Let’s be real – exploring all that Copenhagen has to offer in one day is a tall order. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Through loads of trial and error, we have arrived at this tailor-made one-day Copenhagen itinerary. See all of the city’s highlights as well as some hidden gems! Naturally, we’ve also made sure that you’ll get a proper ‘taste’ of Copenhagen as well 😉 Come and spend the perfect one day in Copenhagen with us!
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Table of Contents
Is One Day Enough in Copenhagen?
One day in Copenhagen is certainly not enough to see all that the city has to offer. To really get a better feel of the Danish capital and go beyond the touristy things, I recommend spending at least 2-3 days in Copenhagen.
However, if 24 hours in Copenhagen is all you have, you can marvel at the rich Danish history, monuments, museums, and of course, Danish food!
Getting To Copenhagen
Assuming you’re traveling to Copenhagen by air, you’ll be flying into Copenhagen International Airport (CPH), which is located about 8 km (5 miles) southeast of the city center.
Getting from Copenhagen Airport to the city center is fairly easy and convenient, as there are several options to choose from.
Train: The quickest and most reliable way to get from Copenhagen Airport to the city center with public transport is by train. The station is located in Terminal 3. Trains run every 10 minutes during the day and will get you to Copenhagen Central Station (Københavns Hovedbanegård) in about 13 minutes.
Metro: The Metro is also a good option to get from Copenhagen Airport to the city center. Metro Station is located at Terminal 3. The M2 line (direction Vanløse) goes directly to the city center. Metro trains leave every 4-6 minutes during the day and every 15-20 minutes at night. The journey to the Kongens Nytorv or Nørreport Station in the inner city (Indre By) takes about 15 minutes.
Tickets for the train and metro can be purchased from ticket machines at the airport or by downloading the “DOT Tickets” app.
Bus: If you’re not in a hurry, the bus can be a marginally cheaper option, although it takes longer. Bus 5C (direction Husum Torv) will take you directly to Copenhagen Central Station, Nørreport Station, and other central locations in about 30-35 minutes
Taxi: Taxis are available right outside the terminals. The ride to the city center takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. Taxis in Denmark are reliable but can be more expensive.
Private/Shared Transfers: Private/shared transfers are the most comfortable and convenient way to get from Copenhagen Airport to your destination in the city. They are especially useful if you are traveling in a group, have a lot of luggage, or want to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey.
How to Get Around During Your One Day in Copenhagen
Fortunately, Copenhagen is a relatively compact city. Much of it can be explored on foot, especially the main sights in the inner city.
Because you may be short on time if you only have one day in Copenhagen, I recommend that you also make use of public transport along the way. That will give you the opportunity to explore some spots many other tourists don’t usually get to see in one day!
All the major attractions in Copenhagen are easily accessible by public transport, and switching from one form of transport to another is very seamless.
You can purchase a 24h travel ticket at all metro/train stations for just 80 DKK which is valid for metros, buses, and trains (Zones 1-4, including the airport).
The City Pass can be purchased at ticket machines at all train stations, metro stations, 7-Eleven kiosks, or can be bought online. A more convenient way to buy the City Pass is by getting the “DOT Tickets” app.
Single-trip tickets can also be purchased when boarding the buses. You can buy single-trip tickets (valid for 90 minutes) at ticket vending machines or 7-Eleven kiosks at the train and metro stations.
Make use of the very useful intermodal Journey Planner for getting around Copenhagen with public transport.
Although Copenhagen is synonymous with biking, I personally don’t recommend that you rent a bike in Copenhagen if you only have 24 hours. Biking in Copenhagen is a serious affair and may just stress you out unnecessarily 😉
However, if you do want to bike, Copenhagen’s excellent city-wide bike rental system Bycyklen offers high-tech ‘Smart Bikes’ with GPS, multi-speed electric motors, and locks.
In case you’re interested in seeing the highlights of Copenhagen on bike, check out this excellent Copenhagen Bicycle Tour.
