The 3 days in Copenhagen itinerary

Want to get the most out of your quick weekend getaway to Copenhagen? Copenhagen has plenty to offer but you don’t necessarily need more than 2 days to capture the essence. With the 48 hours in Copenhagen itinerary you will experience the main sights and attractions – and explore the local vibes and quirky sides of Copenhagen. Enjoy!

Only here for a quickie? Check out our itinerary for 24 hours in Copenhagen!

Copenhagen itinerary — Best of Copenhagen in 48 hours

Itinerary day 1: Arrive and treat yourself to a night out in Vesterbro

Afternoon: arrive and check in

Upon arrival at the airport, jump on the metro or train and head into the city. The M2 will take you to Amager, Central Copenhagen or Frederiksberg, while the train will take you to Central Station in Vesterbro, Nørreport and Østerport.

Check into your hotel or Airbnb, explore the neighborhood if you have time – and get dressed for a laid back – yet festive – night in Meatpacking District. Your Copenhagen itinerary starts now!

Meatpacking District Vesterbro — Rough and wonderful: Meatpacking District in Vesterbro.

7 pm: wine and dine

In case you are walking to Meatpacking District you will get a glimpse of Vesterbro, one of Copenhagen’s coolest neighborhoods. The place to stay if you’re looking for nightlife, local vibes and want to stay in close proximity to the city center.

Check out BioMio for organic food treasures, go to Gorilla if you want to add awesome cocktails to your funky and fabulous tasting menu, try KUL for a prime culinary experience – or indulge in classic French food and wine at Paté Paté. Traveling on a budget? No problem! Try out Chicky Grill, Bollyfood, Mother or Magasasa.

Restaurant KUL – a culinary experience in Meatpacking District.

10 pm: Have a drink… or more

Perhaps you prefer a good cocktail, made with love and exquisite liquors. In that case check out Gorilla or NOHO.

The 20-something crowds may prefer classics such as Jolene, Mesteren & Lærlingen and Bakken.

Late…

Return to your hotel or Airbnb. All metro lines run all night.

Central Copenhagen — Towers of Copenhagen. Photo: Thomas Rousing

Itinerary day 2: Explore Copenhagen’s must sees by bike

9 am: Rise and shine

If breakfast is not included in your stay, head out and grab a bruch at Mad og Kaffe, which can be found in Vesterbro, Amager, Frederiksberg and Nørrebro – there’s literally something for everyone. Other great options are Wulff & Konstali in Islands Brygge, Sidecar in Nørrebro, Union Kitchen and Far’s Dreng in Central Copenhagen.

11 pm: Grab your bike

If you want to make the most of your trip to Copenhagen – and you obviously do – you need to rent a bicycle. Download the Donkey app and grab a bike or keep and eye out for the white ‘Bycyklen’ anywhere around the city. If you want to blend in with a more authentic bicycle, stop by the local bike shop.

Once you get your bike, ride in the direction of the royal palace, Amalienborg.

Copenhagen by bike — Want to blend in? Rent a bike and explore Copenhagen like a local. Photo: iamcopenhagen.com

12 pm: Get touristy

Don’t be late for the guard shift at Amalienborg, which takes place at 12 pm. Beware that you won’t be the only one there so get there early if you can.

After checking out the guards doing their thing, go to Marmorkirken (Marble Church) across from Amalienborg and from there ride your bike down Bredgade, pass the Gefion Fountain and go the The Little Mermaid at Langelinje. Catch a glimpse of the little copper statue and head to Nyhavn.

1 pm: Lunch time

If you want to try the traditional smørrebrød (open rye sandwich), stay in Nyhavn. Otherwise you can cross the bridge from Nyhavn to Christianshavn and have lunch at Broens Street Food.

2 pm: Pit stop at Christiania

Ride your bike through Christianshavn in the direction of Freetown Christiania, park your bike and take a stroll through the colorful neighborhood. Take a quick walk through Pusher Street and explore the side streets before heading back to your bike.

3 pm: Continue the journey to Refshaleøen

Jump on the bike and pedal through the island of Holmen and all the way to Refshaleøen. This is where you will find Copenhagen’s biggest street food market, Reffen, but it’s not just food… Reffen is a popular chill out zone during the summer and so is the little gem of La Banchina. Stay for as long as you feel like before riding back to your hotel.

Does your Copenhagen itinerary day 2 feel too packed?

Too much too fast? If you’re not up for the long bike ride, you can consider skipping the visit to Christiania and instead take the harbor bus from Nyhavn to Refshaleøen.

6 pm: A night out in Tivoli

Tivoli is one of Copenhagen’s biggest attractions and the old amusement park from 1843 is still a joy. Arrive in time to take a stroll through the park, enjoy fine dining at Gemyse or Fru Nimb, traditional Danish dishes at Brdr. Price or grab something light at Tivoli Food Hall. Watch the park light up and see the fireworks on Saturdays.

Later…

Return to hotel or have a drink at Trio in Axel Tower – or continue to Nybrogade and Gammel Strand for a variety of cocktails and nightlife.

Tivoli Copenhagen — Tivoli amusement park from 1843 attracts all ages. Photo: Malin Poppy

Itinerary day 3: A walk in the park

9 am: Wake up, check out, get out

Wake up, pack your bags and check out from hotel or Airbnb.

10 am: A quick bite

Time is running out so grab a quick bite in a coffee shop before continuing to Rosenborg Castle.

