Spend 3 Days in Copenhagen 🇩🇰: The Perfect Itinerary for First-Timers

Day 1: Exploring the Old Town and Iconic Landmarks

Morning: Start at City Hall Square and Strøget

Explore City Hall Square. Begin your day at Rådhuspladsen, the lively heart of Copenhagen. This square is home to the grand Copenhagen City Hall, a striking building inspired by Italian Renaissance design. Take time to admire its impressive façade and the towering clock that dominates the skyline.

Climb the City Hall Tower. For 40 DKK (around $6 USD/€5), you can ascend the 300 steps to enjoy one of the best panoramic views of Copenhagen. From the top, you’ll see landmarks like Tivoli Gardens and even catch a glimpse of Sweden on a clear day. It’s a bit of a climb, but the view is absolutely worth it.

Visit Jens Olsen’s World Clock. Inside City Hall, this intricate astronomical clock is a must-see. With over 14,000 moving parts, it’s a true masterpiece of engineering. Viewing is free in public areas, but guided tours (60 DKK) provide fascinating details about its creation.

Pause at Amagertorv Square. Located along Strøget, this historic square features the charming Stork Fountain and is surrounded by beautiful architecture. It’s also a great spot to explore Danish design stores like Illums Bolighus for unique souvenirs.

Practical Tips:

• Budget Tip: Grab a traditional Danish pastry or coffee from a local bakery for under 50 DKK ($7 USD/€6) instead of dining at expensive cafés along Strøget.
• Avoid Tourist Mistakes: Be mindful of bike lanes near City Hall Square—locals take cycling very seriously!

Suggested Budget Table:

Best Activities

Copenhagen Highlights 3-Hour Bike Tour: Experience Copenhagen like a local on this engaging bike tour through the city’s highlights. Pedal through historic neighborhoods, along scenic waterfronts, and past iconic landmarks while learning about Danish culture and history from your expert guide.

Copenhagen Card Discover – Check availability of tickets

Afternoon: Nyhavn and Canal Tour

Historic Nyhavn. The iconic waterfront district welcomes visitors with its row of vibrant 17th and 18th-century townhouses lining the canal. These colorful buildings, dating back to 1681, once housed famous residents like Hans Christian Andersen, who lived at numbers 18, 20, and 67.

Canal experience. The best-value boat tour departs from Nyhavn, costing 50 DKK (about $7 USD) for a one-hour guided journey. Tours run every 30 minutes, with commentary in English and Danish, taking you past landmarks like the Opera House, Amalienborg Palace, and the Little Mermaid.

Local dining. For an authentic Danish lunch without tourist prices, head to Broens Street Food at the end of the Inderhavnsbroen bridge. The market offers everything from gourmet hotdogs to international cuisine, with most meals costing under 85 DKK.

Budget tip. Instead of paying premium prices at waterfront restaurants, grab supplies from the ALDI on Gothersgade street and enjoy a picnic along the canal – drinking alcohol in public is legal in Denmark.

Price Guide for Activities:

Best Activities

3h walking tour Copenhagen small group: Join an intimate walking tour limited to 10 people to discover Copenhagen’s hidden gems and major attractions. Your guide adapts the route based on the group’s interests, ensuring a personalized experience in any weather.

Evening: Dinner at Tivoli Gardens

Evening magic. Tivoli Gardens transforms as thousands of twinkling lights illuminate the pathways and buildings, creating a fairytale atmosphere that’s perfect for dinner. The gardens provide a stunning backdrop with their oriental architecture and vintage charm.

Fine dining experience. I discovered that Nimb Brasserie offers an elegant fusion of French and Danish cuisine, with main courses starting at 325 DKK. Their signature dish, a perfectly seared Danish beef with seasonal vegetables, pairs beautifully with views of the evening fireworks display (Wednesday and Saturday nights).

Traditional flavors. At Grøften, one of Denmark’s oldest restaurants, the atmosphere buzzes with both locals and tourists enjoying classic Danish dishes. Their famous open-faced sandwiches start at 165 DKK, while the pickled herring platter costs 195 DKK.

Budget-friendly options. The vibrant Tivoli Food Hall serves everything from artisanal pizzas to gourmet burgers, with meals averaging 100-150 DKK. I particularly enjoyed the fresh Nordic sushi rolls and craft beer selection.

Best Activities

Walking tour - Copenhagen Old Town & Tivoli Park included: Combine Copenhagen’s historic Old Town with the magic of Tivoli Gardens on this comprehensive tour. Starting at the iconic Absalon statue, explore the city’s rich history before ending at the enchanting Tivoli Park.

