What to do in Copenhagen in 3 days: itinerary & full guide

Copenhagen, the Danish capital, is an ideal destination for a few days’ vacation. In three days in Copenhagen, you’ll have time to explore the historic center, visit the main museums and monuments, venture into iconic neighborhoods like Nyhavn and Christiania, as well as explore areas off the usual tourist trail like Nørrebro. Here’s our detailed itinerary so you don’t miss a thing during your stay.

Itinerary to visit Copenhagen in 3 days

Day 1: Immersion in the historic heart of Copenhagen

Morning: Exploring royal and historical treasures

• 👑 Rosenborg Castle: Start your day with a visit to Rosenborg Castle, located in the Indre By district. This Renaissance palace houses the Danish crown jewels and offers a fascinating glimpse into the country’s royal history.
  
• 🎨 Downtown stroll: After visiting the castle, stroll through the cobblestone streets of downtown Copenhagen. Discover the charming , colorful houses of Nyboder, a historic district built for the sailors of the Royal Navy.
  
• Kastellet: Continue your walk to Kastellet, a perfectly preserved star-shaped citadel. It’s an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll, offering picturesque views over the city.
  
• 🧜‍♀️ The Little Mermaid: End your morning with a visit to the famous Little Mermaid statue, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale. Although small in size, it is one of Copenhagen’s most emblematic symbols. Return to the city center along the Copenhagen quays.

Take a guided tour to explore Copenhagen without planning

Discover Copenhagen’s historic center on a guided walking tour in French. A local guide will help you explore the capital’s landmarks, while sharing anecdotes and cultural landmarks to help you better understand Danish history.

🚲 Cycling: the ideal way to discover Copenhagen!

For a more dynamic experience, hop on a bike and set off on an adventure. Copenhagen, with its many bicycle paths, is a cyclist’s paradise. You can rent bicycles or opt for a 3-hour organized tour to discover the city’s must-sees while enjoying the freedom this mode of transport offers. Most sites of interest are perfectly linked by secure cycle paths, and there are several bike rental outlets in the heart of the city.

👉 More information on the 3-hour bike tour (tour in English, French, German, Dutch and Spanish)

🕐 Changing of the guard at 12 p.m. sharp in front of Amalienborg Palace.

Noon: Lunch break

• Nyhavn district: Join the picturesque Nyhavn district, known for its colorful canal-side houses, Copenhagen’s picture postcard. It’s the ideal place to enjoy Danish specialties in one of the many waterside restaurants or cafés.
  
  👉 We recommend : Venezia – On the Sunny Side facing the canal (located on our map below)

Afternoon: Sailing the canals

⛵ Canal boat cruise: After a well-deserved lunch break, hop aboard a boat for a cruise through Copenhagen’s canals. This peaceful moment is an ideal way to quickly discover several of the city’s iconic landmarks, such as the majestic Christiansborg Palace, the modern opera house, the Cirkelbroen Bridge, the Royal Library with its gleaming black façade (the Black Diamond) and the Church of Our Savior, famous for its exterior spiral staircase.

As you sail along, you’ll enjoy a unique angle from which to admire Danish architecture.

Find out more about the best cruises in Copenhagen in our dedicated article.

Late afternoon and evening: relax in the fairytale atmosphere of Tivoli

• Tivoli Gardens: Round off your first day with a visit to Tivoli Gardens, one of the world’s oldest amusement parks. Illuminated at night, the park offers a magical atmosphere with its rides, lush gardens and numerous restaurants.

See all our tips for visiting Tivoli Park here (ticket, opening hours…).

Practical links for a stay in Copenhagen :

🛏️ Hotels: find our selection ofhotels in Copenhagen
🎟️ Visits and activities: Top 25 activities in Copenhagen

Day 2: Art, culture and alternative exploration

Morning: Cultural immersion and unforgettable panoramas

🎨 Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek: Start your day with a visit to Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, a cultural gem in the heart of Copenhagen. This exceptional museum houses a wide range of collections, from ancient Greek, Roman and Egyptian art to modern European sculptures and paintings.

🌿 S troll around Christiansborg: Continue with a stroll around Christiansborg Palace, an iconic landmark that brings together Parliament, the Supreme Court and the royal apartments. Access to the viewpoint over Copenhagen is free. Explore the surrounding gardens and admire the palace’s architectural details. Afterwards, let yourself be carried away by the bustle of Strøget, one of Europe’s longest shopping streets, ideal for strolling and discovering the local atmosphere.

👀 Breathtaking view from Rundetårn: End your morning by climbing to the top of the Round Tower (Rundetårn). This historic monument offers a gentle ascent thanks to its unique spiral ramp and rewards your efforts with a spectacular panoramic view of Copenhagen’s rooftops, a must for capturing the essence of the city.

Lunch: A feast at the food court and a coffee break

🍽️ TorvehallerneKBH food court: For lunch, head for TorvehallerneKBH, a vibrant indoor market with a wide selection of culinary stalls. Whether you’re a fan of local specialties or curious to sample international flavors, this place is a must. Don’t forget to try the famous smørrebrød, the stuffed sandwiches that are a veritable Danish institution.

Afternoon: Alternative ambience and cultural immersion

🎨 Christiania, the free neighborhood: After your gourmet break, plunge into the unique world of Christiania, a self-managed neighborhood with a bohemian village feel. Its brightly-colored houses, urban frescoes and libertarian atmosphere make it a timeless place. Take a stroll through the streets, follow the local rules and regulations, and let yourself be surprised by the creative spirit that reigns here.

