3 Days in Copenhagen

3 days in Copenhagen is an ideal amount of time to see this fascinating city. The Danish capital has a lot to see and these three days will not be short of things to do!

Copenhagen is a popular destination in Europe and for good reason. With so much to see and do in the city, it attracts travellers from far and wide.

The colourful houses in Nyhavn, Copenhagen City Hall, the bohemian commune of Freetown Christiania and Rosenborg Castle are all sights you have to check out when you visit Copenhagen.

It’s an excellent place to go if you’re looking for a short break in Europe. It’s one of my favourite cities on the continent!

This Copenhagen itinerary will let you know the places you should visit and where to stay, during a visit to the city.

Keep scrolling to find out how to spend three days in Copenhagen whatever your budget!

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How to Spend 3 Days in Copenhagen

My Experience in Copenhagen

I’d wanted to visit Copenhagen for several years, so when we visited towards the end of our European road trip, I was elated! The city lived up to my expectations and more.

You might think that there isn’t much to do here, but the truth is that there is more than enough stuff to do during three days in Copenhagen.

The city is full of fascinating sights and the fact that you can walk around the city without too much difficulty makes it even better. You’ll do more walking than you would if you spent 3 days in Helsinki, but everything is within walking distance.

What I like about the city is the variety of things you can do. You can check out a 19th-century amusement park, visit the beautiful Christiansborg Palace, home of the Danish Royal Family, head to the beach, and even take a day trip to a different country if you want!

The only downside is that things can be expensive, but if you’re only in the city for three days that shouldn’t be a huge issue. Instead, you should enjoy visiting one of the nicest and most interesting cities in Europe!

Here are some things I liked about Copenhagen and a few things that weren’t so great:

Good

• There are plenty of things to do in Copenhagen. That includes the city centre and a bit further afield. I felt 3 days was the minimum you’d need to see everything. I never got bored in the city and enjoyed seeing Nyhavn, Christiania and Rosenborg Castle.
• There’s a nice vibe in Copenhagen. I got the feeling, people didn’t take themselves too seriously and that plenty is going on. I think it would be a cool place to live and felt it was a perfect place to go on a long weekend.

Bad

• Getting around the city can be confusing even with the metro system. This is especially true when you get to the harbour area. Luckily, I met my friend who lives in Copenhagen on my first day there, so I had a guide. Otherwise, I probably would have gotten lost multiple times.
• The weather isn’t the best, which is to be expected in Denmark. As I’m English, it felt similar to what I’m used to. But, it can be disheartening to visit somewhere and experience bad weather. Unfortunately, whether you get good weather or not is in the lap of the gods, so make sure you pack a waterproof jacket at a minimum.

What To Do In Copenhagen

If you’re wondering what to see in Copenhagen in 3 days, this section will give you some ideas of what to check out in this beautiful city. Copenhagen isn’t a huge city, so you won’t have much trouble seeing everything.

One thing you should get before you visit is a Copenhagen card, which is a great way to save money.

The card gives you free or discounted entry to over 80 museums and attractions. Plus, you can use it to get discounts at participating restaurants and cafes as well as free use of the public transportation system in Copenhagen.

I recommend getting the card as it makes things easier and it will save you a lot of money during your trip. Getting it for the free use of public transport alone is worth it!

Below are some of the best places to see in Copenhagen you have to check out during your time in the city.

Christiania

Freetown Christiania is one of the more unusual places that I’ve visited on my travels. It’s a commune that is situated on an old army barracks in the southeast of central Copenhagen.

The commune is perhaps best known for its cannabis and hash trade, which has earned the area the nickname, the ‘Green Light District. You’ll see a lot of people selling and smoking cannabis, but it’s important to remember it’s illegal in Denmark. If you choose to buy some, you do so at your own peril.

I enjoyed walking around the commune and taking everything in. I hadn’t visited anywhere like it before and it was interesting to see the place up close. There is a lot of organic food, live music and beer to enjoy.

If you want to learn more about the history of Christiania, this private tour is a good place to start.

Tivoli Gardens

Tivoli Gardens is one of the most iconic places to visit in Copenhagen. It was created in 1843 and its location in the centre of the city means you’ll naturally gravitate towards it.

