The Best 3 Days in Copenhagen Itinerary (with Free Map)

Where to Stay in Copenhagen

Before we dive into the details of our Copenhagen 3 days itinerary, let’s take care of the essential: your accommodation. Here are my best recommendations: 

✅ Best Hotel – Motel One Copenhagen: this 4-star hotel offers a stunning traditional Danish interior design and luxurious amenities, ensuring an unforgettable stay. Highly recommended.

💰 Best Budget Hotel – Wakeup Copenhagen Borgergade: this hotel is perfectly located, just a 5-min walk from Nyhavn and Strøget. The rooms, although small, are clean and equipped with all the necessary amenities for a comfortable stay. 

✨ Best Luxury Hotel – NH Collection Copenhagen: this hotel offers a prime location by the canal, exceptional city views, attentive staff, top-notch facilities, and delicious food, making it a truly 5-star experience

FYI, Nes and I had a fantastic stay at Wakeup Copenhagen with a comfortable bed, clean facilities, and exceeded amenities. We loved the spacious lounge, convenient concierge service for luggage, and ideal location by Rosenborg Castle.

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Getting Around Copenhagen for 3 Days

One last important issue to clear up before moving on to the itinerary: getting around Copenhagen. For that, you’ll have different solutions: 

Using the Copenhagen Card

The Copenhagen Card gives you entry to over 80 city attractions and unlimited access to public transportation, including buses, metros, trains, and harbor buses throughout the entire Copenhagen area, with airport transfer included.

Depending on the length of your stay, the card is available in various versions at different prices. 

For 3 days, the Copenhagen Card costs 113€ for adults and 61€ for 12-15-year-old teens. 

Children under 12 can enjoy the Copenhagen Card for free, but you must still book a dedicated card for each child aged 3-11 who is traveling with you. Also, keep in mind that each adult can bring a maximum of 2 children under 12 for free. 👉 Book here 👈

➡️ Purchasing the 72-hour pass is the most cost-effective and convenient option as you’ll be able to enter all the attractions for free, and use all kinds of transportation as you wish, without having to find a vending machine first to purchase a ticket. Definitely the best deal, given that Copenhagen is quite expensive. 

Other Transport Options

If you don’t want to purchase the Copenhagen Card, here are the existing alternatives: 

🚎 City Pass: this is a pass you can get from the metro vending machines to enjoy unlimited travel on Copenhagen’s transportation systems. You can choose from 2 versions: the City Pass Large, which covers travel outside the city, and the City Pass Small, which covers the Copenhagen area and the airport, with validity periods ranging from 24 to 120 hours.

➡️ You will only require the City Pass Small for this travel plan, which is priced at 26.8€ for 72 hours. 

🚲 Bike: visiting Copenhagen by bike is almost a given when you come to discover it. With more than 350 kilometers of bike paths, the city has been named the best cycling city for several years in a row. Cycling is in fact an integral part of the Copenhageners’ lifestyle. 

➡️ You can either borrow the orange bikes you’ll see everywhere in town by downloading the Donkey Bike app (7,4€/2 hours); or take a guided bike tour.

Let’s move on to your Copenhagen 3 day itinerary without further delay! 👇

3 Day Copenhagen Itinerary Overview + Free Map

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Day 1 – Northern Copenhagen

• 10 am – Nyhavn
• 11.10 am – Kastellet
• 12 pm – Little Mermaid
• 12.30 pm – Lunch at Lagkagehuset
• 2 pm – Design Museum
• 4 pm – Statens Museum for Kunst
• Evening on Strøget

Day 2 – Copenhagen Hyper-Center

• 10 am – Rosenborg Castle
• 11.30 am – Frederiks Kirke
• 12 pm – Amalienborg
• 1 pm – Lunch at Torvehallerne Market
• 2 pm – Botanical Garden
• 4 pm – Round Tower
• 5 pm – City Hall Square
• Evening at Tivoli Gardens

Day 3 – Across the Canal

• 10 am – National Museum of Denmark
• 11. 30 am – Christiansborg Palace
• 12.15 pm – Black Diamond
• 12.45 pm – Børsen
• 1 pm – Lunch in the Christianshavn area
• 2.30 pm – Church of our Saviour
• 3.30 pm – Freetown Christiania
• Evening at Reffen

Day 1 – Northern Copenhagen

Let’s start this trip by discovering the northern part of the Danish capital, closer to the sea, and 2 of its best museums.

