Three-day Copenhagen Itinerary: The Loudmouth’s Guide to CPH

Are you planning a trip to Denmark and trying to craft your own perfect three-day Copenhagen itinerary where you hit the major spots and still enjoy the smaller moments? You’re exactly where you need to be because I’m here to share how to do just that.   

Nothing resets your overloaded brain like two weeks of 20,000-steps-a-day European adventures with your best friend. I just had the privilege to do one of those and I’m immediately ready for the next one. 

I spent four incredible days in Copenhagen where I fell in love with yet another city I don’t live in. Copenhagen quickly charmed its way onto the list of my favorite cities in Europe with its delectable food scene, exquisite shopping and the effortlessly radiant vibes. I’m telling you there’s a certain level of quality to everything in Copenhagen — from the food and cafes you can’t miss to picture-perfect neighborhoods and otherworldly museums — there’s no place quite like it. 

So let me show you how to do three days in Copenhagen the right way!

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Table of Contents

How Many Days Do You Really Need in Copenhagen?

I almost want to keep Copenhagen a secret because the way that city still feels like a unicorn amidst other European giants is something to be studied. Don’t let that fool you though, there is so much to experience in Copenhagen. You’ll definitely want to prioritize your time and energy on what is worth it!

Is 3 Days in Copenhagen Enough?

We landed in Copenhagen on an early morning, so I technically spent four days in Copenhagen. But I can confidently say the sweet spot is three full days.

Three days in Copenhagen is enough to dip your toes into hygge a bit and hit a bunch of the top sights, museums, restaurants and coffee shops. Two of my favorite places from our visit to Copenhagen are a bit further out, and three days should be enough to make it to at least one of those — both if you plan right. 

Don’t worry too much if you only have two days in Copenhagen, the city is surprisingly small and easy to get around. You’ll still have plenty of time to see a lot of it in only two days.

I only had one full day the first time I visited Copenhagen 10 years ago, and I had no idea just how much I missed until I was able to take my time exploring for three full days.

Why I’m Glad I Had an Extra Day

Three days in Copenhagen is the sweet spot because it keeps you in an upbeat, but comfortable, pace. It will give you enough time to explore farther afield to gems like the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art and Broens Street Food.

On top of the city being extremely walkable, the public transportation’s super reliable and highly efficient — making it very easy to get around more of the city.

What to Know Before Planning Your Copenhagen Itinerary

Copenhagen Is Expensive (But Here’s the Thing)

Listen, there’s no way to do Copenhagen without good budgeting. It’s a simple reality — Copenhagen is EXPENSIVE for most travelers.

Before finalizing your Copenhagen itinerary, it helps to set realistic expectations ahead of your trip. Get comfortable with paying roughly $40 USD for meals.

But if there’s something Copenhagen gets right, it’s quality. You’ll be paying the high bucks for amazing, high-quality pastries, coffee, food, souvenirs, etc.

The Best Ways to Get Around Copenhagen

As I mentioned earlier, Copenhagen’s a pretty compact, walkable city. The top three ways to get around Copenhagen are using public transportation, a bike or walking. We mostly walked and used the metro, which runs 24/7 by the way!

By Public Transportation
There are a couple of options for travelers planning to use public transportation. The Copenhagen City Pass gives you unlimited travel on bus, train, metro, harbor bus, and light rail throughout the city and beyond for 24, 48, 72 and up to 120 hours — depending on the type of pass you get.

The two most common options are the City Pass Small and City Pass Large. We got the City Pass Small for 72 hours for 220 Danish Krones ($44 USD), which covered zones 1–4 and the Copenhagen airport. If you’re venturing out farther than the city center, including zones 1–99, Roskilde, Elsinore (Helsingør) and across the North Zealand region.

The small pass was enough for us because it covered all the places we were planning to go to throughout Copenhagen — with the exception of the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art which is about an hour outside the city center by train (more on this later).

Now, let me tell you about how much I loved the public transportation in Copenhagen. It was probably the cleanest metro I’ve ever used in all of my travels, except maybe for Japan. And it was also quite easy to understand, punctual and reliable. It’s a plus that if you buy the City Pass, there’s no need to scan in or out at the stations or when getting on the bus. 