One of the main attractions of the Gardens is that it has something for everyone. You’ll find beautiful gardens, stunning architecture and lots of historic buildings.

If you’re visiting with kids, it’s a brilliant place to visit. They’ll love all the various rides and attractions. Everyone will enjoy it too, especially on a warm summer’s day. It’s the ideal place to go to relax or enjoy the rides.

If you visit in the evening, you’ll be treated to a dazzling light display. Thousands of lights adorn the various rides at night creating a sight that is fairytale-like!

Nyhavn

Nyhavn is a waterfront canal that is also part of Copenhagen’s entertainment district. If you’re visiting the city it’s a place you’re going to gravitate towards one way or the other as it’s just a stone’s throw from the city center.

One of the most striking things about Nyhavn is the row of coloured buildings that line the waterfront. They are an amazing sight and give the area a vibrant feel.

You’ll find a plethora of restaurants and bars in Nyhavn, which make it an ideal place to get a bite to eat or try a traditional Danish lunch!

An interesting fact about Nyhavn is that the fairytale writer Hans Christian Andersen used to live in some of the houses that dot the waterfront. He lived in no. 20, where he wrote The Tinderbox, he spent twenty years in no.67 and two in no. 18.

You can also do a full canal tour and cruise from Nyhavn, which will allow you to see the area from the water and teach you about its past.

Copenhagen Itinerary – Day 1

Free Walking Tour

One of the first things I like to do when I visit anywhere new is to check into my accommodation, drop off my bags and go for a walk at my own pace. This way I get a feel for the city and get my bearings.

I understand this method of travelling isn’t for everyone. I enjoy the ad hoc nature of wandering around, other people prefer their trips to be more structured.

If this is you, then I recommend you go on a walking tour when you arrive in the city. This way you’ll be able to get a feel for the city, see most of the main sights and learn about their history.

One sight such is the Amalienborg Palace, where you’ll find a statue of the Danish Royal Family featuring Frederick V in the middle of the square.

Most hostels offer a free tour when you stay with them. If you can book a tour instead, which offers the same service but more in-depth for a small fee.

Freetown Christiania

After you’ve finished your walking tour, I suggest you head to the bohemian commune of Christiania. there aren’t too many places in the world like it, so it should be high on your list of places to visit in Copenhagen.

Freetown Christiania is an old army barracks that has been turned into a bohemian commune. It’s not far from the centre of the city and is an intriguing place to visit as it offers a different side of the city.

One of the first things you’ll notice is that there is a lot of marijuana in the commune. Whether you buy some is up to you, but remember that it’s illegal in Denmark. You’ll also find numerous bars where you can get a drink and some food while listening to some music.

You’ll find a lot of nice sights here too. There is a beautiful lake behind the back of some of the bars, and there is a lot of street art that’s worth checking out too!

Nyhavn

Ending the first of your 3 days in Copenhagen by the waterfront in Nyhavn is a good idea. The main reason is it’s one of the liveliest parts of the city.

You’ll find plenty of bars and restaurants. You’re split for choice on where to go! While I don’t have any particular favourite places, going to a restaurant or pub close to the water is a good idea.

Another thing that you should do in Nyhavn if you have the time, is to check out the house that Hans Christian Andersen lived in. 

You can do this as part of a tour, or by yourself, but it’s worth having a look. The buildings by Copenhagen Harbor are beautiful in this part of the city and it would be a shame to miss out on an activity that is easy to do.

Copenhagen Itinerary – Day 2

Tivoli Gardens

A great way to start your second day in Copenhagen is to go and check out Tivoli Gardens. It’s an amusement park located in the centre of the city and is a lot of fun.

As I mentioned above, if you’re travelling with kids it’s a brilliant place to visit. There’s a lot to keep them interested and you can relax in the gardens too if you or the kids want a break from all the excitement.

If you’re visiting Copenhagen during the warmer months, it’s an excellent place to visit. You could spend the whole day there if you wanted to, as there is so much to do.

It’s not as good during winter, but you can still walk around the gardens and enjoy the scenery and stunning buildings!

Little Mermaid statue

Arguably the biggest attraction in Copenhagen is the statue of the little mermaid. You can’t visit without checking it out.

The statue depicts the little mermaid becoming human, which reflects one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most famous stories. The statue was built in 1913 and can be found on the Langeline promenade.

