Weekend in Copenhagen: what to do in 2 days?

A weekend in Copenhagen is the promise of a getaway between Nordic charm and vibrant modernity.

Follow our itinerary to discover the must-sees and hidden treasures of this Scandinavian city in just two days.

2-day itinerary to visit Copenhagen

Day 1: Explore Copenhagen’s historic heart and must-sees

Morning: Dive into Copenhagen’s history and authenticity

1. 👑 Rosenborg Castle: Start the day off right with a visit to the Rosenborg Museum, located in the Indre By district, a fascinating castle housing the Danish crown jewels. Here you’ll discover the elegance of Renaissance architecture and the richness of Danish royal history.
   
2. Stroll through the historic center of Indre By: After Rosenborg, stroll through the Indre By district, where cobblestone streets, historic buildings and charming boutiques immerse you in the authentic atmosphere of Copenhagen.
   
   • 🎨 The houses of Nyboder: Continue on to Nyboder, a less touristy district, where you’ll find rows of colorful houses built for the Danish navy.
     
   • Kastellet: Next, head for Kastellet, an ancient star-shaped citadel. This historic site is ideal for a short walk or photo break, with its windmill and unique view over the city.
     
   • 🧜‍♀️ The Little Mermaid: Finish this morning loop by walking along the quays to the Little Mermaid, Copenhagen’s iconic statue. Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s famous fairy tale, it represents the poetic soul of the city.
     
   • 💂 Amalienborg: Then return to the historic center, past Amalienborg Palace, to watch the changing of the guard at midday. It’s an impressive spectacle and a great opportunity to observe the Danish royal tradition.

🚶‍♂️ French guided tour option : explore Copenhagen without having to plan an itinerary! We recommend this tour with a great local guide:

Info and booking for Copenhagen walking tour

🚲 Cycling option: For a more dynamic itinerary, opt for cycling! Copenhagen is extremely cyclist-friendly, with dedicated bike lanes. Most of the sites mentioned here are linked by trails, and several bike rental stations are available in the city center.

Lunch: Break at Nyhavn

Take a trip along Nyhavn’ s famous canals to admire the colorful houses.

🍕 Then lunch at Venezia – On the Sunny Side. This restaurant, located on the sunny quay, offers a pleasant atmosphere overlooking the canal, a perfect place to enjoy a good meal while taking in the lively atmosphere of this district.

Afternoon: Cruise and relaxation in Tivoli Park

1. ⛵ Canal boat cruise: After lunch, embark on a canal cruise through Copenhagen. This is a great way to see several iconic landmarks in a short time, including Christiansborg Palace, Copenhagen Opera House, Cirkelbroen Bridge, the Royal Library (Black Diamond) and Church of Our Savior.
   
   This cruise gives you a unique perspective of the city from the water, and lets you discover the beauty of Danish architecture.
   

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

Late afternoon and evening: Illuminations and dinner at Tivoli

🎢 In the late afternoon, head for Tivoli Gardens in the Vestebro district. This historic amusement park is a must-see for its rides, gardens and enchanting atmosphere. Enjoy the attractions before relaxing over dinner.

When night falls, Tivoli lights up with a thousand lights. Take in the shows, admire the illuminated decorations and enjoy dinner in the park, in one of the many restaurants offering a cozy, typically Danish experience.

Our complete guide to Tivoli Park here.

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: Museums and viewpoints

1. 🎨 Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek: Start the day with the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, one of Copenhagen’s finest museums, a cultural gem featuring Greek, Roman, Egyptian and modern works of art, as well as magnificent collections of European sculpture and paintings.
   
2. 🌿 S troll around Christiansborg: Next, stroll around Christiansborg Palace, where you can explore the surrounding gardens and discover the wealth of architecture. The palace houses Parliament, the Supreme Court and the royal apartments. Then continue your stroll along Rue Stroget, Copenhagen’s main shopping street.
   
3. 👀 Panoramic view from the Round Tower (Rundetårn): End your morning with a bit of elevation from the Round Tower (Rundetårn), which offers a breathtaking view of Copenhagen’s rooftops. Its unique spiral architecture makes it a fascinating experience.

Lunch: Food Court and coffee

For lunch, head to theTorvehallerneKBH covered market , where you’ll find a multitude of stalls offering local and international specialities.