To make sure you can make it, I recommend being at the first step of today’s itinerary by 10 am.

1. Nyhavn

Nyhavn, which means “old port” in Danish, is the quintessential postcard image of Copenhagen, with its picturesque waterfront lined with colorful houses. It’s a lively area with many cafes, terraces, and street musicians creating a pleasant atmosphere.
 

 
For the record, some of the houses along the docks were the home of several Danish artists. For instance, the renowned poet and novelist Hans Christian Andersen once lived in house n°20.

From Nyhavn port, I recommend taking the harbor bus 992 to get to the next step of this itinerary, Kastellet (stop “Nordre Toldbod”). The boat ride takes about 15min (same time on foot).

The harbor bus leaves Nyhavn Terminal every 40min, so make sure to take the 10.54 am bus (first of the day). You can check the schedule here.

2. Kastellet

Kastellet is a military fortress in a star shape that was constructed by King Christian IV in 1626 to defend the city from attackers. The citadel comprises 5 bastions and 2 gates spanning canals, and has a rich history, particularly during WWII when the Germans occupied it.

Walking through Churchill Park, observing the red brick structures, and admiring the scenic views of the windmill and St. Alban’s Church is a delightful experience.

3. The Little Mermaid

Located on the waterfront right next to Kastellet, you’ll come across the undisputed icon of Copenhagen: The Little Mermaid!

Erected in 1913, the statue of the main character from Hans Christian Andersen’s work may not leave you awestruck, but it’s a must-see landmark, especially if you’re visiting Copenhagen for the first time. Its position at the entrance of the harbor and the surrounding area is also very pleasant to walk around. 

4. Design Museum

Located just a 10-min walk from the Little Mermaid (and only 2 min from the Lagkagehuset café where you’ll have had your lunch), is the Design Museum.

The museum is an excellent spot to discover Danish design, which is characterized by simplicity, clean lines, and functionality. In Copenhagen, where design permeates everything from chic boutiques to subway stations, luxury hotels, and trendy bars, the museum is a clear choice.

Established in 1895, it showcases the history of Danish design through stunning collections of furniture, textiles, and porcelain. 

5. Statens Museum for Kunst (SMK)

Only a 15-min walk from the Design Museum, you’ll arrive in front of a gorgeous building that is none other than the Statens Museum for Kunst, the Copenhagen Museum of Fine Arts.

The museum, which first building was built in the Italian Renaissance style in 1896, contains over 9,000 paintings and sculptures, as well as an impressive collection of drawings, engravings, and plaster, casts that date back to the 14th century.

Among these works, many of which come from the private collections of the Danish kings, you can admire great works by Tintoretto, Titian, Breughel the Elder, Rubens, and Rembrandt.

6. Evening on Strøget

Tim to window shop in Strøget and soak up the energy of the city!

At only 15min walk from SMK, Strøget runs through Copenhagen’s hyper-center from the City Hall to Kongens Nytorv Square. In fact, it’s one of the longest European pedestrian shopping streets. 

Strøget offers a diverse range of fancy fashion stores, popular international brands, street vendors, fast food outlets, restaurants, and more. Take the time to wander around the area, visit the Lego store (a must!), relax in one of the charming coffee shops, and savor some Danish treats during a typical Hygge break.

Don’t know where to have dinner on Strøget? Pick one of these: Hidden Dimsum, Restaurant Kronborg, Mr. Pho

Day 1 of our 3-days in Copenhagen itinerary is over! Time for a good night’s rest before tomorrow’s adventures. 

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Day 2 – Copenhagen Hyper-Center

The second day is focused on discovering the Copenhagen hyper-center in Indre By district, where are located some of the most iconic monuments.

I suggest starting this day at 10 am.

1. Rosenborg Castle

To kick off the day, let’s visit one of Denmark‘s most stunning gems, Rosenborg Castle.

