How to Spend 2 Days in Copenhagen

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Last Updated on October 21, 2024 by sydabroad

Keep reading to find out how to spend the perfect 2 days in Copenhagen!

Copenhagen is the vibrant capital of Denmark known for its modern architecture and design, rich culinary scene, and many cultural attractions. In this guide, we are diving into how to spend the perfect 2 days in Copenhagen. Whether you are spending 1 day in Copenhagen or a week here in the city, this guide will help you plan the best trip!

Copenhagen was the second Scandinavian city I visited and it certainly lived up to the hype. This is a beautiful, clean, and safe city full of so much to see and things to do. There are some amazing cafes and restaurants, and the shopping is incredible! The palaces, parks, and gardens in the city are also must-see places. 

Later in this guide, I will cover how to get around the city, whether you need to purchase the Copenhagen Card or not, where to stay in Copenhagen, and some of the best restaurants in the city. 

Looking for more European travel guides? 

• The Best 7-Day Itinerary to Greece 
• 14 Best Things to Do in Paris, France
• City Guide: How to Spend 24 Hours in Milan

This post is all about how to spend 2 days in Copenhagen, Denmark.

48 Hours in Copenhagen | The Basics 

Currency = Danish Kroner

The currency in Denmark is the Danish Kroner (DKK).

1 USD = 6.85 Danish Krone

Most places in Copenhagen will accept card payments. You may even find that some cafes and restaurants won’t accept cash. That being said, you are fine to use your bank card but I do suggest having a small amount of cash on you just in case. 

If you plan to pick up some street food or shop at local markets, you may need cash. Some places in Copenhagen will accept Euros but have Danish Kroner on you too. 

Language = Danish 

The official language in Denmark is Danish. However, most Danes speak English as a second language, so getting around with English is no problem at all, especially in Copenhagen. 

If you do want to brush up on your Danish, I always love using Duolingo and Rosetta Stone to learn languages. These apps make language learning on the go easy! 

Phone & Internet 

Phone and internet service in Copenhagen is great. You’ll have service anywhere in the city and most places offer free, fast, and reliable wifi. 

While traveling internationally, I suggest using an eSIM for affordable cellular data. Airalo makes it easy to purchase and install an eSIM suitable for the destination you are visiting. Purchase data with Airalo here.

Daily Budget 

So, is Copenhagen expensive as a tourist? Yes. Like really expensive. If you are traveling on a budget, plan to spend around €85 per day (about 634 DKK). This budget is sufficient if you are staying at a hostel, taking advantage of free activities, using public transportation, and opting for street food. 

If you are traveling on a mid-range budget, plan to spend around €150 per day. This includes a lower-end hotel or a private room in some hostels, a mix of meals at different eateries, and a few top attractions mixed in with free ones. 

In my opinion, Copenhagen has been the most expensive city I’ve visited. It’s crazy! My sister and I went to a cafe and picked up two coffees, one croissant, and two simple yogurt bowls and the price was equivalent to about $40. Insane. 

Tipping in Copenhagen 

Tipping in Copenhagen is not expected and is completely optional. You’ll notice that at restaurants and cafes, there is a service charge already included in the bill. That being said, if you are on a guided tour (especially a free walking tour), you do need to tip. 50 to 100 DKK is perfect.

Can you drink the tap water? 

Yes, you can drink the tap water in Copenhagen. 

How to Spend 2 Days in Copenhagen | Itinerary Overview 

Day 1: Amalienborg Palace, Designmuseum Denmark, Rosenborg Castle and Gardens, Round Tower, Tivoli Gardens | Day 2: Christiansborg Palace, Church of Our Savior, Freetown Christiana, Museums, the Little Mermaid, Reffen

The Ultimate Copenhagen Itinerary 

Below you’ll find my 48 hour Copenhagen itinerary. Feel free to rearrange these activities and adjust them depending on your preferences. I’ve included a map later in this guide so that you can easily see where everything is in the city. Alright, let’s get into this Copenhagen travel guide! 

Day 1 | Copenhagen Travel Guide

Breakfast at BUKA 

You can’t visit Copenhagen without trying their fabulous pastries. One of the best places to try them is at BUKA Bakery. There are multiple locations around the city and their pastries are to die for. Pick up the pistachio croissant – you’ll love it. 

