3 Days in Copenhagen | The Ultimate Copenhagen Itinerary

3 Days in Copenhagen! It might not seem like a lot of time. 

After all, Copenhagen’s a diverse city with some of the best food in Europe, colorful neighborhoods, and panoramic viewpoints. 

It’s a city bathed in history, Vikings relics, and canal ways. 

And there is a lot to do in central copenhagen.

But you’re in luck as this 3-day Copenhagen Itinerary will whisk you around the city’s best sites, markets, areas, and neighborhoods.  And Copenhagen is one of the best cities in Northern Europe.

Let’s get started! 

3 Days in Copenhagen

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Why Visit Copenhagen

Are You asking yourself “why should I visit Copenhagen?” 

This is a no-brainer, but I’ll indulge you. Here are just a few reasons that Copenhagen needs to be at the top of your travel bucket list. 

• This Nordic city continues to have a massive impact on the global food scene. 
• Copenhagen has the world’s best restaurants. 
• Awesome sites, like castles, statues, and parks. 
• The colorful harbor area of Nyhavn. (need I say more?)
• Copenhagen’s home to a couple of the best neighborhoods in Europe. (Chosen by Lonely planet and Business Insider)
• The city has a soft spot for art and history! There are dozens of galleries, and museums spread across the city. 
• Copenhagen’s one of the safest cities in the world.
• On that same note: Denmark’s the least corrupt country in the world. (And there’s your fun fact about Denmark for the day).

And let’s not forget that Copenhagen has….

• The locals are fantastic.
• Awesome viewpoints! 
• Great Biking
• Unforgettable day trips
• Ornate Palaces
• A thriving nightlife! 

With a resume like that, you can imagine that every year millions of travelers are captivated by Copenhagen. 

It’s a city I still can’t shake off, after dozens of visits. 

So the real question isn’t “why should I visit Copenhagen?”. It’s “why did I wait so long?”

Getting to Copenhagen

Before we start planning our 3 days in Copenhagen we have to talk about getting to the city! 

First off, There’s no shortage of ways to get to Copenhagen. 

For the vast majority of you who are reading this, flying’s the best and most convenient option. One thing I love about flying into Copenhagen – compared to many other airports – is that only takes 10 minutes by train to reach downtown.

If you’re already in Europe, consider taking a train, or using a budget airline like Ryanair. These two options provide a quick getaway to Denmark’s capital. 

Getting from Copenhagen airport to the city center is easy. Just jump on the train to Copenhagen’s Central Station. A ticket costs 36 DKK( around 4.5 Euro or 6 USD) and the journey takes around 10 -15 minutes.

Best time to visit Copenhagen

When is the best time ti visit Copenhagen? Since you only have three days in Copenhagen you want to make sure to plan your visit at the right time of year. So what is the best time to visit Copenhagen? 

You’re good to visit Copenhagen anytime from March to early September. This is when the weather is the most pleasant and at its warmest. Although in July and August Copenhagen sees a little more rain. 

However, summer is also the peak tourist season – which means higher prices, and bigger crowds. 

Whatever time of the year you visit Copenhagen remember to pack some gear for wind and rain.

Even in summer, there’s a slightly chilly breeze from the Baltic sea, and Denmark does get light rain all year round. Personally, the rain has never steered me away from visiting Copenhagen, as it’s usually just a drizzle. 

How to Get Around in Copenhagen

Okay, now that we’ve arrived in the city let’s talk about the easiest way to get around Copenhagen and start exploring.

This is another perk for the city, and even though Copenhagen is the largest city in Scandinavia it’s still walkable. The city also has a well-connected metro and bus system. 

Copenhagen also has special deals for travel. For example, the Copenhagen Card (more detail on that soon) gives you free public transport on city and harbor buses, metro, and trains. Of course, we can’t talk about getting around Copenhagen without talking about biking. Copenhagen has more bikes than people, there are many places you can rent these bikes, and they are one of the best (and most Danish) ways to get around the city. Whatever way you choose to get around…. traveling to Copenhagen is a breeze. 

How to Get Around in Copenhagen

Okay, now that we’ve arrived in the city let’s talk about the easiest way to get around Copenhagen and start exploring.

Another area where Copenhagen earns high marks is local transportation! The city also has a well-connected metro and bus system. And even though it’s the largest city in Scandinavia, it’s still walkable.

We can’t talk about getting around Copenhagen without talking about biking. Copenhagen has more bikes than people, there are many places you can rent these bikes, and they are one of the best (and the most Danish) ways to get around the city. 

