Copenhagen is flush with palaces, outdoor attractions, and bikes. Lots of bikes.
Welcome to Scandinavia! Where healthcare is free and the people are kind. Seriously though, I had such a positive experience on my two-day trip to Copenhagen. Originally, I'd planned a same-day flight up and back from Paris as a quick, international day trip. Lucky for me, my flight was canceled and the airline put me up in a fancy hotel, fed me, and essentially doubled my time in the city. I was thrilled.
Is two days enough time in Copenhagen?
Yes, the best things to see and do in Copenhagen can be done in two days. I was incredibly grateful for the extra time in the city when, after the first day, it became clear there was still so much I hadn't gotten to do.
As such, I've created a two-day walking or biking itinerary that takes you all over the city and into the most exciting attractions. Feel free to spend as much or as little time in each of these spots as you like, or skip some altogether. This is simply a suggested guide based on the must-see places, the proximity of certain attractions, and the best time to visit them. Let's get into it!
Day 1
Nyhavn Harbor
This colorful section of the city provides excellent photo ops!
Begin your first day by exploring one of the most famous sections of the city: Nyhavn. It's a small pedestrian area lined with 17th and 18th-century buildings that function as townhouses, bars, and eateries. Nyhavn is well-known in part because the fairytale author Hans Christian Andersen lived there for almost 20 years. Lively and colorful, it's the perfect spot to grab a coffee to get your day started.
Keep in mind that this is an area worth returning to in the early evening to watch the sunset and see the building lights sparkle and reflect in the canal. It's easily one of the best photography spots in the city!
Address: Nyhavn, 1051 København
Rosenborg Castle
Sunlight streams in to the top floor of Rosenborg Castle.
Next, immerse yourself in the grandeur of a bygone era at Rosenborg Castle, a 15th-century Dutch Renaissance masterpiece originally built as a summer retreat for Christian IV, the former King of Denmark and Norway. Each room has been meticulously preserved like a time capsule. It almost feels like the former king could walk past at any moment as the original furnishings whisper tales of his reign.
To fully appreciate the intricate details and learn the function of each room, make sure to reference the pamphlet provided at the tour's start. The castle is the current home to the entire Danish royal treasury, including precious items like crowns, jewels, and coronation chairs. It's a can't-miss on a first trip to Copenhagen, and you could easily spend a few hours here.
Rosenborg Castle and grounds.
The Danish Crown Jewels are hidden in the basement of Rosenborg Castle.
If you'd like to learn more about the castle's history as well as its collections, their website offers more details (in English). They also have a phenomenal virtual tour if you want a sneak peek of the inside!
Address: Øster Voldgade 4A, 1350 København. The entrance to the castle is on Øster Voldgade Street, which was highly un-intuitive for me and took forever to find.
Hours: Open daily from 10am to 4pm. Verify the current opening hours before you go.
Cost: Adult tickets are 130 DKK, students are 85 DKK, and children through the age of 17 are free. The castle can get busy, so to avoid being denied entrance be sure to purchase your ticket in advance.
Walk Strøget street and see Christiansborg Palace's Stables
Approach the palace from the west to get to the stables.
Spend some time window shopping as you stroll Strøget Street, a charming pedestrian street in the heart of the city. You'll see a blend of Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical architecture alongside more modern buildings.
Then, make your way over to Christiansborg Palace's stables where, if you're lucky, you can see the riders out and about. Approaching the palace from the stables gives you the best view of the palace and allows you to peek into the stables without purchasing an entrance ticket to the palace.
Frankly, I wasn't too interested in going inside Christiansborg Palace (there are only so many palaces you can see in a day!), but there are guided or self-guided tours if you're keen to go in. Tickets are available online.
Address: Christiansborg Ridebane 18, 1218 København
Museum of Copenhagen
The remains of a Viking ship inside the Museum of Copenhagen.
This small museum guides visitors from the 12th century to the present day whilst showcasing paintings of the city, old relics, maps, and so on. I particularly enjoyed their display on Vikings and the interactive table model of the modern-day capitol. And fortunately for me, most displays are translated to English.
A walk through time in the Museum of Copenhagen.
It's an interesting, albeit quick stop. If you're pinched for time, I'd probably skip it, but I enjoyed a brief look around and their delightful coffee shop afterward and sitting in their front garden.
Address: Københavns Museum, Stormgade 18, 1555 København
Hours: Open daily from 9am to 6pm. Thursdays are open from 9am to 9pm.
