How to spend a perfect weekend in Copenhagen

Dec 11, 2019 • 5 min read

weekend trips copenhagen

Copenhagen is an ideal destination for a weekend break. It's a city both historic and hip, packed with fantastic things to see, do, and eat. Though it's Denmark 's capital, it is surprisingly compact and easily navigated, meaning visitors can experience a lot in a short time. Here are some of the best ways to enjoy a perfect weekend in Copenhagen.

Cyclists are a-blur as they pedal on a blue cycle lane in front of Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen

Begin your visit to Copenhagen with a stroll to some of its most beloved sights. Wander charming Nyhavn and take in the magical atmosphere of colourful houses and tall ships lining the canal. Enjoy a harbourside walk and admire the contrast of the historic warehouses and modern additions like the massive Opera House . The promenade will lead you to the Royal Palace of Amalienborg , the Kastellet fortress, the impressive Gefion Fountain , and the iconic Little Mermaid . 

Admire the city from another perspective on a boat tour with  Hey Captain . The one-hour tour in one of their cosy 12-person boats will take you along Copenhagen Harbour and through the canals of the city. With comfortable seating around a table stocked with complimentary refreshments, it's a social experience as well as a touristic one. 

For dinner, get a taste of the world-renowned New Nordic cuisine at the stylish yet cosy Høst . Go for the set menu accompanied by the wine or gourmet juice pairing. The menu here changes with the seasons, which means you enjoy the freshest local flavours, and the Scandi chic interior design adds to the experience. 

Continue your evening at Ruby , a fantastic cocktail bar set on the shores of a canal in the oldest part of Copenhagen. Choose from a range of creative cocktails and soak up the speakeasy atmosphere, sinking into the leather sofas as you enjoy your tasty tipple.

Stands at Copenhagen's Torvehallerne indoor food market; many products are displayed on racks and tables, and in glass display cabinets.

Head to Copenhagen's foodie favourite, the market halls of Torvehallerne to enjoy some breakfast and discover the local culinary choices. Tuck into a bowl of porridge with fresh apples, roasted almonds and homemade caramel sauce at Grød , savour some deliciously flaky pastries from Laura's Bakery, or get your coffee fix at the renowned Coffee Collective . Browse the local products and pick up some foodie souvenirs, like organic chocolates from Summerbird or sea buckthorn marmalade from Bornholmer Butikken .

Stroll along the charming pedestrian streets to the historic Round Tower , where you can choose to climb the ramp that corkscrews 7½ times and take in views of the city. Take in picturesque Amagertorv and pay a visit to some of the surrounding Danish brands, including china maker Royal Copenhagen , silversmith Georg Jensen , design shop HAY House , and department store  Illums Bolighus ; its fabulous homeware section is an ideal place to pick up mementos of your trip that don't scream 'tacky souvenir'.

Grab a quick and tasty lunch at DØP , where you can try an organic pølse , a Danish hot dog. DØP offers a range of sausages, including goat, chicken-rosehip, and a vegetarian offering. Set off to explore the island of Slotsholmen, where Copenhagen was founded in 1167. Visit Christiansborg  – site of the Danish parliament and the queen's working palace – where you can tour the Royal Reception Rooms  including the Great Hall, which features colourful modern tapestries detailing 1100 years of Danish history. Slotsholmen is also home to the Royal Stables and riding ring, where the queen's horses can often been seen grazing or training, and the tranquil Royal Library gardens.

Many boats line the canals at Christianshavn in Copenhagen; the large buildings along the water's edge are painted in pastel colours.

Take a break and indulge your sweet tooth with the best cheesecake in Copenhagen at Bertels Salon , which offers a range of flavours that change seasonally. Still have time to spare? Stroll past the historic Stock Exchange and its distinctive spiralling dragon spire, then cross the harbour to the island of Christianshavn which was created in the 1600s. This historic area features a charming canal lined with small boats, creating a nautical atmosphere.

Discover the lively streets of the  Vesterbro neighbourhood as you stroll to your dinner destination, the Meatpacking District (Kødbyen). This series of former slaughterhouses has been transformed into a hot spot of restaurants, coffee shops, bars, and galleries. A stand-out in the district is Kødbyens Fiskebar , a trendy yet relaxed Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant known for its incredible seafood and innovative cocktails. Dinner here can range from fish and chips to a sleek multi-course tasting menu. Be sure to leave room for one of their creative desserts. 

After dinner, head over to the iconic Tivoli , the second-oldest amusement park in the world. Take in the twinkling lights and scenic lake and soar through the skies on the Star Flyer, or enjoy some after-dinner drinks at upmarket  Nimb  restaurant. In the warmer months, Tivoli hosts nightly live music, and on Saturdays you can enjoy swing music under the stars followed by fireworks at 11.45pm.

A large crowd of people are gathered at Tivoli in Copenhagen to watch a fireworks display; a brightly coloured firework has exploded in the sky.

Make your way to the multicultural neighbourhood of Nørrebro and enjoy one of the city's best brunches at Wulff & Konstali . Choose five or seven items from the ever-changing array of tasty choices, such as mushroom-truffle panini with goat's cheese, or poppy-seed waffle with lemon cream.

Take a wander through leafy Assistens Cemetery  (the burial place of famous Danes Hans Christian Andersen and philosopher Søren Kirkegaard, among others) to Jægersborggade, a once-seedy street that is now home to some of Copenhagen's best independent shops, vintage boutiques, and artists studios. 

Experience a modern interpretation of smørrebrød, the traditional Danish open-faced sandwich, at  Selma . The seasonally updated menu features dishes like fried plaice with salted lemon and lovage; and confit chicken with rhubarb. Enjoy a local Mikkeller beer on tap, or try a potent akvavit , flavoured in-house.

The interior of Selma restaurant in Copenhagen; it has floral wallpaper and wooden tables with mismatched chairs.

Finally, soak up some history with a visit to Rosenborg Castle , built in 1606 as a country residence for King Christian IV. Now a museum, the castle features a fascinating collection of furnishings, paintings and artefacts including a narwhal-tusk coronation throne. Visit the treasury for a look at some of Denmark's most precious treasures, including the stunning crown jewels. Take a stroll through the idyllic gardens surrounding the castle, including the Renaissance-style rose garden which has lovely views of Rosenborg.

As your perfect weekend in Copenhagen comes to a close, take a final wander through the colourful streets of the old town and soak up the historic atmosphere. By now, you'll be making plans to come back.

You might also like:

Bit broke in Copenhagen? We show you how to cope A guide to Copenhagen's neighbourhoods What to eat in Copenhagen: a guide to the best food markets  

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A weekend in Copenhagen: The ultimate itinerary

Here's how to spend 48 hours in Denmark’s design-led capital, from bike rides to hostels (and lots of bakeries)

For design-lovers, fashion fiends and city breakers who like a side order of hygge with their sightseeing, Copenhagen makes a great location for a city break. Discover pavement cafés, art galleries, interior design and much more in this fun-loving city where small moments are celebrated, art and design are revered and work-life balance is (genuinely) prioritised. 

Denmark’s capital is definitely on the bijou side, which is all the better for exploring by bike, just as the locals do. But spontaneous travellers, beware: one thing I've learned as a long-term resident is that booking ahead is customary here, so take note if you want to eat at a specific restaurant. From natural wine to super clubs, here is how to smash a weekend tour of Copenhagen.

RECOMMENDED: 🍸 The best bars in Copenhagen 🍽️ The best   restaurants in Copenhagen 📍 The best   things to do in Copenhagen 🛌 The best   Airbnbs in Copenhagen

Laura Hall is  a writer based in Copenhagen. At Time Out, all of our  travel guides  are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our  editorial guidelines .  This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our  affiliate guidelines . 

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A perfect weekend in Copenhagen

How to get there

How to get there

It takes just 12 minutes for the ultra-efficient metro to whisk you from Copenhagen Kastrup Airport into the heart of the city. Tickets can be bought at the red DSB ticket machines in the arrivals hall, or on your phone via the DOT app .

Trains go every ten minutes to  Hovedbanegard (Copenhagen Central Station)  during the day, and every 20 minutes in the evening. Then hop on the S train, metro or bus to where you're staying (or the nearest bar). 

Where to stay

Where to stay

Copenhagen is a compact city, so don't panic:  wherever you stay, you won’t be far from the action. The biggest concern when it comes to hotels is, let's be honest, price. Copenhagen ain’t cheap. 

The good news is you've got lots of options. Get a feel for the city’s canals with a room at Kanalhuset in desirable and historic Christianshavn, or book way ahead for a treat at Kaj , a floating houseboat hotel with one room. Other one-room hotels in the city include The Krane in Nordhavn and Central Hotel & Cafe in Vesterbro.

If you’re on a tight budget, there are some decent hostels to choose from. Generator is central and has a petanque court, Steel House is on the corner of the Lakes and has a pool and bikes, while Next House , down the street from the station, is popular with locals for its stone-baked pizzas.

Friday: Explore the harbour

Friday: Explore the harbour

Copenhagen is built around the harbour  – that’s where your weekend should start. 

Arriving Friday afternoon, head straight for Nyhavn . This historic harbour, lined with colourful houses, is the tourist epicentre of Copenhagen – but don’t let that put you off. It’s a great place to start your city break: make like a Viking and explore it from the water. 

A one-hour canal cruise with Stromma is not only great value but will also show off the big hits of the city and get you orientated. You’ll float by the Opera House , Amalienborg Palace , The Little Mermaid , The Black Diamond and along the pretty canals of Christianshavn before returning to the busy waterfront.

Explore nightlife in Nørrebro

As night falls, make a beeline for the city’s hippest area for nightlife: Nørrebro . This is a place where pop ups happen, ping pong bars are found and craft beer bars are abound; check out Bird , Dispensary and the rest of our best bars  list for when you fancy quenching your thirst.

Start in the Guldbergsgade area where Mirabelle Spiseria and Bæst serve great Italian food. Nearby you’ll also find Brus , a microbrewery with 32 beers on tap, and a natural wine bar called Pompette . 

Copenhagen has a very relaxed nightlife scene – you’re more likely to find a bar that plays music until late with a little dancing at the back than a Berlin-like super club. But if you feel like dancing, you could try Rust or Sigurdsgade .

Saturday: Eat your way through Kødbyen

Saturday: Eat your way through Kødbyen

Rent some bikes – most hotels offer them or can advise on rental – and start Saturday with brunch at Harts Bageri   on Holmen. Then cycle on to Refshaleoen, a regenerating post-industrial area, past noma (taking a peek into its gardens as you go) to the Reffen street food market. It’s open from spring to early autumn; if you’re there out of season, you could drop into the cafe at Copenhagen Contemporary or Lille Bakery instead. Then visit Copenhill , a unique ski slope in the city on top of a building, where you can hike to the top and get a cracking view of the city and the wind turbines in the sea between it and Sweden. 

Thirsty for more?

Spend your afternoon in Carlsberg Byen , reachable by S train (or bike, obvs). This is the home of the original Carlsberg brewery, with a new visitor centre opening in December 2023. Book into Aire Ancient Baths , deep in the vaults of the old Carlsberg buildings, for a pampering experience, or go shopping at Henrik Vibskov and snack at Gasoline Grill , one of the city’s top burger joints. In the park at the top of the hill, you’ll find Cisternerne , an unusual experiential art gallery in the city’s former water storage tanks. 

Go Danish for dinner

Copenhagen’s Meatpacking District Kødbyen is a great place to start a Saturday night. Try some Danish delicacies at Paté Paté , get into local seafood at Kødbyens Fiskebar , or wash your Texas barbecue grub down with Danish beer at WarPigs .

Taking a cruise of Copenhagen’s cocktail bars is a fun way to get to know the hidden backstreets of the city. Start near Kødbyen at 1105 , hidden behind a graffitied door, before wandering into Vesterbro and discovering Duck and Cover , a lounge bar in a basement. A couple of streets away, the three-storey Lidkøb has everything including a specialist whisky bar. 

Sunday: Get your culture fix

Sunday: Get your culture fix

Take the train from central station to the internationally-renowned Louisiana Museum of Modern Art , an hour north of the city, with a pastry bought on the way from Lagkagehuset bakery. It’s easy to spend a day there; a Danish brunch in the museum's excellent café is highly recommended. 

Drop into Nordhavn on the way back, an architecturally stunning borough where chic streets are lined with interiors and fashion shops and a large swimming pool is marked out in the harbour. A coffee and a browse in The Audo gives you a chance to soak up the vibes. 

If you’re staying one more night…

Add another museum or cultural centre to the list. DesignMuseum Danmark traces the country’s design heritage and considers its future; The National Museum plays host to Vikings and Viking treasures, and the Danish Architecture Center offers insights into what went into creating the city that you have just explored.

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How To Spend a Weekend in Copenhagen: Itinerary and Things To Do

Home » Destinations » Europe » Denmark » How To Spend a Weekend in Copenhagen: Itinerary and Things To Do

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Updated: 19th November 2023

With its canal-crossed districts, countless cultural attractions, world-class museums, and abundance of contemporary architecture, Copenhagen has cemented its reputation as one of Europe’s chicest city breaks. But with so many choices of things to do, see and experience, how should you spend your weekend in Copenhagen?

Having just returned from my third visit to the city, I’ve got some thoughts, and they might not align with all the ‘best things to do in Copenhagen’ lists — Tivoli and the Little Mermaid, for example, are not really worth your time, in my opinion. And given how pricey some of the city’s attractions are (here are some budget tips for Copenhagen ), you’ll want to ensure you’re getting the most out of your two days in Copenhagen.

With that in mind, here’s how I would propose spending a weekend in Copenhagen, planned out as a two-day itinerary. If you’re planning to enjoy a long weekend in the city, you’ll also find some suggestions for more things to do in Copenhagen and nearby day trips to extend your visit.

No weekend visit to Copenhagen is complete without strolling along iconic Nyhavn

In this article...

Things to do in Copenhagen: Your Weekend Guide

Arrival: friday night .

My suggestions for this weekend in Copenhagen itinerary are based on a Friday evening arrival and late Sunday departure and, therefore, align with the various attractions’ opening hours; however, it’s always best to check closing times or which days attractions might be shuttered — many museums are closed on Mondays.

Check-in: Where to stay in Copenhagen

Once you’ve landed and taken the fast and affordable train into the city, dump your bags at your hotel and head straight out. If you’re still deciding where to stay in Copenhagen, here are a few suggestions. 

A pod bed at Next House

Affordable and atmospheric – Next House  

On my most recent visit to Copenhagen, I stayed at Next House, one of many ‘new generation’ hotel-level-hostels that are cropping up across the city. The place is huge, meaning that it’s suitable for all types of travellers: families, couples, or backpackers looking for an affordable stay. This is also evident in the room choices, as they have dorms (each with its own bathroom), bookable by bunk (pod style for a bit more privacy) or entirely if you want the room for private use. There are also private double rooms at very fair prices for Copenhagen. The rooftop terrace has a seasonal bar, there’s a kitchen if you want to go self-catering, and a couple of bars that (unlike most in the city) won’t break the bank.

But best of all, they have heaps of other spaces you can utilise: a restaurant which serves a decent buffet breakfast or evening pizza buffet, a football and gym area, and plenty of lounge space to relax. If you’re a solo traveller, you can join one of the dinners specifically aimed at solos to meet others or join one of their guided tours. It might have those important hostel facilities, but overall, it feels much more like an atmospheric hotel.

The upmarket Nimb Hotel inside Tivoli Gardens is one of the city's most unusual sights

Iconic splurge – ​​ Nimb Hotel  

While I would never consider coughing up the crazy prices for even a night at Nimes, those seeking an iconic Copenhagen experience and who have money to spare may want to splurge and sleep at the fairytale-looking Nimb Hotel located inside Tivoli Gardens. It’s got all the luxury you’d expect, with a spa, rooftop pools and chic rooms, but is it worth the price? I’ll let you decide.

Boutique pick – Bryggen Guldsmeden

Billed as an ‘Urban Eco Resort’, Bryggen Guldsmeden is not what you’d expect to find in Copenhagen’s former industrial harbour. There’s a gorgeous pool and courtyard, airy and trendy rooms, and plenty of colourful statements around this Bali-influenced boutique stay, especially ideal for a summer weekend visit to Copenhagen.

Copenhagen's Nyhavn isn't the only canal to enjoy a cocktail

Friday night: Orientation walk and dinner

Start your Copenhagen itinerary with a stroll down Strøget, the city’s main pedestrian thoroughfare to historic Nyhavn. This 17th-century colourful canal is at the heart of the city, and although touristy, you might want to grab a cocktail on one of the terraces here. However, you get the best views from the other side, and prices here are hiked, so to save some Krone, just enjoy the photo opportunities.

For dinner, I’d suggest continuing to the end of Nyhavn (where it joins the main canal, Hønsebroløbet) and crossing the Inderhavnsbroen bridge to the other side. There are two fantastic street food markets ideal for a quick and easy post-flight meal: Reffen (which is my favourite) and slightly more touristy Broens Gadekøkken . However, if you’re visiting in winter, they will be closed — Broens is open for its ice rink instead — so then I’d recommend grabbing a bite at nearby LaLaLa for a warmer but still delicious alternative.

Frederik's Church behind Amalienborg Palace

What to do in Copenhagen on day one (Saturday)

After eating breakfast at your hotel or grabbing a Kanelsnegle (cinnamon bun) on the go, start early to make the most of your weekend in Copenhagen.

When working out how to make the most of your Copenhagen itinerary and budget, you have two decisions. Firstly, is it worth getting the Copenhagen Card? This depends on how many attractions you plan to visit because they can quickly add up. Still, the card is only worthwhile if you’re planning to see a few things, and the website has a helpful calculator to determine how beneficial the savings will be.

Secondly, deciding how you want to get around the city. While many people recommend hiring a bike ‘like the locals do,’ I honestly believe it’s nicer to explore Copenhagen on foot, as you save cash, don’t need to faff parking, and can go slower, which isn’t always easy on a bike as locals are cycling from A to B in the dedicated lanes, not taking a scenic sightseeing tour. If you’ve opted to get the Copenhagen Card, you’ll have public transport included anyway.

Catch an evening performance at The Royal Danish Theatre

Morning: Museums and modern art

If you’ve only got two days in Copenhagen, you need to be selective about which museums to visit, as the city has an impressive list of over fifty art galleries and museums to choose from, and you don’t want to spend your whole weekend inside. Head to one of the museums early on your first day (most open at 10 am) to try and get in before they get too busy.

If you’re keen to learn more about the history and culture of Copenhagen and Denmark, opt to visit the National Museum of Denmark (Nationalmuseet) or the Museum of Copenhagen. However, I believe the best collections in Copenhagen are in the art museums, so I’d personally recommend choosing one of these. The NY Carlsberg Glyptotek will delight people with a penchant for sculptures. Across town, the Statens Museum for Kunst (SMK), the National Gallery of Denmark, has the best collection of Danish, Nordic and international masters and could keep you entertained for hours.

Another option is to take the train to the out-of-town Louisiana Museum of Modern Art , which is regarded as one of the best modern art museums in the world, both for its collection and the architecture which sits alongside the Øresund Sound. But, as impressive as it is, if you only have two days in Copenhagen, this side trip will eat into your day.

Copenhagen is easily explored on foot, you don't even need a bike

Lunch: Sample some smørrebrøds 

Most of the major museums in Copenhagen have restaurants or cafes — the one at the SMK has a decent menu — and they often are competitively priced (for Copenhagen) compared to other options. That said, lunch is when you often find the best deals in Copenhagen, with fixed-price menus or all-you-can-eat buffets easier to come by, RizRaz being a good option for vegetarians. If you don’t want anything too heavy, however, save some time and have a quick and easy smørrebrød , the Danish-style open sandwiches served on rye bread and one of the many dishes that make Copenhagen one of the best food cities in Europe . Good options near the museums include Kanal-Caféen, close to the NY Carlsberg Glyptotek (Lillian’s is also highly recommended, but closed on weekends), or Under Uret near the SMK.

Afternoon: Canals, castles and ‘cruises’

Fueled up and ready to continue, it’s time to enjoy the afternoon light on a walk and perhaps even a boat ride along some of Copenhagen’s best canal-hugging sights.

Start at Frederiksholms Kanal, which encircles Slotsholmen Island. Cross over one of the bridges and arrive at Christiansborg Palace. This is one of a few grand palaces you can visit in Copenhagen, so if you fancy it, head inside to see grand halls and art-adorned walls. However, I’d say to just walk through the courtyard, admire the exterior, and visit one of the older palaces, Amalienborg or Rosenborg, tomorrow instead.

A mosaic in the Stærekassen passage in Copenhagen

On the other side of Frederiksholms Kanal, loop around the Det Kongelige Teater to admire its impressive facade (and perhaps query if any tickets are remaining for tonight’s performance) before heading under the Stærekassen passage around the back; there is a wonderful mosaic ceiling hidden underneath. From here, you’ve returned to Nyhavn, allowing the chance to admire the colourful old buildings in the daylight.

At the end of Nyhavn, turn left and follow the water outside the much more modern Playhouse Theatre and admire the equally contemporary Opera House across the canal. A few moments away, you’ll see some of Copenhagen’s most impressive sights, the Amalienborg Castle and, just behind it, the Frederik’s Church dome soaring.

Copenhagen

The Amalienborg is still the royal family’s official residence, and from the inner circular courtyard, you can see the four different palaces which form the complex. Regarded as one of the best things to do in Copenhagen, you can buy a ticket to enter and tour the Great Hall and see some of the Danish crown jewels. After the visit, continue in the same direction to Kastellet, a well-preserved fortress citadel. You can walk around the verdant bastions on either side of the moat, spot a rather photogenic windmill, and even walk inside the courtyard (open until 8 pm). Right by here is one of the most underwhelming famous attractions in the world, The Little Mermaid , so you might as well make your way through any crowds to have a look at this relatively small bronze statue.

To finish today’s Copenhagen itinerary, you could take the Havnebussen (Harbour Bus) back down the canal to see the same route from a different perspective. Being part of the public transport system, it’s a much cheaper alternative to some of the other canal cruises, but be aware the boats can get full, so you may need to wait. Board at the Nordre Toldbod stop (the last boat leaves around 8:20 pm) near the Kastellet and stay onboard until Bryggebroen. On arrival, you’re about a 15-20 minute walk across the bridge from the Meatpacking District, a great place to eat dinner.

St Alban's Church sits alongside across the moat from Kastellet

Dinner & Drinks: The Meatpacking District (Kødbyen)

Copenhagen’s Kødbyen, also known as the Meatpacking District due to its former purpose, is one of the many parts of the city that have undergone a creative transformation. Now, it’s one of Copenhagen’s most trendy places, packed with excellent restaurants and craft beer breweries. You can choose from pretty much any cuisine you want here, but Fiskebaren is a solid, if pricey, pick if you fancy some first-class seafood. After eating, you can venture to one of the brew pubs for some equally expensive pints (this is Copenhagen, after all) or choose one of the cocktail bars instead.

What to do in Copenhagen on day two (Sunday)

If you’re checking out today, stash your bags after breakfast (if you’re in an Airbnb rather than a hotel, you can store them at the central station or search on a luggage storage travel app like Bounce) and make an early-ish start if you want to witness the changing of the guard ceremony. 

Rosenborg Castle is one of the city's more important historical landmarks

Morning: Palaces and parks 

If you didn’t visit any of the palaces yesterday, then start today’s Copenhagen itinerary at Kongens Have (The King’s Garden/Rosenborg Garden). The oldest royal gardens in the country, this well-manicured space opens at 7 am, meaning you can have a walk around before entering the adjacent Rosenberg Palace when visiting commences at 10 am. The reason I suggest getting in early is the changing of the guard ceremony commences at 11:30 am. Dating back to the 17th century, Christian IV’s castle is impressive. Inside, you’ll have the chance to see crown jewels, opulent halls and bedrooms and learn more about the Danish monarchy.

An hour and a half should be a good amount of time to complete (a slightly rushed tour), but this will mean you can be outside when the changing of the guard procession starts. The Den Kongelige Livgarde (Royal Guard) depart their barracks at Rosenborg Castle and walk the streets to Amalienborg. As such, you can follow this impressive procession before seeing the grand finale around midday in Amalienborg’s open courtyard. If the group is accompanied by a band and the flag is hoisted, it means the King is at home.

Christiana, Copenhagen

Afternoon: Christiana and contemporary architecture

After grabbing lunch at one of the nearby cafes, finish up your weekend in Copenhagen by seeing a very different side of the city in Freetown Christiania, a commune across the river which was established in a former military barracks by squatters in the 70s. However, in 2012, a formal agreement was made, leading to the residents purchasing the area.

Both times I’ve visited, I’ve had no problems inside Christiania and found it very safe, but you should be aware that this isn’t just another neighbourhood of the city; it operates under its own rules. Reportedly, in recent years, there have been more problems and crime reported around the area, which is why the residents now are much stricter on enforcing their rules for visitors, such as no photography. If you’re not that comfortable visiting alone (not advisable after dark) but still want to see inside this creative and free-spirtied community, locals offer guided tours on the weekend at 15:00 — hence suggesting it as an afternoon activity. No reservation is needed; just be sure to bring the tour fee (check on this website ) in cash.

En route there or back, you might also want to visit some of Copenhagen’s more contemporary contrasting architecture by calling in at the Opera House or Royal Library.

Evening: Departure or dinner 

If you’re not heading back to the airport to take your flight, be aware that many restaurants close on Sunday evenings, so you might want to plan and book ahead. 

Contemporary architecture, such as the Opera House, Library and Playhouse Theatre, line the Hønsebroløbet canal

Things to do in Copenhagen with a third day (and day trip ideas)

If you’re planning to spend a long weekend in Copenhagen (do check opening hours, as some museums close on Mondays, making Friday a better extension) or you want to swap out one of the activities above, here are a few other ideas of things to do in Copenhagen.

Visit more museums or palaces

Copenhagen has so many excellent museums and numerous palaces to visit that if you’ve invested in the Copenhagen Card, then you should get the most out of it by including a few more during a long weekend trip. As well as those mentioned on the first day of this Copenhagen itinerary, the Designmuseum, Danish Architecture Centre, and The Museum of Danish Resistance are worth a visit. For galleries and art-focused collections, consider the sculptures of Thorvaldsens and the contrast between contemporary art and grand old-world architecture at Kunsthal Charlottenborg. I’ve written more in-depth about the best museums in Copenhagen here .

Tivoli Gardens are a 'must-visit' in Copenhagen, but only if the park appeals

Tivoli Gardens

One of Copenhagen’s most famous attractions is the historic Tivoli Gardens , a theme park amongst pretty gardens. With theatre shows, dining options (the Tivoli Food Court is actually free and open to all), various imported architecture styles, and some entertaining rides, it could be a good call. Personally, I think it’s a bit overpriced and not really a ‘must visit’ unless you have a specific interest in the park, though special seasonal events can make it more worthwhile. 

The Carlsberg Experience

You might have noticed a few museums and sights in Copenhagen come with the name Carlsberg, and it’s because the brewery was founded here in Valby, Copenhagen. The Carlsberg Experience is located in the original brewery and will re-open in December 2023 after some renovation work. For those interested in one of the world’s most famous beers, you can tour interactive experiences on a tour of the historical cellars or just enjoy a tasting.

Go to the Rundetaarn (Round Tower)

Getting to the top of the Rundetaarn involves circling a long ramp, but you’ll get some pretty impressive views from this nearly 400-year-old landmark. Temporary exhibitions are held in some of the halls.

Helsingborg Denmark

Combine the Louisiana Museum with Helsingor

Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, which is around 30 minutes from Copenhagen by train, then you could ride another 20 minutes north to the historic city of Helsingør, where a pretty cobbled street, Old Town and the mighty Kronborg Castle await. Ferries also regularly cross to Sweden from here.

Cross the bridge to Malmo in Sweden 

The impressive, nearly 16-kilometre Øresund Bridge links Copenhagen with Malmö in Sweden, making it one of the easiest day trips from Copenhagen. Trains are fairly regular, as are (usually) cheaper FlixBuses .  

Where to travel after Copenhagen

Other further afield spots worth visiting in Denmark include Ribe, the oldest town in the country, second-city Aarhus, or heading out to one of the smaller islands and archipelagos. Alternatively, continue on a grand tour of the Nordic capitals by spending a few days in Stockholm or visiting Oslo or Helsinki . For a grand adventure, you could take the two-day ferry to the pretty Faroe Islands , a self-governing nation within the Kingdom of Denmark.

Related Posts:

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  • Literacy lovers hideouts: Breathtaking libraries worth travelling for
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A Weekend in Copenhagen City Break: The Perfect Copenhagen 2 Days Itinerary + Travel Guide

A Weekend in Copenhagen City Break: The Perfect Copenhagen 2 Days Itinerary + Travel Guide

Are you planning a weekend or 2 days in Copenhagen and wondering what to see and do in Denmark’s capital city? 

A Copenhagen city break with your significant other is exactly what you probably need right now. Or perhaps it’s your first time visiting and you’re looking for the perfect Copenhagen 2 day itinerary to show you around the city’s best highlights in a short amount of time.

Whatever your reason for visiting, this Copenhagen weekend guide details how to get around, where to stay and eat, plus all the best places to visit in Copenhagen in 2 days. 

A Copenhagen weekend break offers the perfect escape for couples, families, a boys trip, girls getaway or even a larger group of friends.

But, first we have to warn you about something. There are so many great  things to see and do  in Copenhagen in a weekend. After spending a weekend there, you will probably want to come back again (just like we did)!

From picture-perfect tourist hotspots like Nyhavn Harbour, to magnificent historical buildings, castles and palaces, and eclectic foodie experiences. There’s something for everyone to enjoy during a weekend in Copenhagen!

This Copenhagen 2 Day Itinerary is the perfect balance of fun, culture and food for a Copenhagen City Break!

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A Weekend in Copenhagen City Break: The Perfect Copenhagen 2 Days Itinerary + Travel Guide

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Is 2 Days in Copenhagen Enough?

Spending two days in Copenhagen is the perfect amount of time to get a feel for the totally underrated capital of Denmark. Whether you’re planning a weekend trip to Copenhagen, or a short break before continuing onto another destination, this Copenhagen itinerary will give you a taster of the city.

Of course, you won’t be able to see ‘everything’ in Copenhagen in a weekend or 2 days. But we’ve strategically planned this itinerary, to cover the best of Copenhagen in 2 days.

If you have more time, then a long weekend or 3 days in Copenhagen is even better and will allow time to see more tourist attractions. If you do have more time, then we’ve suggested a few additional things to do at the end of this guide.

Frederik's Church at sunset

What to do in Copenhagen in 2 Days – At A Glance

Whether you’re planning a weekend in Copenhagen or a mid-week jaunt, this Copenhagen 2 day itinerary covers all of the best  things to do  in such a short amount of time. 

By following this itinerary, you’ll get to experience all the following activities and attractions during your Copenhagen city break (read on for more detailed information about each activity):

  • Torvehallerne Food Markets
  • The Botanical Gardens
  • Rosenborg Castle
  • Eat Smørrebrod
  • The Round Tower
  • Christianborg Palace
  • The Tivoli Gardens
  • Brunch at one of Copenhagen’s best cafes
  • Nyhavn Harbour
  • Amalienborg Palace
  • The Little Mermaid
  • Dinner at a Michelin-starred Restaurant

Note: Although it seems like a lot, this Copenhagen 2 day itinerary is not too jam-packed. Copenhagen city centre is actually quite small and it’s very easy to get from one place to the next on foot, bike or scooter. We’ve purposely not crammed too much into this itinerary so you can take your time and really enjoy your weekend in Copenhagen.

All media features and published work by Amanda Twine from Bucket List Seekers

Planning Your Copenhagen City Break – Before You Arrive

Best time to visit copenhagen.

The best time to plan a Copenhagen weekend trip is the warmer months, from  May through September . The city is a buzz with events, activities on the water, and seemingly endless sunny days. 

The  Danish summer break  (mid-June through August) is the busiest time for tourism and the main attractions book out quickly.

The weather in  October and November  is unpredictable with a lot of rain and are probably not the best months to plan a Copenhagen city break. This is a good time to spend most of your weekend dining at Copenhagen’s best restaurants, as bookings can be much easier to secure. If you do visit during this time, don’t forget to bring a rain jacket. 

If you’re looking to spend 48 hours in Copenhagen during the cooler months  (October through March) , then you’re in for a real treat. While the temperature plummets, there’s always the chance of snow and the city turns into a winter wonderland.  Christmas markets and festivities  are in full swing during December.

Springtime  (April through May)  sees days getting longer and slightly warmer weather, although still a little on the cooler side. The flowers are starting to bloom, which is perfect for a romantic weekend in Copenhagen. It’s not quite peak tourist season yet, so there are some  great deals on accommodation  to be found during this time of year.

