I’ve always dreamed of visiting every country in Europe, and when a friend moved to Copenhagen, I finally had the perfect excuse to explore Denmark for the first time!
I’ll admit: I didn’t have huge expectations. But within hours of arriving, I was hooked. Copenhagen effortlessly blends cutting-edge design, world-class food, and a laid-back lifestyle rooted in the Danish concept of Hygge.
So if you are planning a trip to Copenhagen and wondering how to spend 3 days, this detailed Copenhagen itinerary covers everything! From iconic landmarks like Nyhavn and Tivoli Gardens to hidden neighborhoods, food markets, and local experiences. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway or your first trip to Denmark, this guide will help you make the most of your time.
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Why Visit Copenhagen?
There’s something special about Copenhagen. It’s effortlessly cool, incredibly clean, and somehow manages to feel both vibrant and relaxed at the same time. Here’s why it deserves a spot on your Europe bucket list:
- Home of the famous Hygge lifestyle
- A perfect blend of history, design, and modern lifestyle
- One of Europe’s best food scenes
- Extremely walkable and bike-friendly
Travel Tip: Get a Copenhagen Card! It provides free public transport and entry to many top attractions, saving you both time and money.
3 Days in Copenhagen: What to See, Eat, and Do
Here’s the lowdown on how to spend three unforgettable days in Copenhagen, from colorful waterfronts and royal palaces to bike-friendly streets, cozy cafés, and some of the best food in Scandinavia.
➤➤ Check out my favorite photo spots in Copenhagen.
Day 1 in Copenhagen: Culture, Food & Views
Explore Superkilen
Labeled Europe’s strangest public park, Superkilen is an urban open space located in the Nørrebro district of Copenhagen. It has a rare and interesting mix of architecture, urban landscape and art. It brings in urban vibes from all over the world (you can find an outdoor Thai boxing ring, exercise gear from Santa Monica beach or even swing benches from Baghdad).
Travel Tip: If you are into street art, you can do a Nørrebro Street Art & Food Tour that will also take you to Superkilen.
Lunch at Torvehallerne
Copenhagen is famous for its organic and sustainable food scene. One of the best ways to experience the culinary side of Copenhagen is to go to one of its many food halls. Torvehallerne has over 60 food stands selling basically everything you could ever dream of. Don’t forget to try Danish pastries and smørrebrød (open faced sandwich).
Visit the Rosenborg Castle & the King’s Garden
Within walking distance of Torvehallerne, lies the Rosenborg Castle, which is one of the prettiest castles in Copenhagen to visit. Not only does it hold the Danish Crown Jewels but it also is surrounded by lovely gardens fit for a perfect romantic stroll!
Travel Tip: Get your ticket in advance so you don’t have to wait in line since this castle is quite popular.
Relax at the Botanical Gardens
If you head across the street from the Castle, you will find the Botanical Gardens. This free open public space covers an area of 10 hectares and is home to the beautiful old Palm House which became insta-famous because of its white and rusty spiral stairs.
How much does it cost? The Copenhagen Palm House’s price is 70 DKK for adults and 40 DKK for students and children.
Go on top of the Round Tower
On your way to The Rundetaarn (Round Tower), do not forget to walk by Landemærket Street. This row of colourful houses is a lovely place to walk by! Then, climb to the top of the tower for amazing views of the city before stopping for a well deserved coffee break at Democratic Coffee.
Shop on Strøget
Strøget is one of the longest pedestrian streets in Europe where you can find Danish and international chain stores, budget stores and luxury brands. LEGO (did you know they were Danish?) is located there too!
Day 2 in Copenhagen: Royal & Iconic Landmarks
Walk through Nyboder
Nyboder is an historic district of old yellow houses built in 1631 by Christian IV to accommodate his Danish Navy personnel and their families. It used to be a privileged district to live in. Once you are in the area, you should walk by Krusemyntegade which is a super cute and colorful street.
➤➤ The best day trip from Copenhagen? Check out my Malmö guide here.
Explore Kastellet
On your way to the Little Mermaid, take a stroll through Kastellet which is one of Europe’s best preserved city fortresses. It looks like a star! There is also a windmill there which is really photogenic.
Pay a visit to the Little Mermaid
The Little Mermaid is the most photographed statue in Denmark with more than 4 million snaps taken every year.To be honest, I was a little underwhelmed with the statue because of the hordes of tourists but I guess it is a cliché place you should check out nonetheless.
Drinking Tip: Did you know that it is legal to drink outside in Denmark? Going on a beer tour is therefore a must! (At least it was for me!)
Stop by Gefion Fountain
One of the largest monuments in the city, the Gefion Fountain, is located not far from the Little Mermaid. A statue of Gefion (the pagan goddess) with four bulls in front of her lies atop the fountain. According to an ancient legend, Gefion turned her own sons into bulls and used them to plough the island of Zealand (the main island of Denmark) out of Sweden.
