Copenhagen is a wonderfully modern yet historic European city that truly has something for everyone! And with only 2 days in Copenhagen, it may feel hard to plan what to do to see the best of this city on a short visit. No worries, I’ve got you covered!
Here is the how to spend your time on a short visit or weekend trip to Copenhagen!
Is Copenhagen Worth Visiting?
Something that I heard a few times before visiting, is that Copenhagen is not worth the visit. Too expensive, not enough outdoor activities, and not that much culture, are among the complaints I’d heard from other travelers.
It will probably differ for each traveler, but for me, Copenhagen was 1000% worth the visit. In fact, I kick myself for not allotting more time here based on the poor feedback I heard.
People enjoy Copenhagen for the fantastic gastronomic scene (note, the worlds best restaurant NOMA is located here), the world class museums, and the great cafe and bar culture. The city itself is very modern, but with ample historic areas, squeaky clean, and set along charming canals and waterfront areas.
Who is Copenhagen not for?
People who probably won’t like Copenhagen are budget travelers, those looking for a more traditional European city experience, or those aren’t interested in gastronomy or design.
How Many Days in Copenhagen is Enough?
First of all, is 2 days in Copenhagen enough? This answer really depends on what you’d consider enough. However, like most big cities of the world, the answer is yes and no.
2 days in Copenhagen is not enough, in the sense that there is no way you can see everything this city has to offer in 48 hours. To cover all museums, enjoy the multitude of cafes and bars, and do a few day trips, a stay of 5 days or up to a week is closer to the ideal.
However, 2 days in Copenhagen is definitely enough to see the major sites. It’s a good timeframe for getting a feel for what this city is all about, and visit the major attractions within the city center.
Is Copenhagen Expensive?
A common notion is the idea that Copenhagen is expensive. I definitely wouldn’t call it a budget destination, but you don’t have to spend extravagantly while here either.
If you are coming from Scandinavia or a major city in the US, the prices won’t be too shocking. Still, your money certainly does go further in most other European cities, so all the more reason to plan for a shorter trip overall.
Cost of Goods in Copenhagen
Here are some common costs you can expect to pay in Copenhagen (for reference, at the time of writing 75 DKK = roughly $10 USD)
Cup of coffee: 45 DKK
A lunch special in Nyhavn: 175 DKK
A street hotdog: 60 DKK
A beer in a casual bar: 55 DKK
Danish pastry from a bakery: 24 DKK
Open-faced sandwich from the Food Market: 75 DKK
Hostel bed in a dorm: 230 DKK
Budget to mid-range hotel: 980 – 1847 DKK a night
Metro ticket: 20 DKK
Metro Card: 80 DKK
Can You do Copenhagen on a Budget?
There are certainly ways to reduce your spending in Copenhagen. You’ll likely never reach shoe-string budget levels, but here are some ideas on how to spend less.
Saving on Accommodation
If you can travel with someone, that already helps slash the accommodation costs tremendously as rooms usually start around $160 – $240 USD.
If you are traveling alone, there aren’t many budget options unless you opt to stay in a hostel. Private rooms start at $65 USD a night, and dorm beds can be as cheap as $30 USD.
Saving on Transportation
Other ways to save money are to get the City Pass for unlimited metro rides. For example, you can get a card offering unlimited rides for the metro and bus within your zones for 1 – 5 days.
Prices start from 80 DKK to 260 DKK for a single day, depending which zones you’ll travel. For more info or to purchase a card, click here.
Saving on Food
Instead of eating in restaurants for every meal, you can opt to have a danish pastry for breakfast, or a street hotdog for lunch or as a snack. These are staple Copenhagen foods to try anyway, and always cost just a few dollars.
Save the splurge for dinner, or better yet, splurge AND save on lunch instead. Many restaurants offer lunch special prices which include a set meal with several courses. These will usually be at a fraction of the cost for dinner.
Getting to Copenhagen
Flying to Copenhagen
The easiest way to get to Copenhagen is to fly from most destinations. If you are heading to another Scandinavian country after, such as Iceland or Norway, You can easily do Copenhagen on a long layover on Norwegian Airlines or Scandinavian Airlines.
If you are heading to Iceland after, one airline with routinely cheaper airfare via Copenhagen is Play Airlines.
See More: Visiting Iceland – How to See the Northern Lights
Taking the train to Copenhagen
If you are coming from Sweden, it may be practical to take the train to Copenhagen. The nearest major city is Malmo, so that would likely be your transfer point.
From anywhere further, I’d suggest comparing flight deals before booking a train. The reason being, trains in this region of the Europe are not always affordable.
For example, a flight from Stockholm to Copenhagen can be as cheap as $37 USD, so it’s sometimes better to just fly.
I use Trainline to look up and book train rides in Europe.
Taking the bus to Copenhagen
I’d never considered that taking the bus to Copenhagen from western Europe was an option, until I met a traveler who did just that.
