Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, is known for its canals, delicious cuisine, historic sites and a unique blend of modern architecture and historic charm. Are you planning to visit Copenhagen for 3 days? This itinerary and guide to the best places to see in Copenhagen in 3 days will help you plan.
- Is it possible to visit Copenhagen in 3 days?
- 3 Days in Copenhagen – map
- WHAT TO SEE IN 3 DAYS IN COPENHAGEN
- COPENHAGEN IN 3 DAYS: Nyhavn and The Little Mermaid
- COPENHAGEN IN 3 DAYS: Centre and Tivoli Gardens
- COPENHAGEN IN 3 DAYS: National Aquarium of Denmark and Christianshavn
- Where to stay in Copenhagen
- How to enjoy Copenhagen in 3 days
- More information about Scandinavia
Is it possible to visit Copenhagen in 3 days?
Copenhagen is a relatively small city (approx. 600,000 inhabitants) that is largely walkable. The terrain is flat and it is easy to get from one place to another. For more distant places you can use public transport (metro, trains, buses, water buses) which is fully integrated and works great.
3 days in Copenhagen is plenty of time to visit the city’s main sights and attractions, sample the city’s renowned cuisine, stroll around the waterfront and spend some time on the beach.
3 Days in Copenhagen – map
The itinerary for Copenhagen is designed so that the locations are close together and you don’t have to waste time driving across the city. Every day has something of everything – culture, history, relaxation and delicious food.
A map showing the routes for each day will help you plan. You can download and edit the map as you wish.
HOW TO USE THIS MAP: Above you will find a detailed map of the route for 3 days in Copenhagen. Click at the top left of the map to see separate layers with highlighted locations. You can hide and show the different layers or click on the icons on the map to see the names of the places I mention in the guide to Copenhagen. If you want to save the map, star it. For a larger version, click on the icon in the upper right corner.
WHAT TO SEE IN 3 DAYS IN COPENHAGEN
COPENHAGEN IN 3 DAYS: Nyhavn and The Little Mermaid
Itinerary for Day 1 in Copenhagen
- Port of Nyhavn
- Amalienborg Castle
- Little Mermaid and Kastellet Fortress
- Rosenborg Castle and Gardens
- Torvehallerne market and Nørrebro district
Morning
Nyhavn
We start our Copenhagen adventure in the iconic port of Nyhavn. This picturesque place is famous for its colourful townhouses from the 17th century, historic wooden boats and a lively atmosphere.
You can stroll around the canal or watch the surrounding cricket in one of the restaurants with gardens that line the harbour.
Pop into Vaffelbageren Nyhavn for delicious waffles or around the corner to one of the bakeries for wienerbrød, a traditional snail-shaped pastry (made in different ways in Denmark).
Nyhavn is one of the most popular places in Copenhagen. The crowds will be here in the morning. If you arrive in the morning, you will enjoy the atmosphere of the place without the crowds of tourists. The harbour itself is small and can be passed relatively quickly.
From Nyhavn continue towards the waterfront, where you turn left. Copenhagen’s entire waterfront is beautifully landscaped, with benches and views of the ultra-modern opera house opposite. Around the waterfront, we walk to Amalienborg Palace in a few minutes.
Morning
Amalienborg
Amalienborg, the seat of the Danish monarchy, is an elegant complex of four identical buildings surrounding a circular square, in the centre of which stands a statue of King Frederik V on horseback. Today, two of the palaces are used as residences of the Danish royal family, and the Christian VIII Palace houses the Amalienborg Museum.
If you arrive at noon, you will witness the changing of the guard. You can also visit the palace from the inside. Opening hours are very variable – check here before visiting to be sure.
Admission to the Amalienborg Museum is 125 DKK and discounted for students 80 DKK. Children under 18 years of age are admitted free of charge. You can buy a combined ticket to Amalienborg and Rosenborg at a discounted price.
Hotels in Copenhagen 😴
Frederik Kirke
Just a short walk from Amalienborg, you’ll see the baroque dome of Frederiks Kirke, Copenhagen’s most famous church, peeking above the surrounding houses. Inside the church you can see beautiful frescoes, gilded details and tall marble columns.