Just make sure you do have a valid ticket because officials do board the metro occasionally and they checked our ticket on the train to Louisiana Museum of Modern Art. And as always say, Google Maps is your best friend in figuring out how to get from point A to point B while traveling. 

By Bike
Copenhagen’s also a big bike city. So if you’re already regularly comfortable getting around on a bike, it’s a good idea to rent a bike and use it to get around. It’s a much less intimidating city to bike in than, say, Amsterdam where the general biking vibe’s a little more … aggressive.

Some hotels offer bike rentals; make sure to check if yours does! If not, Donkey Republic’s a really popular option for bike rentals in Copenhagen. 

Just remember that locals usually use bikes as a main mode of transportation, not a mode of slow sightseeing. Be respectful of the rules of the road, stay aware of your surroundings and learn the basic signals to disrupt locals’ commuting as little as possible.

On Foot
As I already mentioned, Copenhagen’s a compact city that’s totally walkable — especially if you’re staying in the city center. You can start out by exploring Strøget (one of the longest pedestrian shopping streets in Europe) from City Hall Square (Rådhuspladsen) to Kongens Nytorv square and go on to walk the picturesque Nyhavn.

You can also then walk across the bridge at the end of Nyhavn to Broens Street Food for a lovely outdoors lunch by the water! 

Is the Copenhagen Card Worth It?
The Copenhagen Card is an all-inclusive pass for travelers that covers unlimited public transportation, airport transport, entrance to 80+ attractions, and hop-on hop-off buses for 24, 48 and up to 120 hours. 

Prices start at 589 DKK (approx. $92 USD) for 24 hours and go up to 1,419 DKK (approx. $220 USD). But note that prices vary seasonally. For this three-day Copenhagen itinerary, the Copenhagen Card would cost 1,039 DKK (approx. $162 USD) per person.

Some of the attractions included in the pass are Tivoli Gardens, Rosenborg Castle, Frederiksborg Castle, Designmuseum Danmark, the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, some canal and harbor tours, the Copenhagen Zoo, and many more. 

Plus, the Copenhagen Card Discover covers unlimited travel on public transport like metro, buses, harbor buses, and commuter, local and regional trains in zones 1–99. This means you can travel to towns near Copenhagen, including Roskilde, Hillerød, Helsingør, Humlebæk, Frederikssund and more.

We did the math and it didn’t make sense for us to buy the Copenhagen Card since we were only planning on going to two museums. Instead, we went with the 72-hour City Pass for about $44 USD. The Copenhagen Card would make sense if you’re going to for sure go to at least four of the attractions on the list or plan to travel farther out than zone 4. 

The Best Time of Year to Visit Copenhagen

Because of its Nordic location, Copenhagen’s weather is particularly interesting. It follows the northern hemisphere’s four seasons with comfortably mild summers (nothing like this desert-girl’s used to) and long, windy and cold winters. 

Personally, spring and summer are my preferred time to visit — specifically May–September. Early spring can still be pretty windy and chilly. We were there in late April and the warmest it got throughout the four days I was there was 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Luckily, we got sunny days for the most part so that helped along with wearing layers.  

Summers offer 17 hours of daylight and temperate days with the highs in the low 70s. (Cries in 100-degrees+ Texas summers.) I’ve also visited in early September and found it to be warm enough to just need a light jacket.

I don’t love peak summer crowds anywhere so I’d definitely visit in the spring or early fall. Visiting Copenhagen in April means cooler temperatures but mostly sunny days and smaller crowds.

Where to Stay in Copenhagen Based on Your Travel Style

Vesterbro (Most Authentic & Best Overall Vibe)

Vesterbro is one of the edgier and trendier neighborhoods in Copenhagen. It has an authentic lived-in feel that’ll give you small doses of feeling like a local. It’s great for travelers because of the wide range of accommodation options for all budgets. 

The neighborhood is home to Kødbyen, the meatpacking district and the core hub for dining and nightlife, and many coffee shops, boutiques and more. I’d recommend it for travelers looking for local vibes and who have plans to travel out of central station.

