Are you planning a weekend or 2 days in Copenhagen and wondering what to see and do in Denmark’s capital city?
A Copenhagen city break with your significant other is exactly what you probably need right now. Or perhaps it’s your first time visiting and you’re looking for the perfect Copenhagen 2 day itinerary to show you around the city’s best highlights in a short amount of time.
Whatever your reason for visiting, this Copenhagen weekend guide details how to get around, where to stay and eat, plus all the best places to visit in Copenhagen in 2 days.
A Copenhagen weekend break offers the perfect escape for couples, families, a boys trip, girls getaway or even a larger group of friends.
But, first we have to warn you about something. There are so many great things to see and do in Copenhagen in a weekend. After spending a weekend there, you will probably want to come back again (just like we did)!
From picture-perfect tourist hotspots like Nyhavn Harbour, to magnificent historical buildings, castles and palaces, and eclectic foodie experiences. There’s something for everyone to enjoy during a weekend in Copenhagen!
This Copenhagen 2 Day Itinerary is the perfect balance of fun, culture and food for a Copenhagen City Break!
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In This Post:
Is 2 Days in Copenhagen Enough?
Spending two days in Copenhagen is the perfect amount of time to get a feel for the totally underrated capital of Denmark. Whether you’re planning a weekend trip to Copenhagen, or a short break before continuing onto another destination, this Copenhagen itinerary will give you a taster of the city.
Of course, you won’t be able to see ‘everything’ in Copenhagen in a weekend or 2 days. But we’ve strategically planned this itinerary, to cover the best of Copenhagen in 2 days.
If you have more time, then a long weekend or 3 days in Copenhagen is even better and will allow time to see more tourist attractions. If you do have more time, then we’ve suggested a few additional things to do at the end of this guide.
Read Next: 10 Bucket List Places to Visit After Lockdown
What to do in Copenhagen in 2 Days – At A Glance
Whether you’re planning a weekend in Copenhagen or a mid-week jaunt, this Copenhagen 2 day itinerary covers all of the best things to do in such a short amount of time.
By following this itinerary, you’ll get to experience all the following activities and attractions during your Copenhagen city break (read on for more detailed information about each activity):
Day 1:
- Torvehallerne Food Markets
- The Botanical Gardens
- Rosenborg Castle
- Eat Smørrebrod
- The Round Tower
- Christianborg Palace
- The Tivoli Gardens
Day 2:
- Brunch at one of Copenhagen’s best cafes
- Nyhavn Harbour
- Amalienborg Palace
- The Little Mermaid
- Kastellet
- Dinner at a Michelin-starred Restaurant
Note: Although it seems like a lot, this Copenhagen 2 day itinerary is not too jam-packed. Copenhagen city centre is actually quite small and it’s very easy to get from one place to the next on foot, bike or scooter. We’ve purposely not crammed too much into this itinerary so you can take your time and really enjoy your weekend in Copenhagen.
Planning Your Copenhagen City Break – Before You Arrive
Best Time to Visit Copenhagen
The best time to plan a Copenhagen weekend trip is the warmer months, from May through September. The city is a buzz with events, activities on the water, and seemingly endless sunny days.
The Danish summer break (mid-June through August) is the busiest time for tourism and the main attractions book out quickly.
The weather in October and November is unpredictable with a lot of rain and are probably not the best months to plan a Copenhagen city break. This is a good time to spend most of your weekend dining at Copenhagen’s best restaurants, as bookings can be much easier to secure. If you do visit during this time, don’t forget to bring a rain jacket.
If you’re looking to spend 48 hours in Copenhagen during the cooler months (October through March), then you’re in for a real treat. While the temperature plummets, there’s always the chance of snow and the city turns into a winter wonderland. Christmas markets and festivities are in full swing during December.
Springtime (April through May) sees days getting longer and slightly warmer weather, although still a little on the cooler side. The flowers are starting to bloom, which is perfect for a romantic weekend in Copenhagen. It’s not quite peak tourist season yet, so there are some great deals on accommodation to be found during this time of year.
