Europe · Denmark
Copenhagen
Harbour light, royal palaces and hygge
Stroll colourful Nyhavn, cycle between royal palaces and Renaissance castles, swim in the clean harbour and eat your way from smørrebrød to street-food halls in Scandinavia's most relaxed capital.
May – Sep · Dec for markets
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Danish
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Explore the City
Find attractions, hotels, and transport hubs across the city.
Tours & experiences
Tours & Experiences
Curated cruises, day trips, walking tours and iconic experiences worth building a day around in Copenhagen.
Copenhagen
Canal & Harbour Cruise
Glide under low bridges through Christianshavn's canals and past the Opera House, the Little Mermaid and Nyhavn with live commentary.
About 1 hour
First-time visitors and travellers exploring Copenhagen at their own pace
Nyhavn or Gammel Strand
Highlights
- Nyhavn
- Christianshavn canals
- Opera House & Little Mermaid
Copenhagen
Guided Bike Tour
See Copenhagen like a local on two wheels, following safe cycle lanes between palaces, the lakes and hidden neighbourhoods.
About 3 hours
First-time visitors and travellers exploring Copenhagen at their own pace
Central Copenhagen
Highlights
- The Lakes
- Royal palaces
- Cycle-lane etiquette tips
Copenhagen
Smørrebrød & Danish Food Walk
Taste open sandwiches, cheeses, pastries and aquavit with a local guide, including a stop at Torvehallerne market.
About 3 hours
First-time visitors and travellers exploring Copenhagen at their own pace
Nørreport / Torvehallerne
Highlights
- Smørrebrød
- Danish pastries
- Torvehallerne market
Copenhagen
Kronborg & Frederiksborg Castles Day Tour
Visit two of Denmark's most famous Renaissance castles in one day — Hamlet's Kronborg and lake-bound Frederiksborg.
7–8 hours
First-time visitors and travellers exploring Copenhagen at their own pace
Central Copenhagen
Highlights
- Kronborg Castle
- Frederiksborg Castle
- North Zealand coast
Copenhagen
Christianshavn & Christiania Walking Tour
Explore canal-side Christianshavn with its houseboats and baroque church, then learn the story of the Freetown of Christiania.
About 2 hours
First-time visitors and travellers exploring Copenhagen at their own pace
Christianshavn Metro
Highlights
- Christianshavn canals
- Church of Our Saviour
- Freetown Christiania
Copenhagen
Self-Drive Electric Picnic Boat
Captain your own small electric boat around the harbour and canals — no licence needed — with a picnic table on board.
1–3 hours
First-time visitors and travellers exploring Copenhagen at their own pace
Harbour boat rental piers
Highlights
- Inner harbour
- Canals at your own pace
- Sunset on the water
Copenhagen
Design & Modern Architecture Walk
Discover Copenhagen's contemporary waterfront, from the Royal Library's 'Black Diamond' to new harbour districts and Danish design shops.
2–3 hours
First-time visitors and travellers exploring Copenhagen at their own pace
Royal Library / Black Diamond
Highlights
- Black Diamond
- Harbour bridges
- Danish design
Copenhagen
Harbour Sauna & Cold-Water Dip
Try the Nordic ritual of a hot sauna followed by a dip in the clean harbour water at a floating sauna.
1–2 hours
First-time visitors and travellers exploring Copenhagen at their own pace
Floating saunas in the harbour
Highlights
- Wood-fired sauna
- Harbour swim
- Local wellness culture
Copenhagen
Home of Carlsberg Brewery Visit
Visit the historic Carlsberg brewery district in Vesterbro, with its famous Elephant Gate, stables and tastings.
1.5–2 hours
First-time visitors and travellers exploring Copenhagen at their own pace
Carlsberg City, Vesterbro
Highlights
- Elephant Gate
- Historic brewery buildings
- Beer tasting
Copenhagen
Old Town & Royal Copenhagen Walking Tour
A guided introduction to medieval squares, Strøget, the Round Tower and Amalienborg's changing of the guard.