King Christian IV built this Dutch Renaissance-style castle in the early 17th century, and it served as the residence for Danish monarchs until 1710.

Since 1838, Rosenborg Castle has been transformed into a museum, displaying the Danish crown jewels, elegant furniture, antique tapestries, glass collections, and portraits of Danish royalty. The castle’s gardens are also a highlight of the visit.

2. Frederiks Kirke

Then head to the Frederik Church, which is only a 10-minute walk away from Rosenborg. With its huge dome, the largest in Scandinavia, you can’t miss it!

Strongly inspired by Rome’s St. Peter’s Basilica, the Marble Church (Marmoriken) as it is called locally, was built in the 18th century to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the first coronation of a member of the Oldenburg House.

Stunning both inside and out, don’t hesitate to enter the church to discover its dome from the inside, which is really worth a visit.

3. Amalienborg Palace

Just behind the Frederik church, is Amalienborg Palace, the current main palace where Queen Margrethe II and the rest of the royal family live.

This large square encircled by 4 beautiful buildings and where the statue of King Frederik V is enthroned in the center is the place of an unmissable show: the changing of the guard. Every day at noon, the royal guard (Den Kongelige Livgarde) and its orchestra arrive from Gothersgade to perform this show for about 1 hour.

4. Lunch at Torvehallerne Market

Let’s head over to Torvehallerne Market for lunch, a popular spot among locals and just a 10-min metro ride away from Amalienborg.

This covered market is a must-visit for anyone interested in experiencing local life and indulging in Danish cuisine, especially smørrebrød, this classic open sandwich made with black rye bread and a variety of toppings such as salmon, smoked eel, cold cuts, red onions, avocado, cream, and more.

Smørrebrød from Hallernes

Anyhow, there’s always a friendly atmosphere in Torvehallerne, nice shopkeepers to talk to, and a large choice of dishes.

5. Botanical Garden

Located a few meters from Torvehallerne Market, the beautiful botanical garden of Copenhagen stretches over 10 hectares and is home to thousands of species of rare plants and trees. 

The Palm House, a massive tropical greenhouse dating back to the 17th century, is open for visitors to explore. Inside, you can marvel at the enormous plants, and if you climb to the top, you can experience the heat firsthand!

It is also a great place to come for a picnic in a peaceful setting when the weather allows it.

6. Round Tower

This is our favorite visit in Copenhagen, located in the bustling heart of the city only a 10-min walk from the Botanical Garden. 

This 34.8-meters high red brick tower is an astronomical observatory, the oldest still in service in Europe. Built in the 17th century in a Baroque style, the Rundetårn offers a breathtaking panoramic sight of Copenhagen from its top that you can reach through a very unique ramp without stairs easy to climb.

You can also reach the planetarium from the observation deck, where there’s an astronomical telescope dating back to 1929. 

7. City Hall Square

Called Rådhuspladsen in Danish, it’s a huge square located in the heart of Copenhagen’s historic city center about 10-min walk down Strøget Street, and faces the City Hall.

The square is surrounded by beautiful buildings and statues. The City Hall itself, built in 1905 in Neo-Renaissance style using red bricks reminiscent of Siena’s architecture in Tuscany, is among the highest landmarks in Copenhagen.

City Hall’s tower is accessible to those who are brave enough to climb the 300 steps to reach the top, which offers a breathtaking view at more than 100 meters high.

8. Evening at Tivoli Gardens

Only a few steps away from the city hall square is a historical amusement park, the Tivoli Gardens.

Considered one of the first theme parks in the world, it is said to have inspired Walt Disney to open his first Disneyland park in the United States.

In this park with a fairy-tale atmosphere, old rides, and new thrill rides are mixed together. In total, there are more than thirty attractions spread throughout the park, in the heart of Copenhagen! To dine, no need to leave the park, just go to the Tivoli Food Hall.

This itinerary is already 2/3rd over! On our last day, we’ll cross the canal to discover a different side of Copenhagen.

Day 3 – Across the Canal

For this final day, most of the stops are located on the other side of the Oresund which contrasts quite a bit with the historical center. 

I recommend being at the National Museum at the opening hour, 10 am, to make sure you check off all the stops.

