The Ultimate Copenhagen 3-Day Itinerary for First Timers

After two trips to Copenhagen, this Scandinavian city is one of my most cherished weekend breaks in Europe. I’ve put together the ultimate 3-day Copenhagen itinerary to help you plan your visit with memorable eats, sights, and places to explore.

Copenhagen has always had a special place in my heart. It’s a city I have no problem returning to multiple times because there is so much to love, and it’s quite an easy place to travel to. As Denmark’s capital city, Copenhagen has a wonderful mix of historic sights, enriching museums, and then paired with a young, modern society. For me, it’s the best of both worlds.

I’ve enjoyed slow mornings in the botanical gardens, followed by a meal in a food hall, and then a tour of an ancient palace. The city is also compact, which makes it easy to get around and enjoy the sights. You’re never traveling more than 10 minutes by car or 20 minutes on foot, which makes for the perfect weekend break in Europe.

So, if you’re planning to visit Copenhagen, this three-day itinerary will help you make the most of your time. I’ve planned it out in a way that makes sense, geographically, and pairs with opening hours and restaurants to visit along the way.

Short on Time? Here is the Ultimate Copenhagen Itinerary (3 Days):

Where to Stay

The best neighborhoods for exploring Copenhagen’s major sights are the city center and Nyhavn.

Hotels

1. Hotel Sanders, for a chic Scandinavian design hotel (my #1 pick!)
2. Manon Les Suites, for an eco-friendly, chic stay
3. Coco Hotel, for one of the best-awarded neighborhood hotels in the city

Airbnbs

1. 2 Bedroom Charming Apartment with Huge Terrace, for the best spacious stay
2. 2 Bedroom Luxury Townhouse, for the best designed stay
3. 2 Bedroom Chic Apartment, for the best walkable stay

Day 1: The Classics: Nyhavn to Rosenborg Castle

• Morning: Arrive and explore Nyhavn’s colorful harbor, visit Designmuseum Danmark
• Afternoon: Stroll Krusemyntegade and tour Rosenborg Castle
• Evening: Sunset boat tour and dinner at Admiralgrade 26

Day 2: Botanical Gardens, Food Halls, and Late Night Fun

• Morning: Coffee at Coffee Collective Bernikow then wander Botanisk Have
• Afternoon: Lunch at Torvehallerne KBH, then visit Round Tower and Christiansborg Tower.
• Evening: Tivoli Gardens, then nightlife in the Meatpacking District.

Day 3: Unexplored Corners and Spa

• Morning: Breakfast at Apollo Bar, climb Church of Our Saviour, explore Freetown Christiania
• Afternoon: Relax at AIRE Ancient Baths or CopenHot
• Evening: Drinks at Ved Stranden 10, Michelin-starred dinner at NOMA or Kongs Hans Kælder

Things to Do

1. Sunset Canal Boat Tour (1 hour)
2. Copenhagen Culinary Experience Food Tour (4 hours)
3. Copenhagen Walking Food Tour (3 hours)
4. Visit Rosenborg Castle
5. Visit Tivoli Gardens

Travel Tips

1. Get Cell Data Before You Arrive — We use Holafly unlimited data eSIMs (5% off!) for all international travel.
2. Book an Airport Transfer in Advance — We use Welcome Pickups for our private transfers to and from the airport.
3. Rent a Car for Day Trips — We use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
4. Get the Copenhagen City Access Card — At around $90/per person, the Copenhagen City Access Card is a steal if you plan to visit several sights and use the public transportation. I recommend this to everyone, as the math does add up, especially for attractions like Tivoli Gardens, Roseborg Castle, the Design Museum, and more. Plus, free bus and local train with this card!

Helpful Guides to Plan Your Trip

For everything you need to know about visiting Copenhagen, don’t skip my guide to the best things to do in Copenhagen and recommendations for the best neighborhoods to stay in, the city’s best restaurants and coffee shops!

The Complete Copenhagen 3 Day Itinerary

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Copenhagen Travel Tips Before You Arrive

Time of Year to Visit Copenhagen

When it comes to the best time to visit Copenhagen, the summer months from June to September are the best for the warmest weather. However, it does come with crowds and the highest prices. If you are open to visiting during the shoulder seasons, May, October, and November are lovely months to visit. I have also visited during the winter, and while it was freezing, there was plenty to do indoors!

Amount of Time in Copenhagen

I always suggest a minimum of three full days to see Copenhagen. If your flight arrives late, consider adding an extra night to account for this. The city has a lot to offer, including several neighborhoods, museums, and nearby activities.

Is Copenhagen Expensive?

I will not sugarcoat it, Copenhagen is considered one of the world’s most expensive cities. However, with numerous free activities available, you can make the trip more manageable on a budget. Be aware that food and coffee will be among your biggest expenses, and if you need more affordable accommodations, consider private Airbnb options.

Do Get the Copenhagen Card

At around $90/per person, the Copenhagen city access card is a steal if you plan to visit several sights and use the public transportation. I recommend this to everyone, as the math does add up, especially for attractions like Tivoli Gardens, Roseborg Castle, the Design Museum, and more. Plus, free bus and local train with this card!

