One Day Copenhagen Itinerary – Map, Tips & Guide

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How to Visit Copenhagen in One Day

Copenhagen is an alluring city which has perfected the art of mixing old world charm with cutting edge cool. This eclectic city is large enough to house world-class attractions, architecture and museums yet compact enough for Copenhagen to be the perfect 24 hour destination.  

In this Copenhagen travel guide, you’ll find a complete one day itinerary of all the most important must see Copenhagen attractions, with an interactive map, organised to make the best use of your time.

We also share recommendations for central places to stay, ideas about where to eat local food, and tips about how to make the most of your day in Copenhagen.

When to Visit Copenhagen

The best time to visit Copenhagen is from March to September.

The summer has the best weather and the most events, but the spring and early fall can still be mild and have fewer tourists.

At any time of the year in Northern Europe it is best to be prepared for a wide variance in temperatures and the chance of rain. A tip is to always dress in layers and carry an umbrella!

Copenhagen Trip Resources

Getting to Copenhagen

Flying

When you fly to Copenhagen you will land at Copenhagen Kastrup International Airport. There are several ways to get to the city from the airport but by far the quickest is by Metro.

The metro station is located in Terminal 3, the trains run every 4-6 minutes and take about 15 mins to Nørreport Station, tickets can be bought at the station where there are ticket machines that except coins and credit or debit cards.

There are several buses and trains that go to the city, you will find both the bus station and the train station in Terminal 3, for the trains you need to buy your tickets prior to boarding at the DSB Ticket Office, if you board the train without a ticket you could be fined. Find out more information on time tables here.

You can also book a private transfer from the airport with Klook directly to your accommodation in the city. Klook works with a large range of local operators to bring the the best options and prices for your transfer.

Where to Stay in Copenhagen

Luxury: 71 Nyhavn Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Copenhagen Admiral Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: citizenM Copenhagen Radhuspladsen – Booking.com | Agoda

Hostel: Next House Hostel – Booking.com | Agoda

Getting Around Copenhagen

The main sights are all located within a relatively compact area so it is easy to walk or cycle from one to another and maybe add in a boat ride to reach a few outliers, making it possible to see Copenhagen in a day. 

You can often find beautiful squares, buildings, canals, streets and parks along the way that don’t make it onto the must-see lists, but are still very worthwhile. Walking a city is where you can really get a feel for the flavour of the place.

Copenhagen bicycle culture is something to behold, as popular and widespread as anywhere in the world. Seemingly everybody rides a bike, from the youngest child to oldest and grumpiest fisherman.

The city is brimming with clearly-marked bike lanes, which is probably why they don’t seem to suffer from the same traffic congestion and air pollution as many other big cities.

If you do want to get around by bike, make sure you have travel insurance, accidents are uncommon in this bike-loving city, but not unheard of. 

There are many bike rental shops and Bycyklen, Copenhagen’s inexpensive public bike rental scheme, allows you to take one from anywhere you happen to be, once you have an account set up.

Copenhagen One Day Itinerary Interactive Map

How to use this map – Use your fingers (or computer mouse) to zoom in and out. Click or touch the icons to get more info about a place, and click the arrow in the box top left to open the index. To add to your own Google Maps account, click the star next to the title of the map.

What to See & Do in Copenhagen

Morning

Walk Along Nyhavn

This is definitely the most popular tourist area in Copenhagen; a sublime canal lined with brightly-coloured buildings, boats of every type and description, and about two dozen places to eat or drink your fill.

Throw in some nice bridges where you can pledge your undying love by leaving behind a cheap padlock, and you’ve really got something to work with.

Climb The Church of Our Saviour

Right next to Freetown Christiania is one of Denmark’s most famous churches. The Baroque Church of Our Savior was finished in 1752 and attracts 60,000 visitors a year, who come to climb the 400 steps to the top of the steeple, which stands at 82 meters tall.

The tall dramatic spire actually has the steps to the top on the outside, making this a climb with a difference. Head to the top, if you dare, for amazing panoramic views across Copenhagen and beyond.

Head to Freetown Christiania​

On the group of small islands known as Christianshavn, this alternative neighbourhood is a former hippie commune, now a collectively controlled village. Famous for Pusher Street, where you can buy hash and pot (but no hard drugs), Freetown Christiania is unlike anywhere else in Europe.

The ramshackle buildings, often self-built by members of the foundation who own the area, are wildly decorated with a wide variety of graffiti, from obscurely political to cleverly amusing to idiotically vulgar. One of the best was a creatively painted public urinal that makes it look like your head is on a cartoon body while you are using said facility.

It is an interesting place to wander through, but be aware that the locals do not want you taking any photos or videos. A private tour of colourful Christiania is a good way to explore the area and learn more about its history and culture.

Climb Rundetaarn

TOP TIP: On your way to Rundetaarn, you’ll pass the Danish seat of power, Christiansborg Palace, which is actually on the tiny island of Slotsholmen, right in the middle of the city.

This is, in fact, a very round tower and well worth the 25DKK to enter. Other unique features include – but are not limited to – an extremely gradual circular walkway that leads visitors to the top rather than the standard “steep, narrow tower stairs”, a series of stamps to fill out a round tower passport and a rivetingly eclectic art gallery.

There is also a small collection of seemingly random books including what appears to be the Danish version of the popular children’s book, Curious George. Except, in Denmark, for some reason, his name is Peter Pedal and, apparently, we aren’t completely sure if he’s curious or not. There are excellent views of the city in all directions from the top.

Watch the Changing of The Guard

Every day the Danish Royal Guard parades from Rosenborg Castle, leaving at 11:30am, to Amalienborg Palace, arriving for the Changing of the Guard ceremony that takes place at 12 noon. The ceremony is filled with plenty of pomp and circumstance and is very entertaining to watch. 