Traveller Tip:  All activities in this Copenhagen 2 day itinerary are accessible during all seasons, with the exception of the Tivoli Gardens, which has reduced operating hours during the winter months.

Where to Stay in Copenhagen

Although the city if Copenhagen is quite small, it has a remarkably high proportion of great hotels for its size. The city is packed with gorgeous Scandinavian-designed boutique hotels and Airbnbs. You’d be forgiven for not wanting to leave your room during your Copenhagen weekend break. 

Below is a list of recommended places to stay in Copenhagen for 2 days. We use  Booking.com  to find the best rate on hotels and many of them offer free cancellation in case your plans change. 

All of the hotels listed below are within walking or biking distance from the major attractions listed in this guide.

Luxury (Approx. €250+)

  • The Churchill Penthouse
  • Hotel Sanders
  • Nobis Hotel Copenhagen

Mid-range (Approx. €100-250)

  • Hotel Skt. Annæ
  • Hotel Kong Arthur
  • Hotel Skt Petri

Budget-friendly (Approx. €50-100)

  • Generator Copenhagen
  • Zleep Hotel Copenhagen City
  • CityHub Copenhagen
  • Urban Camper Hostel

Copenhagen's streets with colourful buildings

How to Get Around Copenhagen

Being such a small city, it’s super easy to get around Copenhagen in two days. Here are a few options to consider, depending on your budget:

  • Trains:  Copenhagen’s metro line connects central Copenhagen and many of the city’s neighbourhoods and operates 24/7. The train journey from Copenhagen Airport to Copenhagen Central Station takes just 15 minutes. Other than getting from the airport to the city, we actually didn’t need to use the train while we were there.
  • Private Transfer:  If you are travelling with a lot of luggage or you prefer to take a car from the airport to your hotel, arrange a  private transfer  to be waiting when you arrive.
  • Taxi or Rideshare:  Taxis can be flagged in the street around the city centre and most accept credit card. GoMore is the most popular ridesharing service in Copenhagen. Don’t forget to download the  GoMore app before you arrive.
  • On Foot:  Copenhagen is a very small city and walking is the best way to get around. Most of the places in this Copenhagen 2 day itinerary are easy walking distance from most  hotels in the city centre  (including the ones we’ve recommended above).
  • Bike:  Copenhagen is a very bike-friendly and this is a great way to get around the city quickly. Most roads have a separate bike lane and majority of Copenhagen locals use bikes as the main form of transport. You can hire a bike almost anywhere around the city and many hotels even offer bike hire.
  • Scooter:  There are electric scooters available to hire all over Copenhagen city centre. Voi is the main e-scooter rental service. Simply download the  Voi  app to hire a scooter in Copenhagen.

The Copenhagen Card

If you plan to spend at least 2 days in Copenhagen sightseeing, it may be well worth purchasing a Copenhagen Card . 

The card is available for periods of 24, 48, 72 and 120 hours. It includes free public transportation on city buses, trains, and the metro, and it also includes entry to a number of attractions featured in this guide, plus much more. Click  here  to see a list of all attractions included in the Copenhagen Card .

Stalls at the Torvehallerne Food Market, Copenhagen

City Break Copenhagen 2 Day Itinerary

Copenhagen itinerary – day 1, breakfast: torvehallerne food markets.

Before kicking off this 2 day Copenhagen itinerary, it’s important to fuel up! Head on over to the  Torvehallerne Food Market  to grab a bite to eat before you hit the sights. 

Located in the centre of the city,  Torvehallerne , also known as  the Glass Market , is home to more than 80 different shops. Here you’ll find everything from fresh produce to locally caught fish, ready to eat meals, wine, and even kitchen accessories. 

You could easily spend hours just  strolling through the market , taking in the sights, and maybe even sampling a few things along the way.

If you’re looking for a  traditional Danish breakfast , be sure to stop by  Grød Restaurant  to try some of the most delicious oatmeal you will ever taste. With several toppings to choose from, including bananas, blueberries, peanut butter, cocoa nibs, roasted almonds and more, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your early morning cravings! 

You can even pair it with a latte from  Coffee Collective . Located in a historical telephone booth from 1896, Coffee Collective is the perfect place to get your coffee fix!

Read Next: 12 of the Coolest Things to do in Copenhagen in Winter

The Palm House glasshouse in Copenhagen

Morning: Visit the Botanical Gardens & Rosenborg Castle

Once you’ve had your fill of Danish cuisine, grab a latte and take a short stroll over to the  Botanical Gardens .

Spanning a total of 10 hectares, the  Botanical Gardens  are  home to more than 13,000 different species of plants , all of them housed within the garden’s 27 indoor glasshouses. 

As you wander the pathways through the beautiful gardens, make sure to  check out the old Palm House . Dating back to 1874, this glasshouse features 16-metre ceilings, cast-iron spiral staircases, and upper-level passageways. 

Traveller Tip: Entry to the Botanical Gardens is included in the  Copenhagen Card .

From the Botanical Gardens, it’s only a short ten-minute walk over to  Rosenborg Castle . Built in the early 17th century by one of Scandinavia’s most famous kings, Christian IV, the castle is an important historical landmark for Denmark. 

Housed here you can find the  royal family’s crown jewels  and coronation thrones, as well as an extensive collection of Venetian glass and Flora Danica porcelain. The castle itself is well-preserved, providing a realistic glimpse into Denmark’s royal past.

Traveller Tip: Entry to the Rosenborg Castle is included in the  Copenhagen Card .

Rosenborg Palace at Copenhagen

Lunch: Restaurant Schønnemann

For an  authentic Danish experience  on your Copenhagen city break, head to  Restaurant Schønnemann . It’s one of the  oldest restaurants in Copenhagen . 

Located just 600 metres from Rosenborg Castle,  Restaurant Schønnemann  is a short ten-minute walk or two-minute ride by taxi. 

Here you’ll find the  Danish specialty Smørrebrod  – a traditional  open-faced sandwich  served on Rye bread. It can be paired with a variety of toppings, including several types of meats, seafood, cheese, vegetables, and more. 

With so many options to choose from, it can be hard to pick just one – luckily, servings are small, so it’s possible to choose a few different Smørrebrod and mix and match them! 

Be aware, however, that  the restaurant is quite popular  and it can be difficult to get a table during peak meal times. It’s best to arrive early or make reservations ahead of time.

Read Next: The Ultimate Travel Bucket List: 150+ Epic Trips to Plan

The spiral ramp in the Round Tower, Copenhagen

Afternoon: Climb the Round Tower & Visit Christianborg Palace

Located just two minutes down the street from Restaurant Schønnemann, you’ll find the  Round Tower . Another famous building constructed by King Christian IV, the  Round Tower  was originally created as an  astronomical observatory . 

While the tower is no longer used by scientists today, it is  open to the public and offers incredible views of the city . 

Inside the tower, you can also find an exhibit hall and a floating glass floor that provides a sneak peek of the tower’s core from 25 metres in the air.

Traveller Tip: Entry to the Round Tower is included in the  Copenhagen Card .

From the Round Tower, you can either grab a taxi or take an eight-minute stroll over to  Christiansborg Palace . 

No weekend in Copenhagen would be completed without a visit to this historical landmark!  Christiansborg Palace  still plays an important role in Denmark today. It’s  home to the Danish Parliament, Ministry of State, and Supreme Court . 

The palace is also occasionally  used by the current Royal Family  for official events and functions. While parts of the palace are closed off to the public, you’ll still have the opportunity to explore several areas, including the  Royal Reception Rooms, the Palace Chapel, and the Royal Stables .

Traveller Tip: Entry to the Christiansborg Palace Royal Reception Rooms is included in the  Copenhagen Card .

Evening: Tivoli Gardens

For the first evening of your Copenhagen 2 day itinerary, we recommend checking out the whimsical  Tivoli Gardens , the second oldest amusement park in the world. Tivoli Gardens is like something out of a fairy tale and has been the setting for a number of movies. It’s known for its theme park rides, live music, and diverse dining options. 

Traveller Tip: Entry to the Tivoli Gardens is included in the  Copenhagen Card  but does not include rides. Click  here  to book fast-track tickets with unlimited rides.

For dinner, consider grabbing some food at the  Tivoli Food Hall . Offering a variety of food stands, you can find everything from Moroccan flatbread to Icelandic salads, German bratwurst, Italian pizza, and everything in between. 

If you’re looking for some late-night cocktails, give the rooftop bar at  Nimb Hotel  a try. The bar is located inside one of the  most luxurious hotels in Copenhagen  (also a  great place to stay  on a Copenhagen city break).  Nimb Roof  offers exquisite views of the Tivoli Gardens and Copenhagen.

Delicious sweets in a patisserie in Copenhagen

Copenhagen Itinerary – Day 2

Breakfast: dine at one of copenhagen’s best cafes.

For the second day of this weekend in Copenhagen itinerary, do as the locals do and head for a leisurely Sunday breakfast at one of Copenhagen’s best cafes:

  • Next Door Cafe  is the perfect spot to go if you’re in the mood for some international fare. Located in the Latin Quarter, this unique cafe is known for its bacon, eggs and pancakes. 
  • Kompa9  is a must-try if you prefer homemade fare made from local ingredients. This cafe serves up everything from scrambled eggs to yoghurt and oatmeal – all made from scratch! 
  • The Union Kitchen  offers the perfect setting for those in search of a casual, laid-back dining experience. Serving international fare, this restaurant is open from dawn until dusk. 
  • Lille Petra Cafe  is also worth mentioning – this courtyard cafe serves up lighter fares such as chia porridge and croissants.

Red boat and colourful buildings at Nyhavn, Copenhagen

Morning: Visit Nyhavn Harbour

When you’re ready to begin exploring, hail a taxi and head on over to the  iconic Nyhavn Harbour . It’s arguably the number one thing to do during a weekend in Copenhagen!

Originally built as a commercial port, the canal and surrounding buildings have been renovated into an entertainment district, complete with restaurants, bars, and music venues. 

Most famous for its  colourful waterfront buildings ,  Nyhavn  is the perfect spot to simply wander around and snap a photo or two. 

For a unique vantage point, you can even  hop on a boat cruise  and travel along the canal, taking in all the sights and sounds of this lively neighbourhood. Depending upon the cruise you choose, you may even be able to cruise past some of the city’s popular landmarks, including Christiansborg Palace and the Little Mermaid Statue.

Traveller Tip: If you plan to purchase the  Copenhagen Card , it includes a  Canal Tour of Copenhagen .

Amalienborg Palace Square

Midday: Amalienborg Palace

From Nyhavn, it’s just a short walk to the UNESCO World Heritage Site  Amalienborg Palace , the current residence of the  Danish royal family . 

Here you will find a large Palace Square surrounded by the Palace’s four main buildings. It’s in this square where you can  watch the changing of the Royal Guards , a noteworthy highlight that occurs every day at 12:00 noon. 

Two of the buildings are occupied by the royal family and, therefore, remain closed to the public. However, the other two –  Christian VII’s Palace and Christian VIII’s Palace Museum  – remain  open to visitors . 

The only way to visit Christian VII’s Palace is  through a guided tour . 

The tour provides an in-depth look at the way former kings and queens used to live, granting guests access to many of the palace’s rooms and showcasing the family’s  collection of antique furniture, photos, portraits, and personal memorabilia .

Christian VIII’s Palace Museum is freely open and provides guests with the opportunity to  learn more about the history of the royal family . Depending on when you visit, you may be able to access the  Royal Representation Rooms, and the Gala Hall , if they are not being utilized by the royal family.

As one of the most popular attractions in Copenhagen, we highly recommend you do not miss this experience during your 2 days in Copenhagen. Be sure to book tickets early!

Traveller Tip: Entry to Christian VIII’s Palace Museum is included in the  Copenhagen Card .

The Little Mermaid statue with a canal boat behind

Afternoon: The Little Mermaid & Kastellet

The next stop on our itinerary is the world-renowned  Little Mermaid statue . Located directly on the waterfront just two kilometres north of the Amalienborg Palace, this status is easily reached by taxi. 

The statue was inspired by the “The Little Mermaid,” story, written by Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen (also the inspiration for the Disney movie of the same name). 

It was a gift to the city from Danish brewer Carl Jacobsen. Made of bronze and granite, this small statue has become a  well-known attraction in Copenhagen .

Traveller Tip:  You can also see the Little Mermaid from a Canal Cruise. If you purchase the  Copenhagen Card , it includes a  Canal Boat Cruise .

Just around the corner from The Little Mermaid, you will find the  Kastellet  or Citadel. Originally built in the early 17th century, these star-shaped Military Barracks are on an island all their own. 

While you cannot walk into the buildings, the outside area is  open and accessible to the public . It’s quite common to find locals jogging or walking along the pathways. It’s a great place to unwind and just wander around a bit.

Red building at the Copenhagen military barracks

Dinner: Checkout Copenhagen’s Fine Dining Scene

Copenhagen is well-known for its fine dining, with the highest density of  Michelin starred restaurants  calling the city home. 

A weekend break to Copenhagen would not be complete without experiencing one of these incredible restaurants on your final night in the city.

  • Geranium  is the only restaurant in Copenhagen to receive three Michelin stars, making it one of the most luxurious restaurants in the city. Serving seasonally inspired meals, this restaurant is located on the 8th floor in Fælledparkem, offering incredible views of the city.
  • Alchemist  is a two-star Michelin restaurant located in the former set-building workshop of the Royal Danish Theatre. Offering 50 courses to choose from, this restaurant provides an immersive dining experience complete with costumed actors and classical theatre performances.
  • AOC  holds two Michelin stars and serves up delicious Danish cuisine. With a focus on sensory experiences, the restaurant aims to stimulate as many senses as possible through the food it serves. 
  • Kiin Kiin  is the only Thai restaurant outside of Thailand to possess a Michelin star. Offering Thai food with a modern and elegant touch, it’s the best place to sample Asian cuisine in the city.
  • Restaurant Kokkeriet  is a one-star Michelin restaurant located in the old quarter of Nyboder. Offering modern European cuisine with traditional Danish touches, this quaint restaurant is a perfect break from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Traveller Tip:  For the perfect way to finish off your 2 days in Copenhagen be sure to book one of these restaurants before you arrive, as they are very popular and book out quickly!

Copenhagen waterfront and Opera House with cute coffee cart

Staying Longer Than 2 Days in Copenhagen?

Extend this Copenhagen 2 day itinerary and check out these other popular day trips and things to do around Copenhagen:

  • Immerse yourself in Copenhagen’s food scene on a  Culinary Experience Tour  or a  Culinary Bike Tour , or perhaps you prefer a  Full-Day Private Food Tour .
  • See the city the way the locals do – by bike on this  Private Bike Tour  or a  Group Bike Tour
  • Photography enthusiasts will love this  hidden gems photography tour , or how about a  private photoshoot  to remember your trip?
  • Explore the controversial hippy enclave known as Freetown Christania.
  • Take a half-day  private tour of Frederiksborg Castle  located just outside the city.
  • For a totally unique and environmentally-friendly experience, try skiing down the slopes of a power plant at  Ski CopenHill .
  • Take a  Two Countries in One Day Tour  and hop over to Malmö and Lund in Sweden by ferry and see some of Sweden’s most important landmarks.
  • For the puzzle geeks, this unique  Scavenger Hunt experience  in Copenhagen will keep you entertained with stories and secrets as you wander the city.

Ready to Book a Weekend in Copenhagen?

Copenhagen is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and a must visit place to add to your  travel bucket list . There are so many amazing unique things to do in Copenhagen, and dozens of great foodie hotspots to try – you might want to book a second trip!

We hope this Copenhagen Weekend Guide has given your loads of ideas to plan your own Copenhagen 2 day itinerary. If you are continuing your travels within  Denmark  or  Europe , why not check out these other  travel blog articles :

  • 12 Cool Things to do in Copenhagen in Winter
  • The Ultimate 7 Day Iceland Road Trip Itinerary
  • The Ultimate Italian Bucket List: 101 Epic Things to do in Italy

To make the most of your 2 days in Copenhagen, be sure to check out what’s on in Copenhagen by heading to the  Visit Copenhagen  website. Here you can also verify Denmark’s entry requirements and latest updates regarding border status.

Have we left something out of our Copenhagen 2 day itinerary?  If you can recommend any other places to visit in Copenhagen in 2 days, let our readers know in the comments below!

Fruit and vegetable markets at Torvehallerne

Planning a trip soon? Here’s a list of the websites we use for booking our trips:

  • Skyscanner  for the best flight deals
  • Booking.com for the best rates on hotels
  • HomeAway  for the best price on apartment and home rentals
  • Rentalcars.com  for quick and easy car rentals
  • Luxury Escapes  | Expedia for luxury package holiday deals and tours
  • Get Your Guide  | Klook | Viator  for booking day tours and attraction tickets
  • Tourradar  for a wide selection of multi-day tours
  • Safety Wing for the most comprehensive worldwide travel insurance

Did You Know?  We use ads and affiliate links on this website. When you click through and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you), that helps us pay the bills to keep running this blog as a free resource. We only recommend products we use ourselves. If you’re planning to book a trip soon, please consider clicking through the links above, so that we can continue to provide free travel guides, just like this one! Please see our Disclosure Policy for more details.

About the Author:

Amanda Twine is the founder and creator of Bucket List Seekers – a luxury travel blog sharing informative travel guides, food guides, hotel reviews, itineraries, and tips about how to make luxury travel more affordable.

Connect with us on   Facebook  | Pinterest  | Instagram  | Twitter . If you found this article helpful, please share it with your friends!

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15 Things to do in a Weekend in Copenhagen + 2 Day Itinerary for Copenhagen, Denmark

15 Things to do in a Weekend in Copenhagen + 2 Day Itinerary for Copenhagen, Denmark

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This article lists the 15 best things to do in a weekend in Copenhagen + a Copenhagen itinerary for 2 days.

Charming canals, rows of colorful ancient buildings and boats that look like pirate ships – that’s the first thing that comes to mind when we think of Copenhagen. While that’s true and one of the highlights of a trip to Copenhagen, there is so much more to do during a weekend in Copenhagen, Denmark. 

The history and culture of Copenhagen, combined with the fact that it is one of the happiest cities in the world are enough reasons to pay a visit to this Scandinavian city. Plus the fashionable locals, cute cafes, colorful old buildings, modern architecture give you enough things to do in Copenhagen in 2 days. If you speak English, then you’ll get by easily on your Copenhagen weekend trip since the locals are friendly, welcoming and are happy to help you in English. 

This Copenhagen itinerary for 2 days will help you plan the perfect weekend in Copenhagen and see all everythings that the city has to offer. So pack your best sneakers and let’s dive into this 2 day Copenhagen itinerary.

Get access to 80+ attractions and transport in Copenhagen with the Copenhagen City Card

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Weekend in Copenhagen itinerary for two days - Pinterest graphic

How to Plan the Perfect Weekend in Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a beautiful city with a mix of both old and new architecture. There’s never a boring moment here ever. With inviting shopping streets, envious cafes and bars and a number of places to visit in Copenhagen on a weekend, all you need is a great Copenhagen travel guide to help you navigate the attractions of the city with ease. 

You need to make sure that you have sturdy walking shoes to traverse the cobblestone steps (this generally applies to all of Europe) and be prepared according to the weather. The Copenhagen weather can get rainy and moody so packing an umbrella would be a good idea, depending on the weather predictions.

See the highlights of Copenhagen with a 3 hour bike tour of Copenhagen.

Are 2 Days Enough in Copenhagen?

Perhaps the most asked question while planning a Copenhagen trip is how many days to spend in Copenhagen? While you can rush and see Copenhagen in 1 day, it’s not enough time to gander through the ravishing streets or delve deep into the palaces and museums in the city. Thus I recommend spending 2 days in Copenhagen . This will give you sufficient time to see all the places to visit in Copenhagen during a weekend and still not feel like you’re running from one point to the other.

Find hotels in the Copenhagen city center on Booking.com

How Much Money Do You Need for a Weekend in Copenhagen?

There’s no beating around the bush here. Copenhagen is an expensive city . During our Copenhagen weekend trip in the spring of 2023, we found that even a simple breakfast of bread and coffee in a local bakery cost us as much as a decent lunch meal for 2 in Germany. That should tell you how expensive Copenhagen is. During your Copenhagen weekend trip, expect to spend €25-30 on breakfast, €40-60 on lunches and €50-70 on dinners for two. You can save money in Copenhagen by choosing to stay in a hotel that offers complimentary breakfast, eating street food for lunch and then having a proper dinner.

Things to do in a Weekend in Copenhagen

Day 1 of copenhagen itinerary for 2 days, 1. tivoli gardens.

A big beautiful amusement park right in the middle of the city, the Tivoli gardens offer a number of rides in addition to tasty and classy food, unlike what is typically served in amusement parks. Not only does the park have fun rides and games but it is also very beautiful and surprisingly clean. What’s interesting about Tivoli gardens though is that it is said to have inspired Walt Disney to come up with Disneyland! That should tell you how amazing this park truly is!! 

Opening Hours : The Tivoli garden is open from 31 March to 31 December from 11:00 – 22:00 but stays open longer during summer and on the weekends.

Entry Fee : Entry for people over 8 years costs DKK 155 (approx €20.8), DKK 70 for ages 3-8 and free of cost for children under 3 years of age.

Buy the unlimited rides classic combo ticket for the Tivoli gardens!

2. National Museum of Denmark

Things to do in Copenhagen in 2 days - National Museum of Denmark

The National Museum of Denmark is located just a few steps away from the Tivoli gardens. The museum is located inside an 18th century mansion that contains relics and artifacts showing the history of Denmark , including the Viking era . In fact the highlight of the museum are the Viking artifacts and collections. This section even displays a video that shows the Vikings quest to reach Rome. The museum is unmissable if you are spending 2 Days in Copenhagen and are interested in learning more about the history of Denmark.

To save both time and money, buy an entry ticket to the National Museum of Denmark.

Things to do in a weekend in Copenhagen - Stroget shopping street in Copenhagen, Denmark

Stroget is the main shopping street in Copenhagen that contains innumerable stores ranging from mid-range to luxury and some street food options as well. When there is nothing particularly special about this shopping street, it is a great place in the middle of the city and the starting point of other major tourist attractions to see in Copenhagen in two days. If you’re lucky then you will catch some very interesting shoes going on in this street such as a flash mob, musicians, and even the juggler who juggles fire..

4. Christiansborg Palace

Christiansborg Palace is a 12th century palace that is equidistant from both the National Museum of Denmark as well as Stroget. The palace has a tower that is free to visit . However, visitors are required to go through a security check before going up the tower. Additionally, you can even take a tour of the opulent palace interiors, the stables, artillery and carts by paying an entrance fee. Entry to all of these attractions within the Christiansborg Palace is included in the Copenhagen city card . I find that it is worth buying the city card if you are visiting a number of tourist attractions within a short span of time.

Take a guided private walking tour of Christiansborg Palace .

5. Freetown Christiania

Places to visit during a Copenhagen weekend trip - Freetown Christiania

Freetown Christiania is a micro nation and intentional community located inside Copenhagen. The interesting concept, history, the streets and the street art of Freetown Christiania make it the fourth most visited attraction in Copenhagen and thus you cannot miss visiting this place if you’re spending the weekend in Copenhagen. We loved exploring the part of the town that had incredible street art and the big statue of a troll known as “Green George af Thomas Dambo”. We loved the hippie vibe and the artwork, the infamous “pusher street” where cannabis is sold, even though it is illegal in Denmark, was a little too sketchy for my personal taste. 

That being said, if you visit Copenhagen during summer then the canal views from Freetown Christiania are just as good as the ones in Nyhavn.

Have fun with an exploration game in Freetown Christiania!

6. Nyhavn – Best Place to Visit in a Weekend in Copenhagen

Things to do in a Weekend in Copenhagen - A Copenhagen itinerary for 2 days : Visit Nyhavn

Find hotels in Nyhavn on Booking.com

Let’s talk about the most famous part of Copenhagen that is an iconic landmark in the city – Nyhavn. This waterfront area holds innumerable colorful buildings that date back to the 17th century. Historically, this was the part of the city where sailors from the ships that docked here would come to enjoy merrymaking with the ladies of the night. The area is nothing like that today and has a number of incredibly cute cafes and restaurants lined along the colorful row of buildings. This part of Nyhavn is pedestrian only and can get extremely crowded. However if you cross over to the other side of the canal, you will get the best pictures and the iconic photographs to remember your Copenhagen weekend trip. This street allows motor vehicles, there is a sidewalk for pedestrians as well with enough room for you to be able to take pictures.

Enjoy a self-guided family mystery tour in Nyhavn.

7. Kunsthal Charlottenborg

The Kunsthal Charlottenborg or the Charlottenborg art gallery halls of white range of art exhibits inside a clear and bright setting. The building itself is absolutely gorgeous and located in Nyhavn on the side from where you get the iconic view of the colorful houses.

Opening Hours : The museum opens from 12 to 8 p.m. from Tuesday to Friday and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the weekends.

8. Kings’s New Square

The King’s Square is located on the northwest side of Nyhavn and has beautiful cobblestone steps, a small garden, benches to enjoy the view of the colorful houses nearby and also a view of the Royal Danish Theatre . You can enjoy some street food here and also walk over to the nearby street that houses a number of restaurants. Furthermore, if you’re visiting Copenhagen during Christmas time then you will love the Christmas market at the King’s New Square. If you come here at the right time then you will even catch a parade of the King’s Guard march past.

Day 2 of Your Weekend in Copenhagen

9. breakfast at skt. peders bageri.

Where to eat breakfast in Copenhagen - Skt. Peders Bakery

When spending the weekend in Copenhagen, you must try a local bakery in order to sample some heavenly Danish bread and also to save a few bucks by not spending money on a lavish breakfast. This way you can have fun, try some local specialties and save money along the way. Skt. Peders Bageri is one of the highest-rated bakeries in Copenhagen where you can sample Danish pastries, cinnamon rolls and cardamom buns , among other things.

10. The Round Tower

Places to visit on a Copenhagen weekend trip for 2 days - The Round Tower

A 17th century Tower and Observatory, you can climb up the Round Tower in order to get a bird’s-eye view of Copenhagen during the weekend. The spiral ramp inside the tower will lead you to the observatory at the top. There are even toilets inside the tower and information cards along the way that give you details about the various places to see in Copenhagen. There is even a cafe inside and a gallery that holds exhibitions at times. The round tower is located in the part of Copenhagen that has really good restaurants and is really cool to walk around.

11. Rosenborg Castle

After climbing up the round Tower, take a leisurely walk through the gardens of the Rosenborg Castle. If you buy a ticket to go inside the Rosenborg Castle, then you must head over to the basement to see the Crown Jewels of Denmark . Enjoy the opulence and artwork inside this small palace where you can easily spend around 1 to 2 hours. If you don’t want to spend the time and money to take a tour of the palace interiors then you can just take a walk in the manicured gardens and head over to the next place to visit in Copenhagen during the weekend.

12. TorvehallerneKBH

This urban market hall has a number of stalls that sell food and drinks and also fresh produce such as fruits, vegetables and seafood. You will even be able to buy flowers or even get a glass of wine or beer at the TorvehallerneKBH market. In fact you can even find a butcher, a cheese shop, a sweet shop and cute bakeries here. They have both indoor and outdoor seating so grab some fresh local products, sit down and enjoy a hearty local lunch in Copenhagen.

Also Read: 11 Things to do in Spring in Paris

13. Frederik’s Church

Things to do in a weekend in Copenhagen - Frederik's Church

After a nice lunch at the TorvehallerneKBH market, take a stroll through the city and head over to Frederick’s church which is one of the most beautiful places to visit during a weekend trip to Copenhagen, Denmark. This Lutheran church dates back to the 18th century and its dome is the largest one in Scandinavia. You can take some time to admire the architecture and craftsmanship of this incredible church and then visit the inside absolutely free of cost.

14. Amalienborg

The Amalienborg castle is just a few steps away from Frederick’s church. From the courtyard you can see a number of buildings in the rococo style of architecture. This castle is the home of the current King and Queen of Denmark and it is really cool that they allow visitors to take a tour of the castle interiors to see the artwork and the Queen’s jewels. However, if either the King or Queen is in the building then the tours do not take place at that time. But you can always see the guard changing ceremony here at 12 p.m.

Also Read: What is Denmark Known For?

15. Boat Ride and The Little Mermaid

Things to do in a Copenhagen itinerary for 2 days - Boat Tour

You absolutely cannot miss taking a boat tour in Copenhagen. There are many boat tours departing from Nyhavn itself so you can just buy tickets on the spot. But in summer there can be long queues for tickets so it’s best to buy your boat tour tickets online , in advance. Most boat tours give you a glimpse of the famous Little Mermaid statue . I felt it was better to see the statue from a boat because seeing it from land gets overcrowded and since the statue is small, it feels very underwhelming.

To make things interesting, book a “Hidden Gems” Canal Tour where you will not only get an insight into upcoming neighborhoods in Copenhagen but also see hidden gems in the city. This is one of the fun things to do in Copenhagen in 2 days. To get around easily during your Copenhagen weekend trip, you can buy a bus and boat hop-on-hop-off ticket that gives you unlimited access to both buses and boats so you can see the city at your convenience.

Where to Stay during a Weekend in Copenhagen City

This Copenhagen itinerary for 2 days really gets you out there exploring the city. And so your hotel is a place where you’ll be coming just to sleep and to freshen up in the morning. Which is why I suggest booking a hotel in the Copenhagen city center so that you are close to all the places to visit in Copenhagen in 2 days.

If you’re on a budget then it makes a lot more sense to book a hostel in Copenhagen. It’s a great way to save money, meet other travellers and since hostels in Europe are quite common and in-demand, you’ll easily find plenty of options. That being said, there are a number of hotels and hostels in Copenhagen ranging from budget to luxury so you won’t be short of options. Take a look at the list of the best places to stay in Copenhagen for a 2-day trip.

Hostels in Copenhagen

  • Next House Copenhagen
  • Steel House Copenhagen
  • Urban House Copenhagen by Meininger

Budget-Friendly Hotels in Copenhagen

  • Wakeup Copenhagen – Borgergade
  • CityHub Copenhagen
  • Zoku Copenhagen

Mid-Range Hotels in Copenhagen

  • Motel One Copenhagen
  • Hotel Tiffany

Luxury Hotels in Copenhagen

  • Dinesen Collection Luxury Condos by Royal Danish Theatre
  • Rosenborg Hotel Apartments
  • Hygge Living – Heart of Copenhagen

Where to Eat During a Weekend Trip to Copenhagen

Where to eat during a Copenhagen weekend trip

As mentioned earlier, eating in Copenhagen can get expensive and will be the thing that you spend the most money on, apart from the hotel, during the weekend in Copenhagen, Denmark. Thus to save some money, visit a bakery for breakfast. The most popular bakeries in Copenhagen are Skt. Peders Bageri , Anderson Bakery and Juno the Bakery . For a budget lunch, we loved eating at a small Indian restaurant called Indian Bites which had one of the best chicken tikka masala anywhere in Europe. You can also check out RizRaz for a vegan buffet. Yeerro and Strangas Greek Food serve amazing gyros at low prices. For meat and vegan hotdogs, checkout The Organic Hotdog Stand .

Indulge in a Copenhagen culinary experince tour to savor the delicacies of the city!

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  • How to Spend 1 Day in Paris
  • Plan the Perfect Weekend Trip to Amsterdam
  • Day Trip to Burg Eltz Castle in Germany

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3 days in copenhagen denmark

3 Days in Copenhagen: The Perfect Long Weekend Itinerary

Before summer is over, why not pop over to Denmark ? Copenhagen is a city that will capture your heart. With its cobblestone streets, colorful houses, and endless waterways, the Danish capital exudes hygge (in short, feelings of wellness and contentment) and happiness.

Spending 3 days in Copenhagen is the perfect amount of time to get a feel for this charming Scandinavian city. You’ll see all the top sights, explore some under-the-radar neighborhoods, eat lots of pastries, and truly immerse yourself in the local way of life.

Copenhagen may be an expensive city, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. This jam-packed 3 day Copenhagen guide will help you experience the magic of Denmark’s capital city.

Get ready to fill up your camera roll, fill up your belly with smørrebrød (literally, butter bread), fill up your days biking around town, and fill up your heart with hygge . Here is everything you need for 3 days in wonderful Copenhagen.

Gawk at the colorful buildings in Indre By. (Photo by Solitary Wanderer)

3 Days in Copenhagen

Day 1: see the sights in indre by.

Copenhagen is very walkable so your first day will be spent primarily on foot exploring the top attractions and must-see things to do in Copenhagen in the city’s historic center, known as Indre By . Since this is where most tourists spend their time, get an early start to avoid the biggest crowds.

