The Ultimate 3 Days In Copenhagen Itinerary

(This article has affiliate links to products which we may make commission from at no extra cost to you.)

If you are searching for an ultimate Copenhagen itinerary for 3 days, look no further. I just had a lovely vacation here. Discover the best things to do and explore with this 3 days in Copenhagen itinerary.

Denmark’s capital, Copenhagen, is the country’s most populous city by a wide margin. Therefore, it is impossible to question why this city is situated in one of the world’s most happy nations when one sees its beautiful canals and harbor, world-renowned restaurants and a plethora of eccentric and charming venues.

For example, the Parliament (Folketing) at Christiansborg, which is well-known to many thanks to the Danish smash-hit television series Borgen, and the Royal Family’s palace at Amalienborg are both must-sees while visiting Copenhagen.

Copenhagen, perhaps Scandinavia’s most laidback capital city, has a very European feel to it. Pleasant street life and distinctive café culture will have you wanting to return time and time again to explore more of the city. The city is ideal for roaming around at your pace. Or you may do as the locals do and get on a bike, which is the primary form of transportation for many people in the area.

While planning your trip, do not forget to get your Copenhagen Card (as I did!). It will allow you unlimited use of public transportation including to and from the airport, canal tours and access to over 80 attractions and museums in Copenhagen.

So, here I have put together a 3 day Copenhagen itinerary of the essential sites that you should see. As a result, you may have a taste of the city’s elixir in the smallest amount of time while without missing out on anything.

Contents

Copenhagen Itinerary: 3 Days In Copenhagen

Day 1: Begin Your Copenhagen Itinerary By Exploring The Heart of The City

The City Hall Palace

Copenhagen’s central plaza is a must-see attraction as with every European city. Right in its heart is City Hall Square, which is surrounded by stately buildings and the Copenhagen City Hall, which stands out with its golden borders shining in the sunlight. However, the charm of the plaza is enhanced by the adjacent buildings. I found the plaza to be very picturesque.

Several sculptures adorn the plaza, as do the fountains and trees. The Lurblaserne statue, which depicts two men blowing curved horns on top of a pillar, is challenging to overlook. Similarly, the Dragon Fountain depicts a dragon and bull battling in high-definition.

Stroget

Stroget is a must-see while visiting Copenhagen’s downtown district. Here you will find the city’s primary retail district, which comprises five streets that connect City Hall Square and Kongens Nytorv (New Kings’ Square). You may find everything from tourist trinkets to designer products at this location. The Stroget market street is located over 1 km long stretch and so it is known to be one of the longest pedestrian streets in Europe.

If you are not much of a shopper, climb up to Original Coffee at the top of the Illum department store and sit on the balcony to take in the panoramic views of Stroget and the surrounding area.

Amalienborg Palace Square

Copenhagen does not lack for them when it comes to palaces, notably in the area around the Amalienborg Palace Square. You may find the magnificent palace structures of Amalienborg Castle on each side of the enormous ring of cobblestone that surrounds the palace. Visitor attractions in the city include the monument of King Frederik V on horseback and the changing of the guard ceremony.

The enormous dome atop Frederik’s Church may be seen from the square looking along to the church. It was built in the 18th century. The Amalienborg Palace is a must-visit on your first day of Copenhagen itinerary.

Tivoli Gardens

After a long day of touring, it’s time to unwind at the Tivoli Gardens Amusement Park. Located in the lovely gardens of Tivoli, the world’s second-oldest amusement park, it offers everything from rides to live music and dance acts. In addition to roller coasters, there are drop towers and bumper cars at this amusement park, as well as a Ferris wheel and a swing carousel.

This park was, rather astonishingly, the basis for Disney World. People specially come to Copenhagen during Christmas to see the marvelous lightings and decorations. The Tivoli Gardens is one of the main highlights of your Copenhagen itinerary and should not be missed.

Tivoli Gardens is one of the busiest attractions in Copenhagen. To avoid the long queues, click here to book your entrance tickets in advance.