They also have wonderful coffee! BUKA Bakery is the best way to start your day in Copenhagen. 

If you need some inspo for what to pack for your Europe trip, check out my guide here all about how to pack for Europe for female travelers!

Nyhavn 

If you’ve seen anything about Copenhagen online, I’m sure it’s the colorful Nyhaven. This is Copenhagen’s harbor lined with vibrant 17th-century buildings. Nyhaven is famous for a reason, it’s a stunning area, one you can’t miss in the city. Because it’s so popular I suggest visiting early to avoid the crowds. This way you can capture good photos with fewer people in them. 

If you’re up for it you can book a relaxing canal boat tour starting from Nyhavn. You’ll get amazing views of the city and pass by iconic landmarks such as the Little Mermaid and the Opera House. 

Check out this canal cruise! It’s only $15 and includes a guided tour along the main harbor and adjoining canals. You’ll pass by the Little Mermaid statue, and see views of Amalienbog Palace and the Danish Parliament at Christianborg Palace. Check availability here.

Amalienborg Palace 

Next on this 2 days in Copenhagen itinerary is Amalienborg Palace. This palace is just a short walk from Nyhavn and if you time it right, you can watch the changing of the guards. The changing of the guards at Amalienborg Palace takes place at noon daily. 

Amalienborg Palace is the winter home of the Danish royal family. If you’d like to learn more about Danish royalty you can visit the Amalienborg Museum inside.

Designmuseum Denmark 

A short walk from Amalienborg Palace is the Designmuseum Denmark. Now, if you aren’t into international designs and crafts you can skip it. But I personally loved this museum. It was so funky and unique – certainly, a fun place to visit in Copenhagen. 

The Designmuseum Denmark is one of the leading museums in Scandinavia dedicated to the history and future of design. There’s an extensive collection of furniture, fashion, textiles, ceramics, and industrial design.

Pro-tip: one of my favorite places to find unique gifts and souvenirs is at museum gift shops. So don’t pass up the gift shop on the way out! 

Tickets currently cost 130 DKK and the museum is closed on Mondays. Plan to spend at least one hour here. You shouldn’t need more than two hours.  

Note: Okay, you’re probably hungry for lunch. I highly suggest a classic Danish hot dog. You’ll find stands all around the city and they are amazing. If you aren’t in the mood for a hot dog quite yet, Smagsløget is a delicious sandwich spot. Their sandwiches are huge, mine fed me two meals. 

Rosenborg Castle and Gardens 

After lunch, make your way to Rosenborg Castle and Gardens. This is a lovely Renaissance-era castle that houses the Danish Crown Jewels and royal regalia. Whether you plan to go inside the castle or not, it’s still well worth a visit to see the castle from afar and the lush gardens surrounding it. 

It’s such a nice area for a leisurely walk or some people-watching. If you visit the castle, it’s suggested that you book your ticket online ahead of time.

Wander along Strøget

Strøget is a major shopping street in Copenhagen. It’s one of Europe’s longest pedestrian streets and you’ll find so many charming boutiques, cafes, and souvenir shops. Even if you aren’t in the mood to shop, it’s a lively place to see. 

I highly recommend stopping in Studio Arhoj. It’s a Danish interior design and ceramics studio with the most stunning pieces. Everything is designed in Copenhagen and you’ll find glassware, bowls, vases, and lots more. Their stuff is sooo cute and this is the perfect place to pick up a gift for friends or family. 

See the Round Tower 

The Round Tower was built as an astronomical observatory and is Europe’s oldest functioning observatory. For panoramic views of Copenhagen, visitors can climb the spiral ramp to reach the top. The Round Tower is open every day and tickets cost 40 DKK.

Evening at Tivoli Gardens

A visit to Tivoli Gardens is a must during your 2 days in Copenhagen. Spend the rest of the afternoon and evening exploring one of the world’s oldest amusement parks. There are fun rides, stunning gardens, and fun lights at night. 

There are various places in the park to enjoy a nice dinner or have a drink. It’s a lovely atmosphere to experience. If you want to eat dinner elsewhere, I’ve included more restaurant recs near the end of this guide. 

Check out Tivoli’s schedule for different events and performances. While I was here they were hosting the Tivoli Food Festival and it was so much fun! I definitely suggest spending time here at night, whether you sit for a drink or wander around the park. Tivoli is so nice when it’s all lit up at night.   