The same square has the Amalienborg Museum where you can see the private interiors of the most recent kings and queens of Denmark and information about the present Danish royal family, with its many traditions.

Afternoon

Wander the Old Town Area

Strolling the old town of any historic city is a basic European default, and for good reason. With its impressive churches and big, fancy plazas – usually with a cool fountain in the middle – some pedestrian streets and good Instagram spots like Snaregade Gammel Strand between Knabrostraede and Nytorv, Copenhagen ranks right up there with some of the most photogenic cities in Europe. 

TOP TIP: Consider one of these highly rated walking or bike tours of the city with a local guide, to see all the top attractions and learn about the city’s history. If you want to see the best of Copenhagen in a day, tours like this are ideal.

Rosenborg Castle

This large 17th century Dutch Renaissance palace includes a museum where they literally hide the crown jewels. There are guided tours and an audio tour that you can upload to your phone.

The impressive gardens are worth wandering and you can feed the fish and ducks in the lake and moat near the castle. It is entertaining to learn about the history of the palace and royalty through the formal displays.

RELATED POST: Beautiful Denmark: 11 Best Hidden Gems

Little Mermaid Statue

Based on the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale, this statue is over a century old, quite small and underwhelming, yet incredibly popular. The statue pays homage to the famous fairy tale writer, who lived and worked in Nyhavn for many years.

In fact, while the actual statue is barely worthy of the detour required, the chaotic bustle of tourists jockeying for photos, close-ups and group shots is kind of worth your time, too, in a weird sort of way.

TOP TIP: It’s a good 30 minute walk from Rosenborg Castle to the Little Mermaid. It’s a pleasant enough stroll, but if your feet are tired or the weather is not so good, take this bestselling canal cruise. These cruises take just an hour and leave from Nyhavn. You’ll not only pass the Little Mermaid, you’ll also see Amalienborg Palace and Christiansborg Palace, as well as bypassing the crowds on Nyhavn and seeing the picturesque canal from the water.

Evening

Visit Tivoli Gardens

Opposite City Hall, Tivoli Gardens are a famous and exhilarating amusement park, slash recreation and relaxation area. Opened in 1843, the famous gardens were supposedly the inspiration for Disneyland.

Visit in the evening for a magical night at the funfair. Packed full of history and charm, you’ll find all the usual rides, stalls and eateries here, including a 100 year old wooden rollercoaster. 

After sunset, the fairy lights, lanterns and soft-glow bulbs turn on, lending an ethereal beauty to the setting and making this a fantastic place to end your perfect day in Copenhagen.

The gardens are open until 10pm daily. Unlike the major amusements parks, queuing is not usually a problem although you will need to book in advance for busy times like Christmas and Halloween.

TOP TIP: Tivoli is closed for around fourteen weeks every year in winter, so if it’s top of your Copenhagen must do list, check for seasonal opening dates before booking your trip.

Where to Eat in Copenhagen

Lunch at Café Gammeltorv

Cafe Gammeltorv will give you the opportunity to try some Danish food such as the highly recommended and traditional rugbrød (rye bread) or smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches). 

TOP TIP: The atmosphere is quite casual but it is very popular with locals, so you should probably reserve a table if possible.

Dinner at Refshaleoen

The scenic public ferry cruise across to this slightly off-the-beaten-path neighbourhood of Refshaleoen is cheap (or covered by your City Pass) and worth the journey itself to the graffitied, cool and kitschy cluster of food stalls offering everything from Danish hot dogs and Mexican tacos to kebabs or fish and chips. 

This food market is also a terrific place to recharge after a fully packed day. You can choose between outdoor picnic benches and a sheltered, heated beer garden to suit whatever weather you may be having. The food stalls in Refshaleoen are also reasonably priced 50-100DKK range.

Top Five Copenhagen Travel Tips

1. The City Pass gives you access the the public transport network (including to and from the airport) in the whole of the Copenhagen region via your phone. A 24 hour pass costs 80DKK.

2. Copenhagen is an expensive city to visit. Plan your trip carefully and only buy a Copenhagen Card if you know you’ll get your money’s worth from it.

3. Even though Copenhagen is a notoriously expensive place, especially when it comes to eating and drinking, there are still a surprising number of fun and fascinating things that can be done very affordably or, in some cases, even free.

4. Hygge is definitely a thing in Denmark and up there with some of the most beautiful words in the world! With no direct translation, hygge is a state of comfort, relaxation, and peace with the ones around you. Visiting Copenhagen in winter makes for the best hygge experience, with log fires in hotels, candle-lit bars and twinkling fairy lights festooning the streets and squares of the old town.

5. Head for the design store Illums Bolighus for the best buys in Danish interiors. Remember that you have a luggage allowance before you get sucked into the Scandi vibe of this very cool store.

More Than One Day in Copenhagen

Clean, organised and friendly, Copenhagen routinely exceeds expectations and leaves people wishing they had stayed longer. If you have two days in Copenhagen or an extra half a day in Copenhagen, check out these attractions.

Take a Day Trip to Sweden

Take this highly recommended day trip to Lund and Malmo in Sweden and see two countries in one day! Across the amazing Oresund Bridge, one of the main routes into Sweden and Norway from mainland Europe. Sweden’s third largest city brims with life and energy and a healthy love for the outdoors. 

Enjoy at Pint at Carlsberg

Visit Carlsberg. The fifth largest brewing company in the world, their first brewery was opened in Copenhagen in 1847 and is now a fun and interactive museum.

Explore the National Museum of Denmark

Learn about Danish culture at the National Museum of Denmark. Also a great place to visit on a rainy day! 

Written for The Gap Decaders by Dean and Laynni of Routinely Nomadic.

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