Cost: Under 18-year-olds are free, and the museum is free for all on Wednesdays. Otherwise, adult tickets are 95 DKK.
City Hall
Inside Copenhagen's City Hall.
While you're in the area, poke your head into City Hall to see the impressive government building inspired by Danish medieval architecture. When you first enter, don't miss the small glass room with Jens Olsen's World Clock. It's an astronomical clock with dials that show the date, time, and planetary movements.
Then move into the main hall where Danish flags are decorating the ornate interior. I saw several couples getting their wedding photos taken here!
Address: Rådhuspladsen 1, 1553 København
Hours: Open Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm. Open Saturday from 9:30am to 1pm. Closed Sundays.
Cost: Free and available for the public to enter the common spaces.
Tivoli Gardens
A condensed theme park in the center of the capitol city.
If you were to ask a Danish person what the best thing to do in Copenhagen is, they'd probably say Tivoli Gardens. The park first opened in 1843 and is the third-oldest operating amusement park in the world. The park inspired some of the greatest children's storytellers of our time, including Walt Disney and Hans Christian Anderson who both made visits. The park tells a wonderful and more complete history on its website for those interested.
How could the park be complete without a pirate ship?
The park is beautifully landscaped and has attractions for all ages.
This compact, center-city amusement park oozes charm and could easily fill several days of enjoyment if you wanted it to. It''ll be busier in the afternoon, but the park is arguably much more fun when it's full. Inside, you'll find sun loungers and gardens, rides, cafes and eateries, shops, music, and visitors of all ages. There's also a section of the park just for kids.
There are two ticket options based on how you want to spend your time in the park. You can purchase a ride ticket (which includes the entrance fee plus access to all the rides) or you can simply purchase an entrance ticket. This allows you to walk around, take photos and do some shopping but doesn't grant access to the rides. I was happy with this second option, but if you're looking to do the rides I'd consider budgeting most of the afternoon here!
Address: Vesterbrogade 3, 1630 København V (enter on Vesterbrogade Street to get to the box office and entrance)
Hours: They seem to change a lot, I'd recommend checking their website before you go and purchasing a ticket in advance if you anticipate it'll be busy.
Cost: Depends on age and whether you want an entrance ticket or a ride ticket. See their website for current ticket prices.
Evening boat tour
The Copenhagen Opera House as seen from the water with CopenHill in the distance (left).
Round out your first day back at Nyhavn to join a one-hour guided boat tour of Copenhagen for only 50 DKK (a little over $7 USD). They'll take you under low bridges through the canals and out into the northern part of the harbor while pointing out attractions like the Opera House, the Little Mermaid, historic ships, and a sustainable power plant with a ski slope on its roof known as CopenHill.
It's an opportunity to see the city from a new perspective and learn more about Copenhagen's history. Tours run about every half hour and seats are first-come, first-serve. The guide offers commentary in English, so don't worry if you're like me and don't speak a single word of Danish.
Address: Netto-bådene, Nyhavn, 1051 København
Hours: When I was there, tours started at 10am with the last tour leaving at 7pm. Boats leave every half hour.
Cost: Adult tickets are 50 DKK. Children are 20 DKK. Tickets are sold at the ticket booth at Nyhavn Harbor. They accept card.
Day 2
Church of our Saviour
Copenhagen from the top of the tower!
The church's gold spire as seen from below.
Start your second day with a sweeping view of Copenhagen from the top of the winding tower of the Church of Our Saviour. The church itself is free to enter, but climbing up the tower requires a paid ticket. Once you secure your ticket, you get to watch the stairs become increasingly sketchy and steep as you work your way to the spire. There are interesting old machinery pieces at some of the midway platforms, though perhaps more importantly, benches!
When you finally reach the top, the stairs change from being inside the tower to the outside! It's so rewarding to pop out and see a 360 view of the city from above. I made it to almost the very top of the gold spiral and took in the breathtaking views of the city... before I chickened out and headed back down!
I thought I was in decent enough shape to do this and was quickly proven wrong. I mean I made it, but it wasn't cute. If you can, I recommend going at 9am when the church opens so you can go slow and take your time with very few other visitors.
To reiterate, this is arguably the best vantage point in the city, but like many European attractions, it is not for those with claustrophobia, a fear of heights, tall or wide people, or anyone with limited fitness. The stairs (which become a literal ladder at the end) are narrow, uneven, and winding. There are videos on YouTube showing the climb if you're unsure about your abilities.
Address: Sankt Annæ Gade 29, 1416 København
Hours: The tower is open daily from 9am to 8pm. Closed January 2024. Exceptionally closed in high winds, rain, snow, and other bad weather. Double-check the most recent hours before you go.