If you want to avoid the line, consider purchasing your entry ticket ahead of time online here. You can also opt for this ticket which includes your entry and unlimited rides.  

Day 2 | Copenhagen Travel Guide

Breakfast or Brunch at Ø12

There are too many amazing cafes and breakfast spots in Copenhagen. Today, we’re starting at Ø12 Coffee & Eatery. They have THE most amazing avo toast and their coffee is delicious. I had a flat white and it certainly hit the spot.

Christiansborg Palace 

After brunch, head to Christiansborg Palace. This palace is home to the Danish Parliament, the Prime Minister’s Office, and the Supreme Court. I think one of the coolest things about Christiansborg Palace is that you can see the stables and possibly the riders out and about. 

From the arena area, you’ll get a beautiful view of the palace and you can peek inside the stables without having to purchase a ticket. 

If you do want to go inside Christiansborg Palace, you can purchase tickets here.

Church of Our Savior 

Next, make your way to the Church of Our Savior. This church is a notable landmark in Copenhagen known for its Baroque architecture and its striking black and gold spiral spire. 

If you are looking for the best view of the city, you should climb the spiral tower. The climb is 400 steps, it really wasn’t too bad. However, if you are claustrophobic, I’d maybe skip this. Once you are on the outside of the spire, you are literally in such a tiny space. The view was incredible though! 

Visitors can enter the church for free but you do have to pay for a ticket to climb the tower. You can buy tickets ahead of time online and currently, they cost 69 DKK for adults.   

Freetown Christiania  

Did you know that you can leave the EU while you’re in Copenhagen? Christiania is a self-proclaimed autonomous neighborhood in the city center. It was established by hippies in the 70s and is known for its alternative culture and vibrant street art. 

Christiania has its own laws, flag, and its unique way of life outside of Copenhagen. Pusher Street was a well-known part of Christiania where weed was openly sold for decades despite being illegal in Denmark. Pusher Street has since closed. 

Photos in Freetown Christiania used to be prohibited but now it’s much more lenient and you’ll see a “no photo” sign if you aren’t allowed to take a photo. Avoid taking photos of people or private property. This was a vibrant and unique place to visit, I think it’s worth seeing during a weekend in Copenhagen. 

Consider this 2-hour small group tour to Christiania and Christianshavn. 

To reach Freetown Christiania, walk across the canal or you can take the 2A bus to Bodenhoffs Plads stop. If you have the time, I’d suggest taking a guided tour of Freetown Christiania. There’s so much fascinating history and information to learn about here. If I had the time I would have loved to take a walking tour. 

Check out this post, “How to Pack Light and Fashionable for Europe.” These packing tips save my life during every trip!

Optional | Visit a Museum 

Museum of Copenhagen | The Museum of Copenhagen guides visitors from the 12th century to the present day. It showcases the history and culture of Copenhagen through artifacts, collections, and interactive experiences. 

National Museum of Denmark | This museum is the largest museum of cultural history in the country. Visitors will see an array of artifacts and exhibits that showcase Denmark’s history. 

Pro tip: I always suggest booking a walking tour at the beginning of your visit to a city. This is such a great way to get to know a city and get wonderful local recs from a guide. I love using GuruWalk to book a walking tour. Don’t forget to tip your guide at the end of the tour! 

The Little Mermaid Statue 

This is one of Copenhagen’s iconic landmarks – it’s a bronze statue inspired by one of Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tales. It’s a tiny statue standing at just about 4 ft and it depicts a mermaid sitting on a rock by the water’s edge. 

Reffen for Dinner

We’re ending our second day in Copenhagen at Reffen, a popular street food market in Copenhagen. It is located near the Little Mermaid statue and they offer a huge variety of food stalls (over 50 vendors!) including Danish classics and cuisine from around the world. Reffen is also a great place for sunset! 

We’ve covered some of the Danish classics, but here are a few other dishes you can try when you visit Copenhagen: Smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches, Flæskesteg (roast pork), Frikadeller (Danish meatballs), herring, Danish pancake balls, and Rugbrød (Danish rye bread).

2 Days in Copenhagen FAQs 

How to get around Copenhagen? 

Like the rest of Europe, Copenhagen is an easy city to navigate with plenty of transportation options. Copenhagen has an easy-to-use and efficient metro system, buses, and water taxis. You can also rent bikes to get around if you’d like. 