In case you’re interested in seeing the highlights of Copenhagen on a segway, check out this excellent Copenhagen Segway Tour.
For those craving an audio guide and extra comfort, you can also get around the city with Copenhagen Hop-On Hop-Off Tour.
You probably won’t need to use taxis at all during your 24 hours in Copenhagen since the city is so well served by public transport. However, if you do need to use a taxi, you can either hail a cab in the street or get one from a taxi rank.
Is the Copenhagen Card Worth It?
The Copenhagen Card is a brilliantly conceived all-inclusive city card that gives you a complete sightseeing experience and grants you free entry and discounts to more than 80 of the top attractions and museums in and around Copenhagen.
The Copenhagen Card also includes unlimited free travel on all the local public transport options (buses, trams, metro, trains, and boats) in the city. Another great reason to invest in the Copenhagen Card is that it saves you the time and the hassle of purchasing tickets at each attraction/museum.
While I totally recommend getting the Copenhagen Card in general, I wouldn’t necessarily say it’s a must-buy if you are spending just one day in Copenhagen.
Ultimately, whether the Copenhagen Card is truly cost-effective will depend on the range of sightseeing activities you have planned according to your interests.
One Day in Copenhagen Itinerary
Your one day in Copenhagen will start early with a hearty Danish breakfast. I recommend that you begin your day at about 09:30. Then, you will snap the perfect Instagram pic before heading into the city to see some of the city’s main sights.
After a quick Danish lunch at about 15:30, you then continue on depending on your interests. Finally, you finish your day in one of the liveliest districts in Copenhagen. To be precise, during your one day in Copenhagen you will see/eat:
- Danish Porridge at Grød
- Superkilen
- Frederiks Church
- Amalienborg Palace & Changing of the Royal Guard
- Toldboden
- Little Mermaid
- Kastellet
- Nyboder
- Rosenborg Castle
- Round Tower
- Strøget
- Smorrebrød at Hallernes Smorrebrød
- Nyhavn
- Optional: Danish National Museum OR Freetown Christiania
- Optional: Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek OR Tivoli Gardens
- Dinner & Drinks in the Meatpacking District
1. Breakfast at Grød
Porridge is a big deal in Denmark. No, honestly, Danes eat porridge from the day they can digest solid food until the day they die.
In short, porridge is life. That’s why we thought you should start off your day at one of the most popular breakfast joints in town – Grød!
The first Grød opened its doors in Nørrebro in 2011 and that’s exactly where you are headed. The restaurant opens at 07:00 during the week and at 09:00 on the weekends.
Personally, I always go for the All In! Porridge keeps me going most of the day and only costs 89 DKK (a steal in Copenhagen). They also have plenty of vegan and/or gluten-free options which is great if you’re traveling with a group with various dietary restrictions.
If you’re happy with a more relaxed start to your day, check out one of the many amazing brunch places in Copenhagen.
Probably my favorite one, Stefano’s Mad & Kaffe, is located just around the corner from Grød. It’s a small place popular with locals, so you may need to reserve a table in advance.
2. Superkilen
Although Superkilen has quickly risen to Instagram fame in the last few years, surprisingly few tourists find their way out here. This innovative public space is a celebration of diversity, multiculturalism, and community involvement.
Designed by the Danish architecture firm BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group), landscape architecture firm Topotek 1, and artist collective Superflex, Superkilen is distinctly split into three sections, each with its own unique theme and color scheme: The Red Square, The Black Market, and The Green Park.
The Red Square is predominantly used for sports and recreational activities, featuring vivid, sprawling red and pink hues. The Green Park, as the name suggests, is a tranquil space full of greenery where families come to unwind and children to play.
But in between them lies the famous black area, dedicated to games and fun. The Black Market is the heart of Superkilen, where locals meet in an area dotted with chess tables, picnic tables, and barbecue grills, all set against sleek black and grey tones.
