The perfect 3 days in Copenhagen itinerary – with the best things to do, stay & eat

Castles, towers and colorful neighborhoods,
The longest shopping street with sights, souvenirs & quirky goods.
Canal tour, Tivoli gardens and Andersen’s tales of the mermaid and fairy
These all are a part of your 3 days in Copenhagen itinerary. 

Explore the capital of Denmark with this travel guide to Copenhagen. Discover the best things to do in Copenhagen in 3 days, get my insider tips on where to stay, what to eat and the best time to visit.

One of the most liveable cities in the world, a top sustainable travel destination, one of the happiest places, and the most bikeable city … these are just a few of the many hats that Copenhagen wears. Reading about these made me curious about the place but spending 3 days in Copenhagen Denmark fascinated me with its culture, people, and way of life.

My Copenhagen itinerary took me through its harbors to its heritage neighborhoods with castles and historic buildings that now stand alongside their contemporary counterparts. Home to the famous fairytale author Hans Christian Andersen, Copenhagen has several dreamy and fun-filled experiences that infused a charm to my visit. During those 72 hours in Copenhagen, I also stumbled upon the secret of Hygge which has led to the high happiness index among its people.

If you are planning a visit to Copenhagen, then this blog post is all you will need. I will be sharing my own Copenhagen itinerary for 3 days along with insider tips on where to stay, how to go around and what to eat. I have also, included a list of alternate experiences and key attractions in Copenhagen that you can substitute to suit your interests. This also, includes a few suggestions on day trips from Copenhagen that you can add to your Denmark itinerary.

For those who are wondering what to do for 2 days in Copenhagen, I have covered my recommendations at the end of the blog. Similarly, I have a few suggestions for just 24 hours in Copenhagen. Irrespective of how much time you plan to spend in Copenhagen. I have you covered with this one single mega Copenhagen travel guide.

Disclaimer: This article includes affiliate links. This means that at no cost to you, I will receive a small commission if you purchase through my link. Thank you for supporting me with this.

A Brief History of Copenhagen

Did you know that Copenhagen was originally a Viking fishing village? Yep, located on the islands of Zealand and Amagar, it thrived on Herring fishing in the 10^th century. Later in 1167, it was developed as a harbor town by Bishop Absalon.  The Bishop added fortifications in the form of a moat and walls around the city. The flourishing town got its new name – København – meaning the merchant’s harbor.

Eventually, the place came under the rule of the Danish kings. During the shadow rule of Queen Margrethe, Copenhagen became a part of the Kalmar Union – the first set of Scandinavia with the union of Denmark, Norway and Sweden. The town was made the capital of the Danish kingdom in the 15^th century.

While the city prospered, it went through its own set of woes in the form of fires, plague and even German invasions. One of the key contributors to the development of Copenhagen was King Christian IV. Though a controversial figure, he did build several iconic buildings that are now key landmarks of Copenhagen. In fact, over your three days in Copenhagen, you can identify these with his signature IV on many of these monuments.

Denmark became a democratic country in 1849 with Copenhagen as its capital. It was occupied by Hitler and the German forces during the 2^nd World War but was liberated by the British troops at the end of it. Since then, this gorgeous city has thrived to become one of the most liveable cities of the world – and to know why, you got to add this to your itinerary for Denmark.

What is the best way to get to Copenhagen, Denmark?

Air travel is the most convenient way to get into Copenhagen. There is a fairly good connection to European countries by rail. If you are already in Scandinavia or Germany and are planning a trip to Copenhagen, you will find it convenient and economical to travel by road, rail or a ferry.

By Air

Copenhagen Airport (also called Kastrup) is the largest and busiest airport in the Nordic region. It not only serves Denmark but parts of Sweden too. You will find numerous flights to the airport from all the key cities in the world – including Mumbai and Delhi from India. There are several low-cost airlines in Europe that operate flights to Copenhagen.

The airport is just 8 km from the city centre. From the airport, you have these options to get to the city –

1) Bus

You will find one every 10 minutes at the bus stop outside terminal 3. The ride on Bus 5c takes around 35 minutes to the city center and costs €4.80 (36 DKK) for a one-way journey. The tickets for this can be bought at the vending machines at the airport.

2) Metro

Terminal 3 has a metro station from where you can get to Kongens Nytorv in just 13 minutes. From here, you can hop on to various lines that run across the city.

There is a metro every 10 minutes and the cost for a one-way ticket is the same as the bus. You can buy the tickets at the transport vending machines available at the airport

3) Train

Copenhagen Central Station is close to Tivoli Gardens and the city center. Trains from the airport will work out the best if you are headed here. The frequency is around 10 minutes during the day and 20 minutes in the evening. The duration of the journey is just 15 minutes and the price is the same as a metro or a bus. Tickets can be got at the same ticketing machines.