There are Flixbus and other buses that travel to Copenhagen from many major European cities such as Berlin, and other German cities.
These journeys will take 8 – 12 hours, but can be affordable, sometimes as little as $30 usd. Plus, you won’t have to deal with luggage limitations you would face if you chose to fly.
Things to Know Before You Go
Before booking your flight and packing your bags, here are some helpful facts to help you plan out your 2 days in Copenhagen.
Getting the Copenhagen Card
The Copenhagen Card is a tourist card, that offers free admission for up to 89 tourist attractions within Copenhagen and the surroundings.
The cost of the card starts at 439 DKK ($60 USD) for a 24 hours card, and 639 DKK ($108 USD) for a 48 hour card. The card includes free admission to most of the major sites such as The National Museum, Tivoli Gardens, a canal tour, the Round Tower and more.
Is the Copenhagen Card Worth it?
If you plan to visit at least 5 paid attractions, the card will pay for itself. If you plan to visit more that that, it’ll likely save you money.
Keep in mind a majority of these attractions are closed on Mondays, so if your 2 days in Copenhagen overlap a Monday, you likely won’t save money getting the Copenhagen card.
To help you calculate the cost savings you’d receive from buying the Copenhagen card, use this nifty cost calculator here.
The Local Currency
The currency used in Copenhagen is the Danish Krone. Since Denmark is not on the Euro, you can’t use your euros here.
Luckily, Copenhagen is one of the most card-friendly cities I’ve been to. A serious plus side if you collect credit card points!!
For your 2 days in Copenhagen, I’d daresay you can get by without exchanging or taking out any cash at the ATM. Metro tickets, restaurants, street food stalls, small bakeries, and bars all take card payments.
The Local Language
The local language is officially Danish. Hot take, but Danish, like many Scandinavian languages, is pretty challenging.
Luckily, the level of English spoken here seems to be really high, with most people you will interact with being able to speak conversational or fluent English. It doesn’t hurt to learn a few phrases though, as I am sure locals always appreciate that.
Local Names
One case where you may want to familiarize yourself with the local words, is for reading the city names. When at the train station, you’ll often see the names of the destinations listed in Danish, which in many cases, differ from the English name.
For example Køpmannæhafn and København both translate to Copenhagen in Danish. They are fairly easy to decipher after a day here, but if in doubt, look up the names before hand on Google translate.
Best Time to Go
Copenhagen in Summer
Summer is the obvious and most popular time to visit Copenhagen. On top of substantially longer daylight hours, you also have the best weather.
Being further up north, the summers here aren’t as swelteringly hot as the rest of Europe, with daytimes rarely exceeding 23 degrees Celsius. This makes summertime in Copenhagen comfortable and ideal for outdoor activities such as cycling, canal rides, etc.
Copenhagen in Autumn
I visited Copenhagen in middle of Autumn and can vouch for the this being a great time of year in to visit. The weather hovers somewhere between 10 – 16 degrees Celsius in the day time, which actually feels very warm when the sun is out.
It’s warm enough to explore the city and enjoy the outdoor activities, but cool enough to make those cafe breaks feel all the more cozy.
There were still a lot of travelers in the city at this time.
Copenhagen in Winter
Copenhagen in winter is pretty darn cold, but usually without much snow. With temperatures hovering somewhere in between -1 to 5 degrees Celsius during the day time. The sun will also go down pretty early, so the daylight hours are much more limited.
If you are coming to Copenhagen wanting to see museums and to soak up all the hygge in the numerous cozy cafes, you’ll be fine. A big bonus for you if you can visit around Christmas time when the city will be decorated festively.
If you are more of an outdoor person, this may not be the best time to visit.
Copenhagen in Spring
Copenhagen in spring is still pretty chilly, with the weather hovering below 10 degrees Celsius during the daytime until May.
In May, the weather warms up considerably, making it a great time to visit for those who love shoulder season. You won’t see large crowds just yet, but still have access to lots of sunny days to enjoy the outdoors.
Copenhagen Safety
Copenhagen is one of the safest capital cities in Europe. In fact, Denmark as a whole ranks as the 4th safest country in the world according to the Global Peace Index.
Upon arrival, you’ll find that there is hardly any obvious poverty or homelessness within the city itself. Everything looks clean, and the city seems to be doing well, so you can imagine there is less desperation pushing people towards petty crimes.
Copenhagen Safety for Solo Female Travelers
Copenhagen is probably one of the best cities in Europe for solo female travelers. You can walk safely down the street during the day and not worry about getting robbed or catcalled.
However, it’s still a city, so normal precautions should be taken. Usually, I’d advise against solo female travelers walking around at night alone, but I will say, I did walk around at night alone (sober) and it felt very safe.
Biking is Serious Here
Upon arrival in Copenhagen, you may be culture shocked by the number of cyclists on the road.
In many cases the number of bikes outnumber the car traffic. Not surprising either when you consider how well organized the bike lanes are and the fact the city is totally flat – ideal city biking conditions.
