Introduction
With its colorful harbor, world-class dining scene, and a culture centered around ‘hygge’ (the Danish art of coziness), Copenhagen is easily one of Europe’s most enchanting cities. While you could spend weeks exploring its bike-friendly streets and historic palaces, 3 days in Copenhagen is the ideal amount of time to see the main highlights while still enjoying the city’s relaxed pace. From the iconic Rosenborg Palace to the whimsical gardens of Tivoli, this itinerary will help you navigate the Danish capital like a local.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you book through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps me continue sharing guides like this one. I only recommend places I’ve researched and/or personally love.
Important Notes
This itinerary keeps in mind three full days to explore Copenhagen. There are no time constraints in this itinerary, allowing you to explore the city at your own pace and keeping in mind potential traffic and the lengths of different tours you might choose. I also offer restaurant recommendations and several alternatives to many attractions. I mention Copenhagen in my European Cruise Ports post for those who are visiting for 1 day, and here I offer an itinerary to fully explore all this Scandinavian capital has to offer!
2026 Updates
If you are arriving from Central Europe
A major update for May 2026 is the new Prague-Berlin-Copenhagen high-speed link. While this officially launches in May, keep an eye on early “test” schedules if you are considering traveling by train from Germany.
2026 Michelin Guide Ceremony
Copenhagen is hosting the 2026 Michelen Guide Ceremony in Tivoli Gardens this year. The city’s food scene is at an all-time high, so book any high-end reservations (like Geranium or Alchemist) at least 3-4 months in advance.
Copenhagen Card
The Copenhagen Card is your best tool for navigating this itinerary! It has shifted to a 100% digital format, and there are two distinct versions to choose from:
- Copenhagen Card-DISCOVER (Recommended): This is the “all-inclusive” version. It covers 80+ attractions and, most importantly, unlimited public transport across the entire Capital Region (Zones 1–99). This includes the Metro, buses, trains, and even the harbor buses. It also covers your travel to and from the airport.
- Copenhagen Card-HOP: This version covers 40+ attractions only in the city center. Instead of public transport, it gives you unlimited access to Stromma’s Hop-On Hop-Off buses.
The card is sold in hourly increments. For this 3-day itinerary, I recommend the 72-hour Discover Card. The cost per adult (16+) is 1,039 DKK (~$150 USD). The card is 100% digital: you must download the “Copenhagen Card City Guide” app to use it. You buy the card online or in the app and “activate” it only when you are ready to use it for the first time. PRO-TIP: Do not activate the card until you are standing at the airport train station or your first museum. The clock starts the second you swipe “Activate.”
Pre-booking still required: Even with the card, some top sites now require (or strongly recommend) pre-booking a time slot in 2026:
- Rosenborg Castle: You often need to book a specific time entry.
- The Round Tower (Rundetaarn): Recommended during peak hours.
- Home of Carlsberg: Requires pre-booking via the link in the app.
Since my itinerary includes Rosenborg Castle, SMK (National Gallery), Amalienborg Palace, Christiansborg Palace, The National Museum of Denmark, a canal tour (classic tour from Ved Stranden or Nyhavn), and Tivoli Gardens (as an alternative; entrance only), the Copenhagen Card pays for itself at the end of Day 2!
Read more about the Copenhagen Card on the official website.
Using the Copenhagen metro
Copenhagen’s subway is both efficient and easy to navigate. There are four routes: M1, M2, M3, and M4. The entire system is electric, and the stations are clean and modern. You do not need to know any Danish to use the subway. Fun fact: The first and last cars of the trains have windows, allowing you to see through and see how clean the tracks are (see photo below).
Since you will be using a Copenhagen Card, you don’t need to “tap” in or out when using the metro. Just have the app open with your active QR code ready to show a ticket inspector if they ask. For more information about the Copenhagen metro, visit the official website.
Getting to the City Center from the Airport (CPH)
- Location: The airport metro station is located at the far end of Terminal 3. There is only one line at the airport: the M2 (Yellow Line).
- Getting There: After you clear customs and enter the Arrivals area, walk straight ahead. You will see large escalators and elevators leading up to the Metro platform (Level 2).
