Copenhagen in 2 Days

Copenhagen in 2 days: what fits into a two-day getaway in the Danish capital? What’s worth seeing? What’s truly unmissable—especially if you want to soak up the vibe of one of the world’s happiest cities and, of course, check off all the “must-see” sights?

2 Days in Copenhagen

A super-quick thought up front: is two days enough for Copenhagen?

I won’t give a one-size-fits-all answer—what we want from a city visit differs for everyone. But if you want a single-word answer, then yes. Enough. What matters, you’ll both see and feel in two days.

Copenhagen is like most big cities. You can rush it in even 1 day, or you can spend here weeks and keep discovering new things.

Two days in Copenhagen is a good idea because you can take things a bit slower—you don’t have to sprint. You’ll also be here in the evening, which in any city—and perhaps especially here—has a different feel than daytime. And that actually matters, because in this Copenhagen in 2 Days plan I’ll give you a very special evening suggestion!

So let’s look at what to see and do on a two-day Copenhagen trip! First we’ll go by type (e.g., museums, places to eat, the evening idea), and at the end you’ll find a concrete, step-by-step two-day Copenhagen itinerary you can follow.

Don’t Skip This!

If Copenhagen has to fit into 2 days, you’ll want to see as many of the famous sights as possible. I’ll introduce those in a second—and you’ll find a 2-day plan below.

But sights aside, don’t skip one thing: give yourself at least an hour somewhere to just sit with a coffee, a glass of wine, or a pastry. Whether you’re alone or with someone, this hour will easily fit into a two-day visit and will give you more of the real Copenhagen than simply sprinting through the attractions.

At the end of the article I’ll also give you a few specific places that are great for sitting down—and that you’ll likely pass by anyway.

The Most Important Sights

Every city has its unmissables; Copenhagen is no exception. If it’s your first time here, two days are perfectly enough to see these—and yes, you’d miss out without them.

Nyhavn — The Colorful Houses

Nyhavn (roughly “NEW-hown”)—literally “new harbor”—with its colorful houses is the must-have element of virtually every Copenhagen photo and postcard. While the bustle today is mostly tourists, the place is unmissable for the view and the feeling alike. Whether you simply stroll through or sit down for a drink or lunch, Nyhavn will make your two-day Copenhagen trip unforgettable.

It’s worth walking both sides of the harbor: up close you’ll feel the pulse of the colorful houses, while from the other side you can take them in—and photograph them—as a whole.

Kongens Nytorv

If you’re at Nyhavn, you can’t miss one of Copenhagen’s most beautiful and imposing squares, Kongens Nytorv (roughly “KONG-ens NEW-torv”). Literally “the King’s New Square,” it was built around the same time as Nyhavn, inspired by Paris. Even if you don’t linger, the square perfectly conveys Copenhagen’s calm-yet-cosmopolitan vibe.

Strøget

Strøget (often cited as the world’s first pedestrian street, made car-free in 1962—and still one of Europe’s longest) runs into Kongens Nytorv, which makes it easy to walk. It’s a staple of any first Copenhagen stay.

Rådhuspladsen

Rådhuspladsen—City Hall Square—sits in the heart of the city. It’s essentially the other grand square at the far end of Strøget, opposite Kongens Nytorv, right next to Tivoli. It feels more Scandinavian than its counterpart and is perhaps larger. Stand in the middle and the surrounding buildings—including Copenhagen City Hall—radiate the true Copenhagen atmosphere. I wouldn’t skip it on a two-day trip.

The Little Mermaid

A bit farther from everything else, but the statue of the Little Mermaid is one of the must-see sights. It’s a pleasant walk from the Nyhavn/Kongens Nytorv area—catching the royal palace en route—or two stops on the local harbor bus, with about a one-hour detour. Expect big crowds at the statue.

Royal Palace — Amalienborg

To me, Amalienborg is the least experiential sight of the lot. Still, it sits on the way between the Little Mermaid and other key spots. And if you’re in Copenhagen and Denmark, it’s understandable to want to see at least one residence of the royal family.

If you’re there at noon, you can catch the famous changing of the guard. But truth be told, it’s more famous than thrilling — big crowds, not much visibility unless you’re in front, and it’s not very impressive if the royal family isn’t in residence.

Two Can’t-Miss Evening Tips

If you’ve got 2 days for Copenhagen, you’ve also got an evening. And if you’ve got an evening, don’t miss the city’s nighttime pulse. From fall to spring it gets dark early, but Danes are anything but gloomy. With warm light, they’ve found a way to get through the dark seasons happily.

Tivoli

A two-day trip should include Tivoli. And since you’re staying overnight, time it so you wander there at least partly after dark. In my view, the best is to arrive while it’s still light and then see the park lit up at night. The day ticket is valid all day, so you can pop into the city and come back.

Tivoli is two things at once: a beautiful city park and garden, dressed for the season; and an urban amusement park with lots of mild and wilder rides.