- Admission: entry to the church is free (donations are welcome) and you can even go up into the dome – click here for more information about visiting the dome.
- Opening hours: the Marble Church is open Monday to Thursday and Saturday 10:00-17:00, Friday 12:00-17:00 and Sunday 12:30-17:00.
☞ How to save in Copenhagen: Copenhagen is one of the most expensive cities in the world. Copenhagen Card gets you free entry to over 80 places in Copenhagen, including boat cruises, Tivoli Gardens, Christiansborg, the Zoo, Rosenborg and more. This includes unlimited free transport not only in Copenhagen, but throughout the region (including travel from the airport). Read a detailed review of the card here.
Afternoon
Little Mermaid
From Frederiks Kirke and Amalienborg we continue along the landscaped waterfront. In about 20 minutes, we will walk to the icon of Denmark – Little Mermaid. The bronze statue has been sitting there for over 100 years. It was created by the sculptor Edvard Eriksen, who was inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale about the young mermaid.
There is a pleasant park around, which in spring is literally covered with pink flowers.
Kastellet
You can have a picnic in the park or continue straight on to Kastellet Fortress. It may not be on everyone’s itinerary of places to see in Copenhagen, but it’s an interesting place to visit.
Kastellet is one of the best preserved star fortresses in Europe. It is surrounded by massive walls that you can walk along.
Today it serves as a military barracks, which is open to the public free of charge.
- Opening hours: Kastellet is open 6:00-22:00 in summer and 6:00-20:00 in winter.
- There are free toilets at the back of the fort.
Rosenborg and the King’s Garden
After visiting the fortress, we head to Rosenborg Castle, one of the most beautiful places to see in Copenhagen. The castle was built by King Christian IV. as his summer residence, so inside you can see many important historical objects, including Danish crown jewels, royal portraits, beautiful furniture and a collection of weapons and armour.
From the fortress you can get here in about half an hour on foot, or you can take a walk. you can take public transport and get off a short walk from the castle. Trains, metro and buses stop nearby from Kastellet.
The castle is surrounded by the beautiful Kongens Have (King’s Garden), which is the oldest and most popular city park in Copenhagen. The gardens are full of flower beds, old trees, statues and small lakes where locals go for picnics and walks.
In the evening
Torvehallerne Market
After sightseeing, we end the day at Torvehallerne, a modern glass and steel market with over 60 stalls selling everything from fresh fish and gourmet chocolate to locally sourced organic fruit.
The market is just a few minutes from Rosenborg Castle, next to Nørreport Station, so you can plan your visit before or after your tour of the castle.
Nørrebro district
If you have the desire and time, head to the stone bridge Dronning Louises Bro in the Nørrebro district for the evening. It is just a short walk from the market and Rosenborg Castle.
You can sit with the locals right by the water and enjoy the views of the sunset over Nørrebro.
Nørrebro is one of Copenhagen’s most vibrant and diverse neighbourhoods, offering a multicultural atmosphere, independent shops and friendly restaurants.
COPENHAGEN IN 3 DAYS: Centre and Tivoli Gardens
Itinerary for Day 2 in Copenhagen
- Rundetaarn and Strøget
- Strøget
- Christiansborg
- Tivoli Gardens
Morning
Rundetaarn
We start our second day in the city centre, which is made up of open squares and narrow streets lined with colourful houses, home to Danish shops and cafes. Get off at Nørreport station and head towards the Round Tower (Rundetaarn).
Rundetaarn is an iconic landmark of Copenhagen and one of the oldest working observatories in Europe (it has stood here since the 17th century). This place definitely needs to be on your list of things to see in Copenhagen.
Even the journey up is an experience – instead of the traditional stairs, a spiral ramp winds its way to the top of the tower, which is lined with historical exhibitions about the history of the tower.
- Admission: Admission is 40 DKK and 10 DKK for children 5-15 years.
