Interested in spending 2 days in Copenhagen? In this post, you will find a detailed Copenhagen itinerary so that you make the most of your time in the Danish capital.
Copenhagen is a charming city where you will find everything from historic attractions to popular hot spots. The city offers a great mix of tourist attractions, trendy bars, beautiful architecture, food markets, and green spaces.
Here are some of the absolute must-sees and things to do in Copenhagen in 2 days. You will find some of the best spots to visit in Copenhagen, places to eat, plus remarkable best days trips from the city.
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Table of Contents
2 Days in Copenhagen Quick Guide
Planning a trip to Copenhagen? Find here everything you need:
Looking for transportation from/to the airport? Click here for more information and to book your private transfer.
Top-Rated Tours and Day Trips to Do in Copenhagen:
– Copenhagen Card: Access 80+ Attractions and Transportation
– Copenhagen: Canal Cruise from Nyhavn
– Tivoli Gardens Admission Ticket
– Copenhagen: Roskilde, Frederiksborg & Kronborg Day Tour
– Copenhagen Bus and Boat Hop-On, Hop-Off 48-Hour Pass
Where to stay in Copenhagen: CitizenM Copenhagen Radhuspladsen (in the heart of Copenhagen), Hotel Bethel (excellent location)
Get The Copenhagen Card Before Your Visit
Before you visit Copenhagen don’t forget to buy the Copenhagen Card. This can be bought online with a 24, 48, 72 or 120 hours validation. The price range is between 54 to 133 EUR per adult. As an extra bonus, each adult card will allow you to bring two kids under 10 years old for free.
With The Copenhagen Card, you can visit 87 different attractions and sights in the entire capital region for free. Furthermore, the card offers you various discounts for restaurants, bars and guided tours throughout Copenhagen.
The card grants you free public transport in the city. All trains, buses, metros and harbor busses everywhere in the Copenhagen region are included. Even your transport to and from the airport will be covered with this card. So don’t forget to pick it up, as it will save you time, money and worries and make your holiday so much easier.
Click here for more information and to book your Copenhagen Card.
The best time to visit Copenhagen
The perfect time to go to Copenhagen would be throughout spring and summer in Europe. That means, sometime between May to August. From when the cherry blossoms start to show their gorgeous flowers to when the last artist has left the scene of one of the many summer festivals.
During this time of year, the sun is shining, the birds are singing, and the trees and flowers are blooming. You will find people anywhere you go, because everybody is out and about, just having a wonderful time and enjoying the warmer weather. Furthermore, you will have the opportunity to experience the long summer nights as the sunset is not until 10 pm with the twilight lasting until 11 pm.
Depending on which month you are visiting the city, the temperature sits around 15 Celsius /59 Fahrenheit to 25 Celsius / 77 Fahrenheit in spring and summer. Once in a while, it can even get above 30 Celsius / 86 Fahrenheit on a hot summer day.
You might also like to check: The best time to visit Copenhagen
How to Spend 2 Days in Copenhagen – a Detailed Itinerary
Map for your 2-day Copenhagen Itinerary
2 Days in Copenhagen: Day One
Once you have arrived at the Copenhagen airport you catch the train into the city center. Here you can drop off your bags, and then go out and explore the city. (The fare to and from the airport is included in the Copnhagen Card)
Copenhagen City Hall
The most obvious place to start your adventures is at the Copenhagen City Hall, which is located on the City Square in central Copenhagen. It is only a 5-minute walk from Central Station. The Copenhagen City Hall is one of the tallest buildings in Copenhagen with its 105.6 meters high tower. From here you will gain a great view of the city. Copenhagen City Hall is free to enter at any time during opening hours, however, if you want to go up in the tower you have to make sure you book one of the guided tours.
The tour is free with a Copenhagen Card.
The National Museum of Denmark
From the City Hall, you can walk down to The National Museum of Denmark. Inside the museum, you will get to explore exhibitions back from the Stone Age, the Viking Age, throughout the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, up to the Modern Danish History.
