Here’s my ultimate 4-day Copenhagen itinerary. This long weekend in the city made Copenhagen one of my all-time favorite European destinations, and I can’t wait to return to Denmark one day.

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An Ultimate Copenhagen 4-day Itinerary

What is Denmark known for

Hygge

Denmark often tops the list of the happiest countries in the whole world. The most popular local lifestyle concept is hygge, which many Danes define as the “coziness of the soul”, you can read more about it in this post.

Sophisticated Design

Danish design & architecture are known for their sleek lines, sophistication, and innovation. Even a simple chair has a special place in Danish homes. As locals say: “Show me your chair and I will tell you who you are”. According to the furniture designer Hans J. Wegner: “A chair is the closest thing to a human being, so you can easily give it a personal touch.” 

You can read more in my post about Danish Museums, where I share my impressions after visiting The Museum of Art and Design.

Andersen Fairytales

Denmark was the birthplace and home of Hans Cristian Andersen, known for his iconic fairytales, like The Little Mermaid, Thumbelina, The Princess and the Pea, The Steadfast Tin Soldier, and The Snow Queen (many of these books are must-haves in my kids’ library). While the author was born in the small Danish town of Odense, you can explore a few Andersen-related landmarks in Copenhagen too.

LEGO

LEGO, the world´s most famous brick was invented in Denmark. In the small town of Billund, you can visit the iconic Danish Legoland.

The Vikings

Similar to other Scandinavian countries, Danish history was highly impacted by the Vikings. You can learn more at The National Museum. Also, the most unique Viking landmarks in Denmark are The Jelling Stones, The Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde, Fyrkat Viking Museum, and Lindholm Hoje (the biggest ancient burial ground in Scandinavia).

Carlsberg Beer

Carlsberg Is one of the most popular beer brands in the world. The company was created by J.C Jacobsen in 1847 in Copenhagen. These days you can still tour the iconic Danish brewery and learn more about the Jacobsen family.

Danish Pastries

Tasting Danish pastries & bread was one of my highlights during these 4 days in Copenhagen. I simply did not expect Denmark to be an epic foodie destination (especially since the cuisine of Northern countries is mostly known for its simplicity).

Not many know that the mouth-watering Danish pastries have their origins in Austria. Back in the 1840s some Austrian bakers settled down in Denmark and pasties have been some of the best attributes of the local culture ever since.

How to get to Copenhagen

We were flying to Copenhagen Airport and used public transport to move around the city. A great option is to purchase a Copenhagen Card-Discover 80+ Attractions & Public Transport.

There is a train network connecting Copenhagen with Malmo, Lund, Stockholm in Sweden, and Hamburg in Germany. You can check out Omio for train tickets. Also, bicycles are extremely popular in Copenhagen: more than 50% of locals cycle to and from work every day and only 4 out of 10 Danes own a car.

Where to stay in Copenhagen

Copenhagen is known for expensive hotels and holiday rentals. Nevertheless, on the map below, you can find something for any taste. Personally, I like Hotel Bethel, Motel One, and Best Western.

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What to read & watch before visiting Copenhagen

For some extra inspiration on Denmark and Copenhagen, I recommend reading The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living, Hygge: The Danish Art of Happiness, and The Year of Living Danishly: Uncovering the Secrets of the World’s Happiest Country.

Another great alternative to get the first glimpse of Danish culture is watching local TV Shows – Borgen (a political drama about a prime minister’s rise to power), Broen (a Danish-Swedish Crime Series), and Forbrydelsen ( a Danish police procedural drama). Also, you might like these internationally-awarded Danish movies with Mads Mikkelsen – The Hunt and Another Round.

Best Tours in Copenhagen

Booking one of the top-rated tours in Copenhagen can help you make the most of your visit to the city. Keep in mind that the most budget-friendly option for sightseeing is Copenhagen Card-Discover 80+ Attractions & Public Transport.