Day 2: Go On A Canal Tour, Visit The State Art Museum of Denmark, The Marble Church (Frederik’s Kirke), The Royal Danish Playhouse And Opera House

Take a Canal Tour

One of the most unmissable things to do in your Copenhagen itinerary is going on a canal tour. The Nyhavn Harbor from where you can take the tour, is itself one of the most vibrant and mesmerizing places to see in this city. Take a leisurely walk along this picturesque harbor and capture pretty Instagram worthy pictures.

It is possible to view Copenhagen’s most famous monuments, including the Copenhagen Opera House and the Black Diamond Library from the canals of the city. You will also pass by the famous statue of Little Mermaid during your canal tour, so do keep your cameras ready.

Click here to book a canal tour in advance.

The Marble Church (Frederik’s Kirke)

You will be able to reach this magnificent church on Frederiksgade street after a ten-minute stroll from Nyhavn. The Marble Church, also known as Frederik’s Kirke, is one of Copenhagen’s most stunning churches and also one of the most visited attractions in the city.

Copper green is the color of the church’s dome, which will definitely capture your attention. The interiors are very impressive as well with all the intricate detailing. Frederik’s Kirke is a remarkable architectural landmark in Copenhagen and a must visit in your Copenhagen itinerary.

Rosenborg Castle

Next make a visit to the splendid Rosenborg Castle. It is located at a distance of 1 km from Frederik’s Kirke. The Rosenborg Castle because of its exquisite design, pleasant landscape and astounding riches. This renaissance palace that’s where you will find many of the most dazzling things associated with the Danish Royal Family, like the crown jewels and coronation thrones on display.

Besides the excellent contents of the treasury, you may also enjoy the gorgeous décor of this royal castle as you move from room to room.

Visit the nearby King’s Garden. There you will find plenty of fountains, rose gardens, sculptures and beautiful walkways. This garden is totally worth all the admiration.

The National Gallery of Denmark (Statens Museum for Kunst)

Copenhagen is more than simply Denmark’s capital city; it’s also a cultural hotspot with many museums and galleries to visit. The Statens Museum for Kunst is a must-see if you can only see one.

This massive art museum, known as the SMK, is located just across the street from Rosenborg Castle. From Renaissance masterpieces to contemporary art, the National Gallery of Denmark has it all. There are paintings by Danish painters, pieces by Rubens, Matisse, and Munch, and any temporary exhibits that accompany them.

The Royal Danish Playhouse and Opera House

By now you have spent most of your time learning about Copenhagen’s historical side, but the city can also be rather fresh and contemporary at times. Both waterfront attractions, which are strategically located on each side of the canal, contribute significantly to making this section of the city a more desirable place to visit. So, if you have some spare time one evening, any of these venues would be a terrific spot to see a show.

Day 3: See The Christiansborg Palace, Soak In Amazing Panoramic Views From The Round Tower, Make A Visit To Carlsberg Brewery

Christiansborg Palace

Christiansborg Palace is one of the most well known sights to visit in Copenhagen. It is one of the most significant places in your Copenhagen itinerary that you should see. Located on a little island inside Copenhagen, this enormous palace is as essential to the city’s present as it is to its history. In fact, here is where the city started in the 12th century when the first of many castles were constructed right here.

The 20th-century palace, on the other hand, is now home to every component of the government, as well as a number of Royal functions. The best part about this palace is that it still serves as the official residence of the Danish Parliament, the Supreme Court, and the Prime Minister’s Office. The Great Hall, with its opulent décor and stunning tapestries, dwarfs the breathtaking view of the main courtyard.

Click here to get your tickets for Christiansborg Palace

The Round Tower

The Round Tower is located at a 10 minutes walking distance from Christiansborg Palace. It is known for being one of the oldest European observatories which is still in functioning state. From the top of the tower you can enjoy some breathtaking views of the Copenhagen city.

Carlsberg Brewery

An enjoyable last activity for three days in Copenhagen is a visit to the biggest brewery in the country. At the Carlsberg Brewery, you may try pilsners, lagers, and even ciders while learning interesting information about the brewery from a knowledgeable tour guide.

