Home » Destinations » Europe » Denmark » Copenhagen » Copenhagen Itinerary: 2 Days
- Last Updated on April 10, 2024
Copenhagen is one of the most underrated cities in Europe, and is a must-see for anyone traveling to the north of the continent. This city is a captivating mix of Scandinavian fishing village and capital of a historic European empire. You could easily linger for a week in this unique destination, but this Copenhagen itinerary will help you see the most important sights in 2 days. Do the activities in the order listed to optimize your time.
Table Of Contents - Copenhagen Itinerary
STAR RATING KEY:
★★★ Top priority
★★ Highly recommended
★ Worthwhile
No Star – Skippable if not interested
Copenhagen Itinerary
Day 1
National Museum
This museum details the history of Denmark from prehistoric times through modern day. Many of the artifacts on display were buried in the country’s boggy landscapes for thousands of years, resulting in remarkable preservation.
Cost and Hours: DKK 110 per adult. Open 10:00am-5:00pm daily (closed Mondays Oct-May).
Address: Prince’s Mansion, Ny Vestergade 10, 1471 København K, Denmark
Website: en.natmus.dk
City Walk
The most important thing you can do during your visit to Copenhagen is walk around the city and appreciate the architecture and vibe. You can do this on your own, making sure you hit all the major streets and sights, or you can take a group walking tour like this one, which gives you a general overview of the city.
The City of Copenhagen also puts out a list of special-interest walking tours (e.g., architecture tour, Hans Christian Anderson tour, food tour, etc), which you can find here.
You can also accomplish the same goal of seeing the city on a bike tour. There are several options for this – choose one that fits your schedule best. Click here to explore Copenhagen bike tours.
Little Mermaid Statue
If you don’t see this on your walking/biking/self-guided tour, make sure you stop by this statue. You may also see this on your boat tour, so check that before you make a special trip.
Tivoli Gardens
This amusement park is fun for the whole family (though definitely more fun if you have kids), and a must-see in Copenhagen. If you don’t have children with you, try to go at night when the park is mostly full of adults having a fun night off.
Cost and Hours: DKK 145 per adult. Open daily 11:00am-11:00pm (12:00am Fri-Sat).
Address: Vesterbrogade 3, 1630 København V, Denmark
Website: www.tivoli.dk/en
Day 2
Rosenborg Castle And Gardens
This castle was the summer home of King Christian IV in the 1600s, and has been preserved as a museum for nearly 200 years. You will visit the state rooms where he stayed, as well as see the Danish crown jewels. Be sure to explore the surrounding gardens while you are here.
Cost and Hours: DKK 125 per adult. Open 10:00am-4:00pm daily (closed Monday Oct-Dec).
Address: Øster Voldgade 4A, 1350 København, Denmark
Website: www.kongernessamling.dk/en
Christiania
Christiania is a squatters’ paradise in the middle of Copenhagen. This was unofficial for a long time, until the legal right of occupancy was established in 1971. The land is not owned by individual residents; people live there communally. This is the only place where recreational marijuana is sold openly in Copenhagen (although the dealers still wear face coverings to conceal their identity). This is a land of soft drugs and free spirits – essentially a hippie commune. It is worth a visit, but try to go in the middle of the day when everything is well lit. Enter the town and wander around freely. Make sure to go off the beaten path to see the residents having a meal on the grass or teaching schoolchildren a new game. Remember to bring cash if you plan to buy or eat anything here – as one business owner told me, Christianians like to stay off the grid.
Pro Tip: Photos are allowed in Christiania, except in the area where “illegal” activity takes place, namely where drugs are being sold. There are typically “no photos” signs in areas where photography is not allowed – make sure to be on the lookout for them.
Address: Enter the community through the gate on Pusher Street and Prinsessegade.
Website: www.christiania.org
Sightseeing Cruise
Water is so integral to Copenhagen, it’s only right that you spend some time seeing the city this way. The most popular of these tours is the 1 hour Canal Cruise From Nyhaven by Canal Tours Copenhaven, which you can reserve here. You can also show up and reserve in person, but you will typically have to wait in line for tickets.
Address: Nyhavn 3, 1253 København, Denmark.
If You Have Time, Add To Your Copenhagen Itinerary
Museum Of Danish Resistance
This museum tells the story of those who tried to resist the occupation by the Nazis from 1940-1945.
Cost and Hours: DKK 95 per adult. Open 10:00am-5:00pm daily (closed Mondays Sept-Dec).
Address: Esplanaden 13, 1263 København, Denmark
Website: en.natmus.dk
Christiansborg Palace
This palace is a fun way for visitors to get a glimpse into Danish royal life.
Cost and Hours: DKK 160 per adult. Open 10:00am-5:00pm daily (closed Monday Sept-May).
Address: Prins Jørgens Gård 1, 1218 København, Denmark
Website: kongeligeslotte.dk
Thorvaldsen’s Museum
If you love sculptures, this is a must-see. Bertel Thorvaldsen is the most important neoclassical sculptor in Denmark, and this museum holds the greatest collection of his works.
Cost and Hours: DKK 90 per adult (free on Wednesdays). Open Tuesday-Sunday 10:00am-5:00pm. Closed Mondays.
Address: Bertel Thorvaldsens Plads 2, 1213 København K, Denmark
Website: www.thorvaldsensmuseum.dk
Practical Info
Getting Around Copenhagen
Most tourist sites in Copenhagen are within walking distance of each other. You should avoid bringing a car if you can. You can take the train to get to Christiania or the airport. Buy tickets at vending machines in the station.
All rights reserved © Travel Cheat Sheet. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, etc) is strictly prohibited.
Share This Post!