👉 Try Smörrebröd, the famous Danish sandwich.

🍵 For coffee or tea, drop by Baryl Indre By, a cosy café with a pleasant setting and gourmet options.

Afternoon: Alternative atmosphere and Danish art

1. 🌿 Christiania: After lunch, immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of Christiania, Copenhagen’s free district. You’ll discover colorful houses, urban art and a bohemian atmosphere where freedom of expression reigns supreme.
   
   🧒 For travelers visiting Copenhagen with the family: take a break at the Christianshavns Vold Bemandede Legeplads waterside playground.
   
2. ☕ Gourmet break: Take a break at coffeeshop Månefiskeren, an alternative café in the heart of Christiania, ideal for a snack and to melt into the neighborhood atmosphere.
   
3. 🎨 Home of Carlsberg or Design Museum or Home : End your afternoon with a cultural visit.
   
   – 🍻 The Home of Carlsberg experience immerses you in the world of the famous Danish beer, with a tour of the old brewery, interactive exhibits and a tasting in an authentic setting.
   
   – If you’re passionate about Scandinavian design, the Danish Design Museum offers a magnificent collection of furniture, textiles and typical objects.
   
   

Practical links for a stay in Copenhagen :

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

How long is the ideal time to visit Copenhagen?

The ideal length of time to visit Copenhagen really depends on what you want to discover and the pace of your trip:

• 1 weekend : In two days, you can explore Copenhagen’s must-sees, such as Amalienborg Palace, Nyhavn, the Little Mermaid, and Tivoli Park, by following our itinerary. It’s the perfect way to discover the city for the first time, immersing yourself in its unique atmosphere and iconic sites.
  
• 3 or 4 days in Copenhagen: With a little more time, you can explore Copenhagen neighborhoods like Norrebro, “voted coolest neighborhood” by Time Out magazine, and Vestebro, the place to go out in Copenhagen, enjoy the many museums (Statens Museum for Kunst, Museum of Illusions, National Museum of Denmark)… and enjoy the many parks, including the Botanical Gardens. This trip allows you to delve deeper into Danish culture, explore by bike, and enjoy local gastronomy in atypical places like the Reffen food court.
  
• 5 days to a week: Ideal for those who want to discover Copenhagen and the surrounding area. With this amount of time, you can take excursions to Frederiksborg Castle in Hillerød, the Louisiana Museum, Malmo in Sweden, the Møns Klint cliffs or Roskilde with its Viking Museum. This duration will enable you to appreciate both the city and Denmark’s natural and cultural treasures.

Where can you book your tickets?

You have two options for booking your tickets:

• Directly on the activity’s official website
• Via the online booking platform Get Your Guide, an official reseller. We recommend the latter, as it offers flexible cancellation conditions , with refunds possible up to 24 hours before the activity. Rates are identical to those on museum sites, with the advantage of greater peace of mind.
  

Bonus for small budgets: the Copenhagen Card

The Copenhagen Card is a great way to save money during your stay in Copenhagen. It offers free access :

• to over 80 attractions including Tivoli Gardens, Rosenborg Castle, Rundetårn Tower, Statens Museum for Kunst, Danish Design Museum, Museum of Illusions, National Museum of Denmark…
• unlimited access to public transport in the Copenhagen area
• for 1 canal boat cruise

The pass is available for 24 to 120 hours, so it pays for itself in no time if you want to enjoy the city to the full without breaking the bank.

Find out more about Copenhagen City Pass.

🌟 Good deal for families : each adult pass includes free passes 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.

Where to sleep in Copenhagen?

After many hours of research, we’ve found and tested two little nuggets that offer good value for money.

📌We recommend booking in advance to get the best rate.

Where to go out in Copenhagen?

When it comes to going out in Copenhagen, the Vesterbro district is a must! Dynamic and trendy, this district is packed with bars, clubs and restaurants where Danish ambience blends with an international touch.

Whether you’re a fan of live music, sophisticated cocktails or alternative addresses, Vesterbro is sure to please. Find all the best spots in Vesterbro in our dedicated article!

Things to do in Copenhagen: our best addresses

💡 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.

When should you come to Copenhagen?

Read our complete article on how to organize your visit to Copenhagen, and we’ll answer all your questions about how to get around. where to stay in Copenhagen? ….