2 days in Copenhagen itinerary (+ hidden gems)

Are you looking for the best 2 days in Copenhagen itinerary? I’m a Dane so this guide has you covered – keep reading for more!

If you’re looking for the best things to do in Copenhagen, you’ve come to the right place.

It’s a laid-back capital in Scandinavia that ranks one of the highest on the happiness meter.

Aside from having visited Copenhagen countless of times, I’ve also lived there before I met Thomas. I just revisited all the must-visit places this weekend, so this travel info is all up to date!

Here’s a local guide to soaking up the best of Copenhagen in 2 days.

Read next: 30 best places to visit in Denmark

2 days in Copenhagen itinerary

Is 2 days in Copenhagen enough?

2 days in Copenhagen is enough to see the main attractions.

Within two days, you’ll see the big spots and feel the city’s charm, though it’s just the tip of the iceberg.

My recommendation?

3 to 5 days let you experience the city more and even take day trips to Kronborg Castle, charming Dragør, or Stevns Klint.

Read next: 23 cozy things to do in Copenhagen in winter

How to get from the airport to Copenhagen

The metro is the fastest way to get to and from the airport.

Simply buy a 3-zone ticket (30 DKK / $4.3), hop on, and 13 minutes later, you’re at Kongens Nytorv in the heart of Copenhagen.

From Kongens Nytorv, you can change the metro to M3 or M4 and get to the Central Station, Nørrebro, Vesterbro, Østerbro, and more.

Book car transfer – Private Copenhagen Airport Transfer to or from Copenhagen

2 days in copenhagen what to do

Day 1 in Copenhagen

Visit Copenhagen City Hall and have a hotdog

On your first day in Copenhagen, head to the City Hall Square.

Here, you’ll find two traditional hot dog stands and the Copenhagen City Hall – at 106 meters, it’s among Copenhagen’s tallest buildings.

Have a hotdog while you discover the gilded statue of Bishop Absalon, Copenhagen’s 12th-century founder, above the main entrance.

Take a canal cruise

A canal tour is a cool way to see the main tourist attractions in Copenhagen over a weekend.

It takes you around the harbor, through Christianshavn’s canals, and you’ll see funky houseboats, old quaint houses, and spots like the Opera House from the water. They take off from Nyhavn and Gammel Strand.

🚤 Book here – Copenhagen Canal Tour With Live Guide (⭐ 4.5/5)

Christiansborg

Christiansborg Palace, on the tiny Slotsholmen island, is a top Copenhagen spot with over 800 years of history.

Built in 1928, this Neo-Baroque building houses the Danish Parliament, the Supreme Court, and the Prime Minister’s Office.

You might know it from the Danish TV series Borgen, but it’s also worth visiting for its Royal Reception Rooms – 18 opulent spaces boasting art, tapestries, and grandeur, hosting gala dinners and official visits.

Hidden gem: The University Library in Fiolstræde

This one is a highlight.

The University Library on Fiolstræde has seen a lot since its doors opened in 1861. It once lost around 35,000 books to a fire in 1728!

Last year, it was opened to the public so you can go inside this beautiful library. Not many people know about it, so you’ll have it to yourself.

Climb the Round Tower

Built as an observatory in the 17th century by King Christian IV, the Round Tower is worth a visit because of its great views of the city.

It has a spectacular 209-meter-long spiral ramp that winds its way upwards. There are stairs at the top.

Explore Rosenborg Castle

King Christian IV built this little gem of a castle in 1606-1634 as a royal treasure retreat.

Today, the palace is a museum, known for its exhibition of Denmark’s crown jewels. While you’re there, go for a walk in the beautiful garden.

Admire the Marble Church

Across from Amalienborg Palace, you’ll find the eye-catching Frederik’s Church or Marble Church. Its large green dome looks like St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

It’s the biggest dome church in Copenhagen, with Danish saints greeting you outside and a spectacular dome inside.

It’s open at different times on different days, no entry fee. And for 35 DKK, a dome climb at 13:00 gives you a stunning Copenhagen panorama, especially Amalienborg Castle.

See the changing of guards at Amalienborg

Amalienborg Palace, with four Rococo-style buildings, is the Danish royal residence during autumn and winter. Initially for the affluent, it turned royal after a 1794 fire.

