2 Days in Copenhagen: The Perfect Itinerary + Tips by a Local

With its picturesque canals, bike culture, cutting-edge cuisine, world-class design, and laidback lifestyle Copenhagen is the embodiment of Scandi cool. It’s not hard to see why it gets perpetually ranked as the happiest city in the world. If you’re spending 2 days in Copenhagen, let us help you make the most of your trip, so you can experience the best of this fantastic city. Here’s our lowdown on the best things to do in Copenhagen in two days 🙂

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Is 2 Days Enough in Copenhagen?

While 2 days in Copenhagen is not enough time to experience all this Nordic powerhouse has to offer, it still gives you ample time to visit all the main attractions, get a good feel for the city, and a little bit more.

Of course, as with most places, more time is always better. I personally feel 3-5 days in Copenhagen is the sweet spot for a thorough exploration of the city.

How to Get Around During Your 2 Days in Copenhagen

For this ‘2 days in Copenhagen itinerary’, I primarily recommend exploring the city on foot. Copenhagen’s compact size and flat terrain make it easily walkable. Walking is certainly the best and most pleasurable way to see Copenhagen.

Just be mindful not to step onto the bicycle lanes that run along beside the pavements as this is strongly frowned upon and the normally placid Danes take serious umbrage to that, especially during rush hour.

In order to save some time or energy, you can also get around Copenhagen using the city’s efficient public transportation system. This will prove particularly useful in order to get to some of the further lying attractions. 

All the major attractions in Copenhagen are easily accessible by public transport, and switching from one form of transport to another is very seamless. The Copenhagen public transport network has an integrated ticket system based on geographical zones.

Most of your travel within the city will be within two zones but some attractions may require you to travel three or four zones. For example, travel between the city and the airport covers three zones.

A Copenhagen City Pass (valid Zones 1-4, including the airport) gives you the freedom to make unlimited use of public transport. The 24-hour pass costs 80 DKK while the 48-hour pass costs 150 DKK.

The City Pass can be purchased at ticket machines at all train stations, metro stations, 7-Eleven kiosks, or can be bought online. A more convenient way to buy the City Pass is by getting the “DOT Tickets” app.

Single-trip tickets can also be purchased when boarding the buses. You can buy single-trip tickets (valid for 90 minutes) at ticket vending machines or 7-Eleven kiosks at the train and metro stations.

Alternatively, you can purchase a Rejsekort (www.rejsekort.dk), a touch-on, touch-off smart card valid for all zones that gives you a 20% discount outside peak hours.

Make use of the very useful intermodal Journey Planner for getting around Copenhagen with public transport.

Copenhagen is synonymous with cycling and has an excellent bike infrastructure. It is the most bike-friendly city (of its size) I have ever seen, with cycle lanes over much of it. Copenhagen is probably also the only city in the world where there are more bikes than people.

Bikes are also a fast and handy way to get around the city. Copenhagen’s excellent city-wide rental system Bycyklen offers high-tech ‘Smart Bikes’ with GPS, multi-speed electric motors, and locks.

In case you’re interested in seeing the highlights of Copenhagen on bike, check out this excellent Copenhagen Bicycle Tour.

Bikes can even be taken free of charge on the S-trains (S-tog) but are banned during rush hour if commuting through Nørreport Station (07:00–09:00, 15:30–17:30 on weekdays). Enter the train carriages which have large white bicycle graphic symbols on the windows.

Bikes can also be carried on the metro (except from 07:00–9:00, and 15:30–17:30 on weekdays). Bike tickets (14 DKK) can be purchased at DSB ticket machines on all stations, in DSB Sale & Service, or at 7-Eleven. Keep in mind that they are not sold on buses.

In case you’re interested in seeing the highlights of Copenhagen on a segway, check out this excellent Copenhagen Segway Tour.

For those craving an audio guide and extra comfort, you can also get around the city with Copenhagen Hop-On Hop-Off Tour.

You probably won’t need to use taxis at all during your 48 hours in Copenhagen since the city is so well served by public transport. However, if you do need to use a taxi, you can either hail a cab in the street or get one from a taxi rank.

Taxis can also be booked on the phone by calling one of the various taxi companies in Copenhagen, for example, TAXA 4×35.

Is the Copenhagen Card Worth It For 2 Days?

The Copenhagen Card is an all-inclusive city card that gives you a complete sightseeing experience and grants you free entry and discounts to more than 80 of the top attractions and museums in and around Copenhagen.

The Copenhagen Card also includes unlimited free travel on all the local public transport options (buses, trams, metro, trains, and boats) in the city. Another great reason to invest in the Copenhagen Card is that it saves you the time and the hassle of purchasing tickets at each attraction/museum.

