Copenhagen, Denmark is one of the most beautiful waterfront cities in Europe. It was built as a Viking fishing village and an important hub for trading. It is also one of the oldest kingdoms in the world. It is the embodiment of Scandinavian lifestyle with its laid back nature, commitment to sustainable living, modern architecture and top notch restaurants. Although 2 days is not enough to cover everything in Copenhagen, it is enough time to cover the main attractions and leave you wanting more.
Here is your 2 day itinerary for this unique city! If you have more time, head over to check out this list of things to do in Copenhagen.
DAY 1:
- First stop on our agenda is none other than the iconic and colorful harbourfront – Nyhavn. Enjoy a stroll along the waterfront and pop into any of the cafes for a quick breakfast and coffee! If you’re interested, you can also go on a boat tour from here.
- Walk further away and look for the Little Mermaid Statue, it can be a little disappointing if you don’t go in with the right expectations so just bear in mind that it is quite small and easily overlooked. There are also chances that huge groups of tourists will be hoarding around trying to snap a photo so make sure you’re ready for that. It is worthwhile seeing it once though.
- After that, head over to Amalienborg Palace, try to be there by 12pm to witness the exchanging of guards. Just down from the palace you will find Frederik’s Church which has the largest dome found in Scandinavia. If you can, head to the top of the church to enjoy a stunning view of the city.
- Next, visit Rosenborg Castle, admire the renaissance architecture and have a relaxing time at Kings Gardens. Visit the royal treasury and have a glimpse of the Danish crown jewels.
- For dinner, hop over to Reffen for some street food. There are many international food choices, live music and it’s the perfect spot to chill by the waterfront.
DAY 2:
- For today, our first stop will be the one of the oldest amusement parks in the world – Tivoli Gardens. Besides the amusement park, there is a beautiful garden space featured inside with live entertainment, cafes and restaurants.
- After that, fuel up at Torvehallerne Market. There are plenty of options ranging from fresh produce, local delicacies, coffee, ice cream and yummy food from all over the world under this covered indoor market.
- The next stop is one not to miss because of how unique and interesting it is. Freetown Christiania is an autonomous community that lives by its own set of laws. Essentially like another country in this city. Tourists are welcome to visit but do respect their rules like no running and no photos in certain areas.
- Just around the corner is the Church of Our Savior. A baroque style church known for its external winding staircase. You may also climb to the top of the church to catch a panoramic view of the area.
- Christianshavn is just a few minutes walk away from the church. Another charming district along the canal with hip cafes and restaurants drawing people to visit. There is also the Copenhagen Opera House around the vicinity.
GETTING AROUND:
- Walking: There’s no other better city to walk around than Copenhagen. Many attractions and neighborhoods are within a reasonable distance from each other. The city’s compact size and well-designed pedestrian infrastructure make it convenient and enjoyable to explore on foot.
- Bicycling: Copenhagen is one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the world. Cycling is a popular mode of transportation for both locals and visitors. There are dedicated bicycle lanes, making it safe and convenient to explore by bike. Rental services are also widely available throughout the city, allowing you to rent a bicycle for a few hours or for an entire day.
- Public Transport: Copenhagen’s public transport system is efficient and well-connected. Rejsekort, a contactless payment card, is a convenient way to travel across different modes of public transport such as bus, train and metro. Tickets can be purchased at stations or via mobile apps, and various ticket options are available to suit your travel needs.
- Car Rental: While public transport and cycling are convenient options for getting around Copenhagen, car rental services are also available for those who plan to explore areas outside the city. Rental companies can be found at the airport and throughout the city. It’s worth noting that parking in the city center can be challenging, and certain areas may have restrictions or require payment for parking.
TIPS:
- Language: The official language of Denmark is Danish, but English is widely spoken throughout the country. Many Danes also have a good command of other languages, such as German.
- Currency: The currency used in Denmark is the Danish Krone (DKK). It is often denoted with the symbol “kr”. ATMs are readily available in cities and towns, and credit cards are widely accepted in most establishments. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for emergencies.
- Tipping: It is not common to tip in Denmark. Service charges are usually included in restaurant bills, so tipping is not expected. However, if you receive exceptional service, it is appreciated to leave a small gratuity. This could be rounding up the bill or leaving around 10% of the total as a gesture of appreciation.
- Safety: Denmark is one of the safest countries with a relatively low crime rate. However, as with any destination, it is always important to practice caution and be alert. The local emergency number for immediate assistance is 112.
- Climate: Denmark has mild summers and cool winters. The weather can be volatile, so it is advisable to pack layers and be prepared for different conditions. Rainfall is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, so having a waterproof jacket or umbrella is recommended.
- Visa: Visa requirements for Denmark vary depending on your nationality and the purpose and duration of your visit. Citizens of many countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and countries within the European Union, can enter Denmark for tourism purposes without a visa for up to 90 days. However, it is important to check the specific visa requirements for your country before traveling to Denmark to ensure compliance with the latest regulations.