Copenhagen 3 Days Itinerary: A Friendly Guide to Exploring the Best of Denmark’s Capital
Planning a trip to Copenhagen and wondering what to do in just three days? Fear not, as we’ve got you covered with a comprehensive itinerary that will take you through the best sights, sounds, and tastes of this beautiful city. Copenhagen is a city that’s easy to navigate, with a compact city center that’s perfect for walking or cycling. With three days in Copenhagen, you can experience the best of the city’s culture, history, and cuisine.
On day one of your Copenhagen itinerary, we recommend starting with the iconic Nyhavn harbor, where you can take a stroll along the colorful waterfront. From there, head to the Amalienborg Palace to witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony, a daily tradition that’s been happening since the 18th century. Next, explore the historic Rosenborg Castle and its beautiful gardens, which are perfect for a picnic lunch.
On day two, delve deeper into the city’s culture and history by visiting some of Copenhagen’s world-class museums, such as the National Museum of Denmark or the Statens Museum for Kunst. Alternatively, take a stroll through the city’s parks and gardens, such as the Botanical Garden or the King’s Garden. In the evening, head to the trendy neighborhood of Nørrebro for some delicious street food and craft beer.
On day three, explore some of Copenhagen’s lesser-known neighborhoods, such as the charming Christianshavn or the vibrant Vesterbro. You can also take a boat tour of the city’s canals or visit the famous Tivoli Gardens amusement park. Finally, end your trip with a visit to the Carlsberg Brewery, where you can sample some of Denmark’s finest beers and learn about the history of the country’s brewing industry.
Day 1: Historic Heart of Copenhagen
Welcome to your first day in Copenhagen! Today you will explore the historic heart of the city, filled with iconic landmarks and attractions. Here are the top places you should visit:
The Little Mermaid Statue
Start your day by visiting the famous Little Mermaid Statue, one of the most popular attractions in Copenhagen. Located at the Langelinie promenade, the statue is a tribute to the famous fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen. Take a stroll along the promenade and admire the views of the harbor while enjoying the fresh sea breeze.
Nyhavn Harbor
After visiting the Little Mermaid, head to Nyhavn Harbor, a picturesque waterfront area lined with colorful 17th-century buildings. Take a boat tour to explore the harbor and enjoy the views of the city from the water. You can also enjoy a meal or a drink at one of the many restaurants and cafes in the area.
Rosenborg Castle
Next, visit Rosenborg Castle, a beautiful Renaissance-style castle located in the heart of Copenhagen. The castle was built in the early 17th century by King Christian IV and served as a royal residence until the 18th century. Today, the castle is a museum that showcases the royal collections of art, furniture, and jewelry.
Strøget Shopping Street
End your day by exploring Strøget, one of the longest pedestrian shopping streets in Europe. The street is lined with a variety of shops, from high-end fashion boutiques to souvenir shops. Take your time to browse through the stores and find the perfect souvenir to take back home.
That’s it for your first day in Copenhagen! Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring a camera to capture all the memorable moments.
Day 2: Cultural Exploration
On your second day in Copenhagen, get ready to immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the city. Put on your walking shoes and get ready to explore some of the most iconic landmarks and museums in the city.
Christiansborg Palace
Start your day by visiting the Christiansborg Palace, which is located on the tiny island of Slotsholmen. This palace is the seat of the Danish Parliament, the Prime Minister’s Office, and the Supreme Court of Denmark. You can take a guided tour of the palace, which will take you through the opulent reception rooms, the Royal Kitchen, and the Royal Stables. Don’t forget to visit the Royal Chapel, which is adorned with beautiful frescoes and sculptures.
National Museum of Denmark
After visiting the palace, head over to the National Museum of Denmark, which is located in the heart of the city. This museum is home to an extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits that detail the history of Denmark from the Stone Age to the present day. You can explore the Viking Age exhibit, which features rare artifacts such as swords, helmets, and jewelry. You can also check out the Egtved Girl exhibit, which showcases the remains of a Bronze Age woman who was buried with her clothing and jewelry.
Tivoli Gardens
End your day by visiting the Tivoli Gardens, which is one of the oldest and most popular amusement parks in the world. This park is home to a wide range of rides, attractions, and entertainment options that are suitable for visitors of all ages. You can ride the roller coasters, try your luck at the carnival games, or watch a live performance at the open-air theater. Don’t forget to take a stroll through the beautiful gardens, which are adorned with fountains, statues, and colorful flowers.
Overall, day 2 of your Copenhagen itinerary is all about exploring the city’s rich history and culture. With so many iconic landmarks and museums to visit, you’re sure to have a memorable day.
Day 3: Modern Copenhagen
On your final day in Copenhagen, explore the modern side of the city. Start your day at The Blue Planet Aquarium, also known as the National Aquarium Denmark. This impressive aquarium is the largest in Northern Europe and houses over 20,000 marine animals from around the world. You can easily spend a few hours here, marveling at the colorful fish, sharks, and other sea creatures. Don’t miss the Ocean Tank, which holds 4 million liters of water and features a tunnel where you can walk through and see the animals swimming all around you.
After the aquarium, make your way to the Copenhagen Opera House. This striking building, designed by Danish architect Henning Larsen, opened in 2005 and has since become a landmark of the city. Take a guided tour to learn about the design and construction of the building, as well as the history of opera in Denmark. If you’re lucky, you may even be able to catch a performance during your visit.
End your day at The Round Tower, a 17th-century tower that offers stunning views of the city. The tower was originally built as an astronomical observatory, and you can still see the old instruments on display. Climb the spiral ramp to the top of the tower, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Copenhagen. If you’re feeling adventurous, try walking down the unique equestrian staircase, which was designed for horse-drawn carriages to ascend and descend.
| Place | Address | Hours | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Blue Planet Aquarium | Jacob Fortlingsvej 1, 2770 Kastrup | 10am – 6pm | DKK 185 |
| Copenhagen Opera House | Ekvipagemestervej 10, 1438 København K | Varies by day | Varies by performance |
| The Round Tower | Købmagergade 52A, 1150 København K | 10am – 8pm | DKK 25 |
Note: It’s recommended to book tickets in advance for the Copenhagen Opera House and The Blue Planet Aquarium to avoid long lines.