In my opinion, it’s definitely worth getting the Copenhagen Card, at least for one day. Jacky and I squeezed in many fantastic museums and attractions that are free with the Copenhagen Card and ensured we got our money’s worth.

Ultimately, whether the Copenhagen Card is truly cost-effective will depend on the range of sightseeing activities you have planned according to your interests.

Your 2 Days in Copenhagen Itinerary

For practical reasons, we have divided this itinerary into two parts: Essential Copenhagen and Alternative Copenhagen. I’ve divided the itinerary in such a way that it gives you a good mix of heterogeneous sights.

For your convenience, this post includes a free map that highlights the main points of interest in Copenhagen for two days. You can find the addresses of the attractions by clicking on the icons in the map.

I understand that everyone travels at a different pace, so feel free to choose the destinations according to your own pace. The earlier you start your day the more time you’ll have to see the attractions.

Below I have compiled a list of the best things to see (or eat) in Copenhagen over the course of two days:

Day 1: Essential Copenhagen

Day One of this ‘2 days in Copenhagen itinerary’ will cover the must-see attractions of Copenhagen at a reasonable pace. You’ll spend all your time today in central Copenhagen.

If you like, you can also extend this itinerary by following our self-guided Copenhagen walking tour.

1. Torvehallerne Market & Breakfast at Grød

Start off your 48 hours in Copenhagen at the popular Torvehallerne Food Market, one of Copenhagen’s best food markets, which is a foodie paradise. It opened in an attempt to revive food markets in the modern urban center.

Apart from several fresh produce stands, it is home to over 60 different stalls selling all kinds of foods from smørrebrød, pizza, tacos, sushi, cheese, bakery products, and spices. 

You can also buy raw ingredients from the farmer’s market ranging from meat, seafood, fruits, and vegetables. There’s also an assortment of juices, smoothies, coffee, wine, and beer to choose from.

Some of the best establishments in the market include the excellent micro-roastery Coffee Collective and the Nordic deli Omegn. Torvehallerne Food Market is just a great place to check out and comes highly recommended!

Torvehallerne Food Market is open from 10:00–18:00 (Monday–Friday) and 10:00–19:00 (Saturday–Sunday). However, breakfast places at the food market open as early as 07:00.

Grød is a popular local eatery that has single-handedly revolutionized the way people perceive and enjoy porridge, transforming it from a basic breakfast dish into a meal that can be enjoyed at any time of the day.

The chain is famous for concocting delicious porridge with mostly organic ingredients such as licorice sugar, skyr (Icelandic yogurt), ginger syrup, plum compote, chia seeds, cocoa nibs, and raisins.

While porridge might seem like a simple dish, Grød has managed to elevate it by using high-quality ingredients, creative flavor combinations, and beautiful presentation. There are many variations and the size of the portions is quite large so you will leave feeling very satiated.

I usually go for the All-in! which comes with absolutely everything for only 89 DKK.

Grød is open daily. It opens at 07:00 during the week and at 09:00 on the weekends.

2. Botanical Garden

The Botanical Garden is one of my favorite things to see in Copenhagen. It is part of the University of Copenhagen and the garden was established in 1872 on the grounds of the old town fortifications.

Native Danish plants account for the majority of the 20,000 species gathered in the Botanical Garden but there are some highly exotic ones from all over the globe.

It’s very refreshing to take a stroll through the gardens and they have much to offer. There is a small forest, waterfalls, and greenhouses, one of which contains more than 1,000 varieties of cactus.

The Palm House is well worth visiting, especially if you need to warm up your feet in the winter. Also, it will give you the chance of taking some beautiful photos of the cast-iron staircases of the rooftop walk!

The Botanical Garden is open daily from 08:30–18:00 (April–September) and 08:30–16:00 (October–March). The entrance is free.

While the Botanical Garden is free to enter, entrance to the sultry Palm House costs 60 DKK. The Palm House is open Tuesday–Sunday from 10:00–17:00 (April–September) and Tuesday-Sunday from 10:00–15:30 (October–March).

3. Rosenborg Castle

Next up on this ‘2 days in Copenhagen’ itinerary is Rosenborg Castle, one of my favorite attractions in Copenhagen. Rosenborg Castle was built in 1606–34 in a Dutch Renaissance style as a summer residence by Christian IV and gets its name after one of his horses.

The castle was only used as a royal residence for about 100 years and is now a royal museum of sorts. It contains an abundance of royal objects including paintings, trinkets, and ornate furniture used by the Royal Family for generations.

