Copenhagen itinerary — 2 days
Day 1 — Copenhagen
5 stops · ≈ 6 h 41 minA unique 17th-century tower built by King Christian IV between 1637 and 1642 as an astronomical observatory for Copenhagen University. Instead of steps, a 209-metre spiral equestrian ramp winds up seven and a half times around the hollow core, allowing carriages and horses to transport heavy books and instruments to the top. The open platform features Europe's oldest active observatory and 360-degree vistas over historic city spires.
Situated in the 18th-century Prince's Palace in central Copenhagen, the National Museum of Denmark is the country's primary cultural history institution. Its comprehensive exhibits trace Danish history from prehistoric hunter-gatherers and the Viking Age through modern times. Highlights include the Bronze Age Trundholm Sun Chariot, the preserved Egtved Girl burial, runic stones, and extensive global ethnographic treasures.
A monumental palace complex on the islet of Slotsholmen in central Copenhagen, housing all three branches of Danish government: Parliament, the Supreme Court, and the Prime Minister's Office. The royal wing features the magnificent Great Hall adorned with seventeen colorful modern tapestries by Bjørn Nørgaard, opulent Royal Reception Rooms, historic royal stables, and the city's highest open observation tower.
Copenhagen's quintessential waterfront landmark, this 17th-century canal was originally dug by Swedish prisoners of war between 1670 and 1673. Lined with brightly colored gabled townhouses and heritage wooden sailing ships, the quay bustles with outdoor dining terraces. Beloved fairy-tale author Hans Christian Andersen lived at numbers 18, 20, and 67, making it a literary pilgrimage and the hub for harbor boat tours.
The winter home of the Danish royal family in central Copenhagen, regarded as a masterpiece of 18th-century Danish Rococo architecture designed by Nicolai Eigtved. The complex comprises four identical palaces set around an octagonal cobblestone courtyard centered on an equestrian monument to King Frederick V. Every day at noon, visitors gather to watch the ceremonial Changing of the Royal Guard.
Reserve
8If you have time left — worth it too.
Stretching over one kilometre from City Hall Square to Kongens Nytorv, Strøget is Copenhagen's principal pedestrian thoroughfare. Converted into a car-free zone in 1962, it pioneered modern European pedestrian shopping streets. The vibrant promenade is lined with Nordic design department stores, Royal Copenhagen porcelain shops, high-end boutiques, and historic cafes, while street entertainers gather around the Stork Fountain on Amagertorv.
The University of Copenhagen's botanical garden, with history reaching back to 1600: ten hectares of hills, ponds and plant collections in the heart of the Danish capital. Its jewel is the Victorian Palm House of 1874, a glass-and-iron dome packed with towering palms. A Victoria house with giant water lilies and an alpinarium complete the picture; the garden itself is free to enter.
Frederik's Church, commonly known as the Marble Church (Marmorkirken), is an imposing Rococo-Baroque church standing near Amalienborg Palace in Copenhagen. Begun in 1749 using Norwegian marble and finally finished in 1894, the building is crowned by Scandinavia's largest church dome, spanning 31 meters across and resting on 12 slender pillars. Inside, visitors admire frescoed ceilings, fine marble altars, and soaring acoustics.
Leisure area in a former shipyard with street food stalls, an art gallery & an artificial ski slope.
Copenhagen's largest fountain, unveiled in 1908: the goddess Gefjon drives her four oxen ploughing the island of Zealand, retelling the legend of how Denmark's main island was carved from Sweden. The fountain stands by Churchill Park next to the Kastellet fortress and St Alban's Anglican church. In summer the jets roar; in winter the water is turned off.
Stretching along Copenhagen's coast just minutes by metro from the city center, Amager Strandpark is the capital's premier seaside recreation area. It centers around a two-kilometer-long artificial island forming a sheltered lagoon ideal for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Visitors enjoy 4.6 kilometers of white sandy beaches, broad walking and cycling promenades, and scenic views toward the Øresund Bridge and offshore wind farms.
Occupying a former industrial shipyard on the Refshaleøen peninsula, this sprawling open-air market is the largest street food venue in the Nordic region. Over 40 innovative food stalls housed in repurposed shipping containers serve authentic global cuisines prepared with an emphasis on organic and sustainable ingredients. Waterfront deckchairs, craft beer bars, and DJ sets create an electric seaside atmosphere with sunset harbor views.
Northern Europe's largest aquarium is housed in an award-winning whirlpool-shaped building by architecture firm 3XN along the Øresund coast in Kastrup. Its state-of-the-art tanks hold more than seven million liters of water and over 20,000 animals across three thematic zones. Highlights include walking through an underwater tunnel surrounded by hammerhead sharks and giant rays, visiting playful sea otters, and an Amazon rainforest dome.
- Purchase a Copenhagen Card for unlimited public transport and free entry to many attractions.
- Try to learn a few Danish phrases; locals appreciate the effort.
- Enjoy the city's many bike lanes if you decide to rent a bike.