It is one of the best photo backdrops in Copenhagen and one could easily lose track of time, trying to get the perfect shot. But hey, if you are enjoying yourself, then the park has fulfilled its purpose 😉
Superkilen is open 24/7 and is free to visit.
3. Frederiks Church
From the quirky Nørrebro district, it is now time to venture into classical Copenhagen. I would recommend that you take the bus from Superkilen to Nørreport because walking would take about 30-40 minutes.
From here, it is best to walk towards Frederiks Church via Gothersgade and Store Kongensgade.
Frederik’s Church is also known as the Marble Church and is probably one of the most recognizable buildings in all of Copenhagen, thanks to its massive copper-green dome. Measuring 31 meters in diameter, this is one of the largest church domes in Europe.
It’s well worth sticking your head in and marveling at the Baroque interiors. The interior of the dome is smothered with rich frescoes in blue, gold, and green of the prophets and cherubim
Frederik’s Church is open from 10:00–17:00 (Monday–Thursday & Saturday), 12:00–17:00 (Friday), and 12:30–17:00 (Sunday). The entrance is free.
You can also climb the dome (260 steps) of Frederik’s Church and enjoy some of the best views of Copenhagen harbor.
Tours of the dome start at 13:00 sharp and tickets are sold for 35 DKK from 12:50 (first come, first serve & only 30 tickets are available). The dome is open daily (mid-June–mid-September) and on the weekends the rest of the year.
If you want, you can come back here after the Changing of the Guard at Amalienborg Palace. If you have some time to kill before or after the Changing of the Guard, grab a coffee at Mormor’s or Original Coffee.
4. Amalienborg Palace & Changing of the Royal Guard
Even though it started out merely as a collection of city palaces for the Danish nobility, Amalienborg Palace today is the home of the Danish royal family. The palace complex consists of four different palaces, two of which are open to the public.
One is the Levetzau Palace which houses the Amalienborg Museum. The Moltke Palace is open occasionally for guided tours when the royal family is not present.
You can read more about the opening hours and ticket prices on the official website, although if you only have one day in Copenhagen, we recommend that you only admire the palace from the outside.
In fact, this whole itinerary was designed around Amalienborg Palace. Every day at 12:00, this is where the changing of the royal guard takes place.
How opulent this changing of the guard is, depends on who of the royal family is present at the palace. The ceremony is accompanied by a full marching band only if Queen Margrethe II is present herself.
The most simple ceremony takes place when no (important) member of the royal family is at home. You can also tell by which flag is hoisted at the palace 🙂
Pro Tip
If for some reason you don’t make it to Amalienborg Palace by noon, you can also catch the guard at Rosenborg Palace at 11:30 or on the way on Strøget. Østergade is a good spot to watch them march by!
5. Toldboden
From Amalienborg Palace, you should continue on foot towards the waterfront. You’ll pass through Amaliehaven before you reach a pier. Technically, this area is known as Larsens Plads, although it is an extension of the historic Toldbod.
Historically, Toldboden was the home of the Danish tax and customs office, conveniently located at the entrance to Copenhagen harbor.
Unfortunately, most of the customs buildings were demolished in 1973. Of the original Toldboden, only Nordre Toldbod remains today.
During our time in Copenhagen, this was one of my favorite stretches in Copenhagen for a relaxed walk. And I’m always surprised by how rarely it is mentioned in Copenhagen tourist guides.
First off, it offers spectacular views of the Danish Opera House. I suppose the only way to get a better view would be from a ferry, but hey, this view is free 🙂
Apart from the opera house, on the other bank, you can spot Papirøen and Refshaløen, the latter of which is home to the popular street food market Reffen.
What’s more, along this route you’ll find numerous sculptures, the Royal Pavillions, and, of course, the popular bar and restaurant Toldboden. Just be prepared for a good dose of wind 😉
6. The Little Mermaid
To be honest, the Little Mermaid is rather small and can feel a little underwhelming. I know, I know – no tourist guide is supposed to say that.