2–3 hours
First-time visitors and travellers exploring Copenhagen at their own pace
City Hall Square
Highlights
- City Hall Square
- Strøget & Gammeltorv
- Amalienborg at noon
Copenhagen Itineraries
Plan Your Perfect Copenhagen Trip
Professionally curated day-by-day itineraries that combine Copenhagen's iconic landmarks, local favourites, practical travel tips, realistic budgets, and efficient routes—helping you experience more while spending less time planning.
Copenhagen · Suggested itinerary
3-Day Copenhagen
Nyhavn, the royal palaces and canal-side Christianshavn.
Your trip at a glance
3 days
Easy
Budget traveller
Flexible
Mid-range traveller
Check current costs
Luxury traveller
Book ahead
- Day1
Theme
Old town, Strøget & Nyhavn
Get your bearings in the medieval centre, climb the Round Tower and end with golden light over Nyhavn.
Day 1 · Old town, Strøget & Nyhavn- MorningMorning
City Hall Square & Strøget
- Start at Rådhuspladsen
- Walk Strøget via Gammeltorv and Amagertorv
- LunchMidday
Traditional smørrebrød
- Book a table for a classic open-sandwich lunch
TryRestaurant Schønnemann - AfternoonAfternoon
Round Tower & Latin Quarter
- Walk the spiral ramp of the Round Tower
- Browse the lanes around the university quarter
- EveningEvening
Nyhavn at golden hour
- Take a canal cruise from Nyhavn
- Dinner nearby or a drink on the quayside
HighlightsStrøgetRound TowerNyhavnCanal cruise- Walking
- Around 5–7 km · Distances are short; a bike makes longer hops easy
Comfortable shoes and a light rain layer — weather changes quickly.
- Sightseeing
- A full but unhurried day
- Family
- Couples
Transport tipsKongens Nytorv
Metro M1, M2, M3, M4
The hub for Nyhavn and Strøget.
Estimated daily budgetBudget traveller
Depends on your choices
Mid-range
Check current admission prices
Luxury
Plan for bookings
Travel tipGroup sights by district and use the Metro or a bike for longer stretches.
Money saverCopenhagen is expensive; a City Pass or Copenhagen Card can pay off if you'll use transport and museums a lot.
Best photo spotNyhavn is best early morning; the harbour glows at sunset.
Best time to visitStart early at the royal sights, then slow down by the water.
Book aheadBook timed tickets for Rosenborg and Tivoli's busy seasons.
Transport tipBuy or activate your ticket before boarding; inspectors check often.
Food recommendationEat smørrebrød at lunch — it's the traditional time — and save street food for evenings.
Rainy day alternativeMuseums, the Glyptotek and Torvehallerne make good wet-weather choices.
Today's highlights- 4 major attractions visited
- A full but unhurried day
- Around 5–7 km on foot
- Mid-range budget ≈ Check current admission prices
- Evening around Central Copenhagen
End the day around Central CopenhagenView on Google Maps - Day2
Theme
Royal Copenhagen
Crown jewels, palace guards and a star-shaped fortress, all within a short walk.
Day 2 · Royal Copenhagen- MorningMorning
Rosenborg Castle & King's Garden
- Timed entry to see the crown jewels
- Stroll the King's Garden
- LunchMidday
Market lunch
- Graze the stalls at Torvehallerne
TryTorvehallerne - AfternoonAfternoon
Amalienborg & Marble Church
- See the noon guard change (or visit the museum)
- Look inside Frederik's Church
- EveningEvening
Kastellet & the Little Mermaid
- Walk the fortress ramparts
- Continue along Langelinie to the mermaid statue
HighlightsRosenborg CastleAmalienborg PalaceKastelletLittle Mermaid- Walking
- Around 6–8 km · Distances are short; a bike makes longer hops easy
Comfortable shoes and a light rain layer — weather changes quickly.
- Sightseeing
- A full but unhurried day
- Family
- Couples
Transport tipsNørreport / Marmorkirken / Østerport
Metro & S-trains
Stations at each end of the day.
Estimated daily budgetBudget traveller
Depends on your choices
Mid-range
Check current admission prices
Luxury
Plan for bookings
Travel tipGroup sights by district and use the Metro or a bike for longer stretches.
Money saverCopenhagen is expensive; a City Pass or Copenhagen Card can pay off if you'll use transport and museums a lot.
Best photo spotNyhavn is best early morning; the harbour glows at sunset.