Traveller Tip: All activities in this Copenhagen 2 day itinerary are accessible during all seasons, with the exception of the Tivoli Gardens, which has reduced operating hours during the winter months.
Where to Stay in Copenhagen
Although the city if Copenhagen is quite small, it has a remarkably high proportion of great hotels for its size. The city is packed with gorgeous Scandinavian-designed boutique hotels and Airbnbs. You’d be forgiven for not wanting to leave your room during your Copenhagen weekend break.
Below is a list of recommended places to stay in Copenhagen for 2 days. We use Booking.com to find the best rate on hotels and many of them offer free cancellation in case your plans change.
All of the hotels listed below are within walking or biking distance from the major attractions listed in this guide.
Luxury (Approx. €250+)
Mid-range (Approx. €100-250)
Budget-friendly (Approx. €50-100)
How to Get Around Copenhagen
Being such a small city, it’s super easy to get around Copenhagen in two days. Here are a few options to consider, depending on your budget:
- Trains: Copenhagen’s metro line connects central Copenhagen and many of the city’s neighbourhoods and operates 24/7. The train journey from Copenhagen Airport to Copenhagen Central Station takes just 15 minutes. Other than getting from the airport to the city, we actually didn’t need to use the train while we were there.
- Private Transfer: If you are travelling with a lot of luggage or you prefer to take a car from the airport to your hotel, arrange a private transfer to be waiting when you arrive.
- Taxi or Rideshare: Taxis can be flagged in the street around the city centre and most accept credit card. GoMore is the most popular ridesharing service in Copenhagen. Don’t forget to download the GoMore app before you arrive.
- On Foot: Copenhagen is a very small city and walking is the best way to get around. Most of the places in this Copenhagen 2 day itinerary are easy walking distance from most hotels in the city centre (including the ones we’ve recommended above).
- Bike: Copenhagen is a very bike-friendly and this is a great way to get around the city quickly. Most roads have a separate bike lane and majority of Copenhagen locals use bikes as the main form of transport. You can hire a bike almost anywhere around the city and many hotels even offer bike hire.
- Scooter: There are electric scooters available to hire all over Copenhagen city centre. Voi is the main e-scooter rental service. Simply download the Voi app to hire a scooter in Copenhagen.
The Copenhagen Card
If you plan to spend at least 2 days in Copenhagen sightseeing, it may be well worth purchasing a Copenhagen Card.
The card is available for periods of 24, 48, 72 and 120 hours. It includes free public transportation on city buses, trains, and the metro, and it also includes entry to a number of attractions featured in this guide, plus much more. Click here to see a list of all attractions included in the Copenhagen Card.
City Break Copenhagen 2 Day Itinerary
Copenhagen Itinerary – Day 1
Breakfast: Torvehallerne Food Markets
Before kicking off this 2 day Copenhagen itinerary, it’s important to fuel up! Head on over to the Torvehallerne Food Market to grab a bite to eat before you hit the sights.
Located in the centre of the city, Torvehallerne, also known as the Glass Market, is home to more than 80 different shops. Here you’ll find everything from fresh produce to locally caught fish, ready to eat meals, wine, and even kitchen accessories.
You could easily spend hours just strolling through the market, taking in the sights, and maybe even sampling a few things along the way.
If you’re looking for a traditional Danish breakfast, be sure to stop by Grød Restaurant to try some of the most delicious oatmeal you will ever taste. With several toppings to choose from, including bananas, blueberries, peanut butter, cocoa nibs, roasted almonds and more, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your early morning cravings!
You can even pair it with a latte from Coffee Collective. Located in a historical telephone booth from 1896, Coffee Collective is the perfect place to get your coffee fix!
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Morning: Visit the Botanical Gardens & Rosenborg Castle
Once you’ve had your fill of Danish cuisine, grab a latte and take a short stroll over to the Botanical Gardens.
Spanning a total of 10 hectares, the Botanical Gardens are home to more than 13,000 different species of plants, all of them housed within the garden’s 27 indoor glasshouses.