Getting Around Copenhagen

The beauty of Copenhagen is that the city center itself is compact enough to walk. Then you can utilize the public transportation system, which includes a small metro for getting around. Or consider hopping on a bike to get around! It’s one of the few European cities that offers great opportunities to explore on foot or by bike.

How to Get to Copenhagen

If you are coming from the U.S, there are several nonstop flights from major cities like San Francisco and Newark with airlines like United Airlines and SAS to Copenhagen Airport. Once you arrive in Copenhagen, you have these options:

Metro (M2 Line)

• Travel Time: ~15 minutes to central stations like Kongens Nytorv or Nørreport
• Frequency: Every 4–6 min in the day; nighttime intervals up to 15–20 min
• Cost: Single 3‑zone ticket (~36 DKK or €5) valid for 90 min across metro, train, and buses
• Where to Buy: Ticket machines in Terminal 3 or via the DOT Billetter app

Train (Regional Train / DSB)

• Travel Time: ~13–15 minutes to Copenhagen Central Station (København H)
• Frequency: Every 10–20 min; hourly at night
• Cost: Same 3‑zone ticket (~36 DKK)
• Where to Buy: Machines by the station in Terminal 3 or the DSB app

Taxi / Ride‑Hail

• Travel Time: 20–30 min to central Copenhagen (traffic dependent)
• Cost: ~250–400 DKK (€34–€50)
• Where to Find One: Taxi stands at Terminals 1 & 3; apps like Taxa 4×35 or Bolt are also available

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Where to Stay in Copenhagen

In my last two trips, I’ve stayed at different hotels within the city center. One hotel I adored staying at was the old-world, uber-luxury Hotel d’Angleterre. It is quintessentially Danish architecture and set with incredible amenities. There are several other hotels I’ve been eyeing for my next trip. Consider these:

Hotels

1. Hotel Sanders, for a chic Scandinavian design hotel (my #1 pick!)
2. Manon Les Suites, for an eco-friendly, chic stay
3. Coco Hotel, for one of the best-awarded neighborhood hotels in the city
4. The Audo, for a luxury design stay
5. 71 Nyhavn Hotel, for an incredibly well-located boutique hotel

Airbnbs

1. 2 Bedroom Charming Apartment with Huge Terrace, for the best spacious stay
2. 2 Bedroom Luxury Townhouse, for the best designed stay
3. 2 Bedroom Chic Apartment, for the best walkable stay

For my full guide on where to stay, don’t miss my guide to the best neighborhoods and hotels in Copenhagen!

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Day 1: The Classics: Nyhavn to Rosenborg Castle

Morning: Nyhavn and Designmuseum Danmark

When it comes to starting your first day in Copenhagen, there’s no better spot than Nyhavn. The famous, centuries-old harbor lined with boats is a classic spot to visit. I always recommend starting your day here because, by mid-afternoon, the vibe becomes more touristy. Sunrise here is magical, and if you’re in for a photographic morning stroll, this is the perfect spot.

Afterwards, take a stroll down Bredgade. This street leads to your next destination, but not without a stop at a classic. Meet Mormors — a charming Danish cafe that feels like you stepped into your grandmother’s cozy home. It’s a spot that I often feel gets overlooked for modern cafes, but it gives all the hygge feels. It’s also adjacent to Amalienborg Palace (consider adding to your itinerary if it interests you!).

Finally, continue to Designmuseum Danmark. This incredible museum, housed in an 18th-century Rococo building, is home to everything design-related. From furniture to art, it’s one of my favorite museums in the city. Tickets cost around $22 and can be purchased in advance or as part of the Copenhagen City Card.

Afternoon: Krusemyntegade and Rosenborg Castle

After visiting the Design Museum, continue on to one of my favorite hip neighborhoods, Krusemyntegade. Stroll to Atelier September for a lovely lunch, and if you can’t get in, try Apotek 57. While you’re here, don’t miss FRAMA Studio.

FRAMA is one of the best Danish design houses, and this integrated store has all of their perfumes and home design pieces. Afterward, go for a stroll or bike ride over to Krusemyntegade Street to get a look at local Copenhagen life.

Afterward, your final stop on this side of town is the Rosenborg Castle and The King’s Garden. You’ll likely want at least two hours here to stroll through the palaces, and you could try to catch the last English tour at 3 pm.

It’s one of the most fantastic historic sites in Copenhagen, so take your time as you explore the pleasure palace for the Danish Royals. Downstairs, you can see the Danish crown jewels and the royal crowns of the royal family.

Evening: Sunset Boat Tour and Late Dinner at Admiralgrade 26

If you’re looking for a different perspective on Copenhagen, there is no better way than hopping on a cruise around the port. Copenhagen is surrounded by water, and this 1-hour canal tour is the perfect way to see it. You can grab the last slot at 5:30 pm and, depending on the time of year, catch sunset.