Make no mistake, cycling here is no bike ride in the park. Locals are going very fast, on their way to work or school.
When crossing the road, I’d look out for bikes just as much (if not more) than the cars. I don’t recommend listening to music while walking around, to ensure you can hear the bike bells from oncoming cyclists.
Where to Stay
A good area to base yourself is in the Inner City, otherwise known as Indre By. This is definitely the center of the action, and easy to get anywhere else within the city on foot or on a short metro ride.
It’s best to book a place near the Copenhagen Central Station, which will be your jumping off point for any day trips, getting to the airport, or to Sweden.
Some great hotels in this area are:
WIDE Hotel: This 4 star hotel is in an ideal location right next to the main train station. It features a sleek and polished interior design with stylish touches such as a luxurious bathtub and balcony views in some rooms.
Copenhagen Admiral: For a historic stay in Copenhagen, choose a stay in this 1780s heritage-listed hotel. Located next to Amalienborg Royal Palace, it’s located in a slightly quieter area of the city center. Features a distinct style, with old wooden accents and views of the waterfront.
CitizenM Copenhagen: This hotel offers a location that can’t be beat, right in the center of town, just a stones throw from Tivoli Garden. The rooms are on the cozier side, but with futuristic and modern aesthetic that includes all you’d need.
Getting Around
On Two Wheels
If you feel like you can keep up with the pace of the bikers here, a great way to see the city is by cycling.
Not only is it eco-friendly, but it’s the most local way of getting around! You can enjoy the sites of the city, and get around with ease by renting a bike either from your hotel, hostel or a bike rental shop.
Renting a bike starts from about $40 a day, or click here to book a Copenhagen biking tour.
A word of caution: if you are not a great biker or if you’re slow like me, this is not the best place to try and learn. The flow of bike traffic moves very fast and you will slow everyone down or worse, cause an accident.
On Foot
Another great way to see the city is just by walking around. The city center is totally pedestrian-friendly, with clean and wide sidewalks.
If you aren’t used to walking a lot, this may be tiring for you, but not impossible. To give you an idea how much ground you’ll cover, I walked an average of 30,000 steps per day during my 2 days in Copenhagen.
If getting around on foot, I’d recommend picking up a free walking map of Copenhagen from your hotel.
Using the Metro
The metro in Copenhagen is clean, punctual and reliable. It’s open 7 days a week, and 24 hours a day. Pretty impressive!
It’s a great way to get around for those who don’t like walking, or if you’re visiting in winter and it’s just too darn cold.
Again, you may want to consider getting a 24 or 48 hour metro card depending on how many trips you think you’ll do. In many cases, it’ll be worth it.
Using Uber/Taxi
Not recommended, as it’ll be very pricey. Plus, as of now there is no access to ride-sharing apps such as Uber or Lyft in Denmark.
About Copenhagen
Copenhagen became the capital of Denmark in 1445, when it also became the official royal residence for the Danish monarchy. Before this time, Copenhagen had just been a humble fishing village since its settlement by the vikings some time in the 10th century.
And since Denmark is both a democracy and a monarchy today, the royal family still resides in the palaces in Copenhagen to this day. You can still visit these palaces, which along with the old fishing houses, and historic churches, help Copenhagen retain its old world charm in an increasingly modernized city.
The city itself has many nicknames, two of which are “the city of Fairy Tales” and “The Happiest City in the World”. The latter is in reference to the widely believed notion people in Copenhagen have the best quality of life in the world.
Copenhagen Itinerary for 2 Days
2 Days in Copenhagen: Day 1 Itinerary
The first day in Copenhagen will take you through the majority of the historical parts of Copenhagen. It’s possible to accomplish on foot, or on bike if you prefer.
Copenhagen Old Town
If you are staying in the city center, then your exploration will begin here. A good starting point for exploring the old town starts at around Central Station.
The old town is home to some of the most important landmarks within the city such as Copenhagen’s City Hall, Tivoli Garden, The Royal Danish Theatre, and the Round Tower.
Copenhagen Radhus
One of the most impressive structures you’ll see on your way around the old town is the Copenhagen Radhus, or city hall. This building has a grand, historic appearance, however it was actually built in 1905, just over a century ago.
From the outside, the most notable feature is the clock tower which can be seen glimmering in the sun from far away.
This clock is known as Verdensur, which translates to the World Clock. It became famous for its sophisticated construction as an advanced astronomical clock for its time. It’s creator was a famous Daish clockmaker, by the name of Jens Olsen.
Tours of the Radhus interiors are available, for those who wish to admire from beyond the outside. You can even climb the 300 steps up the clock tower and see the sweeping views of Copenhagen from above.
For tour prices and times, click here.
Opening Hours: 9am – 4pm
Royal Danish Opera
From The Radhus, you can wander around the old town. Along the way you may stumble across the Royal Danish Theatre, an impressive building with a huge dome blue dome. It was constructed in 1874, and is still in use today for ballets, concerts, and the royal opera.
