Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, is a vibrant, eco-friendly city known for its charming canals, historic architecture, and forward-thinking urban design. It’s home to iconic landmarks like the Little Mermaid statue and the colorful Nyhavn waterfront and to my surprise, amazing food. A weekend trip to Copenhagen is all the time you need to see the highlights of the city, so below is our guide on how to visit Copenhagen in 3 days.
When to Visit
The best time to visit Copenhagen is during the summer. From June to August, Copenhagen is popular for pleasant weather, longer daylight hours, and outdoor events. Spring (April to May) and early autumn (September to October) offer milder weather, fewer crowds, and a much more budget-friendly visit. If you’re a big Christmas person, November and December can be good times to visit too as the Christmas markets will be up, but be prepared for frigid weather and for the sun to set as early as 3pm. We visited at the end of August and it was perfect weather. In fact, people were still swimming in certain parts of Copenhagen!
Where to Stay in Copenhagen
Copenhagen was one of the safest cities I visited in Europe, so the question of where to stay was mostly about convenience rather than safety. We ended up choosing this Airbnb in Osterbro for its price and positive reviews. It is a little outside of the city center, but the public transportation in Copenhagen is so good that we didn’t really feel it was an inconvenience. However, I’ve listed a few other options below that are much closer to the city center, which will make it easier to get around Copenhagen in 3 days. Below are a few other options and their price ranges:
- Next House Copenhagen — $ ($50-$100, cheap hostel with options for private rooms)
- Copenhagen Strand — $$$ ($150-$250 a night, mid-range hotel)
- Manon Les Suites Guldsmeden — $$$$ $400-$500 a night – luxury hotel
Copenhagen in 3 Days – Duration of Your Stay
Copenhagen in 3 days is more than doable, and actually gives you enough time to meander and really take in the city. I’m not a big museum person, so you’ll notice that our itinerary is devoid of any museums, which freed up a lot of our time. Regardless, even if you did want to fit in a museum or two, I still think Copenhagen in 3 days makes for a pleasant trip that isn’t too fast-paced.
If you’re staying longer in Copenhagen, I’d recommend including a few day trips to your itinerary. Day trips to Helsingør, Dragør, or Malmö in Sweden make for great options.
Copenhagen in 3 Days – What To Do, Where To Go, and Where to Eat
Day 1 – Apoteke 57, Amalienborg Palace Square, Frederik’s Church, Nyhavn Harbour & Danish Hotdogs
Apoteke 57
We started off our first day in our Copenhagen in 3 Days itinerary at Apotek 57. Apotek 57 is found inside the Frama Studio Store in Copenhagen, and if you’ve been doing research on TikTok, you’ll notice that almost everyone recommends this place. They serve up homemade seasonal foods such as pastries, jams, Turkish eggs, focaccia, sourdough toasts, fresh-pressed juices, and pour-over coffee made from La Cabra beans, a Copenhagen-based specialty roaster. The menu is seasonal, so some new items rotate into the mix every few months. The best way to keep up is through Instagram. My recommendations for Apoteke 57 are the cardamom bun, the breakfast plate (so you can try their sourdough + whipped butter), and a croissant with miso caramel and sesame seeds.
Amalienborg Palace Square & Frederik’s Church
The Marble Church, officially Frederik’s Church in Copenhagen’s Frederiksstaden area, can be recognized by its copper-green dome. Originally planned in marble as part of King Frederik V’s 1749 Frederiksstaden project, setbacks, including the death of the architect, led to a century-long delay and a shift to limestone construction. Completed in 1894, the church is now a modern city church open daily. You can go to the top of the dome for breathtaking views at 1pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Fun fact – it is also a sought-after wedding venue, and the church hosts ceremonies on Fridays and Saturdays.
Amalienborg Palace is the official residence of the Danish royal family. This royal residence is a must-visit for those interested in royal history. One highlight is the daily changing of the guards, performed by The Royal Life Guard, marching from their barracks by Rosenborg Castle to Amalienborg, often accompanied by music, at noon. Amalienborg comprises four identical buildings, including Christian VII’s Palace, Frederik VIII’s Palace, Christian IX’s Palace, and Christian VIII’s Palace. The palace complex also houses the Amalienborg Museum, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the royal palace. Don’t forget to explore the palace square for a memorable view of the changing of the guards.