However, the statue is so essential to Copenhagen, that it’s definitely worth the visit. And while you’re already in the area, you may as well see it.
After all, it is frequently mentioned alongside famous sculptures such as Manneken Pis in Brussels and the Statue of Liberty in New York City.
The statue was originally commissioned by industrialist Carl Jacobsen and executed by sculptor Edvard Eriksen. It depicts the character of the same name as H.C. Andersen’s The Little Mermaid.
Standing only 1.25 m tall, the bronze statue is easy to overlook. When in doubt, just look for the tourist crowds 😉
7. Kastellet
Kastellet is one of my favorite places in Copenhagen and has been so since we moved to Denmark. The star-shaped fortress was once an integral part of the city’s defenses.
In fact, it is still home to numerous military activities today and the red barracks serve as accommodation for your military cadets. The Citadel is, however, also popular with civilian Copenhageners. Often, you will see people jogging on the ramparts.
It’s a shame so many tourists miss it because it is literally a 5-minute walk from the Little Mermaid. If you have the time, look out for the original Dutch-style windmill which is also located on the fortress grounds!
Kastellet is open daily from 06:00–22:00.
8. Nyboder
I have to say, I loathe the location of the Little Mermaid because it is relatively hard to reach by public transport. That means that in order to reach your next main stop, Rosenborg Castle, you’ll have to walk the 1.3 km.
But fret not, because on the way you will see one of Copenhagen’s hidden gems, the Instagram-worthy Nyboder. Coming from Kastellet and Øster Voldgade, you should find Kronprinsessgade, arguably one of the prettiest streets in Copenhagen.
Follow it and eventually, you’ll come to the colorful Nyboder. Nyboder is a historic district in Copenhagen, known for its distinctive yellow terraced houses that date back to the 17th century.
It was originally built by King Christian IV to house the growing Royal Danish Navy. The name Nyboder translates to “New Small Houses.”
The characteristic yellow row houses, arranged in symmetrical blocks with cobblestone streets, create an unusual and visually striking part of the city that feels suspended in time.
9. Rosenborg Castle & Kongens Have
Who doesn’t love romantic castles? Rosenborg is most definitely the prettiest castle in all of Copenhagen and well worth a stop.
Built on orders by King Christian IV in the 17th century, it was only used as a royal residence until the early 18th century and during emergency situations, such as the British attack on Copenhagen in 1801. Nonetheless, it is one of the most visited attractions in Copenhagen today, owing mostly to its beautiful gardens.
The gardens, Kongens Have, are the oldest part of the complex, dating back to the early 17th century. At the time, it supplied the royal court with fruits, vegetables, and flowers.
Today, the gardens are a popular recreational space for Copenhageners. With their large green area and tree-lined avenues, they make the perfect spot for a picnic or a casual jog.
The opening hours of Rosenborg Castle vary according to the season but it is generally open between 10:00–16:00. The castle is open to visitors for a fee of 135 DKK.
However, I don’t recommend that you visit on this itinerary but rather take pictures of the beautiful castle from outside.
10. Round Tower
If you exit Kongens Have on the southern end (there is an underpass), it will land you on Landemærket street, leading directly to the Round Tower. The Round Tower is a building unique to Copenhagen.
Commissioned by Christian IV, this tower has been home to an observatory since the 17th century. However, it is mostly known for its spiral staircase, allowing horses to ascend all the way to the top.
On the way down, you can also take a peek at the exhibitions in the tower and/or take a wee 😉
I have personally taken every single visitor here because a) the panoramic view from the top of the tower is fantastic and b) it is one of the cheapest activities in Copenhagen.
The Round Tower is open daily from 10:00–20:00 (April-September) and 10:00–18:00 (October–March). The entrance costs 40 DKK. The tower is relatively accessible even if you’re not super fit. It’s well worth the climb!
