Copenhagen itinerary — 2 days
Day 1 — Copenhagen
5 stops · ≈ 6 h 41 minThe Round Tower, also known as Rundetarn, is a remarkable 17th-century structure in Copenhagen. It was originally built as an astronomical observatory and features a unique spiral ramp instead of traditional stairs. Visitors can enjoy sweeping views of the city from this architectural gem while experiencing its rich history. The gradual ascent makes it accessible to all, appealing to history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and anyone seeking breathtaking vistas of Copenhagen.
The National Museum of Denmark, housed in an 18th-century mansion, is a captivating journey through the country's history and culture. From prehistoric artifacts to modern exhibits, the museum offers an extensive collection that appeals to history enthusiasts, families, and anyone curious about Denmark's cultural tapestry. Visitors can explore Viking relics, medieval treasures, and ethnographic displays. The Children's Museum provides interactive entertainment for kids with a range of activities including exploring vintage toys and dressing up like historical figures.
Christiansborg Palace is a must-see in Copenhagen, Denmark. It's home to the Danish Parliament, the Prime Minister's office, and the Supreme Court of Denmark. The palace also houses government and judicial offices. Visitors can explore its lavish reception rooms like the Great Hall, Tower Hall, and Oval Throne Room. Don't miss the royal kitchen and the remains of an older castle beneath the main building. The palace has a rich history spanning over 800 years and covers a large area.
Nyhavn is a picturesque waterfront and entertainment district in Copenhagen, known for its vibrant 17th and 18th-century townhouses painted in bright colors. This iconic spot offers bustling outdoor bars and restaurants with views of little boats on the canal. Notably, it was once home to Hans Christian Anderson, adding to its fairytale charm.
Amalienborg Palace, an exquisite 18th-century rococo complex in Copenhagen, serves as the winter residence for the Danish monarchy. This remarkable ensemble consists of four distinct palaces—Brockdorfske, Levetzaus, Moltkes, and Schackske—each showcasing stunning architecture and rich history. Surrounding a grand plaza, these palatial structures were adopted by the royal family in 1794 after a devastating fire at Christiansborg Castle.
Reserve
8If you have time left — worth it too.
Stroget is a famous pedestrian boulevard in Copenhagen, known for its wide range of shops, cafes, and even a Guinness museum. In the 1960s, due to increasing traffic and crowded narrow streets in central Copenhagen, the City Council decided to create a car-free zone from Town Hall Square to Kongens Nytorv, establishing Stroget as the world's oldest and longest pedestrian street system at almost 3.2 km.
Escape the hustle and bustle of Copenhagen by visiting the tranquil and romantic Copenhagen Botanical Garden. This oasis in the heart of the city is home to an impressive collection of over 13,000 plant species from around the world. The garden features specimens from the tropics, Alps, and even some hardy plants from above the Arctic Circle. It's a perfect retreat for nature lovers seeking a peaceful environment away from crowded tourist spots.
Frederik's Church, also known as The Marble Church or Marmorkirken, is a renowned Lutheran church situated in the heart of Copenhagen, Denmark. This 18th-century church boasts impressive rococo architecture and is famous for its grand dome, one of the largest in Scandinavia at 31 meters in diameter. The exterior is clad with Norwegian and Danish marble, giving it a distinctive appearance that sets it apart from other European churches.
Refshaleøen, located in Copenhagen, is a former shipyard transformed into a leisure area. It boasts street food stalls, an art gallery, and even an artificial ski slope at CopenHill. The island is renowned for its top-notch restaurants such as Noma, the Alchemist, and Amass alongside hidden gems like Lille Bakery and La Banchina. Visitors can start their day with coffee and pastries at La Banchina before enjoying a dip in the ocean.
Nestled in the picturesque Langelinie Park along the Osterbro harborfront, the Gefion Fountain is a stunning bronze masterpiece completed in 1908. This impressive fountain showcases the Norse goddess Gefion, who is depicted plowing with four mighty oxen. According to legend, she transformed her sons into these powerful creatures to carve out Zealand from Sweden's land.
Amager Beachpark is a top destination in Copenhagen for long summer days and bright evenings. It boasts over 4km of sandy man-made beach, a lagoon with shallow bathing areas for children, and land and water sports facilities. The park also features a 2-km-long artificial island forming the lagoon, offering stunning views of the Oresund Bridge and the Middelgrunden Wind Turbine Farm.
Reffen - Skøjteøen is a vibrant street food market located on Refshaleoen island in Copenhagen. Spanning over 6000m2, it offers an array of global cuisines from more than 50 start-ups, including Korean, Mexican, Italian, and Danish fare. The venue boasts a picturesque waterfront setting with ample seating for visitors to savor their meals while enjoying panoramic views of the city.
Den Blå Planet, also known as the Blue Planet, is Europe's largest aquarium located in the city of Den Blå. The aquarium holds seven million liters of water and features a variety of fresh and sea water wildlife. Visitors can explore vast tanks housing hammerhead sharks, observe schools of piranhas up close, and witness the feeding of otters and penguins. The layout is spacious and well-designed, offering an immersive experience for guests.
- 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.