• Copenhagen Private Tour with a Local (check availability)
• Copenhagen Culinary Experience Tour (check availability)
• Small-Group Hygge and Happiness Culture Tour (check availability)
• Best of Danish Pastry Tasting Tour (check availability)
• Copenhagen Guided Canal Tour by Electric Boat (check availability)

How much time to spend in Copenhagen

Most international travelers spend 2 to 4 days in Copenhagen. While I was able to visit most of the places I wanted to see during my trip, I wish I had at least a week to explore more of Denmark. One significant drawback of sightseeing in Copenhagen is that almost all the landmarks close by 5 p.m., which limits the time available for exploring.

An Ultimate Copenhagen 4-day Itinerary

Day 1 in Copenhagen

Wolf & Konstali

A delicious local breakfast-brunch at Wulff & Konstali was the perfect way to kick off our 4-day Copenhagen itinerary. Although it wasn’t close to the rest of the landmarks, we took the metro to start the day on a flavorful note. At Wulff & Konstali, you can handpick each brunch component from their extensive menu to create a personalized meal, making it a truly enjoyable and unique dining experience.

Freetown Christiania

Freetown Christiania is a well-known landmark in Copenhagen, famous for its hippie vibes. This self-proclaimed autonomous neighborhood has existed under special regulations for over 40 years, having been founded in 1971 by local hippies on the site of former military barracks. Christiania has a strict no-photos policy, and many people online talk about its unique atmosphere, so I felt it was a must-see.

However, long story short – I wish I had skipped it. While I was aware that Christiania is known for its open hash and pot culture, I had somehow expected it to resemble Amsterdam’s Red Light District. Instead, I felt uneasy walking around. Despite my efforts to appreciate aspects like the street art and the market stalls selling boho jewelry, I couldn’t shake the discomfort. After about 20 minutes, all I wanted was to leave and ensure I didn’t lose my wallet.

This does not mean that you should not visit Freetown Christiania: there are guided tours of Freetown Christiania with locals, so you might have a different experience.

Nyhavn

Nyhavn is the most iconic 17th-century waterfront in Copenhagen, popular for its colorful houses and boat tours. We had no time for the boat tour. So, I wish we would had done it instead of Freetown Christiania.

City Center & Hot Dogs

After Nyhavn we walked towards Copenhagen city center, to explore the main shopping street Stroget, and taste organic local hot dogs at DOP ( also called Den Okologiske Polsemand). Danes have taken this pick-up meal to a whole new level with their sourdough bread, vegan options, and organic ingredients. It was probably the healthiest hotdog I’ve had in my entire life.

Amalienborg Palace

Amalienborg Palace in Copenhagen is a must-see destination for anyone interested in learning more about the Danish Royal Family. It is especially popular for the changing of the royal guard, which takes place daily at noon. Since we arrived at Amalienborg later in the day, we only had the chance to visit the museum.

The Danish Museum of Art and Design

The Danish Museum of Art and Design showcases some of the most innovative works from renowned Danish and international designers. However, I should mention that this museum may not be for everyone. It focuses primarily on innovation, contemporary crafts, and Scandinavian design.

Personally, I loved it, but both of my parents felt it was a waste of time (to be fair, they tend to have a similar reaction to modern art galleries across Europe).

Kastellet

After the museum, we headed to Kastellet, the local citadel founded by the Danish King Christian IV in 1626. Today the buildings inside are used as military barracks and offices. Since this place was on the road toward The Little Mermaid monument, it was a great chance to explore this area on the go.

The Little Mermaid

The Little Mermaid is one of Copenhagen’s most famous landmarks, paying tribute to Hans Christian Andersen’s iconic fairytale. The well-known brewer, Carl Jacobsen, was inspired to create the statue after watching a ballet performance of The Little Mermaid at the Danish Royal Opera. Moved by the character, he commissioned sculptor Edvard Eriksen to craft the monument.

Originally, ballerina Ellen Price, who played the lead role in the ballet, was the inspiration for the sculpture. However, since she refused to pose nude, Eriksen’s wife ended up modeling for the statue. The area around the monument is often crowded with visitors, so be quick to snap a picture, or consider going earlier in the morning for a quieter experience.

