3 Days in Copenhagen Itinerary: An Insider’s Guide

Explore Copenhagen with our 3 days in Copenhagen itinerary- the complete, insider’s guide to the Danish capital.

Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark is a hugely underrated gem of a city. Compact, walkable, and fun-filled its a great choice for a short city break or weekend away. It makes for the perfect escape in order to surround yourself with inner-city greenery, culture, nordic design trends, and canal-side hangouts.

Copenhagen is chic, sophisticated, and effortlessly cool. A 3 day Copenhagen itinerary is the perfect amount of time to explore this beautiful city and get to know its charm.

Recently, I was given the chance to spend a whole 3 days in Copenhagen exploring and wandering through the city’s delightful neighborhoods and parks, visiting all the most famous places and the lesser-known ones too.

Copenhagen has a buzzing cafe and arts scene and an air of sustainability- Denmark really is at the forefront of green action against climate change. Keep reading for the perfect Copenhagen 3 day itinerary and find the best things to do in the beautifully quaint Danish capital.

*This 3 day itinerary of Copenhagen post may contain affiliate links meaning I get a small commission on a sale at no extra cost to you. This goes towards the running of the blog and allows me to keep creating quality content like this for free.

Best Time to Visit Copenhagen, Denmark

The best time of year to visit Copenhagen is during the spring and summer seasons. Much like its neighboring Scandinavian capitals, Copenhagen comes alive as the weather gets warmer. While the average temperature will rarely exceed 22°C/71°F, daylight hours are long giving you plenty of time to see the city.

Outdoor venues come alive and there are many occasions to mingle with the locals, enjoy live music and events in the city as well as enjoy outdoor activities like a walking tour.

Winters on the other hand are long, cold, and dreary. Many prefer to stay indoors and you’ll find few people on the streets and definitely few crowds at tourist attractions. Having said that there are a few attractions that close during the winter months.

If you do visit in winter, however, I can imagine Copenhagen in the snow to be quite beautiful. During Christmas time you can also enjoy the many Christmas markets and outdoor stalls.

Getting Around Copenhagen

Getting around the city center of Copenhagen has never been so easy. The city has an extremely well-maintained public transportation system that is fast, efficient, and easy to use.  What’s great about Copenhagen is that buying single tickets is still an option, both on the buses and on the metro.

This is great if you want to cycle or walk for the majority of your stay and only use public transport a few times.  The airport is serviced by both train and metro and it’ll take you about 15 minutes to get to the center of the city.

Metro & Bus – If you’re staying in Copenhagen for around 3 days and you’re going to be using public transport a lot, a good investment might be the Copenhagen City Pass. It’s a digital transport ticket for travel over a 24, 48, 72, 96 or 120-hour period, including travel through Zones 1-4 and the airport. Prices start from DKK90.

Bicycle – It won’t be long until you notice Copenhagen is a city made for bikes. More than half the population commutes to work or school by bicycle so why not join them all when moving around the city?

Copenhagen has an electric city bike network named Bycyklen- simply pick up a bike from the street and rent it for as long as you need. A touch screen explains everything you’ll need to know about navigation, terms of use and payment.

I found that there are also many bike rental shops and even Airbnbs that rent them- it really is the best way to get around the city.

Where to Stay in Copenhagen

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Nobis Hotel Copenhagen, a Member of Design Hotels – blends Scandinavian minimalism with luxurious comfort in a beautifully restored historic building. Located near Tivoli Gardens, this elegant hotel offers sleek, modern interiors and exceptional service, making it an ideal choice for travelers seeking style and sophistication in the heart of Copenhagen. Check rates and availability here.

Hotel Sanders – this hotel exudes a cozy, understated elegance with its chic interiors inspired by Danish and colonial styles. Located near the Royal Danish Theatre, it offers a tranquil retreat with a rooftop conservatory and personalized service, perfect for guests seeking a refined, intimate atmosphere in the city center. Book your stay here.