It’s up to you whether to try the rides. Tickets are sold separately, so you can come in just to enjoy the garden and park. It may sound odd at first—why pay to enter a park?—but once you experience Tivoli, you’ll understand why. The park is decorated for each season—before Halloween, for example, with more than 20,000 pumpkins and the like. Plenty of vendors, places to eat, concerts, and performances fill your to-do list. Add an evening stroll and the lights will give you a guaranteed, unforgettable experience.

Tivoli has themed seasons like Christmas or Halloween. The park is so well decorated for these, that it takes a couple of weeks to prepare. During this, Tivoli is not open. Check the opening dates on the official Tivoli website before your 2 day trip to Copenhagen.

A Glass of Wine by the Canal

It’s lovely to have a drink in Tivoli, but here’s another tip for evening: in and around Nyhavn you’ll find several places where you can sip a glass of wine—or a soft drink—right by the water, even on moored boats, which adds a little extra. Don’t miss the chance to feel that authentic Danish mood.

More Things to See in Copenhagen in 2 Days

If you’re spending two days here, a few more places are worth adding to your wander.

Rosenborg Castle and the King’s Garden

Rosenborg Castle (Rosenborg Slot) and the King’s Garden (Kongens Have) are experiences in their own right—even without visiting the museum. A stroll in the park, a coffee at the Hercules Pavilion, or a walk around the castle will all add to your two-day Copenhagen memories.

If you like museums, make this your first pick when planning Copenhagen in 2 days. This Renaissance palace houses the crown jewels, the royal thrones, and other historical treasures. The exhibition isn’t too long, so it fits a two-day visit—especially if the Danish monarchy’s past and pageantry interest you.

Boat Ride on the Canals

If you’re in Copenhagen—sometimes called the Venice of the North (along with quite a few other cities)—don’t skip a canal ride.

There are two ways to do it, and both work perfectly for a Copenhagen 2 day itinerary.

• The classic “Canal Tours” is a paid service that takes you through the main and smaller canals in about an hour, showing the city’s top sights from the water.
• The regular harbor bus lines (991 and 992), valid with a standard transit ticket or day pass, also provide a great experience. You can hop off anywhere—ideal, for example, between Nyhavn and the Little Mermaid.

Market — TorvehallerneKBH

While it no longer functions as a traditional market, it’s worth visiting for the atmosphere. Located very close to a metro station, you’ll mostly find tourists, but the colorful spread of fruit and veg and the eateries serving all kinds of goodies will make this a memorable part of your two-day Copenhagen visit.

Rundetaarn

The Round Tower (Rundetaarn) is a perennial tourist favorite in central Copenhagen. The line can be long, but thanks to the spiral ramp (instead of stairs) it’s easy to “climb,” and the view is superb—not only over the entire old town but even farther. In good weather you can spot Malmö or the Øresund Bridge.

Kastellet

The pentagonal, water-ringed fortress named Kastellet is still an active military site in the heart of Copenhagen. It’s a few steps from the Little Mermaid, so it’s a great little detour when you’re there.

Don’t expect a museum or visible signs of military life beyond a few guards. But walking the immaculately kept grassy ramparts is both a delight and a reset.

Marmorkirken

Directly opposite Amalienborg stands the church nicknamed Marmorkirken, the Marble Church. It’s beautiful inside and out, and sitting down in the quiet, round space during any Copenhagen trip is calming—a recharge for thoughts and energy. The church’s official name is Frederiks Kirke—Frederik’s Church.

Magasin du Nord

Maybe it’s just me, but I love the feel of this department store. It’s a classic big-city store, with the matching vibe, selection—and partly prices. Don’t skip it if you have two days in Copenhagen, even if only to wander a few floors.

Definitely take a look at the basement supermarket, and grab a coffee or soft drink at one of the cafés. My favorite is COFFEE CLUB CPH on the 5th floor.

Christiania

The still-existing “city within a city” with a hippie vibe is, I know, polarizing. If you’re drawn to that kind of experience—or curious how a long-standing, self-contained community lives, where even drugs were tolerated for a long time—it’s worth visiting once.

Christianshavn

On the “far side” of central Copenhagen, this neighborhood is easy to reach for a pleasant, interesting walk. Among the canals and on streets far less visited by tourists, you’ll catch a special, local Copenhagen feeling.

Museums

Whether to add a museum to your two-day Copenhagen trip is purely personal preference. Some wouldn’t consider it; for others it’s unmissable. Here are a few worth considering even on a short stay:

• Rosenborg Castle with the crown jewels (see above for details)
• National Museum of Denmark
• Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek (Glyptoteket), the national collection of sculpture

Where to Try the Food

I’ll admit, these aren’t venues serving only traditional local fare. If you want classic local dishes, search for “Nordic food” in any engine. Here I’m sharing slightly touristy spots—but I think each is an experience, and on a two-day trip most of us want the city’s atmosphere more than a deep dive into the local kitchen. These all deliver on that.

And one more thing. I won’t list fancy, sit-down restaurants. On a two-day dash, most of us don’t want to spend time that way—and Copenhagen restaurants are pricey for many two-day visitors. Of course, if there’s a specific restaurant you want to try, build it into your personal two-day plan!