- Opening hours: The Round Tower is open daily from April to the end of September from 10:00-20:00 and from October to March from 10:00-18:00 and on Tuesdays and Wednesdays until 21:00, so you can enjoy the view of beautifully lit Copenhagen.
Centre and Strøget
The centre is around the pedestrianised Strøget Avenue, between the vast Kongens Nytorv Square and Copenhagen Cathedral. Wander the charming streets (Magstræde is particularly charming), pop into one of the cafés for a cinnamon snail or Danish smørrebrød (sandwich) and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the city.
Morning
Christiansborg
We cross the Frederiksholms Canal and reach Christiansborg, the seat of the Danish Parliament, the Supreme Court and the Prime Minister’s Office. A beautiful neo-baroque building where you can sit outside on a bench overlooking the horses.
You can also visit Christiansborg from the inside. Explore the richly decorated royal state rooms, or venture underground to explore the palace’s archaeological digs with the remains of ancient forts and castles that once stood on the site.
Admission to Christiansborg varies depending on what you plan to see.
The combined ticket is the best value if you plan to see everything (royal state rooms, royal banquet kitchen, ruins under Christiansborg and royal stables) – adults 175 DKK, students 155 DKK, children under 18 free
Tickets for individual seats range from 65-105 DKK – click here for more information. Entrance to the tower and church is free.
The interior of the castle is usually open from 10:00-17:00, but may change throughout the year (it is usually closed on Mondays in winter). Check the current opening hours on the official website.
Hotels in Copenhagen 😴
Town hall and museums in Copenhagen
From Christiansborg we continue to the town hall, an imposing red brick building just a few minutes from Christiansborg.
On the way, you can visit the Glyptoteket Art Museum or the National Museum of Denmark if you are interested in Danish history and culture.
☞ Read a detailed guide to transport in Copenhagen (airport, metro and public transport)
Afternoon
Tivoli Gardens
We will dedicate the afternoon to the third oldest amusement park in the world, located unconventionally right in the city centre – Tivoli Gardens.
It is a beautiful place for those who want to enjoy a walk in the beautifully landscaped gardens. This brings together all generations, children and seniors, locals and tourists. The young enjoy the fun on the attractions, the older ones stroll around the lakes and landscaped corners.
You can spend the whole day here. There are restaurants, food stalls, quiet and busy places with live music, sun loungers and benches away from the attractions. After dark, the Tivoli Gardens are beautifully lit.
COPENHAGEN IN 3 DAYS: National Aquarium of Denmark and Christianshavn
Itinerary for Day 3 in Copenhagen
- National Aquarium of Denmark
- Amager Strand
- Christianshavn and Christiania
- Kødbyen
Morning
National Aquarium of Denmark
The National Aquarium of Denmark is one of the largest and most modern aquariums in Northern Europe. It’s outside the centre of Copenhagen, but it’s easy to get here on the yellow metro line M2 (Kastrup St. stop towards the airport) and from there it’s a few minutes’ walk to the coast.
The aquarium building itself will impress you with its futuristic architecture. Inside, the aquarium is divided into several sections, including an ocean tunnel where you’ll feel like you’re at the bottom of the sea with sharks, stingrays and many other sea creatures.
It will take you about 1-1.5 hours to visit the aquarium. Book your tickets in advance – they are cheaper. Plus, in the mornings you can enjoy the aquarium with just a few others.
- Admission to the National Aquarium of Denmark: full admission is 199 DKK (209 DKK in season) and 107 DKK (112 DKK in season) for children 3-11 years old. Prices are valid when booking online – tickets are more expensive on site.
- Opening hours: daily 10:00-21:00 in high season, Monday 10:00-21:00 and Tuesday-Sunday 10:00-17:00 during the rest of the year
☞ More information: Read more about the things to do in Copenhagen.
Morning
Amager Strand
After a tour of the aquarium, we’ll head to Amager Strand, a large sandy beach overlooking the Øresund Bridge that connects Denmark to Sweden. It’s a great place to take a walk or relax by the water.
There is a landscaped promenade, refreshments, a small marina, benches and toilets. If you are driving, there are plenty of free parking spaces nearby.
