3-4 day Travel Itinerary for Copenhagen

In this detailed travel guide, I’ll cover everything from must-visit attractions and local gems to personal experiences, food recommendations, and essential tips. Whether you're into history, art, design, or food, this itinerary has something for everyone.

Where to Stay in Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a compact city, and location is key to maximising your experience. I recommend staying in one of these areas:

• Indre By (City Center) – Best for first-time visitors; close to main attractions. This is where we ended up staying and it's ideal for getting up and around each day, as well as a handy pit stop if you need a break in the afternoon.

• Vesterbro – Trendy, vibrant, and great for nightlife.

• Nørrebro – Hipster and multicultural, with amazing cafés and bars.

• Christianshavn – Quieter, picturesque canals, and close to Christiania.

Recommended Accommodation Options:

• Budget: Urban House Copenhagen – A stylish hostel with great social vibes.

• Mid-Range: Hotel Skt. Petri – Chic boutique hotel, walking distance to everything.

• Luxury: Nimb Hotel – Located inside Tivoli Gardens, stunning rooms & views.

I stayed at Steel House Copenhagen, a fantastic luxury hostel with a pool, great social areas, and private dorms that felt more like boutique hotel rooms. It was perfect for meeting people while still having a quiet, comfortable place to rest.

Day 1: Iconic Landmarks, Royal History & Tivoli Magic

Morning: Nyhavn & Amalienborg Palace

Start your Copenhagen adventure at Nyhavn, the postcard-perfect 17th-century waterfront district. The colourful buildings, old wooden ships, and charming cafés make this a dreamy place to begin your trip. Make sure to:

• Grab a Danish pastry and coffee from Andersen Bakery. Their cinnamon swirls are incredible! Copenhagen has lots of incredibly bakeries steeped in history and tradition

• Walk along the harbour, snap photos, and learn about Hans Christian Andersen, who once lived at No. 20.

• If you're visiting in the summer, book a canal boat tour from Nyhavn—it's a fantastic way to see the city from the water. Sadly, I visited in December, which wasn't prime time for the boat tour, but I'd highly recommend taking this tour if you visit during the summer!

From Nyhavn, take a short stroll to Amalienborg Palace, home of the Danish royal family. Don't miss the Changing of the Guard at 12:00 PM – It's a fascinating display of Danish tradition. I was impressed by the precision and elegance of the marching soldiers in their classic blue uniforms.

While you're exploring the palace, I'd recommend you walk behind the palace to Frederik’s Church (The Marble Church)—its dome is one of the largest in Europe and offers breathtaking views if you climb to the top.

Afternoon: Rosenborg Castle & Torvehallerne Market

Next, head to Rosenborg Castle, a 17th-century Renaissance-style palace surrounded by the beautiful King’s Garden (Kongens Have). This is a bit more outside the city centre, but you can either walk here, breaking up the journey with some lunch along the way, or catch a bus which should only take around 10-15 minutes.

Once inside the castle, keep an eye out for:

• Danish Crown Jewels – They sparkle even more than you’d imagine!

• Royal Throne Room – Stunning tapestries and golden details.

• The Basement Vault – Filled with royal treasures.

After exploring, it’s time for lunch at Torvehallerne, Copenhagen’s best indoor food market. The market has everything you could imagine, but some notable highlights are:

• Hallernes Smørrebrød – Traditional Danish open-faced sandwiches with fresh ingredients. I ate here and ordered a smørrebrød with pickled herring, followed by a classic Danish kanelsnegl (cinnamon roll)—absolutely divine!

• Grød – Known for delicious porridge bowls, both sweet & savory.

• The Coffee Collective – Hands down, the best specialty coffee in the city.

Evening: Tivoli Gardens

Tivoli Gardens is one of the world’s oldest amusement parks and a true fairytale experience. It inspired Walt Disney himself! It's even more of a magical experience at night and is located right in the centre of town. I visited Tivoli at night, and the twinkling fairy lights, old-world charm, and warm gløgg (Danish mulled wine) made it a magical and unforgettable experience.

🎢 Must-Do Activities at Tivoli:

• Ride the Rutschebanen, a 1914 wooden roller coaster that still runs today!

• Take a ride on the Ferris Wheel for an amazing view of Copenhagen at night.

• Enjoy live performances—there’s often ballet, concerts, or a light show.

  Afterwards, make sure to grab something to eat at Gemyse, a beautiful greenhouse restaurant inside Tivoli, serving organic Nordic-style dishes.

Day 2: Trendy Neighbourhoods & Hidden Gems

Morning: Exploring Christianshavn & Freetown Christiania

Start in Christianshavn, one of Copenhagen’s most scenic districts, often compared to Amsterdam due to its charming canals and colorful houseboats. This area exudes a laid-back yet sophisticated vibe, with locals sipping coffee along the waterfront and cyclists weaving through cobblestone streets.

Climb the Church of Our Saviour – One of the most exhilarating experiences in Copenhagen! The 17th-century Church of Our Saviour is famous for its golden spiral staircase, which winds around the outside of the tower. As you climb the 400 steps, the city unfolds beneath you. The last stretch, which is open-air, can feel nerve-wracking but is absolutely worth it for the breathtaking 360-degree views of Copenhagen. On a clear day, you can even see Sweden in the distance! As someone who isn’t the biggest fan of heights, I was hesitant about the final stretch of the climb. But the rush of adrenaline and the jaw-dropping view made it one of the most memorable moments of my trip.

