The Perfect 2 Day Copenhagen Itinerary - No Space In My Passport (2024)

If you are looking for the perfect weekend trip in Europe, look no further than Copenhagen, Denmark. This Danish city is becoming more and more popular with visitors, and for a good reason. With its delicious pastries, colourful streets, canals and food markets, Copenhagen may be one of the coolest cities in Europe. It is the ideal city to visit all year round, with plenty of things to do no matter the season. If you are looking for the perfect 2 day Copenhagen itinerary, then you are in luck – the below guide will ensure that you do not miss any of the main sights and make the most of your short trip.

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How to get there

✈️ Copenhagen has a big international airport, which connects to most major cities. It is one of the busiest airports in Northern Europe and offers flights from major cities worldwide. From the airport, you can take a train, metro, or taxi to reach the city center.

🚅 If you are travelling from nearby countries such as Sweden or Germany, you can take the train which arrives into Copenhagen Central Station (Københavns Hovedbanegård).

How to get around

Getting around Copenhagen is easy as the public transport is very well developed and the metro is very easy to use. There are stops almost everywhere in the city and the ticket will cost you about DK 24 (£2/$3). The children’s tickets are half price.

Try to avoid getting taxis in Copenhagen as they can really cost a lot. We took a taxi to and from the airport which was a lot more expensive that taking the train which goes directly to the city centre.

If you want to save money on transport and attractions, you can get a Copenhagen Card. With this, you will get free, unlimited transportation during your trip and free access to many of the famous tourist attractions.

Is 2 days enough in Copenhagen?

Copenhagen is a city with lots to see and do. However, if you only have a short period of 2 days to spend in the Danish capital – don’t worry, this is enough to see all the main sights.

Having said that, you should expect that you will not see all the sights in just 2 days. But with good planning and knowing the places that you would like to prioritise, you should be able to fit a lot into a weekend.

Check out the below 2 day Copenhagen itinerary which will help you see the main sights!

Where to stay

Budget

A budget option in Copenhagen is not what you might expect. We stayed in the stunning Bryggen Guldsmeden, a hotel owned by the same hotels group as Manon Les Suites.

From £130 ($165) a night, you will get access to an outdoor room, the most amazing breakfast, a gaming area, a gym, and the sauna. The rooms are really modern and made in the same “Bali style” as the rest of the hotel. The outdoor pool is perfect especially in summer time, but is heated in the winter.

The only potential downside is that it is not located in the centre, but the nearest metro station is only a few minutes away.

Mid Range

The most beautiful mid range hotel in Copenhagen in Manon Les Suites, and it really does live up to the hype. It costs about £240 ($306) to stay here per night, and the facilities really make up for the price.

The hotel has the most instagrammable pool in all of Europe – an indoor jungle oasis which transports you to Bali. The access is free for all hotel guests, as well as the access to spa and the gym.

The hotel also features a rooftop restaurant with great views and delicious food. The location is perfect and only a few minutes walk from the centre and the nearest metro station.

Luxury

If you are looking for a hotel with the perfect location and with stylish and comfortable rooms, Copenhagen Admiral Hotel may be perfect for you. The hotel is right next to Amalienborg Royal Palace and opposite Copenhagen Opera House.

The facilities offered here include a gourmet restaurant, tea/coffee in all rooms, and more. However the locations is definitely the main selling point.

The perfect 2 day itinerary

Day 1 – Morning

Rosenborg Castle

Start your first day of the 2 day Copenhagen itinerary by visiting the beautiful Rosenborg Castle.

Located near the centre, the castle was built in the early 17th century by King Christian IV and served as a royal residence until the 18th century. It is a really beautiful place to visit, to learn about how the Danish Royal Family used to live and their history.

Inside the palace, you will find exhibition halls, displaying historical interiors, art, and decorative pieces from different periods of Danish history. Outside the palace, you will find the Rosenborg Castle Gardens. This is a stunning garden full of statues, plants, and well-manicured trees. It is the perfect place to take a leisurely stroll on a sunny day and take some pictures.

