The Best 5 Days in Copenhagen Itinerary (with Free Map)

Where to Stay in Copenhagen 

Still in the planning stage of your trip to Copenhagen? Finding a good home base to start exploring is the first step to great travels, so let me help you out here.

The best option is to stay in Copenhagen‘s central areas of Indre by, Nyhavn and Christianshavn which have the best attractions and convenient public transportation. Here are the best accommodations, depending on your travel style and budget: 

✅ Best Hotel – Motel One Copenhagen: with its typical Danish decoration and perfect location, this 4-star hotel is the best you could find for a comfy stay in downtown Copenhagen. Plus, the range of services is such that you’ll find everything you could possibly need.  

💰 Best Budget Hotel – Wakeup Copenhagen Borgergade: although rooms are quite small, this hotel meets all the criteria for a pleasant stay: the location is ideal just a few minutes from Nyhavn and Strøget, everything is very clean and the amenities are up to par. 

✨ Best Luxury Hotel – NH Collection Copenhagen: experience a 5-star stay at this hotel, located by the canal with exceptional city views. Enjoy high-quality facilities, tasty food, and caring staff that provide all the comfort you could want in a prime location.

Just a heads up, Nes and I stayed at Wakeup Copenhagen on our trip, and we loved it. The amenities were perfect, clean and the bedding very comfy. The hotel’s wide lounge provided a relaxing space to unwind, and its convenient location made exploring the city a breeze. We highly recommend it!  

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Is 5 days too long in Copenhagen? 

The answer to this question can vary depending on individual travel preferences. But if you enjoy spending your entire days exploring (like us 😉), then 5 full days in Copenhagen may seem too long. While Copenhagen is a big city with plenty to see, you may find that 1 or 2 days have much fewer planned activities.

However, that doesn’t mean you should cut your trip short! Denmark has many charming towns and scenic countryside areas that are easily accessible from Copenhagen, making it a great opportunity to take day trips and explore the surrounding areas. In fact, this is what I suggest in this itinerary as the last 2 days are dedicated to nearby areas outside of Copenhagen.

Getting Around Copenhagen for 5 Days 

There are different ways to get around Copenhagen, so let’s see them before jumping into the details of the itinerary: 

⭐️ Copenhagen Card: you might have heard of it, it’s a pass providing free access to more than 80 attractions in Copenhagen, and free transportation in the entire capital region, airport transfer included. The card price varies according to its validity period, from 24 hours (62€) to 120 hours (148€).  

🚎 City Pass: if you don’t want to buy the pass for any reason, then you can get the City Pass to have unlimited access to public transport. It exists in 2 versions, the City Pass Large (to go outside the city) and City Pass Small (Copenhagen area only), and is also available for 24 to 120 hours.

🚲 Bike: if you want to immerse yourself in the local culture, then you should try biking! Download the Donkey Bike app (7,4€/2 hours) to use the orange bikes you’ll see everywhere in town. But make sure to check the local rules first to ride safely. 

St. Alban Church in northern Copenhagen

5 Days Copenhagen Itinerary Overview + Map

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Day 1: Copenhagen’s most famous sights 

• 9 am – Breakfast on Strøget
• 10.30 am – Round Tower
• 12 pm – Amalienborg & Frederiks Church
• 1.30 pm – Lunch on Nyhavn 
• 3 pm – Kastellet & The Little Mermaid 
• 5 pm – Reffen Copenhagen Street Food

Day 2: Copenhagen hyper-center 

• 10 am – Rosenborg Castle 
• 12 pm – Botanical Garden 
• 1.30 pm – Lunch at Torvehallerne Market 
• 3 pm – Christiansborg Palace & Børsen 
• 5 pm – Black Diamond 
• 6 pm – City Hall Square 
• Evening at Tivoli Gardens