Cost: Adult tickets are 69 DKK. Children (5-14) are 20 DKK. Tickets are sold inside. Start to follow the stairs up until you run into the ticket counter.
If you're visiting on the weekend or during the summer, you may want to consider purchasing your ticket in advance. It's a tight space, so you could be waiting a long time during busy periods.
walk through Christiania
While you're in the area, pop over to Christiania, also known as Freetown Christiania, to see this free-spirited commune of over 1,000 members that brings in half a million visitors every year. Independent of Denmark's government, Christiania has its own laws, its own flag, and its own way of life outside of Copenhagen. The small sovereign state originated as a military base, though it sat abandoned for years until a group of hippies broke in and converted it into the independent neighborhood it is today.
Keep in mind that there are a few rules you have to obey:
- no running (Christiania is a peaceful place, so running can insight panic since residents might think the police are stopping by for a rare visit.)
- no cars, everyone bikes!
- no violence
- no hard drugs
- no photos of Pusher Street
Pusher Street is the main street in Christiania where weed is commonly sold, though it's not necessarily legal. Hence the no photo rule. Otherwise, the overarching no photos in general rule has become more relaxed in recent years. If you're going to take photos, I'd do it discretely and avoid taking photos of residents altogether. Remember you're a guest!
Interestingly, the Danes quite like Christiania and are proud of its fair rules and the sustainable lifestyle its members abide by. It's well worth a stroll for the food, colorful buildings, and certainly the Christmas markets in the winter.
Address: Bådsmandsstræde 43, 1407 København K
Amalienborg Palace Museum
One of the several ornate rooms inside the palace.
An exquisite chandelier in a room in the palace that is still in use!
Amalienborg Palace is a working palace, home to the Danish Royal Family. The palace complex is made up of four buildings, each individually named. The Amalienborg Palace Museum is part of Christian VIII's Palace.
The Danish Royal Family is over 1,200 years old. Its current monarch is King Frederik X, who took over for Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II. She reigned for 52 years.
Guests can also visit Christian X's study, the famous Faberge Chamber, and the Gala Hall. When speaking with one of the staff members, I learned that the museum's top floor, which includes the Gala Hall, is often closed due to members of the royal family actually using the space. Perhaps that's inconvenient for visitors, but I just couldn't help but be surprised that the Hall is open to the public at all.
The museum is made up of two small floors (not including the ticket and gift shop area on the lowest level), but it's surprisingly dense. The amount of time you'll need here will depend greatly on just how much you want to get into learning about the history of the royal residence.
Address: Christian VIII's, Amalienborg Slotsplads 5, 1257 Palæ. The museum entrance is off to the left of Christian VIII's palace.
Hours: Usually closed on Mondays and Tuesday-Friday is open from 10am to 3pm. Weekends are usually 10am to 4pm. However, since Amalienborg is a working palace there are frequent (and last-minute) closures. Check online for the most current hours before you go.
Cost: Adult tickets are 120 DKK, students are 78 DKK, and those 17 and younger are free. I'd suggest purchasing your ticket online in advance. Note that an advanced ticket unfortunately does not guarantee that the upper level will be open.
Changing of the Royal Guard
Amalienborg Palace is the primary winter residence of the Danish Royal Family from September to April. During this period, onlookers can witness the full changing of the guard ceremony, though there's a limited ceremony during the off-season too.
Every day, the Danish royal guard leaves Rosenborg Castle at 11:30am and marches to Amalienborg Palace, arriving at noon. The size of the guard is dependent on who in the royal family is present. If important members of the royal family are in residence, the guard is larger and also accompanied by a band.
I'd recommend buying a ticket for the palace around 10am so you have plenty of time to see the museum and head outside to witness the end of the ceremony at noon.
Frederik's Church
Rococo architecture on this nearly 300-year-old church.
In the afternoon, make your way a short distance over to Frederik's church. Also known as The Marble Church, this Evangelical Lutheran church is capped with the largest dome in Scandinavia and ornately built in the rococo architectural style.
Entry is free. When you go, make sure to look up inside the dome to catch a glimpse of the magnificent blue paintings!
Address: Frederiksgade 4, 1265 København
The Little Mermaid
The statue was donated to the city in 1913.
The Little Mermaid rests gracefully on the rocks at the edge of the water.