This is a wonderful three-hour bike tour around Copenhagen that includes a visit to popular sites such as the Church of Our Savior, Christiansborg Palace, Nyboder, Amalie Garden, Nyhavn, and more! Check availability here.

The Copenhagen Card 

The Copenhagen Card is an all-inclusive city pass that allows you free or discounted access to a variety of attractions. You’ll also get unlimited access to public transportation in the Greater Copenhagen area. 

Is the Copenhagen card worth it? I think it is if you plan to go inside as many main attractions and museums as you can and are planning to explore the entire city. The cost for a 24-hour pass is €67, a 48-hour pass costs €100, and a 72-hour pass costs €124. 

When is the best time to visit Copenhagen?

The best time to visit Copenhagen is during the summer (June to August) for long daylight hours and fun festivals or during the winter (December to February) for the charming Christmas markets and nice decorations.

Is 2 days in Copenhagen enough? 

Copenhagen is a lovely city with so much to see so – no – 2 days in Copenhagen isn’t really enough time to see absolutely everything. However, because the city is pretty walkable and there is an efficient public transportation system, you can see a lot in just 2 days. 

If you don’t mind long days and walking a lot, you will be able to see all the highlights in the city and experience the main tourist attractions. This 2 day Copenhagen itinerary is certainly jam-packed with lots to do! 

Is a Week in Copenhagen too long?

Absolutely not! This will give you a chance to get to know the city and take your time visiting all of the main attractions. You can also visit places off the beaten path and take day trips to places such as Malmö, Roskilde, and Dragør.

Is Copenhagen or Stockholm better? 

This is a completely personal preference but I enjoyed Stockholm better. I do love both of the cities, I mean everywhere in Scandinavia is wonderful. But I felt like Stockholm was a bit cleaner and more affordable, and I just love how Stockholm is a city made up of a bunch of islands. It’s beautiful. 

But don’t get me wrong, Copenhagen is wonderful as well and definitely worth visiting! 

Where to stay in Copenhagen 

Hotel Ottilia | This is a brewery building turned modern hotel located in Vesterbro. Check availability here. 

Steel House Copenhagen | If you are on a budget, Steel House is a nice hostel with a bar, large common areas, a kitchen, a gym, and even a pool! It is pricy for a hostel (Copenhagen is not cheap). Check availability here. 

71 Nyhaven | If you are looking to stay near Nyhhaven this is a chic historic hotel that was once a warehouse. Check availability here.  

Are you staying in a hostel in Copenhagen? Check out my ultimate hostel packing list here. These things will make your life easier while in a hostel.

Where to eat in Copenhagen 

Copenhagen is a foodie’s paradise. It’s known for its trendy restaurants, nice cocktail bars, and cozy cafes. Here are a few favorites in Copenhagen: 

• Danish hot dog | Find these at the stands all around the city 
• BUKA Bakery | Pastries
• Ø12 | Brunch 
• Smagsløget sandwich 
• HANS coffee 
• Høst | Fine dining, contemporary Nordic cuisine
• Torvehallerne Market | A popular food hall offering fresh seafood 
• Noma | Considered one of the best restaurants in the world, serving modern Nordic Cuisine. It may be tough to get a reservation here. 
• Sonny | A delicious coffee shop 

If you are looking for something fun and unique to do, check out this Danish pastry-tasting tour! It’s a two-hour small group tour where you’ll get to sample a diverse array of traditional Danish pastries from five top-rated bakeries in the city. 

Looking for something more on the savory side? This is a four-hour guided culinary walking tour with food tastings. You can never go wrong with a food tour in a new city! It’s one of the most fun activities in my opinion. 

2 Days in Copenhagen | Safety

Copenhagen is generally considered one of the safest cities in the world. Obviously, be smart and stay aware of your surroundings but there’s not much you need to worry about in Copenhagen. I’d stay aware of your bags, especially in crowded places to avoid pickpockets. However, it’s not as much of an issue here as in countries like Spain and Italy. 

2 Days in Copenhagen map 

I hope you enjoyed this guide on how to spend 2 days in Copenhagen! If you have any questions about visiting Copenhagen feel free to DM me on Instagram or comment below. 

Recommended Tours in Copenhagen

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