This post was originally published on A Globe Well Travelled in 2016. The content has been revised and updated with fresh information.
I didn’t expect Copenhagen to end up being one of my favourite stops in the Nordics.
It wasn’t even part of the original plan. We only added it to our itinerary because we found cheap flights from Reykjavik — one of those last-minute decisions that could’ve gone either way.
But within a few hours of arriving, I realised I’d completely underestimated it. The colourful harbour, the mix of royal history and modern design, and the steady rotation of bakeries on every corner made it feel effortlessly cool without trying too hard.
If you’re planning a short visit, Copenhagen is the kind of city that’s easy to explore but surprisingly rich in things to see. In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to spend 48 hours in Copenhagen — covering the must-see sights, a few unexpected highlights, and how to make the most of a two-day itinerary.
Quick summary:
Planning a short trip to Denmark’s capital? This 48-hour Copenhagen itinerary covers the city’s top highlights — from royal palaces and Nyhavn to Tivoli Gardens and Christianshavn — along with practical tips to help you make the most of two days in Copenhagen.
Recommended tours & tickets:
🎟️ Copenhagen Card – Access 80+ attractions with unlimited public transport included.
🥐 Danish Pastry Tasting Tour – Visit five bakeries and sample traditional local pastries.
🚶 Christiania & Christianshavn Walking Tour – Discover hidden spots and local stories with a guide.
🎢 Tivoli Gardens Entry Ticket – Skip the line and explore Copenhagen’s iconic amusement park.
Day 1: Castles, Nyhavn & Copenhagen Icons
Explore the palaces and castles
If you’re visiting Copenhagen for the first time, the city’s royal palaces are a great place to start. There are three major palaces within walking distance of the city centre, making it easy to explore them all in a single morning.
First, pay a visit to Christiansborg Palace. Built in Neo-baroque style, it’s now home to the Danish Parliament, the Prime Minister’s Office and the Supreme Court. It’s not the most visually striking of the three, but it’s an interesting stop if you’re into politics or Danish history.
Next is Amalienborg Palace, where the Danish royal family currently resides. This one stood out to me, partly because Denmark’s Crown Princess Mary is originally from my hometown of Hobart — and the story of how she became a royal honestly feels like a real-life Disney movie! You can watch the Royal Guard in the square or visit the museum inside.
Finally, head to Rosenborg Castle, which is easily the most impressive of the three. Originally built in the early 1600s, it houses the Danish Crown Jewels and the Throne Chair of Denmark. The gardens here are also very impressive – take a walk around to admire the perfectly trimmed hedges and rose garden surrounding the castle moat.
🎟️ If you want access to all of these castles and palaces, the Copenhagen Card bundles entry to many of the city’s top sights along with public transport.
Walk along Nyhavn & sample Danish pastry
Nyhavn is one spot that you absolutely can’t miss in Copenhagen. The rows of colourful 17th-century buildings lining the harbour are instantly recognisable, and it’s easily one of the most photogenic areas in the city.
The harbour is lined with restaurants and bars, and it can get busy during the summer months, so it’s worth heading over earlier in the day if you want to avoid the crowds.
Before you leave, stop in at a nearby bakery for a Danish pastry. We stopped in at Emmerys, which is one of the best places in the city to slow down for a coffee and try classics like cinnamon rolls or flaky wienerbrød while people-watching.
🥐 Get a proper introduction to Denmark’s pastry culture on a Best of Danish Pastry Tasting Tour. You’ll visit five bakeries and sample traditional Danish pastries with a local guide.
See the Little Mermaid and Kastellet
There are many stories about the Little Mermaid of Copenhagen. I was particularly interested to see it as I came across the Mermaid of Warsaw a few years ago, and legend tells that the Little Mermaid in Copenhagen was its sister who parted ways with the other in the Baltic Sea.
The real story of the Little Mermaid statue is that it’s a product of the famous fairy tale by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen. It was installed in 1913, and has since become an essential sight for every tourist in Copenhagen. The small-ish statue might seem a little underwhelming at first as there are an alarming number of visitors pointing their cameras towards her rock by the river, but I think it’s still worth spending 2 minutes of your time getting your own photo of the Little Mermaid.
