Day 1 – Arrive & Explore the Heart of Copenhagen
Stay: Near Nyhavn Harbor (out toward Tivoli Gardens may be cheaper, but 20 min walk into the city center)
Activities:
- Take an Uber (~$20) or the train (13 min / included with the Copenhagen Card) from Airport to City Center.
- Join a Free Walking Tour to see the city’s highlights, Amalienborg Palace, Nyhavn, and The Little Mermaid.
- Have lunch along Nyhavn Harbor (expect higher prices) or grab open-faced smørrebrød from a local café.
- Walk the pedestrian shopping street Strøget and browse Danish design stores.
- Dinner at Tivoli Food Hall or Gemyse inside Tivoli Gardens (for a local farm-to-table feel).
- End the night in Tivoli Gardens for a nostalgic evening ride or simply wander under the lights.
Day 2 – Museums, Canals & Culture
Activities:
- Morning museum time, Copenhagen has dozens! Pick one that matches your interests instead of trying to see them all. Below are some of the most popular:
- National Museum of Denmark (history & Viking artifacts)
- Copenhagen Contemporary (modern art in a former warehouse)
- M/S Maritime Museum of Denmark (cool architecture and nautical heritage)
- Viking Ship Museum (in Roskilde — day-trip, worthy if you have the time)
- Lunch at the Torvehallerne Market, a local favorite for fresh seafood and pastries.
- Afternoon canal experience — go on the traditional canal tour or rent your own small boat for a more intimate view of the city from the water.
- Visit Christiansborg Palace for royal history and rooftop views of the city.
- Dinner in the city center or Meatpacking District for seafood and local energy. Recommend making dinner reservations in advance.
Day 3 – Castles, Local Life & Neighborhoods
Activities:
- Start with Rosenborg Castle and the Royal Jewels, a must-see and not overwhelmingly large museum.
- Wander through Kongens Have (The King’s Garden) after the castle tour and grab a coffee nearby.
- Rent bikes and bike to lunch in Freetown Christiania for an alternative, art-filled scene and eco-café fare.
- Optional: See Østerbro or Frederiksberg Gardens, or visit the Copenhagen Zoo or Natural History Museum if the weather turns rainy.
- Afternoon: Return to Nyhavn for souvenirs and one last canal-side drink.
- Dinner in the Meatpacking District or try a Michelin-starred restaurant (if you book months ahead).
- Take a sunset walk along the harbor, a perfect goodbye to Copenhagen.
Download My Three-Day Copenhagen Itinerary (PDF)