From working-class suburb to red-light district, Vesterbro has experienced many changes over the years. There’s still some drug use and seediness around parts of Istegad and central station, but the area is still safe for tourists. 

I stayed at the Locke Copenhagen hotel near the train station and felt 100% safe at all times. We walked to Hija de Sanchez in the meatpacking district from the hotel and around the station throughout our trip without issues.

New hotel near central station with comfy beds & great sound insulation: Locke Copenhagen
High-end hotel in Vesterbro across the street the from central station: Villa Copenhagen
Highly rated mid-range hotel in Vesterbro next to Kødbyen:Scandic Kødbyen

Indre By: Best for First-Time Visitors

Indre By is the history center of Copenhagen. And although it’s the most touristy part of the city, it’s going to be where you’ll likely spend a big chunk of your trip. This is where you’ll find Nyhavn, the Round Tower, Strøget, Rosenborg Castle, Reffen and more.  

It doesn’t feel as residential as areas like Vesterbro or Nørrebro, but if you dig deep enough, you’ll find pockets of calm in Indre By. Plus, with so many of the main attractions being in this area, it’s a good option for Copenhagen first timers. 

Centrally located, highly rated hotel in Indre By with good breakfast: 25Hours Hotel
Great central location hotel in Indre By near metro station: The Square Hotel
Highly rated hotel in Indre By near Torvehallerne: Hotel Kong Arthur

Nørrebro: Coolest Neighborhood Energy

Nørrebro is your least touristy option in terms of where to stay in Copenhagen. There may be less accommodation options in Nørrebro, but it will feel like you’re a true local walking the streets of the neighborhood. 

There are amazing food options in Nørrebro with everything ranging from highly regarded kebab joints to Michelin-star sit-down restaurants. Don’t miss La Neta Taquería, Kiin Kiin, Bæst and Amator. 

Mid-range hotel in Nørrebro with good location: Hotel Nora Copenhagen

My Perfect 3-Day Copenhagen Itinerary

Day 1: Colorful Streets, Canal Views & Classic Copenhagen

Morning
Your first day in Copenhagen should be all about learning the rhythm of the city. Depending on where you’re staying, start your day bright and early with breakfast from Mad & Kaffe in Vesterbro. This restaurant is really popular, but the food genuinely left a lasting impression on me — so I’d still definitely recommend having breakfast here. 

You can also just do a pastry and coffee to go from Studio X Kitchen in Indre By for a quicker start to the day. But remember hygge’s all about enjoying the moment without the rush. 

Then, head to Strøget and walk all the way to the Stork Fountain, stopping along the way to pop into any stores that catch your eye. This pedestrian shopping street has some good options, including The Lego Store (you can build your own Lego person here), Uniqlo, Søstrene Grene, etc. And you’ll eventually get to the luxury shops if you keep walking.

Then, head to the Round Tower for some lovely panoramic views of Copenhagen. The 17th century Rundetaarn is known as one of the city’s most iconic buildings and it was originally built as an astronomical tower. 

The tower’s unique spiral ramp goes all the way to the top at 114 feet high and it also houses exhibitions, events, talks and more besides the observatory. You can only buy your tickets directly at the tower’s ticket office for 60 DKK (approx $10 USD). 

Your next stop is right around the corner. No trip to Copenhagen is complete without stepping foot inside the wonderful Studio Arhoj and possibly bringing home a one-of-a-kind, handmade ceramic or glassware as a souvenir. I wanted to buy so many cups and bowls, but alas I gotta come back with a bigger luggage.

Midday
Walk to Kongens Nytorv, a public square that’s right by one of Copenhagen’s most recognized landmarks: Nyhavn.

I just know that Nyhavn’s colorful 17th century townhouses, cafes and restaurants that line the canal are exactly what we all picture in our heads whenever Copenhagen is mentioned. This is another of the city’s most iconic places and you can’t miss taking a photo right across from them.

Expect there to be crowds along with that touristy feel in the area. Once the crowds around Nyhavn start building, wander farther into the city and Copenhagen immediately starts to feel less touristy and more lived-in. 

Afternoon
Hold the hunger for a bit longer and walk across Inderhavnsbroen bridge at the end of the harbor. I’d also advise you to not buy souvenirs in Nyhavn because they’re very expensive. Here, you’ll find the amazing Broens Street Food, an outdoor food market lined with stalls serving all kinds of different deliciousness. 