11. Strøget
Some websites will have you believe that Strøget is not only the oldest pedestrianized street in the world but also the longest. While neither is true, Strøget is still a beautiful shopping street.
Located at the very heart of the city, Strøget is basically a chain of five pedestrian streets (Frederiksberggade, Nygade, Vimmelskaftet, Amagertorv, and Østergade in that order) that link City Hall Square to Kongens Nytorv.
Strøget encompasses a larger area of smaller side streets and many historic town squares, each of which is a good place to sit at a street café and watch the cavalcade of passing people.
Pro Tip
As you make your way up Strøget, keep your camera close by as there is a lot of beautiful architecture to see. In particular, the corner of Amagertorv Square features an alluring assortment of Dutch Baroque facades.
This traffic-free haven offers visitors an amazing array of antique shops, specialty stores, boutiques, and chic restaurants. If you want to do some souvenir shopping in Copenhagen, Strøget is a must-see, and even if you aren’t a shopaholic, there’s plenty to see and do.
12. Smorrebrød at Hallernes Smorrebrød
After all this walking, you do deserve a light snack! What is more Danish than smørrebrød?
What was once a poor man’s lunch has recently risen to immense popularity among Danes and visitors alike. It can be a simple snack prepared at home or an elaborate dish served at a Michelin-starred restaurant.
In essence, a smørrebrød is an open-faced sandwich, usually rye bread often topped with fish, pork, or roast beef. Traditionally, a glass of Danish schnapps known as Akvavit is drunk alongside it.
Some of the best smørrebrød is to be had at Hallernes Smørrebrød, located on the fifth floor of the department store Magasin du Nord.
They serve sandwiches with the most popular toppings, including a potato smørrebrød as a vegetarian alternative. Personally, I really like pork roast and roast beef.
Alternative: Danish Hot Dog
Are you running late and in need of a quick snack? At the end of Østergade, you can find one of Copenhagen’s many sausage stands. It’s one of my favorite go-to snacks.
I strongly recommend you get a “normal” ristet hotdog with all the toppings. It’s quick, filling, and delicious!
13. Nyhavn
No visit to Copenhagen would be complete without visiting Nyhavn, one of the city’s most iconic and unique locations.
If you have ever seen a postcard of Copenhagen, chances are it featured Nyhavn with its strikingly colorful facades. But did you know that this was once the seedy part of town?
Back in the day, the sailors docking in the harbor were looking for drinks and prostitutes and Nyhavn quickly became the city’s red-light district. Today, of course, Nyhavn is one of the most expensive addresses in the city.
The vibrant, antique houses are certainly worth admiring. Of particular note is house number 9, Nyhavn, which is the oldest house in the area dating back to 1681.
The famous Danish fairytale writer, Hans Christian Andersen, also lived in this district for some 18 years, adding to the historical significance of the area.
Many Copenhagen canal cruises depart from Nyhavn. These fun cruises take you along the city’s picturesque canals, passing many of Copenhagen’s most famous landmarks.
Pro Tip
Although Nyhavn is lined with restaurants and cafes, most are unfortunately overpriced and not worth sitting down. Instead, take a walk, snap a couple of pictures, and maybe sit down by the water with a beer from the corner shop. This will cost you a fraction of a bar visit.
14. Optional: Freetown Christiania OR Danish National Museum
As the day is coming to an end, you can choose freely as to how to spend the last hours of your one day in Copenhagen.
Depending on your interests, you may want to check out some museums, kick back in Christiania, or go thrill-seeking in Tivoli Gardens.
Freetown Christiania
No day of Copenhagen sightseeing would be complete without visiting Christiania, known worldwide simply as ‘a hippy community in Copenhagen’. Of course, that’s only scratching the surface because there’s so much more to this eclectic enclave than meets the eye.