Day 3: Outside Copenhagen’s Old Town

• 10 am – Freetown Christiania 
• 11.30 am – Church of our Saviour 
• 12.30 pm – Lunch at Meatpacking District 
• 2.30 pm – Frederiksberg Palace & Garden 
• 5 pm – Evening at Nørrebro 

Day 4: Day trip to the countryside 

• 10 am – Frederiksborg Palace 
• 3 pm – Kronborg Palace OR Amager Strandpark

Day 5: Day trip to Malmö

• 10.30 am – St Peter’s Church
• 11 am – Malmö Castle & Kungsparken 
• 1 pm – Stortorget & Lilla Torg
• 3 pm – Take a boat tour 
• 4.30 pm – Turning Torso 

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Day 1: Copenhagen’s Most Famous Sights 

Let’s start this trip by discovering the sights and attractions that make Copenhagen world-famous.  

To be sure you can see everything that is on the planning for this first day, I recommend being on Strøget at 9 am. 

1. Have Breakfast on Strøget

Why don’t we kick off the day by indulging in a scrumptious breakfast at the heart of Copenhagen’s historic center, located on Strøget – a pedestrian street that stretches across the Indre by district, from City Hall Square to Kongens Nytorv Square.

Strøget is renowned for being one of the longest shopping streets in Europe and a haven for shopaholics, featuring a variety of stores ranging from luxury brands like Louis Vuitton to budget-friendly shops like the Normal discount store, as well as the iconic Lego Store.

It’s not just a shopping destination, though, as foodies can also delight in a range of delectable options at the many cafes along the street, with Danish pastries being a must-try. I highly recommend treating yourself to a cinnamon roll – it’s simply divine!

2. Round Tower

Now that you’re full, head to the Rundetårn, just a few minutes walk from Strøget, to take in some views.

This 35-meter high tower built in the 17th century has a planetarium at its top and is the oldest observatory still in operation in Europe. You can reach the top on foot by an original helix ramp which allows you to climb without stairs (and without getting tired!).

Once you reach the summit, prepare to be mesmerized by the stunning panoramic view of Copenhagen and its iconic landmarks, which is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Definitely our favorite attraction in town!

3. Amalienborg & Frederik’s Church

From the Round Tower, walk through the old town for about 20min to reach Amalienborg, the main residence of the Danish royal family. It consists of 4 neo-classical buildings facing each other around a square dominated by a statue of King Frederik V in its center.

Be sure not to miss the daily changing of the guard ceremony, which starts at noon sharp, and try to secure a good viewing spot a bit in advance. Depending on who’s present in the castle and their royal rank, the changing of the guard is more or less impressive.

The show lasts about 1 hour with several pieces of music played. We stayed about half an hour before heading to Frederik’s Kirk, the huge church right behind that is also worth a look due to its impressive facade and dome.

4. Have Lunch at Nyhavn 

Walk for about 10 min toward Nyhavn, the famous old port of Copenhagen. It’s the most iconic and Instagramable spot in the city, so you’ll find plenty of tourists having photo shoots there!  

When it comes to lunch options, the area offers a diverse array of choices, but locals recommend avoiding the restaurants here as they are pricey for a doubtful quality. So, prefer opting for a smørrebrød (Danish open-faced sandwiches) or a pølser (Danish hot dogs) from one of the street vendors and enjoy it on a cozy spot in front of the pastel-colored homes lining the waterfront.

Danish pølser

From Nyhavn port, take 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 30 min, so make sure to take the 2.41 pm bus to be at Kastellet at 3 pm. You can check the schedule here.

5. Kastellet & The Little Mermaid 

Kastellet is a star-shaped military barracks surrounded by a moat and used as a park. It was built in 1626 to protect the country from invaders coming from the sea, hence its location. 

Strolling in this colorful open-air museum is sure to delight, with its array of eye-catching sights including the stunning St. Alban’s Church, charming red brick buildings, the Commander’s yellow house, and the iconic windmill.

