Denmark – the happiest nation on earth, apparently. And, even before you begin your 2 days in Copenhagen, whilst fumbling with the airport Metro ticket machine, people are instantly trying to help. In fact, before we’d even reached our hotel, some guy had already offered to let us borrow his apartment for the weekend. In Copenhagen nobody seems stressed, everyone is so polite, and you start catching glimpses of how smooth and slick the following 48 hours are going to be. By manner of osmosis, the grumpy shackles are starting to shed, and you can just sense you’re in for a great weekend.

But as a first-timer, how do you make the most of your two days in Copenhagen, squeezing every last drop of happiness from the city so you can return home with a massive grin on your face? Where can you encounter the best vibes? What are the places you absolutely must visit? And, where are all the secret spots the locals go?

Copenhagen truly is a wonderful city and we’re here to help you plan the best trip!

2 Days in Copenhagen

It’s more than doable to see the best of Copenhagen in 2 days, but here’s the low down on how to do it. All the best things to do in Copenhagen…

Where To Stay In Copenhagen

First of all you need to book a hotel for your Copenhagen weekend trip. We’ve had the experience of visiting a handful of times and staying in different areas, all with their conveniences. But when recommending where to stay in Copenhagen we always point folk to the Coco Hotel in Vesterbro. It’s central, family-run, near to our favourite area for dinner in the evenings, and looks like something straight out of a Wes Anderson movie. It’s no secret that Copenhagen is quite the stylish city but Coco Hotel is just gorgeous! Plus, the staff are amazing, so warm and friendly and eager to help.

For the best rates at the Coco Hotel, click here.

Alternatively, if you’re visiting with kids and wondering where to stay in Copenhagen, we can also recommend the NH Collection Hotel for its handy interconnecting rooms. It’s also very central and right on the river for great views.

(And if you are visiting with kids, check out our other blog post Exploring Copenhagen With Kids)

Our interconnecting room at the NH Collection Hotel.

---

The Best Things To Include On Your Visit To Copenhagen

We’d been led to believe by the guidebooks that our Copenhagen weekend would consist of a visit to the Hans Christian Anderson’s Little Mermaid sculpture, and a look at some colourful buildings by the canal. And that was all a Copenhagen itinerary would focused on. Yet after several visits, we still don’t feel like we’ve scratched the surface of wonderful, wonderful Copenhagen. And, if we’re honest – the Little Mermaid is quite underwhelming!

So let us tell you about some of our favourite things to see and do, and the stuff that should definitely make it onto your 2 day Copenhagen itinerary…

1. Visit The Nyhavn Canal

The area of Nyhavn in Copenhagen is the place you will see in all of the photographs, particularly the colourful buildings. But Nyhavn is more than just the Ballamory of Denmark, it’s a bustling waterside neighbourhood with great places to eat and drink and a buzzing atmosphere. You definitely don’t want to miss Nyhavn on your visit to Copenhagen.

The beautifully crafted homeware shops and posh restaurants are a far cry from the busy harbour of the 17th century, filled with beer-drinking sailors and prostitutes. Today it’s the aesthetically pleasing scene that all Instagrammers dream about.

Check out number 9 Nyhavn – a totally unaltered townhouse from 1681. And number 20 – Hans Christian Anderson’s home for a while. In fact, it’s where he wrote The Princess And The Pea. And dessert from the Insta-famous Vaffelbageren is a must!

And if you’re ready for a coffee, cocktail or even just to catch your breath, a little hidden gem just off the canal, in an inner courtyard, is Apollo Bar. Open all day, and for those in the know it does the best banana bread possibly in the whole world.

2. Take A Boat Trip From Nyhavn

One of the first things we would advise you to do at the start of your 2 days in Copenhagen is to take a boat trip from the Nyhavn canal. It’s inexpensive, great fun and gives you your bearings for the rest of your trip.

It only takes an hour, costs a few quid, but you’ll see a different perspective on some of Copenhagen’s main attractions, like the palaces and museums. You get a running commentary and it’s also an opportunity to see the Little Mermaid sculpture from the water and there’s no need to go elbow-bashing fellow tourists. (I’m really glad we didn’t walk to see this famous bronze sculpture – it’s a bit of walk away from everything else and I thought it was quite underwhelming!)

3. Visit One Of The Oldest Theme Parks In The World

If your 2 days in Copenhagen falls between April and September, or the month of December, make some space for Tivoli Gardens. It’s the 2nd oldest Theme Park in the world and you can totally see how Walt Disney got half of his design ideas from this place – it’s absolutely magical!

Each section of the park is designed beautifully and the rides are framed by some of the most exciting, or exquisite, backdrops. Make sure you ride the world’s oldest wooden rollercoaster, have lunch in the Tivoli food hall and don’t miss the fireworks display every Saturday evening.