Start your first day by grabbing a cinnamon roll and coffee to go from Lagkagehuset Bakery and meandering over to Kongens Have (the King’s Garden).

Walking through these baroque-style gardens first thing in the morning is absolutely delightful. You’ll see locals doing yoga on the grass, jogging on the paths, and just generally enjoying this urban oasis. The well-manicured flower beds are truly a sight to behold in the summer.

After getting some nature time, make your way over to the iconic Little Mermaid statue on the harbor. This is the most famous landmark in Copenhagen and inspired by the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale of the same name.

Don’t expect anything grand; the small mermaid statue is underwhelming to some but still worth seeing if you’re in the area. The cool thing is watching the steady stream of tourists coming to get their photo taken with her!

Kastellet Copenhagen

From the Little Mermaid, head over to Kastellet to wander around this historic star-shaped fortress. The grounds are open and free to explore.

Kastellet is one of the best-preserved fortresses in Europe and a lovely place to explore. Wander along the grassy ramparts, check out the windmills, and you’ll understand why this national landmark is so iconic.

After getting your fill of Kastellet, walk over to the Design Museum of Denmark for an introduction to the country’s world-famous design culture. Even if you don’t visit the museum, admiring the waterfront building itself is worthwhile. You’ll find the museum inside two buildings: a historic 18th-century former hospital and a modern adjacent building.

End your first day back in Indre By admiring the royalty and grandeur of Amalienborg Palace , the Queen’s winter home. You can tour the palace when it is open and watch the changing of the guards at noon daily.

The palace exterior alone warrants a visit with its sprawling plaza facing the harbor. The four identical buildings emulating opulence speak for themselves!

Freetown Christiania in Copenhagen, Denmark

Day 2: Alternative Neighborhoods & Iconic Sights in Copenhagen

Day 2 takes you outside Indre By to explore some of Copenhagen’s coolest and most alternative neighborhoods: Christianshavn, Vesterbro, and Frederiksberg.

Get lost wandering the streets here and you’ll discover hip cafes, street art, courtyards, indie boutiques, and more locals than tourists. This is where you’ll really tap into the trendy side of Copenhagen!

Start your morning in Christianshavn , the small island neighborhood reached by crossing the Bishop’s Bridge. Christianshavn feels almost like you’ve left Copenhagen entirely thanks to its quieter canals and cobblestone streets.

Make sure to check out the iconic Church of Our Savior and its winding spire you can climb for views over the city. The residential streets of Christianshavn are also idyllic for a morning wander.

From there, head onto Freetown Christiania , a self-governing “city within a city.” It’s green and traffic-free and has a really interesting history. They have colorful houses and buildings, designed and built by the residents themselves. Tourists can go in (you can book a tour here ), but note that there are some areas closed to visitors. (Read Aleah’s blog on Christiania when she was the guest of a resident there.)

Food in Vesterbro, Copenhagen

You can then head to the hip Vesterbro neighborhood for the Copenhagen Street Food market. This converted warehouse has some of the best cheap eats in the city with countless stalls selling everything from vegan empanadas to smørrebrød, pizza, and more.

Walk off your food baby by strolling the edgy side streets, admiring the street art, and boutique shopping in Vesterbro.

In the late afternoon, head back towards Indre By but make a stop in Frederiksberg on the way. This independent municipality is home to some gems like Frederiksberg Garden and Copenhagen Zoo.

The garden makes for idyllic wandering, while the zoo is a must if you’re traveling with kids. Frederiksberg itself has a small-town vibe despite bordering the capital.

Day 3: Nyhavn, Nørrebro, & Tivoli Gardens

Start your last day in Copenhagen down by the iconic waterfront of Nyhavn. This scenic canal and entertainment district dates back to the 17th century. The colorful facades lining the canal make it possibly the most photogenic street in the country. Grab a bench and enjoy people-watching over a pastry and coffee.

Walk off your breakfast wandering north along the harbor. Check out The Little Mermaid statue if you missed it on your first day. Continuing north you’ll pass by Kastellet fortress, historic ships, and eventually make your way to Gefion Fountain . This large fountain depicts the legendary goddess Gefion and ties into Denmark’s creation myth.

From Gefion Fountain, walk inland to explore the alternative neighborhood of Nørrebro. Here you’ll find hipster paradise Jægersborggade, full of plant shops, cafes, and street art.

Don’t miss the unique Superkilen urban park designed with objects sourced from around the world. It’s the perfect place to experience Copenhagen’s trendy and diverse side while escaping other tourists.

Stop into cafes until you find your new favorite, do a bit of shopping, and enjoy getting lost in this bohemian neighborhood.

End your final afternoon at Tivoli Gardens, the charming amusement park that inspired Walt Disney. The wooden roller coaster, fairground rides, strings of lights and live music give it an old-world charm. Time your visit to catch the illuminations at night for a magical end to your trip.

Denmark flag

Arriving in Copenhagen

Copenhagen Airport is the main international airport serving the city located just 8 km southeast of the city center. It’s an easy train ride on the Metro into the heart of Copenhagen taking just 15 minutes. Tickets cost 36 kroner (note that Denmark doesn’t use euro!).

The train station in Copenhagen is the central hub for transportation by rail in Denmark. All trains arriving from destinations within Denmark, as well as international trains from Germany and Sweden, arrive here. From the station, it’s an easy walk or metro ride to downtown accommodations.

If arriving by bus, many companies offer service to Copenhagen from major cities in Europe. Check FlixBus for budget routes. The central bus terminal is adjacent to the train station making onward transportation easy.

By car, Copenhagen is connected to continental Europe via the Oresund Bridge linking Denmark and Sweden. Driving from places like Germany is also popular. Be aware that parking and traffic in Copenhagen are notoriously difficult, so public transportation is recommended over driving.

Where to Stay in Copenhagen

With 3 days in Copenhagen, focus your accommodation search on Indre By and the surrounding neighborhoods. Being able to walk around is key to experiencing the city.

Here are some top recommendations across budgets:

  • Budget:   Generator Copenhagen in Vesterbro
  • Moderate:   Hotel Danmark in Indre By
  • Splurge:   Hotel Sanders in Indre By

Bike in Christiania Copenhagen

Getting Around Copenhagen

When spending only 3 days in Copenhagen, use the bike to go around. The city is completely flat and has bike lanes galore, making it very cycling-friendly. Rent from your hostel.

If biking intimidates you, stick to an inner city public transit pass and your own two feet to get around.

How to Save Money in Copenhagen

While Copenhagen is notorious for being expensive, you can still stick to a reasonable budget over 3 days with good planning:

  • Walk or bike:  Getting around free via foot or bicycle over public transit
  • Eat cheap:  Doing picnic lunches from grocery stores, eating at street food markets, and having casual dinners
  • Drink alcohol carefully:  Booze is highly taxed; have pre-drinks before going out
  • See free sights:  Many top attractions like royal sites and gardens don’t cost money
  • Rent an Airbnb:  Hotels are very costly; rent a room in a shared Airbnb instead

What to Pack for Copenhagen

When packing for Copenhagen , focus on layers like light sweaters, jackets, and scarves that can be mixed and matched. The weather is unpredictable. Don’t forget reliable rain protection, sunscreen, comfy walking shoes, and reusable bottles.

Most importantly—leave room for souvenirs!

Experience Hygge in Copenhagen

Hygge is the Danish concept of coziness, comfort, and contentment that exemplifies the national character. You’ll discover hygge throughout Copenhagen in its friendly people, charming cafes, peaceful parks and more.

Here are some top ways to experience hygge in 3 days:

  • Relax at a harbor side cafe tucked under a blanket
  • Go biking, taking in the architecture and scenery
  • Sip mulled wine at Tivoli Gardens amusement park
  • Sample comforting Danish open-faced sandwiches (smørrebrød)

There you have it—the ultimate 3 day Copenhagen itinerary covering the top sights, neighborhoods, day trips, where to stay, transportation, saving money, and immersing in hygge . This fun long weekend will introduce you to the beautiful Danish capital and leave you dreaming of your next visit. Hej København!

Christianshavn, Copenhagen

Copenhagen FAQs

Where should i stay in copenhagen for 3 days.

Focus your stay in the city center neighborhoods of Indre By and Christianshavn to be able to walk around easily. A central location is ideal for a short visit.

What is the best way to get around Copenhagen?

Bike whenever possible! Copenhagen is very flat and has designated bike lanes everywhere, making cycling the preferred transport.

How much does food cost in Copenhagen?

Dining and drinking is expensive; opt for grocery store picnics, street food stalls, and casual eateries to save money. Pre-drink before going out.

What is the weather like in Copenhagen?

Copenhagen weather is similar to other Nordic capitals: cool, damp, and gray most of the year with temperatures around 10 deg. Come from June to Aug for milder weather.

Is Copenhagen safe for solo female travelers?

Yes, Copenhagen is very safe! Violent crime is rare and the city is clean with a low crime rate. Take normal precautions as a solo traveler .

What is there to do in Copenhagen at night?

Nightlife centers around cocktail bars and microbreweries. Tivoli Gardens amusement park is also lovely at night when illuminated. Live music venues thrive too.

How many days do you need in Copenhagen?

3 days is perfect for seeing the top sights in the city. With 5–7 days you could add more day trips out of town and relax at a slower pace.

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A day-by-day itinerary for the perfect weekend in Copenhagen

Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts

  • roughguides.com
  • copenhagen-itinerary

written by Rough Guides Editors

updated 23.03.2020

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Once a low-key underrated city, Copenhagen has recently been showered with superlatives, with polls claiming it to have the best quality of life and rating its citizens the happiest people on the planet.

If that wasn't enough, accolades for its cuisine, metro, cycling and design have followed and Danish TV dramas continue to bring its Nordic style, gritty architecture and photogenic inhabitants into millions of living rooms.

Despite its new-found glory, Copenhagen remains a relaxed, homely place where visitors quickly feel at ease; and while all this cool contentment doesn't come cheap (for tourists and locals alike) the "great Dane" has quite definitely arrived as one of Europe's outstanding destinations. Here's how you should spend the perfect weekend in Denmark's capital:

Denmark, Copenhagen, Dronning Louises Bro bridge as seen from south

1. Latin Quarter, Inner City

Begin the day strolling about this maze of lively medieval streets and squares around Copenhagen University, perfect for losing yourself in history. Hailing from 1836, the grand neogothic university building across Frue Plads from Vor Frue Kirke serves a primarily administrative purpose today.

Climb to the tower of this grandiose, National Romantic city hall, whose fascinating astronomical clock is a destination in itself. The informative tours are the best way to capture this building's full detail, which include access to the 105m-tall tower.

Stop for lunch at Aamanns. This rustic-urban eatery does modern takes on the traditional Danish smørrebrød.

4. Canal Tour

Join one of the multilingual hourly tours along Copenhagen’s centuries-old canals, which offer fascinating insight into important events and sights tied to Denmark’s tumultuous history.

nyhavn-copenhagen-denmark-shutterstock_1407510008

© JaySi/Shutterstock

5. Rosenborg Slot

Explore your inner royal at this fairy-tale, red-brick Renaissance castle, whose cellar holds the Danish crown jewels and Frederik III’s coronation throne, made of gold and narwhal tusk. Completed in 1634, it’s a grand edifice decorated with spires and towers and ornate Dutch gables.

Make your way out to the multi-coloured terraced houses in this relaxed part of town, built in the seventeenth century to house Christian IV’s ever-expanding naval fleet. Most of the current buildings date from the eighteenth century – all except for a single row of houses along Sankt Paulsgade, where the Nyboders Mindestuer (Nyboder Memorial Rooms) has been largely kept intact and functions as a museum.

Splash out at Toldboden. This spacious, casual restaurant is set opposite the royal yacht’s mooring and is unbeatable for people-watching. With great views of the Inner Harbour, Toldboden has few rivals for the title of the Copenhagen’s most stunningly-located bar.

8. The Little Mermaid

Stroll out to Kastellet to catch a glimpse of Copenhagen’s mascot and the heroine of Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale. A more recent addition, a few hundred metres to the north along the waterfront at Langeliniekaj, is the Little Mermaid ’s iconoclastic “ugly sister”, a far more entertaining rendition of the original.

Copenhagen, The Alternative Little Mermaid (Genetically Modified Little Mermaid) created by Danish professor Bjorn Norgaard

1. Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek

Start off in this brilliant museum, which holds a vast classical and modern European art collection displayed in opulent rooms. Established by brewing magnate Carl Jacobsen (1842–1914) to provide a public home for his vast private art collection, today the gallery is home to a fantastic collection of French sculptures, with particular emphasis on Rodin – the largest collection of his work outside France.

2. Danish Design Centre

This Henning Larsen-designed, glass-fronted museum-cum-shop has a permanent collection of Zippo lighters, Wonderbras and other design classics. There’s no permanent exhibition but – whatever is on – the hands-on displays and interactive screens will easily keep you occupied for a couple of hours.

3. Christiania

Amble along the pretty Christianshavns Kanal, designed by an Amsterdam-born architect, before exploring this renowned hippie “free city” commune. Egalitarian, creative and ecologically minded, the ideals of its thousand-or-so residents have resulted in some truly unique self-built homes, imaginative businesses, and a host of flourishing artistic venues.

Denmark, Copenhagen, christiania, mural, grafitti, painting, art, hippie, alternative

Enjoy a variety of scrumptious tapas from the long and seasonally changing menu at popular spot, Cofoco.

5. Frederiksberg Have

Pedal out towards Værnedamsvej for a spot of fashionista window shopping, then put down on the open expanses of grass at the city’s most wild parklands. Originally laid out in the seventeenth century for the royal palace, the gardens were remodelled a century later in the English landscape style, with winding paths weaving across undulating lawns, boating canals and numerous follies hidden among trees.

6. Musikmuseet

An amoeba shaped violin and a giraffe piano are just some of the unusual instruments on display at the Music Musem, which reopened in DR's former Radio House in 2014. Take kids to the "klang room" – a soundproofed room where they can play their hearts out without disturbing the neighbours.

7. Helsingør

Ride the train up the coast to watch the sun set against Kronborg, a fairy-tale fortress and the inspiration for Elsinore Castle in Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Constructed in the fifteenth century by Erik of Pomerania, the original fortress of Krogen was for hundreds of years the key to control of the Øresund, enabling the Danish monarchs to extract a toll from every ship that passed through it.

Sample Brasserie Nimb’s traditional French food with a regularly changing menu in an Oriental-style palace, with views out to Tivoli Gardens .

Our list of the best places to stay in Copenhagen will help you find the perfect accommodation option for you. And if you're looking for ideas for your holiday outside the Danish capital, explore our guide to the best things to do in Denmark .

Explore more of Copenhagen with the Pocket Rough Guide to Copenhagen . Compare flights , find tours , book hostels and hotels for your trip, and don’t forget to buy travel insurance before you go. Featured image Pixabay / CC0 .

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The Adventures of Panda Bear

Copenhagen, Denmark — 2 Day Guide to Sights & Eats

This post was last updated on July 22, 2018.

Copenhagen is our 2 day destination for March’s A Weekend Away  guide! This 2 day itinerary includes the best sights to see, places to eat, and things to do. All of these spots are perfect for a weekend trip to Copenhagen. 

What do you think of when you think of Copenhagen?

Perhaps Hans Christian Andersen, The Little Mermaid statue, Tivoli Gardens , and the 3 Michelin-starred Noma?

We also automatically thought of danishes, but we figured to Danes those are just regular pastries, lol.

Unfortunately due to Jimmy’s work schedule we were only able to visit for 2 days as a weekend trip, so this post is a little shorter than usual. We could’ve used another day or two to see a few more things, but we’ll take what we can get. 😉

So for this post, we’ve also included a list of spots we wish we could’ve seen – If Only We Had More Time …

If Copenhagen were a person, that person would be generous, beautiful, elderly, but with a flair. A human being that has certain propensities for quarreling, filled with imagination and with appetite for the new and with respect for the old – somebody who takes good care of things and of people. – Connie Nielsen

For a little bit of background information, we flew in late on a Friday night and started our weekend on Saturday morning. As always, our weekend guide for Copenhagen is fast-paced and hits many main sights and foodie stops all in 2 days. 

Here is our perfect 2 day Copenhagen weekend itinerary with recommendations on where to stay, eat, & sightsee! 

Table of Contents

Where to Stay in Copenhagen, Denmark

Scandinavia can be super expensive! So aside from cheap flights, a budget hotel was also of utmost importance to us. After some deliberation between the two of us, we settled on the Cabinn City Hotel . It’s location was super convenient, only a 5 minute walk from Tivoli and Copenhagen Central (H) Station .

The standard room  at Cabinn City Hotel had 2 twin beds placed next to each other as well as an additional bunk bed on top. Nevertheless, it was still super comfortable and even though the bed was located next to the window, it wasn’t chilly at all. Like most budget hotels, they provided shampoo and soap in a dispenser, so no travel-sized toiletries here! The decor was modern and they made their beds the Scandinavian way . In case you didn’t know what that means, they give you 2 twin comforters to go along with your either 2 twin beds or 1 double bed. This is very common in Scandinavia, we also saw this in Iceland .

Cabinn City Hotel was perfect for a quick weekend trip, book your stay now! 

We arrived closed to midnight the night before and the Copenhagen Tourist Office was already closed. We ended up getting our Copenhagen City Card after they opened in the morning. There’s also a pickup location inside the train station right by our hotel (Copenhagen H station), it was very convenient and easy to pick up.

copenhagen-kobenhavn-h-station

We started off our day with a quick breakfast at Lagkagehuset .

copenhagen-lagkagehuset-kringle

Lagkagehuset

We were fortunate enough for it to be located inside Copenhagen H station as well so it was easy for us to grab and go. They are well-known for their baked goods and pastries. Knowing this, we got their gigantic kringle – it was about 2 feet long – and Bear and I shared it and we still couldn’t finish it!

copenhagen-rundetaarn

Rundetaarn (Round Tower)

Rundetaarn (Round Tower) is a 17th century cylindrical tower built as an astronomical observatory in central Copenhagen. The top of the tower also provides one of the best bird’s eye views of Copenhagen.

copenhagen-rundetaarn-roof

Fun Fact: Rundetaarn is the oldest functional astronomical observatory in Europe.

copenhagen-rundetaarn-ramp

Rundetaarn was built by Christian IV between 1637 and 1642. It was the first part of the Trinitatis Complex , which combined the Trinitatis Church, (at one point) the Copenhagen University Library and an observatory in a single building.

Fun Fact: Rundetaarn is also known for its equestrian staircase that allows horses to easily navigate up to the top of the tower.

copenhagen-trinitatis-church

Trinitatis Church

We actually didn’t know about the Trinitatis Church before we visited Rundetaarn, but we caught some glimpses of it while we were there so we decided to make it a last-minute addition to our itinerary!

Even though you can see the inside of the church from inside Rundetaarn, there isn’t a public entrance to the church from Rundetaarn. To enter, you have to walk out of Rundetaarn around the side of the church building to get to the Trinitatis Church.

Fun Fact: The original church was built from Dutch brick imported from the Netherlands.

The interior of the church is very simple and practical, without much adornment, like many of the other churches in Scandinavia. But we got a chance to listen to the organ play which was really cool.

copenhagen-restaurant-schonnemann

Restaurant Schønnemann

For lunch, we headed over to Restaurant Schønnemann for some smørrebrød. Initially when we were researching Copenhagen, we knew we wanted to try some Danish smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches), then we found this place and we HAD to try it. It’s one of the oldest and most well-known smørrebrød restaurants!  

Fun Fact: Restaurant Schønnemann has been open since 1877 serving good eats and beer ever since.

This was SO good. It’s a little pricey if you get their 4 course set lunch menu (also known as the “Lunch Plate”), but trust me, it’s so worth it! Their menu is seasonal and what we got might be different, but we had 2 types of pickled herring (curried and tomato), fried plaice fillet, gravad lax, chicken salad, veal liver pate, and pork tenderloin – all served with pieces of bread, butter, and accompanying condiments. For dessert, we also had a delicious almond cake and a choice of tea or coffee.

copenhagen-restaurant-schonnemann-herring

Note that you will need to put your smørrebrød together yourself, which is nice because you can omit certain things you don’t like as much or alter the bread to protein ratio to your liking.

While we were dining, we also noticed that we were total noobs at putting these smørrebrød together, ours were super messy and ugly looking so I didn’t take photos of those for you. But if you get a chance to eat there, watch other Danes put them together. They make them so beautifully! Probably because they’ve been doing it their entire lives… But that’s okay, it’ll all look the same in your stomach, hehe.

Restaurant Schønnemann is a lunch-only restaurant , they are only open at certain times during the day. Seating is limited so be sure to make a reservation in advance !

copenhagen-rosenborg-slot-front

Rosenborg Slot

With our stomachs stuffed to the brim, we ventured over to Rosenborg Slot to explore the summer residence of Christian IV, the King of Denmark and Norway from 1588 to 1648.

Like many of the other Danish castles, this one was also only lived in for certain periods of time. It was only used as a royal residence continuously until 1710; afterwards, it was only used as a temporary residence twice, once in 1794 when Christiansborg Palace burned down and again in 1801 when the British attacked Copenhagen.

copenhagen-rosenborg-slot-room

Rosenborg Slot is home to the Crown Jewels as well as the coronation chair of the king and the throne of the queens so be sure to check those out! And the cool thing? Unlike the Crown Jewels in the U.K., you can actually take photos of these ones! Unfortunately we had a blogger’s worst nightmare and lost all of our pix of the Crown Jewels, but trust us, you CAN take pix of them!

Fun Fact: The Crown Jewels may only be used by the Queen and only within the country’s borders. They are typically used a couple of times a year, at the New Year Reception, and otherwise usually during state visits, special family events, and similar occasions.

The gardens of the Rosenborg Slot are also beautiful as well so make sure you allow for enough time to see those, too.

copenhagen-frederiks-churchcopenhagen-frederiks-church

Frederik’s Church

Located a stone’s throw away from Rosenborg Slot is Frederik’s Church. The church was built between 1749 and 1894, it has the largest dome in Scandinavia .

Fun Fact: It is also known as “The Marble Church” – in the original plans, it was supposed to be built entirely of marble. It proved to be too expensive and the church was constructed of Norwegian marble, Danish Faxe marble, and limestone.

Unfortunately, the church was closed to prepare for a special event. We had to settle for only seeing the exterior of the building instead. At least it was still beautiful on the outside!

copenhagen-design-museum-denmark

Next, we visited the Design Museum Denmark , home to some of the most beautifully designed items ever!

We got to check out one of the exhibits on Japanese art as well as the temporary one on Erik Mortensen’s Haute Couture.

One of my favorite exhibits, that also happens to be a permanent exhibit, is The Danish Chair – An International Affair. I loved seeing all the different types of Danish designed chairs . They show a variety of chairs in a single hallway with differing constructions and designs. All of them are super beautiful and aesthetically pleasing, ranging from super modern bent plywood chairs, to a more traditional wood frame with a woven seat.

If you’re an Art Nouveau fan , the museum has a couple of rooms devoted solely to the style. I loved seeing all the organic movements of the pieces in real life.

copenhagen-street-food

Copenhagen Street Food @ Reffen

For dinner, we headed over to Copenhagen Street Food , one of the most famous food markets ! There were so many different types of cuisines there! We loved trying the hot dogs as well as the creme brulee donut. But we also indulged in more smørrebrød.  When we went to Copenhagen Street Food, it was still located at Paper Island (Papirøen).  Reffen (Refshaleøen) has been open since May 2018 with new stalls at a the new location. 

copenhagen-street-food-hot-dog

Some of our favorite stalls were: Handmade (smørrebrød), Pølse Kompagniet (hot dogs), and Cheesecaken (cheesecake). I couldn’t find the name of the crème brûlée donut stall we loved, but just look for a sign by the Cheesecaken stall that has a sign saying “crème brûlée donut.” After the move to Reffen, many of these delicious stalls we ate at are now gone, this is the updated list of stalls . 

copenhagen-street-food-salmon

Even though the food market is located at Reffen now, it looks like there are still tons of cool options, from grilled fish to Mexican elote, Italian food and even African cuisine.

copenhagen-tivoli-entrance

Tivoli Gardens

Our last stop for the day was visiting Tivoli Gardens . We were lucky enough to go to Tivoli the weekend before Halloween . The park was completely decked out in Halloween decor . 

Fun Fact: Walt Disney based Disneyland upon Tivoli Gardens. When he visited Tivoli, he showed up with a notebook and took notes on the decorations, the rides, EVERYTHING.

We’ll be writing a more detailed post about visiting Tivoli during Halloween soon, but for now, here’s some basics. Check our our post about  celebrating Halloween at Tivoli Gardens.

copenhagen-tivoli-pond-church

The general admission during holiday events, such as Halloween and Christmas, is usually more expensive. However if you get the Copenhagen City Card, it’ll still be covered. Also noteworthy, if you’re entering the park using the card, you will still have to line up to get a ticket for entry and you can only enter at certain entrances (that sell tickets).

copenhagen-tivoli-pagoda-rollercoaster

The general admission price is seasonal and varies throughout the year. Also, you will have to purchase ride tickets separately , they are not included in the cost of admission.

copenhagen-lagkagehuset

For breakfast, we went back to the Lagkagehuset at the Copenhagen H train station to try more of the delicious pastries!

copenhagen-kastellet

Then we headed over to Kastellet , an active military base in the middle of Copenhagen that is now open to the public . Because there is still some military activity within, you’ll see soldiers marching around on the pathways as well as cannon ceremonies.

Fun Fact: Kastellet is one of the best preserved star-shaped fortresses in northern Europe and was built in the 17th century to guard against attacks from the harbor. ( Copenhagen by Design )

copenhagen-kastellet-gate

There are two gates by which you can access the fortress, the southern gate or the King’s Gate and the northern gate, also known as the Norway Gate. Inside Kastellet, you will see a windmill, a church, as well as various other buildings including a prison and the Commander’s House.

copenhagen-kastellet-windmill-cannon

This spot was one of my favorite in Copenhagen not only because it was a peaceful oasis in the midst of the city , but also because it was a very “local” spot, we saw Danes walking their dogs and going on morning runs. It’s a super relaxing spot where people are just going about their daily routine.

Afterwards, we headed to the The Little Mermaid Statue nearby. 

copenhagen-little-mermaid

The Little Mermaid Statue

Hans Christian Andersen’s fairytale inspired The Little Mermaid statue. Edvard Eriksen sculpted her in 1913.

Fun Fact: In 1909, Carl Jacobsen, the son of the founder of Carlsberg Group, was fascinated by the ballet of The Little Mermaid at the Copenhagen Royal Theater and commissioned the statue. The head and face of the mermaid was based on the ballerina, Ellen Price. However since she refused to pose nude, the body was based upon Eriksen’s wife.

copenhagen-christiansborg-slot-exterior

Christiansborg Slot

Christiansborg Slot was our next stop! And wow, there was so much more to see than we’d expected. Be better than us and plan accordingly!

Most of the palace areas are open to the public. You can visit The Royal Reception Rooms (including the Queen’s Library) inside the palace, The Ruins under Christiansborg, The Royal Kitchen, The Royal Chapel, The Royal Stables, the gardens, and best of all, The Tower.

copenhagen-christiansborg-slot-royal-meeting-room

There isn’t much signage within the large palace confines. We had difficulty finding our way and kept getting lost . Fortunately for you, we’ve found a map of the Christiansborg Palace area so hopefully we’ve saved you from our fate.

Guided tours are available for The Royal Reception Rooms, The Royal Kitchen, The Ruins under Christiansborg, and The Royal Stables . Due to our limited time, as we only had a few hours, we didn’t take any of the tours. If you’re in Copenhagen for more than 2 days, they’d be a great option to learn more about the palace.

copenhagen-christiansborg-slot-queens-library

Fun Fact: The Queen’s Library , which can be seen while visiting The Royal Reception Rooms houses the Queen’s private book collection and the shelves extend to hold 3km (almost 2 miles) worth of books!

Due to our limited time, we saw The Royal Reception Rooms, The Royal Kitchen, and The Ruins on our own.

copenhagen-christiansborg-slot-ruins

The Royal Reception Rooms had an audio guide and it was cool being able to explore (pretty freely) inside the halls and rooms at our own pace. The Royal Kitchen provided a lot of insight into the cuisine and preparations for Royal banquets and parties. They even have special effects like lighting and smells to make you feel like you’re inside a working kitchen! The Ruins under Christiansborg was interesting because it takes you through a history of the grounds before it was even the Christiansborg Palace as well as various renditions of the palace through the years as it suffered through damages and reconstructions.  

copenhagen-christiansborg-slot-royal-kitchen

Fun Fact: The Royal Kitchen has one of Europe’s largest collections of copper cookware.

copenhagen-christiansborg-slot-royal-chapel

Afterwards we saw The Royal Chapel which is easily accessible from the street, had I known this I would’ve probably seen it first or last. But now you know. 😉 This was interesting to see, it was beautiful, even under the cloudy overcast gray sky. The church was inspired by Greek and Roman architecture and it definitely looks like it!

The Danish Parliament is also located within the Christiansborg Palace complex, unfortunately we didn’t know this ahead of time so we weren’t able to schedule a guided tour.

You can easily spend an entire day within the walls of the palace . Especially you want to see everything Christiansborg has to offer!

copenhagen-christiansborg-slot-tower

The last place we visited inside the Christiansborg Slot was The Tower ! This is easily one of the best parts about seeing the palace because it provides one of the best views of Copenhagen. It is much higher than Rundetaarn so you get to see a lot more, but even better? It’s FREE! It can be difficult to find though so definitely refer to the map .

There isn’t a cafeteria or anything to eat inside Christiansborg aside from the restaurant at The Tower so we were starving by the end of our visit. But we were also rushing to get to our canal tour so we quickly went over to the Stromma Canal Tour stop at Gammel Strand to grab our boat tickets.

copenhagen-7-11-hot-dog

The boat wasn’t departing immediately so we ran over to 7-11 across the street to grab some quick eats. We got a hot dog that was in a pocket. It resembled a hot dog sausage in a Hot Pocket, but way more tasty!  

Stromma Canal Tour

The canal tour was great, we were on The Grand Tour of Copenhagen , and it took us around all of Copenhagen, from the main Gammel Strand canal to Nyhavn and into the Copenhagen Harbor past Kastellet and The Little Mermaid statue. This was our route, shown in yellow .

copenhagen-nyhavn-buildings

The tour lasted about an hour and it was great, we got to see so much of Copenhagen and best of all, we got to sail right into the middle of Nyhavn. The guide also pointed out the various homes along Nyhavn that Hans Christian Andersen lived in .

Fun Fact: Nyhavn was based upon the canals of Amsterdam.

100% would do a canal tour in Copenhagen again. As amazing as the canal tours are, don’t forget you’re in northern Europe! It can get quite chilly while you’re on the boat, especially when you’re just sitting still and not moving. At the end of the tour, I was feeling pretty chilly even in October so I would recommend dressing warmly!

copenhagen-mias-foderbraet-truck

At the end of our canal tour, we got off the boat and proceeded to explore Nyhavn . But since we’d only had a hot dog for a super late lunch, we grabbed a Danish hot dog at Mia’s Foderbraet , a stand nearby.

copenhagen-mias-foderbraet-hot-dogs

There were at least 10 different hot dog options on the menu and everything was in Danish. We kept it simple and picked a normal looking brown sausage and a reddish sausage. Both were in hot dog buns and topped with pickles, fried onions, and raw onions. Almost like the ones in Iceland! 😉 It was pretty damn good! IMO, the brown sausage was better than the red, so pick that one!

copenhagen-nyhavn-sign

Today, Nyhavn is a touristy area with tons of restaurants, bars, and people walking about; however back in the late 1600s, it was a busy commercial port where ships from around the world would dock.

Fun Fact: Hans Christian Andersen, the famous Danish fairytale writer, used to live in #20. This is where he wrote the fairy-tales ‘The Tinderbox’, ‘Little Claus and Big Claus’, and ‘The Princess and the Pea’. He also lived in #67 for 20 years and #18 for 2 years.

This area has one of my favorite things about Copenhagen, colorfully painted buildings and houses along the canal. Even on gray, cloudy days, this area looks beautiful with it’s bright, varying colors.

copenhagen-freetown-christiania

Freetown Christiania

Freetown Christiania was next on the list. This area was particularly interesting to me because it is a hippie utopia . I was so curious to see what it was about! It’s got tons of cheap eats, art galleries, workshops, and music venues.