As you wander the pathways through the beautiful gardens, make sure to check out the old Palm House. Dating back to 1874, this glasshouse features 16-metre ceilings, cast-iron spiral staircases, and upper-level passageways.
Traveller Tip: Entry to the Botanical Gardens is included in the Copenhagen Card.
From the Botanical Gardens, it’s only a short ten-minute walk over to Rosenborg Castle. Built in the early 17th century by one of Scandinavia’s most famous kings, Christian IV, the castle is an important historical landmark for Denmark.
Housed here you can find the royal family’s crown jewels and coronation thrones, as well as an extensive collection of Venetian glass and Flora Danica porcelain. The castle itself is well-preserved, providing a realistic glimpse into Denmark’s royal past.
Traveller Tip: Entry to the Rosenborg Castle is included in the Copenhagen Card.
Lunch: Restaurant Schønnemann
For an authentic Danish experience on your Copenhagen city break, head to Restaurant Schønnemann. It’s one of the oldest restaurants in Copenhagen.
Located just 600 metres from Rosenborg Castle, Restaurant Schønnemann is a short ten-minute walk or two-minute ride by taxi.
Here you’ll find the Danish specialty Smørrebrod – a traditional open-faced sandwich served on Rye bread. It can be paired with a variety of toppings, including several types of meats, seafood, cheese, vegetables, and more.
With so many options to choose from, it can be hard to pick just one – luckily, servings are small, so it’s possible to choose a few different Smørrebrod and mix and match them!
Be aware, however, that the restaurant is quite popular and it can be difficult to get a table during peak meal times. It’s best to arrive early or make reservations ahead of time.
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Afternoon: Climb the Round Tower & Visit Christianborg Palace
Located just two minutes down the street from Restaurant Schønnemann, you’ll find the Round Tower. Another famous building constructed by King Christian IV, the Round Tower was originally created as an astronomical observatory.
While the tower is no longer used by scientists today, it is open to the public and offers incredible views of the city.
Inside the tower, you can also find an exhibit hall and a floating glass floor that provides a sneak peek of the tower’s core from 25 metres in the air.
Traveller Tip: Entry to the Round Tower is included in the Copenhagen Card.
From the Round Tower, you can either grab a taxi or take an eight-minute stroll over to Christiansborg Palace.
No weekend in Copenhagen would be completed without a visit to this historical landmark! Christiansborg Palace still plays an important role in Denmark today. It’s home to the Danish Parliament, Ministry of State, and Supreme Court.
The palace is also occasionally used by the current Royal Family for official events and functions. While parts of the palace are closed off to the public, you’ll still have the opportunity to explore several areas, including the Royal Reception Rooms, the Palace Chapel, and the Royal Stables.
Traveller Tip: Entry to the Christiansborg Palace Royal Reception Rooms is included in the Copenhagen Card.
Evening: Tivoli Gardens
For the first evening of your Copenhagen 2 day itinerary, we recommend checking out the whimsical Tivoli Gardens, the second oldest amusement park in the world. Tivoli Gardens is like something out of a fairy tale and has been the setting for a number of movies. It’s known for its theme park rides, live music, and diverse dining options.
Traveller Tip: Entry to the Tivoli Gardens is included in the Copenhagen Card but does not include rides. Click here to book fast-track tickets with unlimited rides.
For dinner, consider grabbing some food at the Tivoli Food Hall. Offering a variety of food stands, you can find everything from Moroccan flatbread to Icelandic salads, German bratwurst, Italian pizza, and everything in between.
If you’re looking for some late-night cocktails, give the rooftop bar at Nimb Hotel a try. The bar is located inside one of the most luxurious hotels in Copenhagen (also a great place to stay on a Copenhagen city break). Nimb Roof offers exquisite views of the Tivoli Gardens and Copenhagen.
Copenhagen Itinerary – Day 2
Breakfast: Dine at one of Copenhagen’s Best Cafes
For the second day of this weekend in Copenhagen itinerary, do as the locals do and head for a leisurely Sunday breakfast at one of Copenhagen’s best cafes:
- Next Door Cafe is the perfect spot to go if you’re in the mood for some international fare. Located in the Latin Quarter, this unique cafe is known for its bacon, eggs and pancakes.
