3 Days in Copenhagen: How to Spend a Weekend in Copenhagen

Copenhagen is arguably the most laid-back capital in the Nordics that constantly ranks among the happiest cities in the world. It is the perfect blend of Scandinavian values with a distinct mainland European feel that sets it apart from the other Nordic capitals. You could easily spend a couple of days in Copenhagen soaking in all the city has to offer. As someone who lives here, I usually recommend that 3 days in Copenhagen is perfect. I’ve created a three-day itinerary for you to spend the best possible weekend in Copenhagen.

Please note that this article contains affiliate links. Learn more about it here.

How to Get Around During Your 3 Days in Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a very compact city and its flat terrain makes it easily walkable. Walking is certainly the best way to see Copenhagen. Most of the main sights are within a short distance of each other. However, some hidden gems on the list are a little bit out of the way. You can also make use of Copenhagen’s excellent public transport network if you want to save some time. You can plan your trip using public transport on Rejseplanen.dk.

Copenhagen is synonymous with cycling and has an excellent bike infrastructure. Bikes are also a fast and handy way to get around the city. If you want to rent a city bike, you can find more information here.

The Copenhagen Card might also be a good option depending on your needs. It includes free public transport and accords you free entry and discounts to a number of attractions.

Your Weekend in Copenhagen Itinerary

First off, this itinerary can be done during a long weekend in Copenhagen, but it’s also appropriate if you are visiting during the week. This itinerary covers all the essential sights but we also focus on some of Copenhagen’s distinct neighborhoods which give the city its unique character. We’ve included a free map which highlights the best places to visit in Copenhagen in three days. We understand that everyone travels at a different pace so feel free to choose the destinations according to your own pace.
For simplicity, we have decided to split the itinerary as follows:

• Day 1: Royal Copenhagen
• Day 2: Churches & Museums
• Day 3: Copenhagen Neighborhoods

Below we have compiled a list of the best things to see (or eat) in Copenhagen over the course of 3 days:

Day 1 in Copenhagen

Today’s itinerary will cover most of the main sights within the inner city including a tour of Royal Copenhagen.

1. Breakfast

There are several cozy little cafes in Copenhagen. One of the ones that Jacky and I like is Kafferiet, which serves some really nice coffee and tea and has a nice selection of pastries.

2. Kastellet

Head out to see the Kastellet Fortress and The Little Mermaid statue next. Kastellet Fortress is one of the best-maintained star fortifications in Europe. Kastellet has been used as a prison in the 19th century and was taken over by occupying German forces during World War II. The area is still an active military site and you can see a little bit of activity. It is an imposing citadel with raised, grassy battlements, army barracks, and a Dutch-style windmill, all of which are located inside a moat that can be accessed from two bridges at either end of the complex.

The beautiful Neo-Gothic St. Albans Church (Copenhagen’s only Anglican church) and the impressive Gefion fountain are just outside the complex. The Gefion fountain is Copenhagen’s largest fountain and represents the Norse goddess Gefion with a group of strong oxen. With traditional canons and scenic views, this free attraction is a great way to spend a morning.

3. The Little Mermaid

Just a short walking distance from Kastellet is the world-famous Little Mermaid statue. Created by Edvard Eriksen in 1913 this bronze sculpture is based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tales. As the name indicates the sculpture is diminutive in size and is usually surrounded by flocks of tourists trying to get the best selfie. The statue has unfortunately been subject to acts of vandalism over the years and has had her head and arms cut off along the way. The Little Mermaid is a little underwhelming despite garnering a lot of fuss, but you can’t really come to Copenhagen and not visit.

4. Amalienborg Palace

Amalienborg Palace is the winter residence of the Danish royal family. The palace complex is very big and consists of four identical Rococo-style buildings in an octagonal courtyard built by royal architect Nicolai Eigtved in the mid 18th century. The buildings initially served as residences for four affluent families but when Christiansborg Slot burned down in 1794, Christian VII purchased one of the four palaces and turned it into his residence.

In the center of the complex, there is an equestrian statue of Frederick V, the founder of Amalienborg. This statue took 30 years to complete and cost almost as much as the palace itself! The optimum time to visit is at 12:00 when the daily changing of the guards takes place.

