The Best of Copenhagen in 2 Days: The Ultimate Itinerary

In Copenhagen for a short period of time and wondering how to best spend your time? Here’s a 2-day itinerary of how I spent my time in Copenhagen, Denmark.

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Table of Contents

Intro

Copenhagen is the charming and vibrant capital of Denmark! The Danish capital is full of a rich history and culture, and has an endless amount of sights and attractions. However, if you’re only in Copenhagen for a couple days, then you must visit the best locations to see and learn as much as you can in a short period of time. This 2-day itinerary will cover the best the city has to offer by visiting royal castles, significant cathedrals, and cultural museums.

Getting Around Copenhagen

Bike

Once you get into Copenhagen, you’ll immediately notice how bike-friendly the city is. You can experience Copenhagen like a local and rent a bike to get around central Copenhagen. Some bike shops also offer a bike tour where you can go around the city with a guide who will provide information and interesting facts of the sights. Check out City Bike Adventures near Nyhavn to rent a bike or to book a tour.

Copenhagen Card

The Copenhagen Card offers two card options (Discover and Hop) that includes transportation around Copenhagen that stop near all the major attractions. Check out the Copenhagen Card here. You can purchase multi-day options to fit your itinerary.

If you decide to follow this itinerary without booking the mentioned tours or renting a bike, then the Hop Copenhagen Card will cover all Day 1 stops, and the Discover Copenhagen Card will cover all Day 2 stops.

Rideshare

In Copenhagen, you can use a rideshare service to get around. The Viggo app works exactly like Uber or Lyft where you can call for a ride on-demand via the app, and pay for the ride service in app. This might be a bit pricy but is also fast and convenient.

Recommended Copenhagen Tours & Activities

Book unforgettable experiences and check out the below recommended Copenhagen tours, activities and attractions that are mentioned throughout this post:

Copenhagen 2- Day Itinerary

The above map shows all the points of interest mentioned in this Copenhagen itinerary. The points are color-coordinated as:

Day 1 Points of Interest → PURPLE
Day 2 Points of Interest → BLUE

HOW TO USE THE ABOVE COPENHAGEN MAP:

Action	Description / Step-by-Step Instructions
Click a Colored Star Point of Interest	Shows additional information and details of the selected Point of Interest
Click the STAR ☆ right of the “Copenhagen, Denmark“	Adds the Map to your personal Google Maps account for viewing*
Click the Four-cornered Square at the Top Right	Opens the map in a Larger Map view in your personal Google Maps account
*To view the Map in your Google Maps Account (computer)	In your Google Maps, Click the “hamburger” Menu at top left → Click “Saved” → Click “Maps” → Locate “Copenhagen, Denmark” → Click it to open the Map
*To view the Map in your Google Maps Account (phone)	In your Google Maps app, Click “Saved” on the bottom bar → Scroll to the bottom → Click “Maps” → Locate “Copenhagen, Denmark” → Click it to open the Map

Day 1: Explore Copenhagen’s Historic and Scenic Sights

When you arrive in Copenhagen, it’s clear that it’s a bike-friendly city. SO! There’s no better way to explore the city than by bike. On the 1st day of this 2-day itinerary of Copenhagen, you will admire views from scenic bridges, stop by historical sites, and explore vibrant streets.

You can experience the same stops with a live tour guide who will bike with you to each location and provide information and interesting facts. Book this bike tour here, or in the widget below. You can also rent a bike at City Bike Adventures near Nyhavn, where this itinerary will begin near.

Alternatively, take the Hop-On, Hop-Off bus that will take you all around Copenhagen with stops near all the below-mentioned locations.

Cross the Inderhavnsbroen Bridge

Begin your day by picking up a rental bike and make your way across Inderhavnsbroen Bridge. This modern pedestrian and cycling bridge connects Nyhavn and Christanshavn and offers lovely views as you cross it.

Christiania

Your first stop is at Freetown Christiania, a colorfully bohemian autonomous neighborhood. Take a stroll through the streets and you’ll notice street art, quirky architecture, and eclectic vibes and atmosphere. Since this is the first stop in the morning, then you’ll likely see street vendors setting up for the day. If you’re interested in seeing Freetown Christiania more lively and busy, then you can come back later in the day for a drink or a little browsing.

Freetown Christiania

Our Savior’s Church

Not far from Christiana is the Our Savior’s Church. This Church has an iconic baroque spiral tower you can easily spot from anywhere in Copenhagen. If you have time, you can climb up the steps to get a panoramic view of Copenhagen.

Circle Bridge (Cirkelbroen)

The next stop will be the Circle Bridge. This bridge is a modern and unique pedestrian bridge whose design was inspired by ship sails. This is a perfect photo stop where you can watch the Black Diamond library glisten just across the water.

*Circle Bridge poles resemble ship sails*

Christiansborg Palace (Christiansborg Slot)

Next, head to Christiansborg Palace which is home to Denmark’s Parliament and Supreme Court. This is the political heart of Denmark and also holds historical significance. Again, if you have time, you can explore the rooms of the palace, visit the Royal Stable, or even go up the Christiansborg Tower to get another great view of the city.