Take your pick from the famous Gasoline Grill, classics like organic fish and chips from Haddock’s Seafood, hometown delicacies like Danish smørrebrød from Rort, or international options like tacos from Hija de Sanchez and gyros from Strangas.

I became obsessed with the halloumi gyro and chilli feta fries from Strangas. Seriously, they were SO good that we visited Broens Street Food twice during our trip and got Strangas both times.

After lunch, you have a couple of options: You can explore the historic neighborhood of Christianshavn by taking a canal and harbor cruise with Strømma or Hey Captain, having a coffee break at Hans, or climbing 400 steps up Vor Frelsers Kirke’s (Church of Our Saviour) famous exterior, winding staircase for insane views of Copenhagen.

Catch some of the best views of Copenhagen at the top of Church of Our Saviour. The 400-step climb doesn’t take too long, unless you’re visiting during the peak travel season. We climbed in less than 10 minutes and there were almost no crowds when I visited Copenhagen in April.

Strømma Canal Tours: $133–199 DKK ($21–31 USD; 1 hour or 1 hour and 45 minutes tours; departing from Nyhavn or City Center.
Hey Captain: $250–650 DKK ($39–101 USD); 1–3-hour tours; public and private tours available.
Church of Our Saviour: $70 DKK ($11 USD) 

And that wraps up day one in Copenhagen!

Day 2: Design, Food & Slower Exploring

Morning
Day two’s also full of great vibes, mouthwatering food and one of my favorite museums in Copenhagen. If you did breakfast at Mad & Kaffe yesterday, then do breakfast at Studio X Kitchen on the second day. And yes, the nduja-butter eggs with focaccia are unreal — you gotta order them.

Then, head to La Cabra for one of the best matcha lattes I had in Copenhagen. Once you’re fueled up for the day, head to the nearby Kongens Have (King’s Garden or Rosenborg Garden) where you can enjoy a walk through wonderful green lawns, trees and flowers. 

This is one of Denmark’s oldest royal gardens and it’s a lovely spot for picnics in the summer or to catch some rays on a sunny day. Besides the tree-lined paths and huge flower beds that bloom in spring, you’ll also find Rosenborg Castle — a small Renaissance castle built in 1606 as the royals’ summer home that now houses the country’s crown jewels.

You can enter the castle by buying a ticket online and reserving your time slot for 140 DKK (approx. $22 USD). Time slots sell out during peak travel seasons, so make sure to buy a ticket in advance.

Midday
Up next, you’re heading to one of my favorite museums ever! The Designmuseum Danmark is a museum dedicated to Danish and international design and crafts. The museum houses collections and exhibitions ranging from Art Nouveau to contemporary designs, including glass, ceramics, fashion, furniture, poster art and more.

The “Japan Modern Poster” exhibition that was on when I visited had me drooling over the endless posters illustrating Japan’s historical and cultural development from the 1950s to present day. Plus, there was an incredible collection of 40 Japanese woodprints by Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai.

This museum took me by surprise. I went in slightly blind and I ended up really enjoying the different crafts and design eras displayed. You definitely need to include it in your Copenhagen itinerary.  

The museum’s open Tuesday–Sunday and tickets are 140 DKK (approx. $22 USD). Buy tickets and check operating hours on their website to plan your visit.

Afternoon
By now, you’ll for sure be ready for a hearty meal, and do I have a treat for you. From the museum, go to the Nordre Toldbod (Københavns Havn) ferry terminal, board the 992 harbour bus and get off at the next stop, Refshaleøen.   

DID YOU KNOW?
Harbour buses are also included in the Copenhagen City Pass Small.

Refshaleøen is a really cool area in Copenhagen that used to be an industrial district and is now a popular area for alternative urban development, creativity and art, and delicious food. It’s home to Reffen — the largest street food market in Europe that greets the local and the traveler alike with delicious international food choices. It’s open March–September with bars opening at 11 a.m. and food stalls opening at 11:30 a.m. 