P.S: It is better to activate a Copenhagen tourist card and use the bus, train or metro for free when you arrive in the city. More on this coming up in the next section.

4) Taxi

Taxi might be the costliest option but convenient if you are a large group with luggage. There are numerous operators like Uber and Viggo that can be used. Just make sure you have downloaded the app and registered to book one conveniently at the Copenhagen airport.

By Rail

There is direct connectivity by trains to many cities in Europe including Paris, London and Amsterdam.

Train is a great option if you are planning a weekend in Copenhagen from any of the Nordic countries or Germany. This is because there is a good frequency through the day. There are regular trains as well as high speed ones that can be booked online through Rail Europe or Omio.

By Road

Copenhagen is connected to Malmö in Sweden via the Øresund Bridge and the journey time is just one hour. You can rent a car and drive to Sweden directly using this bridge or take one of the frequent buses between the two cities. The one-way road toll on this bridge is €48 (DKK 360).

There are several buses to Stockholm and key cities of Germany from Copenhagen. You can look them up through Omio and book the one that is convenient for your arrival into the city.

By Ferry

There are several ferry options that you can avail from Norway, Sweden and Germany to get to Copenhagen. There are in fact, several departures through the day. It is a fun way to visit Copenhagen from these countries. These can be booked online through various ferry operators.

How to get around Copenhagen?

Walking and biking are the best options to explore Copenhagen in 3 days. Walking will need a few transfers and that I recommend using the public transport in Copenhagen.

Copenhagen has a good network of public transport – buses, trains and metros. It is in fact, the best to travel on these during your 3 days in Copenhagen. Not only does it contribute to the city’s sustainable tourism initiatives but is economical when compared to renting a car or a taxi. The best thing to do is to buy and activate a Copenhagen Card.

P.S: Pick up a pocket map of Copenhagen – you will find one at the airport, metro station or bus terminal. This helps you plan your public transport route better

Copenhagen card

This is a digital card that can be bought through this link. You have options for a 24-hour card to a 120-hour one. The card gives you free and unlimited access to the public transport system of Copenhagen (including airport rides) within that time period. I even, used it for my day trip to Helsingør from Copenhagen.

What makes me recommend this purchase is also, the fact that you get free access to all the attractions that I have included in my suggested Copenhagen itinerary for 3 days. A 72-hour Copenhagen card costs €124 per adult. Kids between 3 – 11 years are included free.

You might find that the card is priced higher compared to similar city cards in Spain or other parts of Europe. However, it saves at least 30% of your spending on the Copenhagen itinerary.

Bikes in Copenhagen

Copenhagen is reputed as being one of the most bikeable cities in the world. It has separate lanes for biking and bikers also, get right of way. You can rent a bike through this link or try one of the many app-based bike rentals. You can even move your bike around on public transport with a bike ticket (except during rush hours).

Which are the best areas for staying in Copenhagen?

Since Copenhagen is well-connected by buses, metros and trains, no matter where you stay, you will find it easy to access to all the key places to visit in Copenhagen. That said, I do have three specific recommendations of areas where you can pick accommodation for your 3 days in Copenhagen Denmark.

Nyhavn and Indre By

This is the historic neighbourhood with the harbour, cobblestone alleys and those colorful mansions that have gain Instagram fame. It is close to most of the attractions like the Tivoli gardens, Marble cathedral, Royal theatre, Design museum etc – all of which I will be recommending in my 3 days in Copenhagen itinerary. The Copenhagen central station and the Kongens Nytorv metro station (mentioned in the Airport section) are located in this neighbourhood.  

You will find hotels and hostels of every possible budget in this area. Here are a few to get you started with your booking –

• Hostels – Chic Flat in Vibrant Area by Copenhagen Canals
• Apartments – Capsule Hotel Nyhavn63
• Hotels – Hotel Bethel, 71 Nyhavn Hotel

Nørrebro

Another central area that is also, close to the Frederiksborg (known for Frederiksborg castle and zoo) with tons of food options. You will find the famous Michelin star restaurants including Noma as well as food markets like TorvehallerneKBH. If you are a foodie, then you would definitely want to include this in your 3 days itinerary for Copenhagen.

Rosenborg castle is around this area as is the Assistens Cemetery where the popular Hans Christian Andersen is buried. Check these hotels for booking your stay in this area.

• Hostels – Globalhagen Hostel
• Apartments – M18
• Hotels – Hotel Nora Copenhagen

Vesterbro

Anyone looking for a hip and happening nightlife that you should consider Vesterbro. The area has tons of pubs, cafes and restaurants that rock the evenings. It is also, close to attractions like Tivoli gardens and Carlsberg district mentioned in my itinerary for Copenhagen. Quirky areas like Little Paris which are known for shopping are around this area.

