Here's how to plan your next Copenhagen itinerary especially if it's your first time visiting! This oceanfront town has the most beautiful harbor called Nyhavn which is a 17th century waterfront canal and entertainment district. You can see 17th and 18th century colorful townhouses in white, cream, yellow, orange, gray, and blue. All of them have similar square, symmetrical windows, and most with orange roofs. You'll find wooden and historical boats bobbing in the small harbor, and restaurant seating sprawling across the waterfront sidewalk.

Copenhagen is the perfect European city break for a long weekend. This city has a beautiful harborfront, royal palaces, and a delicious Michelin-star culinary scene. Copenhagen even has a library that looks straight out of the fairytale Beauty and the Beast, and I literally gasped when I walked inside! I also loved our seven or eight-course meal at one of the popular restaurants, I even lost track because the food was that good! Keep reading for how to plan the perfect Copenhagen itinerary, especially if it’s your first time visiting this city!

Copenhagen Itinerary for First Timers: Day-by-Day Overview

Day 1

Check into Hotel Phoenix Copenhagen • See the city from above • Nyhavn • Dinner at Host

Day 2

Christiansborg Palace • Tivoli Gardens • Glyptotek Museum • Dinner at Popl

Day 3

Rosenborg Castle and King’s Garden • Changing of the Guards at Amalienborg Palace

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When’s the best time to visit Copenhagen?

The best time to visit Copenhagen is during the shoulder seasons between March to April and October to November. The cheapest month to visit Copenhagen is March or April. November and December can be busier and more expensive because of the holiday season and the European Christmas markets Copenhagen offers. If you’re only planning a 3-day Copenhagen itinerary, spending a long weekend in either spring or fall would be perfect!

Is Copenhagen very expensive?

Copenhagen is considered an expensive city to visit, consistent with Scandinavian cities and the Nordic countries. Copenhagen is also ranked among the world’s most expensive cities. That being said, when my husband and I visited Copenhagen in March, we found an affordable hotel near Nyhavn. We also enjoyed an eight-course meal for around 100 USD per person. There are also plenty of free things to do in the city if you’re trying to visit Copenhagen on a budget.

In a way, Copenhagen reminded me of how expensive Paris can be. Paris and Copenhagen also offer plenty of free things to do. Here’s the only Paris guide you’ll need if you’re looking to visit!

When planning your Copenhagen itinerary you have to see Nyhavn at sunrise, the light is stunning! This oceanfront town has the most beautiful harbor called Nyhavn which is a 17th century waterfront canal and entertainment district. You can see 17th and 18th century colorful townhouses in white, cream, yellow, orange, gray, and blue. All of them have similar square, symmetrical windows, and most with orange roofs. You'll find wooden and historical boats bobbing in the small harbor, and restaurant seating sprawling across the waterfront sidewalk.

3 Day Copenhagen Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Copenhagen from above and wander Nyhavn

Wander around Nyhavn

One of the most beautiful places in Copenhagen is Nyhavn. It is one of the most iconic spots in Copenhagen, lined with colorful facades, bars, and restaurants. Since it’s right along the harbor, it’s even more idyllic with tall ships lining the canal and sailing by.

Stop at DOP for a Danish hot dog

These DOP hot dog stands are famous in Copenhagen, and delicious too! There are two locations in the Amagertorv shopping area, not far from Nyhavn. You can choose multiple toppings on your hot dog and sauces. You have to try them during your Copenhagen itinerary!

If you’re looking for some of the best hotels in Copenhagen, this is where my husband and I stayed while visiting Copenhagen. One of the most famous hotels in Copenhagen, thanks to Instagram, is Manon Les Suites.

If you’re looking for other swoon-worthy hotels or want to VIP yourself on a booking, contact me as I work as a travel advisor and am connected with some of the best luxury properties and networks around the world!

The sunset views from Church of our Saviour were some of the best in Copenhagen. You can see the entire city of Copenhagen!

See Copenhagen from Above

Copenhagen offers a few different aerial views throughout the city. Keep reading for all the options to add to your Copenhagen itinerary.

Christiansborg Palace Tower is free to visit!

If you can believe this is the tallest tower in Copenhagen, it’s also free to visit! The Christiansborg Palace was once home to the Danish Royals. It now serves as the home to the Danish Parliament, the Danish Prime Minister’s office, and the Supreme Court of Denmark. The Royal family still uses the palace for events, but it’s no longer their primary residence. You can buy tickets to tour this insanely gorgeous palace, including the palace grounds and stables. There’s even a restaurant in the Christiansborg Palace tower as well!