With plenty of seats and tables, you can munch on anything from freshly made dumplings and delicious Afghan food to homemade Indian delights and tasty Japanese sandwiches. I opted for an exquisite halloumi and lamb gyro that I loved. 

Reffen’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon and end your second day in Copenhagen sipping on an Aperol Spritz with a side of freshly made pasta. I honestly can’t wait to go back because it ended up being one of my favorite things to do in Copenhagen! 

Other notable spots you should check out in Refshaleøen if you have time are Lille Bakery, La Banchina, Copenhagen Contemporary, Noma Projects Shop and, of course, Noma.     

Day 3: Art, Hidden Corners & One Last Golden Hour

Morning
On the last day of your three-day Copenhagen itinerary, you’re venturing out to wonderful, artsy faraway lands (only one hour away) to one of my favorite museums in the whole wide world. But first, you’re grabbing a quick to-go breakfast from 7-11 at København H (Copenhagen Central Station) because you’re catching a train. 

And where exactly is this train taking you? The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art! The Louisiana is an absolute must in any Copenhagen itinerary. And even though it’s about an hour (40 km) north of Copenhagen, this place is so worth the trek.

We spent about 3.5 hours walking through every permanent and temporary exhibit at the museum. And to my luck, they happened to have a temporary exhibit on one of my favorite artists, Jean-Michel Basquiat. 

This is the most visited modern and contemporary art museum in Scandinavia — so expect it to be busy! If you’re visiting during the peak travel season, expect even heavier crowds. 

I went in late April and didn’t get tickets in advance, but I had no problems buying them on the spot. The museum’s closed on Mondays and it opens at 11 a.m. Adult tickets are 145 DKK (approx. $23 USD).

ABOUT GETTING TO THE LOUISIANA
The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art is not included in the City Pass Small, but it’s included in the Large. For me, it wasn’t worth paying $440 DKK (about $70 USD) for the large pass to only use it to travel outside of zones 1–4. We bought round trip train tickets on the DSB app to go from København H to Humlebæk Station. The museum’s about a 15 minute walk from the station.  

Midday
By midday, you’ll be starving. If you can’t hold it, try the museum’s café. If not, make your way back to Copenhagen by train. With this being your last day in Copenhagen, it’s only right that you pencil in a little self-care if you’re up for it. 

If you want to splurge on yourself, the best place (but also probably most expensive) to try is the luxury thermal baths at AIRE Ancient Baths.

Alternatively, you can explore Freetown Christiania, the self-proclaimed autonomous, self-governing commune in Copenhagen, on your last day. Learn about the area’s history since the 1970s and its evolution toward sustainability and shared responsibility. 

If you haven’t visited Church of Our Saviour at this point, it’s a perfect, nearby spot to visit right after Christiania.

Afternoon
End your last day in Copenhagen by checking out the former meatpacking district (Kødbyen) in the Vesterbro neighborhood and everything it has to offer, including galleries, nightlife, restaurants and more.

This once “gritty” area of the city has transformed into a “foodie haven” — and I agree from personal experience. Former factory buildings are now trendy eateries where you can find some of the freshest fish-centric cuisine, laidback beer experiences and vibrant international culinary options.

One of the top recommended restaurants is Kødbyens Fiskebar for freshly prepared, high-quality seafood with a terrace that’s very popular during summertime. Or you could check out Warpigs Brewpub for authentic Texas-style BBQ, Gorilla for unpretentious shareable dishes rooted in Mediterranean flavours and a huge wine list, or Bistro Bosch for a completely organic restaurant in the old Bosch warehouse.

There’s truly something for everyone in the Copenhagen meatpacking district. Each restaurant has its own style and specialty, and you really can’t go wrong here! 

My friend and I had a great Gringa al Pastor from Hija de Sanchez, the casual taquería that’s a sister to the elevated-Mexican-cuisine restaurant by former pastry chef at world-renowned Noma, Rosio Sanchez. Granted, it was the most expensive gringa I’ve ever had as a person of Mexican descent. But when you’re fiending for Mexican food two weeks into a Europe trip, you suddenly become very forgiving. 

By the way, a Gringa al Pastor is a type of quesadilla made with a flour tortilla and a layer of fried cheese (known as a costra) that’s traditionally topped with sliced, marinated pork meat, pineapple, cilantro, onion and guacamole.   