- Kompa9 is a must-try if you prefer homemade fare made from local ingredients. This cafe serves up everything from scrambled eggs to yoghurt and oatmeal – all made from scratch!
- The Union Kitchen offers the perfect setting for those in search of a casual, laid-back dining experience. Serving international fare, this restaurant is open from dawn until dusk.
- Lille Petra Cafe is also worth mentioning – this courtyard cafe serves up lighter fares such as chia porridge and croissants.
Morning: Visit Nyhavn Harbour
When you’re ready to begin exploring, hail a taxi and head on over to the iconic Nyhavn Harbour. It’s arguably the number one thing to do during a weekend in Copenhagen!
Originally built as a commercial port, the canal and surrounding buildings have been renovated into an entertainment district, complete with restaurants, bars, and music venues.
Most famous for its colourful waterfront buildings, Nyhavn is the perfect spot to simply wander around and snap a photo or two.
For a unique vantage point, you can even hop on a boat cruise and travel along the canal, taking in all the sights and sounds of this lively neighbourhood. Depending upon the cruise you choose, you may even be able to cruise past some of the city’s popular landmarks, including Christiansborg Palace and the Little Mermaid Statue.
Traveller Tip: If you plan to purchase the Copenhagen Card, it includes a Canal Tour of Copenhagen.
Midday: Amalienborg Palace
From Nyhavn, it’s just a short walk to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Amalienborg Palace, the current residence of the Danish royal family.
Here you will find a large Palace Square surrounded by the Palace’s four main buildings. It’s in this square where you can watch the changing of the Royal Guards, a noteworthy highlight that occurs every day at 12:00 noon.
Two of the buildings are occupied by the royal family and, therefore, remain closed to the public. However, the other two – Christian VII’s Palace and Christian VIII’s Palace Museum – remain open to visitors.
The only way to visit Christian VII’s Palace is through a guided tour.
The tour provides an in-depth look at the way former kings and queens used to live, granting guests access to many of the palace’s rooms and showcasing the family’s collection of antique furniture, photos, portraits, and personal memorabilia.
Christian VIII’s Palace Museum is freely open and provides guests with the opportunity to learn more about the history of the royal family. Depending on when you visit, you may be able to access the Royal Representation Rooms, and the Gala Hall, if they are not being utilized by the royal family.
As one of the most popular attractions in Copenhagen, we highly recommend you do not miss this experience during your 2 days in Copenhagen. Be sure to book tickets early!
Traveller Tip: Entry to Christian VIII’s Palace Museum is included in the Copenhagen Card.
Afternoon: The Little Mermaid & Kastellet
The next stop on our itinerary is the world-renowned Little Mermaid statue. Located directly on the waterfront just two kilometres north of the Amalienborg Palace, this status is easily reached by taxi.
The statue was inspired by the “The Little Mermaid,” story, written by Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen (also the inspiration for the Disney movie of the same name).
It was a gift to the city from Danish brewer Carl Jacobsen. Made of bronze and granite, this small statue has become a well-known attraction in Copenhagen.
Traveller Tip: You can also see the Little Mermaid from a Canal Cruise. If you purchase the Copenhagen Card, it includes a Canal Boat Cruise.
Just around the corner from The Little Mermaid, you will find the Kastellet or Citadel. Originally built in the early 17th century, these star-shaped Military Barracks are on an island all their own.
While you cannot walk into the buildings, the outside area is open and accessible to the public. It’s quite common to find locals jogging or walking along the pathways. It’s a great place to unwind and just wander around a bit.
Dinner: Checkout Copenhagen’s Fine Dining Scene
Copenhagen is well-known for its fine dining, with the highest density of Michelin starred restaurants calling the city home.
A weekend break to Copenhagen would not be complete without experiencing one of these incredible restaurants on your final night in the city.
- Geranium is the only restaurant in Copenhagen to receive three Michelin stars, making it one of the most luxurious restaurants in the city. Serving seasonally inspired meals, this restaurant is located on the 8th floor in Fælledparkem, offering incredible views of the city.