The Little Mermaid has been beheaded (twice), has lost an arm, has been blown up, and regularly doused in paint. Yes, you read that right. A frequent target of vandalism, The Little Mermaid statue sits along the edge of the water, gazing longingly at the land while protecting the harbor. It's been a symbol of the capital city for over 100 years, having originally been inspired by Hans Christian Anderson's fairytale by the same name.
Feel free to take photos of her, but please do not climb on the monument! I saw so many people climbing on the base and couldn't help but think that eventually, someone's going to knock her over. It certainly wouldn't be the first incident...
Address: The Little Mermaid, Langelinie, 2100 København Ø
Kastellet Fortress
Visitors can walk along the ramparts.
Don't miss the old canons and Kastelsmøllen mill inside the fortress!
Easy to access from The Little Mermaid statue, Kastellet Fortress is one of the best preserved fortresses in Northern Europe. It's shaped like a pentagon, once with a ring of fortified ramparts to keep intruders out. Visitors can enter the fortress for free and walk along the elevated ramparts - just keep off the grass. If you're coming from The Little Mermaid statue, it's best to enter from the North Gate. While you're walking around, be sure not to miss the old canons near Kastelsmøllen mill inside the fortress.
Address: Gl. Hovedvagt, Kastellet 1, 2100 København.
Hours: Open daily from 6am to 8pm.
Cost: Free.
Statens Museum for Kunst
You have to love the many bikes outside the museum!
SMK, or the Statens Museum for Kunst, is considered to be the "main" visual arts museum in Denmark, and the largest art museum in the country. Home to 260,000 artworks, it began as the Danish king's private collection until it was given to the public in the mid-1800s. The galleries consist primarily of paintings and sculptures, dating from the 1300s to the present day.
Modern art inside the SMK.
Andre Derain's "Woman in a Chemise".
Henri Matisse's work is displayed in SMK.
One of the most enjoyable parts of my visit was the glass building, which appeared to be an extension of the original building. The pieces on display were relatively modern and wonderfully colorful. It's hard to know this part of the museum is there without studying the map, so be sure not to miss it! I could've spent all day here, so you'll need to move fairly quickly if you want to walk through it all.
Address: SMK, Sølvgade 48-50, 1307 København K
Hours: Closed Mondays. Open Tuesday-Sunday from 10am to 6pm except for Wednesdays which has extended evening hours until 8pm.
Cost: Adults are 120 DKK, but 18-26 year-olds are 95 DKK. 17 and under are free. There's also a significant discount for a one adult + one child join ticket, which is 100 DKK. You can buy your ticket in advance.
Where to eat
Torvehallerne KBH Fresh market
Stop by for an open-faced sandwich and a coffee.
Nyhavn
Hyttefadet serves fish, fries, and open-faced sandwiches.
On the Sunny Side has highly-rated Italian food.
Admittedly, Nyhavn is an expensive stop for a full meal. Most of the restaurants are serving the same type of meals: fish and fries, sandwiches, and lots of alcohol. Of course, you're also more than welcome to simply order a drink, sip slowlyyy and leisurely, and take in the view.
There are many more wonderful places to dine in Copenhagen, so I've made a few additional suggestions using the Google Map below to get you started.
Airport to City Center
Since I decided to walk in Copenhagen, I didn't feel the need to purchase an all-inclusive transportation pass. However, I did use the metro system to get from the airport to the city center. Public transportation in Copenhagen is amazing!
Once you land at Copenhagen International Airport, follow the signs for the metro. Doing so will eventually run you right into the DSB red ticket kiosks on your right side. There's never a line to purchase a ticket, and if you need help there's usually an employee there to assist. The machine's language can be easily switched to English, and they take all major credit cards.
Your default "from" destination will be "Københavns Lufthavn", the Danish name for the airport. All you have to do is tap "city center" and choose which stop you're planning to get off at. For the sake of this itinerary, select "Kongens Nytorv". From there, add the number and type of tickets you need, and when prompted, insert your card or use Apple Pay to complete your purchase. Now equipped with your ticket, head up the escalator to the metro platform.
You don't need to validate your ticket (only those with a Danish commuter card need to do that), and since the airport is the last stop on metro line 2, you can't take the metro in the wrong direction. All trains head towards Copenhagen! "Kongens Nytorv" is 8 stops on the train and usually takes anywhere from 13-20 minutes in total. It's the fastest, cheapest, and most convenient way to get into the city.
I hope this two-day itinerary has inspired you to plan your own adventure! Remember, this is a starting point - there are seemingly endless things to see in Copenhagen. I'd love to hear your recommendations for things to add to the itinerary, so please share your tips in the comments below!
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