- Don’t go down: If you see stairs or escalators going down, those lead to the Regional/Intercity trains (which go to Copenhagen Central Station or Sweden). For the Metro (subway), you always go up!
- Travel Time: It takes exactly 13 minutes to get from the airport to the city center (Kongens Nytorv).
- Tickets: If you have the Copenhagen Card (Discover) on your phone, you don’t need a separate ticket. Just walk onto the Metro.
To read more about getting to the city center from CPH, see my Copenhagen section in my post on getting to the city center fron the airport in 10 European captial cities!
Map
I have organized this itinerary by day, featuring color-coded pins for attractions/landmarks, parks, and restaurants!
How to Use & Save This Map
To make your trip to Copenhagen even easier, you can save this custom map directly to your Google Maps app:
- Open the Map: Click the [ ] icon in the top right corner of the map above to open it in full-screen mode.
- Save to Your Account: If you are signed into your Google account, the map will automatically be saved to your “Your Places” or “Saved” list.
- Access on the Go: On your phone, open the Google Maps app, tap the “Saved” (or “You”) tab at the bottom, scroll down to “Maps,” and select “3 Days in Copenhagen” to see all these pins while you’re walking!
- Pro-Tip: If you have limited data or a spotty connection, you can download the “Copenhagen” area for offline use in your Google Maps settings so you never lose your way.
Day 1
Rosenborg Slot (Palace)
Rosenborg Slot is the most famous palace in Copenhagen, built between 1606 and 1624. It housed the Danish royal family for hundreds of years and is also home to Denmark’s crown jewels. Also in the castle are old swords and guns used by Danish royals. It is located in central Copenhagen’s popular park, The King’s Garden. To get to the castle, take the metro to Nørreport Station. Tickets cost 140 Danish Kroner (DKK) per adult.
Indre By and Nyhavn Harbor
If you have seen photos of colorful buildings and boats along canals, you might have been looking at a photo of Nyhavn! Nyhavn is a lively waterfront and canal entertainment district, famous for its 17th and 18th-century townhouses, shopping, and dining amongst locals and tourists. It is located in Indre By, which directly translates to “inner city”; it is Copenhagen’s city center. Besides shopping and dining, you can see the Danish Opera House and the Danish Architecture Center here.
Take a canal tour from Nyhavn
Though Copenhagen’s canals may not rival Amsterdam’s in quantity, their unique charm makes them a worthwhile exploration, where you can see all of the attractions listed above at eye level.
Optional: Water Culture Centre
Just across the water from Nyhavn and Indre By is Papirøen (Paper Island). In 2026, a massive new Water Culture Centre designed by Kengo Kuma is expected to be fully open. It features indoor and outdoor pools that “float” on the harbor. It’s a perfect modern addition to Day 1 after your canal tour.
Day 2
SMK (Statens Museum for Kunst)
SMK is the National Gallery of Denmark, featuring Danish and international art spanning the 14th century to today. The museum is well-known for its collection of Danish Golden Age art and also shows works by Danish contemporary artists. Tickets cost 130 DKK per adult. To get here, take the metro to Nørreport Station.
New in 2026: The museum café was recently renovated and rebranded as Magnolia—it’s much better than the previous iteration for a “hygge” lunch!
Østre Anlæg
SMK is located in this beautiful and historical park. After visiting the museum, walk around the park and see its many lakes, sculptures, winding paths, and a popular toboggan run used in the winter.
Frederik’s Church and Amalienborg Slot (Palace)
Amalienborg Palace is the residence of the royal family of Denmark. Tickets to go inside are 125 DKK per adult. Frederik’s Church tickets are free. If you want to go to the dome of the church and see panoramic views of Copenhagen, tickets are 50 DKK per adult. To get to both the church and palace from the park, walk to Østerport station to take the metro to Marmorkirken station, or feel free to walk 20 minutes east.
Day 3
Walk around Gammel Strand and Strøget
These areas are popular amongst both locals and tourists for shopping and dining. There are many souvenir shops and you can see canals running through the area, with Christiansborg Palace in the background. To get here, take the metro to Gammel Strand station.
