How to spend a week in Copenhagen

Goboat cruising around in Copenhagen's harbour

Daniel Rasmussen - Copenhagen Media Center

Day 1: Get to know the city

Depending on what time you land in Copenhagen, you’ll want something to eat and something to do once you’ve checked into your accommodation. First things first – we recommend that you take the metro from the airport to the city. It’s cheap and easy and you can’t get lost!

Then for a quick bite, head to one of the city’s great bakery cafes. There are so many to choose from – Lagkagehuset, Meyers, Brød, Laura’s and plenty of independents. Wherever you are, you won’t be far from a bakery, that’s for sure.

Your best bet for day 1 is to get to know the city. Take a tour of some kind – a boat tour from Nyhavn to see the sights, a cycle tour to stretch your legs, a walking tour from Rådhuspladsen or a self-guided Go Boat tour if you like.

Nyhavn

Daniel Rasmussen

Kim Wyon

Day 2: Explore the neighbourhoods

Now you know where you are, you can rent a bike and explore Copenhagen’s neighbourhoods. There’s plenty to discover in hipster Nørrebrø, the foodie Meatpacking district, genteel and beautiful Frederiksberg and innovative architecture hub Nordhavn. Take a look at our guide to Copenhagen’s neighborhoods for more information.

In the late afternoon, be sure to take a trip to Refshaleøen, the city’s most up and coming district, where you’ll find Reffen, a food market / bar hangout area where the party can go on all night long in the summer months.

Vesterbro

Martin Heiberg - Copenhagen Media Center

Day 3: Head north of the city

Time for a daytrip. There are so many places to visit from Copenhagen and within easy reach using public transport. Head north: you’ve got the choice of the Louisiana, Copenhagen’s world class modern art gallery, Kronborg Castle, AKA Hamlet’s castle, in the city of Helsingør, and the charming beach town of Gilleleje on the Danish Riviera, all within an easy train ride of central station.

Louisiana

Ulrik Jantzen - Louisiana Museum of Modern Art

People hanging out in front of Kronborg Castle in Helsingør

Daniel Overbeck - VisitNordsjælland

Day 4: Journey through Denmark's history

Back in the city, it’s time to explore a bit deeper. Depending on what you’re into, you could dive into Denmark’s history with a trip to Amalienborg palace (and give the queen a wave from us!) or a trip to Rosenborg Castle, surrounded by the King’s Gardens, or even an afternoon marvelling at Viking treasure in the National Museum.

If that’s altogether too much museum for you, why not take a food-themed walking tour from Torvehallerne, or a baking class so you can say you’ve learned to make Danish pastries from the masters?

Amalienborg Palace

Martin Heiberg - Copenhagen Media Center

Day 5: A day in nature

Time for another day trip. Just outside Copenhagen, around an hour’s drive away, you’ll find the Forest Tower at Camp Adventure. This stunning nature tower is built in a spiral in the middle of ancient woodlands and has views as far as Sweden. Whatever time of year you visit, it’s an astonishing sight and a great way to get outside the city.

If that all feels too far, why not hit the beach? Copenhagen has a variety of beaches, from Amager Strand Park, a short metro trip away, to Svanemølle, a patch of sand near Nordhavn’s modern towers. If it’s a sunny day, it’s definitely a good idea.

Camp Adventure

@erubes1

Day 6: A fun-filled day in Tivoli Gardens

Round your week off with a trip to Tivoli Gardens. The city centre amusement park has something for everyone in it, from fancy restaurants and design shops to manicured gardens and rollercoasters. It’s an iconic Copenhagen experience and a trip to the city is not complete without a visit!

When you’re done at Tivoli, it’s a short stroll through Rådhuspladsen to the shopping district. Strøget is the name of the large pedestrianised street but don’t stop there – branching off it in all directions you’ll find quieter streets lined with unique boutiques and specialist shops. If you didn’t pack an extra suitcase, you’ll wish you had!