1. National Museum of Denmark

Located in the former royal residence not far from the Tivoli Gardens, the Nationalmuseet is one of the most important museums of Denmark.

It’s a huge building that showcases various collections, providing an insight into the history of Denmark – much like a historical treasure trove.

The museum is quite extensive, with several specialized departments such as archaeology, prehistory, natural science, ethnography, and numismatics, among others. You can even see Viking objects and Egyptian mummies. 

2. Christiansborg Palace

From the National Museum, simply cross the lovely Marmorbroen Bridge to find yourself on Slotsholmen, this tiny piece of land separated from the city. There, stands some significant landmarks, hence Christiansborg Palace. 

Christiansborg Slot used to be the main residence of the Danish royal family until 1794. Even today, the royal family still uses parts of the castle for special events. But now, the castle is above all the heart of the Danish power since it features the Parliament, the Supreme Court of Justice as well as the Prime Minister’s office.

The palace is open to the public, especially its tower that offers an awesome view of Copenhagen, for free! 

3. Black Diamond

Just behind Christiansborg Slot, the Black Diamond is a striking black granite building that stands out on the banks of Slotsholmen.

 Opened in 1999, it’s an extension of the Royal Library of Copenhagen, with a vast collection of books, reading rooms, a café, and exhibition/concert spaces. Its interior boasts impressive architecture, showcasing the ingenuity of Danish design, making it a perfect spot for photographers to capture unique shots.

4. Børsen

As you exit Slotsholmen Island, make sure to also take a glance at Børsen, the Copenhagen Old Stock Exchange building located next to the Black Diamond.

Constructed in the 17th century by King Christian IV in the Dutch Renaissance style, this red brick structure is remarkable for its magnificent spiral spire standing 56 meters tall, with 4 dragons’ tails wrapped around it. 

5. Church of our Saviour

The Church of Our Saviour is one of the most famous religious monuments and a must-see tourist attraction in Copenhagen.

Situated in the Christianshavn neighborhood, it boasts a golden spire towering 90 meters high, which can be spotted from afar. Built in 1695 in a baroque style, it is a Lutheran church whose grand bell tower was added 50 years later.

An external staircase of 150 steps leads to the top, providing a stunning panoramic view of the Danish capital, including the port. Note that the spiral staircase isn’t accessible in rainy weather.

6. Freetown Christiania

Christiania is an autonomous district of Copenhagen, which is self-managed and free from traditional Danish societal norms.

The project was born in 1971 when hippies and anarchists settled in the abandoned buildings of a disused military camp with a desire to create a new form of social life. The result was the birth of a real city within a city, complete with its own cooperative economy, inhabitants, and alternative way of life. Here, shopkeepers, street artists, hipsters, and drug dealers mix, and drugs are sold freely. 

Take a stroll through the neighborhood to soak up the atmosphere, discover the graffitis, the small markets, and the artisanal stores or have a coffee at Morgenstedet.

Be aware of the signs in Christiania indicating whether photography is permitted or not, as there are some restrictions in place.

7. Evening at Reffen

Reffen, located in the industrial district of Refshaleøen towards the north of the city, is a popular destination for foodies, particularly those who enjoy fast food. To get there from Christiania, take bus line 2A, which takes around 20 minutes.

The gigantic urban restaurant space covers almost 6,000 square meters and features food from all over the world, bars, and concept stores.

It’s a perfect way to conclude your day by sampling diverse cuisines from everywhere and enjoying a refreshing Danish beer while watching the sunset on the lovely harbor of Copenhagen.

Extending Your 3 days Copenhagen Itinerary

If you ask me, the perfect amount of time for exploring Copenhagen is 4 days as it allows you to thoroughly explore the city and even fit in one of the many train trips from Copenhagen into your schedule. So, if you’re lucky to stay more than 3 days, here are other activities to add: 

Inside Copenhagen: 

• Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek: discover Carlsberg’s private art collection in this amazing museum
• Carlsberg Brewery: discover how the famous Carlsberg beer is made, with a tasting as a bonus
• Frederiksberg Palace: one of the many beautiful Danish castles to visit

Outside Copenhagen:

• Frederiksborg Castle: one of Denmark’s most impressive and largest castles
• Kronborg Castle: this castle boasts an incredible situation, facing Sweden
• Malmö day trip: in only a 1-hour train crossing the Oresund, you’ll be able to spend a day in Sweden

Ny Carlsberg Glyptoteket

FAQ About Visiting Copenhagen in 3 days

When is the best time to go to Copenhagen?