The Round Tower

The Round Tower is one of Copenhagen’s most iconic buildings. This tower offers 360-degree views of the city, but charges an admission fee. Since we only had time to visit one viewpoint, we decided the views from the Church of Our Savior were the best aerial views of Copenhagen.

Church of Our Saviour

For the next viewpoint in Copenhagen, you must pre-book tickets, since they can sell out. We pre-booked our tickets maybe an hour or two before we visited. We did this to have a flexible schedule, but also visited in March when there were fewer crowds. The viewpoints from the Church of Our Saviour are some of the best in Copenhagen.

Have an 8-course Dinner at Host

Host is one of the best restaurants in Copenhagen and has a Michelin star. It’s even been rated as one of the fifty best restaurants in the world. I can’t recommend this restaurant enough for your Copenhagen itinerary. My husband and I booked their 7-course meal and a surprise 8^th course. All the courses were artistic and delicious. We even got a few glasses of wine, and still the total for our meal was less than 100 USD per person. Check out their website for reservations.

A few other best restaurants in the world are Maido in Lima, Peru!

Best Hotels in Copenhagen

Phoenix Copenhagen $$ • Manon Les Suites $$$ • Villa Copenhagen $$-$$$ • Coco Hotel $$ • 25Hours $$

Coco Hotel has even been awarded a Conde Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Award 2024!

If you’re looking for some of the other best hotels in Copenhagen, contact me as I work as a travel advisor and am connected with some of the best luxury properties and networks around the world!

One of the best museums to see in Copenhagen and add it to your Copenhagen itinerary! The Glyptotek Museum has this lovely garden courtyard right in the middle of the museum. It's surrounded on all four sides by massive ceilings and a glass roof. It has varied kinds of foliage, and a large fountain and statue in the middle.

Day 2: Visit Christiansborg Palace, Tivoli Gardens, and the Glyptotek Museum

Enjoy breakfast at Buka Bakery

The second day of your 3-day Copenhagen itinerary will be busy, so start your day early at Buka Bakery. Depending on where you’re staying in Copenhagen, there are a few locations throughout the city. This bakery is one of the best bakeries in Copenhagen. It’s famous for its well-known cream-filled croissants with chocolate, vanilla, cardamon, elderflower, and seasonal flavors. Even Conde Nast Traveller agrees that their strawberry cheesecake croissant is divine

This Christiansborg Palace Library looks like the library from Beauty and the beast. The parquet wooded floors surrounded by detailed white and gold walls that house the books beneath. It has incredible large crystal chandeliers and windows that allow a beautiful light to come in. — Christiansborg Palace Library

This is the the Great Hall where you can find embroidered tapestries hanging on all four walls, and massive crystal chandeliers. The ceilings is partially painted with ornate carvings as well. You have to add the Christiansborg Palace Great Hall to your Copenhagen itinerary! — Christiansborg Palace Great Hall

Visit Christiansborg Palace

Even though it’s free to visit Christiansborg Palace Tower, I highly recommend buying tickets to tour the rest of the palace including the stables. As I mentioned, this is still a working palace for the Danish Royal family and the Danish government. One of the highlights of the State rooms is the Great Hall, because of its beautiful tapestries and chandeliers. I also audibly gasped when walking into the library, it felt straight out of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. I can say, without a doubt, Christiansborg Palace is one of the most beautiful places in Copenhagen. It’s one of the best things to do in Copenhagen so make sure to add it to your Copenhagen itinerary!

Looking for other European locations straight out of a fairytale? Disneyland Paris is one of the most magical places in Europe!

Wander past Tivoli Gardens

Tivoli Gardens is known as the third oldest amusement park in the world and inspired Walt Disney himself! If you visit during the summer or fall they offer fireworks every Saturday from June through October. Consistent with Copenhagen’s culinary scene, the restaurants here offer delicious food. This park also hosts shows and events, and of course Christmas markets during the holidays. We didn’t have a chance to wander into Tivoli Gardens. I hear it’s quite beautiful in the spring and during the holiday season.

If you’re looking to explore European Christmas markets, here’s Germany’s most underrated Christmas market, and a European Christmas market without the crowds!