• Reffen. Up north and a bit out of the way, this ultra-atmospheric street-food spot packs cuisines from all over the planet. Open daily May–October; in winter only on weekends.
• Broens Gadekøkken. If you’re short on time or visiting on a winter weekday, this smaller street-food cluster sits opposite Nyhavn across the canal. Crossing the pedestrian bridge is a joy in itself—don’t skip it!
• Restaurants in Nyhavn. Yes, touristy. But if you’re here for two days, you’re a tourist too. No need to fear rip-offs. I’ve eaten at several; the food’s good, prices are Copenhagen-level, and service is fine.
• Gasoline Grill. Probably Copenhagen’s best-known local burger chain. If you love burgers, stop by one!
• Comé RICE Kitchen. Slightly off the main drag, but Kødbyen (the Meatpacking District) draws visitors on its own. This Japanese-inspired spot is relatively inexpensive by local standards—don’t miss it.
• Bakeries. If you spend 2 days in Copenhagen, try one of the rightly popular bakeries: Juno the Bakery, Hart, Andersen.

Where to Spend That One Hour With Yourself?

Whether you come alone or with others for two days in Copenhagen, don’t just dash through the biggest or most famous sights.

Even with little time, give yourself a chance to absorb the city’s air and spirit—to catch that sense of Danish happiness.

Here are a few places you’ll likely pass “as a two-day tourist” and where you can sit down for a coffee, a drink, or a pastry.

I recommend each from experience: you’ll get great service and food/drink—and you’ll feel the rhythm and mood of the place and the city.

• Any restaurant in Nyhavn. It’s the most touristy, yes—but worth trying once.
• COFFEE CLUB CPH on the 5th floor of Magasin du Nord at Kongens Nytorv. In my view, the best coffee of the bunch.
• Espresso House across from Rådhuspladsen, at the corner of Vesterbrogade and H. C. Andersens Blvd.
• Any stand at TorvehallerneKBH market.
• Any venue in Tivoli Food Hall. You can sit out in the back garden with a view into Tivoli’s inner courtyard without buying park admission.
• Hercules Pavilion café in the King’s Garden.
• Pretty much anywhere in Kødbyen.
• Hart Bakery behind the Opera.

Copenhagen in 2 Days — A Suggested Route

Starting and ending at Copenhagen Central Station (København H) both days, here’s a perfect two-day program to get to know the city. You can still add in extras from the earlier tips—or some sit-down time.

Day One

• Walk along Vesterbrogade; pass Tivoli’s main gate and continue to Rådhuspladsen.
• From Rådhuspladsen, stroll Strøget all the way to Kongens Nytorv. Time to browse and shop en route.
• From Kongens Nytorv, walk along Nyhavn.
• At the far end of Nyhavn (by the Royal Theater), hop on harbor bus 992.
• Ride two stops—sailing past the Opera—to Nordre Toldbod (Københavns Havn).
• Walk a few minutes to the Little Mermaid.
• From the statue, visit Kastellet; walk the ramparts.
• Walk back to Amalienborg.
• Short walk to Marmorkirken; it’s worth going inside.
• From Marmorkirken, walk back to Nyhavn. Have lunch here—try it once in Copenhagen!
• A few minutes’ walk toward the King’s Garden (Kongens Have) and Rosenborg Slot (Rosenborg Castle). On a two-day trip, don’t skip the museum and crown jewels.
• Walk via Nørreport metro/rail station to TorvehallerneKBH market.
• From the market, walk the pedestrian street back to the Round Tower (Rundetaarn). Go up and take in the views—over the old town and farther.
• Walk back to Tivoli—choose any route: the busy pedestrian street or smaller lanes for a different side of Copenhagen.
• Spend the rest of the day in Tivoli. Stroll, grab a drink or even dinner—and if you’re bold, buy ride tickets and enjoy the rides!

Day Two

• From the station, head right past the back of Tivoli to Glyptoteket (sculpture museum). Either that or the National Museum, two blocks away, is a great pick for the morning—even if you’re not a big museum-goer.
• Walk via Gammel Strand and Slotsholmen to the south side of Nyhavn; cross the pedestrian bridge and have a tasty lunch at Broens Gadekøkken.
• Optional: if you have more time and it’s open, from Nyhavn take harbor bus 992 north three stops to Reffen—larger and even more atmospheric food options. Return on 991.
• Either way, in the afternoon catch a Canal Tours boat at Nyhavn; in about an hour you’ll see the best water-visible sights.
• Cross the pedestrian bridge again at the end of Nyhavn. A few blocks inland, follow the smaller canal down to Christianshavn metro station, soaking up the neighborhood’s charm.
• From here, the metro runs straight to the airport; in the other direction, via Kongens Nytorv, you can get back to Central Station. If you’ve still got time in your two-day Copenhagen visit, see anything else from the list that caught your eye!

Copenhagen in 2 Days on a Map

On the interactive map below you’ll find the main stops for the two days and the suggested routes I outlined.