🧒 Family break by the water: If you’re traveling with children, make a detour to Christianshavns Vold Bemandede Legeplads, a playground set in an idyllic canal-side setting. Perfect for a relaxing break.

☕ Alternative coffee break: Extend the experience with a stop at coffeeshop Månefiskeren, located right in the heart of Christiania. This friendly, alternative café is the ideal place to enjoy a snack while immersing yourself in the unique atmosphere of the neighborhood.

🎨 A cultural touch to end the day:

• Danish Design Museum: Design enthusiasts won’t want to miss this museum, which highlights the elegance and functionality of Scandinavian design. Discover captivating collections of furniture, textiles and objects that have shaped the world-renowned Danish style.
• National Museum of Denmark: If you prefer a trip back in time, opt for a visit to the National Museum. This historically rich venue traces the evolution of Danish culture, from the Vikings to the present day, with interactive exhibits.

Evening: Dinner in the lively Vesterbro district

🍻 Vesterbro is the place to go out in Copenhagen. Start with a convivial dinner at Absalon, where you’ll share a table with other guests in a former church transformed into a community space. Afterwards, head to Mikkeller Bar for craft beers or Lidkoeb, a cosy cocktail bar renowned for its creations and impressive whisky selection.

If you’re looking for a more dynamic atmosphere, the Meatpacking District is packed with trendy bars perfect for extending the night.

Useful links for your vacation in Copenhagen :

🛏️ Hotels: find our selection ofbudget hotels in Copenhagen
🎟️ Visits and activities: Top 25 activities in Copenhagen

Day 3: Nature, culture and vibrant neighborhoods

Morning: Museums and gardens

• 🎨 Statens Museum for Kunst: Start your day with a visit to Denmark’s National Museum of Fine Arts, where you can admire a vast collection of works ranging from Old Masters to contemporary artists. For families, the Musée des Illusions offers a fun, interactive experience, ideal for arousing the curiosity of the very young.
• 🌿 Botanical Garden and Natural History Museum: Continue with a stroll through the Botanical Garden, a haven of peace in the heart of the city, home to a multitude of rare plants and historic greenhouses. Nearby, the Museum of Natural History offers fascinating exhibitions on biodiversity and evolution.

Lunch: Local flavours

• 🍽️ In summer: Reffen Street Food Market: visit Reffen, an open-air street food market on the waterfront. You’ll find a host of stalls offering cuisines from all over the world, all in a relaxed atmosphere.
• 🍽️ Torvehallerne: a chance to try out another stand with dishes different from those discovered the day before.

Afternoon: Nørrebro district

• Discover Nørrebro: After lunch, set off to discover Nørrebro, a vibrant, multicultural district. Stroll the colorful streets of Jægersborggade and Stefansgade, known for their vintage boutiques, cozy cafés and street art. Don’t miss Superkilen Park, a unique public space incorporating design elements from around the world.

🧒 Option for families: Copenhagen Zoo

• Copenhagen Zoo: For families, Copenhagen Zoo is an excellent option. Located in the Frederiksberg district, it is home to a wide variety of animals and offers educational activities for children.

Cultural option :

• 🍻 Home of Carlsberg: If you prefer a cultural and interactive experience, a visit to Home of Carlsberg plunges you into the world of the famous Danish brewery, with a fun and interactive tour retracing its history, beer tastings and a discovery of its historic stables.

Evening: Dinner and relaxation

• 🍽️ Return to Nørrebro: End your day by returning to Nørrebro for dinner at Sidecar. After dinner, enjoy the lively atmosphere of the neighborhood by visiting a local bar or taking in a concert at a live music venue.

Map of things to do in Copenhagen

💡 To help you find your way around, we’ve also included this summary map of our discoveries in Copenhagen, which you can save to your favorites or download for offline use.

🗺️ How do I do this? Open the map on Google maps, then click on the icon representing the three vertical dots in the top left-hand corner, or on the map description. Finally, select the “Add to my saved places” or “Save map” option, depending on your version of the application.

Where to book your activities and museums?

You can book on the activity’s official website or we advise you to use the online booking platform Get Your Guide (official reseller), as tickets benefit from flexible cancellation conditions and can be refunded up to 24 hours before the activity. Prices are the same as on museum websites.

Here are the activities and museums to book in advance of your stay.

Bonus for small budgets: the Copenhagen Card

The Copenhagen Card is a great way to save money while making the most of your stay in Copenhagen. This pass gives you free access to over 80 must-see attractions, including Tivoli Gardens, Rosenborg Castle, the Rundetårn Tower, the Statens Museum for Kunst, the Danish Design Museum, the Museum of Illusions and the National Museum of Denmark.

What’s more, it includes unlimited access to public transport throughout the Copenhagen area, as well as a canal boat cruise to discover the city from another angle.

Find out more about the Copenhagen City Pass to save money.

🌟 Good deal for families : each adult card includes free cards for 2 children aged 3 to 11. If you’re 2 adults and 2 children under 11, 2 adult cards will suffice and all activities will be free for your children. It’s a great way to save money.

Our hotel recommendations in Copenhagen

After extensive research, we’ve unearthed and tested two little nuggets that offer good value for money.

📌 To get the best rate, book in advance and choose an offer with a cancellation option.