The 24 rooms of Rosenborg Castle’s interior mostly retain the original Renaissance decor from Christian IV’s residence, while the remaining ones have been redecorated by later kings. 

The Marble Hall showcases exquisite Baroque décor and the ceiling stuccowork and imitation marble-clad walls are superb. 

On the third floor is the Baroque Long Hall which is superbly decorated with 17th-century tapestries and includes the King’s throne. For us, this was the best part of the interior.

The tapestries gracing the walls of this room are 12 woven works that depict the battles between Denmark and Sweden during the Scanian War (1675–79). The hall is also home to a collection of 18th-century silver furniture including three silver lions that once guarded the king’s throne.

The Castle’s star attraction is the Treasury which is found in the basement. where the famed crown jewels and royal paraphernalia are exhibited. Some of the highlights here are Christian IV’s spectacular diamond-encrusted crown and the ornate Oldenburg Horn.

There are also antique weapons on display in the cellar rooms including a pair of Colt revolvers given to Denmark’s king by President Lincoln. 

The opening hours of Rosenborg Castle vary according to the season but it is generally open between 10:00–16:00. From November–March, the castle is closed on Mondays. The entrance costs 130 DKK.

4. King’s Garden

The King’s Garden (Kongens Have) was established by Christian IV in 1606 as part of the Rosenborg Castle complex. It is Copenhagen’s oldest park and still retains much of its original Renaissance layout.

Today, the shady garden, equipped with numerous benches is crisscrossed by a characteristically rectangular network of pathways.

Copenhagen natives love to come here to relax and in the summertime or on holidays, you’ll often encounter flocks of people enjoying copious amounts of beer and other beverages, as well as a truckload of food. 

The King’s Garden is a lovely park full of grass fields, large trees, fountains, and statues. Make sure to check out the statue of Hans Christian Andersen, at the end of a long tree-lined path and surrounded on three sides by a circular hedge.

The King’s Garden is open daily throughout the year. Hours vary, with opening time at 07:00 and closing time between 17:00 and 23:00, depending on the season. The entrance is free.

5. Kastellet

Kastellet is one of the best-preserved fortresses in Europe and is in the top three of our best things to do in Copenhagen. The star-shaped fortress was first built on this site in 1626 and was finally completed in 1663.

In the past, Kastellet was used as a prison in the 19th century during World War II it was taken over by the occupying German forces who used it as their headquarters. 

The area is still an active military site and you can see a little bit of activity. Grassy ramparts, 18th-century military barracks, and a Dutch-style windmill can be found here, all of which are located inside a moat that can be accessed from two bridges at either end of the complex.

With an idyllic milieu and scenic views, this free attraction is a great way to spend a morning. Kastellet is open daily from 06:00–22:00.

6. Gefion Fountain

The majestic Gefion Fountain (Gefionspringvandet) is located just beside Kastellet. Copenhagen’s largest fountain depicts the Norse goddess Gefion with a group of strong oxen.

According to myth, the Swedish king promised Gefion as much land as she could plow in a night. She then turned her four sons into oxen, and the land they plowed out of the ground was thrown into the sea between Sweden and the island of Zealand, creating Denmark.

The hole left behind became Lake Vänern in Sweden (you can see that its shape is similar to that of Zealand).

This dramatic story is vividly depicted in the sculpture. Gefion is portrayed as a powerful, dynamic figure, guiding the large oxen. The figures are set in front of a large basin, where water dramatically sprays and cascades around them, enhancing the drama of the scene.

7. The Little Mermaid

When visiting Copenhagen for 2 days, you might as well see the iconic Little Mermaid statue. The Little Mermaid is synonymous with Copenhagen and it is worth seeing the statue at least once.

Sculpted by Edvard Eriksen in 1913 this bronze sculpture shows the mermaid sitting on a rock in the water gazing at the passing ships in the harbor. The body was modeled on that of Eriksen’s wife. 

The statue is based on Hans Christian Andersen’s bleak, twisted fairy tale. In this melancholic story, a mermaid exchanged her voice for human legs in order to gain the love of an earthly prince but had to watch mutely as he ditched her for a real princess. Crestfallen, she threw herself into the sea, turning into foam.

The Little Mermaid can be a little disappointing if you don’t go in with the right expectations, though. The statue is very small and can be easily overlooked.

What’s worse, there’s usually a horde of tourists mounting the rocks surrounding the statue aspiring to get selfies so chances are high that someone will gatecrash your picture.

8. Amalienborg Palace

Amalienborg Palace is the winter residence of the Danish royal family. The palace complex is huge and consists of four Rococo-style buildings encircling an octagonal courtyard.

Originally, these were city palaces for Danish nobility but the burning down of Christiansborg Palace precipitated the royals’  move to Amalienborg.