Strøget Street
Strøget Street is one of Europe’s longest pedestrian street. It runs throughout the length of old town, and is home to the main shopping area in Copenhagen. Here you’ll find the global chain shops, fast food restaurants and bars.
Although the street has historical significance, it’s not where I’d suggest spending a lot of your morning, unless you need to buy something.
Rundetaarn
The Round Tower of Copenhagen is another famous site a few blocks away from the Radhus.
This tower dates back to the 1694, where it served as an astronomical observation tower. Back in these times, Copenhagen itself was known as a powerhouse for astronomical research and accomplishments.
Today, the Round Tower remains fully functional and is the oldest observatory still in use in Europe.
Where it stands today, this unique structure towers above the little shops below. Tourists can visit the tower, by climbing the spiral slopes within to reach the amazing view at the top.
Along the way visitors can enjoy the exhibit displaying various features of Danish art, scientific achievements, and culture.
Opening Hours: 10am – 6pm most days
Trinitatis Church
Right next to the Round Tower is the Trinitatis Church. This church is worthy of a quick peek, as the interiors are quite beautiful.
What I like about Danish churches, are how they maintain the detailed intricacies I love about European churches, but with a brighter, and airy appearance.
Instead of dark slabs of stone, this church is painted white with dainty wooden and gold details.
Opening Hours: 9:30am – 4pm
Christiansborg Palace
After the round tower, and perhaps grabbing a coffee along the way, head to the nearby island of Slotholmen. Here you’ll find several historic sites of importance, including the Christiansborg Palace.
This palace has been in use for over 800 years, serving as the center of the monarchy throughout the centuries. Today, it remains one of the last working palaces still in use that are open to the public.
When the queen is not using the palace for her royal events, a visit to see the palace interiors is a must.
The royal reception rooms are among the most opulently decorated in Scandinavia, and visitors can also visit the royal stables, the palace chapel, the palace ruins and the gardens.
For visiting times and prices, click here.
Opening Hours: 10am – 5pm, closed on Mondays
Slotholmen “Castle Island“
After visiting Christiansborg Palace, have a quick walk around the rest of Slotholmen, a name which translates to Castle Island.
Around the small island, you will find significant structures to Danish history and present day life such as the Parliment Building, The Supreme Court, and the Ministry of Finance.
Among the buildings you can visit are the Thorvaldsens Museum, The Danish War Museum, and Christian IV Bryghus.
Thorvaldsens Museum
Thorvaldsens Museum is one of the oldest museums in Copenhagen. Constructed in 1848, it is both the house of artistic works as well as the mausoleum for Bertel Thorvaldsen.
Thorvadsen was a Danish scupltor, who’s extensive work throughout his life can largely be found here.
Opening Hours: 10am – 5pm, closed on Monday
The Danish War Museum
The Danish War Museum highlights Denmarks military history. Featuring a fine collection of weaponry, art and some models, it’s an interesting insight into the past of Denmark’s conflict with neighboring countries.
Christian IV Bryghus
Christian IV’s Brewhouse was originally constructed by Christian IV in 1608, to serve as part of military defense against foreign invasion.
It served as a military fort for only a few years, but when newer defensive ramparts where built on the outer parameters of the King’s Harbor, the fort was no longer needed for protection.
Thus, it was converted into a brewhouse in 1616, and later as a beer storehouse for soldiers. Today, it is home to the King’s collection of sculpted artwork.
Unfortunately, the brewhouse is only open during the summer, so if visiting in other season, a look from the outside must suffice.
For information about when you can visit the Brewhouse, click here.
Borsen
The last building on Castle Island worthy of a quick look, is the Borsen Stock Exchange Building.
Even from far away, this building is striking to behold, mostly due to the dramatically spiraled copper tower. The spire resembles that of a seashell or unicorn horn. However your imagination chooses to see it, it is among the most unique structures in Copenhagen.
Historically, it was the site for the Stock Exchange since as early as 1625. Today, visitors cannot visit the interiors since it is actively used as the headquarters to the Danish Chamber of Commerce.
Opening Hours: Not open to the public
Nyhavn
You’ve likely seen photos of Nyhavn when looking up Copenhagen before. This famous street is home to the famously colorful fisherman houses that line the canal.
Historically, it was an unsavory part of Copenhagen, where sailors came to get drunk and engage in seedy activities. Crime ran rampant around this area, a far cry from what you’ll find today.
Instead, today it is the location of many restaurants with outdoor seating, lining the waterfront. This is a great place to take a break from all the sightseeing and try some Danish seafood.
Many restaurants here offer lunch specials of locally caught fish, stews or smorresbrod, a Danish open-faced sandwich.
If you’re on a budget, there is a hotdog stall nearby where you can alternatively grab a snack and sit by the canal.
Opening hours: all day
Amalie Garden
After lunch in Nyhavn, walk for a few minutes over to Amalie Garden.