Day 2 in Copenhagen

Tovernhalle

On the second day of our 4-day trip to Copenhagen, we headed to Torvehallerne for breakfast. This is the city’s most popular food market, offering a wide variety of culinary delights. If your time in Copenhagen is limited and you can only visit one place that showcases the best of the city’s food scene, Torvehallerne is the perfect choice.

You’ll find everything here, from fresh produce and potted plants to trendy, ready-to-eat meals. Be sure to try the famous Danish open-faced sandwich, Smørrebrød, while you’re there. Another must-try is a Snegl, a rolled and twisted pastry bun with different delicious toppings. For drinks, stop by Coffee Collective for a rich, flavorful espresso or visit Tante Te for a soothing cup of tea.

Rosenborg

Copenhagen is famous for its castles, including Amalienborg, Frederiksberg, and Rosenborg. The latter is the smallest of the three, but its Treasury is one of the highlights of sightseeing in the city. Originally built by King Christian IV, this 400-year-old Renaissance castle served as a royal residence until 1710, when King Frederik IV moved the royal family to another summer residence. He then transformed Rosenborg into the home of the royal collections, which is why the castle houses so many well-preserved art pieces today.

The unique crown jewels of Rosenborg showcase centuries of style in the Danish Royal Family. These jewels are only used by the Queen within the country’s borders, typically on rare occasions such as the New Year’s Reception or during state visits and events.

The David Collection

The David Collection is one of the lesser-known private museums in Copenhagen. Its unique collection belonged to the prominent Danish lawyer C.L. David and is now open to the public. Admission is completely free, and the staff provides visitors with a special tablet, allowing you to scan the barcodes of each item to learn more about them.

The David Collection houses three permanent exhibitions: Islamic Art, European 18th-Century Art, and Danish Early Modern Art. However, the Islamic Art section is particularly impressive. It features some of the most exquisite decorative art pieces from the 7th century to the mid-19th century, spanning a vast region from Spain in the west to China in the east, and from Uzbekistan in the north to Yemen in the south.

After exploring the Ceramic Regions of Spain and the Savona Ceramic Museum in Italy, I have never expected to find so many artsy tiles and pottery anywhere in Europe.

Kronborg Restaurant

We really enjoyed eating at Kronborg, one of the most authentic foodie spots in Copenhagen. It’s all about traditional Danish recipes in a cozy, classic setting. Don’t miss their smørrebrød and the marinated herring (a specialty of the house).

Keep in mind that this place may not be the best option for vegans or vegetarians, as the focus is primarily on meat, fish, and herring dishes – much like traditional Scandinavian cuisine. Similar to Iceland, the harsh weather throughout history made it difficult to have a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables available year-round.

The Cristiansborg

After lunch, we headed to the local palace, Christiansborg. This palace was once the royal residence, but today it houses the Danish Parliament, the Supreme Court, and the Ministry of State. We only walked around the area, but you can also visit the staterooms inside.

Conditori La Glace

There’s no Copenhagen itinerary without trying Danish sweet treats, and Conditori La Glace is one of the oldest places to eat in the city. The café boasts beautiful interiors and a wide variety of delicious cakes to suit all tastes.

However, I wasn’t too fond of their coffee (if you’re into strong European espresso, this one might taste a bit bland). It’s a popular spot in Copenhagen, so there’s often a queue to get a table, and prices are on the higher side. But overall, it was a worthwhile experience.

Day 3 in Copenhagen

Frederiksborg Castle

On the third day of this Copenhagen 4-day itinerary, I planned a day trip to Frederiksborg Castle, one of the most iconic landmarks in Denmark. Built in the 17th century by King Christian IV, it is the largest Renaissance castle in Scandinavia.

One of the castle’s most unique features is its symmetrical Baroque garden, designed by architect J.C. Krieger in 1725. Since 1878, Frederiksborg Castle has housed the Museum of National History of Denmark, making the visit both educational and fascinating. The easiest way to reach Frederiksborg is by taking the S-train (line A) from central Copenhagen to Hillerod station (about a 40-minute journey). From there, we simply walked to the castle, making a quick stop for coffee at Kaffebar along the way.