Fun Fact: Hash dealing is illegal in Denmark, but hashish (marijuana) can be found in Freetown Christiania. This is the main reason photography and filming are not permitted in Freetown Christiania. Weed is openly seen and dealt, especially in and around Pusher Street.

copenhagen-freetown-christiania-mural

Though I’m not a huge fan of weed since I can’t handle the smell. But I loved Freetown Christiania for its art culture. The murals and graffiti in the area are so beautiful! I wish I could’ve taken more photos of it, but I wanted to be careful and didn’t want trouble from the locals.

copenhagen-church-of-our-saviour

Church of Our Savior

We also dropped by the Church of Our Savior located nearby. We had wanted to go up the tower, but it was closed by the time we got there. Instead, we had to settle for only seeing it from outside the gates.

Fun Fact: It is 400 steps up to the top of the Church of Our Saviour, but the last 150 steps are on the outside of the tower.

I love climbing up towers and seeing cities from above, I guess we’ll just have to save this spot for a return trip to Copenhagen! :p

copenhagen-restaurant-karla

Restaurant Karla

For dinner before our flight, we headed to Restaurant Karla . This spot is well-known for their Danish pork roast and they specialize in homestyle food .

copenhagen-restaurant-karla-smorrbrod

We ordered their evening platter and we loved all the courses of various smørrebrød! We had pickled “Karla’s herring,” pan-fried flounder, pickled “Karla’s salmon,” liver pate, and pork roast; all were in DIY smørrebrød form.

copenhagen-restaurant-karla-smorrbrod-2

At the end, we had a cheese course with brie, crackers, and grapes. We also ordered a blueberry ice cream since we were craving something a little sweet.

What a great way to end our wonderful weekend spent in Copenhagen!

List of the sights.

Note: Unless otherwise stated, all addresses are located in Copenhagen. DAY 1

  • Lagkagehuset Copenhagen H Station location Bernstorffsgade 16-22
  • Rundetaarn (Round Tower) Kobmagergade 52A
  • Trinitatis Church Kobmagergade 52A
  • Restaurant Schønnemann Hauser Pl. 16
  • Rosenborg Slot (Rosenborg Castle) Oster Voldgade 4A
  • Frederik’s Church Frederiksgade 4
  • Designmuseum Denmark Bredgade 68
  • Copenhagen Street Food @ Reffen Refshalevej 167A
  • Tivoli Gardens Vesterbrogade 3
  • Kastellet Gl. Hovedvagt, Kastellet 1
  • The Little Mermaid Statue Langelinie
  • Christiansborg Slot (Christiansborg Castle) Prins Jorgens Gard 1
  • Stromma Canal Tour Stop: Gammel Strand Gammel Strand 26
  • Mia’s Foderbraet Nyhavn
  • Freetown Christiania Pusher Street off of Prinsessegade
  • Church of Our Savior Sankt Annae Gade 29
  • Restaurant Karla Dantes Plads 1

If we had more time, where else would we have gone?

Note: This could’ve easily taken another 2-3 days to see all of these, especially Malmo.

  • Amalienborg Palace
  • Frederiksborg Slot
  • Superkilen Park
  • Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
  • Malmo, Sweden

Map of the Sights

This map includes a list of all of the Sights to See , Restaurants as well as the routes by day (i.e. Day 1, Day 2, and Day 3) within specified layers.

By default, only the Sights to See and Restaurants are shown but you can select to view the daily routes. Use the slide out panel to select layers to toggle them on and off using the checkboxes.

In our opinions, a 2 days is just too little time to spend there, but for our wallets, a weekend was perfect! We’d love to go back to Copenhagen someday and hit up all of the spots we didn’t have time for the first time around. 

Loved this 2 day copenhagen itinerary pin it for later.

What to do in Copenhagen, if you only have a weekend? 2 day itineraries for various cities courtesy of our monthly series "A Weekend Away." This is the ultimate guide to a couple of days in Copenhagen with sights like the Designmuseum Denmark, Frederiksborg Castle, Christiansborg Castle, Canal Tour, Nyhavn, and much more! #copenhagen #thingstodo #denmark #weekend

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44 comments.

weekend trips copenhagen

Thank you for this detailed guide! Perfect for a weekend. I didn’t know there’s so much to do in Copenhagen other than seeing the Little Mermaid heh.

weekend trips copenhagen

There is SO much to do in Copenhagen, in fact, we were probably least impressed by The Little Mermaid so I would definitely recommend seeing other sights there!

weekend trips copenhagen

The Trinitatis Church looks incredible. This is the first time coming across your website and I love the way it’s set out. Great post, great blog 🙂

Thank you for the feedback, I really appreciate it! 🙂

weekend trips copenhagen

Despite being in Copenhagen for only 2 days, I think you’ve covered so many amazing places! Aside from the Crown Jewels, the Design Museum Denmark sounds really interesting as well as The Danish Chair.. Pretty cool inspiring items to spark creativity! The dishes you’ve tried looks pretty delicious too. The Smorrebrod sounds pretty interesting to put together!

Glad you enjoyed the post! Copenhagen had a surprisingly large list of sights to see so this is definitely just a taste of the city.

weekend trips copenhagen

This looks like a great itinerary for Copenhagen. Anyone visiting the city would find this post very useful. I really enjoyed your descriptions and photos of the smorebrod…. almost had me drooling on to my keyboard!

The smorrbrod is delicious, you need to visit just to have a taste of it!

weekend trips copenhagen

It looks like you packed a lot of adventure and sightseeing into a two-day schedule. Love the tributes to Hans Christian Andersen. Rundetaarn looks like a great place to visit, and how fun that the stairway is made for horses to traverse (I don’t know why you’d ride a horse up there, but still fun). We’d also love to visit Christiansborg Slot and Tivoli Gardens. Cannot wait to read about your next adventure.

If I remember correctly, there was once a library inside the tower and the horse ramp allowed horses to cart books up the building. Much better than people carrying up themselves IMO 🙂

weekend trips copenhagen

Copenhagen is definitely on our bucket list! Since we live in the States, a 2 day stopover would be ideal. I love the horse ramp in the observatory – that’s the coolest thing ever. Thanks for sharing your 2 day itinerary – going to bookmark!

Glad this is useful to you, Copenhagen was amazing, especially as a short weekend trip. Thank you for stopping by!

weekend trips copenhagen

I LOVE reading trip reports!! That was a lot you covered in only 2 days! Bravo! That church interior is gorgeous!! And thank you for all those good pictures! I love it!

Thank you for the compliments, so glad you enjoyed our photos 🙂

weekend trips copenhagen

Wow, Copenhagen is everyone’s dream to visit. I find it a romantic place to savor. The scenery is equally amazing and stunning. I also love that you still included the places you wish to visit, but its just that, you guys didn’t have enough time. Anyway, two days of ambling around Copenhagen is really great. Thank you for sharing your experience.

Glad you enjoyed the post. And yes 2 days is definitely a good amount of time, just not enough to see everything especially since some places were closed when we were there which was unfortunate. Hope you get to visit Copenhagen soon!

weekend trips copenhagen

I love that you share such detailed itinerary, all the places you’ve been visited and the ones you missed but suggesting to explore! I saved this article for myself because later during spring I want to visit Copenhagen 🙂 Thank you!

Thank you for stopping by, glad you enjoyed the read. Hope you have a great trip to Copenhagen 🙂

weekend trips copenhagen

Copenhagen looks awesome and I wished I lived closer so I could go there for a weekend! I’ll just have to send this guide to my friends in the UK/Europe instead and live through them!

You’re not only limited to weekend trips! Don’t forget layovers are also great uses for these short itineraries 😉

weekend trips copenhagen

Love Copenhagen, other place I need to re-visit this time as a blogger. Thanks for sharing such a detailed and informative post which I have bookmarked. Loved your photos too.

Thank you for the compliments and for stopping by to read this post! 😊

weekend trips copenhagen

Reading this post sure brought back many memories. I was quite surprise on how many things there were to see and do in the city. I was there for four days and I still didnt get the chance to do everything.

There’s surprisingly a lot to do in Copenhagen! We thought we’d be able to see most everything and while we saw a lot we totally wanted more time.

weekend trips copenhagen

I definitely missed out on a lot when I went to Copenhagen. The fortress looks amazing, and with so much history behind it too. All your food photos look amazing, but my favourite is the Danish pastries, obviously!

The Danish pastries are sooo delicious!

weekend trips copenhagen

love the concept of the church, so interesting. Never seen something like that before. Really love the quote by the way, its nice to compare city to a human

Thank you so much for the compliments and for stopping by! 🙂

weekend trips copenhagen

What an incredible two days you had. So much to see and do in Copenhagen. The open face sandwiches would be fun to make and I bet it would be neat for families. The creme brûlée donut sounds intriguing as well. The star fort also looks very interesting and I would love to visit it.

I’d imagine it would be a pain for the parents to make the sandwiches for kids but if they can manage I’m all for it! Hope you get to visit soon 🙂

weekend trips copenhagen

Copenhagen is an enchanting city with typical European charm. A great city that promises some enchanting and varied sights and experiences. Loved the post which incorporates so many fun facts that are so interesting. I never knew that Walt Disney personally visited Tivoli Gardens before Disneyland came up. The other interesting trivia is about the origin of the Little Mermaid.

I found the Walt Disney tidbit super interesting as well, he definitely did copy a lot of aspects from Tivoli over to Disneyland.

weekend trips copenhagen

That was a very comprehensive itinerary, mine was actually quite similar when I visited last time. I loved Copenhaguen and wouldn’t mind going back there one day. The city is crazy expensive though, so I better save up some money!

Seriously! We totally wanna go back, but it’s super expensive so we’ll probably wait on it. I’m glad you had a great time as well 🙂

Pingback: Get the Most out of Three Days in Malmö

weekend trips copenhagen

A very useful travel guide as you seem to cover almost all the interesting sights without being exhausted. It seems like a chill exploration but at the same time not missing out a lot. Great job.

weekend trips copenhagen

Love your city guides! This one brings back a lot of memories for me, I spent about 24hrs total in Copenhagen about 11 years ago on the way to and from a festival at Roskilde that I was working at. I was gutted I wasn’t able to spend more time there and I can’t wait to get back there. Thanks so much for your post 🙂

Thank you so much for the compliments and support! 24 hours, even 48 hours isn’t enough for Copenhagen! There is surprisingly a lot to do and see in the city.

weekend trips copenhagen

All the fun facts are super interesting. I didn’t know many of them. Thanks for taking me back to my memories. Copenhagen is beautiful and so is your post. 🙂 <3

I love it when my readers are able to learn something new from my posts, thank you for reading!

weekend trips copenhagen

Wow, it seems like you managed to pack so much into just a two-day trips, I visited for three days a year or so ago and didn’t manage to explore anywhere near as much (although it was torrential rain and flooding weather-wise so that certainly slowed us down!) We’re planning to head back next year though so will definitely take some of these ideas into consideration, especially the design museum, that looks beautiful! Thanks for sharing! Shan xoxo

That’s unfortunate that you went during an insane rain storm, but the larger the reason to go back! The Design Museum was amazing, I loved it a lot! It was surprisingly broad in its exhibits since it included design styles from all over the world rather than only Scandinavian.

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Looking back on the best weekend ever, as we take off on our honeymoon to the Philippines! We are eternally grateful for everyone who came & made the weekend so special.👰🏻‍♀️💍  Love you, hubby! @benvadasz 🤍

A Blissful Wanderer

Travel & Lifestyle Blog

Denmark , Travel · September 25, 2018

A Blissful Copenhagen Itinerary: 4 Days for First-Time Visitors

Excited to share my 4 day Copenhagen itinerary, which covers the major sites you can’t miss, the tastiest restaurants, majestic parks, top photo spots and best swim areas in the city. Plus you’ll be experiencing the city like a local, as a lot of the spots I include are approved and loved by my Copenhagen friends.

Since we visited Copenhagen in the summer, I have included some summer activities, however, this itinerary is still applicable and changeable for those visiting in the fall or winter months. Regardless of when you go, I hope you fall in love with the city as much as I did.

Girl with a hat looking at Nyhavn in Copenhagen

Staying in Copenhagen 

Personally, I’ve always had this pull to go to Copenhagen, with no real reason why. Perhaps my soul knew I would love this city, or maybe I was eager to see why the Danish are known to be some of the happiest people on earth. Copenhagen was always on our list for our year in Europe, but we hadn’t figured out when it would fit in. So when one of our plans fell through in July, I knew it was our time to go! I first looked at Airbnb and to my delight, found the most beautiful apartment and for a reasonable price, which was a surprise as it was July – peak summer season! Everything was lining up perfectly, which to me is a sign from the universe this trip was meant to be.

The living room of our Copenhagen Airbnb

My only complaint about the Airbnb above, is that it was a fair ways outside of the city centre. And if you are only experiencing Copenhagen for four days, I highly recommend staying in the city centre to make the most out of your stay. Even if this means opting for a hotel, instead of a bigger accommodation with a kitchen. With this in mind, here are some other amazing accommodations we looked into:

  • The Savoy Hotel
  • The trendy Motel One Copenhagen
  • Budget Friendly Option: The Steel House Copenhagen
  • Apartment with kitchen & patio: This stylish two bedroom in the city centre

The City of Copenhagen

If you have never been to Copenhagen or don’t know much about it, here are some things that might convince you to go. Firstly it was just awarded the most bikeable city in the world . They just beat out Amsterdam this year, and the Danes are very excited about it. Since I have biked in both Amsterdam and Copenhagen, I can confirm this to be true. Biking lanes and even biking highways are plentiful in the city, but the Danes are much more relaxed bikers compared to the Dutch.

Secondly, and more surprising to me was that Copenhagen was just awarded most swimmable city in the world ! Wait, what? Do people swim in the city of Copenhagen? That’s awesome. As a beach girl, who LOVES to swim at any chance, I knew I Copenhagen and I would get along just fine. And for those wondering where you can swim, the answer is anywhere, but I’ve included some great swimming spots in my Copenhagen Itinerary below.

Lastly, Copenhagen prides itself to be the city of fairytales , as the late Danish author, Hans Christian Andersen, wrote most of the fairytales we know today: The Little Mermaid, the Princess and The Pea, and The Ugly Duckling. With this being said, the whole city has this somewhat fairytale essence about it; the architecture, the magical amusement park of Tivoli, even their city flag, which is the symbol of a castle. Overall, Copenhagen is just a magical place to visit!

A Girl biking around Copenhagen in front of the domed church

Things to Know Before You Go to Copenhagen

Danish, but everyone we met spoke perfect English.

Danish Crowns (DKK) – Approximately 1 DKK = 0.20 Canadian cents (in September 2018).

Cost of a Cappuccino

40 DKK (or $8.17 CAN); Cost of a cocktail: 88 DKK (or $17.98). Overall costs in Scandinavia are a LOT higher than Canada. So people typically don’t dine out as much. If you are travelling on a budget, make sure to get accommodation with a kitchen so you can make some of your meals.

Electricity

Requires European Plugs. So if you don’t already have a universal adaptor plug that works worldwide , I recommend bringing this on all your travels. We have this one and love it! Not only does it work with my computer and hair curler, it has the additional four USB plugs at the top, to charge all your phone and any other gadgets!

Safe to drink. However, if you like purified water, bring this self-cleaning UV water bottle with you!

Best Time to Visit

May to September. Or if you can brave the cold dark winter days, come in December and experience the Christmas markets & other festivities.

In my experience, I would give this city a 10/10. I never felt unsafe during the day or night.

Transportation

I recommend living like a local and renting bikes for this Copenhagen Itinerary. After all, it is the most bike-friendly city in the world! If you don’t want to bike everyday or at all, the transit system (buses & metro), were regularly on time, clean and easy to use.

*Trip Changer: The Copenhagen Card*

An incredible pass for tourists that includes transit and entry to 87 major attractions including museums, canal tours and even Tivoli, the oldest amusement park in the world. We used it during our trip and I can’t  recommend it enough. Since Copenhagen is an expensive city, this card not only helped us save money, but it also saved us the time of waiting in line and buying tickets at each attraction.

Check out  this website to see if the pass includes the attractions you want to visi t and, if you are interested, I recommend purchasing it before your trip. This is because you can pick up the physical card from the airport (or other more central places), and then utilize the included transportation to get into the city. Keep in mind the pass can be bought in 24, 48, 72, 120-hour increments, and starts as soon as you scan it on your first bus or attraction, so you may want to be strategic to when you start using the card to get the most out of it.

During the course of this Copenhagen itinerary, I will show you which attractions we used the card at.

Read More: Learn how we got the most value of the Copenhagen Card during our visit, and see how must money we saved on admission fees and transportation expenses in this post.

4 Day Copenhagen Itinerary

A girl in Copenhagen wanders down a colourful street looking at the traditional apartment buildings in the summer months.

Copenhagen Itinerary  Day 1: City Orientation

Hop on a canal boat tour.

The best way to start your Copenhagen itinerary is to get your bearings of the city with this 1-hour Canal boat tour . This is included in your Copenhagen Pass if you catch it from Ved Stranden square. If you don’t have the pass, you can also start the canal tour from Nyhavn. I thought this tour was a fun way to learn some Copenhagen history, fun facts, and see most of the sites from a different perspective. Also, after seeing it all you can then decided what you want to go back to visit.

Price : Free with Copenhagen Card or 85 DKK. Another great option would be the hop-on-hop-off canal tour , so you can get off at certain stops to see the sites.

Quick tip: I highly recommend sitting on the right side of the canal boat (when looking forward) as most of the sites we saw were on that side of the boat.

Coffee Break with a View

Now time for a mid-morning pick me up! A coffee break at the Original Coffee Illume Rooftop . This is a rooftop café with an amazing view! It’s located at the top of the Illume department store, which is a site to see in itself. This is all conveniently a step away from where you ended your canal boat tour at Ved Stranden square.

A Blissful #Copenhagen Itinerary: 4 Days for First-Time Visitors

Round House Astronomy Tower

Good thing you’ve now had your caffeine fix! Time to climb to the top Round House: the King’s old Astronomy Tower . This was built wide enough so that the king could take his horse and carriage to the top because he was too lazy to walk up. Not only is the building remarkable in itself, but it has one of the best views of the city. Make sure to keep an eye out for the beautiful Astronomy dial near the top.

Price : Free with the Copenhagen Card or 25 DKK

A girl with a hat and backpack at the top of the astronomy tower in Copenhagen

Nyhavn: Iconic Copenhagen

From here walk down Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping street, Strøget , towards the famous port of Nyhavn . This is the area that has become Instagram famous and now iconic for Copenhagen. Funny enough, decades ago, this used to be the worst part town filled with drunken sailors, sleazy bars and ladies of the night. Now the streets are lined with restaurants, souvenir shops and ice cream parlours – what a change! Definitely a must-see during your stay in Copenhagen. Make sure to walk on both sides of the canals, as every angle makes for the perfect Insta-worthy shot and more importantly, is beautiful to see.

Girl looking at a boat and colourful buildings in Nyhavn in Copenhagen

Lunch at an Outdoor Market

I hope you’ve worked up an appetite, cause now it’s time for lunch! From Nyhavn, walk across the bridge to the large outdoor food market called  The Bridge Street Kitchen (also known as Broens Gadekøkken).  Here there are plenty of options that will tickle your taste buds. You’ll find standard north American foods like burgers, wood-oven pizzas, and poke bowls, and then more traditional Danish food like open-faced sandwiches (called: Smørrebrød ) and something similar to porridge (called: Grød). And don’t worry there are plenty of drink options too!

We tried a sampling of the Smørrebrød sandwiches, famous here in Denmark, and I was surprised how much I enjoyed them. I even tried the pickled herring (after some peer pressure from our local friend, Jacob) and actually didn’t hate it, but I don’t know if I’d order it again. In the end, the pork sandwich with berry sauce was my favourite – I highly recommend it!

A Blissful #Copenhagen Itinerary: 4 Days for First-Time Visitors

Black Diamond Library

After lunch, walk across the bridge to the Black Diamond Library . This building is a beautiful mix of modern architecture and old charm. Half of the library dates back to 1648, and the other-half is modern with high ceilings made of glass. Also, out back is a beautiful courtyard where you can enjoy a quiet oasis in the middle of the city. This is an active library where university students come to study, so do make sure to be respectful and quiet when visiting.

Price : Free entry.

A Blissful #Copenhagen Itinerary: 4 Days for First-Time Visitors

Meatpacking District

If it is a hot summer’s day, and you are in need of a swim to cool off , walk along the canal towards the Meatpacking District. Along the way, you will find plenty of swim spots to take a dip. Some have diving platforms, and others have sun-loungers to relax. And yes, the water is clean enough to swim in. In fact, I was personally surprised how fresh it felt – almost like lake water!

A Blissful #Copenhagen Itinerary: 4 Days for First-Time Visitors

This evening head to Copenhagen’s Meatpacking District called, Kødbyen . This area is an old industrial area that has been taken over by trendy restaurants and craft breweries. I recommend Hija de Sanchez  for a casual Mexican dinner (as it was awarded the best Mexican in Europe this year) and Warpigs for meat BBQ or after dinner beers. We also heard Mother’s was great for pizzas and Magasasa Dim Sum & Cocktails was good Chinese food, but overall, you can’t go wrong. This whole area is buzzing with young people looking to have a good time.

A girl with sunglasses on holding a pink margarita with a plate of tacos in front of her

Copenhagen Itinerary Day 2: Museum & Tivoli

Scandinavian shopping.

If you like Scandinavian interior design or fancy to pop into a local shop for some unique souvenirs , I highly recommend checking out Notre Dame . Although I couldn’t buy anything, I really enjoyed browsing the shop and admiring all their beautiful décor accessories.

A Blissful #Copenhagen Itinerary: 4 Days for First-Time Visitors

Next walk over to Copenhagen City Hall . Here you can go inside their parliament building, and even climb to the top if you want another bird’s eye view of the city. Also, take note of the ornate fountain and Hans Christian Andersen statue in the square.

Price : Free

Ca rlsberg Glptoteket Museum

Museums aren’t always top of my list when I visit a city, but we had so many recommendations for the  Carlsberg Glptoteket Museum , that we didn’t want to miss it. Now I can say I’m so happy we went since it is honestly one of the most beautiful museums I’ve ever been to. I loved seeing the Egyptian mummies downstairs, the tropical garden inside the atrium, and admiring the gorgeous details of each room. Every room flowed into the next so perfectly with its floor tiles, paint and artifacts. I don’t know how to better describe it, just promise me you will go!

Give yourself at least 1.5 – 2 hours. Also, there is a cute café in the museum if you want to enjoy a coffee and cake inside.

Price : Free with Copenhagen Card , Free on Tuesdays, or 115 DKK.

A Blissful #Copenhagen Itinerary: 4 Days for First-Time Visitors

Tivoli: The Oldest Amusement Park in the World

Spend the majority of your day in the original ‘Happiest Place on Earth’ – Tivoli , which is known as the oldest amusement park in the world dating back to 1843. Did you know that Walt Disney came to Tivoli to get inspiration for Disneyland? Once you step inside Tivoli you will notice the similarities, but as a big Disney fan, as I was surprised how much more I loved Tivoli! The detail in the ground’s gardens and restaurants is remarkable and makes Tivoli so unique and charming.

Even if you aren’t a rides person, I still recommend visiting Tivoli . Instead visit one of the beautiful restaurants, wander the grounds, or watch their daily entertainment.

A Blissful #Copenhagen Itinerary: 4 Days for First-Time Visitors

Things to know about Tivoli Amusement Park

– Admission for the park is 120 DKK ($24 CAN), but rides are separate . You can either buy each ride individually, but I highly recommend buying the unlimited rides pass here for 290 DKK ($51 CAN) . The Copenhagen Card saved us the admission-free but didn’t include rides. If you want to buy your unlimited ride pass before your trip, you can do so here .

-Or if you don’t plan to get the Copenhagen Card, you can buy both your Tivoli admission and your Unlimited Ride Pass in advance , to skip the line.

-There are tons of amazing restaurants inside, ranging in different price points. If on a budget you can either bring in a picnic to eat in the beautiful gardens or eat lunch outside the grounds; however I recommend enjoying either a snack or meal inside the grounds as the restaurants are beautiful.

-Look up the show schedule in advance to pick which day is best to visit Tivoli. In the summer they usually have fireworks, light shows, and live music daily.

-Give yourself plenty of time to explore the grounds and try all the rides. I recommend at least 4 hours, but we stayed for 8 and loved every moment!

Tivoli Garden restaurant

Copenhagen Itinerary Day 3: Bike Around like a Local

Make breakfast at your Airbnb or hotel to save some money, or find something convenient in your area. We have a big day ahead of us, so fuel up!

Bike Tour or Rent Bikes

As you may know, Copenhagen’s the most bikeable cities in the world, so I highly recommend renting bikes or going on a bike tour . Biking is truly the best way to get around the city, and you’ll get to experience Copenhagen culture.

Option #1: Guided Bike Tour

Experience Copenhagen’s top attractions and delve into its history with a 3-hour bike tour . Pedal along the city’s bike lanes, uncovering hidden gems and landmarks such as the Frederiks Kirke, Tivoli Gardens, Christiansborg neighbourhood, Nyhavn waterfront, and the Little Mermaid statue. If you are short on time, this is a great way to see a lot of the tourist sights I mention in this itinerary! Plus, your guide will provide insider knowledge and offer personalized recommendations while you enjoy the stunning scenery and photo opportunities.

If you feel apprehensive about cycling in Copenhagen, which is understandable given the city’s intense biking culture, I would highly recommend opting for a guided bike tour instead of attempting to navigate on your own.

Option #2: Rent Bikes

Alternatively, if you are a confident city biker and decide to rent bikes, I recommend renting them for two days. You can even rent a phone holder for the bike, so you can have your google maps up and running while biking around town (something I wish we rented). To give you a guideline, bike rentals are around $20 Canadian a day. Rental shops are located all around the city, but if you rent them in Nyhavn I imagine they will cost more, as this is a tourist hub. If you don’t feel comfortable biking, or it is terrible weather, our itinerary today can also be done with public transit.

Reffen Market

Take your bikes for a ride across town to Reffen , to try Copenhagen street food. This is another outdoor food market in an industrial area with over 50 innovative stalls, offering international cuisines. Located beside the market, there is also a local craft brewery called Mikkeller , just in case you are thirsty after your ride. 😉 From the Nyhavn area, your bike ride to Reffen should take around 15-20 minutes. Click here for Google Map Pin.

A Blissful #Copenhagen Itinerary: 4 Days for First-Time Visitors

*Optional stops along the way: On route to the market you can stop at the Church of Our Saviour   for a photo, or Freetown Christiania  if you are interested to see the local hippie community, where cannabis is legal to buy and smoke.

A Blissful #Copenhagen Itinerary: 4 Days for First-Time Visitors

Lunch at a Hidden Gem in Copenhagen

If you are wondering where the cool kids hang out on the weekends, La Banchina  is the spot! Make sure to stop by for a drink, meal, snack or swim. They even have a sauna you can pay to use. I loved the relaxed vibe and how you could buy a beer or bottle of wine, and enjoy it on their dock while swimming or sun tanning. Something you, unfortunately, don’t see back in Canada.

La Banchina seaside restaurant - part of the Copenhagen Itinerary

To save you some time and energy, hop on the 901 or 902  Harbour Bus   to get back into the city. The best part is you can walk your bikes right onto the ferry, and you’ll be treated to some beautiful views of the harbour (at a lower cost than the canal cruise, making it a great alternative if you are on a budget). Get off the harbour bus at Nyhavn.

Little Mermaid Statue

Once you hop off the ferry, bike to the Little Mermaid to see the most famous statue in the county . If you did the canal tour you would have already seen the back of her head, but I’m sure you’ll want to see her face-on to get that perfect photo.

*Fun Fact : did you know that the poor statue has been beheaded 3 times to make a political statement? This is why she is now located so far outside the city centre.

The Little Mermaid Statue on a sunny blue sky day in Copenhagen

If you are in need of a treat, I highly recommend the soft-serve ice cream in Copenhagen. We got our ice creams from a little concession stand right beside the Little Mermaid statue. This one was vanilla and strawberry swirl & then covered with chocolate powder. Yum!

A Blissful #Copenhagen Itinerary: 4 Days for First-Time Visitors

Copenhagen City Sites

From here bike through Kastellet, an old military base, and back towards the Amalienborg Palace , where the royal family currently live. From here you can watch the changing of the guard (at 12 noon), plus you will have incredible views of Frederik’s Church and the Opera House. There is also the Royal horse stables near-by.

A couple with bikes standing in front of the Copenhagen domed Church

As the day is winding down, you may want to stop for a drink or a swim before dinner. If so, this place was one of our favourite finds. They have drinks, pitchers to share (although very expensive) and sometimes even live music to enjoy on the harbour side. Even if you don’t want to drink, this is a beautiful swim spot you can enjoy for free.

A Blissful #Copenhagen Itinerary: 4 Days for First-Time Visitors

End your day with dinner at Souls , for a healthy vegetarian meal. Veggie burgers, salads or bowls are all plentiful and so tasty.

Copenhagen Itinerary Day 4: City of Parks

Copenhagen’s little berlin.

Start your day with a stroll down, Jægersborggade also known locally Copenhagen’s Little Berlin. It is lined with cafes, vintage boutiques, and pastry shops. Because of this, I highly recommend grabbing your morning coffee at Coffee Collective and trying some traditional Danish pastries at Meyers Bageri . I promise you won’t regret it!

A Blissful #Copenhagen Itinerary: 4 Days for First-Time Visitors

Copenhagen’s ‘Famous Cemetery’

Conveniently, across the street from Jægersborggade is Copenhagen’s ‘famous cemetery’, Assistens Kirkegaard. I say famous because many notable Danish people have been buried here, including their beloved fairytale author Hans Christian Andersen. This cemetery is so beautiful that locals commonly come here to walk their strollers and hang out just like any other park. If you are in the neighbourhood, it’s worth checking out, although I don’t know how I feel about sitting around and hanging out in a cemetery. If you do visit, make sure to be quiet and respectful.

A Blissful #Copenhagen Itinerary: 4 Days for First-Time Visitors

Pack a picnic and head to Kings Park, to admire the stunning Rosenborg Castle & gardens. If it is a nice day and walk around the park & enjoy your picnic, but if you are visiting in winter or the weather is bad, you can pay to go into the castle and admire the crown jewels.

Price: Free with Copenhagen Card or 110 DDK

A Blissful #Copenhagen Itinerary: 4 Days for First-Time Visitors

The Best Pizza in Copenhagen

End your day with dinner at Bæst . Now I don’t want to set high expectations, but this was honestly some of the best pizza I have ever eaten. Now this is a big statement to make since I really like pizza, and we had just travelled from Italy, but they have numerous awards for their pizzas, so it’s not just me that thinks they are delicious! I forget the name of the pizza we ordered, but I do remember it had green tomatoes and bacon on it (see picture below). I even ate the crust, and that never happens. After dinner, enjoy an evening bevy at  BURS , the craft brewery across the alleyway from Bæst.

A Blissful #Copenhagen Itinerary: 4 Days for First-Time Visitors

Favourite 3 Photo Spots in Copenhagen

Nyhavn archway                      Google Pin | Pinterest

Carlsberg Museum                Google Pin | Instagram

Cute colourful houses              Google Pin | Pinterest

That concludes my 4 day Copenhagen Itinerary. Although we experienced the city in the summer, you could easily use this itinerary in the winter months . Just replace swimming with visiting the famous Christmas markets if you are in town during December, or escape the cold and spend your time inside visiting the Opera House, Kronborg Castle, or some of the other amazing museums. I hope you find this guide helpful for your trip planning and that you enjoy Copenhagen as much as we did! I’m not lying when I say that Copenhagen is now one of my favourite cities in the world. If you have any questions, feel free to ask them in the comments below.

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  • Last Minute

22 Fun & Unique Weekend & Day Trips from Copenhagen, Denmark

Last Updated By VacationIdea Staff on January 22, 2024

22 Best Copenhagen Day Trips

Jacob Fortlingsvej 1, 2770 Kastrup, Denmark

Funen Island

Visitors can see why it is named the Garden Island at the Sanderumgård Garden, Broholm Park, Egeskov Castle, Harridslevgaard Castle, and also at the 120 other manors and castles scattered all over the island. Each place has unique gardens and fairytale-like scenery. Funen Island is only a two-hour drive from Copenhagen.

Dragor

The Old Town of Dragor is one of the best-preserved villages in Denmark, along with the Village of Great Magleby, which is also located in the southern tip of Amager. Dragor is found near the active harbor and features nearby beach meadows, woods, and a robust community where visitors can experience Danish culture. Visitors wanting to learn about Danish culture and the history of Dragor can visit the Old Port, where most of the museums in town are found. Two historic forts that can be toured, and narrow streets that visitors can travel by foot or bicycle to see the low houses that are beautifully preserved from the 18th and 19th centuries, and the harbor that has been in use since the Middle Ages.

