Welcome to Copenhagen – home of colorful houses, royal palaces, and more bicycles than people. Here, you’ll find Vikings in history books, bakeries in every corner, and enough ‘hygge’ to warm you through the chill. But before you rush to book your tickets, you might be wondering, ‘How many days do you need in Copenhagen?’. Should you make it a quick trip or give yourself time to absorb the Danish vibe?
Fear not, because this guide is here to answer all your burning questions. Here, we’ll cover things like how many days in Copenhagen will leave you satisfied. Or how long does it take to feel like a local (spoiler: probably never, but you’ll enjoy trying)?
So, grab your mittens and your sense of humor – this is your 3-day guide to making the most of Copenhagen.
Finding the Sweet Spot: How Many Days Are Enough?
Before we dive into the details, let’s address the big question – how many days in Copenhagen? Well, it really depends on your travel style. If you’re a tick-box traveler, you can probably race through Copenhagen. But if you want to soak up the city’s atmosphere and have time for leisurely bike rides, three days should be just enough.
Three days will give you enough time to experience the essence of the city. You’ll have space to explore its historic charm and enjoy its stunning waterfront. So, whether you’re here to see the places, eat Danish pastries, or wobble on a rented bike, three days in Copenhagen will leave you with fond memories. Now, let’s dive into the fun part – the 3-day itinerary!
Day 1: Historic Charm and Attempted Selfie With a Castle
Stop 1: City Hall Square
You’ve landed in Copenhagen, slightly groggy from the flight and fully prepared to immerse in Scandinavian culture. Where do you start? At City Hall Square, of course. It’s the perfect place to start your adventure, and yes, that towering clock you see is begging for a photo. (Pro tip: There’s no such thing as too many clock photos, so just go wild.)
However, the clock tower isn’t the only exciting thing here. It is also home to the statue of Hans Christian Anderson – Denmark’s legendary storyteller. You might know about his work, ‘The Little Mermaid’, but there’s more to his legacy. (Bonus points if you can name more than one of his stories without Googling!)
Stop 2: Strøget & Gråbrødretorv
Next up, head over to Størget, Europe’s longest pedestrian street. It is perfect for leisurely strolling – or, in your case, getting completely lost. Don’t worry, even if you get lost, you’ll end up having a pastry feast. After feasting on Danish pastries, you can make your way to Gråbrødretorv Square. It’s a lovely spot for people-watching and pretending like you’re not still thinking about those pastries.
Stop 3: The Round Tower
At this point, you’ll probably feel like a true Copenhagen explorer. Time to put that energy to good use and climb the Round Tower (Rundetaarn). The tower promises a panoramic view of the city. As you climb the spiral ramp, you’ll wonder, how many days in Copenhagen it takes to conquer this tower.
The Round Tower is not just a viewpoint; it’s a 17th-century observatory that’s still in use today. You could even look through the telescope if it’s open. Just don’t expect to spot a Viking ship from here – they’re long gone, but it’s fun to imagine.
Stop 4: The Botanical Garden
If you’re still standing, you can walk over to the Botanical Garden. It adds a nice contrast to the hustle and bustle of the city. If you’re lucky, you might get a peek at some frosty foliage in the winter here. It’s the perfect spot to pretend you’re one of those outdoorsy, nature-loving types.
The Botanical Garden is home to a stunning collection of plants and even has a palm house where you can warm up. You might struggle to successfully identify the Danish flora, but it’s a beautiful stroll regardless.
Stop 5: Rosenborg Castle
Finally, end the day in a royal manner at Rosenborg Castle. This is where Denmark’s Crown Jewels are kept. You might feel a little royal while exploring the ornate rooms and wonder how many days in Copenhagen before you believe you deserve a castle as well. (Pro tip: Take your best “pretending to be royalty” selfie here before reality sets in.)
Also, don’t miss the King’s Garden (Kongens Have) outside the castle. Even in the off-season, it’s a beautiful place to wander. Just keep an eye out for the ghost of Christian IV. Legend has it, he still roams the grounds, probably trying to bask in the glory of his contributions to the city.