The National Museum of Denmark also includes a Children’s Museum. It is a fun and educational place for kids to explore Danish history while they are playing. At the museum, you can attend different kinds of guided tours in order to learn even more about Danish history.
Day Ticket Adult DKK 95
Family Ticket DKK 80
Child under 18 is free
Free entry with a Copenhagen Card.
Strøget Street
Once you have had enough of history, for the time being, I suggest you continue your walk down to Strøget. This is the most popular shopping street in Copenhagen. On Strøget, you will find an extensive selection of high-end fashion shops, big shopping malls, and small specialist boutiques, You can also find the most luxury brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Burberry, and Mulberry. So get your wallet out and start shopping!
Christiansborg Palace
When your credit card is burning and it is time for a break from all the many people down on the street, I suggest you head towards Christiansborg Palace. It is located just a few minutes from Strøget. Christianborg Palace was once the home for the queens and kings of Denmark. However, after several fires, the royal family moved to Amalienborg Palace where they have lived since the late 1800s. Today Christiansborg Palace is home to the Danish parliament.
From the palace, you have free access to The Tower of Christiansborg Palace. This is the highest tower in Copenhagen, from where you can enjoy even more brilliant views of the city.
Combination Ticket (Royal Reception Rooms, The Royal Kitchen, the Ruins and the Royal Stables)
- Adult: DKK 160
- Student: DKK 140
- Child under 18: Free of charge
The Royal Reception Rooms (including the Great Hall with the tapestries)
- Adult: DKK 95
- Student: DKK 85
- Child under 18: Free of charge
- Groups (more than 10 persons): DKK 85
The Royal Kitchen
- Adult: DKK 60
- Student: DKK 50
- Child under 18: Free of charge
- Groups (more than 10 persons): DKK 50
The Ruins
- Adult: DKK 60
- Student: DKK 50
- Child under 18: Free of charge
- Groups (more than 10 persons): DKK 50
The Royal Stables
- Adult: DKK 60
- Student: DKK 50
- Child under 18: Free of charge
- Groups (more than 10 persons): DKK 50
Free entry with a Copenhagen Card.
Canal Tour of Copenhagen
By now your legs are probably starting to feel a bit heavy and it is time to sit down. You can do this by getting on a guided tour around the harbor with Canal Tours Copenhagen. Please be aware that all Copenhagen Card Holders have to depart from the harbor at Ved Stranden (Ved Stranden 26, 1061 Copenhagen, Denmark). This is just across the street from Christiansborg Palace.
During the guided canal tour you will discover some of the most popular and fascinating attractions and sight this city has to offer. You will pass by The Black Diamond, The Opera House, Amalienborg Palace, The Little Mermaid and so much more. It is really delightful to discover the city from the waterside.
The Little Mermaid is one of Copenhagen’s most popular tourist attractions. It is a sculpture that is made out of bronze and granite. It was inspired by one of the many fairy tales, written by the famous Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen. You will be able to see this sculpture and get some pictures of it from the canal boat. This will save yourself from a walk down to Langelinie where you would be able to see The Little Mermaid from the mainland.
Click here for more information and to book your 1 hour canal cruise.
Free entry with a Copenhagen Card.
Tivoli Gardens
Once the canal tour is finished I suggest you go for a late afternoon walk in Tivoli Gardens, located just across Copenhagen Central Station. Tivoli Gardens is one of the oldest amusement parks in Denmark, where people of all ages will come and have a memorable time. Have fun while trying some of the many rides, roller coasters, etc. this garden has to offer. Or just walk around and enjoy the beautiful scenery with fascinating architecture, green gardens, and historic buildings.
Tickets: Prices start from 130 Dk for guests 8 years old and up without rides.
You have two options: A skip the line admission ticket or an 1 day unlimited rides ticket.
Free entry with a Copenhagen Card.
You might want to check: Things to do in Copenhagen with kids.
Dinner at Restaurant Cofoco
From Tivoli Gardens you can walk down to Restaurant Cofoco for your dinner. This is a very popular restaurant in Copenhagen and only 600 meters from Tivoli Gardens. The restaurant is placed in a charming basement. Here you will be served delicious food prepared by some of the best Danish ingredients. They serve all dishes as small plates so you have the opportunity to taste more and share if you want to.