- Alchemist is a two-star Michelin restaurant located in the former set-building workshop of the Royal Danish Theatre. Offering 50 courses to choose from, this restaurant provides an immersive dining experience complete with costumed actors and classical theatre performances.
- AOC holds two Michelin stars and serves up delicious Danish cuisine. With a focus on sensory experiences, the restaurant aims to stimulate as many senses as possible through the food it serves.
- Kiin Kiin is the only Thai restaurant outside of Thailand to possess a Michelin star. Offering Thai food with a modern and elegant touch, it’s the best place to sample Asian cuisine in the city.
- Restaurant Kokkeriet is a one-star Michelin restaurant located in the old quarter of Nyboder. Offering modern European cuisine with traditional Danish touches, this quaint restaurant is a perfect break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Traveller Tip: For the perfect way to finish off your 2 days in Copenhagen be sure to book one of these restaurants before you arrive, as they are very popular and book out quickly!
Staying Longer Than 2 Days in Copenhagen?
Extend this Copenhagen 2 day itinerary and check out these other popular day trips and things to do around Copenhagen:
- Immerse yourself in Copenhagen’s food scene on a Culinary Experience Tour or a Culinary Bike Tour, or perhaps you prefer a Full-Day Private Food Tour.
- See the city the way the locals do – by bike on this Private Bike Tour or a Group Bike Tour
- Photography enthusiasts will love this hidden gems photography tour, or how about a private photoshoot to remember your trip?
- Explore the controversial hippy enclave known as Freetown Christania.
- Take a half-day private tour of Frederiksborg Castle located just outside the city.
- For a totally unique and environmentally-friendly experience, try skiing down the slopes of a power plant at Ski CopenHill.
- Take a Two Countries in One Day Tour and hop over to Malmö and Lund in Sweden by ferry and see some of Sweden’s most important landmarks.
- For the puzzle geeks, this unique Scavenger Hunt experience in Copenhagen will keep you entertained with stories and secrets as you wander the city.
Ready to Book a Weekend in Copenhagen?
Copenhagen is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and a must visit place to add to your travel bucket list. There are so many amazing unique things to do in Copenhagen, and dozens of great foodie hotspots to try – you might want to book a second trip!
We hope this Copenhagen Weekend Guide has given your loads of ideas to plan your own Copenhagen 2 day itinerary. If you are continuing your travels within Denmark or Europe, why not check out these other travel blog articles:
- 12 Cool Things to do in Copenhagen in Winter
- The Ultimate 7 Day Iceland Road Trip Itinerary
- The Ultimate Italian Bucket List: 101 Epic Things to do in Italy
To make the most of your 2 days in Copenhagen, be sure to check out what’s on in Copenhagen by heading to the Visit Copenhagen website. Here you can also verify Denmark’s entry requirements and latest updates regarding border status.
Have we left something out of our Copenhagen 2 day itinerary? If you can recommend any other places to visit in Copenhagen in 2 days, let our readers know in the comments below!
Planning a trip soon? Here is a list of the websites and resources we use for booking everything from flights, to accommodation, tours, and more:
- Skyscanner for booking the best flight deals
- Booking.com | Agoda | Hotels.com for the best rates on hotels
- Airbnb | HomeAway to find the best apartment and home rentals
- Rentalcars.com for quick and easy car rentals
- Luxury Escapes | Expedia for luxury package holiday deals and tours
- Get Your Guide for a great range of day tours
- Tourradar | Intrepid for multi-day experiential and adventure tours
- Priority Pass for airport lounge access in hundreds of locations around the world
- Skyroam to stay connected to WiFi everywhere I go
- iVisa to apply for entry visas for most countries in the world
- World Nomads for the most comprehensive worldwide travel insurance
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About the Author:
Amanda Twine is the founder and creator of Bucket List Seekers – a luxury travel blog sharing informative travel guides, food guides, hotel reviews, itineraries, and tips about how to make luxury travel more affordable.
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