The Best Things to Do in Copenhagen (What’s Actually Worth It)

Actually Worth Your Time

Some Copenhagen experiences absolutely lived up to the hype for me, and these are the ones I’d prioritize again.

The Shopping
In my research for this trip, I saw certain shops come up over and over again. This sparked my curiosity of course, so I added a lot of them to my list of shops to visit in Copenhagen. These included SUI AVA, Boii Studios, Pico, Studio Arhoj, Stoy, Norr, etc.

Here’s a list of the stores I’d visit again: Choisi, Norse Projects, Naked, Stoy, Studio Arhoj, Norr. I bought some very cute and colorful candles at Choisi. Naked had a great selection of footwear, including Adidas, Salomon, Birkenstock, etc. Studio Arhoj is a must in spite of being a little pricey — the ceramics are sooo cute and they make a perfect souvenir.

Ganni was another standout for me and Denmark’s obviously the perfect place to splurge on some cute T-shirts. They had a sale while we were there, and you better believe I took advantage of being in Ganni’s birthplace. 

Louisiana Museum of Modern Art
I can’t emphasize enough how worth it this museum is! If you’re into modern art and chef’s-kiss aesthetics, the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art is a must in your three-day Copenhagen itinerary. 

Even if you only have three days in Copenhagen, the Louisiana definitely fits perfectly into any itinerary as a half-day activity.   

Refshaleøen
There are quite a few gems to experience in Refshaleøen, including Reffen Street Food, Noma, Projects Shop, Lille Bakery, La Banchina and CopenHill. Explore the former industrial area turned foodie haven Reffen, get some self-care in at La Banchina’s onsite sauna, or devour freshly baked goodies from Lille Bakery. 

Add Refshaleøen to your Copenhagen itinerary — you won’t regret it. 

Frederik’s Church
Known as the “Marble Church,” Frederik’s Church is one of the most recognizable buildings in Copenhagen. The exterior boasts a beautiful copper-green dome and its impressive interior and frescoes will leave you in awe. It’s centrally located — making it easy to include it as a quick stop in your Copenhagen itinerary.  

Meatpacking District 
Yes. Yes. Yes! Are you kidding? The food options are almost endless. You get world-renowned flavors, fresh and high-quality ingredients, and some of the best vibes the Vesterbro neighborhood offers. Need I say more?

Skip These Unless You Have Extra Time

It’s not that these things must be absolutely avoided. It really is based on personal preference and experience. And prioritizing your time is important when your time is limited.

Eating in Nyhavn
Just don’t do it. There are so many better food options a walk across the bridge away at Broens Street Food. Also, don’t buy souvenirs in Nyhavn either. 

Copenhagen Contemporary
This art center in Refshaleøen features installations, performance art and monumental video works by up-and-coming and international artists. I’d say check what installations and exhibits are on before deciding whether to make time for it or not. When I went, there was a really dreamy experiential piece by world-renowned James Turrell that was totally worth the visit. So this one’s for the only-if-you-have-time list. 

Tivoli Gardens
This one is lower on my priority list, but it’s worth the visit if you have the time! The iconic Tivoli Gardens is one of the oldest amusement parks in the entire world. Fun fact: Walt Disney was deeply inspired by this amusement park in the creation of Disneyland. There are fun amusement rides, restaurants and food stalls, and a great assortment of shops. It gets turned into a jolly wonderland with lovely decorations and lights all over during the holidays.

It’s a must if you’re visiting during the winter holidays or even visiting as a family with kiddos. But personally, I’d only go if I have an abundance of time in Copenhagen.     

The Little Mermaid
Y’all, it’s just a statue. A statue that’s particularly out of the way. And in my opinion, it’s not worth the visit. That’s all I’ll say!

Copenhagen Travel Tips That Will Make Your Trip Better

Small Things That Make a Big Difference

Budgeting & Saving: Make saving up and budgeting for Copenhagen a priority so that you can enjoy yourself without the stress. Set the expectations that your meal might be $35+ USD each time and that maybe not everyone back home gets souvenirs. What’s most important is that you set yourself up to have the best time possible.

