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Denmark · Trip plan

3 days in Copenhagen

Hygge, harbour swims and Tivoli lit up for Christmas.

Best time
Nov – Dec, May – Sep
Ideal length
3 days
A day, mid-range
$230 per person
Trip for two
about $1,380

Planning a 3-day trip to Copenhagen? Here's a day-by-day Copenhagen itinerary with what it costs, where to stay and how to get there, ready to follow or make your own.

Why go now

From mid-November Tivoli Gardens becomes a Christmas wonderland and Nyhavn's market glows along the canal: the cosiest city break in Europe.

Copenhagen is a compact harbour city of bikes, canals and world-class design and food. In winter it leans into hygge: candlelit cafés, Christmas markets and warm drinks.

  1. Jan
  2. Feb
  3. Mar
  4. Apr
  5. May: a good time to go
  6. Jun: a good time to go
  7. Jul: a good time to go
  8. Aug: a good time to go
  9. Sep: a good time to go
  10. Oct
  11. Nov: a good time to go
  12. Dec: a good time to go

December: 0–5°C, short days with about 7 hours of light.

Create my Copenhagen trip

Don't miss

Best things to do in Copenhagen

  • 01

    Tivoli Gardens

    The 1843 amusement park, magical at Christmas.

  • 02

    Nyhavn

    Painted townhouses along the canal.

  • 03

    Christiansborg & Rosenborg

    Palaces and the Danish crown jewels.

  • 04

    Torvehallerne

    Glass food halls for smørrebrød and coffee.

Day by day

Copenhagen itinerary for 3 days

  1. D1

    Day 1: Nyhavn and the palaces

    Morning
    Coffee and a cinnamon snail, then a canal boat tour from Nyhavn past the Opera and the Little Mermaid.
    Afternoon
    Rosenborg Castle and the crown jewels, then lunch at Torvehallerne.
    Evening
    Tivoli Gardens after dark, when thousands of lights come on.

    Buy Tivoli tickets online; Christmas evenings sell out.

  2. D2

    Day 2: Christiansborg and Christiania

    Morning
    Christiansborg Palace and its free tower viewpoint.
    Afternoon
    Walk through Christianshavn's canals to the free town of Christiania and climb the spiral spire of the Church of Our Saviour.
    Evening
    Dinner in Vesterbro's Meatpacking District.

    Don't take photos in Christiania's Pusher Street.

  3. D3

    Day 3: Design and departure

    Morning
    Designmuseum Denmark or the Glyptotek's winter garden.
    Afternoon
    Strøget for shopping and a last smørrebrød.
    Evening
    Metro to the airport.

    The metro runs 24 hours.

Want it hour by hour?GoRoam plans every stop with times, maps, costs and bookings for your dates.

Shorter or longer

Copenhagen in 2, 3 or 5 days

2 days in Copenhagen

Follow days 1 to 2 above and leave out “Design and departure”. Start early each day and book the main sights ahead.

5 days in Copenhagen

Slow down with a free day for a spa, a cooking class or simply wandering.

What it costs

Copenhagen trip budget

StylePer person, a day3 days for two
Budget$110$660
Mid-range$230$1,380
Luxury$500+$3,000

Stay, food, local transport and entry fees; travel to Copenhagen is extra. Rough guides from recent prices, so check before you book.

Where to stay

Best hotels in Copenhagen for every budget

  • Budget

    Generator Copenhagen

    Indre By

    A design hostel near Rosenborg.

    from $90 /night

    Prices
  • Mid-range

    Hotel SP34

    Latin Quarter

    Boutique rooms and free evening wine.

    from $260 /night

    Prices
  • Luxury

    Nimb Hotel

    Tivoli Gardens

    A Moorish palace inside Tivoli.

    from $650 /night

    Prices

What to eat

Food to try in Copenhagen

  • Smørrebrød

    Open rye sandwiches piled with herring, egg or roast beef.

  • Danish pastries

    Called wienerbrød locally; cinnamon snails are a must.

  • Gløgg

    Spiced mulled wine with almonds and raisins.

Getting there

How to reach Copenhagen

Travel
Copenhagen airport is 15 minutes from the centre by metro.
Getting around
Walk, cycle, or use the metro and harbour buses.
  • Rent a bike; the city is built for cycling.
  • The Copenhagen Card covers transport and most museums.

Before you go

What to pack for Copenhagen

  • Power bank and charging cables
  • Passport and visa printouts
  • Clothes that cover shoulders and knees for temples
  • A forex card or some local cash
  • Travel insurance

Good questions

Copenhagen trip FAQs

How many days are enough for Copenhagen?

3 days are enough to see the highlights: Tivoli Gardens, Nyhavn, Christiansborg & Rosenborg. Add a day or two if you like a slower pace.

How much does a 3-day Copenhagen trip cost?

Roughly $110 a day per person on a budget, $230 mid-range and $500+ for luxury, not counting travel to get there. For two people mid-range, that's about $1,380 for 3 days.

What is the best time to visit Copenhagen?

Nov – Dec, May – Sep. From mid-November Tivoli Gardens becomes a Christmas wonderland and Nyhavn's market glows along the canal: the cosiest city break in Europe.

Where should I stay in Copenhagen?

Budget: Generator Copenhagen (Indre By), from about $90 a night. Mid-range: Hotel SP34 (Latin Quarter), from about $260 a night. Luxury: Nimb Hotel (Tivoli Gardens), from about $650 a night.

How do I reach Copenhagen?

Copenhagen airport is 15 minutes from the centre by metro.

Is 2 days enough for Copenhagen?

Yes, if you focus: follow days 1 to 2 of the itinerary above and skip "Design and departure". 3 days is the comfortable length.

What is the weather like in Copenhagen?

December: 0–5°C, short days with about 7 hours of light.

What food should I try in Copenhagen?

Smørrebrød: Open rye sandwiches piled with herring, egg or roast beef. Danish pastries: Called wienerbrød locally; cinnamon snails are a must. Gløgg: Spiced mulled wine with almonds and raisins.

How do I get around Copenhagen?

Walk, cycle, or use the metro and harbour buses.

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