This quaint and neatly designed garden is set right at the water’s edgel. Here, you can take a moment to enjoy the peacefulness among the maze of hedge bushes and flowers, and admire views across the river.
Opening hours: all day
Amalienborg Palace
Head across the street towards Amalienborg Palace. This palace complex was constructed in the 18th century, when it served as the Queen’s winter residence.
Like Christiansborg Palace, it is still in active use today, and is used by the current queen to host royal events and galas. From the outside, you will see the royal guards pacing around in their uniforms.
If you’d like to visit the interiors, there are guided tours available. The Amalienborg Palace houses part of the royal Danish collection, and you can find a special exhibit known as The Queen’s Jewelry Box here.
If you make it here before noon, you can stick around to witness the changing of the guards ceremony at 12pm sharp.
For more info click here.
Opening hours: 10am – 5pm
Frederick’s Church
From the square of Amalienborg Palace, you have a full frontal view of the impressive domed structure that is Frederick’s Chruch straight ahead. Also known as the Marble Church, this 18th century church also boasts the largest dome in all of Scandinavia.
The building is constructed in a theatrical and exceptionally ornate design, in line with late Baroque architectural styles. It is still in use today as a Lutheran church, but entrance remains free for visitors when there is no mass in service.
You can even pay to climb the tower up to the dome, for views of the city that are hard to beat.
Given the name, you may not be surprised to learn that church and dome itself are constructed with marble. The marble used was sourced from Bergen, Norway, a city off the western coast.
The construction of the church began in the 1740s, and proved to be very costly in both funds and time. However, the outcome is an exuberant church, that is now one of the most recognizable landmarks in Copenhagen, and Denmark.
Open hours: 10am – 5pm
Kastellet
Before heading to the next point of interest, you may want to grab a snack, because there is a lot of walking ahead!
Kastellet translates to citadel, and that’s exactly what this area of Copenhagen used to be. The fort was constructed in the shape of a star, and since the 1600s, served as a base for military activity.
Today, you’ll still see some military activity here, mostly in the form of uniformed men with big guns pacing around. But for the most part, it is now a park for leisure and historical value.
There are several points of interest here to explore, and the best way to see them all is just to walk around at a leisurely pace. You’ll pass over historic bridges and moats, and many areas of natural beauty, ideal for sitting on a bench and having that snack I mentioned earlier.
Some sites that you shouldn’t miss are St Alban’s Church (only open until 4pm), The Commander’s House, The Prison, and the iconic windmills.
Opening Hours: 16am – 10pm
The Little Mermaid Statue
From Kastellet, you will be able to reach what is likely the most famous landmark in Copenhagen. The Little Mermaid Statue has become somewhat of a symbol for Copenhagen, and no visit here is complete without seeing it.
The status itself was built to commemorate Hans Anderson, an infamous Danish writer who’s legacy was solidified through his body of work in the fairy tale genre. Hans himself lived in Copenhagen from the age of fourteen, where he wrote and published many of his literary masterpeices.
Arguably his most famous story was “The Little Mermaid”, which is the reason behind this statues creation.
You will see the crowd of people before the statue itself, but that’s how you’ll know you’ve arrived. The statue is somewhat underwhelming and small, but it’s set with the gorgeous backdrop of the river behind it.
Opening Hours: all day
Nightlife: The Meatpacking District
End the day in Copenhagen by having dinner and a nightcap in the Meatpacking District. Historically, this area was used solely for industrial purposes, and was defined as more of an unsavory part of town.
Today, thanks to modernization and a wee bit of gentrification, the area has been transformed into an entertainment district. It’s now the location for hip bars, restaurants, and a thriving art scene.
For happy hour, head to Warpigs for beer and barbecue, or Mesteren & Lærlingen, a local hotspot.
When dinner time rolls around, check out Kødbyens Fiskebar for fresh seafood and good wine.
NOHO is a great date night option, for a slightly more upscale and trendy dining experience. Here, you can also enjoy some great cocktails to get the night started.
2 Days in Copenhagen: Day 2 Itinerary
Day 2 of your 2 days in Copenhagen will take you through a bit more of the historic side of Copenhagen, but a lot of the more modern and quirky spots throughout the city.
Rosenborg Castle
Start the day early by grabbing a morning coffee at one of the fantastic cafes in the city center, then leisurely make your way down to the Castle Park at Rosenborg Castle.
On the way there, you’ll probably pass 1000s of cyclists on the way to work, and plenty of beeping garbage trucks making their morning rounds. However, the castle grounds provide an immediate relief from all the ruckus.
Here you’ll find a serene and tranquil park with a few locals reading on benches, walking their dogs, or chatting with friends.
There are ponds with ducks, and on a sunny day, sitting down in the grass to enjoy the view of Rosenborg Castle is a great way to start off the day.
The castle itself opens for visitors at 10 am, and is another must-visit castle while in Copenhagen. The castle was built during the renaissance era, over 400 years ago by Christian IV.
