Wonderful Copenhagen – no matter what time of year you visit, it’s hard to go wrong on a weekend break in this beautiful city. One of the great things about this Danish capital is its versatility throughout the seasons – visit in summer and the streets, beaches and harbour pools will be teeming with people enjoying the sunshine. And if you opt for a winter trip, you’ll get the full hygge experience when you’re sitting by candlelight in a cosy cafe with live jazz and a trip to the Christmas markets.
Copenhagen consistently ranks top of the list of the world’s best cities, and even a short trip to the Danish capital is enough to see why! It’s small enough to get around to all the best spots by bike or on foot, yet still has the feeling of being a bustling metropolis. The city is home to some world-class museums, galleries and attractions, with so many more unique options that will satisfy any traveller’s desires.
It’s the sweet spot between new and old – one minute you’ll be checking out some of the latest architectural masterpieces, and the next you’ll be walking the cobbled streets of Indre By or the maze of 17th-century houses of Nyboder.
It’s the sort of place where you can nestle in and see so much in just a few days, so we’ve put together a list of things to do in Copenhagen that’ll help you feel like a local.
Day 1
Morning:
How to get around
The best way to see the city is by bike or on foot. Distances are short, the cycle infrastructure is world-renowned, and cruising Copenhagen’s cobbled streets and beautiful bridges by bike will be sure to put a big smile on your face. Most hotels will rent out bikes, but if not, they’ll be able to direct you to the nearest rental spot, or you can hire an e-bike from the city-wide public Bycyklen scheme.
Where to get coffee & danish
First up, head to the Torvehallerne market hall (Frederiksborggade 21) to grab a coffee and pastry before you start exploring town, and treat yourself to some local produce and delicious sourdough for a picnic lunch or tomorrow’s breakfast. Coffee Collective is the go-to spot in Torvehallerne, so be prepared to queue. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds but still get your delicious caffeine hit, head around the corner to Hybrid Cafe (Vendersgade 22) – a relaxed coffee bar that specialises in high end beans from Denmark and around the world. And if you happen to pass by at night, Hybrid lights its candles and transforms into a hygge bar serving specialty beers, wines and cocktails.
Get cultural
Once satiated with your belly full of Kanelsnegle (cinnamon “snail” buns), head down to the colourful Nyhavn harbour via Strøget – Europe’s longest pedestrianised shopping street. You’ll no doubt recognise Nyhavn as one of Copenhagen’s most picturesque spots, so take your time to stroll both sides of the harbour to check out the views and snap some pictures of the 17th century architecture. There are multiple great spots for a hot drink and cold beer, and if it’s chilly, don’t forget to ask for a blanket and hot water bottle to cosy up with while you watch the world go by.
If you want to continue to immerse yourself in the city’s rich history, head north along the harbour and past Amalienborg, home of the Danish royal family, and continue on up to Kastellet – one of the best preserved fortresses in Northern Europe. Along your way you’ll pass the Danish Design Museum which will reopen after extensive renovation in June 2022, and is well worth a visit if you’re into iconic Danish style.
When lunchtime rolls around, pull out that picnic you bought from Torvehallerne, or get yourself a smørrebrød (open faced sandwich) from one of the tucked away cafes in the area. To soak up some more culture, the National Gallery of Denmark (SMK) can be found in the middle of a lush green park, and houses Danish and international art from the 14th Century to today. The collection features pieces from artists like Picasso, Derain and Matisse, and the gift shop is the perfect spot for affordable mementos that will fit in your hand luggage. Once you’ve exhausted your art brain for the day, go get some fresh air in the lush Botanical Gardens next to the SMK. Both the glass house and the outdoor gardens are well worth a visit, and best of all – absolutely free.
Evening:
As the day winds down, head to the Nørrebro neighbourhood where you can soak up the evening sun with the locals on Dronning Louises Bro bridge. The city has a reputation for being expensive, but there are plenty of restaurants in Copenhagen offering cheap and cheerful meals. Slurp Ramen (Nansensgade 90) is a great pick for a quick in-and-out meal before you head elsewhere, or head to the Meatpacking District and surrounding area for a wide variety of options – from fuss-free Pizza at Mother (Høkerboderne 9-15, perfect for big groups), to mouth-watering Mexican food at Sanchez (Istedgade 60) started by a former Noma chef. If you’re not quite ready to go to bed yet, check out Vivant (Elmegade 4), one of the city’s hottest new wine bars, or put on your dancing shoes and head to Jolene’s (Flæsketorvet 81-85) or Mesteren & Lærlingen (Flæsketorvet 86) for some of the best nightlife in Copenhagen.
Day 2
Morning:
Wake up and do as the locals do on a Saturday morning, and head to the flea markets in the west end neighbourhood of Vesterbro. Flea markets (or loppemarked) can pop up all over the city, but Sønder Boulevard is where you’ll find a few of them. Get up early to find the best deals, and then relax with a long brunch at Cafe Dyrehaven (Sønder Blvd. 72), an unfussy breakfast spot with chic decor and a local crowd.
Next up, hop on your bike and pedal over to Refshaleøen on the opposite side of the harbour. Don’t be alarmed when you think we’ve sent you to an industrial wasteland – this is the city’s former naval and ship-building yard, and it’s having a renaissance as one of Copenhagen’s coolest areas with converted warehousing housing numerous galleries, bars and creative industries. Copenhagen Contemporary always has an exciting exhibition roster, and there’s also rock climbing (Refshalevej 163), paintball and a high ropes course (Refshalevej 177) to keep you occupied if adrenaline is more your thing.
Evening:
For a pre-dinner drink La Banchina is the place to be during the golden hour, serving natural wine and an affordable tasting menu focusing on farm to plate food. The popularity of the bar is no secret, but it’s tucked away enough that it has an aura of a place that is frequented only by those in the know… If you’re feeling brave, there’s also an on-site sauna, so this is a perfect spot for an evening dip.
Once the sun dips, head back into Indre By (the city centre) via the Olafur Eliasson-designed Circle Bridge and the city’s newest harbour crossing (Lille Langebro), and straight to Tivoli Gardens (Vesterbrogade 3). Tivoli opened in the Victorian era, and you can still get lost in time on winding 19th century cobbled streets and traditional games. There are plenty of places to eat in the park’s food court, though we’d maybe warn against eating before strapping into one of Tivoli’s roller coasters! There’s plenty at Tivoli for all ages, and is best visited at night when the lights twinkle and there’s a feeling of magic in the air. Be sure to check the website for seasonal events and offers.
City break Copenhagen: Where to stay
The Coco Hotel in the hip Vesterbro neighbourhood is Copenhagen’s newest sustainable boutique hotel. Surrounding a green and peaceful courtyard, you can step back from the throng of the city while still having it at your doorstep.
Cut-price comfort
Though this may be a budget option, Generator Copenhagen still has all the trimmings you’d expect from a hotel in this trendy city – there’s an on-site bar, a chillout lounge with TV and a pool table, and a programme of DJ sets, karaoke and other evening entertainment. Situated in the downtown core near the colourful Nyhavn harbour, you’ll be right at the heart of the action.
