A Perfect Day: Copenhagen in One Day

9 AM: Rent a Bike

Copenhagen reportedly has more bikes than people and a total of 382 kilometers of bike paths. It’s an ideal city to explore on two wheels. There are bike rentals on nearly every corner, so getting a ride is easy. Once you’re set with a bike, it’s time for a hearty breakfast. I like to start my day at Grød, Copenhagen’s first porridge café. There are several locations, including one close to Rosenborg Castle.

10 AM: Danish Crown Jewels at Rosenborg Castle

Energized by porridge and a smoothie, head to Rosenborg Castle. This historic castle is set in the beautiful Kongens Have park. While you’re there, it’s worth taking a look inside this 17th-century building. The museum houses the Danish crown jewels, and the Knights’ Hall is impressive as well.

12 PM: Photographing the Colorful Houses in Nyhavn

Whenever I’m in Copenhagen, I always fit in a walk along the colorful houses by the Nyhavn waterfront – a perfect photo backdrop that attracts visitors from around the world. The atmosphere is special: People stroll along the water, grab a bite to eat, and enjoy live music. The oldest house is at Number 9, built in 1681. The writer Hans Christian Andersen supposedly lived at Numbers 18, 20, and 67 for several years.

1 PM: Wave to the Little Mermaid

Nyhavn is a great starting point for canal tours. Many pass by the famous Little Mermaid sculpture, the city’s most popular landmark. Exploring the city from the water gives you a whole new perspective. After the tour, head over to Kastellet and Amalienborg Palace. I love Copenhagen’s Scandinavian vibe – the historic buildings and the simple, minimalist Scandinavian design style appeal to me.

2 PM: Lunch at Reffen Street Food Market

For a quick lunch, I recommend Reffen Street Food Market. Across the water, this market offers international and Danish cuisine. I always look forward to Danish classics like hot dogs or soft-serve ice cream with chocolate coating.

3 PM: Strolling Through Colorful Christiania

The next stop may not be a hidden gem, but it’s a must-visit on any Copenhagen trip: the Free Town of Christiania. This autonomous community was founded in 1971 and is known for its residents’ free lifestyle. Many have built their own homes, and most of the buildings are colorfully painted. It’s fun to wander through the small galleries and workshops.

4 PM: Time for a Cinnamon Bun

By now, I’m probably hungry again. Back in the city center, I treat myself to a delicious cinnamon bun with coffee. They’re tasty everywhere, but Hart Bageri near the Marble Church has especially good ones. If you’re up for more exploring, a walk through the Botanical Garden is worthwhile. Even on rainy days, the greenhouses from 1874 are impressive.

5 PM: Overlooking the City from the Round Tower

When I travel, I love getting a bird’s-eye view of cities. The Round Tower offers a wonderful view of Copenhagen’s old town. To reach the top, you don’t have to climb endless stairs. Instead, a spiraling path winds its way up.

6:30 PM: Herring and Meatballs at Kronborg

Copenhagen doesn’t just offer inspiration in fashion and design; it’s a culinary hotspot too. The city is home to some world-famous Michelin-starred restaurants. I prefer something more down-to-earth and hearty, though. Kronborg serves delicious herring and meatballs. It’s also known for the traditional Danish open-faced sandwiches called smørrebrød.

8 PM: Twinkling Lights in Tivoli

Tivoli Gardens is beautiful at any time of day or year. In the evening, the amusement park in the city center lights up. The lake with a Chinese pagoda is particularly worth seeing. The lights glimmering on the water make for a magical experience. A stroll through the park is always a wonderful way to end the day.