Today it houses an extensive collection from the Danish treasury, where you can see royal items from the kings and queens of Denmark on display.
Opening Hours: 10am – 5pm
Botanical Garden
After Rosenburg Castle, head a few blocks over to the Botanical Gardens. This garden is more like a large park that is mostly free to the public.
It’s another pocket of natural beauty well located in the middle of the bustling city. Here, you can walk along the paths, visit the koi ponds, and enjoy nature.
If you love plants, you may choose to also visit the Palm House. This lush oasis of tropical plants is housed in a massive greenhouse that resembles a crystal palace.
In the summertime, you can also choose to visit the Butterfly House, where you can view exotic butterfly species up close.
Opening Hours: 10 am – 4pm
Torvehallerne
For lunch, head to Torvehallerne, by far Copenhagen’s best food market, frequented by tourists and locals alike.
The market itself is huge, spanning across two separate buildings. The food here is fresh, made with high quality ingredients, and with an abundance of variety.
Choose from staple Danish dishes such as Frikadeller (Danish meatballs), cod fish stew, and 101 different types of smorrebrod (Scandinavian open-faced sandwich).
For more adventurous bites, there is fresh seafood, sushi, tapas and pasta among many other options available here. My only advice to you is to do at least one full round before committing to buying anything.
EVERYTHING here looks good, and since you only have one stomach, I’d say choose wisely. But you really can’t go wrong with whatever you choose.
Opening Hours: 10am – 7pm (closes at 6pm on Friday/Saturday)
Danish Architecture Centre
From Torvehallerne, it’s a 20 minute walk to the Danish Architecture Centre. You could take a short detour through Orstedsparken, nearby for another nature break.
This park isn’t as impressive as the Botanical Garden or Rosenborg Castle Gardens, but its close by and a good place to walk off that huge lunch.
Once you make it to the Danish Architecture Centre, this will either be a quick look from the outside, or you may choose to visit the actual museum.
The theme of this museum is all things regarding Danish design, urban concepts, and architecture, of course. The museum also boasts a fabulous rooftop cafe, with great views across the river.
Personally, I decided to skip this museum during my 2 days in Copenhagen. Had there been more time, it would have been cool. But for a short trip, it was not a priority.
Opening Hours: 10am – 6pm most days
The Black Diamond
The Black Diamond is located a short walk from the architecture museum. Unlike what the name may suggest, this place is actually a library.
The Black Diamond, or Det Kongelige Bibliotek in Danish, likely gets its name from its modern, monolithic appearance. The entire surface of the Black Diamond is constructed with black granite from Zimbabwe.
From the outside, this is truly another masterpiece of Danish modern architecture.
Luckily, the library is free for visitation Monday through Saturdays. Aside from books, you can find works of art on display, a sound art show at 1pm, and a garden.
Opening Hours: 10am – 7pm, closed on Sundays
Christianshavn
Cross the bridge to get across the river, and that will take you towards the very charming neighborhood of Christianshavn.
This name literally translates to “King’s Harbor”. The neighborhood has a rich maritime history, as it used to serve as the seaborne entry point into Copenhagen.
Today, you’ll find a slower pace and quieter streets than in the old town. The colorful buildings here line the smaller, quaint canals that run through it – very reminiscent of Amsterdam.
The cobbled streets are less trafficked, and are home to many cute cafes and restaurants, many of which spill over into the sidewalk with their terraced seating.
This neighborhood is definitely a great place to get lost, check out some boutique shops, enjoy a drink by the canal and enjoy a slower moment.
Church of Our Saviour
In the center of Christianshavn, you’ll find Vor Frelsers Kirke, or Church of Our Savior. This church dominates the skyline from this side of the river, with its towering spiral tower peaking out above the buildings.
The church was built in the 1680s, shortly after Denmark had lost a war and subsequently some Danish land, to Sweden. The Kind at the time, Christian IV, became the first to rule under absolutism.
Thus church was built by him during that era, and remains one of his greatest architectural accomplishments of all time.
Today, you can visit the church interiors for free, or pay to climb up the tower. The tower is rumored to be haunted by a suicide (although it’s likely an urban legend more than truth), making it even more interesting.
Opening Hours: 9am – 8pm
Christiana Freetown
From the church, you are just a couple blocks from the infamous Christiana Freetown. If you have been living under a rock and are not yet familiar with this name yet, a bit of research before you go would be wise to add some context.
Essentially, Christiana was formed in 1971, when it legally became an autonomous area of Copenhagen and Denmark. This means it does not answer to the legal systems of Denmark, but rather serves as a self-governing anarchist microstate.
Obviously, this drew in headlines back in its days, and Christiana became notoriously known as a hippie haven. Free love and rampant weed consumption are what many outsiders associated with the commune.
However, the community stands for much more than that. They also stand up for strong sense of community, protection of the environment, and living a more holistic lifestyle.