Day 2: Nyhavn and the Seaside Wonders
Stop 1: Nyhavn district
Begin your second day in Nyhavn, the district with the world’s most photogenic houses. The brightly colored buildings along the harbor offer a similar vibe to the postcard scenarios. We guarantee you’ll spend the next 30 minutes taking photos from every possible angle here.
Did you know that Nyhavn was once a bustling port filled with sailors, pubs, and… well, less reputable activities? Nowadays, it’s much more family-friendly. But you can still enjoy a drink or two at one of the many harborside cafes.
Stop 2: Amalienborg Palace
Next, head over to Amalienborg Palace. This was the hangout spot of the Danish royal family. So, you might get the urge to act like you belong there, too. Time it right, and you might just witness the changing of the guard ceremony. How many days in Copenhagen will make you consider moving in with the royals? After this stop, you’ll be halfway convinced.
Fun fact: the guards march from Rosenborg Castle to Amalienborg every day. It’s an impressive display of dedication. While you will probably wonder how many days in Copenhagen it takes to walk that far without stopping for another pastry.
Stop 3: Frederick’s Church (The Marble Church)
Simply walk down the street and you’ll find Frederick’s Church, or the Marble Church. It’s a stunning piece of architecture that looks like it belongs in Rome, but surprise – it’s in Copenhagen. You could climb the dome for a view, but it has some restrictions. In summer, you can check it out at 1pm. In other seasons, the dome is only open during weekends. So, to climb to the dome, you need to plan precisely.
This church has the largest church dome in Scandinavia. The whole building is made with baroque architecture. And I can bet 50 bucks that you’ll appreciate this masterpiece.
Stop 4: The Little Mermaid
Brace yourself: it’s time to visit the Little Mermaid statue. Yes, it’s tiny. Yes, you’ll wonder why you trekked all this way to see it. But would your Copenhagen trip be complete without taking weird photos with the mermaid? Absolutely not.
The statue is one of the most photographed in the world, and you’ll understand why as soon as you join the photo frenzy. Hopefully, you’ve read up on Hans Christian Andersen by now. If not, your post-vacation plans probably just got filled with some serious reading, right?
Stop 6: Tivoli Gardens
Wrap up your second day by visiting Tivoli Gardens, the world’s second-oldest amusement park. Tivoli is magical, with gardens, restaurants, and rides that feel straight out of a fairytale. It’s especially beautiful at night, so make sure to stay until the lights come on.
If you’re visiting in the winter, you’ll find a charming Christmas market here. During the summer, there are concerts and fireworks.
Day 3: Castles, Canals, and Christiania
Stop 1: Christiansborg Palace
Your last day begins at Christiansborg Palace. This is the only building in the world that houses all three branches of a country’s government. How many days in Copenhagen before you start feeling like a political expert? Let’s go with “today.” You can tour the Royal Reception Rooms, the Parliament, and even the royal kitchen – cause why not?
Stop 2: Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek
Next, head to Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, a museum founded by the Carlsberg beer family. Here you’ll find everything from ancient sculptures to French impressionist paintings. Once here, you’ll know that Danes really love their art and beer.
The winter garden in the center of the museum is like stepping into a tropical paradise. After visiting this place, you might be tempted to get your own indoor garden.
Stop 3: Canal Tour
Finally, wrap up your trip with a canal tour – the perfect way to take in Copenhagen from the water. Glide past some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, like the Opera House and the Black Diamond library. It’s a peaceful, scenic way to experience the city from a fresh angle and soak up a little extra hygge before heading home.
Final Thoughts
So, how many days do you need in Copenhagen? Three days is the perfect amount to explore the city’s mix of historical charm and modern vibes. It’s enough to take in the main sights and indulge in all the pastries you can handle. Additionally, you’ll be able to discover why this city is so beloved. Whether you’re into history, food, or simply enjoying a beautiful view, Copenhagen has something to offer everyone. And by the end of day three, you’ll probably already be planning your next visit.