Traveling to Copenhagen is a breeze, whatever method of transportation you decide. 

Copenhagen also has special deals for travelers. For example, the Copenhagen Card gives you free public transport on the city and harbor buses, metro, and trains. As well as entrance to 85 attractions – but more on that later.

I highly suggest it for our 3 days in Copenhagen.

Where to Stay for 3 Days in Copenhagen

Ah, the age-old question about where to stay in Copenhagen. Sadly I don’t have an answer as it largely depends on your budget. 

The most scenic area of the city is Nyhavn – however, the words scenic and cheap rarely go hand-in-hand. 

However, budget permitting (or if they have a sale on booking dot come) then stay at the Admiral Hotel. 

If money is no object, then hands down you have to stay at the lavish – out-of-my-price-range – 5 Star Hotel D’Angleterre in the inner city. 

For a cheaper, and cooler neighborhood to stay head to the Vesterbro / Kødbyen district. Vesterbro’s been named one of the coolest neighborhoods in the world. Nimb Hotel is a good option in this area. 

Those who want to wander and stay a little outside downtown can head to the Kalvebod Bogle area of Copenhagen. 

There are also some good Airbnb’s to choose from! Sign up using this link and you can earn $40 off your first stay with Airbnb! (Don’t say I never gave you anything) 

Do all of those sound out of your budget? Or maybe you’re looking for a hostel. Here are some cheaper places to stay in Copenhagen. 

Should I get a Copenhagen Card for 3 days?

This is up to you! But if you plan on following this Copenhagen itinerary then I recommended it as many of these sites are included on the card. 

Plus, you get free public transport to get around the city. If you do three or four things on this list then the card more than pays for itself. One good thing about the Copenhagen Card is that it’s bought before arriving and, collect from a visitor center, and there’s even a digital version.  

Pro tip: buy the digital version before heading to Copenhagen and use it to get free transport to and from the airport.

ALL attractions on this list that are included in the Copenhagen card are marked with a CC at the bottom.

Check out all the attractions of the Copenhagen card here. 

Pro tip: Buy the digital version before heading to Copenhagen and use it to get free transport to and from the airport.

Note: Attractions on this list that are included in the Copenhagen card are marked with a (CC) at the bottom.

3 Days in Copenhagen

Here we go! Day one in Copenhagen starts now! 

Make sure to have those camera batteries charged as we will be out most of the day!  

Most of this day takes place around the old town and downtown area. And takes in some of the most iconic sites in the city. 

Day 1 requires a lot of walking; you can get through most of the day without public transport. However, feel free to use it at any time. 

Looking at a map you’ll see that this day slightly zigs and zags. There is a method to this madness. Certain spots are better at different times of the day. 

For example Nyhavn during the sunset or Tivoli Gardens at night.

Rådhuspladsen (Copenhagen City Hall) 

Copenhagen City Hall Square – also known as Rådhuspladsen – is a bustling city square. It’s often alive with people, a food stand, or two. The impressive City Hall towers over the square. Those of you who have traveled to Tuscany might see that the building slightly resembles the city hall in Siena. The design of City Hall was meant to strike a medium between Renaissance Italy and Danish architecture. City Hall’s a good first step as it’s one of the most historical attractions in the city. 

Wait, before heading into the parliament building, note the fancy fountain, and the statue depicting Hans Christian Andersen in the square. Make sure to take a look inside this 100-year-old building as it is free to enter! 

City Hall Tower

For you savvy travelers who picked up a Copenhagen card, head to the top of the city hall tower. (Don’t have the CC? Tickets cost 40 DKK or 6 USD). 

From the top of this 110-meter-high bell tower, not only do you get an expansive view over City Hall square. But also the whole of Copenhagen. 

The view from the city hall tower is a good way to start our three days in Copenhagen because it lets you breathe in the city, but also get your bearings for the rest of the day. 

Pro Trip: Inside the tower take note of Jens Olsen’s World Clock. This ornate clock is a masterpiece that will calculate solar time. Which means it calculates the positions of the planets, stars, and sunrises. And it will continue to do so for thousands of years. 

Strøget 

The next, stop is the thriving, bustling, car-free center of Copenhagen. Step out of city hall, cross the road and within a couple of minutes you’ll be in the Inner City (Or Indre By in Danish).

The inner city blankets a large portion of the sites we are focusing on today.

But first things first we are going to start with a little walking tour of Strøget street.

This famed street runs from outside City Hall to Kongens Nytorv. Making Strøget the largest pedestrian street in Europe. The road stretches for over 1.1 kilometers (that’s over 2.3 miles for my fellow yanks). Cars are banned, replaced by hundreds of people wandering, biking, and shopping their way through the area.