You can buy tickets for entry at the door, which will cost DKK 130 (£15/$19). Otherwise, you can get a combined ticket for Rosenborg Castle and Amalienborg Castle (the current royal residence) for £23 ($29) per person.

Amalienborg Castle

Amalienborg Castle can be your next stop. Around 12 pm each day, the changing of the guard is an event you don’t want to miss. Head to the courtyard outside the castle, where the procession will take place. The changing of the guard is a century-old tradition, complete with grand uniforms, traditional music, with the guards marching using precise and sharp movements.

If you do buy the combined ticket, you can also take the opportunity to look inside Amalienborg Castle after the changing of the guard. The Palace is made up of four palaces, one of which is open to the public and acts as a museum. Inside, you can explore the royal exhibits, rooms of the castle, and a peak into the lives of the Danish Royal Family.

Day 1 – Afternoon

Nyhavn

After visiting the palaces, you can take a nice walk towards the popular spot, Nyhavn. This is the Copenhagen city centre, and also one of the most popular tourist attractions. The colourful buildings along the port make for the most beautiful picture opportunity. Nyhavn dates all the way back to the 17th century and you will find here lots of restaurants, bars and cafes along the canal. The port is full of historic boats and ships, with some of these offering boat tours and cruises.

Lunch at Barr or Reffen

For lunch, you can go to a restaurant called Barr if you are looking for something different. The restaurant serves Northern European inspired dishes, such as schnitzel, waffles and traditional craft beers. I tried the schnitzel and it was delicious, very different from any I had ever tried! Make sure to try the creme brûlée for dessert too, you will not regret it.

However, if you are looking for something more low key, you can head to Reffen, which is the coolest street food market in the city and the largest street food venue in the Nordics. With over 33 food stalls and bars, you will find here any food you fancy. This is also a great spot for having a drink with the sunset and is popular with locals and tourists alike. Some events are also held here from time to time, with DJs and live bands entertaining the crowds.

Day 1 – Evening

Canal tour

After lunch, head back to Nyhavn and do a canal tour. We chose to do a guided tour with an open top, which I highly recommend (weather permitting). This is one of the activities that I loved the most in Copenhagen! A canal cruise is the perfect way to see the city and get a good sense of what Copenhagen is like. The city is made up of so many different areas, and you will learn a lot more of the history and uncover what each building represents.

During the tour, you will also spot the famous Little Mermaid statue and discover Freetown Christiania, the hippie area of Copenhagen. You will also see the house in Nyhavn that used to belong to Hans Christian Andersen!

Try the famous hotdog

One of the must try foods in Copenhagen is their famous hotdogs. DØP is an organic hot dog stand with a few locations around the city and is the most well know spot to grab a taste. What makes this hotdog different from the others is that every ingredient is organic – including the meat and even the onions.

You can find these hot dog stands by by The Church of The Holy Ghost on Strøget pedestrian street or next to The Round Tower.

Church of Our Saviour

For sunset, make your way to the Church of Our Saviour. This is a tower with the best views of Copenhagen! But if you are planning to go here, make sure to book your tickets in advance.

The climb up to the tower is quite steep and you will have to go through a few narrow spaces. But the view at the top is absolutely worth it. We actually made the mistake of visiting the Round Tower instead, but regretted it as the view was obstructed. The Church of Our Saviour offers an unobstructed view, and you can even go to the very top of the tower – but be careful and hold on to your belongings!

Dinner at Ark

For dinner, you have lots of exciting restaurants to choose from in Copenhagen. We tried a restaurant called Ark, a fine dining restaurant that plays on vegan cuisine in a unique way. Every dish is made from natural and organic ingredients, and the perfect option if you are looking for something different. However, if you are looking for a cheaper meal this one may not be for you – for us it came to about £100 ($127) per person.

Day 2 – Morning

Manon Les Suites Day Pass

On the second day of your 2 day Copenhagen itinerary, you can purchase a day pass for the pool at Manon Les Suites if you are not staying there. This is an experience I highly recommend, as the pool at this hotel is really unique and it is an oasis within the city. The lushness and greenery of the surroundings will transport you to Bali, and you can enjoy the pool here all morning. The day pass costs £58 ($74) and you will get access for a couple hours.

