Itinerary for two days in Copenhagen

Got a weekend break in Copenhagen but not sure how to make the most of your time? I’ve put together what I think would be the perfect two days in the city. The itinerary should keep your budget down but still allow you to be busy and see a lot of the city. Copenhagen is such an easy city to get around and you can make the most of this by walking or hiring bikes to get around while there. This itinerary would be suitable come summer or winter.

Itinerary for two days in Copenhagen

Day 1

Morning

After taking the metro into the city and dumping your luggage at your accommodation it is time to get exploring. First head down to Nyhavn to snap those picture perfect shots of the colourful harbour in day light. Although touristy and popular there is a very good reason for that, the area is one of the prettiest in Copenhagen making it the best place to start your city adventure.

From Nyhavn you can head up to The Little Mermaid statue, a must for any visit to the city. It isn’t a grand statue like many of the others in the city but it is a sure reminder of the wonderful stories of Hans Christian Anderson. The statue is easy to find with its steady course of visitors. On the way back you can head via the Amalienborg Slot, if you make it for midday then you’ll see the changing of the guards if not you’ll see the guards in action anyway.

Lunch

Head to the Copenhagen Street Food Market on Paper Island, you can cross over using the bridge at the end of Nyhavn and head left once you’ve crossed. The market is easy to find inside one of the existing warehouses there, signs help to lead the way. Inside you will find a wealth of food and drink selections, we went in the winter and they had a roaring fire and plenty of cosy spots to sit. The perfect place for an affordable and yummy lunch.

Afternoon

You have a little time before heading to Tivoli Gardens and many options of things to do: head back to your accommodation to freshen up or wander around Christianborg Slot, Nationalmuseet or Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek – all of which are within walking distance to Tivoli Gardens.

Evening

Early evening, or just as the sun is setting get yourself over to Tivoli Gardens, the old amusement park which at Christmas times hosts one of the best Christmas Wonderlands. The lights of this place add the magic as darkness falls. There are plenty of rides to keep the adrenaline high or if you’d rather just watch that is just as enjoyable. Tivoli Gardens was my favourite thing to do in the city. It is possible to grab dinner here if your prefer otherwise grab dinner on the way home.

Dinner

On the way back to your accommodation stop off at Cock’s and Cows for delicious burgers and a cosy dining experience. The staff here are super friendly and the menu offers a variety of burgers and sides to fill your tummy with. The prices are affordable here making it a perfect stop if you are on a budget.

Day 2

Breakfast

Pop into Hafnia cafe for a healthy, organic and yummy breakfast. This cafe has a cosy feel with candles lit at 10 in the morning. There is a steady stream of customers coming and going from here and at times it may seem like the place is understaff, fear not as the food and drink makes up for this.

Morning

Head off to Rosenborg Slot for the morning, this castle is beautiful inside and be sure to give yourself and hour or two to wander around. You can explore the grounds before purchasing a ticket but will need to show your ticket to get inside the castle. There is a booklet on hand to describe a bit about each room of the castle but if you want more information then be sure to download a scanner app for your phone.

After the castle head across the road and into the botanic gardens, in summer this would be a perfect place to enjoy some sun and maybe even a picnic. Come winter the glasshouses are where you want to be, needing to be kept at a certain temperature for plants they provide that little bit of warmth needed. There is plenty to explore here so you can stay for as long or short as you like.

Lunch

If it isn’t summer and you can’t have a picnic in the gardens then head for To Market, To Market. Two glass barns which house produce to buy for cooking as well as sweet treats, drinks and small meals. There is plenty of choice for lunch so be sure to look around before picking something that takes your fancy. Most stalls have seats specifically for customers so be sure to sit where you bought your food.

Afternoon

You can’t come to Copenhagen without a visit to the Rundetårn or more commonly known as the round tower. Head to the observation deck for 360 degree views across the city. You’ll be able to find spots you’ve visited on your trip as well as marvel at those iconic green rooftops. Be sure to use the guide and visit the other locations suggested also. Wrap up warm for this visit it as it can be pretty chilly at the top.

Finally to finish the afternoon off, wander along the shopping streets of Købmagergade and Vimmelskaftet, you’ll find the Lego store here along with many H&M stores. If you are visiting around Christmas time you will also find at Christmas market in this area. Got a little time to spare? Then head into one of the cosy cafes/bars for a warming drink.

Dinner

You’ll need to book ahead for this one but it will totally be worth the effort a price (I’d probably stay away from this suggestion if you’re on a budget). For your final night in the city treat yourself to dinner at Höst, a five course set meal is the cheapest and simplest option but you could easily go for an eight course meal with pairing wines. This is Scandinavian fine dining at its best and something I highly recommend.

Have you been to Copenhagen? Would you add anything?

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Read more about Copenhagen: A budget for a weekend in Copenhagen 

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