Day 2: By the Seaside and Hidden Gems

Morning: Amalienborg Palace and Frederik’s Church

Royal experience. Begin your morning at Amalienborg Palace, home to the Danish Royal Family and King Frederik X. The palace complex consists of four identical buildings arranged around an elegant octagonal courtyard, where the iconic Royal Guard stands watch in their distinctive blue uniforms and bearskin hats.

Guard ceremony. Time your visit for the daily changing of the guard at noon, when the Royal Life Guard marches from Rosenborg Castle through Copenhagen’s streets to Amalienborg. The ceremony features music and precise military formations that have remained unchanged for over 300 years.

Museum exploration. Visit the Amalienborg Museum in Christian VIII’s Palace, open from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM Tuesday through Friday, and until 4:00 PM on weekends (closed Mondays). Adult admission is 125 DKK, while students pay 80 DKK with valid ID. Inside, you’ll discover the private chambers of past monarchs and the fascinating Fabergé Chamber.

Marble Church majesty. Cross the palace square to Frederik’s Church, also known as the Marble Church. This architectural masterpiece features Scandinavia’s largest church dome spanning 31 meters. The church is open Monday through Thursday and Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with shorter hours on Fridays and Sundays.

Price Guide for Morning Activities:

Best Activities

2-Hour Wonderful Copenhagen Segway Tour: Glide through Copenhagen’s most beautiful districts on a modern Segway. Cover more ground than walking while enjoying the freedom to explore narrow streets and historic squares with ease.

Afternoon: Kastellet Citadel and The Little Mermaid

Historic fortress. Kastellet stands as one of Northern Europe’s best-preserved star fortresses, featuring a distinctive pentagon shape with bastions at each corner. This military architectural marvel from 1626 remains an active military area while serving as a peaceful public park.

Military heritage. The fortress played crucial roles throughout Copenhagen’s history, from defending against Swedish sieges to serving as a German base during World War II. Today, the well-preserved ramparts and moats offer visitors a glimpse into 17th-century military engineering.

Scenic walks. The grounds feature several notable structures including:

• A working windmill from 1847
• The Baroque-style Citadel Church from 1704
• The Commander’s House with its yellow facade
• Monument for Denmark’s International Efforts

Little Mermaid experience. A short walk from Kastellet leads to Copenhagen’s most iconic statue. The bronze sculpture, weighing 175kg and standing 1.25 meters tall, has watched over the harbor since 1913.

Price Guide:

Insider Tip: Visit the Commander’s House area for the best elevated views of the fortress’s star shape and surrounding moat system.

Best Activities

Copenhagen Sightseeing Classic Canal Tour With Live Guide: See Copenhagen from a unique perspective on this scenic canal tour. Cruise past landmarks like Amalienborg Palace, The Little Mermaid, and the Opera House while learning about the city’s history from your knowledgeable guide.

Evening: Meatpacking District (Kødbyen)

Vibrant nightlife. The Meatpacking District (Kødbyen) transforms into one of Copenhagen’s most exciting nightlife destinations after dark. This former industrial area now houses trendy bars, restaurants, and clubs in preserved white-tiled buildings from the 1930s.

Bar scene. Popular spots include Jolene Bar, known for its LGBTQI+ friendly atmosphere and dance parties, and Mesteren & Lærlingen, one of the district’s oldest drinking establishments featuring daily music programs and DJs.

Restaurant options. The district offers diverse dining experiences:

• Kødbyens Fiskebar: Fresh seafood in an informal setting
• Gorilla: Sharing plates and cocktails in an industrial-chic space
• WarPigs: Craft beer and Southern-style barbecue

Price Guide for Evening Activities:

Day 3: Culture, Design, and Freetown Christiania

Morning: Christiansborg Palace and Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek

Royal grandeur. Begin your morning at Christiansborg Palace, the only building in the world that houses all three branches of government – the Parliament, Supreme Court, and Prime Minister’s Office. The neo-baroque palace, completed in 1928, stands majestically on Slotsholmen island, marking over 800 years of Danish power at this historic location.

Palace exploration. Access the Royal Reception Rooms via the King’s Staircase, where you’ll discover the impressive Tower Room adorned with tapestries depicting Danish folk ballads. The highlight is the oval Throne Room, featuring a magnificent ceiling painting of Dannebrog and twin thrones where foreign ambassadors are received.

Historic foundations. Beneath the current palace lie fascinating ruins from Bishop Absalon’s original 1167 fortress, which can be explored in the subterranean passages. This makes Christiansborg not just a modern seat of power, but a journey through Denmark’s architectural evolution.

