As the capital of Denmark, Copenhagen enjoys a sense of luxury and wonder which makes it one of the most desired travel destinations in Europe. While it is known for being an expensive city, the splendid offering of culture, history and hygge make it worth the hefty price tag. But is 3 days in Copenhagen enough to experience this marvellous melting pot?
In this guide, we present a fabulous itinerary for a perfect 3 days in Copenhagen. For each day, we highlight the best things to do in Copenhagen that will make your visit sensational. We also include some helpful tips for visiting Copenhagen in 3 days that will ensure you have a trouble-free trip to Denmark’s capital.
From the dazzling lights of Nyhavn to the splendid views from the Church of Our Saviour, this Copenhagen itinerary promises to show you every aspect of this incredible city.
For your first day in Copenhagen, we’ll get you acquainted with the city centre and guide you through some of the top sites. To help get your bearings, you can take a walking tour of Copenhagen to get a better understanding of the city’s layout. However, be sure to visit these must-see attractions while exploring Copenhagen.
Start your visit to Copenhagen with a trip to Kongens Nytorv, one of the most popular public squares in the city. While there isn’t much in the square itself, there are some incredible cultural sites surrounding it including the Royal Danish Theatre and Charlottenborg Palace. You can also find an equestrian statue of King Christian V which was erected in 1688.
We think this is a great place to start your visit as you can soak up the bustling city atmosphere that makes Copenhagen so energetic. It’s also one of the main transportation hubs in Copenhagen, with a metro station that serves all 4 lines, meaning you can access most of the city from this vibrant square.
After exploring Kongens Nytorv, jump on the metro to get to Rådhuspladsen. This is where you will find Copenhagen City Hall as well as the iconic Tivoli Gardens, one of the oldest theme parks in Europe. The pleasure garden is one of the best things to do in Copenhagen and offers a mix of rides, dining and open-air theatre.
Tivoli is one of the most popular attractions in Copenhagen, so it’s a good idea to purchase your tickets in advance. The park often hosts special events with seasonal decorations, so it’s a great place to go for Christmas in Copenhagen.
Check out the Ferris wheel for some amazing views of Copenhagen or take a ride on the famous wooden roller coaster Rutschebanen. You can also discover culinary delights in the Tivoli Food Hall, so be sure to grab some lunch before heading off. If rides aren’t your thing, you can always wander the stunning gardens and take joy in the scenic setting.
Once you’ve explored the delights of Tivoli, we suggest you unwind with a leisurely wander through the Glyptotek. This is one of the best museums in Copenhagen, with an extensive collection of ancient artefacts, art and fascinating exhibitions. The Glyptotek also features a significant collection of Danish Golden Age art, showcasing works by prominent Danish artists from the 19th century.
The museum is split up into multiple sections, with exhibits dedicated to Danish sculpture and art as well as classical civilisations. You can observe an astounding collection of Mediterranean art from Greek, Roman, and Etruscan cultures and there is an exceptional Egyptian exhibit with artefacts and mummies.
While the collections here span millennia, some other highlights make the Glyptotek one of the best places to visit in Copenhagen. The Winter Garden is small but rather charming and provides a wonderful welcome to the building. You can also visit the roof terrace for some incredible panoramic views of Copenhagen and Tivoli Gardens.
For your first night in Copenhagen, visit the city’s main shopping and dining hub Strøget. This bustling street is one of the best things to do in Copenhagen as you can explore local shops as well as international brands. It runs right through the heart of Copenhagen and is a pedestrian-only zone, meaning you can wander the cobbled streets without needing to worry about traffic, do keep an eye out for cyclists though.
The street is lined with cafés and restaurants, providing opportunities for visitors to take a break, enjoy a meal, or simply relax with a cup of coffee while people-watching. It’s also one of the best places to go in Copenhagen in the evening as you can soak up the spirited atmosphere of shoppers and marvel at the city lights.
Now that you’re familiar with the city, your second day will be dedicated to discovering the best places to visit in Copenhagen. We take you through the bohemian Freetown Christiania, before stopping into the National Museum of Denmark. For the evening, you’ll head into Vesterbro and experience the thrilling ambience of the Meatpacking District.
It might not be to everyone’s taste, but we highly recommend visiting Freetown Christiania. Situated in the Christianshavn district of Copenhagen, this unique community has declared itself an autonomous neighbourhood. It is known for its artistic expression, alternative lifestyle and distinct values.
This is a great place to visit in Copenhagen if you consider yourself a free spirit. You can find impressive street art, installations and intriguing houses. You can even visit the Christiania Jazz Club and listen to live music.
Please note that photography is prohibited while in Christiania and we urge you to be respectful on your visit, as the residents take great pride in their way of life.
Just a short walk from Christiania is the Church of Our Saviour, which stands out in the skyline with its glinting golden spire. This is one of the best places to visit in Copenhagen for uninterrupted views. Some visitors may prefer the Round Tower, but the high metal railings inhibit the experience. At the Church of Our Saviour, you can see the entirety of Copenhagen as the railings are much lower.
This can make the trip up the church tower quite intimidating. To reach the top you will have to climb many steep stairs, which are practically vertical in some parts. Once at the top, you can climb the golden staircase to get the most amazing views of Copenhagen. Be warned, the railings here are very low and while it’s a thrilling experience, it is not for the faint of heart.
With the thrilling trip up the church out of the way, we recommend winding down with a calming visit to the National Museum of Denmark. It’s the largest cultural museum in Denmark, with exhibits covering prehistoric times to the present. We suggest booking your tickets in advance as this is a very popular thing to do in Copenhagen and can get very busy during the peak season.