Bakery & Coffee Shop Culture: Copenhagen is home to a few world-class bakeries. Lean into the bakery and coffee shop culture. Leave space in your itinerary to sit with a freshly baked pastry and really good coffee and enjoy the moment. 

Bicycling Culture: Another thing you should lean into in Copenhagen is exploring the city on a bike. You’ll find the bicycling culture to be slightly more approachable here than in Amsterdam, for example. 

Food markets: Switch out the expensive sit-down dinners for more casual, and often a little more affordable, bites from Broens, Reffen or Torvehallerne food markets. Copenhagen food markets are one of the best ways to eat well without destroying your budget.

And if you do plan on splurging on a sit-down dinner, make sure to make a reservation.

Copenhagen Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t underestimate the weather
Copenhagen weather is not to be underestimated. Spring chills are definitely chilly with the wind making it feel a few degrees colder. Pack a warm jacket and make sure to layer. If you’re visiting during the winter, pack accordingly. The winter weather in Copenhagen can be unforgiving. 

Respect the rules of the road
If you’re a pedestrian, watch out for bikes and cars, walk on the correct walking paths (not the bike lanes), and don’t jay walk. Now, if you’re biking, watch out for pedestrians and cars, only ride on the bike lane, and learn the appropriate hand signals. And if you’re driving, bikers and pedestrians have the right of way.

Budget. Budget. Budget.
I’m sorry, but this bears repeating. 

Don’t overcrowd your days
Lastly, this is a city best experienced calmly — jam-packing your days isn’t necessary. Take it easy, pick out your non-negotiables, and work everything else in around those.

Is Copenhagen Worth Visiting?

1,000% yes, Copenhagen is worth visiting. Copenhagen has become one of my favorite cities I’ve visited in Europe. Despite how expensive it is, I really enjoyed the top-notch bakeries, the beautiful museums, the outdoor food markets and overall vibes of the city. There are so wonderful many things to do in Copenhagen.

Walking around I felt so safe and calm — even on the days where it was windy and I was super cold. I’m still thinking about the fried halloumi gyros I had from Strangas (they were so good I went back twice) and the nduja-butter eggs from Studio X Kitchen in Indre By. 

I’m reeling from the wondrous pieces of art and the sculpture park at Louisiana Museum of Modern Art. And I’ll never forget how I almost went into full panic attack mode at the top of Church of Our Saviour.

It’s truly needless to say how much of an impact Copenhagen left on my soul. I really can’t wait to go back.  

What Copenhagen Actually Feels Like as a Traveler

Copenhagen is an absolute gem. To me, it just feels so different — in a good way — from other European heavy hitters. It may not have a Colosseum or an Eiffel Tower, but it does have that special air of underratedness that makes for a unique destination.

Denmark’s consistently ranked among the happiest countries on Earth. And what more could you expect from its capital than calm, design-forward vibes mixed with a vibrant culinary scene and reliable public transportation?

Sometimes, its expensive nature leaves you a little bit breathless. But then, the first delectable bite of your $38 USD breakfast almost makes you forget that price tag. 

Copenhagen is a special place where whimsy can heal your soul as you walk through Tivoli Gardens. It’s a place where the juxtaposition of historical and modern throws you for a loop you’ll remember forever.   

It’s the city where I felt the safest out of all the cities I’ve visited in Europe. So much so that I’m actually considering making it my first solo trip destination. All I know is that you will not regret spending a wonderful three days in Copenhagen.

Final Thoughts on This 3-Day Copenhagen Itinerary

It feels like I just came home from my trip to Copenhagen and I’m already thinking of going back. Those three days in Copenhagen were such a breath of fresh air to me. Every part of the trip — the coffee shops, unbelievable breakfasts, unforgettable museums and more — made its way deep into my soul. 

Whether you have two or three days in Copenhagen, this is the perfect, walkable compact city full of experiences without the chaos. You get the chance to really be intentional about where you spend your time. Frolic through green royal gardens, explore the history of iconic Danish design and fall in love with yet another city in Copenhagen.

This three-day Copenhagen itinerary gives you the perfect balance of food that’s worth it, splurging a little on yourself and exploring the best of the city.