Egeskov Castle

Egeskov Gade 18, DK-5772 Kvaerndrup, Phone: +45-62-27-10-16

Faxe

The Faxe Company was created in 1901 and has a long history of creating beer and soft drinks to become one of the most trusted brands in Denmark. Found on the island of Zealand, the company is recognizable for its Viking logo and is part of the second-largest brewing company in Denmark, Royal Unibrew.

Frederiksborg Castle

Frederiksborg Castle 10, DK – 3400 Hillerød

Hven Island

Hven Island is a seasonal resort island in Sweden that is accessible by ferry from both Zealand Island in Denmark and Scania. There are less than 400-year-round residents on the island that is divided up into four villages. There are two historic churches found on the island which were built in the 13th century. The popular attractions on the island include the Tycho Brahe Museum, which celebrates natural sciences and the famous Danish Scientist, the Spirit of Hven whiskey distillery, horse and buggy rides, or bicycling tourism. There are many different shops and restaurants including smokehouses that visitors can explore, as well as a campground, villas, and bed and breakfast accommodations.

Kronborg Castle

Kronborg 2 C, 3000 Helsingør (Elsinore), Phone: +45-49-21-30-78

Legoland

Nordmarksvej | DK-7190 Billund | CVR: DK36887613

Lolland

Lolland Island is one of the largest islands of Denmark and is found in the Baltic Sea. The island is known for being incredibly flat and being a leader in the sugar industry, with sugar beet being grown in Lolland for years. There are more than two dozen villages on the island today, with the largest village having just under 13,000 residents and the smallest having only 100. Some of the best places to visit in Lolland include the Fuglsang Manor and Fuglsang Art Museum, Knuthenborg Safari Park, which is Northern Europe’s largest safari park, and a giant waterpark called Lalandia. One of the busiest attractions is the open-air museum that includes an experimental museum of living history that was built around the remnants of the Medieval town.

GAMMEL STRANDVEJ 13, DK 3050 HUMLEBÆK, Phone: +45-49-19-07-19

Kongevejen 100, 2800, Kgs. Lyngby

Malmo is a metropolitan city in Sweden that was one of the first cities to industrialize in Scandinavia. The city has undergone a technological transformation in recent decades and become a hub for biotech and IT companies, startups, and more with many of the graduate students of Malmo University staying in the commercial center. Some of the best attractions to visit in Malmo include the St. Peter’s Church which was built in the 14th century, the Ribersborgs beach and open-air baths, The Western Harbor where a lively boardwalk can entertain visitors for an afternoon, or attend one of the many special events like the BUFF International Film Festival, and The Nordic Game Conference.

Maritime Museum of Denmark , Ny Kronborgvej 1, DK-3000 Elsinore, Phone: +45-49-21-06-85

Some of the most popular attractions in North Zealand include the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, Maritime Museum of Denmark, the picturesque beaches, and Grib Forest. There are many places throughout the North Zealand area to enjoy authentic Danish cuisine and accommodations from campgrounds to five-star hotels for visitors who want to extend their stay.

Nykobing, Falster began as a Medieval castle in the 12th century and served as the residence of widowed queens of Denmark after the Reformation. Today, only the ruins of one of the towers of the castle exist. Nykøbing Falster has a few noteworthy sites to see, including a wooden house that dates to 1580 that was once a temporary residence of Peter the Great, and the water tower. A cultural center with an art gallery and events space is located in the water tower. Other attractions to help round out a day in Nykøbing Falster include the City Museum, Middle Ages Center, Ejegod Windmill, the 15th century Abbey Church, the Fire Fighting Museum, and the Guldborgsund Zoo.

Best known for being the hometown of renowned author Hans Christian Andersen , Odense is a culturally rich and historic city where the downtown still has a 19th-century ambiance. There are many festivals throughout the year to honor the author and experience life in 19th century Denmark. Odense has a vibrant local restaurant scene that attracts visitors from around the Nordic region. The Funen Village is another popular attraction that is an open-air museum with structures from the 18th and 19th centuries. Odin’s Odense is another attractive village that is popular with tourists and depicts life in the Iron and Viking Ages. There are also zoos, museums, and galleries to visit.

Rageleje Beach is a stretch of sandy beach with bathhouses, a boardwalk, and lifeguards during the summer season, in Denmark. The Rageleje beach is a popular place for wind and kitesurfing, and the slopes that face the water are great for paragliding over the sea. In the winter months the trails turn into toboggan runs, but during the summer trails lead past Bronze Age burial mounds. The town of Rageleje began as a fishing village but is now a tourist resort that is busy during the summer months though the year-round population in the town is less than 800 people.

The island is an hour and a half from Copenhagen and is a municipality of Vordingborg. The Island of Mon was also designated as the first bio reserve in Denmark by UNESCO in 2017 and features many sandy beaches, the famous market town called Stege, and the iconic white cliffs that overlook the Baltic Sea. Some of the most popular spots visited in The Island of Mon include the churches decorated in historic frescoes, Bronze and Iron Age archaeological site and The White Cliffs of Mon that stand 128 meters tall. There is also a geological museum that details the formation of the cliffs, as well as a museum of collectibles that visitors can tour. The Cliffs of Mon Map

645 30 Mariefred, Phone: +46-15-22-97-90

The Six Forgotten Giants is a unique attraction in western Copenhagen that is an open-air sculpture treasure hunt. There are six wooden sculptures made of recycled wood and constructed by volunteers that tell the first part of a famous story by Thomas Dambo, The Great Story of the Little People, and the Giant Trolls. The art installation project combines art with nature to bring visitors to natural spots in Copenhagen that are often overlooked by tourists. A map leads visitors to each of the six locations is available online. The six giants are Teddy Friendly, Oscar Under the Bridge, Sleeping Louis, Little Tilde, Thomas on the Mountain, and Hill Top Trine.

People who want an authentic Viking experience can visit the Viking Ship Museum and the impressive Gothic Roskilde Cathedral just a few miles from Copenhagen. The 12th-century cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and considered the grandest church in Denmark. Roskilde Cathedral is the official Danish Royal Family Mausoleum and contains the remains of 39 past Kings and Queens of Denmark. At the Viking Ship Museum, Visitors can see what remains of five recovered Viking ships and learn about the history of Vikings in Scandinavia while enjoying panoramic views of the fjord and shipbuilding boatyard. Sometimes visitors can even set sail on the reconstructed Viking ships that are docked there. Viking Ship Museum and Roskilde Cathedral Map

The 22 Fun & Unique Weekend & Day Trips from Copenhagen, Denmark & Fun things to do near me today:

  • 1. National Aquarium Denmark, Den BlaPlanet
  • 2. Funen Island
  • 4. Egeskov Castle
  • 6. Frederiksborg Castle
  • 7. Hven Island
  • 8. Kronborg Castle
  • 9. Legoland
  • 10. Lolland
  • 11. Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
  • 12. Lyngby Open-Air Museum
  • 14. Maritime Museum of Denmark
  • 15. North Zealand
  • 16. Nykobing, Falster
  • 18. Rageleje Beach
  • 19. The Cliffs of Mon
  • 20. The Deer Park
  • 21. The Six Forgotten Giants
  • 22. Viking Ship Museum and Roskilde Cathedral

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Day Trips From Copenhagen

The 14 Best Day Trips from Copenhagen

While the city of  Copenhagen has plenty of tours of its own and enough entertainment, restaurants, and bars to keep you busy day and night for weeks, there are also a number of great destinations nearby that are perfect for day trips. Explore Copenhagen's (and Denmark's) interesting history with castle and museum visits, relax in the sun away from the big city at an island or beach destination , or tour the sights at some neighboring cities. No matter what you choose to do, you're sure to find a nearby adventure.

North Zealand: Frederiksborg Castle

TripSavvy / Maria Ligaya

Take a royal-themed day trip to North Zealand including a tour of Frederiksborg Castle, which is also home to Denmark's Museum of National History . You can learn about the flamboyant King Christian IV who once lived here, walk through rooms like the Coronation Chapel, and then stroll through the castle’s French Baroque gardens with a guide. Be sure to stop and take some photos of Fredensborg Castle, the annual summer residence of the Danish royal family. If you want to learn more about what you're seeing, the museum offers guided tours for visitors. 

Getting There: You can reach the castle by car (a 40-minute drive) by taking highway 16 toward Hillerød. Or by public transportation, take the S-train line E to Hillerød, and walk 15 to 20 minutes from the station to the castle, either through town or along the lake. 

Travel Tip:  If you'd like to take a  guided day trip  to see all this, you can book a reservation online. It departs from City Hall Square in Copenhagen at 10:30 a.m. from May to September and takes about 6.5 hours. The tour is informative and interesting. 

The City of Aarhus: Experience History and Culture

One of the most beloved day trips from Copenhagen goes to the city of Aarhus, a historic city on the east coast of​  Jutland  (Denmark's western peninsula). It offers a great selection of nightlife entertainment  and also annual events, such as The Viking Festival in July, in which people gather to recreate the early days of the city with markets, sword-fighting, and more. The city is also home to the contemporary art museum, ARoS Aarhus Kunstmuseum, botanical gardens , and a palace . 

Getting There:  The quickest option is to fly to Aarhus from Copenhagen, which takes about 45 minutes. Or if you prefer to take a train, the journey is about three hours and trains leave the city every 30 to 45 minutes. Driving takes about three hours. Take the E20 west until you hit the E45, and go north on the E45 to Aarhus. 

Travel Tip:  If you're not in town during the festival, you should visit the  Viking Museum  for a glimpse into this significant aspect of the city's past. 

The Island of Fyn: A Romantic Getaway

Also known as Denmark's Garden Island, the wildly romantic island of Fyn (Funen) is the home to many fairy tales, and it's also the birthplace of writer Hans Christian Andersen. Fyn is also home to a number of beautiful castles ( known as slots in ​Danish ), like Nyborg Slot, Egeskov Slot, Broholm Gods, Holckenhavn Slot, and Harridslevgaard Slot.

You can spend all day wandering through the rolling hills checking out acres of orchards and a variety of old farmhouses or head over to the open-air museum Den Fynske Landsby (Fyn Village) and Odense Zoo.

Getting There:  Accessing the island is relatively easy. If you drive, it's about an hour and a half, and there is a toll bridge. There's also a direct train between Copenhagen and Funen that is typically a little quicker than driving. 

Travel Tip: The island of Fyn has a strong culinary scene—it hosts several food events and festivals, and it's home to several great restaurants. Don't skip the chance to indulge while you're here! 

The Islands of Lolland and Falster: A Train Museum and Safari Park

One of the best day trips from Copenhagen has to be a visit to the islands of Lolland and Falster. These islands offer things to do no matter which town you are visiting, but Maribo has several attractions to see. 

If you're in Maribo, consider visiting the Museumsbanen (Museum Train), Nakskov's Green World Zoo, and the submarine U-359, but you can also visit a 12th-century royal residence, Ålholm Castle , in the town of Nysted, and don't forget Knuthenborg Manor with its Safari Park (open April-October).

Getting There:  Lolland is connected to Denmark's Zealand by a bridge. A day trip from Copenhagen to Lolland is an 80-mile drive along the E47 road south.

Travel Tip: This destination is home to beautiful nature and plenty of adventure activities. While here, try a few, such as biking, kayaking, fishing, golfing, and more.   

Hven Island: Beaches and Great Local Cuisine

olli0815/Getty Images 

Local whiskey, pristine beaches, and the remains of Tycho Brahe's 16th-century observatory are the top attractions on the island, but the 360 inhabitants of the island also offer a number of local cuisines, crafts, and shops to browse.

If you're looking to escape all the noise of the cities to a peaceful, secluded location, this tiny island is like a little piece of heaven on earth.

Getting There:  Located between Denmark and Sweden, the ferry from Copenhagen takes about 90 minutes to get to Hven Island. If you prefer to drive, it takes about two hours along the E20. 

Travel Tip: If you're a whiskey drinker, head to the Spirit of Hven Distillery for a tasting.

Bornholm: Relax by the Beach

If you're in the mood for sandy beaches and a day of relaxation, plan your day trip from Copenhagen to the sunny island of Bornholm. This is the place to lean back, stroll through the sand, or maybe rent a bicycle for an afternoon.

A popular summer travel destination, Bornholm's nickname is the Pearl of the Baltic. 

Getting There:  The biggest town on the island is Rønne, which is also the point of arrival for travelers to Bornholm, and there are direct 35-minute flights from Copenhagen that fly into Rønne-Bornholm Airport. That's by far the quickest and easiest way to get there. If you go by car, bus, or train, the trip can take up to three or four hours as you'll have to go into Sweden to take a bridge.

Travel Tip: Check out Baltic Sea Glass , a glass studio and shop on the island that has beautiful and unique works of glass art. 

Dragør: A Historic Village

Raimund Linke/Getty Images 

For an even more intimate day trip, perhaps for a honeymoon or a romantic weekend getaway, the small village of Dragør offers a bit of Danish history with all the amenities of the modern day.

Located just southeast of Copenhagen, this preserved village was founded in the 12th century as a fishing port for Denmark. For a closer look at early life in Dragør, spend the day at the Amager Museum , an open-air recreation of life in the old days, or the Dragør Museum in the harbor.

Getting There:  Dragør is about a 15- to 20-minute drive southeast of Copenhagen. You can also take a train or bus, both taking about 30 minutes.

Travel Tip: The Amager Museum is closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly. 

Møn: Gorgeous Cliffs

Josef F. Stuefer/Getty Images 

Located near city of Borre on the island of Møn, the Møns Klint is a three-mile stretch of chalk cliffs considered to be one of Denmark's natural wonders.

You can spend the night at a campsite just above the cliffs or down by the beach, or if you're interested in geology and science, visit the GeoCenter Møns Klint , Northern Europe's most modern science center. 

Getting There: The island of Møn is about an hour drive to the south along the E20 to the E47. That's typically the quickest and cheapest way, but there's also a direct train between the two places that takes about 1.5 to two hours. 

Travel Tip: Besides just taking in the beauty of the cliffs, there are also a few hiking trails around them you can take. And it's also possible to find fossils in the area, so be on the lookout! 

Humlebæk: Louisiana Museum of Modern Art

Not far from Helsingør in Humlebæk, the Lousiana Museum of Modern Art houses one of the region's largest collections of Danish art. When opened in 1952, the museum was originally intended for exclusively Danish art pieces but expanded soon after to include famous works from all around the world.

This museum served an important role in developing Denmark's cultural history and has been credited with teaching the Danish citizenry to look at and appreciate art. 

Getting There: Driving or taking the direct train are your best bets, as Humlebæk is only a 30-minute journey with either option. 

Travel Tip:  The city of Humlebæk is also a great destination for some traditional Danish restaurants, but you'll have to travel up to Helsingør if you hope to stay the night nearby.

Kastrup: Northeastern Europe's Largest Aquarium

Located just southeast of Copenhagen in Kastrup, Denmark—near the Danish end of the Øresund Bridge and the Københavns Lufthavn airport—Den Blå Planet is easily accessible by train from the city.

Den Blå Planet is Northeastern Europe's largest aquarium and allows guests to get up close with sharks, sea otters, and all manner of ocean life. 

Getting There: Kastrup is only a 20-minute drive south from Copenhagen, and there's also a direct train that takes only about 15 minutes, so choose whichever option best fits your plans for your trip. 

Travel Tip: While there, you can also take a behind-the-scenes tour of the aquarium or even get a chance to dive with sharks! 

The Capital Region: A Tour of the Most Noteworthy Sites

One of the most popular ways to really experience the history, culture, and architecture of Denmark's capital region is to take the Grand Day Trip, a small group guided tour of three major castles including the UNESCO heritage site Kronberg Castle.

On the tour, you'll get to visit Roskilde Cathedral, the burial place to more Kings and Queens than anywhere on earth, before heading to Frederiksborg Castle, the biggest Scandinavian Renaissance-era castle still standing. 

Getting There: The tour leaves from the area across from City Hall in Copenhagen. 

Travel Tip:  Bring your camera to photograph the beautiful nature of the Danish Riviera.

Helsingør: The Maritime Museum of Denmark

klug-photo/Getty Images 

You could spend an entire day at the Maritime Museum of Denmark, which tells the story of Denmark's seafaring history through permanent and rotating exhibitions like "In the Shadow of War" and "Ships of all Times."

Almost invisible from the street, this underground museum is worth the trip to see the architecture alone, but you can also learn more about how Denmark became known as one of the world's leading maritime nations.

Getting There: You can get to Helsingør by a 30- to 40-minute drive, or you can also take a train from Copenhagen Central Station that takes about an hour. 

Travel Tip: When you're done exploring the museum, head to Kronborg , a 16th century castle that was also the setting of Shakespeare's "Hamlet."

Kalundborg: A Historic Church

A little off the beaten path but worth the trip if you're a fan of elegant architecture and Denmark's rich cultural heritage. The town of Kalunborg is home to the Church of Our Lady , a five-towered church built in the late 1100s.

This historic church has experienced many renovations, updates, and additions over the centuries, but spending the day in Medieval Old Town Kalundborg combined with a tour of this stunning chapel make for a great day trip back in time.

Getting There: The cheapest and quickest way to get there is to drive, which will take you about an hour and a half along routes 21 or 23. The train ride there is about two hours and includes some transfers.

Travel Tip: If you're in the area during summer, you can also see the gorgeous gardens at  Birkegårdens Haver  from May to mid-September.

Sweden: Helsingborg, Lund, and Malmö

If you'd rather take a break from Copenhagen entirely or just have a few extra days to add to your itinerary, you should consider taking a  day trip to Sweden.

Visiting the Swedish cities of Helsingborg, Lund, and Malmö is a great way to catch a glimpse of the nearby but entirely different Swedish culture.

Getting There: You have several options to get to these destinations depending on what you plan to do and how flexible you want to be. All options will take you over the Oresund Bridge, and it takes about 40 minutes to an hour to get from Copenhagen to Malmö. 

Travel Tip: There are several guided tours that you can take from Copenhagen to one of these cities in just one day, so you don't have to worry about transportation. Look here for tour options.

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Home » Europe » 12 Most EPIC Copenhagen Day Trips | 2024 Guide

12 Most EPIC Copenhagen Day Trips | 2024 Guide

Copenhagen is a unique city, with heaps of parks to explore, waterways to cruise on, and smørrebrød to taste. It has a unique, small-town feel about it, and is home to some of the most laid-back and friendly locals in northern Europe.

The city is relatively small and easy to get around compared to other European capitals. Once you’ve taken in the regal palaces, brightly colored streets, and unique culture in the city center, take some time to venture to the surrounding areas.

Copenhagen is just a short hop across the Øresund Strait from Sweden, offering tons of opportunities for exciting day trips in Copenhagen.

You could find yourself on a castle tour in Sweden one day, and exploring the historic Viking city of Roskilde the next. I’ve broken down the best full-day, and half-day trips around the city, from romantic castle tours to adrenaline-driven outdoor adventures and everything in between.

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Getting Around Copenhagen, and Beyond

Although Copenhagen is a compact and walkable city, it also has an excellent public transport network. The system unites trains, metro, busses, and water buses under one easy-to-use system. 

Buses arrive every 3-7 minutes during rush hour, and every 10 minutes out of peak hours. Three metro lines depart every 2-4 minutes during rush hour, and 3-6 minutes at regular hours.

Ticket prices for transport vary by zone and, unlike most things in the city, are inexpensive. Traveling within the inner city requires a two-zone ticket, which will cost an adult DKK 24 (approx. $3). You’ll need a three-zone ticket to get to the airport, which will cost just DKK 38 ($5) and take under 15 minutes. Children travel for half price.

Trips into cities like Roskilde, Elsinore, or Frederikssund in the Capital Region require an eight-zone ticket, which will set you back DKK 84 ($11). If you’re planning to cross the Øresund bridge into Sweden, or leave the Capital Region, purchase train tickets online or at the central station.  

No matter where you base yourself in central Copenhagen , you won’t be more than a 45-minute trip to the central train station. However, if you plan to take lots of day trips from Copenhagen, staying by the main station in København V will save you some time.

There are loads of epic Airbnbs in Copenhagen that are run by locals. So, although this guide is pretty comprehensive – you can also get more advice on day trips from your friendly local Airbnb host.

The simplest way to purchase tickets is with the DOT mobile app , which formulates the fastest routes and zones for your trip. Always buy your ticket before boarding the metro or train, or you could risk a DKK 750 ($99) fine.

A Copenhagen Card is another good option for extended visits and allows you to travel throughout the Capital Region at no extra charge.

With such efficient and affordable public transport, renting a car is not advised unless you plan to stay outside the city and take yourself on many self-guided day trips. Taxis and Black Car services with Sixt are available, although at a high price. Uber and Lyft don’t operate in the city, and DanTaxi is Copenhagen’s most prominent taxi organization.

Half-Day Trips in Copenhagen

If you only have a few days in the city, your best bet would be to take half a day trip, and visit an exciting site just outside Copenhagen. This way, you can wake up at your leisure and still enjoy a stroll on Nyhavn for dinner! Here are my pick of the best half-day Copenhagen day trips:

Frederiksborg Castle

Frederiksborg Castle

You’ll find one of the country’s most famous and important landmarks just a short train ride from Copenhagen. Frederiksborg Castle is a magnificent, palatial complex built on three islands on a picturesque lake, surrounded by landscaped gardens. 

Aside from being simply breathtaking to look at, the site is overloaded with rich history, art, and architecture. It was built as a royal residence for King Christian IV of Denmark in the early 17th Century on the site of an even older castle built for Frederik II in the 1500s. With its baroque-style gardens, you could call this renaissance residence ‘the Versailles of Denmark.’

After a fire struck the castle in the mid-1800s, the building was rebuilt according to its original plans and opened to the public as part of the Museum of National History. The museum houses the largest collection of portrait paintings in the country, as well as an impressive Great Hall, Chapel, and Audience Chamber.

The cheapest and easiest way to get to the castle from Copenhagen is by train, which will take you just an hour with a short bus trip (unless you prefer a stroll). Alternatively, the quickest option would be to drive 35 minutes from the city. 

I highly recommend a guided tour to get a good understanding of the unique history of this site!

Suggested trips: Private Tour of Frederiksborg Castle

The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art

Louisiana Museum of Modern Art

Home to some of the most famous modern art in the world, the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art is worth a visit on a day trip to Copenhagen, regardless of whether you’re passionate about art or not. 

The museum is located on the coast of Humlebæk, and features an extensive, permanent art collection of modern and contemporary art dating from the mid-1900s until today. There are also a number of rotating special exhibitions.

Besides the art inside the museum, the actual building is seen as an important landmark in Danish architecture. 

When you visit the museum, make sure to take a stroll around the Sculpture Park, which surrounds the building, and enjoy a meal at the cafe overlooking the sea. If retail therapy is your thing, the museum shop has a range of books and prints which are great as gifts.

Currently, the museum is open from Tuesday to Friday from 11:00 to 22:00 and from 11:00 to 18:00 on weekends. An adult ticket will cost DKK 145 ($19), and children under 18 enter for free.

It will take 45 minutes to get to the museum from the central station in Copenhagen by train, or you could drive and park on-site. 

Little Tilde, The Six Forgotten Giants

Little Tilde

Venture into the forest on a quest to find the Six Forgotten Giants. This unique day trip from Copenhagen is a great adventure for families and those after a day out in nature. The Forgotten Giants are a collection of six huge art pieces sculpted from recycled wood. Each piece is unique and depicts a quirky-looking giant that will make you feel like you’ve fallen into the pages of your favorite fairy tale.

Hidden between lush gardens, meadows, and forests in suburban Copenhagen, you’ll have to search high and low for these unique art installations, which are not sign-posted or marked on any maps.

The artist who built the giants, Thomas Dambo, designed them for this exact reason – to get locals and tourists outdoors and exploring!

The Six Forgotten Giants are located off the beaten track in a forested parkland just west of the city, and will take 50 minutes to travel to by train. There’s no need for a tour guide for this day trip. You’ll just have to explore the meadows and find as many giants as you can on your own time!

Full-Day Trips in Copenhagen

If you’re planning a longer stay in Copenhagen , I highly recommend taking a full day or two to explore the beautiful areas around (and outside) the Capital Region. From stunning natural phenomena to historic cities, there’s a ton to see once you leave the city borders.

Kronborg Castle in Helsingør

Kronborg Castle in Helsingør

Visiting the Kronborg Castle and stronghold in Helsingør is, without a doubt, one of the best Copenhagen day trips. Located just north of the city on the northeastern tip of Zealand, Helsingør is just a 40-minute drive from Copenhagen or a 45-minute train ride.

Kronborg Castle, one of Europe’s important Renaissance landmarks, is the most famous attraction in the town. Kronborg was in fact the inspiration for the castle of ‘Elsinore’ from William Shakespeare’s Hamlet play. Not only is this architectural feat a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a long-standing history, but it has also found its way into English literature and culture.

The castle dates back to the 1420s when it was a stronghold built by King Eric VII to control the entrance to the Baltic Sea. From the 1500s, King Frederick II had the castle transformed into the exquisite renaissance masterpiece you can see today. 

Like the Frederiksborg Castle, this castle was also destroyed by a fire and rebuilt in the 1600s. Since then, it was besieged by the Swedes and transformed from a royal residence into an army barracks, before it was converted into a historic public attraction.

During your day trip, you’ll be able to soak in ocean views across the Øresund Strait, visit prison dungeons under the castle, and marvel at original tapestries of past Danish kings.

Suggested trips: Private Castle Tour and 4-Hour Private Castle Tour from Copenhagen

Odense

Known as Denmark’s garden island, Odense is a beautiful island city in the center of Funen. Scattered with manor houses and palaces, the town is named after the Norse God of War, Wisdom, and Poetry but is best known for being the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen. 

You’re probably familiar with The Little Mermaid, The Princess and the Pea, and Thumbelina. Well, Hans Christian Anderson was the author of these iconic fairy tales, and many more. But not in the Disney princess way we all know.

It’s hard to ignore the beauty of Odense, which significantly influenced the author in the 1800s. There are many annual festivals held in the city that bring the lively imagination of Andersen to life. 

As you wander through the culture and history, you can get a real sense of what life was like a couple of hundred years ago. However, the city is also an urban center with an exciting metropolitan scene, where you can enjoy a park stroll, eat at highly rated restaurants, or do some shopping.  

As one of the most beautiful day trips from Copenhagen, Odense is just a two-hour drive or an hour and a half train ride from the central station.

Roskilde

Once the capital city of Denmark, Roskilde has a long history that dates back to the pre-Christian Viking Age. Located at the bottom end of the Roskilde Fjord, just a half-hour train ride west of Copenhagen, Roskilde is one of the most picturesque seaside villages in the Capital Region.

Thousands of years ago, Vikings used to sail the seas and conquer land across the North Atlantic area. At the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde, you can take a step back into the past and check out some authentic Viking ships. The museum is built around five Skuldelev vessels, following the history of the Vikings who traveled on them, how they lived, and the places they conquered.

The museum has permanent exhibitions, temporary collections and hosts events throughout the year. There is also a museum restaurant that serves traditional Nordic Viking food, which is a top activity for those with young kids.

But Roskilde has more to offer than just its Viking history. The city is home to a UNESCO-listed Gothic cathedral which houses 39 tombs of the Danish monarchs. Descend into underground crypts and find quiet under the vaulted ceilings of this 1000-year-old masterpiece.

If you visit during August, you could join the hundreds of thousands of visitors who journey to the city for the annual Roskilde Festival, Denmark’s largest music festival with a vast international following.

Suggested trips: Roskilde, Frederiksborg & Kronborg Day Tour and Private Tour to the Viking City

Nestled on the Øresund coast, just an hour and a half by train from Copenhagen, Hornbæk is a picturesque seaside town referred to as the ‘Danish Riviera.’ It’s just north of Helsingør, which makes it a great Copenhagen day trip spot, and an excellent place to stay overnight if you plan on visiting the beach and the castles of Helsingør over two consecutive days.

The town is best known for its gorgeous beaches, calm waters, and fashionable holiday homes, which you can rent for a few nights. This contemporary cottage on Airbnb is perfect for a group of six.

It’s a popular seaside destination for Copenhagen locals, who often spend the summer months along this coastline. Although a small town, Hornbæk does have a little downtown district where you can grab a bite to eat and do some boutique shopping. 

The main reason people visit is to relax on the beach, catch some sun, and enjoy delicious fresh seafood. You can rent a stand-up paddleboard, and paddle across the calm waters to view this quaint fishing village from a different perspective.

Gilleleje 

Gilleleje

When the city atmosphere gets too overwhelming, there are plenty of gorgeous coastal villages near Copenhagen where you can catch a breath of fresh air (and some much-needed sunshine). Gilleleje is one of the main towns in the Hovedstaden Region, located at the very top point of North Zealand.

This picturesque fishing village combines a relaxing beach town atmosphere with a commercialized fishing town buzz. The focal point of the town is, without a doubt the harbor, where you can walk the piers, enjoy some fresh seafood, and soak up the local culture of the village.

While the authentic harbor is the largest commercial port in the area, the beaches surrounding Gilleleje remain a peaceful retreat from busy life in Copenhagen. Many locals visit the area during the summer for a break from the city hustle and bustle. It is a genuine, local town still unpolluted by tourist traps.

The drive from Copenhagen to Gilleleje will take about an hour, or you could hop on a train and arrive within an hour and fifteen minutes. If you want to extend your day trip from Copenhagen, book a night in this cozy seaside cabin on Airbnb for some of the best coastal views in Gilleleje.

Malmö, Sweden

Malmö, Sweden

Anyone who has glanced at a map of Copenhagen will know that the city lies just across the Øresund Strait from the Swedish city of Malmö. If you didn’t already have plans to visit Sweden , it’s a quick and easy trip away!

Malmö is a small coastal city, just 40 minutes away from Copenhagen by train. A train ride from one city to the other has first-class views of the strait from the famous Øresund Bridge, which is the longest combined railway and motorway bridge in Europe. 

While this architectural feat is worth a visit in itself, the city of Malmö is an exciting place, with many lush parks to explore. As Sweden’s third largest city, it is a metropolitan European city with a unique history to share. 

Be sure to take a walk through the central area known as Möllevångstorget, as well as the Lilla Torg square to admire the authentic Swedish architecture.

The historic Malmö Castle is also worth checking out on your day trip from Copenhagen. This castle houses the City Museum, National History Museum, the Malmö Museum of Art, and even a small aquarium.

When you’ve soaked up enough Swedish culture and history, lay out a blanket and wind down in either the Kungsparken or Slottsträdgården, two of the city’s most beautiful parks.

Suggested trips: Malmo Tour: Crossing the Bridge to Sweden

Møns Klint

Two hours south of Copenhagen lies a natural wonder unlike anywhere else in the country. Møns Klint is a stretch of limestone and chalk cliffs along the coastline of the island of Møn. This Baltic Sea phenomenon is truly spectacular, with dramatic white cliffs falling 120 meters into the blue ocean below.

At the top of the cliffs, is an ancient forest of dense greenery. Not only will outdoor enthusiasts be in awe of this natural environment, but history and archeology buffs will be fascinated by the 70 million-year-old fossils found in the area.

Your first stop on this Copenhagen day trip should be the Møns Klint steps. It is 496 steps from the top of the cliffs to the sea. There are many ways to experience this natural wonder, including kayaking or swimming in the ocean, hiking through the forests, or cycling along the edge of the cliffs.

There is no public transport between Copenhagen and Møns Klint, so your best bet would be to join a local tour, or hire a car and make the journey yourself. The drive will take two hours and is a beautiful road trip in itself. 

Dragør

You might have heard that Nordic people are the ‘happiest’ people in the world. Well, Dragør is known as the home of the happiest Danes. Founded in the 12th century, Dragør was a prosperous seafaring town with one of the largest fishing fleets in the country. 

In the 16th Century, the king of Denmark invited Dutch farmers to farm the land surrounding the village, bringing a wealth of Dutch ancestry into the region.

Today, this coastal town is a picturesque location for a day trip from Copenhagen. It’s just a half-hour train ride or drive from the heart of the city, and the perfect spot to escape the crowds and buzz of the capital.

During your visit, explore the winding streets of Dragør Old Town. You’ll find pastel-colored buildings with thatched roofs from 200 years ago. As well as the Dragør Museum, that is an old home converted into a museum showcasing the history of this fishing village.

If the weather allows, stop at the child-friendly MorMor beach and enjoy the shallow and calm waters overlooking views of the Øresund bridge.

Lund, Sweden

Lund, Sweden

Most well known for its respected university and the lively student lifestyle that comes with it, Lund is a beautiful Swedish city that makes for an exciting day trip from Copenhagen. As a matter of fact, the city is home to the healthiest and youngest population in Sweden!

Lund is located just across the Øresund Strait, an hour’s train journey from Copenhagen. It’s just inland from the ocean, one stop further than Malmö. 