Marvel at the Glyptotek Museum

The Glyptotek Museum was such a gem and wasn’t too expensive to visit. My favorite part of this museum was the lovely garden right in the center surrounded by a restaurant blending into the foliage.

Shop around Amagertorv

Because this will be a busy day on your Copenhagen itinerary, I recommend shopping only if you have time. If you want to shop in the city, I highly recommend this area. Shop at Hay House which has incredible views of the main shopping square and the Lego Flagship store. Lego was invented in Denmark, did you know?

Dinner in Nyhavn at Popl

After a long day, I wanted to stroll around Nyhavn at night all lit up. The energy with the outdoor restaurants and bars was enjoyable. Since we had a long day and were looking for a more casual dinner, we waited for a table at Popl. The owner of this restaurant also owns Copenhagen’s famous restaurant Noma, which has been awarded the best restaurant in the world. Have I mentioned that Copenhagen has quite the culinary scene? I thought Popl’s burger and fries were delicious.

The Changing of the Guards is one of the best things to do in Copenhagen Denmark and you have to add it to your Copenhagen itinerary. This event takes place at the beautiful Amalienborg Palace which has a classic Rococo cream facade. All the guards will line up and perform in symmetrical rows.

Day 3: Visit Rosenborg Castle and see the Changing of the Guards at Amalienborg Palace

Wake up early for a Sunrise photo shoot at Nyhan

If you’re up for an early morning, I recommend seeing the sunrise in Nyhan. Don’t take my word for it, let the photos convince you!

Visit Copenhagen’s food markets for breakfast

If you’re not visiting Nyhan at sunrise, start your day with breakfast at the TorvehallerneKBH food market. This market has almost 15,000 4.5-star reviews on Google, so you know it’s good. There are multiple different stalls with a variety of food. Because we planned to visit Rosenborg Castle when it opened at 10, we were at the market by 8. It says on their website you can enjoy ‘bakery bread and morning coffee at 7’. I do remember being able to order sandwiches for breakfast as some of the stalls were already open.

Visit Rosenborg Castle and King’s Garden

Rosenborg Castle is one of the best things to see in Copenhagen. The longest reigning king in Scandinavian history is Christian IV. He built the castle as a summer home and it was his favorite residence. It wasn’t until Christian’s great-grandson chose other palaces as his primary residence he turned Rosenborg Castle into the ‘Royal Collections’. This is why the castle is so well preserved, pre-book your tickets here.

Watch the Changing of the Guards at Amalienborg Palace

The Changing of the Guards at Amalienborg Palace happens daily. It is one of the best things to do if you’re spending 3 days in Copenhagen. The guards start from their barracks at 100 Gothersgade by Rosenborg Castle and continue through the streets, ending at Amalienborg at noon. Here’s a little more about the history of the Changing of the Guards at Amalienborg Palace. Make sure to arrive early to find a good place to stand. Keep in mind that they move around the square throughout the ceremony. Even if you don’t have the best view to start, it will get better!

Take a Boat Tour if you have time

Here’s a highly rated boat tour in Copenhagen if you’re interested!

These smorrebrods at TorvehallerneKBH food market are open faced sandwiches, one with smashed avocado, tomato relish, and garnish on top and the other with an egg salad and bits of bacon and onions on top. — Enjoying smorrebrods at TorvehallerneKBH food market

What’s the best way to get around Copenhagen?

The best way to get around Copenhagen is on foot, but biking is the fastest way to get around. Copenhagen is a very bike-friendly city, and most residents bike as their primary mode of transportation. If you’re following the 3-day Copenhagen itinerary above, you’ll be able to walk everywhere!

Do you need to rent a car in Copenhagen?

You do not need to rent a car when visiting Copenhagen for a long weekend. If you’re planning to drive out of the city, you can use public transportation. Depending on where you’re visiting outside the city, it might be best to rent a car.

How to rent bikes in Copenhagen

The best way to rent a bike in Copenhagen is by using a 24/7 app on your phone with Donkey Republic. Similar to Lime bike rentals in other countries, there are plenty of bikes scattered throughout the city. For a fan-favorite biking tour, check out Bike Copenhagen with Mike, he’s quite famous!

Christiansborg Palace is one of the most beautiful places in Copenhagen. It sits on a cobblestone street and has a traditional Rococo gray facade with not as much ornate detailing on the outside. — Christiansborg Palace

How many days are enough in Copenhagen?

Is 3 days too long in Copenhagen?