Christiania was established in 1971 when a group of people started to squat in disused military barracks in the center of Copenhagen. This was not an organized effort at first, but squatters claimed to do so in protest of the tight housing market and the lack of response by the Danish government.
In September 1971, the community was formally established. In its early years, Christiania drew influences from the hippie movement, anarchism, and collectivism.
For many years, soft drugs (especially cannabis) were sold from stalls on Christiania’s main street (Pusher Street), although recent political pressure and police intervention have stopped this open sale.
While ‘Pusher Street’ is well worth a visit for its novelty, Christiania has much more to offer than that. I particularly enjoy walking toward the lake and exploring some of the creative pieces of architecture in Christiania.
If you want, you can relax at Christiania for the rest of the afternoon before heading to dinner. Otherwise, you can squeeze in another quick sight.
Although it’s safe to walk around Christiania during the day, you should avoid coming here at night, and visitors shouldn’t take pictures on Pusher Street.
Danish National Museum
If Christiania really isn’t your thing, the weather is miserable, and/or you’re looking for something more child-friendly, the Danish National Museum is a good alternative. Be transported to the Stone Age and get to know the land of Vikings intimately.
The museum is home to a number of permanent as well as a few temporary exhibitions. The children’s museum is particularly popular with families.
The National Museum of Denmark is open daily from 10:00-17:00 (June-September) and Tuesday–Sunday from 10:00–17:00 (October-May). The price of admission is 110 DKK.
15. Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek OR Tivoli Gardens
If you feel like your day in Copenhagen shouldn’t quite be over yet, you can quickly squeeze in a final activity before a late dinner.
Both, Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek and Tivoli Gardens are must-visit places in Copenhagen. Of course, many don’t consider a visit to Copenhagen complete without taking a ride in Tivoli.
Personally, I find it overly expensive, but if this is your first (and perhaps only) time in Copenhagen, you may as well see it. Unfortunately, it is periodically closed in the winter, so Glyptotek makes a good alternative should you be visiting then.
Tivoli Gardens
Tivoli Gardens first opened its doors to the public in 1843 which makes it the second-oldest amusement park in the world still in operation.
Of course, compared to its modern cousins, Tivoli is characterized by its simplicity and understated charm. In fact, it is so magical it served as the inspiration for Walt Disney’s Disneyland.
Interestingly, Tivoli Gardens didn’t even shut its doors during the Nazi occupation in World War II (although it was partially damaged by arson) which speaks to its immense popularity among Copenhageners. Even today, many families own annual passes.
I worked in Tivoli for several months and have to admit that it has its charm, even though it can get incredibly crowded. Although it is periodically closed during the winter, it is during the remaining days when the gardens are at their best.
Food and drink options at Tivoli are endless, whatever your budget. This means you don’t necessarily have to move on to the Meatpacking District later.
Restaurant Grøften is one of the oldest restaurants in town, dating back to 1874, serving hearty Danish cuisine. Gemyse on the other hand serves elevated cuisine in a converted greenhouse.
Apart from that, you can find all sorts of snacks around Tivoli, or you can head over to Tivoli Food Hall for a wider selection of restaurants.
Tivoli Gardens is open daily for three periods throughout the year: mid–April-mid–September; mid–October-early November (Halloween); mid–November-late December (Christmas). Check the Tivoli website for up-to-date opening times.
The entrance to Tivoli costs 155 DKK (rather pricey but it’s a tourist magnet and the price of entrance is fully justified). Tivoli has a carnival-like ticketing system that means you pay per ride with some rides requiring up to three tickets.
Thus, it’s better to purchase the unlimited ride pass (260 DKK) if you’re in the mood for a few rides. I would also recommend buying the skip-the-line ticket which will save you some time.
Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
Glyptotek is one of the most popular museums in Copenhagen. It was built around the personal collection of important industrialist Carl Jacobsen and first opened its doors in 1897.