Visit Christiansborg Palace
This palace is home to the Danish Parliament, the Supreme Court, and the Ministry of State. Ticket prices for Christiansborg Palace vary depending on which parts of the palace you wish to visit. To get here from Gammel Strand/Strøget, simply walk five minutes across the bridge!
Note: Denmark has a general election scheduled for March 24, 2026. While this shouldn’t disrupt tourism, expect a lot of political posters and energy around Christiansborg Palace.
National Museum of Denmark
After visiting Christiansborg Palace, walk five minutes across the Marmorbroen bridge to the National Museum of Denmark. It is Denmark’s largest museum of the country’s cultural history, containing artifacts from the history of the Vikings to the Danish Renaissance, and more. It also has exhibits from around the world, including Greenland, one of Denmark’s territories. It is considered one of Europe’s best museums. Tickets cost 120 DKK for adults, and kids 17 and younger go for free.
Alternative Attractions
If you have extra time, want to try something else, or if any attractions are too crowded for your liking or are unexpectedly closed, here are some other things to do:
- Walk around Ørstedsparken
- A large park with a lake and sculptures
- Take the metro to Nørreport Station
- Visit Rundetaarn (The Round Tower)
- A fascinating 17th-century tower equipped with an observatory and planetarium, also serving as an event hall and notable for its winding spiral ramp instead of traditional stairs.
- Tickets: 60 DKK per adult; purchase tickets at the tower ticket office upon arrival. Note: payment by credit card is preferred.
- Take the metro to Nørreport Station
- Danish Architecture Center
- Tickets: 125 DKK per adult
- Take the metro to Rådhuspladsen station
- Tivoli Gardens theme park: Reopening March 27, 2026!
- Ticket prices vary based on age
- Take the metro to København H metro station (lower level)
Where should you stay?
Luxury: Hotel d’Angleterre; Hotel NH Collection Copenhagen
Both of these hotels are located in Indre By. Hotel D’Angleterre is a historic 1755 building and is a 2-minute walk from the Kongens Nytorv metro station on all four metro lines. Hotel NH Collection Copenhagen is a 5-minute walk from the Christianshavn metro station on lines M1 and M2. Guests of both hotels loved the hospitable staff, amazing food, and location.
Mid-Range: Zoku Copenhagen; Absalon Hotel
Zoku Copenhagen is a 2-minute walk from the DR Byen metro station on the M1 line. Guests liked the simple but comfortable rooms, the helpful staff, and the food. The Absalon Hotel is a 2-minute walk from the København H metro station on lines M3 and M4. Guests appreciated the variety of breakfast options, the location, and the cleanliness of the rooms.
Budget: ibis Styles Copenhagen Ørestad
This hotel is in southern Copenhagen, a 10-minute drive from the airport. It is also a 2-minute walk from the Bella Center metro station on line M1. Guests like the clean, comfortable rooms, the staff’s friendliness, and the proximity to supermarkets and bakeries.
Food Recommendations
- Mad & Kaffe Vesterbro: has large portions, a perfect breakfast/lunch restaurant (close to the Enghave Square metro station)
- Pizzeria Luca: On Gammel Strand, near the water and plenty of shops
- Sporvejen Byens Burger Bar: near Strøget and Gammel Strand, known for their loaded burgers served in tram themed decor
- Aamanns 1921: Considered the gold standard for modern smørrebrød (a traditional Danish open-faced sandwich), offering a more refined version of the classic Danish lunch.
- Gasoline Grill: Consistently ranks as one of the best burger spots in the world, famously starting in a converted gas station.
- TorvehallerneKBH: A must-visit covered market near Nørreport Station, housing over 80 stalls with everything from fresh produce to gourmet prepared foods.
- Reffen–Copenhagen Street Food: An expansive outdoor food market on the industrial Refshaleøen waterfront, offering a mix of global cuisines and great sunset views.
- ESSE Restaurant: This restaurant is run by former Noma restaurant chef Matt Orlando and is the “it” spot for 2026!
- Elis Copenhagen gelato (in Nyhavn)
- Juno the Bakery: Credited with starting the modern “bakery crawl” trend in Copenhagen and is famous for its long lines and incredible aromas.