Address: Abel Cathrines Gade 7, 1654 København
2 Days in Copenhagen: Day Two
Breakfast at the Mad & Kaffe
Ready for your next day? I hope so! However, before you head out for your next adventures I suggest you start off with a filling and tasty brunch at cafe Mad & Kaffe. One of the cafes is located in the Vesterbro neighborhood of Copenhagen. For breakfast, you have the opportunity to choose the elements of your brunch and pay depending on the number of items you choose. You can get everything from avocado, cabbage salad, grapefruit, yogurt, cheese, eggs, rye bread, croissants, and cinnamon buns to pork, salmon, bacon, chicken, oatmeal and chocolate brownie. The choice is yours. It is a great way to get exactly what you want!
Address: Sønder Blvd. 68, 1720 København
Torvehallerne Market
Once full, you can take the S-train into Nørreport station, just in the heart of Copenhagen. When you get out of the station you will find yourself more or less in the middle of Torvehallerne Market. Here you will find local vegetables, danish specialties, fresh fish, cheese and meat. So go explore the more than 80 different shops this market has to offer.
Rosenborg Castle and the King’s Garden
From Torvehallerne Market you can walk down to the King’s Garden, which is just a 5 minutes walk. This is a very popular garden, with magnificent trees and flowers blooming throughout summer and spring. From the King’s Garden, you will be able to walk straight into Rosenborg Castle.
The castle was built by the Danish King Christian IV and here you will get to explore some real, authentic royal rooms and chambers. In the basement, you will find real treasures as it houses all the crown jewels and even the royal crowns.
Tickets: Adults 115 Kr, Children (0-17 years) Free admission,
Combined ticket Rosenborg & Amalienborg (Valid 36 hours) 160 kr.
Free entry with a Copenhagen Card.
Amalienborg Palace & the change of the Guards
Now it is time to head down to Amalienborg Palace. Be sure to get there in time for the change of the Guards ceremony which takes place every day between 11.30-12 pm. The guards will be parading from Rosenborg Castle down to Amalienborg Palace. It is a ceremony not to miss. When you are at Amalienborg Palace, you can also explore both the past and present life of the royals. Because, inside the palace, you will see the private rooms of the most recent kings and queens of Denmark.
From the palace square, you can walk down to the Amaliehaven (The Amalie Garden) which is one of the youngest parks in the city but with some of the most beautiful views.
Amalienborg Palace Tickets: Adults 95 Kr, Children (0-17 years) Free admission
Free entry with a Copenhagen Card.
Lunch at Aamanns 1921
After all the Danish royal inputs it must be time for some lunch. I suggest you go to Aamanns 1921, located about 1.5 km from Amalienborg Palace. Here you will be served traditional Danish “smørrebrød” but in a refined way with an international outlook.
Address: Niels Hemmingsens Gade 19-21, 1153 København
The Round Tower
After lunch, you can walk straight over to The Round Tower, as it is placed only 200 meters from the restaurant. The Round Tower is one of Denmark’s most popular and most visited constructions. In fact, it is the oldest observatory in Europe, which is still functioning. The tower was also built by the Danish King Christian IV and completed back in 1642. It has a very characteristic spiral ramp inside, which leads all the way up to the top, tower platform. From here you have an amazing 360-degree view of the city’s rooftops.
Tickets: Adults: DKK 25, Children (5 -15 years) DKK 5
Free entry with a Copenhagen Card.
Guinness World Record Museum
Once you have seen enough of Copenhagen from the top, it is time to go have some fun. I suggest you pay the Guinness World Record Museum a visit. Here you can discover some breathtaking records in everything from art, music, sport, science, and nature. You even get to meet the world’s tallest man, who is 272 cm tall. At the Guinness World Record Museum, you can also explore the new interactive room which is great fun for everybody.
Here you will be presented with some of the incredible records on big touch screens. You can test yourself and your travel companion(s) to see how you all perform compared to some of the world ́s best performers. Who will be the strongest, smartest or fastest?