You could spend an entire day exploring this small city, so make sure you depart Copenhagen early enough to make the most of your day. For your first stop, I recommend visiting the University and its beautiful buildings, which are scattered throughout most of the city center. 

If history and archeology get you excited, take some time to explore the Lund University Historical Museum, which houses archeological artifacts and relics from the Stone and Bronze Ages.

The city’s main landmark is the Lund Cathedral, which has been towering over the city since 1100 with a Romanesque style. Once you’ve explored the cultural center, grab a bite to eat and head for one of the many nature reserves and parks around the city.

Suggested trips: Lund and Malmo: Guided Tour of Two Countries in One Day

weekend trips copenhagen

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Don’t Forget your Copenhagen Travel Insurance

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

weekend trips copenhagen

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Final Thoughts on Day Trips from Copenhagen

That brings us to the end of our list of the best day trips from Copenhagen. Whether you’re renting a car or are relying on the country’s brilliant transportation system, Denmark is a safe and easy country to get around. 

It is also super compact, making it easy to travel from Copenhagen across the country for day trips. In fact, it will take you just three and a half hours to drive from one side of the country to the other!

My favorite trip would have to be a road trip to Gilleleje, where you can totally disconnect from the city buzz and enjoy a relaxing beach day. I also enjoyed visiting Malmö in Sweden and ticking another country off my list.

Once you’ve soaked up the culture and beauty of the capital, there is so much more to see around Denmark, and a half-day trip or full-day adventure is undoubtedly the best way to do so.

weekend trips copenhagen

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Christina Grayt

Christina Grayt

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44 unforgettable things to do in Copenhagen with teenagers

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If you’re planning a trip to the land of hygge and bike-friendly vibes with your teenagers, prepare for a Danish delight in Copenhagen!

This city effortlessly blends historic charm with a modern edge, making it the perfect playground for families seeking cultural thrills and laid-back coolness.

Whether you explore fairy-tale castles, snap Insta-worthy pics at colourful harbours, or dive into Scandinavian design, Copenhagen has it all. In this guide, we’re spilling the beans on the coolest activities for teens.

Copenhagen apartment alternative for your stay

The official copenhagen city cards, amusement park dyrehavsbakken, shopping in copenhagen with teens, legoland billund, more travel inspiration for your trip to denmark.

So, grab your sense of adventure, pack your curiosity, and let’s uncover the top things to do in Copenhagen with teenagers.

Know before you go. Copenhagen travel tips for families with teenagers

Travelling to Copenhagen with teens can be such an enriching experience for the whole family. Denmark is one of the top family destinations in Europe. Did you know that two of the oldest amusement parks in the world are in Copenhagen?

A blonde teenage girl in the Nyhavn area of Copenhagen

Knowing travel tips and information about your destination is crucial, as it can greatly enhance your family’s holiday experience. 

Information on the best places to stay, how to get around the city, which currency to use, and more is extremely important. Our know-before-you-go tips allow you to plan your itinerary effectively, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable trip to Copenhagen with teens.

Where to stay in Copenhagen with teenagers

Great vacations with teens start with some great vacation planning. When planning a trip to Denmark with teens, you’ll never be short of options for your family’s accommodation in Copenhagen.

In the Danish capital, you can find a range of hotels, apartments, and hostels for families on holiday. You will be sure to be able to find something to fit singles, couples, and families on every budget on your family trip to Copenhagen.

  • Located near Tivoli Gardens and the Central Station, this hotel offers family rooms and suites with themed decor. It has a swimming pool, a fitness centre, and several dining options, including a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views.
  • This hotel is situated near the Bella Centre and boasts modern, family-friendly rooms and suites. It features a Sky Bar with stunning city views, an on-site restaurant, and a fitness centre.
  • Overlooking the waterfront, this hotel offers spacious family rooms and suites. It has a prime location near popular attractions, a fitness centre, and a Danish cuisine restaurant.
  • A budget-friendly option, this hotel provides family rooms in a central location. While it doesn’t have a pool, it offers clean, comfortable accommodation with easy access to city sights.
  • Designed by Arne Jacobsen, this iconic hotel offers family-friendly suites with stylish interiors. It features a restaurant serving Nordic cuisine, a fitness centre, and a central location.
  • Located near Tivoli Gardens and the Central Station, this hotel offers family rooms with contemporary design. It has a rooftop bar, restaurant, and fitness centre.

If you’re not keen on any of our picks below or have specific needs for your teen travel holidays, we recommend using Hotels.com and Trip Advisor to find the best prices in Copenhagen for your family vacation to Northern Europe.

If you prefer a home away from home-style accommodation on your holiday with teenagers in Copenhagen, an apartment is the best choice for your family vacation.

This city has many apartment choices for singles, families, and those on a budget. You can search VRBO for tourist-class apartments in cities worldwide.

an apartment in Copenhagen with waterside views that can be rented on plum guide

If you’re looking for something a bit fancier,  discover Plum Guide’s   exceptional luxury apartments, handpicked for their stunning views, prime locations, and indulgent amenities.

With meticulous quality checks and a focus on unique experiences, they offer the perfect blend of luxury and comfort. Experience the extraordinary and create unforgettable memories in these truly special accommodations.

Getting to Copenhagen

Copenhagen is renowned as one of the top family destinations in Northern Europe, along with Oslo and Stockholm , making it perfect for travelling with teenagers. As the capital of Denmark, it is well-connected by highways, long-distance buses, trains, and planes, making it incredibly accessible for families. This ease of transportation makes the city one of the most convenient family travel destinations in Europe.

  • Copenhagen Airport is the largest and busiest airport in the Nordic countries. Copenhagen is served by over 60 different airlines.   Copenhagen Airport is centrally located, only 8 kilometres from the city centre. There is a train station at the airport for direct transfers to the city centre.
  • Book your   airport-to-hotel  transfer  with Kiwi Taxis.
  • Long-distance international trains to Copenhagen mostly go via Hamburg, where you must change trains. Copenhagen is a hub for train travel around the Nordic region. This makes adding day trips from Copenhagen easy. Book your domestic and international   trains to and from Copenhagen with Omio .
  • Copenhagen can be reached directly by bus from 108 destinations in Europe. Book all your bus tickets to Copenhagen with Flixbus, with popular routes, including Stockholm to Copenhagen.
  • Driving in Denmark is super easy. If you’re planning a road trip in Denmark, you can conveniently pick up a rental car at Copenhagen Airport or dedicated sites in the city.

How to get around Copenhagen

The S-trains are a hybrid urban-suburban rail service that serves the Copenhagen urban area, excluding Amager. Operating between 05:00 in the morning and 00:30 at night, Line F runs every 4-5 minutes, while lines A, B, C, and E run every 10 minutes. Lines H and Bx have a frequency of every 20 minutes. City buses, taxis, and Uber are also readily available for transportation.

Weather in Copenhagen

Copenhagen boasts distinct seasons, requiring preparation for a comfortable visit at any time of the year. Spring’s unpredictable weather (41°F to 59°F, 5°C to 15°C) calls for layers, waterproof jackets, and umbrellas.

In summer (59°F to 72°F, 15°C to 22°C), bring lightweight clothing, sunscreen, and a water bottle. For the Fall season (50°F to 59°F, 10°C to 15°C) bring comfortable clothes, scarves, gloves, and umbrellas .

Winter (32°F to 41°F, 0°C to 5°C) requires warm layers , including heavy coats, gloves, hats, scarves, and thermal underwear.

Copenhagen for international visitors

International travel to Copenhagen requires some additional planning. Purchasing a travel insurance policy for your holiday in Denmark is essential.

2 teenage girls having fun in Copenhagen

Medical care is not cheap; if you want good-quality care, it can be very expensive in a foreign country if you don’t have travel insurance.

The official currency of Denmark is the Danish Krone. If you use your bank account from home, you will be stung with high transaction fees, while your mobile phone calls will all be charged at an international rate. These are just some of the things you need to think about on a vacation with teens .

  • For international travellers, travel insurance is a must. Get a quote through Insurance Masters, and don’t go home with a huge bill for medical expenses.
  • Do you need a visa to visit Copenhagen? Denmark may require you to have a visa or an ETA (electronic travel authorisation) to enter the country. You can check and buy these documents at iVisa.
  • Load a Revolut Travel Money card with Danish Krone for your visit and save on transaction fees.
  • Make phone calls with an international SIM card that you can buy before leaving home or buy a voucher for a virtual e-sim for your mobile phone.
  • A 4G pocket Wi-Fi modem is essential for accessing the internet. You can rent a pocket modem that you can pick up at the airport or your hotel or buy a pocket modem that you can use on all future trips with your phone, tablet, or computer.
  • Make sure you grab a VPN for your family travels in Denmark. VPN Proxy Master has plans available from one month to one year to help keep your data safe from hackers and malware while travelling.

Where can I go in Copenhagen if my teenager is ill?

If your teenager is ill in Copenhagen, there are several options for treatment.

  • Rigshospitalet Address: Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen Ø
  • Urgent Care Centres: You can visit urgent care centres for less severe medical issues requiring prompt attention but not emergencies. “Akutklinik” or “Akutcenter” are terms you might look for, and they are often attached to hospitals. They can assist with a wide range of health concerns.

Explore over 40 or 80 attractions in Copenhagen with Copenhagen City Cards. The cards provide free entry to Copenhagen attractions such as Tivoli Gardens, Rosenborg Castle, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, the Copenhagen Zoo, and more.

The card comes in 2 different options: the 40+ attractions with the HOP card and the 80+ attractions with the Discover Card .

Things to do in Copenhagen with teenagers

Travelling with teenagers can be a unique and rewarding experience. Teenagers often have their own interests and preferences regarding travel, making it important to plan a vacation that caters to their needs.

In this article, you will find plenty of options for Copenhagen activities for families with teens to keep them engaged and entertained while on vacation.

This is the world’s oldest amusement park and is a great place for teenagers to have fun and enjoy the rides. Bakken has no entrance fee, and families can explore for free. Those looking to enjoy any 32 rides can do so by placing credit on wristbands or paying cash.

Tivoli Gardens

One of Europe’s most famous theme parks, Tivoli Gardens , features a variety of rides , attractions , and performances, as well as beautiful gardens and lakes.

A roller Coaster at night at the Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen

Teens can enjoy popular rides such as the Demon, the TikTok, and the classic Carousel. Just be aware that Tivoli Gardens closes briefly in the winter months after Christmas. Book an unlimited ride-day pass.

The Little Mermaid

A visit to this iconic statue is a must-do while in Copenhagen.

Iconic Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen against a scenic backdrop, symbolizing the enchanting charm of the city

Located on the waterfront in the Langelinie promenade, the statue represents Hans Christian Andersen’s fairytale of the same name.

The National Museum of Denmark

This museum is great for teenagers to learn about Danish history and cultur e. It also offers many interactive exhibits and activities that will keep them engaged.

Things to do in Copenhagen with kids – Scavenger hunt

These activities are sometimes called scavenger, treasure, and mystery hunts. Basically, they are games played with an app on your phone where you will discover popular and lesser-known sights of the city as you solve clues and tackle challenges to complete the adventure.

They are a non-traditional sightseeing tour with a purpose: to keep things interesting. Scavenger hunts provide outdoor adventures for teenagers in Copenhagen. Some of the best hunts in Copenhagen are:

  • The Heist in Nyhavn – Interactive Mystery Hunt
  • Murder Mystery Hunt in Copenhagen
  • Family Treasure Hunt Mission – Build a Copenhagen Spaceship

Rosenborg Castle

The most easily accessible castle in Copenhagen is Rosenborg Castle. Rosenborg Castle in central Copenhagen offers visitors a chance to explore the 400-year history of Danish royalty.

A young teenage girl standing out the front of Rosenborg Castle

The castle is home to the stunning crown jewels and was originally built in 1606-1607 as a summerhouse by Christian IV. Book your skip-the-line entry tickets for Rosenborg.

Visit Christiania

This is an autonomous neighbourhood in the city known for its alternative lifestyle and counterculture. It’s a unique place to visit and offers a glimpse into an alternative way of life.

Carlsberg Brewery

Carlsberg Brewery is located in the city and offers a brewery tour and a chance to sample the famous Danish beer. This is more suited to older teens, but kids of any age are allowed if accompanied by their parents.

Visit the Zoo

The Copenhagen Zoo is one of the best in Europe and offers a wide variety of animals worldwide.

One of the Giant Pandas that live at Copenhagen Zoo

One of the highlights is seeing Mao Sun and Xing Er, the two giant pandas that call Copenhagen Zoo home. Book your entry tickets today .

Christiansborg Palace

If there is one thing Europe does well, it is its palaces and castles. Denmark has some fantastic locations to visit. Christiansborg Palace , while stunning, is also home to the Danish parliament and offers tours of the palace and its beautiful gardens. You can make it more interesting by doing the free mobile scavenger hunt.

The Round Tower

Built in the 17th century, the Round Tower was constructed as an observatory and library.

The hostoric Round Tower in Copenhagen

Families can get to the top via a spiral ramp, making it one of the oldest functioning observatories in Europe. The view from the top offers a breathtaking panorama of Copenhagen.

Consider visiting during different times of the day to experience varying lighting conditions and views from the top. The tower does have a lift for people with mobility issues.

Nyhavn is one of Copenhagen’s most iconic and vibrant areas, known for its harbour lined with colourful buildings.

Nyhavn waterfront in Copenhagen, a picturesque scene with colorful buildings, boats, and a vibrant atmosphere

Nyhavn’s waterfront is especially charming, and it’s a popular spot for both locals and tourists.

Nyhavn is a hub for boat tours to explore Copenhagen’s waterways , passing by key landmarks and learning about the city’s history. Call in at the street food market at the end of Nyhavn, known as “Broens Gadekøkken.

Experimentarium

The science centre is a fun and interactive way to learn about science and technology. Teens will love the Experimentarium in Copenhagen for its interactive science exhibits, cutting-edge technology, and hands-on approach. The museum has live science shows and group-friendly activities.

With themed zones covering diverse scientific concepts, the Experimentarium connects learning to real-life applications, making it relevant and interesting.

Cophill Skiing and Snowboarding

CopenHill is Copenhagen’s epicentre for mountain sports. An artificial hill and surface in Copenhagen allow you to go skiing and snowboarding at any time of the year.

An artificial hill in Copenhagen made for skiing

The ski slope accommodates beginners and experienced skiers, with different sections designated as black, red, and blue/green runs.

You can get a ski pass   and equipment and take lessons onsite. There is also a ski café at the slope’s bottom and a restaurant with a roof terrace at the top.

Family fun adventures in Copenhagen – Segway Tour

Nothing is more fun than zipping around a city on a Segway , capturing every thrilling moment with an action camera strapped to your helmet. For teens, this has to be one of the best things to do in Copenhagen. 

A Segway Tour is a great opportunity to have fun and learn about the city, all while recording unforgettable videos capturing the laughter and joy as you and your family explore the city together!

National Aquarium of Denmark

Denmark’s National Aquarium, Den Blå Planet, is the largest in Northern Europe.

families standing in a glass tunnel at the National Aquarium of Denmark

The aquarium has seven million litres of water over five sections, representing diverse species and habitats.

The Ocean Tank showcases hammerhead sharks and rays that swim over you as you walk through an underwater tunnel: the Tropical Rainforest section houses piranhas, arapaimas, tiny frogs, and other exciting creatures. Book your entry tickets today.

Ripleys, believe it or not!

Visiting Ripleys to see the strange and unique is a great idea in Copenhagen with kids. Based on a show of the same name from the 1980s, you can explore 12 galleries and more than 500 exhibits at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Copenhagen .

Explore Ripley’s Attic, a secret collection of oddities, incredible art, and memorabilia. The Torture Gallery features horrifying instruments like a genuine chastity belt and iron maiden. Two floors of fun and illusions await families in the unbelievable Odditorium.

Copenhagen: Hop on hop off bus .

A Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour is a great way to give you an overview of the city , especially in a bustling destination like Copenhagen.

Tourist bus in Copenhagen, offering a convenient and comfortable way to explore the city's attractions and landmarks with teenagers

The carefully curated bus route takes you to all the Copenhagen attractions, allowing you to see everything from The Little Mermaid to Nyhabe.

It’s a fantastic opportunity to capture stunning photos with your family, and the convenience of the tour bus allows you to get out and visit all the top tourist spots in Copenhagen for families.

The Tube Immersive Experience

The Tube is an immersive experience that aims to challenge your perception and play tricks on your mind. The experience will challenge your balance and senses, cross the vortex tunnel, and allow you to explore an unforgettable experience. Get ready for an immersive experience with 15 different rooms full of surprises.

Are you looking to save some money on popular attractions? Why not grab a combo entry ticket to the Tivoli Gardens and the Tube Immersive Experience?

Walking Tours in Copenhagen

A walking tour can be a fantastic way for families to explore a new city or destination while on vacation. It allows families to immerse themselves in a place’s local culture and history, providing a fun and educational experience for both kids and adults.

To make the most of this family adventure, it’s essential to remember a few things: wear a comfortable pair of walking shoes and appropriate clothing for summer or winter.

Some of the best walking tours in Copenhagen include:

  • Copenhagen Highlights Express 2-Hour Walking Tour
  •  Self-Guided Audio Walking Private Tour in Copenhagen

Ghost story tours are a popular tourist attraction in many parts of the world. They are usually conducted by a guide who tells stories about the ghosts and legends of the area.

The tour guides often dress in period costumes to add to the atmosphere. To make the experience more authentic, the tours usually take place at night, when it is dark and spooky. In Copenhagen, you can head out on a walk with ghosts through Copenhagen. Tour .

Copenhagen in Summer – Go swimming in the Island Brygge Harbour Baths.

Islands Brygge Harbour Bath offers open-air swimming in Copenhagen’s clean harbour. It is a popular summertime activity for locals and visitors.

The public swimming area in Copenhagen at Brygge Harbour Baths

The location, right across the bridge from the city centre, has a lawn for sunbathing, picnics, and games.

There are five pools available, two of which are specifically for children. The shallowest pool is 30 cm deep, and other pools have diving and jumping towers that are one, three, and five metres high.

Rage rooms are cool things to do in Copenhagen with teens. These unique spaces provide a safe and exciting outlet for teenagers to smash stuff like glassware and electronics.

It’s an empowering and unconventional experience in a controlled and safe environment. Add a rage room to any Copenhagen with teens itinerary.

Things to do in Copenhagen with teenage girls – High Tea

High tea started out as a quintessentially British thing. This afternoon tea tradition involves savoury sandwiches, cakes, pastries, and tea. It’s a cherished ritual for mothers and daughters that often brings them closer together.

High tea elegance with a touch of teenage charm

If you want something to do with teenage girls in Copenhagen, you should experience high tea firsthand. There are plenty of places to go in Copenhagen, but be warned—it can be quite addictive! Once you’ve tasted those delicious treats, you’ll likely want to indulge again and again.

You will find the best high and afternoon teas in Copenhagen at the Nimb Bar and Cafe Royal at the Radisson.

Mum and daughter activities in Copenhagen – Day Spa

How about a mum-and-daughter bonding day in Copenhagen with a spa experience? Enjoy a relaxing day in Copenhagen with saunas, steam rooms, massages, and pool areas. Copenhagen has several choices, including the Asian-inspired Ni’mat Massage & Spa , Nimb Wellness and The Arndal Spa.

Watching sporting events in Copenhagen.

Copenhagen boasts a vibrant sports scene, with football and ice hockey taking centre stage. Telia Parken, home to FC Copenhagen, sets the pitch for intense football matches, offering a spirited atmosphere for fans. In 2024, F.C. Copenhagen will be playing in the UEFA Champions League.

The city also embraces ice hockey, and the Rødovre Mighty Bulls represent local pride on the ice. Ice hockey enthusiasts can catch thrilling games, especially during the colder months. Both sports contribute to Copenhagen’s energetic sports culture.

The most Instagrammable shots in Copenhagen.

The best family vacations for teens always incorporate something they love. Social media plays a crucial role in their lives, and teenagers often use platforms like Instagram to stay connected with friends, share their interests, and express themselves creatively.

A young adult female taking pictures of Copenhagen from an elevated position

We recommend considering a few Instagram-worthy spots like The Bicycle Snake, The Kings Garden, and the Copenhagen Canals if you plan a vacation to Copenhagen. You will find many teen-approved Copenhagen sights to take great pictures at.

One great idea is to explore the city with a small tripod and gimbal . These handy tools will help capture stable and stunning shots , perfect for your teens’ Instagram feed.

Copenhagen Tiktok inspiration

If you need some inspiration, look no further than TikTok. This app is full of creative content and talented people from Vail. From fashion to beauty to DIY, there’s something for everyone on TikTok. Here are a few of our favourite Copenhagen TikTok accounts to help inspire you and plan your vacation.

  • Copenhagen Spots
  • Copenhagen Food Story

Professional photoshoot in Copenhagen

Capture your precious family vacation memories forever with a professional photoshoot! Cherish those genuine smiles, laughter, and love shared during your holiday.

Let a skilled photographer freeze those beautiful moments in time, creating timeless keepsakes you’ll treasure for generations to come. Don’t miss the chance to make your family’s holiday memories last a lifetime!

Get event tickets for Copenhagen attractions and activities

Search Ticketmaster for concerts, theatre, stage shows, and sporting events. Ticketmaster is a global ticketing platform that facilitates the purchase and sale of event tickets.

As a leading ticket marketplace, it connects consumers with live entertainment, including concerts, sports events, and theatre shows in Copenhagen.

Street Art in Copenhagen

Street art is found worldwide but is especially prevalent in major cities. Cities are home to a wealth of street art, from graffiti on building walls to pieces painted on lanes and bridges.

Vibrant expressions on Copenhagen's canvas

Street art provides a unique aesthetic for these places, with topics including current events, pop culture, portraits, and more. Street art is a popular free thing in Copenhagen and attracts tourists and teenagers alike.

The best street art in Copenhagen can be found in Nordvest , near the city centre.

Pin Bowling in Copenhagen with teenagers .

If you’re looking for a bit of fun, friendly family competition with kids, then 10-pin bowling might be just the family activity in Copenhagen for you and your teen travellers .

Most bowling alleys are entertainment centres featuring amusement, food, and drink options. You will find some of the best bowling locations in Copenhagen at City Bowling and World Cup Hallen .

Bike riding in Copenhagen

Bike tours in Copenhagen offer a sense of adventure and exploration , allowing teenagers to discover new places and hidden gems.

weekend trips copenhagen

Joining a bike tour allows teenagers to socialise and bond with other participants.

Most cities have bike rental options , so you can explore independently, making it a convenient and affordable way to see the sites.

Family holidays in Copenhagen – Going to the cinema

Great vacations with teens have a mix of everything! Watching a movie is popular with teenagers anywhere in the world. Going to the cinema in Copenhagen with teenagers is a great evening activity.

You will find state-of-the-art screens and sound to watch the latest blockbusters. You can use this Trip Advisor guide to find the best cinemas in Copenhagen.

Escape rooms for teens in Copenhagen.

Escape rooms are adventure games where players must solve puzzles and riddles to escape a themed room within a set time limit. They have become a popular form of entertainment, offering a unique and immersive experience for families and teens.

Escape rooms may consist of a large, single room or multiple rooms. Players are given a set time limit to unveil the secret plot hidden within the rooms.

If your travelling teen likes this stuff, it is one of the top things to do in Copenhagen with teenagers. You can find one of the best escape rooms at Escape Room by Midgaard Event .

Going to the gym in Copenhagen for young adults.

Fitness is very important to many teenagers, and being on a family vacation in Copenhagen is no reason to miss a session. Working out is a big part of a healthy lifestyle. Just because one is travelling does not mean one needs to stop working out.

In Copenhagen, you can go to several gyms that sell passes ranging from a day to a week and a month. Search the Trainaway Fit website for locations or grab a Copenhagen Fitness Pass .

Shopping with teenagers in Copenhagen can be an exciting and challenging experience while on vacation.

Walking down a shopping street in Copenhagen

Teenagers often have unique tastes and preferences regarding fashion and entertainment, making it important to find shopping destinations that cater to their interests.

Whether exploring high-end boutiques or browsing through vintage markets, there are plenty of options to keep teenagers engaged and entertained while shopping during a vacation.

Below, you will find some great recommendations on where to shop with teens in Copenhagen. The city centre offers diverse shopping options for every budget and style.

Explore fashionable streets like Pilestræde, Larsbjørnstræde, Sønder Boulevard, and more. Explore premium department stores like ILLUM, Illums Bolighus, and Magasin du Nord.

Free things to do in Copenhagen with teens

Copenhagen offers some of the best free things to do with your teenage family members.

The changing of the Royal Guard in Copenhagen

These free city activities for teens are perfect for keeping everyone happy and entertained without spending money. Our recommendations for free activities in Copenhagen for families are as follows:

  • Go hunting for the six wooden giants in the woods of Copenhagen’s suburbs.
  • Changing of the Royal Guard at Amalienborg Palace.

What to do in Copenhagen this weekend

There are numerous things to do in Copenhagen this weekend, such as visiting historical landmarks, attending cultural festivals, and exploring renowned museums.

On any given weekend in Copenhagen, you will see many events, such as concerts, markets, festivals, and sporting activities. Search the Visit Copenhagen website for things to do in Copenhagen today.

Annual events in Copenhagen that teens will love .

Copenhagen is a city with a rich culture and history. Many annual events occur in Copenhagen and can be enjoyed by families and teens visiting Denmark. Some of these events include:

  • Distortion Festival: A multi-day electronic music festival that takes over different neighbourhoods in Copenhagen with street parties, concerts, and events.
  • Copenhagen Games: A major esports event featuring competitive gaming tournaments. It attracts gamers worldwide and includes popular titles like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and League of Legends.
  • Copenhagen Comic Con: Ideal for fans of comics, anime, and pop culture, this convention offers cosplay opportunities, gaming zones, and meet-and-greets with celebrities.

These events help to make Copenhagen a vibrant and exciting city to visit on your next family travel vacation.

Day trips with teens

While staying in Copenhagen with teenagers on your family holiday, a day trip to see a bit more of the surrounding area is highly recommended.

Some fun trips for teenagers and families from the Danish capital can be made out of the city. These added attractions allow families on vacation to experience new adventures beyond the city.

On a day trip from Copenhagen, pack essentials like sunscreen, water, snacks, a waterproof dry bag, a   power bank, and shoes for an enjoyable and memorable experience with your teenagers.

Below are a couple of day trip recommendations for families travelling with teenagers.

Malmo Sweden

Located only 46 kilometres away, a day trip to Malmo is a great chance to introduce your family to another country. Just under an hour away, you can hire a car, catch a train or do a tour of Malmo .

an ariel view of the city of Malmo in Sweden

You can explore Malmöhus Castle and dive into interactive displays at the Technology and Maritime Museum. Stroll around Stortorget in the Old Town or relax at Ribersborg Beach. You will find plenty to do in Malmo.

Roskilde is just 30 minutes away from Copenhagen. It offers families a chance to experience Viking heritage.

a viking ship on display at Roskilde in Denmark

The Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde allows visitors to travel back a thousand years and explore Viking ships .

Free transport and admission are available with the Copenhagen Card . You can also visit the Ragnarok Museum of Pop, Rock, and Youth Culture.

Legoland is one of the most popular theme parks in Denmark and is a great place for teenagers to enjoy a variety of rides and attractions, as well as a range of interactive Lego exhibits.

Things to do in Copenhagen for young adults

Copenhagen, the spirited heart of Denmark, is not just a city; it’s a playground for young adults seeking a mix of culture , history, and vibrant energy. Prepare to embark on an adventure where the past meets the present, art mingles with innovation, and the nightlife is nothing short of electric.

Start your journey at the captivating Nyhavn, a picturesque waterfront with colourful buildings and lively cafes. Cruise the city’s waterways or rent a bike to navigate the streets and discover the iconic Little Mermaid statue, a symbol of Copenhagen’s enchanting charm.

To taste alternative culture, catch a performance at the innovative Republique Theatre or explore the contemporary art scene at the National Gallery of Denmark. Dive into the city’s history at the National Museum or marvel at the futuristic architecture of the Black Diamond and the Royal Library.

Copenhagen’s culinary scene is a feast for foodies , with trendy eateries, food markets, and street vendors offering a variety of flavours. Cruise along the scenic canals or relax in the King’s Garden to soak in the city’s natural beauty.

As the sun sets, Copenhagen transforms into a vibrant nightlife hub . Join the lively atmosphere in districts like Vesterbro and Nørrebro, where eclectic bars and clubs set the stage for unforgettable nights. Dance away at hotspots like Culture Box or Rust.

Copenhagen’s blend of history, art, gastronomy, and nightlife beckons young adults to explore every corner and create lasting memories. Ready to immerse yourself in the lively spirit of Copenhagen?

Staying at a hostel in Copenhagen

Older teens and young adults visiting Copenhagen independently may choose to stay at a hostel. Most hostels these days are more like hotels. They have facilities like rooms with private showers and communal areas with gaming , wifi, TV, and more.

Many hostels have tour desks, bike rentals, on-site kitchens, and laundries and can organise activities for teenagers.

There is money to be saved when you can do your laundry and cook your meals. Some of the best hostels in Copenhagen are The Generator Copenhagen and The Next House Copenhagen. We have personally stayed with the generator and can highly recommend it.

Fun restaurants in Copenhagen for teens.

Whether we’re savouring local cuisine at a quaint eatery or enjoying a burger at an international chain, gathering for dinner as a family during vacation is a must at the end of the day.

The entrance to the Hard Rock Cafe in Copenhagen

It’s a great time when everyone can unwind and share their experiences and memories of the days spent travelling.

Hard Rock Cafe Copenhagen is known for its rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia and vibrant atmosphere. The Hard Rock Cafe is great for families with teenagers who love music. Enjoy American-style cuisine and take in the rock-themed decor.

Street food in Copenhagen

Street food is popular in many parts of the world. It’s a quick and easy way to get delicious local food without going to a full restaurant. Street food can be found in many different styles and options.

eating hotdog in Copenhagen, filled with onions and pickles

Some of the most well-known street foods include tacos in Mexico, Zapiekanka in Poland, Dan Dan noodles in China, and Shawarma in Middle Eastern countries.

Street food often has its origins in the cultural history of people who have immigrated to Finland in the past. Some of the most popular Copenhagen street foods include;

  • Smørrebrød: These open-faced sandwiches are a Danish classic. They come in various flavours and toppings, from herring and salmon to roast beef and pate. You’ll find them at local food stalls and markets.
  • Hot Dogs: Copenhagen’s hot dogs are legendary. Try a “Pølsevogn” (hot dog cart), where you can choose from different sausages and load them up with toppings like crispy onions, pickles, ketchup, and remoulade.
  • Frikadeller: These Danish meatballs are a delicious street food option. They’re a satisfying and savoury snack, served hot and often accompanied by a dipping sauce.

Papirøen is a great place to taste some of the best street food in Copenhagen.

Travel accessories for teenagers

For teenagers, travelling can be a fun and exciting experience. However, there are a few things that they need to take into account to make the trip as comfortable and safe as possible. One of these is ensuring that they have the necessary travel accessories.

  • Power bank   to keep phones going .
  • Action camera
  • Foldable jewellery case for girls
  • Bluetooth travel speaker
  • Compression packing cubes for luggage
  • Lightweight daypack
  • Travel Journal
  • Travel neck wallet
  • Wearable super soft travel blanket
  • Scarf with hidden pockets for money & cards

Frequently asked questions about Copenhagen

Copenhagen is one of Northern Europe’s best family city breaks and a place to vacation with teenagers. There are many things to consider when planning your family vacation. Here is a list of some of the most frequently asked questions about Copenhagen to help you make your family vacation easy and hassle-free.

Is Copenhagen good for families?

Yes, Copenhagen is an excellent destination for a family vacation. The city offers a range of attractions and activities that appeal to both children and adults.

Are two full days in Copenhagen enough?

Like any big city, the length of time you spend depends on what you want to see. You could see several popular attractions in 2 days in Copenhagen. Two days may not be enough to spend a full day at Tivoli Gardens.

How do I call the Police in Copenhagen?

Dial 114 for Police and 112 for emergency services.

Can I drink tap water in Copenhagen?

Copenhagen has some of the world’s best-tasting tap water, ensuring it is perfectly safe to drink.

What type of power sockets are used in Denmark?

In Denmark, power plugs and sockets (outlets) of  type E and type K   are used to charge phones, computers, etc.

What is the legal drinking age in Denmark for teens?

Alcohol laws in Denmark are different for spirits compared to beer and wine. The age limit for buying beer and wine in Denmark is  16 in shops and 18 in bars and restaurants . For buying alcohol with a percentage higher than 16.5%, the legal age in Denmark is 18 everywhere.