Next, make your way toward the coast to catch a glimpse of the Little Mermaid statue. While it may not be particularly outstanding, the statue from Hans Christian Andersen‘s famous tale serves as a prominent emblem of the city and is definitely worth checking out. 

6. Reffen Copenhagen Street Food

From the Little Mermaid Statue, head to Nordre Toldbod terminal to take the harbor bus 992 to join Refshaleøen on the other side of the canal, and then walk 10 min to get to Reffen. 

Here lies the temple of street food: a huge 6,000 square meter space that plays host to food stalls from all corners of the globe in a convivial and festive ambiance. 

Don’t hesitate to pair your dish with a local beer to sip it quietly facing the sea. There is no better way to end the day!

Day 2: Copenhagen Hyper-Center 

While we visited a lot of Copenhagen’s best sights on the first day, there are still other iconic monuments left to see. That’s what the second day of this five days in Copenhagen trip will be dedicated to. 

I recommend starting this day at 10 am.  

1. Rosenborg Castle

Nestled in a stunning park at the heart of Copenhagen, the Rosenborg Castle dates back to the 17th century, when it was built as a summer residence for Denmark’s monarch at the time – Christian IV. Over time, extensions were made to achieve its present-day form.

In the 1830s, the castle was transformed into a museum, where visitors can now marvel at the Danish crown jewels and explore the various chambers that once served as home to the royal inhabitants. Spend a good 1,5 hours on this cultural tour.

2. Botanical Garden 

Located just a short 8-minute walk from Rosenborg Slot, the Botanical Garden is the best place for leisurely strolls in Copenhagen. 

This huge garden is famous for housing thousands of unique species of plants and trees, some of which are endemic to Denmark only. But the garden’s standout feature is the Palm House, this massive glass greenhouse that dates back to the 17th century featuring immense plants. 

3. Have Lunch at Torvehallerne Market 

Torvehallerne is a covered market situated just an 8-minute walk from the Botanical Garden. If you’re keen on immersing yourself in Danish culture and relishing local delicacies like smørrebrød, you’ll love having lunch here! 

With around 80 retailers including cozy cafes and restaurants, you can easily find Danish specialties, fresh seafood, cheese, and much more in a delightful atmosphere. 

4. Christiansborg Palace & Børsen 

After lunch, walk for 15 min or take the metro line 1 or 2 to reach Christiansborg Palace on Slotsholmen, a tiny island linked to the city by bridges. The castle, which was the royal family’s main residence until 1794, is the center of the Danish power as it houses the Supreme Court of Justice, the Parliament, and the Prime Minister’s office.

The visit to Christiansborg Slot is divided into several parts, so you can choose to visit only the Royal Reception Rooms or the Palace Tower for example. I recommend the tower: it’s free and it’s the highest view in town! 

Before heading to the next stop, have a look at Børsen, Copenhagen Stock Exchange building, whose spine makes it remarkable.

5. Black Diamond 

Situated behind Christiansborg Slot and Borsen, the Black Diamond is an eye-catching building built from black granite on the shores of Slotsholmen.

Built in 1999 as an addition to the Royal Library of Copenhagen, it has extensive space for books, reading rooms, a café, and areas for exhibitions and concerts. The interior is a stunning example of Danish design ingenuity, featuring impressive architecture that offers photographers a fantastic opportunity to take unique shots.

6. City Hall Square 

Rådhuspladsen, as it’s referred to in Danish, is an expansive square located in the heart of Copenhagen’s historic city center, a 12-min walk or 5-min metro ride from Christiansborg. 

Built in the beginning of the 20th century, the City Hall dominates the square and is actually one of the tallest landmarks in Copenhagen. 

Although guided tours are available to explore the interior of the City Hall, I suggest passing through the square to appreciate its exterior beauty.

7. Evening at Tivoli Gardens

The Tivoli Gardens are a must-see attraction located just a stone’s throw from City Hall. Despite its name, it’s essentially a historical amusement park that has been welcoming visitors since 1843.