Some suggested stay options in Vesterbro are as below –

• Hostels – Woodah Hostel, CityHub Copenhagen
• Apartments – Dream Stay in Centre Copenhagen
• Hotels – Hotel Tiffany, Hotel Ottilia by Brøchner Hotels

Planning your 3 days in Copenhagen itinerary

As you see in the map, the places to see in Copenhagen are spread out. I managed to cover them with a fair bit of walking (biking if you prefer) and use of public transport. My itinerary for Copenhagen in 3 days is not just about passive sightseeing but includes immersive experiences that will help you enjoy the local flavors of the city.

Watch out for my insider tips as you read along – including alternatives that you can substitute in this trip plan for Copenhagen.

3 days in Copenhagen, Denmark: Day One

Key highlights: Walking or Cycling tour of Copenhagen, Carlesberg district & Nørrebro

Grab a coffee at Broens Gadekøkken, near Nyhavn

You got to be set for a long day of walking. I advise you to grab a hearty breakfast at your hotel (if you have it in your plan) or get to the pedestrian bridge near Nyhavn (the Instagram famous harbour). I was lucky to get my fill at the 25 hours hotel where I was staying on invite from the Scandinavian tourism board.

That said, I could not help getting tempted by the fresh aromas of Cinnamon rolls sold by the food truck at the Broens Gadekøkken food street kitchen. This is located very close to the pedestrian bridge at the end of Nyhavn. I also, noticed the famous Coffee Collective here – which I highly recommend for your morning dose of coffee.

Broens Gadekøkken is reputed for its amazing street food for which only quality ingredients are used. In fact, you will find many of the offerings using only organic ones. It was set up in 2018 and often has guest chefs from various parts of the world coming by with a special menu.

The outdoor setting is quite lovely with the view of the harbor and cyclists biking along the automobile-free area. If you are visiting Copenhagen in winter, you will find an ice rink in the square by the food market.

Join a walking tour (or a bike tour) to discover Copenhagen

A guided walking tour or cycling tour is a good initiation to discover Copenhagen in 72 hours. The duration of these walking tours range between 2 to 4 hours and covers the key attractions around central Copenhagen. Biking tours are also, available for a similar duration but you tend to cover a bit more. My Copenhagen itinerary for 3 days included a private walking tour – courtesy of the Scandinavian Tourism Board.

Led by Bentte Hoffman, the walking trail took me from a new neighborhood called Paper Island to Christiansborg Palace. The stretch is filled with anecdotes and offbeat stories – with hidden gems in the by-lanes. Let me share the main highlights of the walk –

Paper Island

This is the newest neighborhood in Copenhagen that has been created on an artificial island. The isle was initially used by the Danish Navy and later, was used as a storehouse for newsprint – thus the name Paper Island. The place, however, has been completely transformed with elegant buildings for residential and commercial purposes. The place is still under development but a few complexes like my hotel have opened for business.

Nyhavn

Past the Broens Gadekøkken street food part, comes one of the most popular areas you will encounter during your three days in Copenhagen. The colorful buildings of Nyhavn along the harbor are unmissable on any Copenhagen itinerary.

As Bentte explained, Nyhavn translates to “new harbor” and it was first built in the 17th century. The harbor was an entry point to the Kongens Nytorv (meaning King’s Square). The vibrant buildings belonged to the sailors and were used as homes or warehouses. The area had quite a raucous reputation with drunken sailors making merry with ladies of pleasure along the harbor bars.

However, it slowly cleaned up and later, one side of the harbour was made only for pedestrians. The old mansions and warehouses were converted to apartments and hotels.

P.S: Look out for the elegant glass building north of Nyhavn. This is the Royal Danish Playhouse – an addition to the old Royal Theatre.

Home of Hans Christian Andersen

The bright red and yellow buildings on the non-pedestrian side of Nyhavn were the first two places where the famous Danish fairytale writer – Hans Christian Andersen lived. He later, shifted to the opposite side of the harbor in a building next to a present-day hotel.

The Royal Theatre – Old Stage

The first of the Royal Danish Theatre is located at the end of Nyhavn, at the King’s Square. Built in 1748, exclusively for the royalty, this is termed the Old Stage of the Royal Theatre. Later, in 1874, it was opened to all. The small but impressive façade is flanked by two huge statues – one of a Danish sculptor, Herman Wilhelm, and the other of Ludvig Holberg – who is recognized as the founder of Danish and Norwegian literature.

The domed ceilings on the first floor were something I wish I could have seen a little more closely but I guess, for that, you got to buy the tickets to the play or show.

P:S: Catch a gorgeous and offbeat part of this theatre by going to its rear. The arched passageway is filled with mosaic art showcasing various personalities from the Danish culture – including Hans Christian Andersen.

Højbro Plads

Højbro Plads translates to High Bridge Square and is marked by the statue of Bishop Absalon – who is believed to have developed Copenhagen from a tiny Viking village to a rich trading port. This is close to the old harbor part of Copenhagen.