A sculpture garden, café, bar, and store are all on-site, so you could easily spend a half-day exploring the grounds. You can also take the shuttle bus service which operates between the city center and airport.

At Reffen, you may indulge in some street food.

Over 35 dealers have established a base in Reffen, taking over a large warehouse. In practical terms, this implies that you will be able to discover anyplace that sells pretty much everything you want. So take your lunch to the outside dining area and enjoy it while the sun shines. There is even live music to enjoy to keep things exciting on the weekends.

Where To Stay For 3 Days In Copenhagen?

For a short 3 day trip to Copenhagen, we did recommend you to stay in its Indre By, also known as Old Town neighborhood, so that everything is easily accessible. Most of the attractions are located in this area. You will find many cool restaurants, nightclubs and hotels here. Another nearby area is Vesterbro which also offers accommodations that are easy on the pocket and closer to the attractions. To help you plan better, below are our highly recommended accommodations you should choose from, to stay in Copenhagen.

Budget (Upto €150) : Urban House Copenhagen by Meininger hostel is a steal deal for accommodation in Copenhagen. Families or backpackers, this hostel is suitable for all kinds of travelers. The range of rooms include single rooms, twin rooms, family rooms and dormitories. The hostel is located in Vesterbro which is the heart of Copenhagen.

Mid Range (€150 – €250) : Looking for a unique place to stay in central Copenhagen? This one’s for you. Copenhagen Island Hotel is located at on artificial island in the center of Copenhagen. This is the hotel where I stayed with my family. The rooms boast gorgeous and calming views of the harbor and the city. Decorated with natural colors and elegant wooden furniture, the rooms will give you a very comforting feel.

They are also very well equipped with all the modern amenities including a sitting area and some with a work desk. Other facilities at the hotel include access to the gym and sauna, breakfast in the room service, restaurant, minibar and free WiFi.

Luxury (€250+) : Radisson Collection Royal Hotel is the best luxury hotel in Copenhagen. It is also historically known for being Copenhagen’s first skyscraper. The hotel is beautifully designed by Arne Jacobsen, a famous Danish architect and furniture designer. You will also find his iconic Swan and Egg chairs in most of the elegant rooms. The interiors of the hotel are extremely remarkable and worthy of appreciation. Radisson Collection Royal Hotel is located right next to Tivoli Gardens and Copenhagen Central Station. All the luxury services provided at the hotel and the delightful vibes will make your stay in Copenhagen a lot more memorable.

How To Get Around In Copenhagen?

Copenhagen is one of the most bike friendly cities in the world. So cycling around is certainly a great way to get around the city. Rental bikes are conveniently available in the city. Copenhagen is also a walkable city, so you can easily walk around and visit many attractions in the city.

If you do not feel like cycling or walking around specially during winters, using public transport in Copenhagen is a highly convenient and inexpensive option. To make it alot more easier you can purchase a Copenhagen Card. It is worth buying as this card will allow you to have the following benefits;

• free use of public transportation in Copenhagen including to and from the airport
• access to over 80 museums and attractions in the entire Copenhagen region
• free canal tours

A bus and boat hop on hop off pass is also a convenient alternative to explore all the attractions in Copenhagen.

What’s The Currency Used In Copenhagen?

The currency used in Copenhagen is Danish krone (DKK). 1 € (euro) = 7.4 DKK approx.

I hope you enjoyed this 3 days in Copenhagen itinerary as much as I did. Incredible castles and architectures to marvel at, intriguing history, beautiful canals and plenty of entertaining activities will give memories to cherish. If you have any questions or would like to share about your favorite place in Copenhagen, do let me know in the comments below.

You May Also Like Reading

• How To Make The Most Of Your Copenhagen To Malmo Day Trip
• 11 Wonderful Day Trips From Copenhagen, Denmark
• 10 Unmissable Things To Do In Copenhagen With Kids
• 15 Incredible Places To Visit In Europe This Summer
• 11 Essentials For Long Flight Journeys That You Should Not Forget