The best time to visit is at 12:00 when the daily Changing of the Guard takes place. If the marching band is playing at the same time, you’ll know that the queen is home.

One of the palaces is open to visitors year-round as it houses the Amalienborg Museum. If you are short on time or on a limited budget, you can very well skip it and attend the Changing of the Guard instead.

9. Frederik’s Church

Just down the street from Amalienborg Palace is the mesmerizing Frederik’s Church (Marble Church).

This striking Rococo-style church with a large copper green dome is reminiscent of St Peter’s Basilica in Rome. The dome was to be clad in marble (hence its nickname), but, unfortunately, the budget didn’t stretch to that.

The church’s 31-meter dome is the largest in Scandinavia and it casts a large shadow over the Copenhagen skyline. The interior is quite lovely and serene and the dome’s interior is decorated with frescoes of Christ’s apostles.

Frederik’s Church is open from 10:00–17:00 (Monday–Thursday & Saturday), 12:00–17:00 (Friday), and 12:30–17:00 (Sunday). The entrance is free.

It is possible to ascend the dome (260 steps) of Frederik’s Church for some of the most impressive views over Central Copenhagen, especially Amalienborg Castle, and across the harbor. The dome is open daily (mid-June–mid-September) and on the weekends the rest of the year.

The dome is accessible at only 13:00. However, only a few tickets (~30) are sold, so be sure to be there about 15 minutes early. Tickets cost 35 DKK.

10. Nyhavn

A search for images of Copenhagen most likely yields pictures of Nyhavn, the radiant waterfront district.

Indeed, it is the image of colorful old townhouses and vessels lining the glistening canal waters that are most closely linked with Copenhagen.

Nyhavn is utterly delightful in terms of architecture, boats, and street life. It can get pretty crowded though. There are lots of places to eat or have a drink and people watch.

This is a very charming place and it richly deserves full marks. However, the exorbitant prices of all the places where you can sit down for a refreshment put a serious damper on the enjoyment.

Nyhavn is also the starting point for many Copenhagen canal cruises that take you along the city’s idyllic canals, passing many of Copenhagen’s most famous landmarks.

• Click here to book a Copenhagen Canal Cruise

11. Strøget

Stretching from Kongens Nytorv all the way to City Hall is Strøget, one of Europe’s longest pedestrianized areas. It’s basically a chain of five pedestrian streets (Frederiksberggade, Nygade, Vimmelskaftet, Amagertorv, and Østergade in that order) that link City Hall Square to Kongens Nytorv.

Along with its pedestrianized side streets, Strøget is one of Copenhagen’s premier shopping areas. It has an amazingly eclectic range of establishments, ranging from tacky tourist shops to high-end, and pricey, specialty stores.

The upscale stores can be found near the Kongens Nytorv end of the street while the more affordable options are located near the City Hall end. You can also get a taste of Danish design at stores like Illums Bolighus and Hay House.

Make sure to gaze in all directions to admire some of the local history as many buildings are of historical significance in this beautiful area. On the left-hand side of Amagertorv Square along Strøget is an alluring assortment of Dutch baroque facades.

12. Lunch at Kronborg Restaurant

Get a taste of authentic Danish cuisine at Restaurant Kronborg. It is a reasonably priced restaurant (by Copenhagen standards) offering traditional Danish smørrebrød in varieties like herring, meatballs, roast pork, and liver paté.

Smørrebrød is a classic Danish lunch that originated as the afternoon meal of agricultural workers. You can flush the food down with some Akvavit or some great Danish beer!

If you are a foodie and are curious about Danish cuisine, you should consider signing up for a Copenhagen Culinary Experience Tour.

13. Round Tower

The Round Tower is one of the major points of interest in Copenhagen. It is a glorious example of old-world architecture and charm.

Built as an astronomical observatory in the 17th century by Christian IV, it has a fully working telescope that is still in use today.

Part of the experience of visiting the Round Tower is walking up the tower on the unique 209-meter-long cobbled helical ramp, which the king and queen used to ascend by horse and carriage. The view from the top is truly breathtaking, you get to see a complete panorama of the city.

The Round Tower is open daily from 10:00–20:00 (April-September) and 10:00–18:00 (October–March). The entrance costs 40 DKK.

14. Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek

Of all the museums in Copenhagen, Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek is definitely my favorite one. It is a fantastic museum filled with over 10,000 works of art spanning 6,000 years.

The collection is particularly strong in the area of the Golden Age of Danish Painting and French impressionist paintings. Antiquities from the Mediterranean including Egypt, Italy, and Greece are also well worth checking out. 