Amazingly, the little mermaid has been the subject of multiple vandalism throughout its life. The head has been sawed off, as well as the arm and paint has been poured over it numerous times.

I think this is because the statue is symbolic of Denmark rather than anything to do with the story of Andersen himself. Due to its importance in Danish culture, the statue is something you need to visit during your 3 days in Copenhagen.

Christiansborg Palace

Christianborg Palace is one of the most impressive buildings I’ve seen anywhere, never mind in Copenhagen. It’s a short walk from the Tivoli at the end of Strøget.

A series of successive castles and palaces have existed at the site since 1167. It was the principal residence of the Danish Royal Family until 1794 and became the seat of the Danish parliament and Supreme Court afterwards.

The palace is unique in that it’s the only building in the world that houses all three branches of a country’s government. The executive, legislature, and judiciary are all housed inside the palace. The monarchy still hosts ambassadors in the Royal Reception rooms too!

You can enter the palace for a small fee, but it may be worth booking a tour so you get to see the palace in more detail and admire some Danish architecture.

Due to its size, it’s hard to walk around by yourself and appreciate everything that you see. A tour will allow you to understand the history behind the building as well as marvel at its beauty.

Copenhagen Itinerary – Day 3

The National Museum of Denmark

The best place to start the third day of your Copenhagen itinerary is to visit the National Museum of Denmark. It’s the best place to visit if you want to learn more about the history of Denmark.

The museum is close to Strøget, the main shopping street. You’ll find a lot of exhibitions that go through Danish history from prehistory up to the present day.

There is a lot of stuff on the Vikings which is interesting and will help you understand what life was like when they ruled the country. You’ll also find the golden horns of Gallehus, the Trundholm Sun Chariot and Egyptian mummies in the museum too.

It costs 100 DKK to enter and the museum is open from 10 till 5 pm Tuesday to Sunday and 10 till 8 on Thursdays. 

Strøget

Strøget is one of the largest shopping streets in the world. It’s hard to describe how long it is until you walk down it yourself. At times, it feels like it will never end.

The street begins in City Hall Square and is 1.1 km (0.6 miles) long and contains a variety of shops, cafes and restaurants. Plus, you’ll find a few museums down here too. 

Strøget is the beating heart of the city and if you visit during the day you’ll find thousands of people mingling about coming in and out of shops. It’s a fantastic place to shop for souvenirs or a few items for yourself before you head back home.

It’s also close to many other attractions such as Tivoli Gardens and the National Museum, which make it a handy spot to explore more of the city.

Reffen

The final stop during your Copenhagen itinerary should be the former industrial complex of Reffen. Nowadays, it does consist of some shipping containers but they are full of street food vendors and artist’s workshops.

I discovered this place by accident as I was walking around the city. It’s not the easiest place to find and is slightly away from the centre of the city, but it’s worth visiting for the food alone.

You’ll find a whole range of food options here from Danish cuisine to Mexican, pasta and BBQ. Half the fun is deciding what you want to eat. If you’re lucky, there might be a concert while you’re visiting too.

Reffen is located on the industrial island of Refshaløen and isn’t too far from the city centre or the bohemian enclave of Christiania.

Other Places to Visit in Copenhagen

If you want a few more places to check out in Copenhagen, here are some great ones that aren’t listed above!

• Rosenborg Castle – This castle is outside of the city centre, so you’ll need a car to get there, but it’s worth it. Commissioned by King Christian IV, it’s an impressive building and there is a lot to see on the castle grounds too. Plus, you can go inside and see the crown jewels, coronation chair and much more!
• Cross the Øresund Bridge – The Øresund Bridge connects Copenhagen to Malmo in Sweden. If you have a car, or if you rent one, you drive over the bridge and spend a day in the Swedish city. The bridge itself is an incredible piece of architecture. As someone who has driven over it, it’s well worth the trip just to experience the drive across the bridge!
• Amager Strandpark – One thing I didn’t realise until I visited was that it had a beach. Well, if you’re there during the summer, it’s an ideal place to go! You can relax, or head to the lagoon area where you can do a variety of watersports. There’s also a large promenade which is perfect if you want to go for a run, skate or cycle!
• Roskilde – If you have a car, or go from the central train station, you can visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Roskilde Cathedral, which is around 30km from the city. It’s a beautiful place and makes for a good day trip out of the city, as you can visit the Viking Ship Museum too. If your Copenhagen itinerary lasts longer than 3 days, you have to visit!