Watch the Guard at Amalienborg Palace and Visit Frederik’s Church
Amalienborg Palace is the residence of the Danish Royal Family where you can watch the Changing of the Royal Danish Guard every day around 12 pm. At the end of the palace you can find Frederik’s Church, or the Marble Church, famous for its copper green dome.
When the royals are not using the palace, it is possible to visit as a regular guest! It is a wonderful palace to check out while visiting Copenhagen.
Travel Tip: If you are interested in learning more about the Danish monarchy, I recommend visiting the Amalienborg Palace Museum.
Have lunch at The Union Kitchen
I had lunch at The Union Kitchen in Copenhagen and it was delicious, with a super vibey and stylish atmosphere that makes it feel like a proper local hangout.
Check out the Wave
If you are visiting Copenhagen during February-March you should also check out the popular art installation called the Wave located at Ofelia Plads. It is an interactive light and sound sculpture in the shape of multiple triangles that is only here during the Frost festival.
Food Tip: I highly recommend going on a food tour in Copenhagen, this Danish Pastry Tasting Tour was my favorite!
Day 3 in Copenhagen: Canals & Local Vibes
Walk along the canal in Nyhavn
Nyhavn is the most popular place in Copenhagen. This gorgeous waterfront, surrounded by picturesque and colorful little houses, gets pretty crowded with tourists. I advise you to go there early in the morning if you want to enjoy it without the crowds. The charm and atmosphere of the area will make you fall in love with the city!
➤➤ Check out the best photos spots in Malmö here.
Explore Christianshavn
Christianshavn is a less crowded and more chill Nyhavn. It also has rows of colorful and cute houses but they aren’t as famous. If you are going straight there from Nyhavn, you probably will get hungry.
Getting Around: Copenhagen is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world, with dedicated bike lanes and a flat terrain that makes cycling easy and enjoyable. Renting a bike allows you to navigate the city efficiently,
Climb Church of Our Saviour
If you want to get another bird’s view of Copenhagen besides from the Round Tower, you can climb on top of the Church of Our Saviour. This is a more difficult ascent but the views from above are beautiful.
Visit Freetown Christiania
Then, you should go for a walk through Freetown Christiania which is an autonomous anarchist district in Copenhagen. The area of Christiania is a former military base where hippies began squatting in the 1970s. This now independent society has its own rules and regulations completely separated from the Danish government. For example, there is an open cannabis trade (the trade was closed for half a century but reopened in 2018). Bear in mind that cars are not allowed within the district and neither are photographs.
Travel Tip: Learn the history of the area Christianshavn and the unique hippie town within it, Christiania by going on a local walking tour!
Stop at City Hall Square & Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
Københavns Rådhus (Copenhagen City Hall Square) is a lively place with a lot of street performers and a good atmosphere. You can relax there, grab some local food before heading to the Glyptotek Museum which holds a great collection of Danish and French sculptures that is built around the personal collection of Carl Jacobsen, the son of the founder of the Carlsberg Breweries.
Not far from the City Hall, you can find one of the oldest streets in Copenhagen called Magstræde. This charming, intricate and colorful street is among the few in the city which still feature their original cobbling.
Evening at Tivoli Gardens
Tivoli is basically Disney for adults. This park that opened in 1843 is the second-oldest operating amusement park in the world! Filled with roller coasters, theaters, candy shops, restaurants, food stands and even an aquarium, the gardens sometimes have live ballet & music performances! There are also foreign neighborhoods, a Chinese Tower and a Japanese Garden.
Get a Ride Pass with unlimited access to all rides and spend at least half a day there. Trust me, it is so fun!
Fun Fact: Walt Disney himself paid several visits to Tivoli and was so fascinated by the place that he was inspired by it for his own amusement park.
➤➤ Check out my ultimate travel resources & guide for your European trip.
Whether you came for the food, the architecture, or the atmosphere, Copenhagen leaves you with something more lasting than a checklist of sights, it leaves you with a feeling!
FAQs About Visiting Copenhagen
Is 3 days enough in Copenhagen?
Yes, 3 days in Copenhagen is the perfect amount of time to see the main attractions, explore different neighborhoods, and experience the city’s food scene without rushing.
What is the best time to visit Copenhagen?
The best time to visit is between May and September for good weather, or December if you want to experience Christmas markets and cozy Hygge vibes.
Is Copenhagen expensive?
Copenhagen is one of Europe’s most expensive cities, especially for food and accommodation. However, you can save money by visiting food markets like Torvehallerne and using public transport.
What should I not miss in Copenhagen?
Top highlights include: Nyhavn, Tivoli Gardens, the Little Mermaid, Rosenborg Castle.
Where to Stay in Copenhagen
Best Area for First-Time Visitors — Stay in the city center (Indre By) for easy access to everything.
Best Local Experience — Frederiksberg offers a quieter, more local vibe with beautiful parks.
What is hygge?
Hygge (pronounced “hoo-gah”) is a Danish concept that describes a feeling of coziness, comfort, and well-being, especially when you’re enjoying simple moments in life. But it’s more than just a word, it’s a core part of life in Denmark.