Stroget’s known for its stony streets, and medieval city squares. Shopping’s a given! Along the street you’ll find world-famous brands like Prada, sitting next to budget-friendly souvenir shops. Stroget caters to any budget,

Strøget has more to offer than shopping though they’re a couple of sites worth seeing like the Church of Our Lady, and Amagertorv Square – the home of Stork Fountain,

Amagertorv Square is the heart of Strøget and a popular spot for shutterbugs and people-watching. Throughout history, this square was used as a medieval fish market.

Today, street artists pepper the square, and the square is flanked by numerous cafes.

After all that exercise climbing the tower, this area’s a good place to refuel with a snack and suss out a caffeine boost.

Rosenborg Castle

Once you tire of Strøget head north to Rosenborg Slot (Castle). Set in the heart of Copenhagen, the history of this castle dates back over 400 years. Rosenborg has a couple of claims to fame that make it worth visiting. First, from the outside, there’s no question that Rosenborg Slot is the most beautiful castle in the city. At the front of the castle stone, lions stand guard. Across the bridge and over the moat towers the ramparts and battlements of this red brick castle. It’s one of the most scenic, and romantic sights in Copenhagen. 

The castle also is known for being the summer home of King Christian IV. The inner decor, filled with ornate rooms, and elaborate designs, rivals the beauty of the outside. The Great Hall ( sometimes referred to as the Knight’s Hall) holds one of the most important relics of Danish history. The Coronation throne. Legend says that this pearly white throne was made from Unicorn Horns. In reality, the throne is made from the Narwhal tusk. Three life-size lions guard the throne. Flanked on either side of the Great Hall are detailed tapestries commemorating the battles between Denmark and Sweden. 

Lastly, make sure to save some time for the colorful rose garden. Elegant gardens offer places to sit and relax and unparalleled views of the castle.

The entrance to Rosenborg Castle is free with the CC. Without the card, the tickets are .120 DKK (18 USD)

Natural History Museum of Denmark | The Botanical Garden

Just a five-minute walk from Rosenborg Slot these gardens are worth a visit on our way to lunch. So, before we quelch our rumbling stomachs let’s make a pit stop at the Natural History Museum, aka the Botanical Garden. The crowning feature of the garden is the spectacular orchids and the Cyclades that date back to the time when Dinosaurs roamed the earth. Copenhagen’s Botanical Garden has over 13,000 plants like tulips, lilies, and roses, plus thousands more! 

Inside the Victorian Palm House, you get the experience of being in a rainforest, and in the summertime, it’s filled with butterflies. Outside the gardens are peaceful pathways surrounded by thick layers, and a wide array of vegetation.

The Botanical Garden covers over 10 hectares of green space, in the heart of the city. You could easily get lost in its beauty for a couple of hours, as you explore over 13,000 plants. 

Access to the garden is gratis. However, a ticket is required to go inside the Palm / Butterfly house. This ticket is included with a Copenhagen Card. Or you can get a ticket for 60 DKK (8 USD).

The ticket is valid for 2 days. It grants you entrance to the zoological museum, the geological museum, and the Palm House in the gardens. 

Lunch at Torvehallerne Food Hall

Did you know that Copenhagen is a culinary powerhouse in Europe? Does that make you hungry? Don’t worry lunch is under a five-minute walk from the Natural History Museum. For our first meal in the city, let’s head to Torvehallerne Market. This market is a foodie’s dream come true. The market is a melting pot for different culinary styles and flavors. The market prides itself on the freshness of its food. If you’re cooking your food for some meals it’s a great place to grab fresh produce and seafood. 

However, for our three days in Copenhagen, we are going to head to the food hall. Here you can pick whatever food suits your mood from pizza to pastries. And there are some amazing  facts about pizza. 

Here are a few of my recommendations for Torvehallerne. 

For Danish Cusine – Want to try something danish? Then head to Hallernes Smørrebrød. Here you can try the famed danish open sandwiches. There are a lot of varieties to choose from. 

Coffee Collective – Coffee Collective is unlike any coffee shop you’ve visited. It garners a lot of respect from locals. You can try coffee kombucha, which is filtered with carbonated. fermented filter and into a bottle. In the summer they serve a coffee soft-serve treat you have to try! Also, give syrup-sweetened coffees a try. I could easily spend all day trying different coffee in this cafe. 

Tapa Del Toro – This casual stall offers some great Morrish tapas. They also have a wide selection of wines. 