5. Frederik’s Church

Just a stone’s throw from Amalienborg Palace is the stunning Frederik’s Church (Marble Church). This striking Rococo-style church with a large copper green dome is reminiscent of St Peter’s Basilica in Rome. It is the largest dome church in Scandinavia and its dome looms large over the Copenhagen skyline. The outside of the church features statues of Danish saints.

It’s totally worth popping inside to see the really phenomenal dome and artwork in the church. The stonework inside is rather modest, but the windows, paintings, and the bright ceiling are worth a look. It is possible to purchase a ticket to the top of the dome on weekends only at 13:00 on the dot. Unfortunately, only a few tickets are sold so be there early.

6. Nyhavn

The image of Nyhavn, Copenhagen’s colorful and vibrant canal district is most synonymous with postcards and travel brochures. Nyhavn was once a squalid neighborhood of lowlifes, drunks, and prostitutes up until the 1970s, full of all-night bars and tattoo parlors. It has undergone a metamorphosis and now the lovely old pastel colored townhouses around the canalside are full of family friendly restaurants, and cafes. I just love how the vivid colors of buildings and docked boats gives Nyhavn a refreshing aura.

Nyhavn was once the home of the famous Danish author Hans Christian Andersen, who lived at several addresses here (buildings 18, 20, and 67).

7. Canal Tour

A canal tour is a great way to see Copenhagen as you get a unique view of the city from its waters. It will take you around the city’s harbor and through the canals of Christianshavn shedding light on Copenhagen’s maritime history along the way. The quaysides of Christianshavn are studded with small boats and moored houseboats. Watch out for adorable 17th-century houses lining the canals that give it an Amsterdam like atmosphere. Don’t forget to see architectural and cultural treasures like the Opera House, the Royal Danish Playhouse, and the Black Diamond Royal Library along the way!

Canal tours depart at regular intervals from a number of stops, most notably Nyhavn. Several companies offer boat tours in Copenhagen like Stromma and Havnerundfart.

8. Traditional Danish Lunch

Treat yourself to a classic Danish lunch with a smørrebrød (open faced sandwich) that comes with a variety of toppings such as herring, salmon, raw beef, eggs, and pork. Restaurant Koefoed is one of the best places in Copenhagen for smørrebrød and comes highly recommended.

9. Christiansborg Palace

The Christiansborg Palace is located on the tiny island of Slotsholmen, and houses the three supreme powers (executive, legislative, and judicial) of Denmark’s government. Christiansborg is steeped in more than 800 years of history and today the palace houses the Danish Parliament (Folketing), Supreme Court, and the Prime Minister’s Office. The palace is open to visitors and features the Royal Reception Rooms, Queen’s Library, audience chambers, Great Hall, and the Throne Room. The rooms are ostentatiously decorated with art, tapestries, chandeliers, fine furniture, gold and marble.

The first building on the present site of Christiansborg Palace dates back as early as 1167 when Bishop Absalon’s Castle was built here. The ruins of the previous castles, including remnants of Absalon’s castle and the Copenhagen Castle are beneath the palace. The palace tower is also one of the tallest in the city and offers sublime views.

10. Rosenborg Castle

Copenhagen’s Rosenborg Castle is actually more of a palace than a castle. It was built in the 1600s as a summer residence by Christian IV and named after one of his horses. This beautiful castle was only used as a royal residence for about 100 years and is now a royal museum of sorts. It contains an abundance of royal objects including paintings, trinkets, and ornate furniture used by the Royal Family for generations.

The Castle‘s main attraction is in the basement where the famed crown jewels and royal paraphernalia are exhibited. Here, you can also find antique weapons including a pair of Colt revolvers given to Denmark’s king by President Lincoln. On the third floor is the Baroque Long Marble Hall which is exquisitely decorated with 17th century tapestries and includes the King’s throne. The Rosenborg Castle is definitely worth checking out if you like royal sights.

You can also stroll around in the beautifully manicured King’s Garden. The garden is open every day from 07:00 – 22:00. The gardens are free to enter while admission to the castle costs 110 DKK.

11. Round Tower

The Round Tower (Rundetaarn) is situated in the Latin Quarter and forms one part of the academic Trinitatis Complex along with the University library and Trinitatis Church. The Round Tower is a 36-meter high structure dating back to 1642 and is the oldest functioning observatory in Europe. The tower is famed for its unique cobbled spiral walkway as well as providing visitors with magnificent panoramic views over the city. Admission is 25 DKK.