Best time to visitStart early at the royal sights, then slow down by the water.
Book aheadBook timed tickets for Rosenborg and Tivoli's busy seasons.
Transport tipBuy or activate your ticket before boarding; inspectors check often.
Food recommendationEat smørrebrød at lunch — it's the traditional time — and save street food for evenings.
Rainy day alternativeMuseums, the Glyptotek and Torvehallerne make good wet-weather choices.
Today's highlights- 4 major attractions visited
- A full but unhurried day
- Around 6–8 km on foot
- Mid-range budget ≈ Check current admission prices
- Evening around Central Copenhagen
End the day around Central CopenhagenView on Google Maps - Day3
Theme
Slotsholmen, Christianshavn & the harbour
Parliament palace in the morning, canals and a spire climb in the afternoon, street food at sunset.
Day 3 · Slotsholmen, Christianshavn & the harbour- MorningMorning
Christiansborg Palace
- Royal Reception Rooms and ruins
- Free tower viewpoint
- LunchMidday
Lunch near Slotsholmen
- Try a modern smørrebrød lunch
TryAamanns 1921 - AfternoonAfternoon
Christianshavn
- Climb the Church of Our Saviour spire
- Walk the canals and visit Christiania respectfully
- EveningEvening
Reffen street food
- Harbour bus or walk to Refshaleøen
- Dinner at picnic tables by the water
TryReffen
HighlightsChristiansborgChurch of Our SaviourChristianshavn canalsReffen- Walking
- Around 6–8 km · Distances are short; a bike makes longer hops easy
Comfortable shoes and a light rain layer — weather changes quickly.
- Sightseeing
- A full but unhurried day
- Family
- Couples
Transport tipsChristianshavn
Metro M1, M2
Harbour buses also link the waterfront stops.
Estimated daily budgetBudget traveller
Depends on your choices
Mid-range
Check current admission prices
Luxury
Plan for bookings
Travel tipGroup sights by district and use the Metro or a bike for longer stretches.
Money saverCopenhagen is expensive; a City Pass or Copenhagen Card can pay off if you'll use transport and museums a lot.
Best photo spotNyhavn is best early morning; the harbour glows at sunset.
Best time to visitStart early at the royal sights, then slow down by the water.
Book aheadBook timed tickets for Rosenborg and Tivoli's busy seasons.
Transport tipBuy or activate your ticket before boarding; inspectors check often.
Food recommendationEat smørrebrød at lunch — it's the traditional time — and save street food for evenings.
Rainy day alternativeMuseums, the Glyptotek and Torvehallerne make good wet-weather choices.
Today's highlights- 4 major attractions visited
- A full but unhurried day
- Around 6–8 km on foot
- Mid-range budget ≈ Check current admission prices
- Evening around Central Copenhagen
End the day around Central CopenhagenView on Google Maps
Tours & experiences
Hop-on hop-off bus tours
See the city's headline sights on your own schedule — open-top buses, audio commentary, unlimited hops.
Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
City Sightseeing Copenhagen
Explore Copenhagen at your own pace with one ticket covering three bus routes: the year-round Classic route past Nyhavn, Amalienborg, the Little Mermaid and Rosenborg, a Colourful route to Christianshavn, Christiania and Reffen, and a Carlsberg route through Vesterbro and Frederiksberg. The extra routes run less often; check current routes and departures before travelling.
- Hop-on hop-off service
- Audio guide in multiple languages
- Stops at major attractions
- Mobile & online ticket options
- Great for first-time visitors
Best for
First-time visitors, families, couples, and travellers who want to see the city's highlights in a convenient and flexible way.
Beyond Copenhagen
More to See, Just a Journey Away
Helsingør & Kronborg Castle
Hamlet's castle on the Øresund
Around 45 minutes by train
Explore UNESCO-listed Kronborg, the Renaissance fortress Shakespeare chose as Elsinore, then wander Helsingør's old streets and the M/S Maritime Museum of Denmark.
Highlights
- Kronborg Castle
- Maritime Museum of Denmark
- Helsingør old town
Frederiksborg Castle
Denmark's grandest Renaissance palace
Around 40 minutes by S-train
Visit the lake-bound Frederiksborg Castle in Hillerød, home to the Museum of National History, a gilded chapel and baroque gardens.