Breakfast at GRØD

For breakfast, you can head to GRØD, and prepare to try the best porridge of your life. This popular chain can be found all around the city. Whether you fancy savoury porridge, sweet porridge, or something different, you will find all of it here. I was very apprehensive when it came to trying savoury porridge – but it was definitely my favourite thing I ever tried. It resembles a risotto in texture and is really delicious. The porridge you will try here is very different from the porridge you may be used to! This place really surpassed my ecxpectations and is a must to add to your Copenhagen must visit list.

Day 2 – Afternoon

Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek

There is another place that cannot be missed off your 2 day Copenhagen itinerary. Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek is a modern and ancient art museum, complete with works from the private art collection of Carl Jacobsen, the son of the founder of the Carlsberg Breweries.

The museum is famous for its winter garden and an impressive collection of sculptures. You can spend a long time here taking pictures and admiring the works. Entry costs 127 DKK (£14/$18) except for the last Wednesday of every month, when you can get free entry into the museum.

Lunch at TorvehallerneKBH

At lunchtime, you can make your way to TorvehallerneKBH, a fresh food market in the heart of the city. Here you will find a variety of food options – from the traditional smørrebrøds to fresh fruits and vegetables.

I would highly suggest trying the smørrebrød as they are the perfect snack for lunch. These are open sandwiches on rye bread with a topping, usually different sorts of pickles, cured meats, onions or salad.

It is also a great place to buy some produce you may want to take home, such as porridge or rye bread.

Day 2 – Evening

Tivoli Gardens

To finish off your 2 day Copenhagen itinerary, visit the famous Tivoli Gardens theme park. One of the oldest amusem*nt parks in the world, Tivoli Gardens was founded in 1843 and has since become popular around the world. Rumour has it that the park even inspired the like of Walt Disney and Hans Christian Andersen to write their stories! The opening hours are until 10 pm each day of the week so it is the perfect place to visit in the evening.

The park’s meticulously manicured gardens, charming architecture, and twinkling lights create a magical ambiance that’s perfect for all ages. You will find here not only magical and unique rides, but also live performances, concerts, and live shows. Whether you are into thrilling rides or going along the wave of nostalgia, you will find both here. The park is even home to the oldest wooden roller coaster in the world! Entry costs about 145 DKK (£16/$21) and you can get it for free with a Copenhagen Card.

Dinner at Geranium

For the final dinner, you may choose to dine in Geranium, the 3-star Michelin restaurant in Copenhagen. This restaurant will take you on a journey and challenge your taste buds. This is again a meat-free menu so it is perfect for vegans and vegetarians. Make sure that you are not in a rush if you choose to eat here as the 20 course menu takes around 3 hours!

Other things to do

If you have longer than 2 days in Copenhagen, then here are some more options that you may want to consider adding to your itinerary:

Day trip to Kronborg Slot

Take a day trip to Korborg Slot, the palace from William Shakespeare’s play Hamlet. The castle is believed to have served as the inspiration for Elsinore, the setting of the tale. The castle is also a UNESCO World Heritage site and serves as an iconic symbol of history and Danish heritage.

Take a trip to the beach

If you want to discover a different side to Copenhagen, or feeling hot on a summer’s day, take a trip to Tisvildeleje Beach. This beach is not far from Copenhagen – you can drive there in an hour and the train takes 1 hour 30 minutes. You can relax on the beach and have lunch at one of the restaurants here serving the catch of the day.

Christiansborg Palace

As the central hub of Danish political life, Christiansborg Palace is a very fascinating place to discover. Located in the heart of the city, the palace also offers amazing panoramic views over the city. It is also the only palace in the world to house all three branches of government: the Parliament, the Prime Minister’s Office, and the Supreme Court.

Discover Freetown Christiania

Freetown Christiania is one of the most unique and alternative areas to visit in Copenhagen. It can be referred to as the “Shoreditch” of Copenhagen, as artists have painted murals on walls and hippie cafes and restaurants can be found. There are also plenty of live music venues in the area, with DJs, acoustic singers and jazz. In December, Christiania also has its own Christmas market which is one of the best in town.

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