In this garden with an enchanting atmosphere, there are about 30 attractions of all kinds, but also an open-air theater, indoor and outdoor concert stages, fireworks, illuminations, and a food court.

Day 3: Outside Copenhagen’s Old Town

Enough of the old town, let’s discover together another side of Copenhagen, with a completely different atmosphere. 

To make it through this day, I suggest being at Christiania by 10 am. 

1. Freetown Christiania 

Christiania is a self-governed and autonomous neighborhood free from conventional societal norms located across the canal. 

The town was born in 1971 when squatters and hippies settled in what used to be an abandoned military camp. Through the years, the community has evolved into a fully-fledged city with its own cooperative economy and lifestyle.

As you stroll through the area, you’ll find shopkeepers, street artists, graffitis, and hand-built homes but you may be surprised to see drugs sold freely on Pusher Street.

In Christiania, you won’t be able to take pictures freely. Signs indicating whether or not you can do it are posted in some places in the area.

2. Church of our Saviour 

Located in the Christianshavn area a few steps away from Christiania, the Church of our Saviour is a beautiful monument famous for its 90-meter high golden spiral spire. 

After visiting the interior of the church, take the 150-step staircase to reach the top and have all of Copenhagen under your feet. But beware, although safe, it’s definitely not for the faint of heart! 

3. Lunch at Meatpacking District 

For this lunch, let’s go to a food hotspot in the Vesterbro area, 20 min by subway from the Church of our Saviour: the Meatpacking District.

This place used to be a hub for the meat industry but has recently transformed into a vibrant area full of restaurants and nightlife spots that are popular among locals.

When it comes to food, there are plenty of options to choose from, and some of the must-try places include Gorilla, WarPigs, Fleisch, and Tommi’s Burger Joint.

4. Frederiksberg Palace & Garden 

Frederiksberg is an independent city of Copenhagen enclosed in the Danish capital. It’s one of the most exclusive areas of Copenhagen, 20 min by bus from the Meatpacking District.

The city is home to a beautiful 18th-century baroque palace that was once a royal residence. Since 1869, the building is no longer occupied by the royal family and hosts the Danish military school. The interior of the castle thus can’t be visited.

The palace is surrounded by a large and well-kept park, Frederiksberg Have, ideal for a romantic stroll or a fun family outing.

5. Evening at Nørrebro 

After a 20-minute walk or a quick bus/subway ride from Frederiksberg, you’ll reach Nørrebro, a bustling neighborhood near the docks popular among students and immigrants.

Come here to enjoy some of the cheapest and liveliest bars in Copenhagen, located around the streets of Blågårdsgade, Rantzausgade, Stefansgade, and Sankt Hans Torv Square. You’ll also find many cultural centers that often host concerts.

Nørrebro is known for its wide variety of restaurants and snack bars serving food from all over the world, often cheaper than in downtown Copenhagen.

Day 4: Day Trip to the Countryside 

Let’s go on an exciting train trip on the fourth day to explore one of the most beautiful jewels in the north of Denmark. 

I recommend being there at the opening time of Frederiksborg Palace (10 am or 11 am depending on the season).

1. Frederiksborg Palace 

40 kilometers north of Copenhagen lies the largest castle in Scandinavia: Frederiksborg Castle, a true Renaissance masterpiece and symbol of the Danish absolute monarchy.

Regular trains departing every 15 minutes (line A) take you there in less than an hour from Copenhagen Central Station located in the city center. 

When you arrive, you’ll be mesmerized by this flamboyant red brick castle which spreads over 3 islands on Lake Slotssø, and by its baroque garden. Inside, you’ll be greeted with magnificent works of art worthy of the greatest castles, a splendid chapel, and much more.

2. Option 1: Kronborg Palace

Depending on the time you have left in the day, you can visit another spectacular castle located 1 hour by train from Frederkisborg in the town of Elseneur: Kronborg Castle.