Stork Fountain

En route to the Stork fountain, you can get a glimpse of the oldest department store called Magasin Du Nord, the oldest hotel – Hotel d’Angleterre (built in 1700s) and a power transformer turned into a hotel. You will also, pass a very impressive church that has now been converted into a contemporary art museum – Nikolaj Art Gallery.

The Stork fountain stands at the end of a famous shopping street called Strøget Street (the longest pedestrian shopping street in Europe). The fountain was a silver wedding anniversary gift to Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Louise in 1894. An interesting tradition is practiced around the fountain where the newly graduated midwives dance it. The tradition has been practiced since 1950.

Christiansborg Palace

More popular today as the Parliament, this was a palace built at the very site where the castle of Bishop Absalon was. The palace was first built in the 1700s but succumbed to fires. Rebuilt over time, it now houses the Prime Minister’s office and the Supreme Court in addition to the Parliament.

I was lucky to have been treated to a lunch on the top floor of the Christiansborg tower. This gave me panoramic views of Copenhagen. You too, can get here to the viewing gallery as well as the Royal reception rooms that are still used by the King. The entrance to these is free with your Copenhagen Card.

P.S: From the top, you can catch a glimpse of the old Stock Exchange building that was recently burnt down. It would have completed 400 years in 2024, had that disaster not struck.

There are similar walking and bike tours that can be booked online. Here are some of these highly rated ones that you can consider. They cover most of the above attractions and maybe, more.

• Guided Walking tour by Dinturia
• Guided City Highlights Tour by Amitylux
• 3-Hour Bike Tour by Tropical Bikes
• 3-Hour Bike Tour with Guide by City Bike Adventures

Lunch in Vesterbro

Get to Gammel Strand metro station and hitch a ride to a new neighborhood called Vesterbro. I recommend that you grab lunch in this neighborhood – possibly at Aamanns Genbo. The place has outdoor seating and is well-known for the famous Danish Smørrebrød – the sourdough open sandwiches.

If you are on a budget, you might want to consider Madglad or Absalon for a community dining experience.

Take a tour of the Carlsberg district – an offbeat addition to a 3-day Copenhagen itinerary

Yes, this is the birthplace of the world-famous beer brand – Carlsberg. You do not have to be a beer aficionado to add this place to your list of unique things to do in Copenhagen. I for one, do not like beer but I loved this place for its repurposed heritage structures and the fascinating stories attached to them.

This area used to be the outskirts of Copenhagen. It was in 1847, that J.C. Jacobsen decided to move his inherited brewery to this place for the want of cleaner water and larger space. The man created a township of sorts on the berg or the hill and named it and the brand after his son  – Carl Jacobsen.

What will amaze you is that you will find all the old buildings of the brewery intact but used for different purposes. They are active offices, homes, studios and hotels – keeping alive the Carlsberg history and making it meaningful to the current generation. The new and old together in this space have been planned on the lines of the City of Towers called San Gimignano of Tuscany, Italy.

I have a detailed blog post on a self-guided walking tour of this offbeat attraction of Copenhagen but for now, here are the key things to see in the Carlsberg district.

• The Carlsberg family garden – The family planted some exotic plants here and the garden still retains it. It is used as a community space.
• The Hanging gardens – These are the walls of the old dormitories used by the scientists of the Carlsberg brewery. The dormitories are now part of a school.
• J.C Jacobsen’s home – This was under restoration. Hence, I could only get a glimpse of it.
• Limestone lighthouse – Unmissable beacon of the old Carlsberg brewery. It functions as an artist’s studio
• Beer storehouse – You can see the barrel-shaped windows in this building which is now Hotel Ottilia.
• Elephant gate – This was the official entrance to New Carlsberg brewery (set up by the son). The four elephants here symbolize the four surviving children of Carl Jacobsen.
• Diplogate or the double gates – The malt tower with its double gate and murals of the important people of Carlsberg Brewery. The tower now hosts a spa.
• The artistic chimney – has a shared space with a buzzing school and a dance studio

Explore the Home of Carlsberg and sign up for a beer-tasting session

Located around the former home of Carl Jacobsen, in the former brewery offices, the Carlsberg Museum or the Home of Carlsberg is an interactive display of the history of the brand, beer beer-making process and major milestones. My visit started with a tiny glass of beer and a chorus of “skol” (cheers), after which I went around the various galleries learning about the family feud between the father and son, the development of beer, how different ones are made etc.

There are several games to illustrate the beer-making process – making this an interesting addition to your things to do in Copenhagen with kids. At the end of the tour, you are treated to a large glass of Carlsberg beer (alcoholic or non – your choice). My access also included a beer-tasting session that helped me understand the fizz, color, and taste of the various types of beer.

The museum has draught horses (Shetland Ponies) that you can pet and a Carlsberg souvenir shop. It is a fun place to add to your 3 days in Copenhagen itinerary for families with kids. You can book a ticket for this museum through this link.