Check out some more of the activities and tours you can do during your trip to the city by clicking the link below:

Copenhagen Travel Tips

In this section, you’ll find practical tips that help you plan your trip to Copenhagen. You’ll find advice on where to stay, the best time to visit, rough estimates of costs and how to get around the city.

Where to Stay in Copenhagen

As the biggest city in Denmark, there’s no shortage of places to stay in Copenhagen. Whether you want to stay in a hostel, hotel, or apartment, you’ll be able to find somewhere to suit your needs.

One thing you have to consider when you visit is the cost. Denmark is an expensive country and accommodation is no exception. If you plan on staying in the centre during your Copenhagen city break, you will pay more than if you stay outside of the centre.

If you’re travelling on a budget, staying outside of the centre isn’t a bad idea. Due to the excellent metro system, you can reach the city centre with ease and the money saved will come in handy during the rest of your trip.

I’ve included it and several hostels you should consider staying at during your trip in the table below.

Accommodation	Description	Link
Woodah Boutique Hostel	Great hostel that has Japanese-pod-inspired beds and a range of activities too.	Book Now
Generator Copenhagen	A hostel not far from Kongens Nytorv Square, that’s great for meeting people if you’re travelling solo.	Book Now
Steel House Copenhagen	A New Yorker-inspired hostel that has clean and comfortable rooms, a pool and gym.	Book Now

Cost of Travel in Copenhagen

The good thing about visiting Copenhagen is that it will be cheaper than if you decided to visit Oslo for example. Denmark is a cheaper country than Norway, but it’s still more expensive than most of Europe.

Due to this, it’s important to budget for your trip. As the basics cost more than the rest of the continent, if you want to do activities or visit the Christiansborg Palace, for example, you’ll need to factor that in before you go.

My advice is to consider what you want to see beforehand and budget accordingly. Once you’re there, you can then use any spare money to see or do whatever you, please!

An easy way to reduce costs is to get a Copenhagen card before you go, which will save you money for the duration of your trip.

The following prices are for the traveller who has an average budget. That is someone who is not going to splurge, but someone who will not be travelling on an ultra-frugal budget either.

They don’t include prices for extras such as nights out at a bar/pub, club entry fees, souvenirs/clothing purchases, tours. etc. You will have to budget extra for these purchases as they are ‘non-essential!’ 

Here’s a rough breakdown of essential travel costs during a three days in Copenhagen itinerary:

Denmark uses the Danish Krone (DKK), as a result, I’ve included the prices in Euro (€) as it can be hard to convert and offers a comparison with the rest of Europe.

Best Time to Visit Copenhagen

Before you go to Copenhagen, it’s important the time of year that you will visit. Due to its position in northern Europe, Denmark experiences distinct seasons.

It will be colder during winter, while it will be warm, but nothing like a trip to Seville during the summer! While the remainder of the year will fluctuate between good and wet weather.

The advantage of visiting in the summer is that it’s more likely to be warm, which allows you to spend more time outside exploring the city.

While it will be colder during winter, there will also be fewer tourists in the city. This should mean that prices will be slightly lower and you won’t have to deal with queues at popular tourist spots.

In the end, it comes down to what you want to do during your 3 days in Copenhagen. If you’re not bothered about the weather, then any time of the year is a good time to visit.

Perhaps the best time might be during the shoulder season. In March and April and September to October, you’ll get the best of both worlds. Decent weather and not so many tourists!

How to Get Around Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a big city but it’s easy to get around either by foot or using the excellent public transportation system. Most of the sights in the city centre are within walking distance of each other.

This means that you can walk around and see everything without the need to hop on the metro. That said, if you prefer to use the metro, if you buy a Copenhagen City Card you get free public transport for the duration of your stay, it’s easy to get around.

The system is highly efficient and is handy if you decide to stay outside of the city centre. You can also use the metro to go to and from the Central Station to Copenhagen Airport.

Another option to get around the city is to rent a bike. It’s a cycling-friendly city and using a bike is a good alternative to walking everywhere. This means you’ll be able to see more as you can get around quicker.

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