For more hotel deals in Copenhagen search the box below

Where to Eat in Copenhagen

Copenhagen is the capital of healthy, local and seasonal cuisine. In one of the greenest nations in the world, locally grown ingredients are at the center of food culture.

Things you simply have to try are smørrebrød, the famous Danish open sandwich, Danish pastries which are delicious and abundant all over the capital, and porridge, a Danish staple since Viking times.

Restaurants

Vækst – The ambiance brings the outdoors in, featuring lush plants, garden-inspired seating, and a full-sized greenhouse as the room’s centerpiece. The cuisine is distinctly Danish, celebrating seasonal ingredients with light, vibrant, and flavorful dishes.

Theo – Located in central Copenhagen, this inviting spot serves up straightforward, quality dishes at great value, with warm service and a relaxed atmosphere that makes it feel like a neighborhood favorite.

Noma – Copenhagen’s 3 Michelin star, sophisticated yet laid-back waterfront restaurant promises a distinctive experience, from its greenhouse-lined entrance to the fresh ingredients showcased on every plate. Featuring one of the world’s most advanced test kitchens, it offers a tasting menu filled with inventive, flavor-rich dishes. Book well in advance.

La Banchina – Sauna and waterfront restaurant with an amazing natural wine list and farm-to-table dishes.

Bobe – Run by revered Danish chef Bo Bech, this upscale, yet laid-back dining spot serves a menu of 70% vegetable dishes with meat and veg dishes as sides. A must when in the city.

Cafes & Quick Bites

Copenhagen has some fantastic cafes and coffee shops and if you like your morning cup of coffee, you could spend forever exploring them all. Here are some of my favorites:

Atelier September – Light, cosy, and incredibly photogenic this cafe serves up Danish brunch classics with a modern twist and Japanese influence. It’s the place to go if you love matcha and their coffee is pretty amazing too.

Grab a seat at the communal tables order avocado toast or their porridge and plan your day.

The Coffee Collective – Modern, slick, and minimalist, this coffee shop screams ‘hygge’ and it’s the nicest space to sit, take some time out, and sip some coffee. The coffee here is of high quality and well prepared.

Hart Bageri – San Francisco’s Tartine and Copenhagen’s Noma join forces here to create one of the city’s newest and best bakeries. The danishes are the star here- order a Cardamon bun or the kimchi grilled cheese later in the day.

Juno The Bakery – Legendary Copenhagen bakery that definitely warrants a visit for its epic sourdough buns.

Our Insider’s 3 Day Copenhagen Itinerary

For an unforgettable journey through the city, our insider’s 3-day itinerary for Copenhagen captures the city’s blend of classic elegance and modern charm. From renowned landmarks to hidden local favorites, this guide is crafted to help you experience the very best of Denmark’s vibrant capital.

Copenhagen Itinerary Summary

Copenhagen Itinerary – Day One

Once you’ve arrived, checked in to your hotel and you’re ready to start exploring. Why not start your Copenhagen itinerary at the most iconic location, Nyhavn– one of the oldest areas of Copenhagen? No doubt you’ll be back here so don’t spend too long admiring the centuries-old buildings and canal reflections.

Nyhavn

Nyhavn, Copenhagen’s picturesque waterfront district, is a vibrant blend of history and charm. Here you’ll find iconic, colorful townhouses lining the canal, this 17th-century harbor is filled with historic wooden ships, cozy cafés, and lively restaurants.

Once home to notable figures like Hans Christian Andersen, Nyhavn now invites visitors to soak up its unique atmosphere, whether they’re enjoying Danish cuisine, people-watching, or taking a scenic canal tour. Perfect for both leisurely strolls and evening dining, Nyhavn beautifully captures the essence of Copenhagen and it’s the best place to begin.

Ofelia Plads

From Nyhavn make your way to Ofelia Plads located just a short walk away, it’s a lovely dock to just wander around and check out any temporary art exhibitions or installations going on.