If you are a fan of impressionism and post-impressionism, you’ll be content that greats such as Cézanne, Monet, Manet, Van Gogh, and Gauguin are very well-represented at the museum.

The museum’s collection includes the largest amount of Rodin sculptures outside of France and his famous Kiss sculpture is on display. Watch out for Degas’ remarkable bronze ballerina The Little Dancer.

The Greek Collection is superb and one of the highlights is an early Attic healing god relief, which depicts a daughter of Hygeia, the god of healing, promising health to Athenians during a plague.

The Roman Collection is home to some top-notch busts of Rome’s public figures including those of luminaries such as General Pompey, Emperor Augustus, Emperor Hadrian, and the evil and depraved Caligula. 

The Winter Garden is a green oasis of palm trees, planted beneath a glass dome. It was included in the original design as a means to entice visitors who usually might not have an affinity for art. It has certainly worked because many visitors come to Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek to just see it.

Look out for the Water Mother sculpture depicting a naked woman reclining in a small pool, surrounded by a group of babies.

Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek is open Tuesday–Sunday from 10:00–17:00 (until 21:00 on Thursday). The price of admission is 125 DKK with free admission on Tuesdays.

15. City Hall

Copenhagen City Hall casts a large shadow over the bustling City Hall Square and is one of the must-see attractions in Copenhagen. The architectural style is a lovely hodgepodge of Italian Renaissance and medieval Danish architecture.

It was modeled after the city hall building (Palazzo Pubblico) in Siena, Italy. A gilded statue of Bishop Absalon, the 12th-century founder of Copenhagen, stands above the main portal.

The interior of the building is quite impressive and the expansive, rectangular hall on the first floor is flanked by cloisters and topped with a glazed roof. It has Italianate wall decorations and features a number of busts of some prominent Danes like Bertel Thorvaldsen, H.C. Andersen, and Niels Bohr.

The City Hall’s rooms and chambers are full of architectural details such as intricate brickwork, mosaics, and decorated ceilings. 

Another attraction is the marvelous Jens Olsen’s World Clock, which is encased in a huge glass cabinet in a room off the main foyer. It’s a mechanical marvel that has 14,000 moving parts and one gear will take about 25,000 years to make a complete revolution.

27 years were spent building this masterpiece and one of its many functions is to provide a calendar for the next 570,000 years!

Although you can take a guided tour of the City Hall for 60 DKK, I recommend just walking in for free and exploring the building on your own.

You just won’t get to see the city council chamber and some other stately rooms, but they aren’t that special anyway. You can just visit the tower (Mon-Friday: 11:00–14:00), Copenhagen’s highest viewpoint, for 30 DKK.

16. Tivoli Gardens

Cap off your day by heading to the iconic Tivoli Gardens, the world’s second-oldest operating amusement park in the world dating back to 1843.

Renowned for its mystical ambiance, exotic buildings, lovely manicured gardens, and upscale entertainment and dining options, the Tivoli Gardens are more than an amusement park.

Walt Disney derived a lot of inspiration from his visit to Tivoli in 1950. Supposedly, he was so besotted with Tivoli that he exclaimed to his wife, “Now this is what an amusement place should be!”

The park offers rides for thrill-seekers such as the spine-tingling Golden Tower and the madcap Demon roller coaster. For the more yellow-bellied like myself, there are plenty of gentle rides out of which the old wooden roller coaster (Rutschebanen) is a must.

However, even if you aren’t a fan of rides, the gardens are great to walk around and there are quite a few different restaurants to spend some time and eat a meal. Tivoli really comes to life after dark, when all its pavilions, pagodas, boating lakes, and gardens are brightly floodlit.

Tivoli Gardens is open daily for three periods throughout the year: mid–April-mid–September; mid–October-early November (Halloween); mid–November-late December (Christmas). Check the Tivoli website for up-to-date opening times.

The entrance to Tivoli costs 155 DKK (rather pricey but it’s a tourist magnet). Tivoli has a carnival-like ticketing system that means you pay per ride with some rides requiring up to three tickets.

Thus, it’s better to purchase the unlimited ride pass (260 DKK) if you’re in the mood for a few rides. I would also recommend buying the skip-the-line ticket which will save you some time.

17. Dinner

If you’re going to spend a long evening at Tivoli, it is worth checking out some of the restaurants on location. Grøften and Gemyse are popular among the locals.

If you’re looking for something different, why not try one of our 14 favorite burger places in Copenhagen?

Day 2: Alternative Copenhagen

Day two of this ‘2 days in Copenhagen’ itinerary focuses more on showing you something different. If you’re feeling like you’ve seen the Old Town and the canals and you’re after something different, this should give you an insight into the alternative side of Copenhagen.