The original building houses Danish and French sculptures as well as the Danish Golden Age exhibition among others. The museum was later expanded and in the new addition, you can find primarily ancient Greek and Roman Sculpture as well as ancient Egyptian artifacts.
Exhibitions of French painters and ancient Middle Eastern artifacts complete the museum. Make it a point to see the works by Gauguin, van Gogh, Monet, and Rodin. Don’t miss the series of Degas’s ballet-dancer bronzes.
My favorite part, however, is the building’s winter garden, located at the heart of the museum. It invites you to sit down, reflect, and perhaps bring some of your impressions to paper.
Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek is open Tuesday–Sunday from 10:00–17:00 (until 21:00 on Thursday). The price of admission is 125 DKK.
Pro Tip
If you’re in Copenhagen on a Tuesday, you’re in luck, because the entrance to the museum is free on those days.
16. Dinner & Drinks in the Meatpacking District
Because of its location away from the city center, only a few tourists make it to the Meatpacking District, also known as Kødbyen. In view of its popularity among Copenhageners, that is certainly a shame.
Although it doesn’t sound like the most appealing location – after all, it was once where meat was processed and packaged – it is one of the hippest areas in Copenhagen today.
Here, you can find a large variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars, catering to nearly every taste.
Actually, it’s easily accessible by taking an S-train in a west-bound direction and getting off at Fisketorvet. From here it’s less than 10 minutes walk. I keep coming back here because I always find there is something else I want to try.
It’s definitely the perfect way to finish your 24 hours in Copenhagen away from the tourist crowds. Some of the places you may want to check out are as follows:
Tommi’s Burger Joint | Address: Høkerboderne 21-23, 1712 Copenhagen V
Tommy’s Burger Joint is an Icelandic startup that opened its first restaurant in Reykjavik in 2004. Today, outlets can be found in several European cities. I love the place for its no-nonsense attitude and crispy sweet potato fries.
Warpigs | Address: Flæsketorvet 25-37, 1711 Copenhagen V
Pies? Good. Beer? Good. Meat? Gooood. Warpigs serves authentic Texas BBQ and American-style craft beer. Although it is on the pricier end, it is one of my favorite places in all of Copenhagen.
And Mihir continues to go back for their unique craft beers, many of which are brewed in cooperation with Danish microbrewer Mikkeller.
Mother | Address: Høkerboderne 9-15, 1712 Copenhagen V
Traditional, down-to-earth Italian cuisine? Often hard to find in the Nordics, but Mother truly delivers. Their oven-fired pizzas are heavenly, but then again, I could never resist a good sourdough.
Kødbyens Fiskebar | Address: Flæsketorvet 100, 1711 Copenhagen V
If you are looking for affordable luxury, nothing beats a meal at Kødbyens Fiskebar. Intricate seafood dishes are served against a rustic and simplistic background.
Using only the freshest ingredients, the quality of the food is outstanding and worth every penny. They also serve incredibly intriguing cocktails, which are worth checking out!
Where To Stay in Copenhagen?
Copenhagen is a very compact city and most hotels and hostels lie within the inner city and the Vesterbro district. There aren’t too many hotels in the other districts.
The inner city is where most of the major attractions are to be found so it’s convenient to stay in the vicinity. Of course, the further away you are from the inner city, the cheaper the prices are.
The range of accommodation in Copenhagen ranges from luxury boutique hotels and quality chain hotels to roadside inns, budget hotels, family-friendly hostels, and self-catering apartments.
Hostel: Hostel Generator Copenhagen, a popular choice for budget-minded travelers
Budget: Wakeup Copenhagen – Borgergade, an excellent choice if you’re on the lookout for a frugal, no-frills option in central Copenhagen
Mid-range: Hotel Kong Arthur Copenhagen, a very good mid-range option, with excellent transport connections
Luxury: Hotel Skt Petri Copenhagen, a sumptuous top-choice pick
More Than One Day In Copenhagen?