Where are the best places to stay in Copenhagen for teenagers

At the top of the article, we suggested some accommodation choices for your holiday in Copenhagen with kids. If you are looking for a wider variety of choices for your family stay accommodation, please find below an interactive map to find your perfect stay for your Copenhagen vacation.

Are you looking to book flights, hotels, apartments, tours, airport transfers, travel insurance and more for your vacation with young adults? Are you unsure what travel companies you can trust to book your family travel online? We have a family travel resource page full of companies that we personally use, trust and book through for all our family vacation trips, from a weekend away to long-term travel with older children worldwide . Click here to search our travel resources page.

We hope this article from Wyld Family Travel inspires you to visit Copenhagen with teenagers. There are so many things to do in Copenhagen with young adults that will entertain you for your family’s whole stay in the city. 

Travelling with young adults, teens, and tweens has just as many issues as travelling with young children. Choosing the best teenage vacation destinations,  working out a budget , deciding what bags and suitcases to take, travelling essentials , and more can be time-consuming. Planning family travel with teenagers and tweens can be stressful , and finding the best travel tips is essential. 

Our Travel with Teenagers Destination Guides have you covered! With insights from around the globe, these guides will spark inspiration for your next family vacation , making it an epic adventure with your teens.

  • Travel for Teens Americas
  • Travel for Teens in Europe
  • Travel with Teens in Asia
  • Travel teens in Australasia
  • Travel teens in the Middle East
  • Travel teen’s tips, tricks and advice

For more amazing ideas on where to holiday in Denmark, click our Denmark Destination Guide page for more brilliant inspiration.

Winter in Vienna -11 family vacation things you must do!
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Author bio:

Father, husband, traveller, and chief destination manager here at Wyld Family Travel. When Mark is not discussing travel or planning travel, you will find him working in disability support. Mark is a family travel advocate, having travelled to over 45 countries with his kids from 10 months to their teenage years. You will find his work here and on other popular websites.

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The beach in Tisvildeleje, north of Copenhagen, is the perfect sunset spot

11 cool day trips from Copenhagen

Are you feeling adventurous and want to explore beyond the city limits of Copenhagen? Then this is the guide for you. We've handpicked some of the best and most interesting day trips from Copenhagen just for you!

The popular one: Helsingør and Hamlet's castle

Hamlet's castle, Kronborg, in Helsingør

Enjoy the 45 minutes train ride along the coast of North Zealand to historic seaside town of Helsingør (Elsinore), where you can walk in the footsteps of Shakespeare's Hamlet at Kronborg Castle. Afterwards you can explore Denmark's maritime history at the M/S Maritime Museum which was designed by Bjarke Ingels, and wander through well preserved historical town centre.

The literary one: Odense - birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen

Hans Christian Andersen Museum in Odense

The new Hans Christian Andersen Hus museum is the hot ticket for anyone heading to Odense. Did you know that you can get from Copenhagen's Central Station to Denmark's third biggest city, by train in just an hour? That's a super easy day trip from Copenhagen!

The artsy one: Louisiana Museum of Modern Art

Louisiana Museum of Modern Art

Louisiana Museum of Modern Art is situated on the coast north of Copenhagen in a spacious, old park with a fine view across The Sound of Sweden. Louisiana Museum of Modern Art showcases six to eight major exhibitions of modern and contemporary art each year, including classical masters of modern art as well as new and upcoming international artists.

The royal one: Frederiksborg Castle

Frederiksborg Castle in North Zealand

If you're looking for razzle-dazzle extravaganza, Frederiksborg Castle is the place to go. This lavish castle is situated on three islets on the castle lake in Hillerød, which is a short train ride from Copenhagen. Often referred to as the Nordic Versailles, you'll have more than enough to keep you entertained for the day - and be sure to stroll around in the stunning Baroque garden.

The ancient one: Roskilde - city of kings and Vikings

Find your inner Viking sailing a viking ship in Roskilde Fjord

The historic, cathedral city of Roskilde awaits you - just 20 minutes from Copenhagen. Roskilde Cathedral is the last resting place of nearly 40 Danish kings and queens as well as being a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can also experience 1,000 years of history at the Viking Ship Museum, which features real Viking long boats found at the bottom of Roskilde Fjord.

The cheap one: The 6 forgotten giants

One of Thomas Dambo's hidden giants, Lille Tilde, in Vallensbæk Mose near Copenhagen

Looking for a budget-friendly day trip? Then why not go on a scavenger hunt in the forests around Copenhagen? Explore the outskirts of the city while hunting for the 6 forgotten giants created of by the artist Thomas Dambo.

The relaxing one: Tour the seaside villages on the Danish Riviera

Tisvildeleje strandhutten, vakantie aan zee, Denemarken

Take a trip through the quaint seaside villages of the Riviera. Holiday hot-spots like Hornbæk, Gilleleje and Tisvilde are old fishing villages with character, that have evolved into exclusive holiday destinations. At Gilleleje Museum, you can discover how Denmark's Jewish population escaped the Nazis during WWII, or you can visit the home of the late polar explorer, Knud Rasmussen, near Hundested.

The adventurous one: Camp Adventure Treetop Experience

Camp Adventure on Zealand

Camp Adventure, an hour south of Copenhagen, is a great place to commune with the trees - and get active at the same time. Climb the tower from the forest floor through the treetops, and discover a 360° view of Zealand's hilly landscape stretching as far as Sweden. It's a real Instagram hot spot, so be sure to bring your camera and start snapping! 

The fun-filled one: The world's oldest amusement park

Visit the world's oldest amusement park, Bakken, located just north of Copenhagen

Want to become parent of the year? Then take the S-train to Klampenborg and visit Bakken, the oldest operating amusement park in the world which dates all the way back to 1583! Try the iconic wooden roller coaster "Rutschebanen" and the many other exhilarating rides and amusements. And remember to set aside some time to stroll through the royal deer park which is right next to Bakken.

The gorgeous one: The white cliffs of Møn

The white cliffs of Møn are located south of Copenhagen

The southern coast of Zealand island is dominated by Møns Klint, the highest cliffs in the country and a fantastic place to get out walking. Take in views of the Baltic Sea and rolling landscape of South Zealand, and while you're south of Copenhagen, make sure to visit Stevns Klint, one of Denmark's UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as well.

The romantic one: A getaway to Dragsholm Castle

The romantic Dragsholm Castle on Zealand

Head to the countryside and spend some quality time with your significant other in the magnificent old Dragsholm Castle. It the perfect surroundings to make you feel like the king and queen you are. Tour the grand estate and dine like royalty in the castle's Michelin-starred restaurant. And while you're here, why not extend the day trip to a sleep over?

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18 Top-Rated Day Trips from Copenhagen

Written by Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated May 26, 2022 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

With all the tourist attractions in Copenhagen , you won't have trouble finding things to do in this exciting Nordic city. But plenty of interesting places to visit are also within easy day-trip distance. You'll find tours offered to many of these, or you can use Denmark's excellent public transportation network to visit them. Some, like the lovely fishing town of Dragør , are an easy bicycle ride away.

Denmark has some outstanding castles that you can reach from Copenhagen, the most famous of which is Kronborg Castle , the setting for Shakespeare's Hamlet . A new maritime museum and a world-class collection of modern art are nearby. Often included in a day tour to Kronborg Castle is Frederiksborg Castle , set in stunning gardens. Or you can cross the remarkable Oresund Bridge to Sweden to visit the exciting city of Malmö.

Use this handy list to plan your day trips from Copenhagen.

1. Kronborg Castle (Kronborg Slot)

2. frederiksborg castle, 3. viking ship museum and roskilde cathedral, 6. fredensborg palace, 7. egeskov castle, 8. following hans christian anderson in funen, 9. the cliffs of møn (møns klint), 10. stevns klint, 11. den blå planet (national aquarium), 12. louisiana museum of modern art, 13. lund, sweden, 14. forest tower, 15. lolland, 16. lyngby open-air museum (frilandsmuseet), 17. nykøbing, falster, 18. church of our lady, kalundborg, map of day trips from copenhagen.

Kronborg Castle (Kronborg Slot)

The castle that Shakespeare called Elsinore and used as the home of his fictional character Hamlet, has stood above the water at the head of the Øresund Sound in Helsingør since 1420. This was once one of the most important towns in Europe, controlling access to the Baltic and collecting tolls from passing ships. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site , the Kronborg Castle you see today was rebuilt in 1640 after a fire in 1629.

The Castle Chapel survived the fire, and its Renaissance interior and German woodcarvings remain intact. Tapestries in the West Wing and the Knights' Hall are the other main highlights. Various guided tours explore the castle's history, including the crypts deep beneath it.

Each summer, you can see performances of Hamlet at the annual Shakespeare Festival at Kronborg Castle . Helsingør is a 45-minute train ride from Copenhagen Central Station.

Not far from Kronborg Castle, the unique underground Maritime Museum of Denmark makes dramatic use of the former dry dock to tell the story of Danish shipbuilding and illustrate the country's rich maritime history. Along with static exhibits are large video projections that take full advantage of the museum's unique architecture.

Frederiksborg Castle

Set in beautiful Baroque gardens and reflected in the lake that surrounds it, the Dutch Renaissance-style Frederiksborg Palace was built in the early 1600s by King Christian IV. A fire in 1859 destroyed much of the original, but it was rebuilt in its former style.

The palace chapel survived the fire intact, and much of the rest of the palace is devoted to the Museum of National History , with exhibits on the history of the castle and of Denmark, along with a sizeable art collection that includes historical paintings, portraits, and modern art.

The palace occupies three small islands, and all around the castle is the Palace Garden , a romantic landscaped garden that has been re-created from the original 1725 plans and drawings. In it is the Badstueslot, the small Bath House Palace built in the time of King Frederik II, and a summer café.

You can easily see both Kronborg and Frederiksborg castles in one day by taking the Grand Day Trip around Copenhagen , and on the same tour see the two major tourist attractions in Roskilde, described below.

Address: Møntportvejen 10, Hillerød

Frederiksborg Castle - Floor plan map

Five Viking ships that were recovered from underwater are the focus of the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde , spectacularly displayed in a hall that was built to showcase them against a full view across Roskilde Harbor and the fjord. Exhibits tell the fascinating history of these ships and their recovery and preservation, and throughout the several buildings that make up the museum, you'll learn more about these ships and the Nordic maritime experience in the prehistoric and medieval eras.

As fascinating as the ships themselves is the shipyard, where you can watch the building of reproduction Viking ships and other traditional Nordic wooden ships. You can take a cruise of Roskilde Fjord on one of these from May through September.

Other boats in the museum's collection include Nordic wooden boats from throughout Scandinavia. The museum includes a studio where adults and children can learn handcrafts of the Viking age. The boats, cruises, demonstrations, hands-on experiences, and things to do here make this one of the region's most popular places to visit for families.

While in Roskilde, visit the beautiful Roskilde Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site . The present brick church, begun in the 1170s and completed a century later, is one of the earliest examples of Gothic architecture in Northern Europe. Inside the medieval cathedral are buried Viking kings Harald Bluetooth and his son Sweyn Forkbeard and more than 35 kings and queens of Denmark.

Roskilde cathedral holds the world record for the number of royal burials in a church, but it is the artistry, rather than the numbers that will appeal to visitors. Each is in the artistic style of its era, and they range from medieval stone carving to Baroque to Neo-classical to modern. Panels in Danish and English give more information about the history and architecture.

Roskilde is a 30-minute train ride from Copenhagen Central Train Station, and both the cathedral and Viking Ship Museum are often included in full-day tours of attractions around Copenhagen.

Address: Vindeboder 12, Roskilde

Official site: http://www.vikingeskibsmuseet.dk/en/

Dragør

One of the prettiest villages in Denmark, the fishing town of Dragør is the perfect place to visit for a 12-kilometer bike ride across the Amager Fælled moorland and along the coast. Once here, explore streets lined with small thatched cottages and visit the museum at the picturesque harbor.

You can also tour a local farmhouse to learn about local life and traditions of this town settled by Dutch farmers, who were invited here to grow vegetables for the king's household. Dragør also has a strong fishing history. In the summer, art and music festivals are held here, and you'll often find open-air markets as well.

Bring a picnic to enjoy overlooking the water or stop at one of the several cafés and restaurants at the harbor. You can also reach Dragør by bus from the city center.

Malmö

It's an easy day trip from Copenhagen to the Swedish city of Malmö, across the spectacular Øresund Bridge that connects Denmark to Sweden. You can learn about Malmö's history on a scenic canal cruise; enjoy the lively atmosphere of Stora Torget ; and browse in the boutiques on Lilla Torget , which is filled with outdoor cafés in the summer.

In Malmöhus Castle , Scandinavia's oldest preserved Renaissance castle, you can find exhibits on history and technology at the Malmö Museums or tour a submarine. Stop for a snack or lunch at the café in the adjacent Slottsparken , where there are brilliant gardens.

For something more contemporary, visit the Moderna Museet Malmö and be sure not to miss architect Santiago Calatrava's spectacular Turning Torso building , 190 meters high with a 90-degree twist from base to top.

  • Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Malmo

Fredensborg Palace

The most used of the Danish Royal Family's residences, Fredensborg Palace is also often used for state visits and family occasions. Completed in 1722, the palace remains in its original form, and although new extensions have been added since, the complex remains harmonious.

The surrounding park is designed in long, straight avenues radiating from the palace, with pathways winding through the woodlands between them. An area known as the Valley of the Norsemen displays dozens of sculptures depicting fishermen and farmers, and more sculptures are scattered throughout the grounds.

The Fredensborg Palace Garden is Denmark's finest example of Baroque gardens and after its restoration in 2021 was awarded the European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage.

Fredensborg Palace is north of Copenhagen, about 90 minutes by train or a 30-minute drive. It can be combined with a visit to nearby Frederiksborg Castle and Kronborg Castle on the North Zealand Castle Tour , with pickup at your hotel in Copenhagen.

Address: Slottet 1B, Fredensborg, Denmark

Egeskov Castle

Among Europe's finest Renaissance palaces, Egeskov is also one of the best preserved moated castles, with the moat formed by a lake that surrounds the castle and gardens. The present house was completed in 1554, and in its furnished rooms and exhibit areas, you can see fine period furnishings and art; a collection of historic toys ; and the remarkable Titania's Palace , a sumptuous doll house filled with 3,000 miniature pieces of hand-crafted furniture and small art works from around the world.

The gardens in the surrounding park are no less impressive, with formal gardens that include two mazes and hedges nearly 300 years old. More exhibits are in the castle's farm buildings and in a museum of vintage cars. For children there is a Play Forest, with a 100-meter Tree Top Walk suspended 15 meters above the ground.

Address: Egeskovgade 18, Kværndrup

Official site: http://www.egeskov.dk/en

Childhood home of Hans Christian Anderson in Odense

Writer Hans Christian Andersen was born in Odense, on Funen, Denmark's "Garden Island." The most popular places to visit on the island are his childhood home and the excellent Hans Christian Andersen Museum , which explores the world of his imagination and reveals the writer's artistic talents as well.

Follow the Hans Christian Andersen Trail to discover the island's 15 manor houses and castles that are connected to his life or writing. The charming Funen Open-Air Village (Den Fynske Landsby) includes cottages, farmhouses, and shops that have been brought here to create a "living village" from the Anderson's era.

  • Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Odense

The Cliffs of Møn (Møns Klint)

Off the coast of Zealand, south of Copenhagen, are a set of islands that the Danish call their South Sea Islands. One of these, Møn, ends at Denmark's highest cliffs , a 300-foot drop above the Baltic Sea. Møns Klint are all the more spectacular for being formed of white chalk, and the surrounding protected area is habitat for unique flora and fauna, including 18 species of wild orchid.

The GeoCenter Møns Klint , an exhibition space and activity center carved from part of the cliff, is designed as a trip back 70 million years to the Cretaceous Period and those that followed. Activities with a naturalist, such as fossil hunting and creating crafts from natural materials, are included in the admission price.

Address: Stengårdsvej 8, Borre, Denmark

Official site: https://moensklint.dk/uk?lang=en

White cliffs of Stevns Klint

Also on the island of Zealand, southeast of Store Heddinge, the cliffs of Stevns Klint are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their geological significance. The 15-kilometer-long coastal cliff shows exceptional evidence of the impact of a meteorite that crashed to Earth about 65 million years ago near Mexico.

This cataclysmic event caused the extinction of about half of life on Earth, and Stevns Klint preserves a record of the ash cloud created by the impact, as well as a complete fossil record showing the succession of fauna throughout the recovery from the mass extinction.

Nearby are the quicklime kilns at Boesdal Limestone Quarry.

Den Blå Planet (National Aquarium)

Northern Europe's largest aquarium, Den Blå Planet – The Blue Planet – is surrounded by water, increasing the feeling visitors have of being in the sea. The 50 aquariums and exhibit areas , which are divided into several wings patterned after a vortex, can be viewed from above or from water level. The most colorful is the Coral Reef , where brilliant tropical fish swim in a garden of coral shapes and colors.

Amazonas creates an entire ecosystem, not just the underwater life, with tropical forest inhabited by bright butterflies and birds. The largest is the Ocean Tank , four million liters of seawater alive with hammerhead sharks, moray eels, and other ocean creatures.

Den Blå Planet is near the Danish end of the Øresund Bridge, within walking distance of the Kastrup Metro station, a 12-minute ride from Copenhagen's Kongens Nytorv station.

Address: Jacob Fortlingsvej 1, Kastrup

Official site: www.denblaaplanet.dk

Louisiana Museum of Modern Art

Not far from Helsingør, in Humlebæk, the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art holds a collection of major works by some of the greatest names in modern art: Jean Dubuffet, Max Ernst, Francis Bacon, Alexander Calder, Henry Moore, Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, and more. Several major exhibitions each year feature their works and those of new and emerging modern artists.

In addition to the works in the galleries, about 60 sculptures are scattered (some almost hidden) throughout the Sculpture Park on the museum grounds. The daily workshops in the Children's Wing , where children from four to 16 can explore art techniques through painting, drawing, and sculpture, makes this one of the most popular places to visit for families.

Address: Gammel Strandvej 13, Humlebæk

Official site: www.louisiana.dk

Kulturen in Lund, Sweden

The university city of Lund, Sweden, is worth visiting for its magnificent 12 th -century Romanesque Cathedral – among the finest examples from this age in Scandinavia – and the Kulturen, a living history museum that preserves many of the buildings in its historic center and others saved from destruction elsewhere.

Highlights of the cathedral are the carved stone pillars in the crypt; the 14 th -century carved choir stalls; and the golden altarpiece, also from the 1300s. An astronomical clock dates to the same period.

In addition to the historic artifacts from medieval through modern eras displayed in the 30 houses of the Kulturen, you'll find even older relics in the Lund University Historical Museum. Here are the local archaeological finds dating from the Stone Age and later prehistoric eras. Beyond the Kulturen is the university's botanical garden, with more than 1,500 species of plants.

Lund is not far from Malmo and can be reached by the Øresund Bridge or by ferry from Helsingor, then south by bus along the Swedish coast. You can combine Lund with several other day trip experiences on the nine-hour Hamlet and Sweden Tour -- Two Countries in One Day . After touring Helsingor, you will travel by ferry to Sweden to visit both Lund and Malmo.

Forest Tower

Rising above the protected forests of the Gisselfeld Kloster, the 45-meter-high Forest Tower is built of local oak wood and weathered steel to merge with the woodland setting. Its hour-glass shape supports spiraling walkways that allow visitors to ascend and descend without stairs, and to have unobstructed views into and over the forest at various levels.

To reach the tower, 900 meters of long suspended boardwalks wind through the forest of beech and oak, curving to avoid disturbing tree roots. The views of the forest change with the seasons and are especially beautiful when the leaves have turned to bright colors in the fall.

The Forest Tower is 75 kilometers from Copenhagen, and can be reached by regional train to Næstved Station, then by bus. Easier is to join a Copenhagen to Forest Tower Tour that includes round-trip transportation.

Address: Skovtårnsvej 1, Rønnede, Denmark

Official site: https://www.campadventure.dk/en/

Church in Hunseby

The largest of Denmark's "South Sea Islands" is the pancake-flat island of Lolland, in the busy waters between southern Denmark and Germany and about a 90-minute drive from Copenhagen. A number of top attractions make a tour around Lolland worthwhile. Along with its historic churches are the beautiful dune-backed beaches from Maglehøj Strand to Drummeholm.

The popular Knuthenborg Safari Park , Scandinavia's largest manor-house park, has more than 900 resident animals, including antelope, giraffes, zebras, rhinos, elephants, and tigers. The town of Maribo is popular for its beautiful setting by Sønder Lake, and in nearby Hunseby is a 12th-century church with a Romanesque interior and a Gothic tower. Alholm features a 12th-century castle that now houses a vintage car museum.

Lyngby Open-Air Museum (Frilandsmuseet)

A little more than 15 kilometers from Copenhagen is the Open-Air Museum, part of the Danish National Museum , and one of the most popular things to do for families. Spread across the large property (which you can explore in a horse-drawn carriage) are farmhouses, homes, and windmills from all parts of Denmark and the Faroe islands. Other examples of traditional homes are from Schleswig-Holstein and parts of Sweden that once belonged to Denmark.

Each building has been carefully reconstructed and is furnished with authentic utensils, furniture, and decorative arts of their region and era. You can see the traditional building styles, such as roofs thatched with straw, seaweed, or heather. The museum includes beautiful historic gardens, and ancient breeds of domestic animals forage in the fields and farmyards.

Address: Lyngby, Kongevejen 100, Copenhagen

Official site: http://en.natmus.dk/museums/the-open-air-museum/

Ejegod Windmill in Nykøbing

From Lolland, a ninety-minute drive from Copenhagen, the Frederik IX Bridge traverses Guldborg Sound to Nykøbing, the largest town on the island of Falster. Towards the end of the 12th century, a fortress was built on a peninsula in Guldborg Sound to defend against an attack by the Wends. Later, it became Nykøbing Castle.

The town evolved around the castle, although the ruins of a tower are all that remain of the castle today. Nykøbing is now home to a marina and several tourist attractions. Highlights include the Czar's House , dating from the 1690s; the Middle Ages Center (Middelaldercentret), a living history museum; a small zoo; the City Museum (Bymuseet); and Ejegod Windmill , which displays antique toys.

Church of Our Lady, Kalundborg

A little more than an hour's drive from Copenhagen lies the town of Kalundborg with its famous five-towered Church of Our Lady (Vor Frue Kirke).

Built around 1170, the church echoes the form of a Greek cross with four arms stretching out from its center. Its walls stand on a granite base, and five towers rise high above - an octagonal one on each arm of the cross and a 41-meter-high square tower in the center. Pointed spires cap the towers, four of which are named: St. Gertrude, St. Catherine, St. Anne, and St. Magdalene.

Highlights are the sunken semi-circular columns, the Baroque-style altar-piece (1650), and the granite font adorned with palm motifs, which dates from the 12th century.

Other tourist attractions in Kalundborg include the medieval Old Town and the Kalundborg Museum with period costumes and Viking artifacts.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

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More Places to Visit from Copenhagen: After visiting on day trips from Copenhagen, you may want to spend more time exploring Odense and the island of Funen or to see more of the attractions in Helsingor . To the north is the lovely Renaissance city of Aarhus , and with the help of our page on the port city of Esbjerg , you can explore its nearby beaches and nature reserves.

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Where to Go from Denmark: Heading south to the Jutland, you can cross the border into Germany to visit the lively city of Hamburg . The Oresund Bridge links Denmark to Malmo, and from there to the rest of Sweden and the attractions of Stockholm .

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Looking for some cool day trips from Copenhagen?

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I’ve lived in Denmark for a good part of my life, ten years of which were right in the heart of Copenhagen. I love this city – the energy, the people, the endless things to do. But, let’s be honest, sometimes you just need to step out of the biggest city and see something different.

That’s the beauty of Copenhagen; it’s not just about what’s inside the city. Right outside its borders, there’s a whole different world waiting for you.

From quiet, historic towns to some seriously cool natural spots, there’s a ton to see.

And the best part? You don’t have to travel far to find these places.

So, if you’re up for a little adventure without straying too far, I’ve got some great day trip ideas from Copenhagen that’ll give you a taste of what Denmark has to offer beyond its capital.

Let’s dive in and check out these awesome spots!

What Are the Best Day Trips From Copenhagen?

So, you’ve just experienced the best of what’s within Copenhagen’s city limits and thinking, “What’s next?”

Well, the fun doesn’t stop at the city’s edge.

There’s a whole world of incredible day trips just a short trip from Copenhagen. Whether you’re a local who’s seen it all in the city or a traveler looking to add more while you visit Copenhagen , branching out can lead you to some amazing experiences.

From breathtaking natural landscapes to towns brimming with history, these day trips are the perfect way to complement your Copenhagen adventure.

Let’s get ready to step out of the city and into some of Denmark’s most unforgettable places.

Historic and Cultural Landmarks

Frederiksborg castle – a window into denmark’s royal past.

Ever heard of Frederiksborg Castle?

If not, you’re in for a treat. This place is not just a castle but also a journey into Denmark’s royal history and Danish royal family, and it’s stunning.

day trips from Copenhagen

Picture this: a massive Renaissance castle spread across three islands, surrounded by a lake and incredibly well-kept gardens. It’s like something straight out of a fairy tale.

Highlights of Frederiksborg Castle

Frederiksborg Castle, thanks to King Christian IV, is the largest Renaissance castle in Scandinavia .

Constructed in the early 17th century, it’s a prime example of the era’s architecture and artistry. Once a royal residence, it’s seen its share of history, including a disastrous fire in 1859 that almost destroyed it. Thankfully, J. C. Jacobsen of Carlsberg Breweries fame rebuilt it.

Now, let’s talk about the gardens. Designed in 1725, the baroque garden is a masterpiece of symmetry, complete with cascades and flower beds arranged in intricate patterns.

And if that’s not enough, there’s also a romantic English-style garden nearby, complete with a Bath House occasionally used by the Royal Family.

Practical Tips for Visiting

Getting to Frederiksborg Castle is a breeze. It’s just a 40-minute trip from downtown Copenhagen.

Hop on the S-train (line A) to Hillerød Station . From there, you can either enjoy a scenic walk through Hillerød’s old streets or catch a local bus (301 towards Ullerød or 302 towards Sophienlund) right to “Frederiksborg Slot”.

Don’t forget to visit the Frederiksborg – Museum of National History website to grab your tickets in advance and skip the line.

Opening Hours:

Monday to Sunday:

10 am – 5 pm ( April 1 – October 31)

11 am – 3 pm (November 1 – March 31)

Kronborg Castle – The Hamlet Experience

Have you ever wanted to step into the world of Shakespeare’s Hamlet?

Kronborg Castle

Well, you can do just that at Kronborg Slot, the real-life inspiration for the iconic play. Just a stone’s throw away from Copenhagen, this castle complex isn’t just a stunning piece of architecture. It’s a piece of literary history where Danish Kings used to fight the Swedish.

Exploring Shakespearean Ties at Kronborg

Kronborg Castle, famously known as Hamlet’s Castle, has stood guard over the Øresund Sound since 1420.

It’s seen its share of drama, being burnt down and rebuilt, but always holding its crucial spot at the head of the sound. Shakespeare may never have visited, but he immortalized Kronborg as Elsinore in Hamlet, making this castle a must-visit for any literature lover.

Plus, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so you know it’s got some serious historical chops.

The castle offers guided tours daily , with several options in length, and some tours are even included in your entry fee. This is your chance to dive deep into the rich history and mystery that shroud this iconic castle.

Navigating Kronborg Castle: Tips and Tricks

One of the coolest parts of visiting Kronborg is discovering its hidden depths.

The crypts and catacombs beneath the castle are home to the statue of Holger the Dane (Holger Danske), a legendary figure in Danish folklore who’s said to rise and defend Denmark if it’s ever in peril.

If you’re visiting in the summer, don’t miss the Shakespeare Festival. It’s a fantastic experience, with live performances of Shakespeare’s plays, including works by the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Imagine watching Hamlet unfold right where it was set!

Getting to Kronborg Slot is easy. If you’re driving from Copenhagen, it’s about an hour’s drive.

Prefer public transport?

Take a DBS train from Copenhagen Central Station, or any of the main stations (read the practical info section below), to Helsingør, and you’ll be there in about 45 minutes.

Roskilde – A Journey through Viking History

Roskilde, a short hop from Copenhagen, is a time capsule that takes you straight into the heart of Viking history.

This fantastic place is a must-visit for anyone interested in delving into Denmark’s rich past.

Must-See Attractions in Roskilde

Top of your list should be the Viking Ship Museum. Here, you can marvel at centuries-old Viking ships and learn about the national history!

Next, head over to the Roskilde Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s as majestic as it is historically significant.

And if you’re around in summer, the Roskilde Festival is an experience you don’t want to miss – it’s one of the biggest music festivals in Europe.

Finally, visit Roskilde Fjord to get a little bit of natural tranquility.

Travel Tips for Roskilde Visitors

Roskilde is just a 30-minute train ride from Copenhagen, making it a perfect day trip.

You can grab a train from most of the larger stations.

The city is quite walkable, so getting around to see these amazing sights is a breeze.

While the Viking Ship Museum and Roskilde Cathedral are open year-round, check the dates for the Roskilde Festival (late June) if you’re planning your trip around this event.

Roskilde combines historical intrigue with modern vibrancy, making it an ideal destination for anyone looking to explore beyond Copenhagen’s city limits.

Natural Escapes and Outdoor Day Trips From Copenhagen

Cliffs of møns klint – nature’s spectacular display.

Just when you think you’ve seen all the beauty Denmark has to offer, the Cliffs of Møns Klint come into view.

Møns Klint

These stunning chalk cliffs, overlooking the Baltic Sea, offer a dramatic and refreshing contrast to Copenhagen’s city center.

Exploring the Breathtaking Cliffs

Møns Klint, with its towering cliffs and azure waters, is a testament to nature’s artistry.

As you stand atop these cliffs, you can’t help but feel a sense of awe at the panoramic views of the Baltic Sea. It’s a place where nature’s power and beauty are on full display, offering a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Best Trails and Viewing Spots at Møns Klint

For the best experience, take a short walk along the well-marked trails that lead you through a beech forest and open up to the cliffs.

These paths offer various vantage points for those perfect views and photo opportunities.

The GeoCenter Møns Klint nearby also offers insights into the cliff’s geological significance.

Getting to Møns Klint is straightforward.

From Copenhagen Central Station, take a train to Vordingborg, and then hop on bus 660R towards “Stege.” To get closer to the cliffs, switch to bus 678 .

This journey, blending a train ride with a scenic bus trip, is part of the adventure and a great way to see more of Denmark’s picturesque countryside.

Hven Island – A Tranquil Retreat

If you’re craving a day trip that’s a little different from the usual, Hven Island is your perfect escape.

Just an hour and a half from Copenhagen, this Swedish gem in the Øresund Sound is a delightful blend of nature, culture, and a whole lot of charm.

Discovering the Charms of Hven Island

Hven is a place where you can truly immerse yourself in a tranquil, almost idyllic setting. Think rolling green fields, picturesque farm shops, and artisan crafts that are as unique as they are beautiful.

For history buffs, the island offers an intriguing peek into the life of Tycho Brahe, the famous Danish astronomer, with a state-of-the-art museum dedicated to his work.

And let’s not forget about the whiskey!

Hven boasts its own distillery and one of the world’s finest whiskey bars – a must-visit for all whiskey enthusiasts.

How to Make the Most of Your Trip to Hven

Getting to Hven is part of the adventure.

Catch the M/S Jeppe from Nordre Toldbod in Copenhagen, and you’ll find yourself on the island in no time.

You’ll have a little over five hours to explore, which is just enough to soak in its relaxed vibe.

And hey, if you feel like extending your stay, there are plenty of cozy overnight options.

Transportation on Hven is delightfully chill. You can choose from bicycles, horse and carriage rides, tractors, buses, or simply stroll around. It’s the perfect way to slow down and enjoy the island’s serene beauty.

Remember to book your boat tickets in advance at VisitHven.dk , especially during the summer months.

A day on Ven Island is a refreshing dip into a slower, more peaceful way of life.

Art, Museums, and Modern Attractions

Louisiana museum of modern art – a fusion of art and nature.

Just outside Copenhagen, there’s a place where modern and contemporary art meets the tranquility of nature.

Girl, art

Just as famous as the Aros Aarhus Art Museum, the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art is not just my favorite museum but also a unique experience.

Blending stunning artworks with beautiful natural surroundings.

Key Exhibits and Features of the Louisiana Museum

As you explore Louisiana, you’ll encounter a diverse range of art from famous international artists.

The museum is known for its rotating exhibitions, so there’s always something new and exciting to see. Check Louisiana online to see what is happening now.

But it’s not just about what’s inside.

The museum’s architecture and its sprawling sculpture garden are artworks in themselves, offering a serene backdrop to the stunning art collection.