11 am: Follow the footsteps of the kings at Rosenborg Castle

This might not be the biggest castle Denmark has to offer but it offers great stories and 400 years of royal history. Not least: this is where you can see the crown jewels. After a visit at the castle, take a stroll in Kings Garden – or even better: Botanical Gardens, just across the street.

1 pm: Lunch at Torvehallerne

Torvehallerne is a mix of the traditional market place and a street food market. Enjoy lunch – maybe a little food adventure around the market place – and soak up the last Copenhagen sunrays before heading to the airport or train station.

Rosenborg Castle — Rosenborg, once a summer residence for the royal family – today home of the crown jewels. Photo: Kim Wyon.

What Copenhagen itinerary are you?

Wanna experience Copenhagen in a different way? Slow summer? Christmas in Copenhagen? Touch ‘n’ go?Check out our long list of itineraries and find a Copenhagen itinerary that suits your needs and wishes.

Why you should ditch the hotel and stay in an Airbnb

Daily cleaning, a breakfast buffet, soaps and shampoos… Hotels are nice (usually!) but staying in an Airbnb could add an extra spice to your Copenhagen adventure. Not only do you get a sneak peek in to the everyday lives of the danes. You also get the chance to experience the essence of ‘hygge’ and you may even get an understanding of why the Danes are so ridiculously happy… despite the lack of elevators and luxurious bathrooms.

Here is what you can expect when booking an Airbnb.

Istedgade Copenhagen — Stay local in Vesterbro! Photo: iamcopenhagen.com

People actually live there

In many cities Airbnb is pure business. You can tell that no one lives there. No personal items, no family photos and very standardized interior. Airbnbs in Copenhagen are different. In most cases people actually live there. You shouldn’t expect to be left with too much closet space because the wardrobe is most likely packed with sweaters, jeans, dresses, etc. from the person who lives there, and you may be asked to water the plants if you are staying for a longer period of time. On the other hand you usually don’t have to worry about buying butter, ketchup, coffee and other essentials, which in many cases are part of the package.

The best part about checking into an Airbnb in Copenhagen is that you are entering a personal home that portrays the hygge and happiness that the Copenhageners are known for. Whether you are staying in a small apartment in Nørrebro, a modern seaside apartment in Islands Brygge or an old mansion in Østerbro you can very often expect to stay in a home that unites Danish design classics with a personal touch. Danes know good design, and they aren’t afraid to make it personal!

Small bathrooms and walk ups

While the Danes are big spenders when it comes to design, the Copenhageners are not the big bathroom connoisseurs. It’s not that the regular Copenhagener doesn’t want a cool bathroom. We do! But many of us also enjoy living in old, charming buildings and let’s face it… they didn’t have bathrooms back in the 1870’s.

If you are staying in the old working class neighborhoods such as Vesterbro, Nørrebro and Amager you could end up with a small bathroom covering about 1 square meter, which fits a toilet, sink and a shower. Pretty impressive actually! Also you will rarely find an elevator in the older buildings. Frederiksberg and Østerbro are also home to many lovely, old buildings but back in the days these areas were primarily reserved for the better bourgeoisie, who could afford – and had enough space for – an actual bathroom. If a large, modern bathroom and an elevator is your main priority you should probably have a look at the newer areas such as Islands Brygge, Nordhavn, Amager Beach, Sluseholmen and Teglholmen.

Amazing design

Denmark is known for the endless list of great 20^thcentury designers such as Arne Jacobsen, Verner Panton, Poul Henningsen and many more. The designs are known for simplistic functionalism suited for everyday life whether you’re young or old, and the classics can be found in many homes across all social classes.

When checking into an Airbnb in Copenhagen you could very well run into iconic chairs such as The Ant, the Y Chair, The Egg, The Swan, Papa Bear Chair and the 7 Series as well as PH lamps, Flowerpot and several other Danish darlings.

If you’re in luck you’ll run into classics like The Egg and PK22. Photo: Ditte Isager, Fritz Hansen.

5 reasons to pick an Airbnb in Copenhagen

Understand and feel the concept of ‘hygge’ in a homely atmosphere.
Cook your own food. Eating out in Copenhagen can be pricy.
Authentic and local! Get closer to the locals and experience their lifestyle.
Pick the neighborhood that matches your personality.
It’s a real home and your host may even lend you his or her bike.

Hip, central or quiet? Which Airbnb in Copenhagen is for you?

The question is not whether or not you should chose to stay in an Airbnb in Copenhagen. The question is where to stay. Copenhagen has plenty of personalities spread all over town and there’s an Airbnb to suit any mood.

If you want to stay in the hip neighborhood of Nørrebro, Airbnb is pretty much your only choice since there are basically no hotels in this part of town. And even Amager, Frederiksberg and Østerbro only have a few hotels to chose from.

Stay in Vesterbro if you’re looking for nightlife, great dining options and a neighborhood that’s both cool and central. Head to Østerbro is you’re looking for extra space, playgrounds for the kids and some peace and quiet. Pick Nørrebro if you want to hang out with the young, cool crowds or stay in Frederiksberg if you’re looking for the exact opposite of Nørrebro. Amager is great if you expect to spend a lot of time at the beach, in Refshaleøen or Christianshavn. And last but not least: Go for Indre By and Christianshavn if you want to stay central and have all the biggest sights within walking distance.

November 2020

48 hours in Copenhagen