Afternoon
Christianshavn
We will spend the afternoon in the Christianshavn district. It is known for its picturesque canals, which give it the nickname “Copenhagen’s Venice”. Unlike the Nyhavn Canal, Christianshavn is more authentic and less touristy.
Stroll along the picturesque canals lined with preserved old buildings, where colourful boats and yachts lazily loiter. Walk down to the waterfront where there are tables and various seating areas to sit by the water and just relax with the locals.
Church of Our Saviour
On the way, you can stop at the Church of Our Saviour, one of the most interesting churches in Denmark. It has a tower with an outdoor spiral staircase that you can climb. It’s not a place for those who are afraid of heights, but if you like views or want to get over yourself, don’t miss the church.
- Admission to the church: free
- Admission to the tower: 69 DKK, 53 DKK for students and seniors over 65, 20 DKK for children 5-14, under 5 free
- Opening hours: 9:00-20:00, the tower is closed in January
Freetown Christiania
Or head to Christiania, the famous freetown in the middle of Copenhagen, known for its liberal lifestyle, colourful street art and community spirit.
The district is the most controversial place in Copenhagen, with some people absolutely smitten with it, while others would cut it out of their itinerary. We belong to the second group, but it is up to everyone to make their own picture. Prepare for the lingering smell of marijuana and not always friendly locals.
- Admission: free
- Please note: There are a number of locations where photography is prohibited. Frequent police raids.
From the Christianshavn district we continue towards the coast, where you can cross the bridge to Nyhavn harbour, where our first day in Copenhagen began. Or take a pleasant walk further along the coast to the futuristic Opera House. Along the way there are food stalls and seating areas overlooking the west side of Copenhagen.
Evening
Kødbyen district
If you’re looking for something special to end your 3-day itinerary in Copenhagen, head to the Kødbyen district. It is known for its excellent restaurants and bars where you can taste cuisine from all over the world. Our tip is Warpigs Brewpub, where those who like a relaxed atmosphere, great food and beer will find a great place.
Where to stay in Copenhagen
- Comwell Copenhagen Portside Dolce by Wyndham: Fantastic, new hotel with full facilities, excellent breakfast and just steps from the metro and boat bus
- Next House Copenhagen: Great value accommodation in a quiet area on the edge of the centre, lounge with games room, shared kitchen, washing machine, choice of single rooms with bathroom or shared rooms
- CPH Hotel: Cosy Scandinavian-style hotel with swimming pool and spa
- Cabinn Copenhagen: Cheap accommodation including private bathroom, breakfast and good access to the centre
Hotels in Copenhagen 😴
How to enjoy Copenhagen in 3 days
- You can pick up free paper maps and small guidebooks of Copenhagen at the metro stations.
- Rent a bike and ride around the waterfront. Copenhagen is very bike-friendly.
- Copenhagen has beautiful parks and a long, landscaped waterfront that invites strolling. Comfortable shoes are a must.
- If you get cold easily, wear a scarf around your neck to protect yourself from the cold wind.
- Get your Copenhagen Card and get free entry to most places in Copenhagen and unlimited transport throughout the region (including from the airport) for one price.
- Clean toilets are free in Copenhagen. In the centre are at Nyhavn harbour, at Strøget or at the square with the town hall. Just type “public toilet” into Google maps and the nearest ones will pop up (just beware that some are for ladies only and some are for gentlemen).
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This was our itinerary and route map of what to see in Copenhagen in 3 days. Do you have a question? We’ll be happy to answer it in the comments below. Have a safe journey!
More information about Scandinavia
COPENHAGEN: Get inspired by the things to do in Copenhagen. For more information about the airport and public transport, read our detailed guide to transport in Copenhagen. In this article you will learn how to save in Copenhagen with the Copenhagen Card.
STOCKHOLM: Stockholm is another beautiful, royal city in Scandinavia. Get inspired with tips on best things to do in Stockholm.
HELSINKI: Here are tips on the things to do in Helsinki.
Get even more inspiration and choose a destination for your next trip here.