Nyhavn Harbour + Canal Tour
Nyhavn is a picturesque harbor in Copenhagen and is easily the most iconic landmark of the city. If you’re planning to explore Copenhagen in 3 days, a visit to Nyhavn is a must. Nyhavn is dotted with an array of restaurants, bars, and cafes, though I wouldn’t recommend eating at any of them — there’s much better food to be found in the city. One thing I do recommend, though, is to take a boat tour exploring the city’s waterways from this central hub. You’ll get to learn all about the history of Copenhagen while getting some beautiful sights from the canals.
Try a Danish Hotdog
Tasting a Danish hotdog needs to happen at least once on your trip to Copenhagen. You’ll find little wagons, or pølsevogns, all over the city. What makes a Danish hot dog so special? The base is not much different from an American hotdog, but what sets them apart are the condiments. Danish hotdogs are topped with remoulade, a tangy mayo-based sauce, crispy fried onions, and sweet pickles. The best spots to try a Danish hotdog are:
- Nordic Hotdog in Reffen Food Market
- Steff Houlberg – apparently there is one in the airport, so if you can’t try in Copenhagen, you can grab one on your way home!
Dinner & Drinks in Meatpacking District
In the early 2000s, the City of Copenhagen transformed the functionalist buildings in Halmtorvet, initially used by butchers in the 1930s, into a new cultural hub known as the Meatpacking District. This area has evolved into a creative cluster of trendy establishments such as restaurants, nightclubs, and art galleries. Despite its transformation, the district still houses operational slaughterhouses. We stopped by the Meatpacking District for its culinary scene and decided to grab dinner and drinks. No matter your tastes, there is likely something you’ll find interesting — there were plenty of restaurants to choose from and even with the amount of people there during the summer months, there was plenty of seating.
Day 2 – Ø12 Coffee, Tivoli Gardens, Christiania, & Reffen Food Market
Breakfast at Ø12 Coffee and Eatery
Ø12 Coffee and Eatery was recommended to me by a coworker who lived in Copenhagen for a few years. Like most local recommendations, it did not disappoint. Their Ø12 Plate reminded me a lot of the breakfast plate at Apoteke 57, but I liked Ø12’s version a lot more. The plate has more savory elements, with 1/2 an avocado toast, chia seed pudding, bacon, scrambled eggs, chili cheese sausage, a slice of comté, salmon, butter, and sourdough bread. We made a reservation ahead of time, which we recommend doing because when we showed up there was already a 30-minute wait!
Tivoli Gardens
Tivoli Gardens, dating back to 1843 and founded by Georg Carstensen, is a historic amusement park that inspired the likes of Walt Disney during the creation of Disneyland. For an immersive experience of Copenhagen in 3 days, Tivoli Gardens is a must-visit. Initially conceived as a leisure and entertainment hub, the park seamlessly blends classical charm with modern attractions, offering a magical atmosphere for all ages. Among its highlights is the iconic Rutschebanen roller coaster from 1914, symbolizing Tivoli’s enduring appeal. Throughout its rich history, the park has hosted countless concerts and events, contributing significantly to Copenhagen’s vibrant cultural scene. Tivoli Gardens stands as one of the world’s oldest operating amusement parks, providing an enchanting destination that effortlessly connects the past and present for both locals and tourists exploring Copenhagen in 3 days.
Stroll through Freetown Christiania
I have no photos of Christiana because Christiana is a no-photo zone — though a quick Google search would probably say otherwise (I was just too scared to snap any pics). Christiana is a self-governing neighborhood that was founded in 1971 on a former military base. This community operates independently of the Danish government, embodying an alternative lifestyle and countercultural values. Christiania is renowned for its colorful street art, eco-friendly practices, and commitment to communal living. More notably, though, Christiania is the only part of Denmark where weed is so freely sold (keep in mind that it isn’t legal, but that doesn’t stop the inhabitants of Christiania from openly selling it), and you can see this in action on Pusher Street. Also called the “Green Light District” by the Christianian council, here you’ll find various stalls set up, with locals selling cannabis in all kinds of varieties. Despite its unconventional status, Christiania has faced legal and societal challenges over the years. Nevertheless, it remains a symbol of freedom, experimentation, and artistic vibrancy, attracting both locals and tourists interested in exploring its distinctive way of life.
Grab a Snack and Enjoy the Weather at Reffen Food Market
Reffen Food Market, located in the trendy Refshaleøen area, stands as a vibrant culinary haven for those exploring Copenhagen in 3 days. You’ll find a dynamic mix of food stalls housed in repurposed shipping containers, making Reffen a gastronomic adventure. From mouthwatering street food to innovative culinary creations, the market caters to diverse tastes — we even saw a stall for classic cajun food when we went. The atmosphere is lively with locals and tourists alike, with people gathering to soak in the limited summer sun.