Opinions on the best time to visit Copenhagen may differ depending on personal preferences, but it’s generally agreed that the summer months of June to September are ideal for outdoor activities and endless evenings due to the pleasant climate. Besides, all tourist attractions are open during this time, and their closing hours are later than in the low season. But you probably guessed it, you’ll have to deal with higher prices and crowds of tourists… 

Personally, I’d suggest going on the shoulder seasons, spring or fall. Indeed, the months of April-May and October almost have all the benefits of summer (the weather is colder and days shorter), but without the crowds. So if you can, go for it! 

Finally, for winter and/or Christmas lovers, Copenhagen will delight you. It’s quite cold with some snowfalls, and December is simply magical thanks to its many Christmas markets making it one of the best places to go for Christmas.

How expensive is Copenhagen?

The cost of living in Copenhagen is high, so you should prepare for a high travel budget. Accommodation, attractions, and restaurants are the most expensive things, but it’s still possible to travel on a budget. 

For the hotel, as for the plane tickets, book as soon as possible to get the best rates. However, it might be challenging to find a room for less than 60€ per night. 

To save money on visits and transportation, consider buying a Copenhagen Card, which may appear expensive initially, but it’s cheaper than purchasing single tickets (a bus ride can cost 4€!). The same goes for the attractions: you have to pay an average of 10€/person for the entrance, while they are free with the Copenhagen Card. If you don’t plan on entering many attractions though, it’s possible only to walk as Copenhagen’s city center is not too big. 

As for food, prefer eating at markets such as Torvehallerne or Reffen and cafés rather than restaurants that are very pricey. And if you’re staying in a hostel, ask about the meals, which are often cheap.

How much spending money for 3 days in Copenhagen?

Excluding airfare and food, expect a minimum of 220€/person for 3 days in Copenhagen. Depending on your travel style, your departure city, your visits and your eating out, the budget will vary considerably. 

Just to give you an idea, here is the breakdown of the budget we spent on this 3-day trip for 2 persons (airfare excluded):

• 🏠 Accommodation:  235€
• 🎡 Activities + Transportation: 226€ (Copenhagen Card x2)
• 🍕 Food: 250€ (mainly coffee shops)
• = Total budget:  711€ (355,5€/person)

Where to eat in Copenhagen?

As mentioned right above, we didn’t try lots of restaurants in Copenhagen, but here are some places we visited and others that were on our list as they were recommended to us: 

• Torvehallerne Market: the city’s main market, amazing to taste all types of local food at a good price
• Reffen: you can eat almost whatever you want in this food court, mostly fast food but very tasty
• Mad & Kaffe: the best place for generous brunch in Copenhagen
• Taphouse: you can find all types of beers in this bar popular among the locals
• Kronbrog: best to eat typically Danish in a traditional old-fashioned way
• Lagkagehuset & Expresso Coffee: for me, the best coffee shops in town to try Danish pastries, bread, and sandwiches

Ofelia Beach

More Useful Readings to Travel Copenhagen

Find below several other posts about Copenhagen to help you prepare for your upcoming trip:

➡️ Spending more or less than 3 days in Copenhagen? Here are other itineraries tailored to the length of your stay:

• 24 hours in Copenhagen Itinerary
• 2 Days in Copenhagen Itinerary
• 5 Days in Copenhagen Itinerary

➡️ And here are other posts to better discover Copenhagen and beyond, along with travel tips:

• Best Things to Do in Copenhagen in Winter
• Best Places to Stay in Copenhagen
• Best Train Trips from Copenhagen
• Most Beautiful Copenhagen Castles to Visit
• Day Trip to Frederiksborg Slot
• Must-Eat Food in Copenhagen

I hope you enjoy this Copenhagen 3 days itinerary; if you have any questions, let me know in the comments below.

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