Perfect Two Days Copenhagen Itinerary (From a Local)

Planning a quick weekend trip to Copenhagen? This two days Copenhagen itinerary is crafted just for you!

As someone who lives here, I know how tricky it is to fit the city’s best highlights into just two days. But trust me, it’s absolutely doable—and you’ll get a mix of iconic landmarks, rich history and culture, and the modern Danish charm.

In this two-day Copenhagen itinerary, I’ve mapped out the must-see sights and local gems. This plan will help you to experience the city without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

So, lace up your shoes, charge your camera, and let’s dive into two perfect days in Copenhagen!

Day 1 – Nyhavn Canal Tours, Amalienborg Palace, Freetown Christiania and More

8:00 – Eat Breakfast

Finding an early breakfast in Copenhagen can be tricky since many places don’t open until later. 

The brunch menu at Union Kitchen near Nyhavn has a perfect breakfast option. The portions are hearty, healthy, and oh-so-delicious. For something lighter, you can’t go wrong with their eggs benedict or a classic croque madame.

Another alternative option for breakfast is the Buka Bakery. It’s one of Copenhagen’s best Danish bakeries, and their pistachio croissants are absolutely divine—my personal favorite! They also have breakfast options and sandwiches.

9:00 – Explore Nyhavn

Nyhavn, which translates to “New Harbour” in Danish, is a vibrant waterfront, home to iconic 17th and 18th-century townhouses, painted in colors that make every photo pop. It’s one of the city’s most famous attractions—and it’s easy to see why!

Check out house number 18, 20, and 67 where Hans Christian Andersen, the legendary Danish fairytale writer, once lived.

Visiting the canal in the morning is ideal. You’ll have the charming streets to yourself, with fewer tourists around.

Nyhavn is the best place to kickstart your 48 hours in Copenhagen.

10:00 – Go On a Canal Tour

Exploring Copenhagen from the water is such a fun way to experience the city from a unique perspective!

I recommend taking the one-hour canal tour, which glides past iconic landmarks like Christiansborg Palace, the Opera House, the Little Mermaid, and Amalienborg Palace. The tour also passes through the charming canals of Christianshavn.

The guide onboard shares information about each attraction in both Danish and English. Audio guides are available too.

Stromma canal tours are free with the Copenhagen card.

11:00 – Visit the Amalienborg Palace Museum

A 10-minute walk from Nyhavn, the Amalienborg Palace Museum offers a peek into royal life. While the palace serves as the winter residence for the Danish Royal Family, a small section is open to visitors. You’ll explore about 10 rooms across two floors.

The audio guide shares the history behind the Queen’s jewelry collection. You’ll see portraits, the monarch’s family tree, and displays of furniture, clothing, and artifacts collected over the years.

This is a great spot to visit that makes you curious about royal life.

• Opening Hours: Closed Mondays. Tuesday – Friday: 10-15, Saturday – Sunday: 10-16
• Entry Fee: 125 DKK for adults and 80 DKK for students, and free for children between 0 and 17 years of age. Free with the Copenhagen Card.

Buy the tickets online to save time and the hastle of standing in long queues!

12:00 – Watch the Changing of Guards at Amalienborg Palace

Once you’ve explored Amalienborg Palace, don’t rush off—stay outside to watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony. 

The palace complex is made up of four identical buildings surrounding a large square, creating a perfect backdrop for this historical Danish event.

The Royal Guards march through the square wearing distinctive black bearskin hats and blue uniforms. If you’re visiting while the royal family resides, the ceremony includes a full music band, adding a special touch to the experience.

This event is completely free and happens every day at 12:00. It’s a must-see on your two-day trip to Copenhagen.

13:00 – Quick Stop at the Frederik’s Church

After enjoying the Changing of the Guard, take a short walk to Frederik’s Church or Marble Church.

It’s hard to miss with its massive dome—the largest in Scandinavia. As I stepped inside, I was struck by the colorful frescoes on the dome ceiling, which were inspired by St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

The church is free for everyone. If you’re visiting on a Saturday or Sunday, you can even climb up to the dome at 1 PM for just 50 DKK, only limited people. 