Two of the palaces are open; Christian VIII showcases royal rooms, while Christian VII’s, more lavish, requires a guided tour.

Take a stroll in Nyhavn

Nyhavn means “New Harbor” in Danish and it’s one of the top landmarks in Copenhagen.

It’s from the 17th century and is known for its colorful buildings and cobblestones.

Nyhavn is the perfect place for a drink and always worth a visit to look at the wooden boats and the house where H.C. Andersen used to live (no. 20).

48 hours in copenhagen

Day 2 in Copenhagen

The Little Mermaid

Begin your second day in Copenhagen at The Little Mermaid.

The Little Mermaid statue by Edvard Eriksen has been a symbol of Copenhagen since 1913. It was inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s famous fairy tale.

The statue is quite small and popular with tourists, but a visit to Copenhagen feels incomplete without going here.

Visit Kastellet

Right next to The Little Mermaid is Kastellet Fortress.

Established back in 1626, it has been a prison, later a WWII German base, and today it’s a quiet military site.

Kastellet has grassy ramparts, a windmill, a church, and quaint red brick buildings that you can explore.

And those two welcoming bridges? They make it all the more charming.

Church of our Savior – the prettiest church in town

The Church of Our Saviour is the most beautiful church in Copenhagen – at least from the outside.

This stunner has a 90-meter golden spire and a massive organ sitting on marble elephants inside.

If heights don’t scare you, climb the 400 steps (some outside) up to the top of the tower for a great city view.

It’s open 10:00-16:00 with a 69 DKK fee for the tower.

Freetown Christiania

A few minutes walk from the church is Christiania – an autonomous neighborhood on the island of Christianshavn.

It was created by squatters in 1971 and still attracts people with an alternative lifestyle. Today, around 100 people live there.

Have a stroll around the green area and be inspired by the self-made houses and graffiti. You’ll also find eco-restaurants, workshops, galleries, and music venues.

Grundtvig Church

Grundtvig’s Church in Copenhagen is unlike any other, made entirely of six million pale yellow bricks.

It took 19 long years to build, wrapping up in 1940. Inside, it’s simple—no fancy windows or artwork, just towering columns and arches.

Admire The Glyptotek Art Museum

Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek is a Copenhagen gem, housing a rich mix of Danish Golden Age and French paintings alongside Mediterranean antiques.

You’ll find big names like Van Gogh and Cézanne here. The Egyptian collection and Roman art are a real treat.

My favorite spot is the Winter Garden – a green retreat under a glass dome.

Go to Tivoli Gardens

Just across the street from Copenhagen Central Station and Glyptoteket, you’ll find Tivoli Gardens’s amusement park.

The old park has a unique fairy tale atmosphere and is a must-see for everyone no matter your age.

Tivoli Gardens was founded in 1843 and has become a national treasure and an international attraction for roller coaster lovers, foodies, and nostalgics. The perfect place to end your 2 days in Copenhagen.

Read next: 10 magical places to find Copenhagen cherry blossoms

Where to eat in Copenhagen

FAQ – 2 day Copenhagen itinerary

Is 2 days enough for Copenhagen?

Two days in Copenhagen is a bit tight but doable for hitting major sights like Nyhavn, Tivoli Gardens, Amalienborg Palace, and the Little Mermaid statue.

However, if you’re keen on a more relaxed pace or exploring more, you should add an extra day.

Is 1.5 days in Copenhagen enough?

1.5 days is tight but you can skim the surface. You’ll hit Nyhavn, the Little Mermaid, and maybe Tivoli Gardens. However, the city has so much more to offer!

Is Copenhagen a walkable city?

Yes, Copenhagen is quite walkable with flat terrain and pedestrian-friendly streets.

Many attractions are close together, making it easy to explore on foot. You can also take the metro.

Is 48 hours enough in Copenhagen?

48 hours in Copenhagen is enough for a quick run through the highlights. But if you want a deeper dive or a relaxed pace, adding a day or two would be better.

More posts about Copenhagen you might like

• 43 unique things to do in Copenhagen
• 30 best places to visit in Denmark (by a Dane)
• Dragør Denmark – the perfect day trip from Copenhagen

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