Exploring Copenhagen
Copenhagen may not be the biggest of capital cities, but it punches well above its weight in terms of culture, history, and charm. Despite its compact size, there is a lot to see and do. To help you make the most of your visit, here are some ideas for a two- or four-day trip.
Two Days in Copenhagen
Day 1
Set sail from Nyhavn on a canal tour, then stroll along the promenade past the Royal Danish Playhouse. Follow the harborside path until you reach Amalienborg, where you can watch the changing of the guard. Have lunch at Kompasset (Nyhavn 65 stuen).
Nyhavn is a waterfront entertainment area.
Head west on Gothersgade until you reach Kongens Have. Continue through the gardens to Rosenborg Slot to see the crown jewels. Walk north on Øster Voldgade and visit SMK—National Gallery of Denmark, ending with a drink at Torvehallerne KBH (Frederiksborggade 21).
Day 2
Begin the day at Nationalmuseet, making sure to visit the Viking exhibition. Next, go to Slotsholmen and visit the Royal Stables before taking a tour of the Royal Reception Rooms at Christiansborg Slot. Climb the palace tower for amazing views. Stop at the Tower Restaurant for an innovative spin on a smørrebrød (open sandwich).
Christiansborg Slot has magnificent interiors.
Head southwest on Stormgade to Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek (Dantes Plads 7), before crossing Tietgensgade and exploring Tivoli. After spending a couple of hours here, exit onto Vesterbrogade and walk east toward the Latin Quarter for sightseeing and shops.
Tivoli Gardens has manicured lawns, flowers, and fountains.
Four Days in Copenhagen
Day 1
Make SMK—National Gallery of Denmark your first stop of the day, then cross Georg Brandes Plads and head to Rosenborg Slot. Take a guided tour of the 17th-century palace before exiting into Kongens Have. Head east to Marmorkirken, and then on to Amalienborg. Stop at Ida Davidsen (Store Kongensgade 70) for lunch.
Walk west, stopping to admire the Gefionspringvandet and St. Alban’s Church before crossing the footbridge into Kastellet (Gl. Hovedvagt). See the Little Mermaid from the fortress ramparts, then catch a 1A bus into Kongens Nytorv. Stroll along Strøget, then have a drink at one of Amagertorv’s cafés.
Day 2
Start the day at Nationalmuseet and museum-hop on Slotsholmen before popping into the Royal Stables. Take a torch-lit tour of the ruins under Christiansborg Slot.
Cross the harbor and enter Christianshavn. Turn right to visit the Christians Kirke on Strandgade, then head east until you reach the canal, crossing the bridge on Sankt Annæ Gade and arrive at Vor Frelsers Kirke (Skt. Annæ Gade 29). Spend the afternoon in Christiania.
Day 3
Start the day with a trip to Zoologisk Have (Roskildevej 32), and visit the elephant house here. Stroll through Frederiksberg Have before exiting onto Pile Alle, then make your way into Visit Carlsberg (Gamle Carlsberg Vej 11).
Stroll northeast and stop at Bakkehuset (Rahbeks Alle 23). Turn right to get onto Vesterbrogade then right again onto Gasværksvej, following the road until you reach Kødbyen, where you will find a plethora of trendy bars.
Day 4
Begin the day with a coffee at one of the many cafés along Studiestræde before exploring the bustling Latin Quarter. Head up Store Kannikestræde to Rundtårn, and then hike to the top. Continue into Nyhavn for lunch.
Take a boat tour of the canals and jump off at Holmens Kirke (Holmens Kanal 21). Walk west along Gammel Strand, passing Rådhus before turning onto Vesterbrogade. Turn left into Tivoli, and spend the afternoon in the pleasure gardens.
