Hans Christian Andersen Experience
Step off Copenhagen’s City Hall Square into a walk-through world where Hans Christian Andersen’s life and fairy tales unfold in immersive sound, light and story.
The Hans Christian Andersen Experience on Copenhagen’s City Hall Square is an atmospheric, family-friendly museum that brings Denmark’s beloved storyteller to life. Step into dimly lit rooms where scenes from tales like The Little Mermaid, The Ugly Duckling and The Emperor’s New Clothes are recreated with light, sound and even scents. Alongside these tableaux, exhibits trace Andersen’s journey from his modest childhood in Odense to his fame across Europe, all housed just steps from bustling Rådhuspladsen and Tivoli Gardens.
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
- Plan around 1 to 1.5 hours for the exhibits, then add extra time if you also want to visit Ripley’s Believe It or Not! in the same building.
- Arrive earlier in the day to enjoy a calmer atmosphere inside, then combine your visit with nearby Tivoli Gardens or a stroll along Strøget.
- Some rooms are dimly lit and use sound effects; prepare younger children who may be sensitive to darkness or surprising noises.
- Check current opening hours in advance; last entry is typically about one hour before closing and hours can vary slightly by day or season.
- Bring a light layer: temperatures inside are comfortable but can feel cool after time outdoors on often breezy City Hall Square.
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 from across Copenhagen
Take the M3 or M4 metro line to Rådhuspladsen Station, which sits directly on City Hall Square. From most central stations, such as Kongens Nytorv or Nørreport, the ride takes about 3–6 minutes with trains running every few minutes throughout the day. A standard adult single ticket within the central zones costs roughly 20–30 DKK, and elevators and escalators make this option suitable for visitors with limited mobility or strollers.
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Train and short walk from Copenhagen Central
From Copenhagen Central Station, the Hans Christian Andersen Experience is about a 10–15 minute walk along well‑paved city streets, generally suitable for most fitness levels and pushchairs. If you prefer to minimise walking, you can ride one stop on the metro from København H to Rådhuspladsen in around 2 minutes for roughly 20–30 DKK. Both the station and the square have good wayfinding and step‑free access.
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City bus within the central zones
Several city bus lines serve the stops around City Hall Square, with journey times of about 10–20 minutes from many central neighbourhoods, depending on traffic. Buses typically use the same ticket system as the metro, so expect to pay around 20–30 DKK for a single adult fare in the inner zones. Low‑floor buses and priority spaces mean this is a practical option for wheelchairs and families with young children.
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Bicycle from nearby districts
Copenhagen’s network of cycle lanes makes it straightforward to reach Rådhuspladsen by bike from nearby areas such as Vesterbro, Nørrebro or Østerbro, usually within 10–25 minutes depending on distance. You can use public bike‑share schemes or hotel‑provided bicycles, with typical rental costs starting around 100–150 DKK per day. Expect busy but well‑organised bike traffic, and be prepared to dismount and walk your bicycle once you enter the pedestrian‑focused square.
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
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Hans Christian Andersen Experience
Stepping into Andersen’s story world
Inside the Hans Christian Andersen Experience, you move through a sequence of darkened rooms where his fairy tales unfold as immersive scenes. Carefully lit sets, animatronic figures and layered soundscapes recreate moments from stories such as The Little Mermaid, Thumbelina and The Ugly Duckling. Instead of reading from a page, you find yourself almost on stage with the characters, surrounded by props, shifting light and narrative audio. This theatrical approach makes the tales feel immediate, whether you already know them by heart or are hearing them for the first time. Fragments of dialogue, music and environmental sounds guide you forward, and subtle use of scent deepens the sense of being inside a different world. The result is part museum, part walk-through show, designed to appeal to both children and adults.A life journey from Odense to the wider world
Alongside the fairy-tale scenes, the attraction dedicates space to Andersen’s own biography. Displays outline his childhood in Odense, his early ambitions on arriving in Copenhagen at 14, and the gradual emergence of his literary career. Panels, objects and imagery trace the people who supported him, the setbacks he faced and the way travel through Denmark and Europe shaped his imagination. You can follow a loose timeline of his life, from modest beginnings to international recognition, with maps and period views of cities he knew well. A reconstructed study hints at how he worked, with writing materials and pages suggesting stories in progress. Seen together, the exhibits link specific fairy tales to episodes in his life, making clear how closely his personal experiences and creative output were intertwined.Fairy tales brought to life through the senses
The core experience relies on multi-sensory storytelling. Sound effects evoke splashing waves around the Little Mermaid, creaking ships and bustling streets conjure nineteenth-century Copenhagen, and changes in lighting transform spaces from cosy interiors to stormy landscapes. Carefully chosen fragrances—sea air, forest notes, candle wax—quietly underline each scene. These details help younger visitors grasp the emotional arc of each tale without needing long explanations, while adults can appreciate how the staging reflects themes of longing, transformation and resilience. The fairly compact layout means there is always something new around the next corner, from tiny architectural models to larger-than-life characters, keeping the visit engaging without becoming overwhelming.Right in the heart of Copenhagen’s city life
The museum sits directly on Rådhuspladsen, Copenhagen’s City Hall Square, one of the city’s liveliest public spaces. Just outside, trams, buses and metro services converge, street performers often appear in the warmer months, and the red-brick City Hall with its tall tower dominates the skyline. The famous statue of Andersen himself, seated with a book and top hat, stands only a short stroll away. Being in this location connects the exhibition to the wider urban landscape of Andersen’s own time. From the entrance you are within easy walking distance of Tivoli Gardens, Strøget’s pedestrian shopping street and several other sites associated with the author. It makes the Experience an easy addition to a broader exploration of central Copenhagen’s cultural and historic attractions.Practical visit: pace, access and combined fun
A typical visit is relatively short, making it well suited to families with varied attention spans or travellers fitting several stops into one day. The route is primarily indoors, with level floors and controlled lighting, and the attraction is described as wheelchair accessible. This offers a comfortable option in cold, wet or windy weather when outdoor sightseeing is less appealing. The Experience is housed in the same building as Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, and combined tickets are commonly offered, allowing visitors to pair literary immersion with a more curiosity-driven collection next door. With cafés, shops and other attractions all around City Hall Square, it works smoothly as part of a half-day in central Copenhagen devoted to storytelling, urban atmosphere and easy, family-friendly discovery.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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Unique
- Scenic
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Modern Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Art & Design
- Landmarks
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Instagrammable
- 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
- Roadtrip Stop
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