Highlights
- Castle chapel
- Museum of National History
- Baroque garden
Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
World-class art by the sea
Around 35 minutes by train
One of Europe's most admired modern art museums, set in a sculpture park overlooking the Øresund, with major international exhibitions.
Highlights
- Sculpture park
- Changing exhibitions
- Seaside café terrace
Roskilde
Viking ships & a royal cathedral
Around 25 minutes by train
See original Viking ships at the Viking Ship Museum on Roskilde Fjord and the UNESCO-listed cathedral where Danish monarchs are buried.
Highlights
- Viking Ship Museum
- Roskilde Cathedral
- Fjord harbour
Malmö, Sweden
Across the Øresund Bridge
Around 35–40 minutes by train
Cross the famous Øresund Bridge to Sweden for Malmö's cobbled Lilla Torg, Renaissance castle, beaches and the twisting Turning Torso tower.
Highlights
- Lilla Torg
- Malmöhus Castle
- Western Harbour & Turning Torso
Dragør
A cobbled old fishing village
Around 35–45 minutes by bus
A quiet harbour village near the airport, with yellow thatched cottages, hollyhock-lined lanes and fresh fish by the water.
Highlights
- Old town lanes
- Harbour
- Dragør Museum
Møns Klint
Dramatic white chalk cliffs
Around 2 hours by car
Walk the forest trails and steep wooden stairways of Denmark's spectacular white chalk cliffs above the Baltic, and visit the GeoCenter.
Highlights
- Chalk cliffs
- Cliff stairs & beach
- GeoCenter Møns Klint
Odense
Hans Christian Andersen's hometown
Around 1 hour 15 minutes by train
Visit the H.C. Andersen House museum and stroll the old quarter where the storyteller grew up, in Denmark's third-largest city.
Highlights
- H.C. Andersen House
- Old town lanes
- Odense Cathedral
Where to sleep
Hotels & stays
From palace hotels to design hostels — picks across four budgets.
Luxury
Hotel d'Angleterre
Kongens Nytorv
typical nightly
DKK 5,500–12,000 / night
Typical range · Rates vary by date
Grand 18th-century hotel on the royal square, steps from Nyhavn, with a spa and Michelin-level dining.
Boutique
Hotel Sanders
Near Kongens Nytorv
typical nightly
DKK 3,500–7,000 / night
Typical range · Rates vary by date
Intimate boutique hotel with a rooftop terrace and cosy Danish design, beside the Royal Theatre.
Mid-range
Hotel Alexandra
City Hall Square
typical nightly
DKK 1,400–2,600 / night
Typical range · Rates vary by date
Family-run hotel filled with Danish mid-century design classics, close to Tivoli and Strøget.
Budget
Generator Copenhagen
Near Kongens Have
typical nightly
Dorm beds DKK 200–450 / night
Private rooms from ~DKK 800
Rates vary by date
Design hostel with dorms and private rooms, a short walk from Rosenborg and Nyhavn.
Where to eat
Best places to eat
Local classics, budget wins, cafés and vegetarian gems — plus the iconic dishes you shouldn't leave without trying.
Restaurant Schønnemann
Traditional smørrebrød
Indre By
price
DKK · $$
A historic lunch restaurant, open since 1877, serving classic open sandwiches and Danish schnapps.
The classic place for a traditional Danish smørrebrød lunch — book ahead.
Aamanns 1921
Modern smørrebrød
Indre By
price
DKK · $$
Elegant restaurant reimagining smørrebrød with seasonal ingredients and house-baked rye.
A lighter, contemporary take on Denmark's signature lunch.
Reffen
Street food market
Refshaleøen
price
DKK · $
Harbourside street-food market in shipping containers, with dozens of stalls from around the world.
Great value, lively summer evenings and sunset views over the water.
Torvehallerne
Food market
Nørreport
price
DKK · $
Two glass market halls with fish, produce, coffee, smørrebrød and pastry counters.
Easy lunch with lots of choice near Rosenborg and Nørreport.
Kødbyens Fiskebar
Nordic seafood
Meatpacking District, Vesterbro
price
DKK · $$$
Buzzing seafood restaurant in a former butcher's hall, known for oysters and Nordic fish dishes.