Today you should use public transport as the sights are more stretched out. Alternatively, you could also rent a bike for the day.

1. Breakfast at Sidecar

Kick-off your day with another hearty breakfast, this time at the wonderful Sidecar restaurant. They serve an excellent breakfast platter. Although it isn’t exactly cheap, the food is fresh, organic, and surprisingly filling.

What could represent Copenhagen better?! 🙂 The place is small though, so if you’re coming on the weekend, I would recommend that you book a table in advance.

2. Assistens Cemetery

Assistens Cemetery (Assistens Kirkegård) is one of those hidden yet not-so-hidden places in Copenhagen that I just love. It is beloved by all locals as a recreational space and in the summer it is common to see locals coming here to get a tan or have a picnic.

And while it very much looks like a park, it is actually a cemetery. In fact, some of Denmark’s most famous citizens are buried here, including H.C. Andersen, Niels Bohr, and Søren Kierkegaard.

Take a stroll down the tree-lined alleys, but do remember to be respectful as this is still a functioning cemetery today.

Assistens Cemetery is open daily from 07:00–22:00. Free entrance.

3. Nørrebro

Since you’re already in the area, it will be the perfect opportunity to explore a little bit of Nørrebro. The area has undergone extensive refurbishment in recent years that has helped spur its transformation from a poor working-class district into one of the most covetable addresses to live in.

Nørrebro is Copenhagen’s multicultural hub, with a large concentration of non-western immigrants. This lends a very vibrant and unique aura to this neighborhood.

Take a stroll down Nørrebrogade, Nørrebro’s main artery where you will encounter an abundance of Turkish kebab shops, Middle Eastern butchers and barbers, grocery stores, cafes, and bohemian stores.

Don’t be scared to pop into some of the side streets as well, as here you can find some of the best food in all of Copenhagen. Oh, and even a beautiful piece of street art, perhaps.

4. BaNanna Park

BaNanna Park is a pretty funky spot in Nørrebro. It is a small green park that was formerly an old building site that is now home to some interesting artwork and a 14-meter-high climbing wall.

It is worth the detour if you’re on the lookout for something quaint and off the beaten path.

5. Superkilen

Superkilen is an open public space that is one of the most Instagrammable places in Copenhagen. It is divided into three regions – a large red area, a hilly grass-green landscape, and a black region. The three colors represent the various functions of the spaces.

The red zone is devoted to physical activities, the green landscape consists of hills, a playground, and picnic spots while the black portion consists of stone chess tables and benches.

Apart from its obvious Instagram appeal, Superkilen is also unique as it best represents its neighborhood.

For a long time, Nørrebro was known as an area where racial tensions sometimes used to boil over. Superkilen was designed to bring people together, no matter their color, religion, or beliefs.

Superkilen is open 24/7 and is free to visit.

6. The Lakes

The Lakes are a series of artificial lakes, located not far from central Copenhagen.

In fact, they are largely considered the western border of the inner city. They were built as part of Christian IV’s defense system guarding the city’s western edge in the 16th century and later used as reservoirs.

Looking at them today, it is hard to believe that they were once used as a source of drinking water in Copenhagen. Today, they mostly serve a recreational purpose.

If you are hell-bent on biking in Copenhagen, this is the perfect place. We don’t usually recommend visitors to bike in Copenhagen, because it can be overwhelming and lead to accidents on busy Danish bike paths.

• Click here to book a Copenhagen Bike Tour

If you want, you can take a short tour around the lakes as it is generally a little calmer around here.

Alternatively, why don’t you rent a corny pedal boat and see Copenhagen from the water? 😉 You can rent the swan boats from Kaffesalonen.

The best way to enjoy the lakes, however, is from Dronning Louises Bro, together with a cold beer and friendly locals who love to hang out here in the summer!

7. Lunch at Reffen Street Food

Located in a former industrial area, Reffen is Copenhagen’s excellent new street food market. Reffen houses more than 50 stalls of food and drinks.

You will discover a wide range of international cuisines such as Indian, Japanese, Thai, Chinese, South American, African, Greek, Italian, Icelandic, Mexican, and local specialties.

Reffen also functions as a base for numerous cultural activities. In the summer, there are concerts most evenings. Local artists also sell their crafts in some of the pop-up stores.

Reffen is open every day of the week. The food stalls are open from 11:30–21:30. The bars at Reffen are open from 11:00–24:00 (Sunday-Thursday) and 11:00–02:00 (Friday–Saturday).

Alternative: Tivoli Food Hall

Unfortunately, many street food markets close during the winter, including Reffen. If you still want a food hall experience and have already visited Torvehellerne, head to Tivoli Food Hall.