12. Strøget

In the heart of the inner city is Strøget, Copenhagen’s chief shopping area. It’s basically a chain of five pedestrian streets (Frederiksberggade, Nygade, Vimmelskaftet, Amagertorv, and Østergade in that order) that link City Hall Square to Kongens Nytorv. The interesting thing is that the streets differ in character and the stores become more exclusive in the direction of Kongens Nytorv. Along the way you will come across a plethora of bars, cafes, and restaurants. There’s some beautiful classical architecture here so you should keep your camera close by.

Do you Copenhagen shopping fix here as Strøget is home to major international brand name stores like Ecco, Gucci, Bottega Veneta, and Chanel. Danish stores are well represented too and you can find stores such as Magasin Du Nord, Georg Jensen, Illums Bolighus, Royal Copenhagen and Lego.

13. City Hall

Copenhagen City Hall looms large over the bustling City Hall Square.
At 106 meters it is one of the tallest buildings in Copenhagen. The architectural style and design are very beautiful which is a blend of Italian Renaissance and medieval Danish architecture. Apparently, it was modeled after the city hall building in Siena, Italy.

The foyer features carvings of important events from Copenhagen’s history, as well as busts of prominent Danes. The stunning Jens Olsen’s World Clock is concealed in a room off the main foyer. It’s a mechanical marvel that has 14,000 moving parts and one gear will take about 25,000 years to make a complete revolution. The inside of the building features a golden statue of the city’s founder Bishop Absalon on the front.

You can take a guided tour of the City Hall for 50 DKK or you can just visit the tower for 30 DKK. Guided tours are offered in English Mon – Fri at 13:00 and Saturday at 10:00.

14. Dinner

Copenhagen has a couple of top-notch burger joints with Halifax being my favorite one. If you’re not fond of burgers, you can try Pizzeria La Fiorita, which serves delicious Italian pizzas in an unpretentious setting.

Day 2 in Copenhagen

Today’s itinerary will cover some other important sights as well as some museum hopping.

1. Breakfast

A great place to grab coffee in the morning in Christianshavn is Sweet Treat, another cozy little cafe serving great coffee and delicious cakes.

2. Church of Our Saviour

In my opinion, the Church of Our Saviour is the most beautiful church in Copenhagen. This alluring Baroque church was consecrated in 1696 is famous for its golden spire which is more than 90 meters high. The interior is nicely decorated and the Church also houses a huge organ (carillon). The organ is carved in wood and it rests over two marble elephants. The entrance to the tower cost 35 DKK but it is certainly worth it if you want to enjoy one of the best viewpoints in the city. Note that the last 150 stairs are outside so if you’re acrophobic it can be a terrifying climb!

3. Freetown Christiania

Christiania is an anarchist and partially autonomous community that is one of Copenhagen’s most popular attractions. Christiania began as a social experiment in the early 1970s after a bunch of squatters moved into a deserted military barracks and were proponents of starting a free town.

Strictly speaking, Christiania doesn’t contain any sights. It is a functioning alternative society of about 900 residents, a place where many accepted norms don’t apply, and people formulate and live by their own rules. They have a certain set of rules for visitors that are expected to be followed. The central area has bars, organic eateries, souvenirs and a couple of quaint little artisan shops. Pusher Street offers a fine selection of cannabis delights. The real treat of Christiania is experiencing the handmade houses and buildings, colorful murals and the nature around the lake.

4. Islands Brygge

Islands Brygge is a popular waterfront area in central Copenhagen. Up until the mid 20th century, Islands Brygge was a dilapidated industrial and dockland area with a rowdy, blue-collar reputation. Since 2000 it has undergone a massive facelift and now the quayside along the harbor is one of the most sought-after places to live in Copenhagen. The popular waterfront park, Havneparken (Harbor Park) is located here. A notable feature of the harbor park is that vestiges of the neighborhood’s past are still used to accentuate the history of the place. Railroad cars, ships, and machines are part of the park. The architecture here is a cool amalgam of old buildings and modern architecture. Islands Brygge is a nice place for a walk, relaxing and people watching.