There is loads of other entertainment and excitement too so check out their website for programmes and practical information.

4. Plan A Visit To Copenhagen’s Museums

Invariably, the weather can get pretty wet in Denmark so at some point during your Copenhagen 2 day itinerary you’d be wise to factor in some indoor pursuits. And, thankfully Copenhagen has plenty of museums! (Although it does grate me that they’re a little expensive to enter, I’m used to free entrance in London’s epic collection)

Our favourite was the National Museum of Denmark. Honestly, this was one of the best-curated museums I have ever been to. We took an audio-guided tour of an exhibition about the Danes in the 2nd world war. And, whilst Mr MLLH loves all things World War related, it’s not usually my bag. BUT, I was captivated. This was only a temporary exhibition but if their curation was anything to go by, I believe the National Museum of Denmark could interest me in any subject!

We also visited the Carlsberg Museum. I’m calling it a museum down to its extensive collection of beers, but really it was just an excuse to do a tour and drink beer! We had fun, learnt a bit, and got to have lunch in this gorgeous historical building. Mr Carlsberg was a keen collector of sculptures too – another highlight for me.

The Glyptotek is amazing (especially the Winter Garden), along with the MACA museum for its Banksy collection. And one that’s on my list for our next weekend in Copenhagen is the Medical Museum on Bredgade Street – I love a formaldehyde head! If you visit the Glyptotek, be sure to check out the rooftop terrace for some incredible rooftop views.

If you do have more than 48 hours in Copenhagen and have a little time to get out of the city, the Louisiana Museum is a worthwhile 45 minute bus ride away. Possibly the most stunning museum you will ever see filled with one of the greatest collections of world-class art.

And, if you time your visit to Copenhagen right, most museums are free the last Wednesday of every month. And, if you’re a pensioner, every Tuesday. Under 18’s are always free.

5. Visit The Rosenborg Castle & Gardens

Explore some Danish royal history at the beautiful Renaissance Rosenborg Castle, right in the middle of Copenhagen. If you fancy seeing the Crown Jewels you’ll need tickets to the museum, but otherwise, a stroll around the Kongens Have (or Kings Garden in English) is just as lovely.

Kongens Have is free and open all year round and full of families picnicking and Instagrammers posing. You can’t blame them though, this is one aesthetically pleasing park. With its Rose Gardens, tamed topiary, countless statues and of course, the castle-scene backdrop – it’s a dazzler whatever the season.

6. Swing By The Amalienborg Palace

Whilst it’s not as fairytale as Rosenborg, it’s still worth stopping by Amalienborg Palace at some point during your visit to Copenhagen, especially around midday if you can. This is the official Royal Residence of the Danish Royal Family and therefore there are ceremonial performances that take place every day at noon.

When the Queen is in residence you can expect the Royal Guard Parade, a march beginning at Rosenborg Castle complete with a full band. And, when other members are in residence, a smaller less formal parade takes place. But even on those days, it’s still pretty impressive.

Parts of Amalienborg Palace are open to the public, and give a fascinating glimpse into Danish Royal history and culture. Four identical rococo-style palatial buildings are arranged around an Octagonal courtyard and the museum hosts a collection of original furnishings, recreated royal interiors, and artifacts from past kings and queens.

7. Make Space In The Belly For Some Food Markets

If you’re into your food as much as us, you won’t believe the quality and quantity on offer. Copenhagen boasts a few dozen Michelin stars from its restaurants and locals will tell you that every day a cool new place opens up. But a lot of them get their start at the food markets. Pop-up stalls give these ambitious chefs somewhere to try out their ideas, and Copenhagen is now rife with street-food success stories.

The indoor market at Torvehallerne, housed in 2 glass and steel structures, is a foodie paradise offering an exciting mix of fresh produce, gourmet products and local delicacies. But it’s not just stalls of high-quality ingredients, it’s the perfect place for lunch too. Indulge in some Danish specialities and soak up the vibe. We always go for the Smorrebrod open sandwiches at Rort, and you can’t beat the empenadas and colourful salads from La Boca. And it would be wrong to leave without a Danish pastry from Albatross & Venner, but more about pastries later…

Another street food spot we love to make time for is Broens, just next to the Inderhavnsbroen Bridge. There’s always something going on, whether it’s ice skating in winter, or people on and in the water in the warmer months. Plus it’s open every day from lunch onwards. And, it’s also one of the places you can get your hands on the infamous Gasoline Grill Burger – a definite Copenhagen itinerary item that those in the know make a priority.

And finally, a street food destination that’s worth getting off the beaten track for is Reffen. A former harbour industrial area, dozens of street food shacks are set up in old shipping containers and it’s the epitome of Urban Cool. Closed Monday – Wednesday, and open lunch till late the rest of the time, Reffen is a vibe, and a cool thing to do on your weekend in Copenhagen. It’s a 20 minute cycle ride from the centre, or you can catch the 2A bus.