Hija de Sanchez – Best tacos in the market. There’s often a line! 

Gorms – Craving pizza? Head to Gorms. Gorms has a few locations around the city. 

Granny’s House – Sweet tooth nagging at you? Granny’s house is the answer. Here you will find an assortment of pastries.

Round Tower CC

Ok, so we’ve explored Torvehallerne and tried a bunch of food. Now we need to work it off. Our next site will do just that, while simultaneously treating us to a sweeping view of the city. You can’t leave Copenhagen without heading to the top of the Round Tower. This observatory Rundetaarn is another Copenhagen site that dates back to the 17th century. Surprisingly from start to finish this tower only took 5 years to complete.

However, the towers are most noteworthy for their astronomical achievements. It was built by King Christan IV (who also built Rosenborg Slot). Who wanted to continue the research of Tycho Brahe. 

For those climbing to the top not to worry. It’s a spiral walkway – not stairs. Although, it’s a slow climb of 209 meters. A new addition to the tower is a floating glass floor 25 meters above the ground. 

Halfway up the tower you can stop and check out the Old Library Hall, and catch your breath. The juice is worth the squeeze as from the top of the tower you get an epic 360-degree view of the city. 

Entrance to the Round Tour. Free with the CC. An adult ticket is 25 DKK ($4). For Children 5 -15 ticket price is 5 DKK ( under $1). 

Canal Tour Copenhagen (departs from Ved Stranden)

Ok, so up-to-this point we’ve covered a lot of ground. Your feet are throbbing, your knees quivering, and the weight of jet lag crushing down on you.

So next, I suggest resting for a bit, but experiencing Copenhagen as you rest!

How is this possible?

Well, with a canal tour. And let’s be honest, a big part of any visit to Copenhagen is a canal tour.

Our Copenhagen canal tours start as we board the boats at Ved Stranden. For the next hour, we will get a front-row tour of the idyllic canals of the Danish capital.

This tour grants a unique perspective of some of the most beautiful houses, churches, and castles in Copenhagen.

Highlights include the Amalienborg Palace, the Old Stock Exchange, the Opera House, Our Savior Church, and even the Little Mermaid Statue.

This is an excellent option in the rain, or winter when the boats are covered and heated.

Tours leave every 10 -30 minutes from Ved Stranden. The price of the tour is 95 DKK (14 USD). Or free with the Copenhagen Card.  

Copenhagen Train Tour

This is an extra for those who have the CC. If you need a break from walking you can always hop on the Copenhagen Train Tour which goes by some of the sites mentioned above. There are 4 places along the tour where you can hop off the train and go continue our 3 days in Copenhagen itinerary. 

Nyhavn ( For sunset)

As our first day in Copenhagen start to draw to a close. We save the best for last. Nyhavn’s the most popular neighborhood in the city. 

Originally, this was a commercial port for ships. Today this scenic waterway is flanked by colorful buildings, buzzing restaurants, and cafes. Countless boats bob up and down with the fluctuating tide. Without question, Nyhavn is the most iconic spot in the city for music, food, and sunsets. 

Expect hordes of other tourists. However, don’t let them dismay you from visiting. Nyhavn is worth spending the evening. Take some time to wander around the area. Check out the various shops, and places to eat. Make sure to stop at the house of the famed Danish author Hans Christian Anderson – famous for his fairy tales like The Little Mermaid. 

This is also a good place to grab dinner – if it’s in your budget. Or grab a drink and watch the sunset. 

During sunset in Nyhavn transforms, the building takes on an amber glow. It’s one of the best sunset spots in the city, so have your camera ready as these will be the photos you’ll show your friends and family. 

It’s a great place to walk by the canal and take in the beauty of Copenhagen.

Tivoli Gardens (Night) CC

Where Nyhvan holds the title of the most famous area of Copenhagen. Tivoli holds the title of Copenhagen’s most popular site. 

What are Tivoli Gardens? It’s a bit hard to explain but here we go! 

Tivoli Gardens, it’s the 2nd oldest amusement park in the world. (The oldest amusement park in the world is around 30 minutes north of Copenhagen). 

However, you’d be wrong in thinking that this is just a park full of The park is teeming gardens, exotic architecture, and rides. At night the park is lit up with thousands of colored lights which line the gardens and outline the buildings. It is simply magical. If you didn’t grab dinner in Nyhavn. Then check out Tivoli food hall for a variety of options or Nimb Brasserie 

You can visit the park day or night – if you wanted to substitute something else on this list. However, I think night is the best visited at night. 