5. National Museum of Denmark

The National Museum of Denmark is a must-see attraction for anyone who is interested in Danish history and culture. It is housed in the 18th century Prince’s Palace, a sprawling Rococo building. This museum is absolutely brilliant with a wide range of collections. The collection of archeological and ethnographic artifacts is incredibly well preserved including Greek pottery, Etruscan jewelry, the Rune Stones, the Sun Chariot, and Viking prehistory.

There are also exhibits about Asia, Africa, and Oceania as well as the culture of Inuits and Native Americans. If you have kids you should go to the Children’s Wing. It’s a hands-on exhibit including a kitchen, horse, shops, classrooms, a Viking boat and costumes where kids can indulge themselves. The museum is open Tue – Sun from 10:00 – 17:00, admission costs 95 DKK.

6. Lunch

For lunch I can recommend Hidden Dimsum, a great little Chinese restaurant. If you want to try more amazing smørrebrød, Restaurant Kronborg is one of my favorites.

7. Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek

The next destination in this itinerary is my favorite museum in Copenhagen, Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek. This museum houses an amazing collection of artists from the Golden Age of Danish Painting and an extensive collection of French impressionists and Post-impressionists such as Cézanne, Monet, Manet, Van Gogh, and Gauguin. The collection of modern sculptures includes some works by Rodin and bronze dancers by Degas, all of which are top notch. There are also antiquities from the Mediterranean including Egypt, Italy, and Greece.

I really love the Winter Garden here. This green oasis of palm trees, planted beneath a glass dome, was included in the original design as a means to lure visitors who normally might not have an affinity for art. It has certainly worked because crowds flock here.

The museum is open Tue – Sun from 11:00 – 18:00 (till 22:00 on Thursday). Price of admission is 115 DKK with free admission on Tuesdays.

8. Design Museum

Scandinavia has a legendary reputation for design, so it’s hardly surprising that Copenhagen is home to a splendid design museum. The Design Museum was founded in 1890 with the goal of encouraging both designers and consumers to create and seek out better-quality goods and also to communicate the idea of quality within design. Since 1926 it has been located in one of the best Rococo-style buildings in Copenhagen, the former King Frederik’s hospital. 

Covering handicrafts, industrial design, and furniture design, the collection accentuates work by esteemed Danish designers such as Arne Jacobsen, Poul Henningsen, and Kaare Klint. I really loved some of the furniture pieces that seemed straight out of a surrealist painting. The museum is also home to the largest library in Scandinavia dedicated to design.

The museum is open Tue – Sun from 10:00 – 18:00 (till 21:00 on Wednesday). Admission costs 115 DKK.

9. Tivoli Gardens

Cap off your day with a visit to the world famous Tivoli Gardens. Tivoli first opened its gates in 1843 making it the second oldest amusement park in the world. With its amusement rides, carnival games, exotic buildings, splendid manicured flower gardens, and entertainment venues, Tivoli has a vibe that mesmerizes both children and adults. It really comes to life at night with thousands of sparkling lights and Chinese lanterns. The atmosphere is magical enough to warrant a visit even if you aren’t a thrill seeker. It is no surprise that Tivoli Gardens has been the main attraction in Copenhagen for generations. A certain Mr. Disney derived a lot of inspiration from his visit to Tivoli in 1950. Tivoli also has a wide range of eateries like the Tivoli Food Hall to satisy your needs

The entrance to Tivoli costs 120 DKK. Tivoli has a carnival-like ticketing system that means you pay per ride (30 DKK) with some rides requiring up to three tickets. So it’s better to purchase the unlimited ride pass (230 DKK) if you’re in the mood for a few rides. Check the Tivoli website for up to date opening times.

Day 3 in Copenhagen

In today’s itinerary, we will be looking at some of Copenhagen’s colorful neighborhoods.

1. Torvehallerne Market Hall

Pay a visit to Torvehallerne, Copenhagen’s premier food market hall. With its two large steel and glass halls and an area of over 700 m² Torvehallerne is the largest covered market in Copenhagen. It is split into two market halls, each with its own offerings. Between the two halls is an area with communal picnic tables. Here you can find top products for every budget and for all tastes, ranging from sweet and salty to local specialties like smørrebrød. If you’re a foodie, don’t skip this place. In case you want to have breakfast at Torvehallerne, Grød is a fantastic porridge bar.