Free entry with a Copenhagen Card.
King’s New Square
After you have had your fun you should walk down to King’s New Square, which is just a few steps from the museum. The square is the largest one in the city and houses institutions such as The Hotel D’Angleterre and the Royal Theatre.
Nyhavn Harbor
From the King’s New Square you can walk down to Nyhavn Harbor. Here you will pass by some of the most colorful and beautiful old buildings this city has to offer. The houses have all been renovated and many of them now serve as restaurants. The old port is always packed with people who come for a cold drink or a nice meal. You will find a really relaxed atmosphere and people just hanging out at the canal having a wonderful time.
Church of Our Saviour
One final stop before going out for dinner should be to the famous Church of Our Saviour. The church is located in the Christianshavn neighborhood and you can easily take the metro from The King’s New Square Station (Kongens Nytorv Station) or walk there.
The Church Of Our Saviour is one of the most popular churches in Denmark, mainly because of the impressive serpentine spire. You can climb all the 400 steps to the top and find yourself 90 meters above the street level.
Tickets: 23rd February 2019 – 30th April 2019 & 1st of October 2019 – 15th December 2019
Adults: DKK 35, Children (0 – 14) : free
1st May 2019 – 30th September 2019
Adults: DKK 50, Children (0 – 14) : free
Free entry with a Copenhagen Card.
Dinner at Madklubben Grill
After your final bit of exercise for the day, it is time for a good, solid dinner. You should find your way to Madklubben Grill (formerly known as Madklubben Steak) in the heart of the city center. At the restaurant, you will be served delicious and tasty food straight from the grill. The restaurant has a variety of set menus to choose from. They focus on serving climate-friendly food, with a broad selection of both starters, mains, and desserts. Just be sure to book your table in advance.
Address: Pilestræde 23, 1112 København, Denmark
Staying in Copenhagen for 3 or 4 days?
If you have more than two days to spend in this beautiful city, you should go on some day trips. Because the fun and amazement are not limited to the center of the city. Within a short distance, you can explore so much more. Most places are very easy to get to by car, train or the ferry.
Things to do in Copenhagen in 3 or 4 days
Frederiksborg Castle
Frederiksborg Castle is one of the most famous castles in Denmark, and once you see it you will understand why. It is absolutely breathtaking. The castle is located in Hillerød, north of Copenhagen. It is a Renaissance castle, built by the Danish King Christian IV in the 17th century. The Castle is established on three islets, which makes the surroundings even more beautiful.
Inside the castle, you can experience incredible, cultural attractions for both adults and children. You can get guided tours and even boat trips at Castle Lake.
One of the most unique parts of this place is the Castle Chapel. Here you are able to discover the original decorations back from the time of King Christian IV. In the chapel, you will find the remarkable altarpiece made in gold, silver, and ebony. The chapel is still used today, and it is a very popular place to get married.
Frederiksberg Castle is also known for the fascinating and magnificent baroque garden. Here you will find historical flowers, cascades and the royal monograms done in boxwood. In the landscaped garden you will discover the small Bath House Castle and a small cafe which is open during the summer.
It is easy to get to the castle using public transport. You can take the S-train line A to Hillerød station. This will take approximately 40 minutes from Copenhagen. From Hillerød Station it is only a short walk (1.5 km) to the castle.
Tickets: Adults: DKK 75, Children (6 -15 years) DKK 20
Free entry with a Copenhagen Card.
Kronborg Castle
Another very well-known castle in Denmark is without a doubt, Kronborg Castle. You will find the castle in Helsingør, north of Copenhagen, with great views across the water to Helsingborg in Sweden.
In fact, the castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a renaissance castle built with impressive towers, spires, sandstone, columns, and copper roofs.
Kronborg Castle is best known from Willam Shakespeare’s drama of Hamlet, which unfolds in the chambers of the castle. Hamlet was a Danish prince, who returned from Germany to his childhood home, Kronborg Castle, when he heard about his father’s death. The story of Hamlet reveals how far the prince, Hamlet, is willing to go to get justice for his father, the king.
