Copenhagen, Denmark-6-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of the City

  • Morning: Arrive at Copenhagen Airport (CPH) and take the metro (M1 or M2 line) from the airport to Kongens Nytorv station in the city center.
  • 9:00 AM: Visit the iconic Tivoli Gardens amusement park, which is within walking distance of the Kongens Nytorv station. While not necessarily a “day” activity, it’s worth visiting at night or for an evening stroll to see the beautiful gardens and lights.
  • 11:00 AM: Head to the nearby Strøget, one of Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping streets. It offers a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants.
  • 1:00 PM: Grab lunch at Taste of Thailand on Strøget for delicious and affordable Thai cuisine.
  • 2:30 PM: Visit the Copenhagen City Hall (Rådhus), an impressive building that serves as the seat of city government. You can take a guided tour of the building and its impressive art collection.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Høst for contemporary Danish cuisine.

Day 2: Castles and Palaces

  • 9:00 AM: Start the day with breakfast at The Coffee Factory, a cozy cafe in the Vesterbro neighborhood.
  • 10:00 AM: Visit Rosenborg Castle (Rosengård), a 17th-century castle that houses the Danish crown jewels. The nearby Botanical Garden offers a peaceful escape from the city bustle.
  • 12:30 PM: Grab lunch at Mad & Kaffe, a cozy cafe in the Vesterbro neighborhood serving delicious sandwiches and salads.
  • 2:00 PM: Visit Amalienborg Palace, the winter residence of the Danish royal family. Watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony (usually at 12:15 PM).
  • 5:00 PM: Explore the picturesque streets of the Nyhavn harbor area.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Orangeriet for a taste of modern Nordic cuisine.

Day 3: Museums and Parks

  • 9:00 AM: Start the day with breakfast at Café Central, located in the heart of the city near the City Hall.
  • 10:30 AM: Visit the National Museum of Denmark (Nationalmuseet), which tells the story of Danish history and culture. The museum’s collection includes artifacts from prehistoric times to modern-day Denmark.
  • 1:00 PM: Grab lunch at Copenhagen Street Food, a market offering a variety of food options from around the world.
  • 2:30 PM: Explore the beautiful King’s Garden (Kongens Have), a 17th-century botanical garden.
  • 4:00 PM: Visit the Designmuseum Danmark to learn about Danish design and culture.

Day 4: Markets and Food

  • 9:00 AM: Start the day with breakfast at The Coffee Bean, located near the Copenhagen Central Station.
  • 10:30 AM: Visit the bustling Torvehallerne Market, which offers a variety of food stalls, cafes, and restaurants. Try some traditional Danish pastries or sandwiches.
  • 12:30 PM: Grab lunch at Smørrebrød Kantine, specializing in open-faced sandwiches (smørrebrød).
  • 2:00 PM: Visit the Frederiksstaden neighborhood to see beautiful 18th-century architecture and historic buildings.
  • 4:00 PM: Explore the trendy St. Petri neighborhood, which offers a variety of cafes, restaurants, and shops.

Day 5: Coastal Towns

  • 9:00 AM: Take the train (around 30 minutes) to the charming coastal town of Dragør.
  • 10:00 AM: Explore Dragør’s picturesque streets, historic harbor area, and beautiful beaches. Don’t miss the stunning views from the nearby Dragør Lighthouse.
  • 1:00 PM: Grab lunch at Restaurant Kastrup, offering seafood and traditional Danish cuisine.
  • 3:00 PM: Visit the Mølleparken Beach, a popular spot for sunbathing, swimming, or relaxing with a book.

Day 6: Shopping and Departure

  • 9:00 AM: Spend the morning shopping at Magasin du Nord, one of Europe’s oldest department stores.
  • 12:30 PM: Grab lunch at Restaurant Noma (note: this restaurant is famous for its tasting menu, but it can be expensive. Consider a reservation or a casual meal elsewhere).
  • 2:00 PM: Spend the afternoon shopping at Strøget, which offers a wide range of stores and boutiques.
  • 4:00 PM: Return to your hotel to pack up before departing for the airport.
  • 6:00 PM: Take the metro back from Kongens Nytorv station to the Copenhagen Airport (CPH) for your return flight.

Accommodation

There are many hotels in Copenhagen, ranging from budget-friendly options like Ibsen Hotel or Copenhagen Downtown Hostel, to mid-range options like Axel Guldsmeden, and luxury hotels like The Strand Hotel. Choose a location that suits your preferences.

Transportation

  • Metro: The most convenient way to get around the city.
  • Bus: Offers coverage of all neighborhoods, but less frequent than metro lines.
  • Taxi: Convenient for shorter distances or if you prefer not to use public transportation.
  • Bike: Renting a bike is an excellent option for exploring the city’s scenic coastal areas.

Tips and Reminders

  • Buy an Opal card, which can be used on buses, trains, and metro lines. It’s also accepted in many shops and restaurants as payment.
  • Try traditional Danish pastries like kanelsnurrer or wienerbrød for breakfast.
  • Don’t miss the stunning views of the city skyline from the rooftop bar at The Standard Hotel.
  • Be prepared for unpredictable Danish weather, bringing an umbrella and layers for changing temperatures.

Other Recommendations

  • Take a harbor cruise to see Copenhagen’s sights from the water (approximately 1 hour).
  • Visit the Frederiksborg Castle, located just outside of Copenhagen city center. This impressive palace is the summer residence of the royal family.
  • Explore the trendy Vesterbro neighborhood, which offers a variety of cafes, restaurants, and shops.

Enjoy your trip to Copenhagen!