• Opening hours: Monday to Thursday and Saturdays between 10:00 and 17:00, Fridays from 12:00 – 17:00, and Sundays from 12:30 – 17:00
• Entry Fee: Free

13:30 – Lunch

It’s time to take a lunch break, and I’ve got a great spot for you.

Take a quick walk across the Inderhavnsbroen’s bridge to the Broens Street food, an open food market.

It’s a great place to unwind and enjoy a meal. With a wide variety of stalls offering everything from local dishes to international cuisines, there’s something to please everyone’s taste.

For alternatives, I recommend eating traditional Danish Smørrebrød at Christianshavns Færgecafé. It is my go-to spot in Christianshavn for its open-faced sandwiches, which are authentic and yummy.

14:30 – Chuch of Our Saviour

The next spot for the day is the Church of Our Saviour, a baroque church. Getting there is easy with a walk.

There are 400 steps in total—about 250 wooden steps inside the church, and the last 150 are outside the spire, counterclockwise. The golden railings provide support and the steps do get narrower as you ascend. It’s not that scary, but if you’re afraid of heights, take it slow.

At the top, you’ll be rewarded with an incredible 360° view of Copenhagen. It’s one of my favorite viewpoints in the city and is so worth it!

• Opening Hours: Open every day from 9:00 to 20:00
• Entry Fee: 69 DKK for adults, 53 DKK for students and elderly, 20 DKK for children between 5 and 14. Free entry for Copenhagen Card holders.

15:30 – Take a Stroll in Freetown Christiania

Freetown Christiania, with its unique history, culture, and counter-culture vibes, is a must-visit spot to include in your 48-hour Copenhagen itinerary.

Wander into Freetown Christiania, a self-proclaimed autonomous neighborhood. Pusher Street in Freetown particularly had a wild reputation over the past years.

But Christiania today is brimming with colorful street art and handmade houses adding unique architecture to the area totally different from Copenhagen’s city center.

Then, cross back to the modern side of Christianshavn where you can feel the difference in the neighborhood. Christianshavn is an area of small islands, known for hip cafe culture and canals lined with colorful houseboats.

Read more to find the 10 must-do things in Christiania.

17:00 – It’s Snack Time

For something sweet, you can’t go wrong with Danish pastries. Bodenhoffs is a classic, and their cinnamon rolls are my personal favorite. Alternatively, Christianshavn boat rental & Café by the canal offers amazing waterfront views and beers.

If you’re in the mood for something else, you’ll find plenty of coffee shops nearby. It’s easy to switch things up depending on what you’re craving.

18:00 – Visit the Tivoli Gardens

Tivoli Gardens is the perfect spot to wrap your day in Copenhagen, especially since it’s open late at night.

As the second-oldest amusement park in the world, it’s a must-visit for everyone visiting Copenhagen. With over 30 rides, there’s something for all age groups. If you’re into thrilling rides, you can end your night with adrenaline.

Not into rides? No problem. Tivoli is just as enjoyable for a leisurely stroll. Depending on the season, it’s beautifully decorated for festivals like Easter, Halloween, and Christmas, or even during the Summer.

There’s always something happening, from live performances to light installations that keep visitors entertained. I recommend downloading the Tivoli app to stay updated on the events happening during your visit. It’s super handy!

Copenhagen Card allows free entry but the rides cost extra. You can pay for the ones you choose, right before hopping on.

And here’s another advantage: not only entry is free, but you’ll also skip the ticket queues at attractions, saving you time to explore even more.

• Opening Hours: 11:00 to 22:00
• Tivoli is open 257 days a year. The exact dates change every year. You can check it from the official website.
• Entry Fee: 180 DKK for adults, 90 DKK for children between 3-7 years. Free for kids less than 3 years old. Combo passes, seasonal passes, unlimited ride passes, and all-year passes are available.

20:00 – Dinner at Tivoli Gardens

Pause for dinner before continuing your Tivoli exploration. There are great options inside Tivoli itself. For fine dining, I recommend Fru Nimb, Nimb Brasserie, and Grøften. 

For sushi lovers, Sticks’n’Sushi at Tivoli Hotel (located outside Tivoli Gardens) is a fantastic choice that also provides city views.