The park has dozens of rides from Roller Coasters to Bumper Cars. 

Did you know that Tivoli Gardens has had a huge impact on the world? Don’t believe me, well it’s true. Tivoli was visited many times and was a key inspiration for Walt Dinsey when we set out to build Disneyland. Just think about that. Without Tivoli Garden, there would be no Disney lands or other theme parks around the world. 

There we go! Day 1 of our 3 days in Copenhagen is in the bag. A good thing about ending at Tivoli gardens is that you are ending right next to where we began ( City Hall Square). From here just backtrack to what you did in the morning to get back to your hotel to get some rest and ready for day 2.

Day 2 of 3 Days in Copenhagen

Day 1 focused on the best things to see in Copenhagen’s inner city area. For day 2 we are going to circle some of the sites outside of the city center. 

We will start north and eventually circle to wind up back near the downtown. and a little to the South. 

Here we will see truly unique sights. Sights you can’t find anywhere else in the world.

Taking a day bag with you is advised as this is a long day! There’s also a potential swimming spot, so grab a pair of swimming trunks. 

Amalienborg Palace & Changing of the Guard

We are going to start our day of sightseeing at Amalienborg Palace, another of the city’s most famous sites.). I suggest arriving promptly at 10 am (when it opens) so you get a good 1 and 45 minutes in the palace before the changing of the guard. To this day Amalienborg Palace acts as the winter home to Denmark’s Royal family.

Only two of the four palaces are open to the public. But it’s like stepping back in time. The palaces are ornate, and elaborately decorated rooms are filled with gilt-leather tapestries, antiques, Russian jewelry, and paintings. You’ll get a taste of how the Danish kings and queens lived over the past 150 years. Note: Christian VIII’s palace can only be seen via a guided tour.

Make sure to head out of the palace before noon to see the changing of the guard. This ceremony takes palace from September to April. ( with limited ceremonies for the rest of the year). 

At 11:30 am the guards leave Rosenborg Castle and make the 30 minutes march to Amalienborg Palace. If the Queen is present in the palace then the procession includes a marching band. Asontglingly these guards are on duty for 24 hours!  

Frederik’s Church

Leaving Amalienborg, do a hop, skip, and jump – be mindful of traffic – and you’ll land at Frederik’s Church. The most noteworthy feature is the all-encompassing dome, held up by 12 large pillars. The depicted on the dome are colorful frescos of the apostles. This marble church is worth visiting but doesn’t require a lot of time. 

If you are lucky enough to be traveling to Copenhagen on the weekend there are tickets to the top of the dome. However, tickets are only at 1 p.m., and only a limited number of tickets are sold – making it one of the rarest things to do with just a few days in Copenhagen.   

Bonus Stop: Alexander Nevsky Church

This Russian Orthodox church is just a couple hundred feet from Frederik’s Church. Alexander Nevsky Church, unlike any other site in Copenhagen. You’ll be wondering if you took a wrong turn somewhere and somehow ended up in Russia.

GEFION FOUNTAIN and Explore the Rest of Langelinie

From the Little Mermaid statue, we are going to head walk a few minutes south, through the small Langelinie park, and continue to Gefion Fountain. In many ways, I feel that Gerion Fountain’s more impressive than the Little Mermaid statue. 

For one thing, Gefion’s the largest fountain in the city. The massive fountain depicts the Norse goddess, Gefion, who streets a large group of lean oxen. The roots of this legend say that long ago the king of Sweden promised the goddess as much land as she could plow in a single night. Gefion transformed her sons into oxen, harnessed them to the plow, and got to work. By sunrise, Gefion had plowed a massive chunk of land. It’s said that she then picked up her massive chunk of land and tossed it into the sea. This is how the island of Zealand ( the island that Copenhagen’s on) was formed.

Note: If you want to see the changing of the guard, you will have to reverse the itinerary for the day. As the changing of the guard takes place

Bonus Stop: Kastellet (Maybe Optional)

What sets the fortress apart is its star-shaped fortification. The fortress forms a five-point star, separated from the rest of the city by a deep moat. Kastelle (also referred to as The Citadel) is open to the public for free. It’s a popular spot for a stroll, bike ride, or jog. Located near the Gefion Fountain this is a great bonus stop to add to your Copenhagen itinerary. 