Today, the commune is only a glimmer of what it once was, as gentrification, tourism, and inflation has driven out a lot of the inhabitants and rendered the lifestyle less sustainable.
You will however find wonderful street art here, street stalls selling jewelry, clothing, and of course, weed. In fact, cannabis consumption and sales is probably the main point of commerce still taking place here.
You’d think that would only attract certain types of visitors, but you’ll find families with children, to elderly people, to young adolescent groups here enjoying this alternative side to Copenhagen.
Opening Hours: All day, but recommended not to go at night
Islands Brygge
From Christiana, walk over towards Islands Brygge. Yet another neighborhood with it’s own vibe within Copenhagen, Islands Brygge is the area characterized around the waterfront, lining the Havne Park.
This area is most popular among locals for the Harbor Bath. This is basically a swimming location located right in the Harbor itself.
During warmer the months from May to September, you can find locals here sunbathing and swimming.
The Islands Brygge neighborhood is also home to some great cafes. I’d definitely recommend a stop by at the Anderson Bakery.
This bakery is actually the creation of a Japanese baker, who’s love for Danish pastries pushed him towards creating a fusion bakery featuring classic Danish pastries, made with Japanese quality.
The most quintessential of all Danish pastries is definitely the spandauer, which I can definitely recommend from Anderson Bakery.
You may choose to buy a few baked goods, head towards Havne Park and have a little picnic by the river.
Tivoli Garden
Finish off your 2 days in Copenhagen by heading to Tivoli Garden.
Tivoli is not really a garden at all, but a full blown amusement park right in the center of a city. Now, this isn’t your grandmas amusement park (or is it?), as Tivoli Garden offers much more than you’d expect.
Firstly, it is the third oldest amusement park still functioning in the world, predating Disneyland by over a century. It was constructed in 1843, interestingly, as a tactic to distract the population from politics.
Tivoli was truly a center for all things entertainment, and even had it’s own in-house composer, Hans Christian Lumbye.
His famous works were often inspired by the beautiful imageries drawn from Tivoli, such as the ponds and flower gardens.
Today, aside from the usual attractions and rides you’d expect, you’ll also find concerts, gardens, shopping, and even an aquarium here at Tivoli.
It is an obvious choice for travelers with kids in Copenhagen, but Tivoli Gardens is fun for all ages.
It really comes to life in the evening when it’s all lit up, so I definitely suggest visiting around dusk.
For info on what you can do in the Tivoli Gardens, click here.
Opening hours: 11am – 12am
FAQ
Is 2 days in Copenhagen enough?
2 days in Copenhagen is enough to visit the major tourist sites, largely within and around the city center. Unfortunately, it’s not really enough time to visit all the museums and side trips from Copenhagen that are worthwhile.
If you have more time to spare, and budget is not an issue, I’d opt to spend up to 5 days in Copenhagen. This would allow for 2 days in Copenhagen solely, and 3 days for day trips into Sweden or the nearby points of interest within Denmark.
If you are on a budget, 2 days in Copenhagen will likely be the optimal amount of time to spend here, as long as you’re ok with a fast paced trip.
Is Copenhagen a Walkable City?
Yes, Copenhagen is a great city for pedestrians. The sidewalks are wide, very clean, and the city is mostly flat.
Seeing the city on foot is a great way to enjoy it, as you’ll be free to wander down any of the many smaller alleyways, and cross the many bridges, while enjoying the views.
Copenhagen’s city center is small enough that I would consider it walkable. But for some it may be a lot.
If you are planning to cover the major sites in 2 days in Copenhagen, you could easily walk over 13 miles (20 km) each day.
Is Copenhagen Worth Visiting in Winter?
Copenhagen does get pretty cold in winter, and for some, it can be uncomfortable. Luckily, there are enough indoor attractions in Copenhagen to keep you entertained and warm.
If you are planning to visit Copenhagen to see museums, cozy up in the many cute cafes and restaurants, a visit in winter is fine.
For budget travelers, costs for hotels will be considerably cheaper this time of year.
What to Eat in Copenhagen
If you’re a derp like me, you may have no clue about the huge gastronomy scene in Copenhagen before arriving. But as home to 14 Michelin star restaurants, and the birth place of the “New Nordic” gastro scene, Copenhagen is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to food.
If you’re a foodie, you’ll probably want to look into the fancy restaurants you want to eat at and make reservations ahead of time.
For those of us who like food, but aren’t of the sophisticated pallet, you’ll probably be happy with enjoying a Danish street hotdog for lunch, and trying the endless variations of smørrebrød, the beloved, Danish open-faced sandwich.
And of course, I feel no trip to Denmark is complete unless you try a Danish pastry or twelve.
Best Restaurants in Copenhagen
NOMA: A restaurant that hardly needs introduction after winning the title as the world’s best restaurant, and having its own Netflix documentary. If you want to score a table, reservations months in advanced are key. The food consists of contemporary spins on Nordic cuisine, made with the best, in-season local ingredients available at the time. Dishes vary by season, and come in an extensive preset menu.