This spacious promenade is ideal for relaxing by the water, with wooden terraces, pop-up events, and art installations adding to its appeal. Locals and visitors alike gather here for everything from open-air concerts to peaceful sunset views, making it a vibrant hub in the city that captures Copenhagen’s love for outdoor life and culture.

Amalienborg Palace

Then head north to Amalienborg Palace, home of the Danish Royal Family. It consists of four grand, classical palace buildings all facing out onto an octagonal courtyard. In the center of the courtyard, you’ll find an equestrian statue of King Frederick V- founder of Amalienborg.

You can explore the palace museum or witness the daily Changing of the Guard, making it a captivating glimpse into Denmark’s royal heritage and the building, a classic example of Rococo architecture.

It is possible to go inside the palace buildings and admire the rococo interiors, we didn’t however due to lack of time.

Little Mermaid Statue

On the opposite bank of the main canal, you’ll see the imposing modern structure of the Opera House. Head back to the canal and head north alongside it admiring the luxurious schooners and private yachts.

Eventually, you’ll get to the Little Mermaid Statue– the symbol of Copenhagen and Denmark. She is perched on a slab of stone, by the water’s edge bringing you back to the innocent tales of Hans Christian Andersen.

The Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen was inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s beloved fairy tale and was commissioned by Danish brewer Carl Jacobsen in 1909 after he was captivated by a ballet based on the story.

Sculpted by Edvard Eriksen, the statue was unveiled in 1913 and has since become an iconic symbol of Copenhagen, drawing visitors from around the world.

Kastellet

From here loop back around to Kastellet. On Google Maps this peculiar fort looks like a pentagon and is surrounded completely by a moat, the only ways to get in or out are to the north and south of the structure.

It is one of the best-preserved fortresses in all of Northern Europe but now serves as a public park and historic site. Walk around and admire the historic, orange-painted architecture, windmill, and gardens.

If you’re staying around here Kastellet is also a great place for a morning or evening run with the locals.

Denmark Design Museum

Take the southern Kastellet exit and make your way south back down to the Denmark Design Museum.

If you’re in the mood for a museum and only planning on visiting one during your 3 days in Copenhagen I would recommend this one. Danish design has a reputation in the design world and for good reason. They perfectly combine and balance simplicity with practicality and aesthetics.

In short, everything here looks pretty, well designed, and will last for years in your home. The museum takes you on a tour of the history of Danish design and gives you insight into some classics you’ll most probably have seen before.

On your exit from the design museum, you can admire Frederik’s Church, just a stone’s throw away, one of the most lavish baroque churches in Copenhagen. 

Frama Studio Store

For those interested in a spot for Danish designer shopping, Frama Studio Store in Copenhagen is a minimalist haven blending retail and design studio in an inspiring, thoughtfully curated space.

Located in a historic pharmacy, the store showcases Frama’s signature line of furniture, home goods, and skincare products, all embodying a timeless, Scandinavian aesthetic that emphasizes natural materials and craftsmanship.

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From here it’s a short walk back to Nyhavn. On a nice evening grab a beer, preferably a Carlsberg, from a nearby store (there’s one just behind the canal on the north side), sit on the canal bank, and enjoy the view as the sun sets over the city.

As you leave make sure to also take in Kongens Nytorv or King’s New Square just next to Nyhavn- a lovely open, cobbled space with a statue of King Christian V on horseback. The perfect way to end your first day of this 3 day Copenhagen itinerary.

Read more: 10 Epic Things To Do in Copenhagen

Copenhagen Itinerary – Day Two

Freetown Christiania

Start your second day of this 3 day Copenhagen itinerary by heading to Freetown Christiania located on the island of Christianshavn. If it’s your first time in Copenhagen, Christiania is a hippie, marihuana-smoking commune governed by its own rules and laws that was founded as a military squat in 1971.

Some 1,000 people currently live there permanently in their own communities, abiding by their own rules. It’s an interesting place to go for a walk in. You can visit the many shops, cafes or bars and support the communities. Even though it isn’t legal you’ll also find residents selling marihuana on stalls guarded closely in case of oncoming raids.