Dinner at Nørrebro

After your Carlsberg tour, catch a metro and get off at Nørreport station. This is where you begin your food journey in Nørrebro. Here you will find a plethora of cuisine options – ranging from Chinese to Indian, Middle Eastern, and European. You can even do a food walk (if you are not tired) or just pick one of many restaurants that fancy you.

If you are undecided, go to the famous food market – Torvehallerne which has over 80 food stalls. It is one of the largest ones in Copenhagen. Alternatively, try the popular and highly rated places like Petit café, Gasoline Burgers, or the Gaza Grill. If you would like a Michelin-star sit-down option – then get to The Ark. This is a vegan award-winning restaurant where I ended my evening amidst 9 courses -each with an interesting narrative. 

And with that, I ended my first day of the 72 hours in Copenhagen.

Copenhagen in 3 days: Day two

Key highlights: Canal tour of Copenhagen, Marble Cathedral, Design Studio & Kastellet

See the city from the sea with a Copenhagen boat tour

Whether you are spending 72 hours or 48 hours in Copenhagen, you must include a canal cruise in your itinerary. As I discovered in Amsterdam, these boat tours add a different perspective to the city. I assure you that this is true even for Copenhagen.

Most of the Copenhagen canal tours start in Nyhavn or Ved Stranden. The Copenhagen card canal tour starts at Ved Stranden while the others can be from either of the placs. You can go for the one through the Copenhagen card or try one of these highly-rated ones that can be booked online.

• Hidden Gems & Socializing Boat Tour
• Canal Cruise with Guide

The regular canal tours take you through the main harbor points that include Nyhavn, the Little Mermaid, Copenhagen Opera House, Amalienborg Palace (where the current Royal family stays), and Christiansborg Palace. I saw all of these and more as I was booked on the Hidden Gems and Socializing Boat Tour – a highly recommended social boat tour in Copenhagen.

My guide was a youngster who had spent most of his childhood sailing around Denmark. Fun and enthusiastic, he expertly guided the boat around the various islands like Holmen Naval base where the Royal ship was anchored and Trekroner Island built in the 1700s as a navy outpost.

Along the way, he even showed unique buildings beautifully repurposed to suit modern needs. It was fascinating to see CopenHill – a waste management system double up as a recreational hub with an artificial ski-slope and climbing wall. I am told that this place has some amazing activities and is one of the key things to do in Copenhagen with young adults.

Another interesting building that I saw on the canal cruise was the old cement silos that are now fabulous office buildings. On the tour, our guide also, pointed out to various old shipping containers that no longer look like the original steel boxes. With artistic landscaping and reconstruction, they have been converted into elegant homes by the water.

Take a tour of the Marble Church

The Copenhagen canal tours usually take around an hour. If you have taken one from Nyhavn, all you have to do is stroll down to the main square and turn right. If you keep walking, you will reach one of the most beautiful places in Copenhagen Denmark – the Marble Church.

What drew me to this iconic landmark of Copenhagen was its remarkable similarity to the St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. And I was not mistaken, as this building has been inspired by that Rome landmark. It has the largest dome in Scandinavia – done in a Rococo style. Started by King Fredrik V in 1749, its actual name is Fredrik’s Church.

Here is a fascinating story – the church was only completed in 1894, though the first stone was laid down in 1749. Turns out, that the project ran into financial woes as the funds were diverted elsewhere. For almost 150 years, there was no construction and the unfinished monument became a ruin. In 1874, the finance minister sold the ruins to Carl Fredrik Tietgen with the condition that he finish the monument as per the original plan and hand it over to the community. In exchange, he was given some land plots around the church.

With a few more hiccups and controversies, the church was finally finished – though the marble had to be replaced by limestone. Today, it is one of the places that you have to add to your 3-day itinerary in Copenhagen. You might see it from outside on your Copenhagen walking tour but I recommend a visit inside too. The gorgeous dome, altar and pulpit are worth the time.

The entry is free but if you wish to climb the dome, you need to purchase a ticket. It is just 400 steps and they say that the views are terrific. It is not included in the Copenhagen card but you can buy the tickets online. There are also, some guided tours of the Marble Church that you can check through the given link.

Hop over to the Amalienborg Palace – One of the Copenhagen card attractions

Right across the Marble church is the official and current residence of the Danish royal family. The grand complex has four palaces that were originally homes of the nobles. These were bought over by the Royal family when the Christiansborg palace burnt down in 1794.

With the Copenhagen card, you can visit two of these palaces and the Amalienborg Museum that is open to the public. The other two palaces are private residences. Watch out for the gallery of Russian jewelry called Fabergé Chamber and take a peek at the Gala Hall. The palace also, has special exhibitions from time to time that you can check out on your Copenhagen card app.