Its location at the entrance of the Öresund strait on the island of Seeland facing Sweden makes it an exceptional monument that inspired Shakespeare for the setting of Hamlet.

Built in 1427 to collect ship tolls, Kronborg is an impressive and powerful fortress contrasting with its elegant towers. It’s definitely worth visiting!

2. Option 2: Amager Strandpark

If you’re short on time to visit Kronborg or have had your fill of castle for the day, head to Amager Strandpark to enjoy the beach! 

From Frederiksborg, take the A line back to Copenhagen and then the metro line 2 to the beach. The trip will take you about 1h20.

Amager is an artificial island with 4.6 kilometers of beach where you can enjoy all kinds of water activities or attend various cultural and social events. It’s a popular location for concerts and sports events, perfect if you’re there in summer. 

Day 5: Day Trip to Malmö

Did you know that Copenhagen is only 40 min train away from Sweden? In fact, the gigantic Öresund Bridge connects Copenhagen to the city of Malmö, so let’s visit it on the last day of your trip!  

I suggest you take the 9.26 am train to Malmö so you can be at St Peter’s Church by 10.30 am. 

1. St Peter’s Church

Within a 10-min walk from the train station, you can find St. Peter’s Church, a great starting point for your tour of the city.

Built in the 14th century, this all-red brick church is a fine illustration of Northern European Gothic architecture. Inside, the grandiose and majestic space is enhanced by the immaculate white walls and vaults, creating an impressive atmosphere.

2. Malmö Castle & Kungsparken

After visiting St Peter’s Chruch, head to one of the city’s best landmarks, Malmö Castle, only a 15-min walk away.

Built in 1434 by King Eric of Pomerania, it’s the oldest Renaissance castle in Scandinavia and boasts some of the most beautiful museums in Malmö, displaying splendid and diverse collections.

Once this visit is over, stroll in the beautiful garden right next door, the Kungsparken, famous for its exotic trees, its sumptuous flowerbeds, and its casino.

3. Stortorget & Lilla Torg 

Stortorget is both the largest and oldest square in the city, featuring a grand equestrian statue of King Karl X Gustav in its center. Surrounding the square, you can admire beautiful buildings and impressive statues.

Just across from Stortorget is another famous square, Lilla Torg, which may not be as large as its counterpart, but it is certainly the most charming and typical. With its half-timbered buildings, old structures, bars, and traditional restaurants, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a fish fillet served with bilberry sauce, an iconic dish of Sweden. You can have a delightful lunch there!

4. Take a Boat Tour

To make the most out of your single day in Malmö, a boat tour is highly recommended.

Meet at Norra Vallgatan, 5 min walk from Lila Torg, to board an open boat, which allows you to appreciate the city’s beauty and capture some memorable shots along the way.

The boat tour covers the historic city center and modern Malmö allowing visitors to discover the most breathtaking places in town. It is a perfect 50-minute tour for a romantic experience that you wouldn’t want to miss.

4. Turning Torso 

A 15-minute bus ride from Lila Torg (or a 25 min walk) takes you to the famous Turning Torso, the tallest building in Sweden and the tallest tower in Scandinavia!

This 190-meter tower opened in 2005 is situated in a modern and eco-friendly residential area in the eastern part of the city. For security reasons, it’s unfortunately impossible to visit the Turning Torso as it’s a residential building. So unless you live there, tourists can’t enter it to observe the landscape from its top. Still, the tower is worth a close look.

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So, there you have it, your 5 days itinerary in Copenhagen! Before you go, don’t forget to download the free map and check out these posts below 👇  

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More Useful Readings to Visit Copenhagen

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

➡️ Spending less than 5 days in Copenhagen? Here are shorter Copenhagen itineraries: 

• How to Spend 24 Hours in Copenhagen
• 2 Days in Copenhagen Itinerary
• 3 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
• Free Things to do in Aarhus

I hope you enjoy your Copenhagen 5 days trip; if you have any questions, let me know in the comments below.

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