It’s very conveniently located just opposite the Main Train Station and has a small but good selection of food stalls and cafes!

8. Christiania

No trip to Copenhagen would be complete without visiting Christiania, an unconventional and semi-autonomous anarchist community in Copenhagen that has an interesting backstory.

In the early 1970s, a bunch of squatters decided to live a different lifestyle than that of the rest of Copenhagen society. So they moved into the abandoned military barracks and eventually obtained sovereignty.

Christiania quickly developed from a squatter residency to a hippie movement. Approximately 1000 people reside here and they concoct their own laws and plan their own development.

Christiania may not be to everyone’s taste but we feel it is still worth a visit. The atmosphere here is definitely different than the rest of Copenhagen.

The area is very bohemian, with lots of creative signage and graffiti. Pusher Street is the main draw here and the smell of weed is pervasive.

Many creative shops and stands have interesting items for sale. The main rules on Pusher Street are no pictures and no running, so be sure to abide by them.

Most visitors don’t venture beyond Pusher Street, which is a shame as there is more to Christiania than cannabis. Many of the most interesting things to see in Christiania are located in the vicinity of the old city moat on Christiania’s eastern side.

Christiania is situated in a beautiful green area by the river, and a stroll around is just lovely. You can encounter creative warehouses, colorful murals, picturesque huts, and sculptures.

Many of the homes here were built by the people who live in them and as a result, there’s a certain amount of unusual architecture. 

Every day throughout the summer (end of June – end of August) and every weekend the rest of the year, Christiana locals offer guided tours (at 15:00) that will actually take you deep into Christiania. Tours are offered in English and cost 40-50 DKK.

Although Christiania is open 24 hours daily, I recommend visiting in the afternoon. So long as local rules and people are respected and tolerated, Christiana is safe to visit.

9. Church of Our Saviour

The magnificent Church of Our Saviour is one of Denmark’s most notable churches. The inside of this Baroque church is quite nice with some very intricate carvings, especially on the carillon.

The big draws here are the ostentatious altar, which is replete with allegorical statues, and the massive three-story organ that has more than 4000 pipes.

The church’s external gilded spiral staircase is what arouses the most curiosity. The stair consists of a series of 400 steps, leading from the entrance of the church to the gilt globe and Christ figure atop the church’s spire.

You can climb the steps to reach the top and be treated to a breathtaking view. The last 150 steps are on the outside though and it can be a frightening climb if you’re acrophobic!

The Church of Our Saviour is open from 10:00–16:00. The entrance to the tower costs 69 DKK. Visits to the tower require prior booking. You can book your tickets here.

Keep in mind that the tower is closed during inclement weather due to safety reasons.

10. Modern Architecture on Amager

Although Copenhagen isn’t exactly a young city, it has recently become a hub for young architects. Amager, an upcoming district in Copenhagen, showcases a dynamic array of modern architecture that encapsulates the city’s innovative and sustainable design ethos

New constructions on Amager strike an impressive contrast to the traditional facades in the city center. Here, glass and steel dominate the cityscape.

Some of the most notable architectural gems are easily explored with the help of the metro. You can ride M1 all the way from central Copenhagen or even Christianshavn until Vestamager.

It runs every 3-5 minutes, so you can easily get off and take some photos before catching the next ride. Some of the gems along this line are:

• Tietgen Residence Hall | Metro Stop: Islands Brygge
• DR Concert Hall | Metro Stop: DR Byen Universitetet
• VM Houses | Metro Stop: Bella Center
• 8 House | Metro Stop: Vestamager

These buildings exemplify Copenhagen’s commitment to modern living spaces that are environmentally conscious and architecturally compelling.

11. Dinner & Drinks in Kødbyen

Located in the hip district of Vesterbro is Kødbyen. What was once a working-class area, dedicated to the processing of meat (hence the English name Meatpacking District), is anything but today.

The white and brown halls in the area have been converted into restaurants, bars, and art galleries.

Copenhageners love to come here on the weekends. After all, it is one of the best places to grab dinner and drinks in Copenhagen.

Here, you can find anything from Italian cuisine (check out Mother) to authentic Texan BBQ (check out Warpigs). It truly is the perfect place to end your eventful 2 days in Copenhagen!

Where to Stay in Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a very compact city and most hotels and hostels lie within the inner city and the Vesterbro district. There aren’t too many hotels in the other districts.

The inner city is where most of the major attractions are to be found so it’s convenient to stay in the vicinity. Of course, the further away you are from the inner city, the cheaper the prices are.