8. Tick Off As Many Bakeries As You Can

In the name of research of course. And, if you do it by that popular Danish mode of transport, the bicycle, you can offset the calories and continue onto the next one 😉 Danish pastries are aplenty in the capital and we reckon during your weekend in Copenhagen it’s more than reasonable to be able to visit our top three bakeries…

• Pick up a lemon pastry or pistachio croissant from Buka Bakery, there’s a couple in town.
• Anderson & Maillard, famous for their croissant cube.
• Hart Bageri, just around the corner from Coco Hotel, try the cardamom croissant.

9. Do Some Shopping On Strøget

On one of the world’s longest pedestrian shopping streets known as Strøget, it’s easy to drop some cash. Alongside high-street brands and high-fashion designers, there’s also the famous Illums Bolighus department store that you could happily lose a few hours dreaming in (and don’t forget to check out the rooftop cafe). And, if you have the kids with you, they’ll definitely want to stop by the LEGO store and create their own customised mini-figure.

But Strøget is fun for a wander even if you don’t intend to shop. You’ll pass by plenty of beautiful buildings, and catch glimpses of even more in the distance. And there are also several pretty squares you’ll want to just linger in a while, especially by the Stork Fountain in Amagertov.

The beautiful Illums Bolighus & Stork Fountain

9. Wander The Winding Streets Of The Old Town

Beyond the busy shopping boulevard of Strøget lies a neighbourhood of cobbled streets, secret winding alleyways and generally a much quieter and slower pace. What’s a real shame is that not many visitors venture into it.

Downtown Copenhagen is a sought-after place to live, but since property prices are steep there’s a distinct refined residential feel to the area. Slightly older residents with a bit of cash and oodles of style and sophistication have turned their living quarters into scenes from interior mags if you just care to peep through the windows.

Some of my favourite stops in the area are…

• Paludan – frequented by young and old, it’s a cosy book cafe, and wine bar by night, where people chat, play games and read books.
• Our favourite bakery, Andersen & Maillard.
• Grabrodretorv Square. It’s possibly the prettiest square in all of Copenhagen and barely any tourists go there! A really beautiful space to hang out day and night.

• Aamanns 1921 – the best place for Smorrebrod in Copenhagen. And try the dill schnapps. They do a tasting menu that is first on my list for our next trip.
• The passageways of Klostergangen, Kringlegangen (I know, right!), Bernikow Garden and Pistolstraede. I found this article which tells you a bit about their history, and how these glorious hidden passageways came to be. But my favourite is Kringlegangen because a kringle is a type of pastry! Plus it’s so, so pretty!

10. Don’t Stay Too Long In Freetown Christiania

So why bother going at all? Well, Christiania has to be seen to be believed, but personally I kinda wanted to get out as soon as I got in! This in itself was a bit unnerving for me since Christiana only has 3 rules and one of them is ‘Don’t Run’.

Across the water from Nyhavn, this self-governing commune abides by its own set of societal rules completely independent from the Danish government. Liberalness and diversity are encouraged, along with drugs, free-spiritedness and sustainability. But photos are banned (I wonder why!?), which is a bit of a shame since the colourful overhaul of this former military base is probably the best bit about visiting Christiania.

Overall, I’m glad to have seen it, but like I say – my inner conservative angel just wanted to leg it and reach the EU asap to absorb the hygge again.

11. Make Time For Copenhagen’s Architecture

Whilst you undoubtedly want to check out the iconic 17th-century harbour of Nyhavn, plus Rosenborg Castle and Amalienborg Palace, the city has a few other architectural gems worth putting on your Copenhagen itinerary. Renaissance, Baroque, Art-Nouveau and Expressionist all have a place in this town.

Some places we think are worth a detour for…

• Radhuspladsen Square (or City Hall Square). The City Hall is the centrepiece of this bustling city landmark and you can visit inside to see the world-famous Jens Olsens World Clock. The tower is also open to visitors and has some pretty impressive panoramic views over Copenhagen. Check out the elegant courtyard garden inside City Hall as well. As well as City Hall, Radhuspladsen is also home to the Dragon Fountain, the historic Scandic Palace Hotel, several statues (including Hans Christian Andersen), and views of Tivoli Gardens and some more impressive modern architecture.
• Christian IV’s Round Tower (Rundetaarn). One of Europe’s oldest functioning Observatories, this Renaissance tower is famous for its equatorial spiral ramp, large enough for a horse-drawn carriage, which leads to the top.
• Frederik’s Church (The Marble Church). With one of the largest domes in Europe, this Baroque beauty near Amalienborg Palace is definitely worth poking your head into.