2. Nørrebro District

Nørrebro is one of Copenhagen’s most diverse and vibrant neighborhoods, and competes with Vesterbro for the title of Copenhagen’s hippest area. The area has undergone extensive refurbishment in recent years that has helped spur its transformation from a poor working-class district into one of the most covetable addresses to live in. The district has a high concentration of non-western immigrants. When I was walked down the main street Nørrebrogade for the first time, I was amazed at the sheer number of Turkish kebab shops, Middle Eastern barbers and butchers, South Asian and African grocery stores and other bohemian stores that I encountered.

2.1 Superkilen

While there aren’t any traditional big tourist draws in Nørrebro, there are still plenty of things to do and see around here for the adventurous traveler. The process of transforming Nørrebro into a modern neighborhood has ushered in a new architecture. Superkilen, an open urban space located on the border between Nørrebro and the Nordvest district signifies this best. It serves as a testament to Nørrebro’s ethnic diversity and has objects from all over the globe like swings, sculptures, seats, chess tables, and barbecue spots. Superkilen is what you would term a highly instagrammable place and is divided into 3 regions – The Red Square, The Green Park, and The Black Market.

2.2 Assistens Cemetery

You can take a stroll through Assistens Kirkegård (Assistens Cemetery), a popular green oasis in Nørrebro. The Little Mermaid might be the best-known tribute to HC Andersen but it is here that you will find his resting place. Other prominent Danes are also buried here such as the famous philosopher Søren Kierkegaard.

3. Lunch & Dining

Nørrebro has a burgeoning culinary scene and there are plenty of dining options in Nørrebro as the area is packed with restaurants, bars, and cafes for all budgets. There is a multitude of great eateries in the area around Sankt Hans Square. Ølbaren is one of the best beer bars I’ve visited. The bar has a fantastic atmosphere with diverse styles to choose from. If you’re in the mood for Japanese ramen and good beer in a relaxed, unpretentious setting, Ramen to Biiru is the best place in Copenhagen. There are some great ethnic eateries in Nørrebro and Maed serves piquant Ethiopian dishes at very reasonable prices.

There are also a couple of fantastic streets here such as Jægersborggade and Ravnsborggade where you’ll come across small designer boutiques, charming antique dealers, art galleries and top-notch organic produce shops. Be sure to check out Meyer’s Bakery on Jægersborggade which for me offers the best pastries in town. Every time I’m on Jægersborggade I always make sure to go to Istid where they make fresh organic ice cream with liquid nitrogen! This makes the texture of the ice cream different from regular ice cream and it is absolutely delicious.

4. Grundtvig’s Church

Situated in the Bispebjerg district in the North West Block of Copenhagen is the beautiful Grundtvig’s Church. This is by far one of the best churches that I have seen. It is often referred to as a Gothic cathedral, but it is a stunning piece of expressionist architecture.

The building of the church was completed in 1940 and took 19 years to build. Grundtvig’s Church is made entirely of pale yellow bricks, a staggering six million of them. It was built in commemoration of the Danish priest, poet, and reformer Nikolaj Frederik Severin Grundtvig. The interior of the church is rather traditional and there are no frescos or stained glass windows. It is extremely simple and undecorated but the overall effect is extraordinary. It has a cavernous, unadorned interior with towering columns, pointed arches, and ribbed vaults. The imposing facade of the church reminds me of some post-apocalyptic edifice. The beech wood chairs inside are a fine illustration of Danish design.

A visit to Grundtvig’s Church comes highly recommended especially if you’re an architecture buff. Best of all, the entrance is free. Opening hours are Tue – Sat: 09:00 – 16:00 and Sun: 12:00 – 16:00 (12:00 – 13:00 during winter).

5. Frederiksberg

Frederiksberg is a city within a city. It is an enclave surrounded by Copenhagen on all sides and even though it has its own municipal council and mayor Frederiksberg generally gets treated as a neighborhood of Copenhagen. The municipality is generally more affluent than other areas of Copenhagen and walking around some of the streets here serve as a testament to that. Frederiksberg Alle is one of those type of streets, a large tree-lined boulevard that is home to some exclusive addresses.

The district is known for its large green spaces such as Frederiksberg Gardens, Søndermarken, and Hostrup Gardens.