Tivoli food hall located inside Tivoli is home to numerous international cuisines including Indian, Mexican, French, Danish, to name a few.

For something more budget-friendly, head across the street to John’s Hotdog Deli for great hot dogs (closed at 20:00 from Sunday to Thursday, not available on Fridays and Saturdays).

Plus, if you leave Tivoli for dinner, make sure to get a re-entry stamp at the exit near Tivoli Food Hall. That way, you can return to enjoy the park until it closes.

Day 2 – Rosenborg Castle, Christiansborg Palace, National Museum of Denmark, and more

9:00 – Have Breakfast

Finding a good place for breakfast or brunch can be tricky in the morning, but I’ve got a few options for you. Near the first attraction of the day, there are two spots I’d recommend.

For breakfast, head to 20 Grams—Specialty Coffee Shop or Apotek 57. Both offer great food and a nice atmosphere.

For something lighter, consider Tafelbay Bakery or Buka for fresh Danish pastries. Pair it with a coffee, and you’re set.

10:00 – Tour the Rosenborg Castle

Start your exploration at Rosenborg Castle, which is full of history and treasures.

Built in the 17th century by Christian IV, this Dutch Renaissance-style castle is surrounded by a moat on three sides and is located in the King’s Garden. Inside, you can explore various rooms filled with paintings, artifacts, weapons, silver lions, and even the intricate Norwegian lion ivory ship.

The basement treasury is the highlight, where you’ll find Denmark’s crown jewels and regalia.  For centuries, Danish kings and queens safeguarded their most valuable treasures here.

Rosenborg Castle along with the King’s Garden is an absolute must-see, a window into Denmark’s royal past!

• Entry Fee: 140 DKK for adults and 90 DKK for students. Free for children between 0 and 17 years of age. The entry is free with the Copenhagen Card.
• Opening Hours: 10:00 – 16:00 from Tuesday to Sunday. Closed on Mondays
• Closed on December 24,25, and 31

Buy online tickets to Rosenborg caste to skip long queues and save time!

12:00 – Be Amazed at the Christiansborg Palace

Next up is the Christiansborg Palace which blends Denmark’s royal history and political significance. The palace is also home to the Danish Parliament and the Prime Minister’s Office.

As a visitor, you can explore seven key areas – the palace tower, royal reception rooms, the great hall, the royal kitchen, the stables with their horses, the palace chapel, and the underground ruins, showcasing the palace’s centuries-old foundations.

Be sure to check the official website for visiting hours, as each has its own schedule. Also, be aware that the free guided parliament tour requires prior booking.

The palace tower is my favorite part. It’s free to access for everyone and offers one of the best panoramic views of Copenhagen. You might skip the Round Tower for this trip as they offer similar views.

• Entry Fee: 215 DKK for adults and 140 DKK for students. Free for children under 18 years of age. Free with Copenhagen Card!
• Closed on 24,25,26, and 31 December. Also closed from January 1-8 and January 14.
• Check the opening hours of each spot inside the palace since access varies for each area.

Skip long queues, buy the tickets online and save time!

13:30 – Wanger through Strøget and have Lunch

Strøget, Copenhagen’s 1.1 km-long pedestrian street, is a great place for shopping and having a leisurely lunch.

It is lined up with luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Prada, as well as local boutiques and cafes. Check out the LEGO flagship store and Illums Bolighus, a haven for Danish design enthusiasts.

For classic Danish dishes, I highly recommend Restaurant Karla, offering hearty and traditional meals. Restaurant Tight is also equally good.

If fine dining is more your style, my choice is Marv & Ben, a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant. 

Also don’t miss Conditori La Glace, Denmark’s oldest patisserie. Their desserts are legendary—I always make room for a slice of cake or some pastries when I’m near Strøget.

15:00 – Learn History from the National Museum of Denmark

The next spot on your two-day Copenhagen trip is the National Museum of Denmark. The 18th-century mansion exhibits everything from prehistoric times like the Stone Age, Iron Age, and Viking Age to modern-day Denmark.

The main highlight for me was The Viking Sorceress exhibition. There’s also a section on ancient Egypt with mummies.

The second floor houses ethnographic collections from around the world, including Asia, Oceania, and pre-Columbian America.