A short walk from Christianshavn brings you to Freetown Christiania, a self-proclaimed autonomous neighbourhood with a fascinating and rebellious history. Established by squatters in the 1970s, this area operates with its own set of rules, independent from Danish law. As you enter, you’ll see vibrant street art, eco-friendly homes, and a mix of artists, musicians, and free spirits living in this one-of-a-kind commune. The area has an incredibly bohemian atmosphere, with organic cafés, live music venues, and handmade crafts for sale.

I felt like I had stepped into a completely different world—one where creativity, freedom, and community thrive. Walking through Christiania, I stumbled upon an outdoor music performance and sat down with a cup of organic chai tea from a quirky little café. It was a perfect moment of serene chaos that summed up Christiania’s unique charm.

Important: Photography is strictly forbidden on Pusher Street, where cannabis is openly sold. Be mindful and respectful of the local culture.

Afternoon: Biking Through Nørrebro

Copenhagen is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world, and there's no better way to explore than renting a bike and heading to Nørrebro, Copenhagen’s most diverse, youthful, and artistic neighbourhood.

Cycle Across Dronning Louises Bro – This bridge is a local favorite, where people sit along the edges, sipping coffee or beer, enjoying the view of the lakes. It’s the perfect introduction to the laid-back, social vibe of Nørrebro.

Top Spots in Nørrebro:

• Jægersborggade Street – This trendy street is a paradise for foodies and boutique lovers. Browse local designer shops, sip coffee at Coffee Collective, and stop by Meyers Bageri for an iconic cinnamon bun.

• Assistens Cemetery – More than just a resting place, this historic cemetery is also a beautiful park. Locals come here for peaceful walks, picnics, and quiet reflection. Visit the graves of Hans Christian Andersen and Søren Kierkegaard while soaking in the calm atmosphere.

• Superkilen Park – A must-visit for design lovers! This ultra-modern park reflects global diversity, featuring elements from over 60 countries—Moroccan fountains, Japanese playgrounds, and even an old donated bus stop from Kazakhstan.

Once you've cycled and explored and town, and if you love pizza, Bæst is non-negotiable! Their wood-fired, organic pizzas are topped with house-made mozzarella and locally sourced ingredients. Pair your meal with a natural wine for a true Copenhagen experience.

My day in Nørrebro was full of unexpected delights—from stumbling upon an outdoor flea market to sharing a table with friendly locals at Bæst. This area has an incredible energy—hip yet unpretentious, making it my favourite neighbourhood in Copenhagen.

Day 3: Day Trip to Sweden or Louisiana Museum

For your last day in Copenhagen, we recommend taking on a day out / day trip of one of the following options - alternatively, check out this great river cruise on an old-fashioned boat around Copenhagen's waterways!

Option 1: Malmö, Sweden:

Hop on a 40-minute train ride across the Øresund Bridge and find yourself in Malmö, Sweden’s third-largest city. This vibrant, multicultural city blends Scandinavian charm with a modern, cosmopolitan feel, making it a fantastic day-trip destination from Copenhagen.

Top Things to Do in Malmö:

• Explore Lilla Torg – Malmö’s most picturesque square, lined with cobblestone streets, historic half-timbered houses, and cozy cafés. It’s the perfect spot for a coffee break and people-watching. Walking around Lilla Torg felt like stepping into a storybook, with its medieval vibes and lively outdoor cafés

• Visit Malmö Castle – A 16th-century fortress turned museum complex, where you can explore exhibits on natural history, Swedish art, and even old prison cells. The surrounding castle gardens are also lovely for a stroll.

• Wander Through Gamla Väster – This colourful old town is filled with quirky boutiques, street art, and hidden courtyards, offering a glimpse into Malmö’s artistic side.

• Try Authentic Swedish Fika at Söderberg & Sara – No trip to Sweden is complete without fika, the beloved coffee-and-pastry tradition. Order a kanelbulle (cinnamon bun) at Söderberg & Sara, one of Malmö’s best bakeries, and enjoy the perfect balance of sweetness and spice.

Option 2: Louisiana Museum of Modern Art:

Located just 40 minutes north of Copenhagen, the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art is more than just a museum—it’s a cultural and sensory experience set against the stunning Danish coastline. I found myself completely lost in the beauty of the outdoor sculpture park, where art and nature blend seamlessly. Sitting by the water with a cup of coffee, watching the waves crash, was the perfect way to end my visit.

Must-See Exhibits & Features:

• Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Room – Step into a world of endless reflections and twinkling lights in Kusama’s mesmerising installation.

• Picasso & Giacometti Collections – The museum houses an impressive collection of works by Pablo Picasso and Alberto Giacometti, showcasing some of their most iconic sculptures and paintings.

• The Louisiana Sculpture Park – A breathtaking outdoor space overlooking the Øresund Strait, featuring sculptures by artists like Henry Moore and Alexander Calder.

• Café Louisiana – Enjoy Danish smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches) while soaking in the museum’s seaside views.

Final Thoughts

& Essential Tips

✔ Get a Copenhagen Card for free transport & museum entry.

It's a bigger one-off payment at the start of your trip but will definitely save

you money, especially if you plan to visit all the major attractions and sites.

✔ Rent a bike—it's the best way to explore!

✔ Try smørrebrød—it’s a must!

✔ Book Tivoli tickets in advance, especially in peak season.