Restaurant Kronborg: This restaurant was recommended a few times when I asked what’s the greatest restaurant for trying classic Danish food.
Restaurant Mes: This restaurant offers high-end, seasonally constructed dishes, at fairly affordable prices. You can try seasonal, artistically created dishes here, paired with great wine.
Restaurant Tarnet: This restaurant is located inside the Parliment Building, making a great lunch spot after visiting Christiansborg Palace. Modern yet rustic vibes; you can order a generously sized smorrebord here
Gemyse: Located inside the Tivoli Gardens. The interiors resemble that of a modern greenhouse. Here you can try seasonal dishes with locally sourced ingredient.
Schønnemann’s: This is Copenhagen’s oldest restaurants, serving people since 1877. Another great place to try all of the classic Danish far such as smorrebrod, pickled herring, and other traditional staple dishes. Only open for lunch.
Best Bakeries in Copenhagen
Lagkagehuset: A famous Danish bakery chain, now with locations abroad. Here they offer a good selection of pastries and baked goods at reasonable prices.
Perron: A bit of a hidden gem, outside the city center. Known for simple high quality breads and croissants.
Anderson’s Bakery: The best of both worlds; Danish creation with Japanese quality is what makes the pastries at Anderson just soooo good.
Best Cafes in Copenhagen
There are too many quality cafes in Copenhagen to list, and truly, half the fun is stumbling upon them on your own. Here are a few that I loved for both coffee and ambience:
Café No. 11: Very cozy and cute cafe located near the Marble Church. Offers a great breakfast menu from 10am.
Atelier September: A cafe featuring a rustic, bohemian vibe. The menu features coffees, pastries and vegetarian food. Popular brunch spot for locals, so you may encounter a line.
Cafe Coco: A quirky cafe decorated with eclectic artwork and plants, located just behind the main train station. The offer a breakfast buffet in the mornings.
Risteriet Coffee Halmtorvet: The shop is tucked away in a cute little cellar, with vintage-style, interior decor. Grab a coffee, small breakfast, or one of their very enticing baked goods to start the day.
Day Trips from Copenhagen
If you only have 2 days in Copenhagen, I don’t really recommend doing any side trips, as you hardly have enough time to cover the main attractions in the city. However, if you have more time to spare, here are great day trips easily accessible from Copenhagen.
Lund
A very medieval university town, with cute, colorful buildings and narrow streets full of little shops and cafes. The main draw here is a visit to Lund University and the onsite historical museum, and it’s historic library building.
The cathedral is also worth a visit, as it houses a huge indoor astronomical clock. Lund also boasts a free botanical garden with an incredibly vast array of plants and flowers. It’s better than the one in Copenhagen!
Malmo
Malmo is a major city in the south of Sweden, that mixes ultra-modern cityscape with natural beauty. It’s home to the Turning Torso, the tallest and most visually fascinating building in Sweden.
In Malmo, you’ll find stunning contemporary architecture side by side with nature. The most notable park is Kungsparken, where you’ll find locals kayaking in the rivers, a historic windmill, and the Malmo castle ruins.
Malmo can be visited in the same day as Lund from Copenhagen.
Dragor
This little town is definitely a bit off the beaten path and not nearly as frequented as others on the list. Dragor can be described as a cute little Danish town located idyllically on the island of Amager.
A visit here will show a different side of Denmark that seems to stand more still in time.
Roskilde
As the former capital of Denmark, Roskilde is oozing with historic value, especially pertaining to the viking era. Here you can visit a viking ship museum, and even ride a real viking ship across the fjord.
Other points to explore are the medieval cathedral and streets, or the nearby national parks and hiking areas.
Frederiksborg Castle
Frederiksborg Castle is located in Helsingor, and is most famously known as being the setting for Shakespeare’s Hamlet.
It’s extravagantly beautiful from the inside and outside, and most visitors will venture into town just to see it. However, the colorful port city of Helsingor itself is very charming and worth exploring too.
Here you’ll find color timbered houses that look like a step back in the past.
And that covered everything you need to know to plan the best 2 days in Copenhagen! This is definitely a lot of ground to cover in just 2 days, but if you follow this guide, I am sure you’ll love Copenhagen as much as I do!
Linda Jane says
Copenhagen looks like a wonderful place to visit & your tips on how to save money will be very useful. I’ll save this for later. Thank you!
Linda (LD Holland) says
When we visited Copenhagen we were very surprised at how much we found to see and do. We had 5 days but also had to deal with jet lag. But I would agree that 2 days is not really enough to see all the different parts of this city. We did get a Copenhagen Card and found we got our value from it. But it did mean we rushed more from site to site than we normally would have. Good warning for people renting bikes that are not that experienced. A city we would re-visit for sure.
Linnea says
I love Copenhagen! I go often to visit my boyfriend! I can definitely agree that Fiskebaren and Restaurant Kronborg are “must visit” restaurants!