For families, kids will love the Children’s Museum and the interactive activities. Dollhouses, figurines, and toys—something unique and fun for all ages.

Did you know? You can find the artifacts in the Danish currency notes in the museum.

Free audio guides are available as well. Free entry with a Copenhagen Card.

• Opening Hours: Open every day from 10:00 – 17:00, except Mondays
• Closed on 24th, 25th, and 31st December
• Entry Fee: 140 DKK for adults and free for children below 18 years of age.

Buy entry tickets online! Skip long queues and save time!

17:00 – Roam the City Hall Square

A short walk from the National Museum of Denmark brings you to the City Hall Square or Rådhuspladsen, a vibrant central hub in Copenhagen.

This historic square is where many important events happen—pride celebrations, Christmas tree lighting, and even New Year’s festivities. It’s a significant spot for both locals and visitors.

The City Hall building completed in 1905, is worth a closer look. The iconic clock tower can only be visited with a guide by booking your slots.

Take a moment to spot the Weather Girls on the tower from the Thai Airways building nearby. Built in 1936, they hold an umbrella in rainy weather and cycle on sunny days. Below them, you’ll see a thermometer displaying the live temperature.

While the Dragon Fountain marks the center of the square, you’ll find several other monuments and sculptures around like the Lur Blowers monument, the bronze statue of Hans Christian Andersen, and Denmark’s Zero Kilometer marker. It’s a great spot to soak in the city’s history and culture.

18:00 – Have an Early Dinner at Meatpacking District

The Meatpacking District or Kødbyen is a vibrant part of Copenhagen known for its dining and nightlife. Set in former industrial buildings, this area has transformed into a hotspot for food and drinks.

The restaurants stay open late, and weekends often feature live music, making the atmosphere lively and fun.

For dinner, here are my favorites:

• Fermentoren: A cozy spot with craft beers and outdoor seating.
• Kødbyens Fiskebar: Famous for fresh seafood dishes.
• Warpigs Brewpub: My personal favorite! Spacious, laid-back, with authentic Texas BBQ and 22 freshly brewed in-house beers on tap.
• Frk. Barners Kælder: For everything Danish

Perfect for an evening out and the vibe just gets better as the night goes on!

Two Days Copenhagen Itinerary Map

How to Get Around Copenhagen for Two Days?

You can easily explore Copenhagen with this two-day itinerary, on foot, by bike, or by using public transportation. I recommend hopping on the metro or buses to save energy and make the most of your time.

The Copenhagen Discover Card covers all public transport costs, and the system is super convenient and efficient.

Hop On Hop Off buses buses are also a great option, conveniently dropping you off right at the entrances of major attractions. This way, you won’t have to worry about figuring out which local buses to take!

Alternatively, you can rent a bike and explore Copenhagen the fun way! The city is incredibly bike-friendly with dedicated bike lanes making it safe and enjoyable.

Where to Stay for Two Days in Copenhagen?

I recommend staying in the Indre By area of Copenhagen since most attractions in this itinerary are located here. It’s convenient and puts you close to the main attractions, making it easier to explore without wasting time commuting.

These are my top hotel picks in the central neighborhood.

• Generator – Budget-friendly hostel for solo travelers and young adults
• Hotel Skt. Annæ – Located right by the Nyhavn.
• Copenhagen Strand – Beautiful waterfront location
• Herman K – A Boutique Hotel with comfortable rooms, friendly staff, and beautiful interiors
• Copenhagen Admiral Hotel – A historic hotel since 1978 with waterfront views

Final Thoughts: Two Days Copenhagen Itinerary

Two days in Copenhagen might fly by so quickly, but with this itinerary, you’ll cover a perfect mix of iconic sights and local experiences.

By the end of your weekend trip, you’ll have seen royal castles, wandered through the charming neighborhoods, and tasted some delicious Danish treats. You’ll feel like you’ve truly experienced Copenhagen—its history, culture, and cozy vibe.

While two days might not be enough to see everything, it’s just enough to leave you wanting more. Copenhagen has a way of pulling you back with its charm. 

I hope your time here is filled with wonderful memories.

Until next time, skål to your Copenhagen journey!