How to spend 48 hours in Denmark’s capital city, Copenhagen.
When considering a city break in Scandinavia, few places are more attractive than Copenhagen. More than most places, Copenhagen is a name totally synonymous with modern Scandinavian lifestyle.
Known as the birthplace of hygge, the Danish capital city is packed with historic landmarks and museums, interesting architectural features, canalside cafes, family-focused attractions and world-class dining.
Perhaps you are curious about Denmark’s status as one of the happiest places on earth? Many people visit looking to uncover more about that. Others want to lean more about the time of the Vikings. While some, they simply choose Copenhagen based on the availability of cheap flights!
To experience everything Copenhagen and its surroundings have to offer, you should really allow from four days up to a whole week. But being as most people visit the Danish capital on a weekend break, we’ve cut to the chase in this story.
So wether you’re on a quick city break or stopping off in Copenhagen as part of a much longer Nordic itinerary, here is how to make the most of your 48 hours in this stylish city.
From the airport to the city
Assuming you are flying in to Copenhagen Airport, it’s relatively quick and easy to travel to the city centre. You absolutely don’t need a car in Copenhagen. Like most Scandinavian cities, driving is tricky and parking expensive.
Instead, Copenhagen’s efficient public transport system will take you to wherever you need to go from the airport. Regular trains or the metro are available depending on your ultimate destination. Both run from terminal 3.
If you are staying near Copenhagen Central Station, take the 15-minute train journey. Expect train departures every 10 minutes during the day and 20 minutes during the evening.
If you are going to Kongens Nytorv, Nørreport or the cruise terminal, take the metro instead. It takes just 13 minutes to Kongens Nytorv station, from where you can change on to the new circular metro line that serves many places in the city centre.
I only recommend a taxi for larger groups and families. It will take around 20-30 minutes to get to the city centre and cost around DKK 300-350. Many hotels offer fixed price taxi deals, so check before you travel if you intend to take a cab.
Day one: orientation and the basics
When arriving in a new city, it’s tempting to rush out and see as much as you possibly can. But I suggest taking some time to get to know the city on the first day. In Copenhagen, the best way to achieve this is on a bike.
A cycle tour
It’s impossible to miss the dominance of cycling in Copenhagen. Step out of the Central Station building and you’ll see an almost endless ocean of bicycles used by commuters.
So what better way to get to know Danish culture than by doing as the locals do and get around on two wheels? A bicycle tour is especially useful on the first morning to orient yourself and pick out highlights you may wish to explore more fully later in your visit.
Many locals own their own bicycles. But as plenty of tourists visit the city, there are several rental companies you can use.
For example, Bike Copenhagen offers 2-hour guided tours. Prefer to explore on your own? Half-day or full-day rentals are also available. Some companies offer bikes with add-ons for children.
The National Museum
Once you’ve oriented yourself on two wheels, it’s time to get some context on the city. There’s no better place to do that than at National Museum of Denmark, which provides an overview of Danish history.
Of course, the Viking Age plays a starring role. Highlights include the legendary Viking ship Roskilde 6, the treasure collection Fæstedskatten and a modern, cinematic story of everyday life from the time.
Another unexpected highlight is the refreshingly honest look at Danish colonialism together with a big collection of artwork from the Middle Ages and Renaissance era.
Design Museum
While the National Museum takes a deep dive into history, the Design Museum takes a look at the popularity of contemporary Danish design and its global impact.
From the Golden Age of design and craftsmanship to today’s handicrafts and industrial design, exhibits frequently change so there is always something new to see. The museum is a must for fans of Scandinavian furniture and Nordic design principles.
Day two: castles and gardens
On the second day, I recommend experiencing some of the beautiful gardens and historic castles that the Danish capital is known for.
You won’t have time to get to all of these, so don’t try and rush. Instead, pick one favourite and spend more time there. You’ll get far more out of the experience by doing that than by rushing around between two or more places.
Rosenborg Castle
It might not look like it from this photograph, but Rosenborg Castle is located in central Copenhagen. Surrounded by parkland, it’s a wonderful spot to dive into some history or simply relax.
Art, crown jewels and other Royal family treasures are housed within this impressive building. It was originally built as a summer house in the early 17th century for King Christian IV.
The formal gardens in front of the castle and nearby Botanical Gardens are worth a stroll if the weather is on your side, as is the nearby citadel known as Kastellet.
Frederiksberg Palace
Located west of downtown, this marvellous Baroque residence served as the Royal family’s summer residence until the mid-19th century. Recently restored, the palace is today home to the Royal Danish Military Academy while the formal gardens are a star attraction in the city.
Unfortunately, guided tours of the impressive palace rooms are infrequent. However, the stunning lakes, canals and shrubbery of the English-style gardens are always open during daylight hours.
On a sunny day, it’s one of the most popular places to hang out in Copenhagen. If you visit, be sure not to miss the Chinese Pavilion and the Temple of Apis.
Tivoli Gardens
This traditional amusement park and pleasure gardens is a perennial family favourite for generations of Danes. Tivoli Gardens is at the very heart of Copenhagen and one of the world’s oldest theme parks. Despite its age, there are plenty of modern rides to complement the traditional feel of the gardens.
A must-visit if you are traveling with kids, the park’s pricing concept means it’s an attractive option no matter how long you want to stay. You pay an entrance fee to the park but all rides and attractions are extra.
Many locals buy a season pass and simply come to Tivoli for an evening stroll or two eat in one of the many restaurants. Even if you’re not a fan of theme park rides, the gardens themselves are a pleasurable way to spend some time.
Note that the park’s main opening season is during the summer. It also has shorter opening periods around Halloween and in the run-up to Christmas.
Where to stay and eat in Copenhagen
Scandinavia is known for its high prices and Copenhagen is no exception. However, it’s possible to find accommodation and dining options at both ends of the scale.
With an astonishing 15 Michelin star restaurants, Copenhagen is the culinary capital of Scandinavia. Advance booking is essential to secure a table, with waiting lists many months long for the best.
For a more down-to-earth experience, head to the meatpacking district in Vesterbro, just a short walk from the Central Station and Tivoli Gardens. As long as you are a meat-eater, that is.
Here you can enjoy Texas-style barbecue and craft beers at the WarPigs brewpub, tasting plates at the trendy butcher-restaurant Fleisch, or good value homemade burgers at Tommi’s Burger Joint.
There is no shortage of luxury accommodation in the downtown area. For the best view of the canal district, the historic, elegant 71 Nyhavn is hard to beat. If you’re watching your wallet, consider a small room at Wakeup Copenhagen.
For something a bit different, how about sleeping on the water? CPH Living is a German-built barge extended in Poland and Estonia before becoming a barge permanently moored in Copenhagen. The 12 rooms are simply adorned with wooden floors, Scandi furniture, and fantastic views.
What’s your favourite way to spend a weekend in Copenhagen? Let us know in the comments.