3 days is not too long in Copenhagen, it’s the perfect amount of time to see this walkable city. If you’re visiting Copenhagen for less than 3 days, you may only have time to see Nyhavn Harbor and Christiansborg or Rosenborg Castle. You definitely won’t have time to visit all the places listed on the Copenhagen itinerary above.

Can Copenhagen be done in 2 days?

Copenhagen can be done in 2 days if you only want to see a glimpse of the city. As mentioned, you can visit Christiansborg Palace, Rosenborg Castle, or the King’s Garden. You may have time to see Amalienborg Palace, Tivoli Gardens, or the famous Glyptotek Museum, but not all of them. You only need 3 days to see all the best things to see and do in Copenhagen.

Is the Copenhagen card worth it for 3 days?

The Copenhagen card is worth it for 3 days if you plan to do plenty of activities and use public transport often. My husband and I opted to forgo the Copenhagen card because we only used the metro for airport transfers. Copenhagen is such a walkable city. You can walk everywhere, and we did take a taxi maybe once or twice. There are plenty of free things to do in Copenhagen. Keep reading for additional activities you could add to your Copenhagen itinerary.

Free Things to Do in Copenhagen

Amalienborg Palace Changing of the Guards: You can’t plan a Copenhagen itinerary without seeing the Changing of the Guards at Amalienborg Palace. This ceremony takes place daily and is free to the public!

Christiansborg Palace Tower: If you can believe it, Christiansborg Palace is one of the best things to see in Copenhagen and you can climb their tower for free!

Christiana Freetown: This is one of the most unique things to do in Copenhagen. It is considered a commune with around 1,000 residents and is an eclectic neighborhood. I wouldn’t advise visiting after dark. Make sure to follow the rules listed when you enter the area such as taking no photos.

The National Museum of Denmark: This is Denmark’s largest museum of cultural history. It’s supposed to be free on Wednesdays if you have time to add it to your Copenhagen itinerary.

The Little Mermaid statue: This is the most popular statue in Copenhagen. It’s free to visit, however, it’s a bit out of the way. It’s not worth the walk if you don’t have time to see it in my opinion.

Free Walking Tours: There are plenty of free walking tours in Copenhagen; it’s such a great way to get acquainted with a city.

Gefion Fountain: If you want to walk around the Copenhagen harbor make sure to stop at this fountain.

Fredericks’s Church: Also known as the Marble Church, it is free to visit. This church is right across the street from Amalienborg, consider adding it to your Copenhagen itinerary.

Best Restaurants in Copenhagen

Host: As mentioned before, Host is one of the best Michelin-star restaurants in Copenhagen and the world. This restaurant does require reservations, but I promise you will not be disappointed.

Popl: If you’re looking for the best burger in Copenhage,n check out this location close to Nyhavn, it’s one of the best burgers I’ve ever had!

Alchemist: This next restaurant offers an incredibly unique and ‘holistic’ dining opportunity lasting 4-6 hours! Reservations are so popular that the restaurant offers only released reservations and a waitlist if you can’t get a reservation. This restaurant isn’t the most affordable, but it offers the experience of a lifetime.

Juno: You’ll always find a line out the door at this next bakery. This bakery was created by a Swedish baker who is a Noma alumnus (previously one of the best restaurants in the world, also located in Copenhagen, that is sadly closed at this time and unknown when it will re-open).

Ruby: You’ll find some of Copenhagen’s best cocktails here!

Selma: This next-best restaurant in Copenhagen serves an a la carte smorrebrod menu that changes with the seasons. Selma also offers a variety of curated menus with 5-7 courses. This is the only smorrebrod restaurant in Copenhagen that’s been awarded a Bib Gourmand in the Nordic Michelin Guide.

Aamanns Deli: This deli is known for its open-face sandwiches, or a Copenhagen tradition called smorrebrod. All their sandwiches are Michelin-recommended based on organic and seasonal ingredients.

Day Trips outside Copenhagen

Copenhagen to Frederiksborg and Kronborg

Here’s a guided day trip from Copenhagen to discover the royal castles of Frederiksborg and Kronborg and Denmark’s former capital Roskilde. This tour is a full-day, eight-hour minibus tour from Copenhagen.

Copenhagen to Sweden

Here’s a guided day trip to Sweden from Copenhagen with thousands of great reviews that will take you from Copenhagen to the historic cities of Malmo and Lund in Sweden!