A memorable dinner in Copenhagen's trendiest food quarter.
La Glace
Historic pâtisserie
Indre By
price
DKK · $$
Copenhagen's oldest confectioner, founded in 1870, famous for its layered cakes and hot chocolate.
A classic Danish cake stop just off Strøget.
What to try
Iconic dishes of Copenhagen
Smørrebrød
Open sandwiches on dense rye bread — pickled herring, roast beef with remoulade, or egg and shrimp — traditionally eaten at lunch with a knife and fork.
Stegt flæsk med persillesovs
Crispy fried pork belly with boiled potatoes and creamy parsley sauce, voted Denmark's national dish.
Frikadeller
Pan-fried Danish meatballs of pork and veal, usually served with potatoes, gravy and pickled red cabbage.
Danish hot dog (pølse)
A red sausage in a bun loaded with remoulade, mustard, ketchup, crispy onions and pickles — sold from street stands (pølsevogne).
Kanelsnegl & wienerbrød
Flaky, buttery Danish pastries; the cinnamon swirl is a bakery favourite, best fresh in the morning.
Æbleskiver
Fluffy spherical pancakes dusted with sugar and dipped in jam — a Christmas-season treat, often with gløgg.
Getting around
Transit & arrivals
Compact and flat, Copenhagen is easy on foot or by bike. The driverless Metro runs around the clock, with S-trains, buses and harbour buses filling the gaps — all on one shared zone-based ticket system.
Airport → City
CPH → city centre by Metro (M2) or DSB train to Copenhagen Central, both around 15 minutes
Day pass
The City Pass (Small or Large) gives unlimited travel for 24–120 hours, including the airport; check current options before travel
Network size
4 primary modes
Copenhagen Metro (M1–M4)
Driverless trains run 24/7. M2 serves the airport; the M3 City Circle links Central Station, Kongens Nytorv, Marmorkirken and Østerport.
S-trains & DSB regional trains
S-trains cross the city and suburbs; regional trains serve the airport, Helsingør, Roskilde and Malmö across the Øresund Bridge.
City buses
Frequent buses cover areas away from the Metro; A-buses run very often through the centre.
Harbour buses
Public boats along the inner harbour stop near Nyhavn, the Opera and the Royal Library, using normal tickets.
The Metro runs 24 hours a day with reduced night frequency; trains and buses vary. Check the Rejseplanen journey planner.
DOT Tickets app for single tickets and passes; Rejsekort for frequent travel. Validate/activate before boarding.
Taxis are reliable but expensive; ride-hailing is limited. For most trips the Metro or a bike is quicker.
Metro stations have lifts and step-free access; most buses are low-floor.
- Cycling is the local way to get around — hire a city bike and follow Danish cycle-lane etiquette: keep right and signal stops.
- The airport is in zone 4; make sure your ticket covers it, or use a City Pass.
- Harbour buses are a scenic, budget alternative to a canal cruise.
- Denmark is nearly cashless — cards and mobile payments are accepted almost everywhere.
- Malmö in Sweden is about 35–40 minutes by train; bring your passport or ID for possible border checks.
Getting here
Airport information
Which airport to fly into for Copenhagen and how to reach the city centre.
International airport
Copenhagen Airport, Kastrup
Scandinavia's busiest airport on the island of Amager, with fast Metro and train links to the city centre.
Distance to centre
About 8 km southeast of central Copenhagen
Travel time
Allow around 15 minutes to the centre by Metro or train
Best for
Most international and European flights to Copenhagen and southern Sweden
Getting to the city
Metro
Metro M2
Driverless trains run 24/7 from Terminal 3 to Christianshavn, Kongens Nytorv and Nørreport. The airport is in zone 4 — buy a ticket that covers it or use a City Pass.
Train
DSB / Øresund trains
Trains from Terminal 3 run to Copenhagen Central (København H), and in the other direction across the bridge to Malmö.
Taxi
Taxi
Official taxi ranks are outside the terminals; fares are metered and relatively high.
Airport services
Buy tickets in the DOT Tickets app or at machines in Terminal 3 before going down to the platforms; check current fares and zones on the official transport websites.
Travel times and prices are approximate. Please check the official airport and transport websites for the latest schedules and fares before travelling.