Try to get here by noon to experience the “Changing of Guards” ceremony. This place everyday. The guards march down from their barracks near Rosenborg palace and reach here by noon. If they are accompanied by a band, then you know that the King or Queen is in residence at the Amalienborg Palace.

Grab lunch at the Design Museum before exploring it

Continue on the same stretch as Amalienborg Castle (away from Nyhavn) and you will see interesting buildings. Among them is a Russian church – obvious from their domes. Just a little ahead of this is the Designmuseum.

You might not be a contemporary art fan but I think you will still enjoy this museum for its creative exhibits. Also, the building itself has a history. Built in the 1700s, this was one of the first hospitals in Copenhagen. Later, it was converted into a museum. Here you will find creations of famed designers like Arne Jacobsen, Kaare Klint and more.

There is a section on creating designs out of waste where you will find a lamp piece made with the discarded intestines of a cow and a dress made from machine-knitted milk yarn that is dairy waste. There is a whole tunnel of design chairs that won awards and of course, a rare model of a very millennial electric car.

You can grab your lunch at the Designmuseum café – either before or after your visit. They have lovely options for smørrebrød and paninis. However, be prepared to wait a bit as it is always almost full.

Visit Kastellet – the only surviving fortress of North Europe

To be honest, I missed out visiting this. For one, I did not know it was so close to the Designmuseum (just 600m) and two, I had to follow a pre-determined Copenhagen itinerary as a part of my invite. I did plan visiting it the next day during my free time but with a few delays here and there, completely missed out on it.

The citadel is in the form of a pentagon that was built in 1662 by King Christian IV. It was the outer perimeter of defence and is home to several beautiful buildings. You can still see the old Barracks, the powder house, the Commander’s house and Kastelskirken – a church built in a Baroque style. The most charming thing here that you should not miss out on is a Dutch windmill on top of the King’s bastion.

Covering all this should not take you more than hour after which you should get ready for a food journey in the famous street food market of Copenhagen – Reffen.

End the evening at the Reffen Street food market

This is across the harbor from Kastellet and hence, budget at least 45 minutes to reach there. While there are many other food options in Nyhavn, I would recommend a visit here as Reffen offers a different experience.

There are over 50 food stalls in Reffen with a variety of cuisines and some really creative dishes. All food stalls here have to follow sustainable practices and they strictly reduce and reuse to control waste.

Just outside the street food area, there is a lovely urban farm called Øens Have. They have a set up in the form of Mongolian yurts where you can opt for a sit-down dinner with their menu of the day. The place follows a farm-to-table concept and you are treated to creations from whatever they have grown organically.

To reach Reffen, you might have to take a harbour bus or a regukar bus. The bus stop to which you have to map your journey is Refshaleøen. Harbour buses can be got at Nordre Toldbod but it will take a longer route and not just cut across. You can check the harbour bus timetable here.

The Copenhagen 3 days itinerary: Day Three

Key highlights: Church of Our Saviour, Rosenborg Palace, Strøget Street, Copenhagen City Hall and Tivoli Gardens

Breakfast at The Grød in Christianshaven

Grab a healthy bowl of porridge at Copenhagen’s popular restaurant – The Grød. Grød means porridge and this place is a chain that has many creative renditions of this on their menu. I found myself quite conflicted between their Red Berry Chia special and the Aai Blueberry smoothie one

The place usually opens at 8 am.

Climb the spire of the Church of our Saviour

You would have seen the brown and gold spire of this church over your first 2 days in Copenhagen. Built-in the 1700s, this spire and its church grace the area of Christianshavn – which you can explore. The neighbourhood was built by King Christian IV as a merchant town and the church was a part of it. Though commissioned in the early 1600s, the Baroque church went through a lot of changes and the current form was completed in 1749.

What makes this church special is that the 90m high spire has an external staircase on the outside. The total number of stairs to the top is 400 – of which 250 are inside. The remaining make the last mile on the outside you can climb for some gorgeous views of Copenhagen.

However, remember to pre-book your climb at least a day or two prior. There are multiple slots that you have to reserve online. If you have a Copenhagen card, you can do this climb as a part of the offering

P.S: If you have vertigo, this climb might not be for you!

The Church of our Saviour is also, popular for its Carillon melodies of 45 bells that ring every hour from 8 am to midnight.

Explore the neighborhood of Christiana or Christianshavn

The quirky neighborhood of Christiana has quite a story behind it. The name Christianshavn means the King’s harbour. Though it was designed as an independent merchant settlement by King Christian IV, a part of it became a self-governing settlement.

While I did not venture into the hippie part of this neighborhood (called Freetown Christiana), I found myself charmed by its vibrant homes by the canals. I was strongly reminded of Amsterdam by the canals.  Just walk around a bit or take a guided tour like this one. Finally, head to the metro station in Christianshavn.

Check out the Crown Jewels at the Rosenborg Castle

From Christianshavn metro station, take the line to either Nørreport or Marmorkirken. From here, walk for around 10 minutes and you will find yourself at a dreamy Rosenborg Castle.