A great way to see more Danish landmarks near Frederiksborg is to book one of the organized day trips.

Tivoli Gardens

After visiting Frederiksborg Castle, we returned to Copenhagen to enjoy Tivoli Gardens, the city’s most iconic theme park. This enchanting place is filled with old-world charm, historic architecture, and lush gardens. Hans Christian Andersen often visited Tivoli for inspiration for his fairytales, and the park itself was one of the European gems that influenced Walt Disney.

While Tivoli Gardens may not offer the adrenaline-pumping rides of Europe’s top amusement parks, like PortAventura, its nostalgic and magical atmosphere is well worth experiencing. Founded in 1843, Tivoli’s oldest wooden rollercoaster was built in 1914, making it one of the oldest theme parks in the world. By the way, the oldest theme park of all time, Bakken, is also located in Denmark, just 13 km from Copenhagen.

Day 4 in Copenhagen

The last day of any Copenhagen itinerary is perfect for a day trip. However, as I mentioned, Denmark left me wanting more, so next time I’ll rent a car to explore the entire country. That said, Copenhagen is a great base for day tours. We visited Odense on our own, but the most popular day trip option is the Hamlet Castle and Sweden tour. You can easily travel by train or book one of the popular tours for a carefree experience.

• Hamlet and Sweden Tour from Copenhagen- Two Countries in One Day (check availability)
• Lund and Malmö 2-Country Tour (check availability)
• Odense Day Trip from Copenhagen by Car or Train (check availability)
• Private Tour to Vikings City Roskilde from Copenhagen (check availability)

Is Copenhagen Worth Visiting?

I loved Copenhagen and highly recommend visiting this Scandinavian city. Ever since my first trip to Oslo and a weekend in Helsinki, I had been dreaming of exploring more places in Scandinavia. A few years later, I finally got to visit Sweden, leaving Denmark as the last stop on my Nordic bucket list. To my surprise, it quickly became my top favorite. After spending four days in Copenhagen, the city unexpectedly made it onto my list of favorite places in Europe. What impressed me most was the whole concept of hygge – the Danish lifestyle focused on coziness and well-being – their passion for architecture and design, and of course, the local pastries. The food in Copenhagen was so delicious that I ended up writing a separate post about it.

Another unexpected highlight of my 4-day itinerary was The David Collection, a free-entry museum with an incredible collection of vibrant Islamic art. It’s fair to say the only downside of Copenhagen was the hotel prices – it’s definitely not the most budget-friendly destination. However, my only real regret after these 4 days was not having enough time to explore the rest of Denmark on a road trip.

Copenhagen in the Christmas Season

Copenhagen is known as one of Europe’s top Christmas market destinations. While it’s quite cold in December – average highs hover around 4 °C (39 °F) and nighttime lows dip to about –0.2 °C (31 °F) its winter holiday vibes feel perfectly hygge. Compared to major European cities like Prague or Vienna, Copenhagen is quieter and cozier, which makes the Christmas season even more magical. One of the most popular December activities here is visiting the Tivoli Gardens Christmas Market, though Christmas bike and Segway tours are also popular ways to soak in the festive atmosphere.

You can find more information about Christmas events in Copenhagen on this official website.

Top Facts About Denmark

• Denmark is a small Scandinavian country in Northern Europe and Copenhagen is its capital city.
• Denmark is a part of the European Union, but the local currency is the Danish Krone (and not the Euro).
• Denmark has 1419 islands, with Zealand being the largest one.
• The country is also known for the oldest state flag in the world, the present-day Dannenbrog was acknowledged in 1219.
• Denmark is one of the most progressive and liberal places in Europe: back in 1924, the world´s first female minister was Danish; while, in 1989, Denmark was the first country in the world to establish the right for same-sex marriages.

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For more Copenhagen travel tips check out my Pinterest board Denmark.

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