Christiansborg Palace

Next, head back over the main canal to Christiansborg Palace, the seat of the Danish Parliament. This huge neo-baroque building houses all three branches of the Danish government and much of it is open to the public.

You can take a tour of some of the reception rooms and the entrance halls. Even if you don’t enter, it’s still a pretty imposing building from the outside. 

Magstræde, Strøget and Reno Boulevard

Across the street from Christiansborg, you’ll find the start of Copenhagen’s famous shopping areas. Spend the next few hours exploring the shops particularly the Lego store, and the splendid Danish architecture they’re housed in.

Three streets you’ll want to look out for are Magstræde, Strøget and Reno Boulevard. These streets are some of the oldest in the country. Their cute houses are painted in warm pastel colors, each one beautifully matching the next.

It honestly feels like you’re walking through a fairytale- a must during your 3 days Copenhagen itinerary.  

Tivoli Gardens

In the evening it’s time to explore one of Copenhagen’s most famous sights, Tivoli Gardens. Tivoli is the third oldest amusement park in the world, originally built to help keep the Kings of Denmark’s minds off politics by giving them an area to amuse themselves.

Over the decades it’s transformed itself into the park it is today. It’s full of both traditional and modern rides and roller coasters as well as variously themed buildings containing a variety of different shows and performances.

The best time to visit is in the evening as the whole park comes to life after dark, glowing in magical fairy lights. Thank goodness it’s open until 11 pm most days or even midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. 

Copenhagen Itinerary – Day Three

Day three in Copenhagen is about having a look at some neighborhoods outside of the city center. Take the metro to Nørrebro and take a walk around Superkilen Park, a forward-thinking, contemporary urban space with running, track, playground, and skateboard ramp- it’s a great place to get a taste of unique Danish urban planning. 

Then, hop back on the train and head to Vesterbro neighbourhood- one of the coolest in Copenhagen. Spend the rest of the trip walking around the neighbourhoods visiting social-worthy cafes and restaurants and stores.

If you are staying for another night I’d highly recommend coming to the Meatpacking District in Vesterbro in the evening for dinner and drinks before having to go back to Copenhagen airport. 

If you have more time or are staying in Copenhagen for more than 3 days or a weekend I would also recommend checking out Grundvigs Church (Kirke) in Nordvest. This church has some spectacular modernist-gothic architecture that’s super impressive for a photographer or architecture buff.

Other sights to see if you have more time include the Botanical Gardens – especially beautiful in spring and summer and Rosenborg Castle.

Rosenborg Castle in Copenhagen is a Renaissance masterpiece, built in the early 17th century as a royal residence for King Christian IV. Known for its lush gardens and historic interiors, the castle houses Denmark’s crown jewels and royal regalia, offering visitors a glimpse into the country’s regal history and architectural splendor.

Make sure to also walk past Copenhagen City Hall when walking around Central Copenhagen- it’s quite the impressive building as well as the round tower, a 17th Century astronomical observatory.

Top Tips for Your Copenhagen Itinerary

↠ Copenhagen can be expensive, even if for just a 3-day itinerary of Copenhagen. If you’re on a budget try to stay in a hostel or at an Airbnb where you can prepare your own meals. I’d also recommend walking and or cycling around the city. The city is compact and walking is a great way to see the center.

↠ If you’re planning on going to a few attractions and museums and using public transportation, I’d highly recommend looking into the Copenhagen Card. Through the purchase of the card, public transportation is free during the specified time and it includes entrance to 87 museums and attractions.

↠ If you do have time, go on a canal tour. The canals make Copenhagen unique and going on a canal boat tour is one of the best ways to see the city from the water. You can buy tickets in advance here and hop on from just opposite Christiansborg Palace.

More top tours in Copenhagen to look into:

I’d love to hear your thoughts and questions about the 3 day Copenhagen itinerary. Leave them below.

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