Little Mermaid Statue

Here we go! Every 3 days in Copenhagen itinerary is going to have the Little Mermaid Statue. This waterside statue has become the symbol of Copenhagen. The statue, depicts a mermaid sitting on a rock in the harbor, looking, down the harbor, and out to sea. The statue was constructed in 1913 and pays homage to the dark fairytale of Hans Christian Andersen. (Which doesn’t have the happy ending that Disney gives the story)

The Little Mermaid Statue tops almost most lists of things to do in Copenhagen. Some people love it, others hate it. I land somewhere in the middle. I think the statue is overrated and doesn’t deserve all the attention it gets. On the other hand, it’s so famous these days that you might feel like you missed out if you don’t see it. It does warrant a quick visit, plus from Broens Gadekøkken, the statue is a quick boat ride away. And there are a few other attractions to see in the same area. 

Opera House

Our next stop requires us to hop on a boat. As you travel across the water you’ll get a view of the Opera House which is our next stop in Copenhagen. This massive house has fourteen stories (five of which are underground). 

The house is decorated in a layer of limestone that was shipped in from southern Germany. Inside there’s a foyer clad in marble from Sicily. It’s elegantly decorated in maple wood, bronze reliefs, and 105,000 sheets of 24-carat gold leaf. 

Sounds amazing right?! Sadly, this site takes a lot of planning to visit. And it’s not always open to the public.

Visitors are only allowed in the Opera House at certain times. However, we are getting off the boat near the Opera House. so you can still walk around and snap a photo if you want. 

If you don’t want to see it up close then start heading to lunch.

Lunch Stop: Broens Gadekøkken

Our next stop – Broens Gadekøkken- is just a ten-minute walk from The Opera House. Broens Gadekøkken (known as Bridge Street Kitchen) is a food market where street food meets Danish Cuisine such as Smørrebrød. 

The markets are more than just danish cuisine the market offer flavors, styles, and street foods from all over the world. Let’s see, there’s Mak -Cik by Ibu which offers a wide selection of Asian fusion. There’s also British-style fish, and chips at Haddock’s. 

The market offers burgers, Indian food, epic salads, and more. And because the market was put together with the help of the people behind Noma, you know that it’s of the highest quality. 

With a variety of bars, cafes, and restaurants, this is a good stop to relax before we walk next door to Freetown Christiania. 

For those of you who missed Coffee Collective on day one! You’re in luck Broens Gadekøkken has another location.

Freetown Christiania

Where to begin? Freetown Christiania is an autonomous hippiesque community inside Copenhagen. They view themselves as their own country, sitting inside Copenhagen. And refer to themselves as the “World’s Tiniest Nation.” As you enter the neighborhood, you’ll see signs like “Now leaving the European Union”. The community – of almost 1,000 people – has its laws which they live by. Topping the list of laws are no violence, no weapons, and no stealing. Inside the community, you’ll find graffiti-covered buildings and the infamous “green” market that sells weed.

Even though one rule – that’s often bent – is that the buying and selling of hash are illegal. (One rule that is strictly enforced is no hard drugs). There are even makeshift local shops, colorful handmade houses, music venues, and a famous skate park in Copenhagen. Christiania doesn’t have any “sights” per se. The whole neighborhood is a site. It’s worth walking around for a couple of hours, exploring the shops, and lakeside. 

The roots of Christiania date back to the 70s’ when a group of squatters set up camp here in the old military barracks and declared it a “free zone”. 

Amazingly, the Danish government seems fine with Christiania running itself. As long as they keep it peaceful. 

Note: Photos are forbidden and that rule is strictly enforced. If you want to take a photo, first ask permission. Be respectful, remember you’re crashing people’s houses and neighborhoods. 

Church of Our Saviour

Often forgotten on most Copenhagen itineraries, the Church of Our Savior, stands as one of the most beautiful off-the-beaten-path places you’ll find in Copenhagen. 

Consecrated at the end of the 17th century this church features a pristine baroque style. The most notable feature is the golden spire that juts up 90 meters high. 

Head inside to see the elegantly detailed interior. Perhaps, the most impressive site inside is the massive organ, that calls this church home. This organ covers three stories… three stories! Even more impressive is that this organ is carved from wood. 

Looking for a little excitement? Well, the last 150 stairs to the top are on the outside of the tour. Making this tower the perfect start to the day for any adventurous traveler. After the tower, head down a road for a couple of minutes to find our next stop.  

The entrance to the church is free. However, a ticket is required to climb to the top of the tower. Tickets cost 35 DKK (USD 5). 

Entrance to the tower is free with the Copenhagen Card.  

Islands Brygge harbor baths

These baths are a glorious escape from the summer heat. And a great spot if you’re traveling with kids. (2 of the pools are set aside for little ones.)