• The Black Diamond. When you’re by the water be sure to look out for this sleek black granite and glass structure that’s part of the Danish library. The reflective surface mirrors the water beautifully.
• The Church Of Our Saviour. If you do end up visiting Freetown Christiania, make sure you pop along the road to check out this Danish landmark. Its distinctive 90-meter spiral tower can be seen from all over Copenhagen, but up close you can make out visitors climbing the external staircase of 400 steps all the way to the top!
• Magstræde, Snaregade & Gammel Strand. Two of the oldest and most picturesque streets in Copenhagen, Magstræde and Snaregade have a timeless and old-world charm. They’re often used in TV and film because they’re authentically appealing and popular spots for photographers. Gammel Strand on the other hand is a waterfront collection of 17th century warehouses and merchant houses, nodding to a thriving medieval port and an important maritime hub. Today it’s simply a lovely pedestrianised street with waterside cafes and a cool statue of a nude couple lifting another woman. Whilst on Gammel Strand, see if you can spot the little mermaid’s rival hidden underwater, almost out of sight. In 1992 artist Suste Bonnen created several bronze figures and placed them a few meters below the surface. It’s called Agnete and the Merman Statue and depicts a merman and his 7 sons reaching out longingly towards the surface, waiting for Agnete, a human woman.
• Grundtvig’s Church. Architect Peder Vilhelm Jensen-Klint built his unique church in the Bispebjerg district of Copenhagen. It’s a masterpiece of expressionist architecture with some pretty striking geometric forms.

12. Take Part In The Danish Tradition Of Harbor-Bathing & Sauna

A pastime that blends wellness, nature and a love for the outdoors, wild swimming properly encapsulates the Danish ethos of embracing seasonal changes and staying active all year round. So whether you’re visiting in the warmer months or the dead of winter, they’ll always be folk in their bathers.

Some popular spots in Copenhagen are;

• Islands Brygge Havnebadet
• La Banchina
• Nordhavn Vinterbaderklub and Spa
• The Kayak Bar on Borskaj
• Aire Baths, if you fancy something fancier

13. Check Out Some Of Our Favourite Restaurants & Bars

No visit to Copenhagen would be complete without sampling some of the food on offer. It’s a city boasting 26 Michelin stars so competition is fierce! And whilst you could absolutely book yourself in for a special treat at world-famous NOMA or Alchemist, you’d certainly never forget it. But if paying £800 for a dinner of sea moss and forest greens, or indeed being fed by syringe, isn’t your bag, head on over to the Meat-Packing District instead.

One of the reasons we like to stay at Coco Hotel is to be close to this area. Where future Michelin wannabe’s are cutting their teeth and those not interested in stars are still having to keep up with the quality nosh on offer. Imagine a load of basic warehouses, all looking identical to the next, but each with a speciality that they’ve vowed to master. In our opinion these are the best places to eat in town, buzzing with atmosphere at prices everyone can afford.

We love…

• WarPigs. The Texan BBQ joint, come micro-brewery, serving the juiciest ribs and tastiest brisket you will ever know.
• Fiskebaren. A trendy spot for fish and seafood, on the Bib Gourmand list.
• Mother. For the mother of all lasagne’s and organic sourdough pizza.
• Tommi’s Burger Joint. But pick up extra napkins – you’re going to need them! Great milkshakes too.
• Hija de Sanchez. Authentic taco’s and vibrant dishes from Mexico.

And whilst you’re in the area, some of our favourite bars are…

• Curfew. A hidden speakeasy joint serving superior cocktails in a super-cool space.
• Zeppelin’s. A gritty rock bar with great live music.
• Halmtorvet. Happy-hour drinks on the terrace, and live music.

We have to admit, we do tend to stick to the Meat-Packing District when we’re out for food in Copenhagen because it’s just so good! However, we do have a few other worthy recommendations in other areas too…

• Charm. The best Thai food in Copenhagen, in our opinion.
• Restaurant 1733. If you’re up for trying some local dishes like pickled herring and meatballs.
• Gasoline Grill. The long queues tell you how popular these burgers are. Several locations.
• Nebbiolo Winebar. The hyggiest bar owned by a guy from Italy passionate about Italian wines.
• Kayak Bar. Down on the water, drinking with the locals, and not paying a fortune!

---

And that’s it! All our top recommendations to put on your itinerary for 2 or 3 days in Copenhagen. No matter what time of year you visit this wonderful city, there will always be plenty of things to do in Copenhagen.

In fact, Copenhagen recently made it onto another post of ours as a top choice of somewhere to visit in winter – a city that vibes in all seasons but totally brings the Hygge in the darker months.

READ MORE: The Best Places In Europe In Winter For A Cheeky Little Getaway

pin for later…