Copenhagen 3 Day Itinerary

Copenhagen 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring the City Center

  • Morning:

    1. Start your day at the iconic Little Mermaid statue. Though small, it’s a must-see!
    2. Visit Kastellet, a star-shaped fortress from the 17th century, and enjoy its beautiful gardens.
    3. Explore The King’s Garden (Kongens Have) - the oldest and most central park in Copenhagen.

  • Afternoon:

    1. Head to Nyhavn, take a photo with the colorful houses, and enjoy lunch at one of the waterside restaurants.
    2. Visit the National Museum of Denmark (Danmarks Nationalmuseum), where you can learn about Danish history from the Stone Age to the present.
    3. Take a stroll along Strøget, Copenhagen’s pedestrian shopping street, and grab an afternoon coffee at one of the many cafes.

  • Evening:

    1. Visit Tivoli Gardens - the world’s second-oldest operating amusement park. It’s beautiful both day and night!
    2. Have dinner at Noma, considered one of the best restaurants in the world, or opt for a more casual meal at Ruby.

Day 2: Modern Copenhagen

  • Morning:

    1. Start your day with breakfast at Atelier September or Grød.
    2. Visit The Black Diamond, the modern extension of the Royal Danish Library, offering stunning views over the city.
    3. Explore the Design Museum (Designmuseum Danmark) to immerse yourself in Danish design.

  • Afternoon:

    1. Head to Reffen, Copenhagen’s creative and vibrant street food port, for lunch.
    2. Visit the Cisternerne - a series of underground water reservoirs now housing contemporary art exhibitions.
    3. Take a stroll along the Canal Belt (Kanalringen), admiring the colorful townhouses and boats on the water.

  • Evening:

    1. Have dinner at Kadeau - a modern Danish restaurant with a focus on local ingredients.
    2. End your day with a drink at Ruby’s rooftop bar, offering panoramic views of Copenhagen.

Day 3: Green Copenhagen

  • Morning:

    1. Start your day with breakfast at La Famiglia or Morgenstedet.
    2. Visit the Botanical Garden (Universitetsparken), home to over 13,000 plant species.
    3. Take a bike tour of Christiania, a self-proclaimed autonomous neighborhood with unique street art and vibes.

  • Afternoon:

    1. Have lunch at Kødbyens Fiskebar in Meatpacking District, known for its fresh seafood.
    2. Visit the Carlsberg Glyptotek, an art museum with a beautiful greenhouse and impressive sculpture collection.
    3. Take a leisurely walk through Freetown Christiania and Papirøen (Paper Island), home to various food stalls and shipping containers housing shops and eateries.

  • Evening:

    1. Have dinner at Nimb, located in Tivoli Gardens, offering a luxurious dining experience.
    2. Take a canal tour to see Copenhagen from a different perspective.

Things to Know:

  • Danish is the official language, but English is widely spoken.
  • Copenhagen is known for its bike culture; renting a bike is an easy and fun way to get around.
  • Denmark uses the Danish Krone (DKK). Credit cards are widely accepted.
  • The city can be expensive, but there are affordable options for food and activities as well.
  • Copenhagen Card offers free admission to over 70 attractions, museums, and boat tours, along with discounts on restaurants and shops.

Transportation: Copenhagen’s public transportation system is efficient and easy to use. Purchase a rechargeable Copenhagen Card (rejsekort) for buses, trains, and metros. Bicycles are also readily available for rent throughout the city.