 These public swimming areas are filled with fresh seawater. There’s an exercise pool that extends 75 meters. And a few jumping platforms. 

Worried about clean water? Don’t be. Every morning, when the pools open at 10 a.m., the water is checked for cleanliness.

The Harbour Baths are an unusual sight in the city, something Danish, and a good place to mix with locals.

These baths serve as the makeshift beaches of Copenhagen; they even come complete with lifeguards. 

If this doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, then skip the baths and head to your dinner spot. There are bathrooms for changing and drying off for those worried about getting wet before dinner. 

But even if you forgot you’re swimming trunks, it’s worth stopping by the baths; as it is a unique sight to Copenhagen. And also a good spot for photos. 

Michelin Star Resturant

If your budget allows you to splurge, tonight is a great night to explore the fine dining scene. As I mentioned Copenhagen has a world-famous food scene. Its crowning jewel is Noma, which is consistently holding the #1 or #2 spot for the best restaurant in the world. 

To come clean, I’ve never eaten at Noma (I can’t afford it) but if you want to treat me! I am a game! 

But that’s not all. There are 23 Michelin Star spread between 16 Restaurants. 

Restaurant Alchemist in Refshaleoen is another people’s favorite but requires a little backtracking towards the Opera House. 

Copenhagen Itinerary: Day 3

Ok here we go, day three in Copenhagen. This is our last day to wrap up some of the most important sites, and museums in the capital. We are going to explore some of the best neighborhoods in the city. A couple of them have even been hailed as the best neighborhoods in the world by travel giants like Culture Trip and Lonely Planet. We will also get into history, the Viking’s culture, and some booze. 

Our last day in Copenhagen is going to take some zig and some zagging. Metros and buses will be required for some stops on this list. But they are necessary to finish strong! 

Jægersborggade street, Nørrebro (Also a good place for breakfast)

We are going to start our last day in Copenhagen by hopping on public transport and traveling to the transformed neighborhood of Nørrebro. 

Once this part of the capital was considered a doggy part of town. However, through a lot of locals’ hard work, Nørrebro’s been reborn and is now easily one of the coolest areas of Copenhagen. 

Here take some time to wander around, explore the local shops opening up, and meander down Jægersborggade street. If you still waking up this area’s filled with places to grab a coffee, local cafes, or bakeries with the smell of bread, sugar, and everything nice wafting out of them.

If you didn’t eat at your hotel then trendy Nørrebro has some excellent brunch options, like some of the best bottomless mimosas Nashville has to offer. . 

For breakfast or brunch, I recommend two places -Møller Kaffe & Køkken and Sidecar. After eating take a stroll through the galleries. 

Nørrebro is around a 20-minute bus ride from downtown. But it’s worth the journey. 

Wondering how Nørrebro transformed from one of the worst areas of Copenhagen to one of the Best?

I’ve mentioned how food plays a big part in Denmark throughout our 3 days in Copenhagen. However, this is Nørrebro’s perfect example of how important food is to the city.

Nørrebro, specially Jægersborggade street, was once considered a bad part of town. How did this area so radically change? Food, of course. The transformation started when a famous chef in Denmark choose to open a restaurant on the street. The restaurant earned a Michelin Star, skyrocketing it as one of the most popular places to eat in Copenhagen. In tandem with the rush of people, came a new business in this area. Places bakeries and cafes soon catered to the morning crowd. Artists started up galleries. And before you know it was one of most dicey neighborhoods in Copenhagen became one of the safest and hippest regions of the city

SUPERKILEN

Superkilen Park is one of those sites that you’ll only find in Denmark. 

The term “park” doesn’t aptly apply. This artistic sight in Copenhagen is broken into three distinct sections.

Red Square: An entire area where everything from buildings, to the sidewalk, is painted in a pinkish-red hue. And the objects are made from sharp geometry angles.

Black Market: An enormous section of the park, with long unbroken white lines painted across the pavement. This section also holds many trinkets from around the world; like a fountain from Morocco. 

Green Park: This area resembles a regular park, yet the lawns and green areas are formed in funny shapes. 

Superkilen stands as a mix of the old and the new. A symbol of diversity not only for Copenhagen but our wonderful diversity around the world.

It’s a massive monument to the people of the world.

Peppered throughout the park are ping-pong tables for Southern Europe, Cherry Blossom trees from Japan, benches from Armenia, and even a Muay-Thai ring from Thailand. 

National Museum of Denmark

After you’ve had your fill of food and the parks jump back on the bus and head downtown. Our next site most popular museum in Denmark.