Morning Price Guide:

Cultural transition. A short walk brings you to Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, an artistic haven founded by brewing magnate Carl Jacobsen in 1888. The museum houses over 10,000 works of art, from ancient Mediterranean artifacts to impressive French Impressionist collections.

Artistic treasures. Inside, you’ll find an extensive collection of Ancient Greek and Roman portrait heads, alongside masterpieces by Monet, Degas, and Rodin. The museum’s French painting collection spans from 1800 to 1950, with Impressionism and Paul Gauguin as particular highlights.

Afternoon: Freetown Christiania

Historic roots. Freetown Christiania emerged in 1971 when a group of hippies and activists occupied abandoned military barracks in Copenhagen’s Christianshavn district. Today, this 34-hectare autonomous neighborhood is home to around 1,000 residents who maintain their unique way of life.

Cultural exploration. The area features colorful street art, creative architecture, and eco-friendly initiatives. Visitors can explore galleries, craft exhibitions, and organic eateries that showcase the community’s artistic spirit. The Christiania Art Gallery, located in the center, offers a vibrant display of local artwork and regular cultural events.

Price Guide for Activities:

Dining options. For an authentic culinary experience, visit Morgenstedet, an organic vegetarian restaurant with a charming courtyard, or explore Spiseloppen, housed in a converted warehouse featuring international cuisine from 16 different nationalities.

Entertainment venues. The Grey Hall (Den Grå Hal) stands as Christiania’s largest indoor concert space, hosting performances by renowned artists and serving as a venue for cultural events, including the annual Christmas market.

Evening: Dinner in Nørrebro

Local flavors. Nørrebro offers an incredibly diverse dining scene, from Michelin-starred establishments to cozy neighborhood bistros. The district has evolved from its working-class roots into Copenhagen’s most vibrant culinary destination.

Fine dining experience. Kiin Kiin stands as the crown jewel of Nørrebro’s restaurant scene, being Copenhagen’s first Michelin-awarded Asian restaurant and the only Thai restaurant outside Thailand with a Michelin star.

Casual dining. For a more relaxed evening, Sliders serves gourmet mini-burgers with creative toppings like pork braised in coconut milk and flame-grilled patties with balsamic-marinated strawberries.

International cuisine. Zócalo offers authentic Mexican dishes in a friendly atmosphere with easy vegetarian options. For seafood lovers, Hooked serves everything from Fish & Chips to Lobster Rolls in a cozy setting.

Price Guide:

Practical Tips for Visiting Copenhagen

Public Transportation Options

Metro system. Copenhagen’s driverless metro runs 24/7, connecting the airport to the city center in just 15 minutes. Trains arrive every 2-10 minutes, making it the fastest way to navigate central Copenhagen.

S-trains. The suburban rail network connects central Copenhagen with outer neighborhoods and suburbs. Trains run frequently during the day with 24-hour service on weekends.

Bus network. Extensive bus routes complement the rail systems, reaching areas beyond metro and train lines. Regular service runs every 5-10 minutes during peak hours with night buses operating after regular service ends.

Harbor buses. Electric-powered ferry boats run along the harbor, operating like regular buses with the same tickets. They provide scenic views while traveling between stops.

Budget-Friendly Transportation Tips

Copenhagen Card benefits. The card includes unlimited public transport plus free entry to 80+ attractions. Available in 24-72 hour versions:

• 24 hours: €54
• 48 hours: €80
• 72 hours: €102

City Pass savings. For transport-only needs, purchase a City Pass:

• 24 hours: 80 DKK
• 72 hours: 200 DKK
• Covers zones 1-4 including airport

Bike rental options. Several affordable bike rental services available:

• Donkey Republic: 49 DKK/6 hours, 129 DKK/24 hours
• Baisikeli: 100 DKK/6 hours, 125 DKK/24 hours

Money-Saving Strategies

Walking benefits. Most tourist attractions are within walking distance of each other. Consider walking instead of transport for short distances.

Airport transfer. Take the metro or train from the airport (36 DKK) instead of taxis (250-350 DKK).

Zone system. Understand the zone system to avoid paying for unnecessary zones. Most attractions are within zones 1-2.

Common Tourist Mistakes. Avoid taking taxis – they’re significantly more expensive than public transport. A taxi from the airport costs 300-400 DKK compared to 36 DKK for public transport.

Seasonal Variations for Trips to Copenhagen

Visiting Copenhagen in Winter

Copenhagen Light Festival. Experience one of the most perfect ways to spend winter evenings in Copenhagen as the city transforms with over 40 light installations illuminating the waterfront and canals from January 31st to February 23rd. The festival offers panoramic views of Copenhagen’s architectural landmarks bathed in artistic illumination.