For dinner, book an advanced reservation at the beloved Admiralgrade 26. It’s a staple of the Copenhagen dining scene, and one of my personal favorites in the city. The space is stunning, and each dish is refined and beautifully plated.

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Day 2: Botanical Gardens, Food Halls, and Late Night Fun

Morning: Coffee to Botanisk Have

Start your day off with a coffee and pastry at Coffee Collective Bernikow. The Coffee Collective has several locations across the city, but I’m particularly fond of the ambiance and design at this one. From there, walk or bike down to the Botanical Gardens at the Natural History Museum. It’s a single destination with several sites in one.

The Botanical Garden, Butterfly House, and the Palm House are my three favorite exhibits here. You can purchase tickets for the museum or a combination ticket with the Palm House, depending on your preference. Afterward, be sure to go for a stroll through the botanical gardens.

Afternoon: Torvehallerne KBH and Downtown Sites

Copenhagen is home to several food halls, but there is none quite like the iconic Torvehallerne. It’s the main food hall in the city and becomes an absolute buzzing place to be come lunchtime. Go for a stroll through the two halls, check out the vendors, and see what catches your eye.

If I could make one suggestion for a meal here, it would be Grød. It’s a “porridge” restaurant that specializes in Danish cozy meals, and they’re heavenly! Afterward, make your way back to the city center to explore and shop.

Your first stop could be the Round Tower or Rundetån. It’s Europe’s oldest functioning observatory building and is beautiful. At the top, you can enjoy 360-degree views of the city, and there are also changing exhibits available (a small entrance fee applies).

From there, head to Strøget Street, the main street that cuts through the old town. This is where you’ll find all of the main shops, and you can’t miss Hay House. It can feel a touch touristy, but you can still find quiet corners and secret coffee shops, such as Original Coffee on the rooftop of the mall, perfect for people-watching.

To end your time, head towards Christiansborg Palace to walk up the Christiansborg Tower (Tårnet). It’s free to do so, and this has the best sunset views in the city.

Evening: Tivoli Gardens and Nightlife

When it comes to evening fun, there’s no better place than Tivoli Gardens. You can pay to enter to see it or purchase a pass with ride admissions, depending on your preference. For dinner, you can go to the Tivoli Food Hall.

Another late-night option nearby is Kodbyens Fiskebar, set in the industrial Meatpacking District. It’s also the best area to go out for dancing and bars; this small corner has so many fun places to hang out. Last time I was there, I danced the night away at Jolene Bar.

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Day 3: Unexplored Corners and Spa

Morning: Apollo Bar and Christiania Freetown

Kick off the morning at Apollo Bar, a hidden restaurant and bar off of Nyhavn that serves a hearty breakfast in an airy space. From there, take a taxi over to the Church of Our Saviour. This stunning 17th-century church has a tower that you can walk up. It offers incredible views back into Copenhagen; just note that the last steps are outside.

From there, you can walk and explore Freetown Christiania. This is quite literally a “free town” in Copenhagen, separate from the city, and has its own set of governing rules. Please note that it is highly recommended not to visit at nighttime, as several signs are posted regarding photography here. Otherwise, I found it to be a lovely bohemian community with art installations and galleries.

For a meal, consider visiting Christianshavns Færgecafé, located nearby, for authentic Danish cuisine.

Afternoon: Spa at AIRE Ancient Baths or CopenHot

For the afternoon, I think you should try at least one spa or soak experience, like the Danes do. Two spots to recommend:

• CopenHot (the one I recommend) — located on the waterfront in Copenhagen, CopenHot offers a more social and nature-connected experience grounded in Nordic wellness culture. Guests soak in wooden outdoor hot tubs with panoramic views of the harbor and city skyline, often paired with cold plunges or saunas. CopenHot also features floating hot tub boats that cruise the canals. With its open-air setting and communal vibe, it’s perfect for adventurous spa-goers who enjoy fresh air, socializing, and Nordic bathing traditions.
• AIRE Ancient Baths — AIRE Ancient Baths is inspired by Roman, Greek, and Ottoman bathing rituals, set in beautifully restored historic buildings. The experience is deeply tranquil and luxurious, featuring candle-lit halls, thermal baths of varying temperatures, saltwater pools, steam rooms, and signature treatments such as wine baths or essential oil massages. It’s designed for quiet, introspective relaxation and is ideal for those seeking calm and indulgence in a serene setting.

Evening: Drinks at Ved Stranden 10 and Michelin-Starred Dinner

End your trip in Copenhagen at one of my most cherished wine bars I’ve found during my travels. Ved Stranden 10 — it’s such a gem, and you feel like you’re in a local wine bar right in the heart of the city. The menu is lovely with natural wines and cheese plates. They’re very knowledgeable and can help you pick your wine as well.

As home to some of the best Michelin-starred restaurants in the world, I feel like there is no better place to end the night than at one of these (advanced reservations required for all):

• NOMA, the most famous 3-Michelin-starred restaurant, is a real culinary treat
• Kongs Hans Kælder, for modern French
• Marchal, for Danish cuisine
• Kadeau, for creative cuisine

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