5.1 Frederiksberg Palace & Gardens

Frederiksberg Palace is a former Baroque style royal residence that now houses the Royal Danish Military Academy. This ocher colored palace sits atop the sloping lawns of Frederiksberg Gardens. It was completed in 1735 in Italian style as a summer residence for Frederik IV.

Frederiksberg Gardens are huge and an absolute treat to stroll around. The lawns are very well manicured in English romantic style and are criss-crossed with a network of canals and tree-lined paths. You will come across waterfalls, grottos, an Apis Temple, a Chinese summerhouse and two follies here. A wide array of flora and fauna can be found here such as swans, geese, ducks, and herons.

5.2 Copenhagen Zoo

Frederiksberg is also home to Copenhagen Zoo which is located adjacent to the Frederiksberg Gardens. If you’re traveling with kids, the zoo is a great place to spend a couple of hours. There are over 3000 animals housed here. The zoo is open daily from 09:00 – 20:00 and the entrance is 195 DKK.

6. Vesterbro District

Vesterbro is arguably the hippest district in town and rival to Nørrebro. This is my absolute favorite district in Copenhagen. Vesterbro has a checkered history and was formerly known for being a working-class neighborhood and harboring the notorious red light district. Today, however, it is a neighborhood in transition and there’s little evidence of the seedy nightlife that once made it a no-go zone and the area is now full of organic food shops, fashion boutiques, tattoo shops, cafes, great new bars, and restaurants. One of the things I love about Vesterbro is that it is relatively devoid of tourist hordes compared to the city center.

Istedgade and Vesterbrogade are Vesterbro’s main shopping arteries. Among them, you’ll find enticing fashion stores, design boutiques, jewelry stores, antique shops, desirable homeware stores, independent galleries, bohemian shops, bars, and restaurants.

Værnedamsvej, also known as Copenhagen’s answer to Paris, is where you’ll come across an array of wine bars and restaurants. There are also some fine delicatessens, chocolate shops, bakeries and cheese shops. The whole street exudes a charming French vibe.

6.1 Old Carlsberg Brewery

Beer fans should head over to the Old Carlsberg Brewery, located on the western fringes of Vesterbro. The complex comprises of breweries, offices, laboratories, and a small museum relating Carlsberg family history.

The chief attraction here is the Visitor Center that now houses the Visit Carlsberg Museum. This museum is certainly not one of the best in the world but it does provide a great insight into the history of beer brewing. You can also marvel at the world’s largest collection of unopened beer bottles, over 22,000 of them! The Visitor Center also features stables that contain a few Jutland horses.

Please note that the visitor center is going to be closed through all of 2019 for renovation. It is expected to reopen in 2020.

6.2 Dinner in the Meatpacking District

Vesterbro is renowned for its nightlife and excellent dining options and the Meatpacking District (Kødbyen) is the perfect place to go to experience this. For over a century this area was an industrial space. But nowadays these white buildings which formerly housed large meat halls are home to some of Copenhagen’s trendiest bars, restaurants, and even art galleries. Take a stroll through Kødbyen and you’ll notice locals socializing over a beer. My personal favorite eatery here is the awesome WarPigs Brewpub that serves heavenly Texan style barbecue and some outstanding American-Danish style craft beer.

7. Beer Pubs

Copenhagen is full of microbreweries and Mikkeller is undoubtedly the best known one. Mikkeller Bar run by the Mikkeller microbrewery is a beer lover’s mecca. Mikkeller has become a global craft beer trendsetter of late and is famous for experimenting with unusual ingredients such as chipotle chili, lychee fruits, seaweed, avocado leaves, and Vietnamese weasel droppings. Other Copenhagen based craft breweries I really like are Amager Bryghus and To Øl. When it comes to beer bars, two of my favorites are Black Swan and Taphouse which have a fantastic selection of beer.

Extending Your Stay

Although 3 days in Copenhagen is a good amount of time, I certainly think you could stay one or two days longer. Below I have compiled a few suggestions on how to spend one or two extra days in Copenhagen. And while you’re at it, why not check out our list of the best hotels and hostels in Copenhagen? I have made sure to recommend only the best of the best (in terms of quality and value) 🙂

Now, what do you think? How would you spend a weekend in Copenhagen? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!