Splurge Dinner – Cofoco
Copenhagen has a buzzing food scene, so we set aside some budget to treat ourselves to a nice meal in the city. There are so many choices to choose from, and many different price points that you’ll find, but ended up settling on Cofoco, a Nordic restaurant with a Mediterranean twist. The menu is very much seasonal, so the pictures above will likely not be the same food you’ll experience, but one constant is the quality of their ingredients. I highly recommend ordering one of their set course menus and letting yourself be surprised by the dishes that arrive.
Cofoco was founded on the belief that a good meal should be affordable, so while this was still a splurge compared to the rest of what we ate in Copenhagen, this is a much more affordable option than say, dining at a Michelin star in the city. Our meal only cost about $70 for the 4-course meal, which was a great price for the quality of the service and food.
Day 3 – Juno the Bakery, Superkilen Park, Kastelsmøllen, the Little Mermaid, & Gasoline Grill
Breakfast at Juno the Bakery + Coffee at Prolog Coffee
Juno the Bakery is another bakery that we had heard a lot about before coming to Copenhagen. The bakery definitely seemed like more of a local spot — especially seeing as it was a bit far from the city center. On a Sunday morning, it also had quite the line just an hour after it opened for the day, so you can expect to wait before getting your hands on these baked goods. While my husband waited in line, I broke off to grab some coffee for us at Prolog Coffee, where I also ended up taking some coffee beans to bring home.
While I liked Juno the Bakery, I’m not sure how much its cardamom bun differed from Apoteke 57 — the quality of both seemed pretty much the same. While seeing Copenhagen in 3 days gives you plenty of time to enjoy the city, I’m not sure I would go out of my way again for this stop. If you find yourself with time to kill, I say go for it, but if not, you’ll find other great quality cardamom buns in more convenient locations.
Take a Stroll at Superkilen Park
Superkilen, located in the Nørrebro district of Copenhagen, is an urban park that transcends traditional notions of public spaces. Conceived as a collaboration between the art group Superflex, the architectural firm BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group), and the landscape architects Topotek1, the park is a vibrant mosaic celebrating diversity and global influences. Divided into three main zones – the Red Square, the Black Market, and the Green Park – each area represents a different theme and cultural identity. The Red Square boasts a striking red hue, inspired by Soviet iconography, while the Black Market integrates elements from various global cultures, including an octopus-shaped bench from Japan. The Green Park provides a more traditional recreational space with grassy areas and trees. Superkilen stands as a testament to Copenhagen’s commitment to inclusivity and innovation, offering a dynamic and visually stunning environment that invites residents and visitors alike to engage with the city’s rich cultural tapestry.
Visit Kastelsmøllen
Kastelsmøllen is a picturesque windmill that stands as a testament to Denmark’s rich history. Dating back to the 18th century, its traditional Dutch design and historic charm make it quite the landmark along the city’s waterfront. Kastelsmøllen once played a crucial role in Denmark’s maritime defense, grinding grain for the military fortress nearby. Today, it stands as a silent witness to bygone eras, offering visitors a glimpse into Copenhagen’s history and serving as a unique backdrop to the city’s modern skyline.
See the Little Mermaid Statue
This is kind of a one-and-done deal — but the Little Mermaid Statue is famous, and I’d be remiss not to mention it as a necessary stop. After all, seeing Copenhagen in 3 Days wouldn’t be complete without seeing this iconic symbol of the city. Perched gracefully on Copenhagen’s waterfront, the Little Mermaid statue is an iconic symbol of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid. Sculpted by Edvard Eriksen, the petite bronze mermaid captures hearts with her melancholic gaze. You don’t need to spend too long here, but if you want an actual picture with her, be prepared to wait. Visitors from all over the world come to see her as she has become not just a symbol of The Little Mermaid but also of Copenhagen itself.
Lunch at Gasoline Grill
I thought Gasoline Grill was going to be super over-hyped, and I was dead wrong. Gasoline Grill is famous for their burgers, and they better be, because that’s all they sell. It all started when Klaus Wittrup, the man behind Gasoline Grill, went to the US as an exchange student and tried his first American burger. He loved it so much that he decided to open his own burger spot in Denmark once he returned, and the first location ended up being an old gas station in the city center.
They sold out on their first day of opening in 2016 and have sold out every day since. We ordered the butter burger, cheeseburger, and vinegar fries for lunch, and they did not disappoint. A trip to Copenhagen isn’t complete without a stop here, so if you can’t make it to their original spot, you can find them all over the city — even at the airport.