Ice Skating. Copenhagen is home to several scenic rinks that provide a great way to see the city from a different perspective. The main skating destinations include:

• Broens Ice Rink: Located in the heart of Copenhagen, offering 600m² of ice with stunning harbor views
• Frederiksberg Runddel: A perfect place for families, situated near the beautiful Frederiksberg Gardens
• Kongens Nytorv: A majestic 1,300m² circular rink surrounding the historic square

Winter Festivals. Copenhagen is known for its vibrant winter culture scene. The Vinterjazz Festival (January 30-February 23) features over 600 concerts across 150 venues, while Copenhagen Winter Pride (February 17-23) showcases the city’s inclusive spirit with cultural events and celebrations.

Winter Bathing. Visiting Copenhagen in winter isn’t complete without experiencing the traditional cold-water swimming at harbor baths. The urban house Copenhagen area offers several locations with modern facilities, including heated saunas and jacuzzies perfect for warming up after your dip.

Summer Activities in Copenhagen (June-August)

Harbor Swimming. The clean waters of Copenhagen’s harbor provide an ideal way to spend hot summer days. Islands Brygge Harbor Bath has become a great place for locals and tourists alike, featuring five pools with different depths and purposes. The Copenhagen travel guide recommends visiting early morning for the best experience.

Summer Festivals. The Copenhagen summer festival season kicks off with Distortion (June 4-8), transforming the streets into one of the most energetic cities in the world. The season continues with classical performances at Copenhagen Summer Festival (August 3-14) and culminates in the vibrant Copenhagen Pride Week (August 9-17).

Outdoor Activities. Long summer days are the perfect time in Copenhagen for exploring. Take a canal tour to enjoy panoramic views of Copenhagen’s landmarks, cycle through the city’s extensive bike network, or spend an hour or two at the historic Tivoli Gardens. The Copenhagen Card provides excellent value for accessing many attractions and public transport.

FAQ ❓

How long should I stay in Copenhagen?

Three days in Copenhagen is the perfect amount of time to explore major attractions, experience Danish culture, and discover hidden gems in different neighborhoods. The compact city layout allows visitors to see main sights like Nyhavn, Tivoli Gardens, and the Royal Palaces while also having time to explore local cafes and less touristy areas.

What is the best way to get from Copenhagen Airport to the city center?

The Metro and train from Terminal 3 provide the quickest connection, taking just 13-15 minutes to reach central Copenhagen and running 24/7. A single ticket costs 36 DKK and takes you directly to main stations like Kongens Nytorv or Copenhagen Central Station.

Is the Copenhagen Card worth purchasing?

The Copenhagen Card Discover provides free entry to 80+ attractions, unlimited public transport in zones 1-99, and allows two children under 12 to travel free with each adult cardholder. The card comes in various durations from 24 to 120 hours and includes popular attractions like Tivoli Gardens, Rosenborg Castle with the Danish Crown Jewels, and canal tours.

What is the best way to get around Copenhagen?

Copenhagen offers an efficient public transportation system combining metro, S-trains, buses, and harbor buses that can all be accessed with the same ticket or Copenhagen Card. The city is also highly walkable with most attractions within 20 minutes of the city center, making it perfect for exploring on foot.

When is the best time to visit Copenhagen?

The ideal time to visit Copenhagen is between April and August, with April and May being particularly pleasant before the summer tourist rush. Winter visits offer unique experiences with Christmas markets and cozy cafes, though daylight hours are shorter and temperatures are colder.

Where should I stay in Copenhagen?

Indre By (City Center) provides the most convenient location for first-time visitors with walking access to major attractions, while Vesterbro offers a trendy atmosphere near Central Station, and Nørrebro provides a more local experience with eclectic shops and cafes. Each neighborhood offers different accommodation options from budget hostels to luxury hotels.

What are must-visit attractions in Copenhagen?

Key attractions include the colorful Nyhavn harbor, Tivoli Gardens amusement park, Rosenborg Castle housing the Danish Crown Jewels, and the Church of Our Saviour with panoramic city views. The Round Tower offers great views of Copenhagen while Christiania shows a different side of the city.

How can I explore Copenhagen like a local?

Experience Copenhagen like a local by exploring neighborhoods such as Nørrebro and Vesterbro, visiting food markets like Torvehallerne, taking harbor buses to see Copenhagen from the water, and enjoying the city’s cafe culture. The extensive network of bike lanes makes cycling another authentic way to see the city.