Even though we have tried to fit as much into this one-day in Copenhagen itinerary, we have still only scratched the surface. If you have more than 24 hours in Copenhagen, there are plenty of other things to do in the city. You could –
- Visit some more of Copenhagen’s top-notch museums such as the National Gallery, the Design Museum, and the David Collection.
- Explore some other interesting neighborhoods in Copenhagen like Frederiksberg, Amager, Østerbro, and Hellerup.
- Go on a fascinating day trip to the postcard-perfect Kronborg Castle (home of Shakespeare’s Hamlet) and Frederiksborg Castle and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Roskilde Cathedral.
- Go on a day trip to Sweden and explore Malmö – Sweden’s third-largest city and visit the historic city of Lund.
Further Reading For Your Copenhagen Visit
That summarizes our ultimate guide to spending one day in Copenhagen. We reckon you’ll also find the following resources useful for planning your trip to Copenhagen!
Further Reading For Your Copenhagen Visit
→ Discover the 50 best things to do in Copenhagen!
→ Check out the 14 best burger joints in Copenhagen!
→ Uncover the 29 best Danish souvenirs to buy in Copenhagen!
→ Check out the 7 best Christmas Markets in Copenhagen!
→ Uncover out the how to spend a blissful 2 days in Copenhagen!
→ Discover the how to spend the perfect 3 days in Copenhagen!
→ Check out the 13 best day trips from Copenhagen!
→ Discover the higlights of the Danish capital on our free self-guided Copenhagen walking tour!
Now, what do you think? Is there anything you would do differently during one day in Copenhagen? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
Hello there, fellow globetrotters! I’m Jacky, a passionate travel blogger with an insatiable wanderlust. With several years of experience in online marketing, I leverage my expertise to ensure that you get the best travel advice, tailored for the digital age. My travels have taken me to over 30 countries, and I love sharing those experiences with readers like you. Besides traveling, my other loves are my beloved cats, architecture, art, science fiction, coffee, and all things cute. My travel tips have been featured on lonelyplanet.com and in the EasyJet Traveller magazine.
Hi Jacky, I am hoping to travel to Copenhagen at the end of March and I have been checking out so many websites to get information, but I have to say that your article was the most informative that I have found. It was so easy to follow the map against what you had written so thank you very much indeed. I feel sure that I will make the most of my short visit because of your great article. Well done 👏
Hi Helen!
Thank you so much for your kind words! I hope you have a great time in Copenhagen 🥰
Hi, I love your post. I will be in Copenhagen this Saturday and i am contemplating of getting myself the Copenhagen Card – which give me all access to museum (I’m into history and old buildings) however i also found out about the city pass small or larger. So, with buying the Copenhagen card should i get the city pass larger?
Thanks in advance
Hi Rina, thank you for your comment! If you buy the Copenhagen Card, you needn’t bother about getting either of the City Passes as the Copenhagen Card includes public transport for the entire Greater Copenhagen region. Hope this helps. Have a great time in Copenhagen! Cheers 🙂
I love this! Everything needed to get the best out of Copenhagen and when I can avoid public transportation, it’s the best. I really regret not going to Christiania… That would be my excuse to go back 🙂
LOVE how you separated in basic and advanced! that is such a great idea 😀 this makes me realize I missed so much while I was in Copenhagen! Guess I need to go back!
Love your post! I’ve only been to Ceopnhagen once when it was cold and raining… need to re-visit again! Will use your guide when travelling for sure 🙂
Copenhagen has been on my list for awhile now! This is such a useful guide, I know exactly where to go and what to see. Definitely keeping it handy! Hopefully will get there soon 🙂
Ahh I was in Copenhagen for 1 day and missed SO much from the above. Thanks for the tips, I’ll have to plan a return 🙂
Great post!!! Just what I was looking for. I’ll be travelling to Copenhagen for 2,5 days in March and I want to make the best out of it. Will be using your self guided walking tour map for sure. Thank you.