Visitor’s Guide: Best Times to Visit and What to See

The best time to visit Louisiana is definitely in the warmer months.

Because that’s when you can fully enjoy its expansive gardens and even dine alfresco, making for an unforgettable experience.

Remember, the museum is closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly.

Whether you’re an art aficionado or just someone looking to soak in some culture and beauty, a trip to the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art is a must. It’s where you get to see art and nature in harmony and trust me, it’s worth the trip out of town!

Den Blå Planet – Underwater Wonders

Den Blå Planet in Copenhagen is one of the best places to immerse yourself in the wonders of marine life.

It’s an aquatic world on the Øresund coast that takes you far beyond the usual aquarium experience.

Highlights of the National Aquarium

This spot is a treasure trove of great sights.

Northern Europe’s most advanced aquarium, Den Blå Planet showcases everything from the grace of hammerhead sharks to the vibrant colors of northern birds and rainforest creatures.

It’s a vivid journey through the depths of the sea that’s both educational and utterly captivating.

Tips for a Memorable Visit to Den Blå Planet

For a smooth visit, keep in mind the aquarium’s opening hours:

Monday: 10 AM – 9 PM

Tuesday – Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM

Buying tickets online is not only convenient but also cheaper.

And don’t miss the behind-the-scenes tour.

It’s an eye-opener to the intricate workings behind one of Copenhagen’s best places, offering a unique perspective on the care and effort that goes into maintaining this mesmerizing underwater world.

Unique and Offbeat Destinations

Dragør – a step back in time.

If you’re looking for a place that feels like a different world, but just a short drive from Copenhagen, Dragør is your spot.

This cute town is like a postcard from the past with its old-world charm and cobblestone streets.

Exploring the Historic Village of Dragør

Dragør is the kind of place where you can wander down cobbled streets, past old, colorful houses, and feel like you’ve traveled back in time.

It’s super laid-back, with a rich history tied to fishing and trading.

The harbor area is especially cool – it’s alive with boats and has a real local vibe.

Best Activities and Sights in Dragør

In Dragør, there’s a little bit of everything.

You could check out the local museum to get the lowdown on the town’s history, grab a coffee at a cute café, or just meander along the waterfront.

Make sure to take your time wandering around as the place is full of chill, picture-perfect spots.

And definitely hit up the harbor for some great views – it’s the perfect place to relax, feel the breeze, and watch the boats.

Dragør offers a chill escape from the city, a spot where you can slow down and soak up some quiet, old-town vibes.

day trips from Copenhagen

And for a truly serene experience, don’t miss out on the Armamino Walk .

It’s a picturesque 27km walk that winds through the town, along the water, through a natural reserve, and back to Copenhagen City.

Lyngby Open-Air Museum – A Glimpse into Rural Danish Life

Just outside Copenhagen, the Lyngby Open-Air Museum offers a unique journey into Denmark’s rural past.

This museum isn’t just a collection of artifacts but also a living, breathing recreation of historical Danish life. Wander through half-timbered houses, windmills, and workhouses, each telling a different story of Denmark’s countryside heritage.

Planning Your Visit to Lyngby

The best way to experience the Open-Air Museum is to take your time, wandering from building to building and soaking in the atmosphere.

Make sure to check out the event calendar for traditional Danish activities and workshops. If you have kids, they will love it!

The museum is open most days, but it’s a good idea to confirm opening hours online before your visit.

International Day Trips

Malmö, sweden – a cross-border adventure.

One of the most attractive parts of Copenhagen is that it offers day trips to neighboring Sweden! The most common one is Malmö.

This is a vibrant city with a blend of historic charm and modern flair.

Bridge from Copenhagen to Sweden

Don’t miss the Malmo Castle, a historical fortress with lush gardens.

Stroll down the main street to explore shops, galleries, and cafes.

Malmö is also known for its innovative cuisine, so make sure to indulge in some local eateries like Saltimporten Canteen or Fiskehoddorna.

Traveling from Copenhagen to Malmö: A Comprehensive Guide

Getting to Malmö is easy and fun.

Just hop on a train from Copenhagen and in less than an hour, you’ll be in the heart of Malmö.

Spend the day exploring, then return to Copenhagen by evening, or stay longer to fully enjoy this Swedish gem.

Helsingborg, Sweden – A Short Ferry Trip Away

Helsingborg, a charming Swedish city, is just a short ferry ride from Helsingør.

It’s a place where historic architecture meets modern Swedish culture.

Be sure to visit landmarks like Kärnan, an ancient tower offering panoramic views of the city.

Getting to Helsingborg via Helsingør

To reach Helsingborg, take a ferry from Helsingør.

The journey is part of the adventure, offering stunning views of the strait.

Once you arrive, you’re ready to explore all that Helsingborg has to offer.

Map of the Day Trips From Copenhagen

Below I made a map so you can see how far from Copenhagen the different day trips are located.

Practical Information

Navigating Copenhagen and the different day trips around can be a breeze with the right information. Whether you’re planning a day trip or exploring the city , here are some practical tips to help you get around efficiently and cost-effectively:

  • Copenhagen Central Station (All trains)
  • Nørreport Station (All trains)
  • Vesterport Station (S-train)
  • Østerport Station (All trains)
  • Amagerbro Station (Metro)
  • Flintholm Station (Metro)

views from Copenhagen

  • For a hassle-free experience, plan your journeys and purchase tickets online at Din Offentlige Transport . This platform provides updated schedules, routes, and ticketing options for all your travel needs in and around Copenhagen.
  • Most visitors will find that getting a ‘Rejsekort’ (Travel Card) can significantly reduce travel costs. This pay-as-you-go travel card can be used across various modes of public transportation.
  • You can easily obtain a ‘Rejsekort’ at ticket machines located in most stations or at local 7/Eleven stores.
  • The ‘Rejsekort’ works by checking in and out at electronic card readers at stations or on buses, ensuring you only pay for the distance you travel.

Finally, Copenhagen has a great metro system that will transport you to almost any part of the city.

Final Thought on the Best Day Trips From Copenhagen

And there you have it – a little taste of the incredible variety of day trips you can take from Copenhagen.

Whether it’s stepping into the world of Shakespeare at Kronborg Castle, taking a serene walk through Dragør, or exploring the underwater marvels at Den Blå Planet, each place has its unique charm waiting for you to enjoy.

Harbour in Denmark

Remember, there’s so much more to Denmark than just its lovely capital.

These day trips from Copenhagen offer a chance to see a different side of Danish life, one that’s equally rich in history, culture, and natural beauty.

So, next time you find yourself in Copenhagen for a few days , take a little detour and explore these amazing destinations.

You might just find your new favorite spot!

And hey, if you’re looking for even more adventure, why not check out my latest post on the best weekend trips from Copenhagen ? It’s perfect for those of you craving a bigger excursion.

Frequently Asked Questions

From Copenhagen, you can easily visit cities like Roskilde, known for its Viking history, and Helsingør, famous for Kronborg Castle. Malmö in Sweden is also a short trip away.

By train from Copenhagen, you can reach countries like Sweden, with direct connections to cities like Malmö and Gothenburg, and Germany, where cities like Hamburg are accessible via a longer train journey.

Absolutely! A day trip from Copenhagen to Sweden is very doable. Malmö, for instance, is just a short train ride away across the Øresund Bridge, making it a popular day-trip destination.

Traveling around Copenhagen is quite easy, thanks to its efficient public transport system, including buses, trains, and metros. The city is also bike-friendly and compact, making it convenient to explore on foot or by bicycle.

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Awesome Weekend & Day Trips From Copenhagen by Train

August 23, 2021

Awesome Weekend and Day Trips from Copenhagen by train

This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my link.

Looking for ideas for amazing weekend and day trips from Copenhagen?

There are plenty of impressive castles and beautiful nature areas you can visit nearby, but it is only fair to want something more. Traveling by car in Denmark is not always optimal due to multiple bridge connections that require a toll fee, which makes any road trip quite an expensive endeavor. Besides, Copenhagen aims to be the greenest city in the world by becoming the first carbon-neutral capital. It is an ambitious initiative that relies heavily on changing the way people move around daily. Denmark boasts to have one of the best public transport coverages. So why not contribute and do your weekend/day trips from Copenhagen by train? I, in particular, love the romance of a long train ride that gives me time to think while gazing out of the train window.

This article is brought to you in cooperation Omio.

Awesome Trips from Copenhagen by Train

There is a number of awesome day trips from Copenhagen that you can take by train. I used Omio to look up some great train trips from Copenhagen to other European cities for your inspiration.

A train trip from Copenhagen to Malmö is probably one of the most popular day trips that people make from the Danish capital. It can be easily done in one day on a return train ticket since the ride only takes about 30 minutes, which allows you to visit both countries at once. As a bonus, you get to experience a ride over one of the most exciting bridges in the region – the Øresund bridge, half of which goes over water and half underwater.

weekend trips copenhagen

What I suggest you do to make the most out of your train trip to Sweden, is to add Lund to your itinerary. It is a small student town with one of the oldest universities in Europe – Lund University . The small college town vibe with cute colorful streets will add a lot of charm to your trip, which Malmö might lack.

day trip from Copenhagen to Lund, colorful streets with blooming roses

If you really want to dive deeper into exploring Sweden, visiting Malmö might not be enough. To be fair, many swedes would disagree that southern Sweden is a good representation of the entire country. Therefore, you might consider going all the way to the capital.

But nothing to worry about here, as it is also very easy to do via train. A train from Copenhagen to Stockholm is one of the best train trips that I have ever experienced. It is a longer ride of nearly 6 hours in an old-fashioned train with a romantic setting, a restaurant wagon where tables are topped with white linen and decorated by dimmed table lamps just like in the movies. I would definitely recommend taking your trip to Stockholm using a train. Also because the airport is just too far away from the city center!

One of the easiest day trips from Copenhagen to Germany would be taking a direct train to Hamburg . They run up to four times a day and the trip lasts for about 5 hours on a comfortable modern train with table and wi-fi.

weekend trips copenhagen

The interesting element about a trip to Germany from Copenhagen is that it includes a ferry ride. Believe it or not, but your train will ride directly into a ferry boat that will sail across the Fehmarn belt until it reaches the land again to continue on train tracks. So, you are getting two experiences for the price of one.

weekend trips copenhagen

If you want to continue your train ride into the German capital, it is just another 2 hours away from Hamburg. Berlin is a cultural melting pot with so many events happening that there will definitely be a point where you would want to make a short weekend trip by train from Copenhagen to Berlin. And I, personally, have done a few of those one-day trips to Berlin just to see a favorite band performing or to visit a cultural event.

3. Amsterdam

Amsterdam is located further away, however, it is still possible to reach it by train. The long train ride of about 11-12 hours can be turned into a cozy time where you get the chance to read a book, listen to music, or plan your itinerary for what to do in Amsterdam once you arrive. Though two capitals are considered to be very similar and keep competing over which city is more bicycle-friendly , you can judge for yourself which one has more bicycles, tulips, and happy people.

weekend trips copenhagen

Taking a train trip is one of the most exciting forms of traveling. The reason why people love train trips is that it gives you the time to slow down, think and reflect – a thing we seem to be lacking in the constant rhythm of everyday life in the 21st century. Europe is very well connected by train tracks and this makes it so easy to explore by public transport. Many companies like Eurorail offer train passes allowing you to travel anywhere you want by buying just one train ticket.

So, next time consider hopping on a train instead of booking your next airplane ticket.

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weekend trips copenhagen

Bit of a hussle to travel to Amsterdam because DB doesn’t work like it should. But otherwise great tips.

weekend trips copenhagen

Traveling by train is a very fun and calming type of travel. I travel by train every year.

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YOUR INSPIRATION TO EXPLORE THE WORLD

A Weekend Trip to Copenhagen

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D'angleterre Copenhagen

We know you’re getting the travel bug again after a few weeks at home. As you know, the cure for that is simply a weekend trip away. You’re looking for a place though that’s in its prime. That means the Caribbean hurricane season is out. It’s just a little too early to leaf peep. And you’ve just done Paris Fashion Week. Well, sometimes there are destinations that are right under your nose. Enter Copenhagen, which has all you can pretty much want for a long weekend. There’s likely a direct flight from your city. The luxury hotels in Copenhagen are top-notch. The food is some of the best in the world. And it’s the perfect city to wander and get lost for a weekend. This is where to be for a weekend trip to Copenhagen now.

Where to Stay

First things first, because you’re not going to travel across the pond without a top hotel to rest your head. The beauty of Copenhagen is that there are plenty of those. Unlike other cities where rates start in the thousands of dollars, there are luxury hotels in Copenhagen that give you actual value. What’s also unique about the luxury hotels in Copenhagen is the top hotels are local brands. There’s no Four Seasons or Mandarin Oriental (which of course we love in other cities). Instead the top hotels are individually owned or part of bespoke boutique hotel properties. You get a local luxury hotel experience in Copenhagen, along with the unique Danish design aesthetic.

The Nimb

The Nimb is a five-star boutique hotel overlooking the magical Tivoli Gardens. It’s one of the original luxury hotels in Copenhagen, and continues to be a leader in design. The property, in the middle of Copenhagen, includes thirty-eight unique rooms and suites. These rooms combine a sleek Nordic design with antiques from Asia to create an eclectic environment. The hotel’s roof terrace features a lounge area, a heated pool, and a rooftop bar with live music on special nights. For dining, there is Nimb Brasserie for French cuisine and Fru Nimb for Danish delicacies. In addition, the Nimb has a wellness center for treatments and fitness.

Hotel D’Angleterre

D’Angleterre

Hotel D’Angleterre is a five-star luxury hotel in Copenhagen’s city center. First opening in 1775 the historic hotel is rated one of the best in Northern Europe. The decadent and classic ninety-two rooms and suites have each been renovated with an elegant design and outfitted with luxury amenities and comforts. Hotel D’Angleterre is the home of Michelin-starred restaurant, Marchal, which is considered one of the best restaurants in the city – no easy feat. You can also sample rarefied cakes and pastries at Maison, or have some evening drinks at the Balthazar Champagne Bar. In addition, Hotel D’Angleterre features a tranquil spa, indoor swimming pool, and state-of-the-art fitness center available to all its guests. Of the luxury hotels in Copenhagen, Hotel d’Angleterre is the most grand scale while maintaining a charming authenticity.

Hotel Sanders

Hotel Sanders

Hotel Sanders is right behind the Nyhavn Canal, on a charming cobblestone street. As a result, you can easily walk or bike to popular destinations. Although the fifty-four luxury rooms range in size, each space is filled with light and includes a curated set of amenities. This is one of the luxury hotels in Copenhagen that’s more about the boutique experience and Danish charm.

Additionally, you can stay at the Sanders Apartments which include your own living room and fireplace. For food you can enjoy the all-day dining at Sanders Kitchen, have snacks and drinks on the roof terrace, dinner at the open-air courtyard, or late-night drinks at the Tata Cocktail Bar. Sanders Experiences can be booked for private walking tours, boat rides, and gallery visits with experts in the city. So while this is one of the more boutique luxury hotels in Copenhagen, it’s full on top of the line in experience.

villa copenhagen

Villa Copenhagen

Villa Copenhagen was awarded the Best Danish Luxury Hotel by the Danish Travel Awards in 2022. It’s one of the newer luxury hotels in Copenhagen, and probably the most direct of a competitor to the d’Angleterre. It is set in the former Post and Central Telegraph Head Offices and combines a mix of old-world elegance with a contemporary aesthetic.

There are 390 rooms at Villa Copenhagen, offering plenty of different rooming options for everyone. Like the rooms, the hotel also boasts five different dining options whether it be lighter snacks and drinks, breakfast, pastries, or a cosmopolitan fine dining experience. On the roof, you have a 25-meter lapping pool which is kept at the perfect temperature all year round. Guests also get access to the fitness center and sauna.

A City That’s Prime Now

Once you’ve figured out the lay of the land of luxury hotels in Copenhagen, it’s time to leave the hotel and explore the city. It’s hard to find a more charming city than Copenhagen in the summer and fall. September is the ideal time to go because the season hasn’t yet turned but all the tourists have already come and gone. The Danish capital is alive in the summer and fall where locals are out and about enjoying the sunshine.

Additionally, the weather is perfect for biking through the city, relaxing at some of its scenic parks and museums, and eating at famous food halls. This is our pocket guide for a weekend trip to Copenhagen.

Seeing the City

Copenhagen is known both for its cutting-edge design and its rich history. A good starting point is the famous waterfront neighborhood, Nyhavn. The colorful 17th-century townhouses line the waterfront district. From there’s no shame in playing tourist (the locals do too) and hop on a canal tour and learn about the city while on the water.

As in Amsterdam, the way to feel like a local in Copenhagen is on a bike. Copenhagen is quite a small city by area, so you can easily use one of their bike shares to get around, hopping on and off as you like a la Citi Bike in NYC.

Best Neighborhoods

Although most will s stay in the city center, there are other scenic neighborhoods worth exploring. Nørrebro is a short bike ride and a beautiful walk across the canal. The vibrant neighborhood is frequented by the young at heart. This is the place to wander for a day through the packed restaurants and bars and shop on the weekends. Another trendy neighborhood worth exploring is Vesterbro. Walk down quaint streets, enjoy a coffee, or hang out at the large park, Søndermarken. 

Museums, Art, and Gardens

When it comes to art and design, Copenhagen has no shortage. One of the most popular museums to visit is the Statens Museum for Kunst. It has a historic collection of paintings and is surrounded by three scenic parks and gardens. Be sure to leave enough time to stroll through the King’s Garden and Botanical Garden in the sunlight.

Another very popular museum is Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek. It has stunning architecture and has a host of antiques and sculptures from around the Mediterranean. In addition, it is right next to the Tivoli Gardens, a popular theme park in Copenhagen. Two lesser-known spaces that are tops for contemporary art are Overgaden and Cisternerne. The first is a two-story building in Christianshavn on the canal front while the second is in an underground cavern below Søndermarken park.

Louisiana Museum of Modern Art

A Scenic Day Trip

It’s impossible to talk about art in Denmark without mentioning the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art. Just a thirty-five-minute train north of the city, the Louisiana Museum is one of the best modern art museums in all of Europe. It is known for its stunning seaside location, its beautiful sculpture gardens, and its impressive collection of art. If you have some spare time on your weekend trip to Copenhagen, the Louisiana Museum is a must-see.

The Culinary Capital

Copenhagen has a reputation for being one of the great culinary capitals of the world. Although it is now closing its doors, the Michelin-starred multiple award winner, Noma started here. It has been credited for pioneering the New Nordic Cuisine movement that combines locally sourced ingredients, traditional techniques, and a new standard for elevated cooking. Now, a whole group of Michelin-starred restaurants have popped up around the city including Geranium, which has three stars, and Alchemist, which has two.

But if you’re not looking to break the bank on dining, the perfect alternative is paying a visit to the city’s many food markets. A staple of these markets is Smørrebrød, a traditional Danish open-faced sandwich coming with a variety of toppings. However, you can also find tons of other cuisines in these food markets. Some notable ones worth visiting are Tovehallerne and Copenhagen Street Food. 

A Perfect Weekend

The fall is the prime time to book a weekend trip to Copenhagen. Travel in October is one of blissful no obligation, but rather just to travel for the love of travel. Book your trip now with us Galavante .

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11 Wonderful Day Trips From Copenhagen, Denmark [2024]

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There are many different places worth visiting within a distance of 2 to 3 hours from Copenhagen. In this post, I share my favorite day trips from Copenhagen, Denmark.

Copenhagen is as well-known for its bohemian atmosphere as it is for many world-renowned attractions. With so many tourist attractions, it is no surprise that it attracts millions of visitors every year. I have listed many cool things to do in Copenhagen on a short trip in this post . The countryside around Copenhagen has even more to offer in terms of unbelievably pure scenery, attractive villages, old castles, cliffs and other natural wonders than the city itself.

While there are plenty of things to see and do in Copenhagen, there’s even more adventure waiting for you just outside the city limits. So, let’s get started with the list of some amazing day trips from Copenhagen. The best part about these excursions is that you can easily get access to them from Copenhagen Central Station.

If you need to rent a car for any of the day trips, you can find one easily on Discover Cars . I find their services highly reliable and on time.

  • Kronborg Castle (Hamlet Castle)
  • Frederiksborg Palace
  • Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
  • Egeskov Castle
  • The Cliffs of Mon (Møns Klint)
  • Stevns Klint
  • Den Blå Planet (National Aquarium)
  • Church of Our Lady, Kalundborg

Here are my picks for 11 best day trips from Copenhagen

1. kronborg castle (hamlet castle).

Distance From Copenhagen : 28 miles (46 kms approx.)

Kronborg Castle - Day Trips From Copenhagen

We will start this list with one of our top day trips from Copenhagen, rather than saving best for the last. Denmark’s most renowned castle, Kronborg Castle, built in the 1420s, has been remarkably well-preserved throughout the decades, making it a fascinating and attractive location. I have visited here twice with my family and really liked it.

The castle has also been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Moreover, because of its strategic position on the island of Helsingor, it provides tourists with a unique opportunity to see the waters of the Oresund Sound from every angle.

As you stroll into the Castle Chapel, the West Wing, and the majestic Knight’s Hall, you will be delighted to see the decorated interiors, antique furniture and fine paintings. Those who like classic literature will be delighted to learn that this castle served as an inspiration for Hamlet’s castle in Hamlet. The castle is also known for hosting an annual Shakespeare Festival in the month of August.

How To Reach Kronborg Castle from Copenhagen : The Kronborg Castle can be reached from Copenhagen by road or by train. Journey time is 45-50 minutes either way. The most convenient way of getting to the Helsingor town is by boarding a train from the Copenhagen Central Station. Further from the Helsingor Station, you will have to walk to the castle. The walk will not be more than 15-20 minutes long. Click here to check the current train schedule .

Suggested Tour : Alternatively, you can take an organized Hamlet Castle tour from Copenhagen. This tour will be inclusive of the admission fees, local guide, cost of transportation to the castle and train tickets.

Distance From Copenhagen : 26 miles (41.8 kms approx.)

Malmo - Day Trips From Copenhagen

Visiting Sweden’s third largest city, Malmo , is one of the greatest ways to spend a single day in Scandinavia. Even though your destination is less than an hour away, the adventure begins with travel over the massive Oresund Bridge, which unites Denmark and Sweden.

Malmo’s Renaissance-style Malmohus Castle is Scandinavia’s oldest surviving example of the type, while the Turning Torso Building is one of Scandinavia’s highest structures. Stora Torget and Sodergatan, for example, are great places to sample modern cuisine, music and shopping.

Take a stroll on the cobblestone streets of the picturesque Gamla Vaster, Malmo’s old town. This neighborhood will charm you with its vibrance. Malmo is known for having lots of greenspaces. Amongst them I loved the beautiful park is Kungsparken. This park has canals, beautiful walkways, sculpture garden and a windmill too.

Malmo is a must visit and certainly one of the most popular day trips from Copenhagen due to its close proximity from the city

How To Reach Malmo From Copenhagen : The best way to reach Malmo is by train from Copenhagen Central Station. The journey takes about 45 minutes. This mode of transportation is also very convenient and inexpensive. Check schedule and find train tickets here .

Suggested Tour : Check out this incredible day trip to Malmo from Copenhagen . It is inclusive of all the transportation, boat ride over Oresund and a professional guide who will take you to all the unmissable attractions in Malmo.

3. Frederiksborg Palace

Distance From Copenhagen : 24 miles (39.2 kms)

Frederiksborg Palace - Day Trips From Copenhagen

There are three islands interrupted by the royal structures at Frederiksborg Palace, which dates back to the early 1600s and is famous for its extensive and breathtakingly beautiful network of gardens. The Royal Chapel, the Bath House Palace and the Museum of National History are all surrounded by pristinely manicured grounds.

Besides the museum, which is situated in a stunning Baroque structure, the palace also has an extraordinary collection of fine art, portraits and modern works of art that chronicle the history of the castle and the country of Denmark as a whole. The marvelous interiors of the palace will withhold your attention throughout your tour. The decorated ceilings, intricate furnishings and the grandeur itself is noteworthy.

Once you have seen the palace do spend time beside the Slotssøen Lake to immerse yourself in the tranquility of the surroundings.

How To Reach Frederiksborg Palace from Copenhagen : From Copenhagen Central Station, take a train to the Hillerød Station. The train journey would be for about 40 minutes. Then you can take a local bus or a cab to reach the Frederiksborg Palace. Get your train tickets here .

4. Louisiana Museum of Modern Art

Distance From Copenhagen : 22 miles ( 35 kms approx)

Louisiana Museum of Modern Art - Day Trips From Copenhagen

The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art is a dynamic and modern environment that is conveniently located near Copenhagen and much simpler to get to, thanks to Denmark’s rapid and efficient train service. The museum, which houses more than 3500 globally recognised pieces of art by household names such as Pablo Picasso and Henry Moore, is a must-see for anybody with interest in art.

If you are not an art enthusiast, the museum’s setting alone makes it worthwhile for a day excursion since it is situated right on the water’s edge with a view stretching all the way over the Oresund Strait to the coast of Sweden. As a result of the breathtaking environment, valuable art and a restaurant providing delectable Danish and ethnic cuisine, it is considered one of the top day trips from Copenhagen.

How To Reach Louisiana Museum of Modern Art From Copenhagen : The museum is located in the town Humlebæk. It can be reached by train from Copenhagen Central Station. Check train schedule and get your tickets here .

Distance From Copenhagen : 8.4 miles (13.6 kms approx)

Dragør - Day Trips From Copenhagen

Another one of our favorite day trips from Copenhagen is the cute town Dragør. Easily accessible by bicycle from Copenhagen, the charming and colourful fishing town of Dragør is noted for its lovely thatched cottages. It is often regarded to be one of the country’s most scenic locations.

It’s so appealing that its the site of several music and cultural events throughout the summer months, as well as year-round open-air markets offering anything from locally produced fruit to an unlimited variety of freshly caught fishes, among other things.

Dragør is the ideal village hideaway for visitors wanting a taste of classic Denmark, thanks to its waterside museum and a farmhouse that can be visited on tour.

How To Reach Dragør From Copenhagen : The best way to reach Dragør is by a private cab. The drive would be just 20 minutes long depending on the traffic.

6. Egeskov Castle

Distance From Copenhagen : 103 miles (166 kms approx)

Egeskov Castle - Day Trips From Copenhagen

With a lake around both the castle and its grounds, Egeskov Castle is considered to be among Europe’s most spectacular Renaissance castles. It is unquestionably one of the finest maintained castles in Denmark, which makes it is a must-see. These gardens contain anything from hedge mazes to actual hedges that are about 300 years old, among other features.

The rooms on the interior of the castle are no less extravagant, with a strong emphasis on historical toys, such as Titania’s Palace. In addition, this doll home has over 3000 beautifully hand-crafted tiny pieces of furniture, as well as other small works of art from across the globe.

How To Reach Egeskov Castle From Copenhagen : Take a train to . The journey should be 2 hours long. The castle is located at a distance of 2.5 kms from the station. So you can either hire a cab or take bus 920 to reach the Egeskov Castle. Check the train schedule here .

7. The Cliffs of Mon (Møns Klint)

Distance From Copenhagen : 86 miles (138.7 kms approx)

Møns Klint - Day Trips From Copenhagen

The Cliffs of Mon, which are reminiscent of the While Cliffs of Dover in England, rise out of the Baltic Sea to the south of Copenhagen. This natural wonder serves as a home for a variety of endangered species of flora and animals including the walrus. Aside from roaming about in the shade of the massive white chalk cliffs, there are a variety of other sights that are sure to captivate those who pass through.

For example, the coastal cliff of Stevns Klint, which is famed for its evidence of a destructive meteorite that struck the Earth millions of years ago, is a popular tourist destination. You can explore the fossil records that indicate how life on Earth recovered in the centuries after the extinction event.

How To Reach Cliffs of Mon From Copenhagen : From Copenhagen Central Station take the train to Vordingborg. From here take the bus 660R heading towards Stege or bus number 678 which will drop you closer to the cliffs. The bus journey will be 45 minutes long. Click here to check the train schedule .

Suggested Tours : Alternatively, if you want to avoid the complexity of using the public transport for reaching the Cliffs of Mon, do check this very convenient tour that is inclusive of a private vehicle.

Distance From Copenhagen : 95.5 miles (153.8 kms)

Lolland Island - Day Trips From Copenhagen

The biggest of the South Sea Islands, the notoriously flat island of Lolland, is one of the best day trips from Copenhagen. Beyond being a breathtakingly gorgeous island, Lolland also provides a variety of activities for guests, some of which are more unusual than others.

Do visit Dodekalitten to see the astonishing stone sculptures by the sea. In addition to the normal assortment of gorgeous churches and old buildings, Lolland is home to Knuthenborg Safaripark, the largest safari park in Northern Europe. With approximately 1000 species on its grounds, including tigers and rhinos, the park has become enormously popular with visitors.

The safari park remains open during all seasons except winters.

How To Reach Lolland From Copenhagen : The best way to reach Lolland is driving straight along the highway E47.

9. Stevns Klint

Distance From Copenhagen : 46 miles (74 kms)

For its geological importance, the cliffs of Stevns Klint on the island of Zealand, southeast of Store Heddinge, have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The 15-kilometre-long coastal cliff has remarkable evidence of the impact of a meteorite that came to Earth around 65 million years ago in Mexico, according to scientists. Because of this catastrophic event, almost half of all life on Earth was extinguished. Stevns Klint maintains a record of the ash cloud formed by this impact, as well as a full fossil record demonstrating the succession of fauna during the Earth’s recovery from mass extinction.

How To Reach Stevns Klint From Copenhagen : The best and most convenient way to reach Stevns Klint is by driving through E20 and Route 261. It would be a journey of 1 hour and worth the drive.

10. Den Blå Planet (National Aquarium)

Distance From Copenhagen : 5 miles (8.5 kms)

Den Blå Planet - Day Trips From Copenhagen

This is one of the easiest day trips from Copenhagen. It’s hard to leave Den Bla Planet – The Blue Planet, Northern Europe’s biggest aquarium – without feeling as if you are in the middle of the ocean. From above or below, visitors are able to see the 50 tanks and display rooms, separated into numerous wings shaped like a vortex. The Coral Reef is the most vibrant, home to a dazzling array of tropical species and a kaleidoscope of coral forms and hues.

Amazonas is not simply a marine ecology but a tropical forest home to a variety of brightly coloured butterflies and birds. Four million gallons of saltwater in the Ocean Tank are home to hammerhead sharks, moray eels, and other marine life.

How To Reach Den Bla Planet From Copenhagen : Near the Danish end of the Oresund Bridge, Den Bla Planet is only a short walk from the Kastrup Metro station, which is a 15-minute subway journey from Nørreport Station, Copenhagen.

11. Church of Our Lady, Kalundborg

Distance From Copenhagen : 64 miles (103 kms)

Church of Our Lady, Kalundborg - Day Trips From Copenhagen

Besides a picturesque Old Town and an interesting museum, Kalundborg is also home to the famed Vor Frue Kirke, or Church of Our Lady, which is located in the heart of the city. The edifice, which was constructed in the 11th Century, has survived in incredible condition, not to mention being aesthetically pleasing.

A distinctive feature of the Church is its five towers, which are designed to look like the five points of a Greek cross, and its spires, which are named after saints. The inside of the Church is similarly stunning, and the short visit from Copenhagen is well worth it for the experience.

How To Reach Church of Our Lady from Copenhagen : Take a train to Kalundborg Station from the Copenhagen Central Station. It should take around 2 hours. Click here to check the train schedule and get the tickets .

These were all the fantastic day trips from Copenhagen, and they are all easily accessible thanks to the city’s excellent public transportation system. With that, we’ve come to the end of our list of the finest day trip destinations from Copenhagen. Which one would you prefer to include in your schedule for a visit to Copenhagen?

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Anjali Wadhwa (cheerfultrails) is a travel consultant and enthusiast who has traveled to 15+ countries. She shares about her explorations through her writings. You will find detailed itineraries, best travel tips and well experienced recommendations for food, transportation and hotels on her blog.

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    A day-by-day itinerary for the perfect weekend in Copenhagen. Tailor-made Travel. Book your individual trip, stress-free with local travel experts . I WANT TO TRAVEL IN: Mar 2024. plan my trip. roughguides.com; blog; copenhagen-itinerary; written by Rough Guides Editors. updated 23.03.2020.

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    Here are my picks for 11 best day trips from Copenhagen 1. Kronborg Castle (Hamlet Castle) Distance From Copenhagen: 28 miles (46 kms approx.) Kronborg Castle - Day Trips From Copenhagen. We will start this list with one of our top day trips from Copenhagen, rather than saving best for the last. Denmark's most renowned castle, Kronborg ...

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