Another one of Christian IV’s contributions to Denmark, this 1600s palace was the official residence till the 1700s. The family moved to Christiansborg Castle afterwards but returned briefly when that palace burned down.

I found myself captivated by its Dutch-Renaissance architecture – the façade of red brickwork, the stepped gable (the roof) and the ornate spires. I could not identify the various royal figures sculpted around the façade but they did add to the charm of the castle.

The main highlight of this palace is the fact that it is home to the Danish Crown Jewels. You can find the same in The Treasury section – which is in the basement. Besides the jewels, watch out for the Knight’s hall (former reception hall), the Coronation chair with its silver cats guarding it and the magnificent tapestries.

Your entry is free with the Copenhagen card. Make sure you arrive early and book your slot (even if it is free). On weekends, the slots are so full that you might not get one on the same day. That happened to me, and I had to just be contended with exploring the outer part of the castle and Kongens Have.

Kongens Have is the adjoining royal garden which is believed to be the oldest in the city. The garden was the favorite haunt of King Christian IV but is now open to the public. The green space has several statues and is filled with exotic plants.

Shop along Strøget Street and grab lunch along the way

Remember the longest pedestrian shopping street that you touched when you did the city walk on the first day of your itinerary for Copenhagen in 3 days? Well, now it is time to explore it.

From Rosenborg castle, you can just stroll into Strøget via this very colorful square in the Gothersgade area. The car-free stretch is filled with shops for every budget and style. I spend at least an hour browsing the likes of designer outlets such as Louis Vuitton to budget souvenir shops.

Along the way, you will find numerous food outlets and cafes. One highly rated option for smørrebrods is Domhusets Smørrebrød in one of the intersecting lanes. Alternatively, if you aren’t too hungry, go for a snack on the go. I recommend the Danish pancake balls called Æbleskiver that you can get right outside the next destination on your t destination on your itinerary for 3 days in Copenhagen Denmark.

Visit the Round Tower

The Rundetaarn or the Round Tower is the oldest functioning observatory in the city. Another one of Christian IV’s legacies, this one has a 209m spiral ramp that you can climb. The tower is 36m high and is perfect for panoramic views of the city.

If you have not done the Church of Our Saviour climb, then go for this one. It is an easy climb – thanks to the ramp.

Head to the Copenhagen City Hall

Get into the metro near the Marble church and head to Rådhuspladsen station. The gorgeous Copenhagen City Hall is right by the station. Inspired by an Italian building, this has been built in a Romantic style. You would likely have seen it from the outside on your biking or walking tour of Copenhagen. If so, head straight in and explore the interiors.

If you are here by 1 pm on a weekday, then there is a guided tour that you can join. Alternately, there are a few like this one available online. When inside, don’t miss out on the Jens Olsen’s world clock with its 14000 moving parts. (this is different from the tower clock)

The building façade has this golden statue of Absalon in the center. Its attached tower is 105.6m high – making it one of the tallest buildings in Copenhagen. You can climb up the tower for a view or just check out the statues in the square – especially that of Hans Christian Andersen.

One more interesting point that you can see from the square is a golden station of the Weather Girls on the Richs building (one with a sign that says Thai). The statue moves around depicting the weather of the day – on rainy days, it has a girl with an umbrella.

End your evening at the Tivoli gardens

Tivoli Gardens is an unmissable part of the itinerary for Copenhagen in 3 days. This is one of the oldest amusement parks in Europe – it opened in 1843. It has the world’s third oldest rollercoaster – a wooden one at that and of course, tons of other rides and carnival games. Don’t miss the Hans Christian Andersen ride. It might seem kiddy but is quite a creative journey through his fairytales.

Enter the park and you will feel as if you have entered a fairyland. I am told that Disney did take some inspiration from the place. There is entertainment for all ages – be it the rides or the amphitheatre that always has a show on Fridays or the delectable restaurants that serve a variety of cuisines. In fact, on the day I visited, Ronan Keating had taken over the stage and well, I did get to hear him sing my favorites.

As a part of the tour by Visit Copenhagen and the Scandinavian Tourism board, I was treated to a 5-course dinner at The Kilden, in the gardens. I can assure you their creative dessert of Strawberry sorbets on a pancake was one of the best that I have ever had.

However, there are other food options around Tivoli Gardens that you might want to try. The Tivoli food hall for one, has various options that are not too heavy on your pocket.

Tivoli Park is obviously, one of the things to do in Copenhagen with kids. However, even as an adult, I found the inner kid inside me erupting and having fun. So definitely make this a part of your itinerary when planning a trip to Copenhagen.

Alternate things to do in Copenhagen that you can substitute or include in the above itinerary

There are quite a few attractions in Copenhagen that I could not include in my 3 days Copenhagen itinerary. You can always consider these for your itinerary.