A highlight of the museum is its incredible collection of Viking artefacts. This includes weapons, jewellery and everyday items which shed more light into the lives of Vikings. There is also a fascinating selection of objects from prehistoric times which showcases unique finds from the Neolithic, Bronze Age and Iron Age periods.
As evening descends, head to the Meatpacking District where you’ll find some of the best nightlife in Copenhagen. Known as Kødbyen in Danish, there are a variety of restaurants and bars in this trendy industrial district turned social spot.
If you’re a fan of craft beer and smoked meats then Warpigs is the place for you. However, if you’d prefer to treat yourself to some fine dining you can also stop in at Fleisch. The Meatpacking District is one of the best places to visit in Copenhagen if you want to explore New Nordic cuisine, which emphasises local flavours and ingredients.
Once you’ve had a delightful dinner, you can hop between the creative cocktail bars in the Meatpacking District or explore more of the nightlife in Vesterbro.
For your last day, we make sure you tick off some of the best things to see in Copenhagen. Starting with the Little Mermaid Statue, we then go on to explore the lavish interior of Rosenborg Castle and the well-manicured Botanical Gardens. To round out your Copenhagen trip, we finish in the delightful Nyhavn waterfront where the best atmosphere in Copenhagen can be found.
It may not be one of the most astonishing things to see in Copenhagen, but the Little Mermaid statue is a quintessential part of the Copenhagen experience. You can find this quaint statue in Østerport, near Kastellet. It is one of the most iconic landmarks in Copenhagen and is a must-visit attraction.
The statue is inspired by the fairytale written by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen. It stands as a testament to his legacy and draws in countless visitors who want to capture a photo of this symbolic statue. For an even better look at the statue, take a boat tour of Copenhagen where you can capture the bronze maiden from a different perspective.
Next, we head to one of the best castles in Copenhagen, Rosenborg Slot. This stunning palace was the summer residence of the royal family before being converted into the royal collections. It is exquisitely preserved and offers a detailed look at the lives of Danish Kings and Queens.
The standout feature of Rosenborg which makes it one of the best things to see in Copenhagen is the presence of the Danish Crown Jewels. Situated in the basement treasury, you can marvel at the ornate regalia of the royals and get an up-close look at these priceless artefacts. Afterwards, you can explore the delightful King’s Garden which is a great place to stop when visiting Copenhagen in summer.
Just across the road from Rosenborg, you will find the colourful Botanical Gardens, which is one of the finest parks in Copenhagen. You can wander through the open sections of the gardens, taking note of the unique flora present. For the best experience, we highly recommend visiting the greenhouses, where you will find a fabulous array of tropical plant species.
The Palm House is a temperature-controlled greenhouse which boasts a colourful collection of specimens. As you walk through the indoor climate, you will feel as though you have been transported to the tropics as the sounds of bird calls play throughout the colossal trees. Plant lovers in particular will be delighted by the spectacular variety of cacti and succulents in the Cactus House.
You can’t leave Copenhagen without spending an evening in Nyhavn. This picturesque waterfront is one of the best things to see in Copenhagen, especially at night when the harbour lights reflect off the water. It is famous for its colourful buildings and vibrant atmosphere which make it one of the best places to visit in Copenhagen.
There is a great variety of restaurants and eateries in Nyhavn, from fresh seafood to wine bars you are certain to find somewhere that suits your palate. What makes Nyhavn so special is the outdoor seating which is readily available at most restaurants. Here you can enjoy a delicious meal by the water and soak up the lively ambience, providing you with lasting memories of your time in Copenhagen.
To make sure you have the best trip possible, we’ve included some helpful tips for visiting Copenhagen. We cover the best times to visit, give ideas for where to stay and offer some helpful advice about travelling around Copenhagen in 3 days.
The best time to visit Copenhagen is the shoulder months of April and October. Around these times, there are fewer tourists and temperatures remain pleasant at 11°C. The weather in Copenhagen during these months is mild, with plenty of sunshine and some rainy days.
If you don’t mind the cold, the winter months like November can be a great time to visit Copenhagen. The city is much less crowded than in summer and temperatures are brisk, with highs of 7°C. Thankfully, there are plenty of indoor activities in Copenhagen that will keep you out of the cold.
There are a variety of places to stay in Copenhagen that will suit your needs. Indre By is the centre of Copenhagen and gives you convenient access to all the top attractions in the city. Vesterbro is slightly outside the centre but has some of the best nightlife in Copenhagen.
For more details about accommodation in Copenhagen, check out our handy guide for Where to Stay in Copenhagen.
Travelling around Copenhagen is extremely easy. The city is very walkable, with the top sites in Copenhagen just a few minutes away from each other. If you’d like to get around more efficiently we highly recommend renting a bike as there are well-organised bike lanes throughout Copenhagen.
If there is bad weather or you would like to travel further afield, the Metro is a great option. The service is extremely reliable and can take you all over the city at reasonable prices. If you plan on using a lot of public transport, we suggest you buy a Copenhagen City Card as it covers all of your transport costs and even gives you free access to over 80 attractions in Copenhagen.
Overall, 3 days in Copenhagen is the perfect amount of time to explore this astonishing city. With fabulous museums, historical buildings and unique neighbourhoods, you’ll have a jam-packed experience on this 3-day Copenhagen itinerary.
There are so many incredible things to do in Copenhagen which makes it the perfect destination for a city break. Whether you crave culture, thrills or culinary delights, you are certain to find what you’re looking for in this vibrant capital.
Have you been thinking about a Danish adventure? Take a look at our other travel guides for more helpful tips and advice for your next getaway.
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