From June until the end of August visitors can experience Hamlet Live. Here you will be giving a walking tour and meet some of Hamlet’s friends and enemies along the way.
Another famous sight at this place is the enormous sculpture of Holger Danske, a Danish national hero. This statue is placed deep down in the castle ́s casemates. According to the old legend, Holger Danske is now asleep, but if Denmark is one day endangered by enemies he will wake up. Holger Danske will then get on his feet, raise his sword and fight for his country.
At Kronborg Castle, they offer guided tours around the castle and down in the casemates every day.
The castle is located just a 50 minutes drive outside of Copenhagen. If you don’t have a car, you can catch a train to Elsinore station. From here it is just a 10 minutes walk to the castle.
Tickets: January 2019 – May 2019 & Septemper 2019 – December 2019
Adults: DKK 95, Children under 18: free
June 2019 – August 2019
Adults: DKK 145, Children under 18: free
Free entry with a Copenhagen Card.
The Freetown Christiania
Christiania is located in the Christianshavn neighborhood of Copenhagen and is therefore not very far from the city center. It is a former military base, that had been deserted for many years. Back at the beginning of the 1970s, some people started to break down the barricades and build their own community. Today there live just under 1,000 people in the district, which has its own regulations and rules.
Christiania is best known for the extensive cannabis trade which took place on Pusher Street, inside the area. Occasionally, the police would perform a raid and arrest some of the numerous dealers. However, that did not prevent the many dealers nor the buyers to come back. Yet, today the various stalls have been forced to close because of the many drug-related crimes in the area. The locals have actually covered Pusher Street with posters saying “Help Christiania – buy your hash elsewhere”.
Today people go to Christiania to meet the locals and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. You can go for a walk around on your own or join one of the guided tours.
Besides the locals’ own houses, gardens, grocery shops, cinemas, etc you will also find more touristy things. Christiania has several music venues within the area playing live music every night from Thursdays to Sundays.
You can also experience the great selection of cafes and restaurants in Christiana. Here they serve everything from breakfast, including famous Danish pastries, to lunch and dinner. There is a very broad variety with both sandwiches, burgers, Thai food and vegetarian meals.
You can get to Christiania either by bike, bus or metro. If you take the metro you should get off at Christianshavn Metro Station. Alternatively, you can catch bus 9A from the city center and get off at Bodenhoffs Plads. From both stops, it is just a 10-15 minute walk to Christania. Be aware, that you are not allowed to drive a car inside Christiania, so there is no point driving there.
Where to stay in Copenhagen
citizenM Copenhagen Radhuspladsen: citizenM is a modern, stylish hotel in the heart of Copenhagen with Danish art dotted throughout as well as loads of seating and lounge areas. Rooms are chic yet almost pod-like, with MoodPads in each to control the lighting, temperature, and TV all from the comfort of your own bed! A buffet breakfast is served every day to get you ready for a day discovering the city. Click here to check availability and the latest prices.
Hotel Bethel: Hotel Bethel is a simple, comfortable B&B-style hotel located in the colorful Nyhavn District of Copenhagen. Each room features a plush bed, TV, ensuite, and a desk/chair, and a continental breakfast is served every morning. The staff are great and are more than happy to help you plan your days in Copenhagen. Click here to check availability and the latest prices.
Pack your bags now
I hope you have enjoyed my itinerary for Copenhagen, and that I have been able to explain just how wonderful this city is and how much it has to offer.
Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, truly is a remarkable place where the people, the atmosphere and the surroundings are all so very unique in its own way. I promise it is worth your time and I sincerely urge you to start planning your next trip right away.
Planning a trip to Copenhagen? Check out my other posts on the city:
If you only have one day in Copenhagen, check out what to see.
Visiting Copenhagen in winter? Find here the best things to do.
Looking for the best area to stay in Copenhagen? Check my post where to stay in Copenhagen by a local.
Interested in a day trip from Copenhagen? Check out the best ideas here.
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Copenhagen is on top of my bucket-list. Thanks for the useful tips