Church of Our Lady (Vor Frue Kirke)

Take a quick stop by the Church of Our Lady, a magnificent cathedral with beautiful neoclassical architecture. Here, you can admire the interiors and the statue of Jesus Christ at the end of the church.

Round Tower (Rundetaarn)

Near the Church of Our Lady is the Round Tower, the oldest functioning observatory in Europe! Inside has a unique spiral walkway to the top. Again, if you have time, make your way to the top for more amazing views of Copenhagen. If interested, there are also stargazing sessions here too!

King’s Garden & Rosenborg Castle

Make your way to King’s Garden to admire the trees and greenery. You’ll spot people picnicking with the beautiful backdrop of Rosenborg Castle. You can either pass by this area or if you have time, can explore the castle’s elegant rooms full of royal treasures.

Nyboders Mindestuer

Stop by Nyboders Mindestuer, one of Copenhagen’s oldest neighborhoods. It is home of the yellow houses which were originally built for the Danish navy but now serve as residences.

The Little Mermaid & Gefion Fountain

When in Copenhagen, you must stop by The Little Mermaid statue! This statue was inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale, and also influenced Disney’s Ariel, The Little Mermaid. When you see the statue, you notice it’s surprisingly small which is due to the fact that she is actually sculpted to be the size of a real woman.

Not far from The Little Mermaid statue is the Gefion Fountain. It is Copehagen’s largest monument with a sculpture of a Norse Goddess driving her oxen-drawn carriage. You can take some pretty pictures here with this amazing fountain.

Amalienborg Palace

Before returning your bike, take a stop at Amalienborg Palace where the Danish royal family official residence is located. On either side of the square, you can see the elegant Frederik’s Church, and on the opposite end, the contemporary Copenhagen Opera House. I always love a great mix of traditional and modern sights.

Nyhavn and Canal Cruise

End your day in the vibrant street of Nyhavn! It is Copenhagen’s most picturesque and lively waterfront, which you’ll notice immediately. Admire and take photos of the colorful houses and the boats that frame them.

If you’d like, there are multiple establishments along the canal where you can board a canal cruise. They will take you through the canals with a guide to explain the surrounding sights. This is a great way to get some amazing views of Copenhagen from the water.

Then, browse the endless amount of canal-side restaurants and grab a drink and/or dinner. Admire the canal views, colorful buildings, and the lively atmosphere.

Enjoying a Drink and the Views at Nyhavn

Day 2: Day Trips to Castles and Viking History

On your second day of your 2 day itinerary, get outside of central Copenhagen and learn about Denmark’s rich history. You will visit a significant cathedral, elegant palaces, learn about Viking history and see real-life Viking ships.

If you want to experience all the stops on this day with a live tour guide who also provides transportation, then book it here, or in the widget below:

Alternatively, the Discover Copenhagen Card includes stops near and access to all these locations.

Roskilde Domkirke (Roskilde Cathedral)

Start your day visiting the Roskilde region, with the first stop being at the Roskilde Cathedral. The Roskilde Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage site and holds many of Denmark’s monarch’s graves. The medieval architecture is stunning and all the graves are adorned with elegant sculptures and designs.

Stunning Architecture and Sculpture Designs in Roskilde Cathedral

Viking Ship Museum

Your next stop in Roskilde will be the Viking Ship Museum. It is located right on the Roskilde fjord where you can spot replicated Viking ships sailing in these waters. In the museum, five original Viking ships were recovered from the fjord and are on display. They offer a fascinating and interactive look at Viking history and their way of life. Not only that, but you can even board a full-scale replica of a Viking ship that’s sitting right in the water near the museum.

Viking Ship Replicas Outside the Viking Ship Museum

Frederiksborg Castle

After your time in Roskilde, head to Hillerød and visit Frederiksborg Castle. This castle is the largest castle in Scandinavia and located on a beautiful lake along with its stunning garden. You can explore the lavish rooms and walk the gardens. Don’t forget to stop by the chapel too! It’s my favorite part of the castle since it is one of the original rooms that did not perish in a past fire like most parts of the castle were.

Frederiksborg Castle

Kronborg Castle

If you still have time in your day, make your way to Kronborg Castle in Helsingør. The Krongborg Castle is located right on the Øresund Strait where you can even see Sweden across the water. Additionally, this castle is also a UNESCO World Heritage site with its symbol of Danish power and resilience.

Kronborg Castle

Return to Copenhagen

After your visit at the Kronborg, head back to central Copenhagen in the evening. End your 2 day itinerary in Copenhagen by unwinding with a relaxing dinner and/or drinks.

Check out some other tours and activities you can add to your itinerary:

Final Words

In just 2 days, you can immerse yourself in Copenhagen’s rich history. You can bike through its beautiful streets, and visit Denmark’s most iconic landmarks. I hope this 2 day itinerary helps you plan your visit to the charming city of Copenhagen! Bon Voyage!