Now, I bet you’ve been saying to yourself “Hey where are all the Vikings stuff? Well, The National Museum of Denmark is the answer! The museum takes you on an epic journey through the history of Denmark – from the stone age to the Vikings, from the middles ages to modern Denmark.  

The star of the show is the Viking’s relics and treasures that date back over 1,000 years.

Sections of the Museum Are 

Danish Prehistory: Covers a lot of ground from 13,000 BCE to the height of the Viking age in the 1st century AD

Danish Middle Ages and Renaissance: This section covers the end of the Vikings, through the middle ages, and to the Renaissance. 

Stories of Denmark: Featuring stories of local lives throughout the ages from the absolute monarch, to the nation-state, to the welfare state. 

There are also sections about the modern history of Denmark, and a children’s section. 

This massive museum is too big to see in one visit, but spend at least a couple of hours to see some of the most important artifacts in the museum. 

Vesterbro and Lunch at the meatpacking district 

Okay, we’ve spent enough time indoors looking at ancient relics. Let’s head out to one of my favorite neighborhoods anywhere in the world. Infamous of the all but forgotten red light district in Copenhagen. Today, the Vesterbro is a wild mix of hip and original. It’s the trendiest place in Copenhagen to eat, drink, and shop. It’s an area of the city I fall more and more in love with every time I visit. Arguably the coolest street in this neighborhood isIstedgade. It’s the heartbeat of the neighborhood, filled with cafes, bars, and eateries, with a few questionable shops and bars left over from the red-light days. 

After you spend some time exploring the neighborhood head to the Meatpacking district of Vesterbro for lunch. Here you will find a litany of trendy restaurants, bars, galleries, and danish cuisine.

There are so many choices that you are sure to find something you’ll love! Without question, this is one of my favorite areas for affordable food in the city. 

 Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek

Once you’ve had your fill take the metro (or walk off the meal) to the last museum on our Copenhagen Itinerary, nearby the inner city. 

Don’t be fooled by Carlsberg in the name. This isn’t a brewery. Rather, the museum is named after the brewer who wanted to amass the largest private collection of art. 

It has relics from the Roman, Etruscan’s, Greek, and Egyptian cultures.

There are also many paintings from around the world, as well as Danish artists.

Don’t miss the winter gardens. Three scenic beauty makes them a relaxing place to take a breather. 

Every nook and cranny offers a hidden treasure. There is an array of marble statues, paintings, and modern art. 

The NY Carlsberg Glyptotek is one of the most popular things to do in Copenhagen, and about as Danish as you can get. 

The museum dates back over 100 years and is worth visiting on our last day in Copenhagen.

Bonus: Magstræde & Snaregade

You have the option – on our way to our last stop – to walk down Magstræde & Snaregade. These are the two oldest streets in Copenhagen. And arguably the most beautiful. It’s like traveling back in time and seeing Copenhagen from the 18th century. 

If you are a little hungry you can also grab a slice of Grom’s pizza – the best pizza in the city. There are also some of the best hostels in Copenhagen in this area of the city. 

Christiansborg Palace and Tower (Sunset) CC

For our, last sunset in Copenhagen let’s head to Christiansborg Palace. Before we head up to the top of Christiansborg Tower for the sunset first head inside the palace. The reception rooms are where foreign leaders are welcome, and the Alexandra Hall is for official royal dinners and functions. 

Christianborg Palace contains over 800 years of inspiring decor and royal history. To this day parts of the palace are used for royal functions. Head to the throne room to see where the Danish Monarchs are proclaimed. Admire the detailed, Queen’s Tapestries of the Great Hall. 

After exploring the palace head to the top of the tower, and enjoy our last view of the city until the final embers of the sun fall below the horizon. 

A couple of notes about the sunset at Christiansborg Tower. Entry is free to the tower. However, this can mean that there are lines to get up to the top. The tower also closes at nine, so check the local time for sunsets to make sure it is possible. 

If you want to explore copenhagen more. Then there is more you can add to your copenhagen itinerary day by day. Here are some more of the best places to add to your list.

• The royal library
• the carlsberg brewery
• the national gallery
• Frederiks Church
• Copenhagen Zoo
• Frederiksborg Castle
• Kronborg Castle

And there are some great Copenhagen day trips that are easy to take from copenhagen central station. To places like Louisiana Museum

And there you go! An amazing 3 day itinerary for Copenhagen. If you want more

From here our 3 days in Copenhagen draw to an end. For dinner, it’s your choice! You’re close to the inner city and Nyhavn, which are both valid options. 

What are you going to do with your 3 days in Copenhagen?