Art & Christmas Shop
0.3 km
A cosy, year‑round Christmas haven in a historic Copenhagen townhouse, filled with Danish‑designed ornaments, paper art and festive hygge moments.
Souvenir Gift Shop
0.4 km
Compact, central and colourful, this Vesterbrogade gift shop is a quick and easy stop for Copenhagen-themed souvenirs between Tivoli, Vesterbro and the Central Station.
Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen
0.4 km
Step off bustling Vimmelskaftet into a nostalgic world of Danish Christmas sparkle, romantic décor and gift-worthy treasures at Det Gamle Apotek Copenhagen.
Duck Haven
0.4 km
A tiny, colourful shop in Copenhagen’s old town where hundreds of themed rubber ducks turn souvenir hunting into a playful, photo‑worthy detour.
Tivoli Gift Shop
0.4 km
A compact slice of Tivoli Gardens magic just outside the park gates, perfect for picking up Copenhagen souvenirs before or after your visit.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Taphouse
0.1 km
Copenhagen’s modern beer hall, pouring 61 ever‑changing craft taps in a relaxed, Scandinavian setting just steps from the historic city center.
not your USUAL wine bar
0.1 km
Discover wines from the world's forgotten regions in Copenhagen's most unconventional wine bar.
Musen & Elefanten
0.1 km
Smoky, old-school Copenhagen bar and cigar hideaway where classic drinks, worn wood and late-night conversations create a timeless, slightly secret atmosphere.
Centralhjørnet
0.1 km
One of Copenhagen’s oldest gay bars, Centralhjørnet is a cosy, festive corner pub where historic LGBTQ+ heritage meets camp décor and easy-going charm.
The Scottish Pub
0.2 km
Lively Scottish‑style pub on Copenhagen’s main square, pouring pints and whisky late into the night with music, sports on TV and an easygoing, social crowd.
Proud Mary Pub
0.2 km
Loud, lively and central, Proud Mary Pub brings a British-style pub atmosphere, hearty bar food and big beer nights to Copenhagen’s Vesterbrogade.
Southern Cross Pub
0.2 km
Two-floor Copenhagen sports pub pouring affordable pints, wall-to-wall live games, and late-night energy in the heart of the inner city.
Floss Bar
0.2 km
Copenhagen's legendary dive bar: punk rock heritage, cheap beer, and authentic character until 2 AM.
The Rooftop Bar
0.2 km
Compact rooftop oasis atop Hotel Danmark, pairing 360-degree Copenhagen views with cocktails, bubbles and golden-hour sunsets above the city’s historic heart.
The Shamrock Inn
0.3 km
Experience the lively atmosphere of The Shamrock Inn, Copenhagen's premier Irish pub with live music and sports entertainment.
The Storm Inn Copenhagen
0.3 km
Experience the warmth of The Storm Inn in Copenhagen, a cozy pub offering a wide selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
Bar7
0.3 km
Colorful multi-room cocktail lounge in Copenhagen’s old town, mixing bold interiors, inventive drinks and a 21+ late-night crowd over lounge beats and weekend energy.
Zefside
0.3 km
Underground cocktail bar by night, pulsing nightclub by dawn—Copenhagen's shape-shifting social hub.
Aloë Cocktail Bar
0.3 km
Award-winning Cuban cocktails and street art vibes in Copenhagen's vibrant Inner City.
Godt Øl
0.4 km
Cosy basement craft beer bar in Copenhagen’s old town, pouring 12 rotating taps in a low-key, conversation-friendly setting from mid-afternoon until late night.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Dorsia
0.1 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub
0.2 km
Experience the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife at G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub, where vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere await every visitor.
Club Mambo
0.2 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
Module
0.2 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Module Night Club in Copenhagen, where world-class DJs and an electrifying atmosphere await.
Miami Bar
0.2 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
Cosy Bar
0.2 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
Mirror
0.3 km
Dive into the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Mirror, where the rhythm never stops and unforgettable memories are made.
Rumors
0.3 km
Discover the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife at Rumors, where energetic vibes and unforgettable nights await you.
La Terraza
0.3 km
Compact nightclub on Studiestræde in Copenhagen’s old town, offering loud beats, straightforward drinks and an unpretentious late-night dance floor.
Hive
0.3 km
Copenhagen's premier high-end nightclub with cutting-edge design, VIP service, and immersive themed experiences.
Chateau Motel
0.3 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Copenhagen at Chateau Motel, a top destination for cocktails and dancing in a vibrant atmosphere.
Never Mind
0.4 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Never Mind, where electrifying music meets an eclectic crowd for unforgettable nights.
Den Anden Side
0.4 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife of Copenhagen at Den Anden Side, a techno haven for party lovers and night owls.
Arch
0.6 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Arch, a premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Mirage
0.6 km
Dive into the electrifying nightlife at Mirage, Copenhagen's premier night club for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing, and entertainment.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
- Scenic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