• National Museum – this has prehistoric art, mummies, ancient runes and Viking artifacts on display. This is close to the Copenhagen City hall
• Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek – an art museum near the City Hall of Copenhagen that has the private collection of Carl Jacobsen. There are other galleries showcasing art forms from Roman, Etruscan and other ages.
• Botanical Garden – Close to Rosenborg palace, this 10 hectares of green space has a unique palm house of the 1800s and a butterfly park.
• Copenhill – with the artificial ski slope and climbing wall. It also, has tons of other activities. I mentioned this in my Canal tours section
• Viking Ship Museum – the name says it all. The original Viking ships are on display and as you see it, you also, learn details of its construction and various journeys

Looking for 4 days in Copenhagen itinerary?

If you have an additional day, then you should plan one of these day trips from Copenhagen. I used my extra day for a trip to Helsingør – a charming town that is just 45 minutes from the city. The day trip got me back in time in the evening to spend some more time in Copenhagen.

Check my recommended Copenhagen day trips that you can add to your Denmark travel itinerary. Note most of these can be done with a Copenhagen card where the attractions and the train rides are included in the deal –

• Helsingør or Elsinore – Also, called Hamlet’s town, this is famous for the Kronborg castle. Once the wealthiest town in Denmark, the place still has its merchant mansions, old churches, monasteries and interesting museums to explore. It is just 45 minutes by train from Copenhagen and can be done as a guided tour through this link.
• Frederiksborg Castle – Just 40 minutes from the capital city, this is the Versailles of Denmark. The 17th-century castle is the largest in Scandinavia and is definitely worth a visit for heritage lovers
• Roskilde – Again, less than an hour from Copenhagen, this city of Vikings was once the capital of Denmark. It has a UNESCO World Heritage Site at Roskilde Cathedral, Vikings Museum and various other heritage attractions. The town is blessed with amazing landscapes.

If planned well, you get the best of these smaller towns as well as a few extra hours in Copenhagen. There is an option to do all of these three day trips together with a tour that can be booked online here. You can plan your Tivoli or Reffen food market visit in the additional time that you get after your day trip. 

Recommendations for 2 days in Copenhagen itinerary or just one day in Copenhagen

For anyone who has 48 hours in Copenhagen, I recommend following the first two days of my above three days sojourn. The Walking tour or Biking tour as well as the Canal tour will help you cover all the main sightseeing places in Copenhagen. You can avoid the Kastellet and the Reffen food market at the end of Day two and instead, from the Design Museum head to Copenhagen City Hall and Tivoli Gardens.  That way, you will have covered Copenhagen in a weekend.

If you have just 24 hours in Copenhagen, then, opt for a walking tour or bike tour, followed by a visit to Tivoli Gardens. You can leave out Carlsberg district – unless you are keen on doing something offbeat.

General travel tips for planning your Copenhagen itinerary

• Tap water in Copenhagen is perfectly safe. Carry your own bottle and refill it wherever you can
• A Copenhagen card definitely adds to your savings
• Though a part of the EU, the currency accepted in Denmark is the Danish Krone (DKK). Hence, do carry some when plan your travel to Copenhagen
• Copenhagen and Denmark, in general, is an expensive city – more than the other European cities like Madrid, Rome and Amsterdam. To give you a comparison, a Mac burger combo would cost you DKK 95 (€13) in Copenhagen while that in Madrid would be around €10

Common FAQs on planning a trip to Copenhagen

Before you go, pin this

P.S: I visited Copenhagen on invite from the Scandinavian Tourism Board and Visit Copenhagen. All the opinions and tips gathered during the trip are completely and honestly my own. This trip was quite different from the other tourism projects where all my exploring was done by foot or public transport using a Copenhagen card.  

Ami

Popularly referred to as a Restless Ball of Energy. My Mom refuses to entertain my complaints about my equally restless daughter & assures my husband that I was born with a travel bug.

I am a Post-Graduate in Marketing by qualification and a travel blogger by passion. Besides travel, I enjoy photography and if you don’t find me at my desk, I would be out playing badminton or swimming or just running. I believe in planning for every long weekend through the year. And when I cannot travel physically, I travel virtually through this travel blog. My travel stories have also, got published on various websites and magazines including BBC Travel, Lonely Planet India and Jetwings. I have recently published my first book – When Places Come Alive – a collection of stories that are based on legends, landscapes, art and culture of a place which is available in both ebook and paperback format.

You might also like these posts –

• A self guided Copenhagen Carlsberg tour: history & attractions of Carlsberg City District
• A travel guide for a day trip to Helsingør from Copenhagen, Denmark
• All about Spain tourist visa for Indians (Schengen visa): how to apply, documents required and fees
• Tips on picking the best Madrid cycling tours (& my experience of exploring the city)
• Things to do in Amsterdam
• Amsterdam vs Rotterdam: Which Dutch City Should You Explore?