The range of accommodation in Copenhagen ranges from luxury boutique hotels and quality chain hotels to roadside inns, budget hotels, family-friendly hostels, and self-catering apartments.

Hostel: Urban House Copenhagen, a popular choice for budget-minded travelers looking for someplace close to the city center. The hostel is only a 2 minutes walk from Copenhagen Central Station.

Budget: Wakeup Copenhagen – Borgergade, an excellent choice if you’re on the lookout for a frugal, no-frills option in central Copenhagen. There are plenty of shopping and dining options nearby.

Mid-range: AC Hotel Bella Sky Copenhagen, a very good mid-range option. It is located in Ørestad close to the Bella Center metro station which means it’s only a 10-minute ride away from the center and 15 minutes from Copenhagen Airport.

Luxury: Nimb Hotel, this place is a sure-fire winner if money is no constraint. Located in the iconic Tivoli Gardens, this Moorish boutique-inspired hotel has striking Taj-Mahal-style turrets.

More Than 2 Days In Copenhagen?

If you have more than 2 days in Copenhagen, there are plenty of other things to do in the city. You could – 

• Visit some more of Copenhagen’s top-notch museums such as the National Museum, the National Gallery, the Design Museum, and the David Collection.
• Explore some other interesting neighborhoods in Copenhagen like Frederiksberg, Østerbro, and Hellerup.
• Go on a fascinating day trip to the postcard-perfect Kronborg Castle (home of Shakespeare’s Hamlet) and Frederiksborg Castle and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Roskilde Cathedral.
• Go on a day trip to Sweden and explore Malmö – Sweden’s third-largest city and visit the historic city of Lund.

What Is The Best Time of The Year To Visit Copenhagen?

Copenhagen offers unique experiences, making it a year-round destination. The best times to visit Copenhagen depend largely on what you want to experience in the city. Here’s a brief overview of what the tourist season in Copenhagen looks like:

Late Spring and Summer (May to August): In my opinion, this is the best time for visiting Copenhagen. This is when the climate is at its finest, with temperatures typically between 15°C to 25°C. The extended daylight hours are ideal for exploring, enjoying outdoor cafes, parks, and waterfronts. It’s also a lively time for cultural events.

Fall (September to October): For a more tranquil experience with fewer visitors, early fall is a good option. The weather is still mild, albeit cooler than summer, and the autumnal hues in the city’s parks and gardens are stunning. Additionally, accommodations and travel tend to be more budget-friendly during this season.

Winter (November to March): Those undeterred by cold and shorter days might find winter appealing, especially from late November to December when the city sparkles with Christmas decorations and markets. Expect chilly temperatures, often below freezing, and snowy conditions, necessitating warm apparel.

Early Spring (March to April): This period is cooler and weather patterns can be erratic, but you’ll miss the peak season crowds.

Getting To Copenhagen

Assuming you’re traveling to Copenhagen by air, you’ll be flying into Copenhagen International Airport (CPH), which is located about 8 km (5 miles) southeast of the city center.

Getting from Copenhagen Airport to the city center is fairly easy and convenient, as there are several options to choose from.

Train: The quickest and most reliable way to get from Copenhagen Airport to the city center with public transport is by train. The station is located in Terminal 3. Trains run every 10 minutes during the day and will get you to Copenhagen Central Station (Københavns Hovedbanegård) in about 13 minutes.

Metro: The Metro is also a good option to get from Copenhagen Airport to the city center. Metro Station is located at Terminal 3. The M2 line (direction Vanløse) goes directly to the city center. Metro trains leave every 4-6 minutes during the day and every 15-20 minutes at night. The journey to the Kongens Nytorv or Nørreport Station in the inner city (Indre By) takes about 15 minutes.

Tickets for the train and metro can be purchased from ticket machines at the airport or by downloading the “DOT Tickets” app.

Bus: If you’re not in a hurry, the bus can be a marginally cheaper option, although it takes longer. Bus 5C (direction Husum Torv) will take you directly to Copenhagen Central Station, Nørreport Station, and other central locations in about 30-35 minutes

Taxi: Taxis are available right outside the terminals. The ride to the city center takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. Taxis in Denmark are reliable but can be more expensive.

Private/Shared Transfers: Private/shared transfers are the most comfortable and convenient way to get from Copenhagen Airport to your destination in the city. They are especially useful if you are traveling in a group, have a lot of luggage, or want to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey.

Further Reading For Your Copenhagen Visit

That summarizes our comprehensive guide to spending 2 days in Copenhagen. We reckon you’ll also find the following resources useful for planning your trip to Copenhagen!

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Now, what do you think? Is there anything else you must see during two days in Copenhagen? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!