Once you’ve got your photo, turn around and take a walk around Kastellet – one of the best preserved star fortresses in Northern Europe, which is positioned directly behind the Little Mermaid. When you cross the moat into the fortress, you’ll be free to wander around the old military buildings and historic site.
If you’ve only got one day in Copenhagen, wrap up your itinerary here. If you’ve got another day to explore, move on to day two.
Day 2: Christianshavn, Christiania & Tivoli Gardens
Wander around Christianshavn
Christianshavn feels noticeably quieter and more residential compared to the busy streets around Nyhavn.
Start by heading towards the Church of Our Saviour, a Baroque-style church with a distinctive gold-rimmed spiral tower. If you’re up for it, you can climb to the top — the last section involves an outdoor staircase, but the views across the city are worth it.
From there, take a walk along Overgaden Oven Vandet, a picturesque canal-side street lined with colourful buildings. It has a similar charm to Nyhavn, but with a much calmer, more local atmosphere.
Seek out Freetown Christiania
After wandering through Christianshavn, make your way towards Freetown Christiania — one of the most unusual and talked-about areas in Copenhagen.
Freetown Christiania is a self-proclaimed autonomous neighbourhood that was established in the 1970s, and it feels completely different from the rest of the city. Expect colourful street art, a mix of handmade houses, and a free-spirited, alternative atmosphere.
We actually struggled to find it at first and ended up wandering around what felt like a quiet residential suburb before realising we were in the wrong place — so don’t be surprised if it takes a bit of navigating. Once you’re there, you can easily spend an hour or two walking around, grabbing a drink, or just soaking up the atmosphere.
🚶 If you’d prefer a bit more context while you’re exploring, a Christiania & Christianshavn Walking Tour can be a really good way to understand the history and culture of the area, plus you’ll explore hidden corners with a local guide.
Enjoy Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen’s iconic amusement park
Tivoli Gardens is easily one of the best things to do in Copenhagen. Opened in 1843, it’s the second-oldest operating amusement park in the world, and it somehow manages to feel both nostalgic and lively at the same time. Inside, you’ll find a mix of rollercoasters, gardens, restaurants and live entertainment, all set within a beautifully designed park right in the middle of the city.
We chose to visit later in the day, which gave it more of an adults-only feel compared to the daytime crowds. As the sun starts to set and the lights come on, the whole place takes on a completely different atmosphere.
🎢 Pre-book your Tivoli Gardens Entry Ticket to skip-the-line on arrival. Even if you’re not planning to go on many rides, Tivoli is worth visiting just to walk around.
How to get around Copenhagen
Copenhagen is one of the easiest cities in Europe to get around, even on a short visit. Most of the main attractions are within walking distance of each other, especially around the city centre.
On my visit, we relied mostly on walking, with the occasional use of public transport to cover longer distances. The metro system is clean, efficient and easy to navigate, while buses and trains connect the wider city.
Cycling is also a huge part of Copenhagen’s culture. You’ll see locals getting around almost exclusively by bike, and visitors can easily rent one for the day if they’re comfortable riding in a city environment.
🎟️ If you’re planning to use public transport frequently, the Copenhagen Card can be a convenient option as it includes unlimited travel on buses, trains and the metro as well as attractions tickets.
Copenhagen FAQ:
Is 2 days enough in Copenhagen?
Yes, two days is enough to see Copenhagen’s main highlights, including Nyhavn, Tivoli Gardens and the royal palaces, while still enjoying the city at a relaxed pace.
How long should you spend in Copenhagen?
For a first visit, 2–3 days is ideal. Spending 48 hours in Copenhagen gives you enough time to see the main sights without rushing, while an extra day allows for museums or day trips.
What is the best time to visit Copenhagen?
The best time to visit is between May and September, when the weather is milder and the city is at its most lively. For fewer crowds, May and September are a good balance.
Is Copenhagen expensive to visit?
Copenhagen is known for being expensive, especially for food and accommodation. Planning ahead and using options like the Copenhagen Card can help reduce costs.
What is the best way to get around Copenhagen?
Walking is the easiest way to explore central Copenhagen. For longer distances, the metro is reliable, and cycling is a popular option if you’re comfortable riding in a city.
What should I not miss in Copenhagen?
Nyhavn, Tivoli Gardens, Rosenborg Castle and Christianshavn are some of the top highlights for a first-time visit.
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