4 DAYS IN COPENHAGEN ITINERARY: A PERFECT TRAVEL GUIDE FOR FIRST TIMERS!

WONDERING HOW TO SPEND A MAGICAL 4 DAYS IN COPENHAGEN?

Wow. New favourite place: unlocked! We’ve just spent a magical 4 days in Copenhagen with our young son, and fell deeply in love with this vibrant, effortlessly cool, “full to the brim with bikes” design hub of a city!!

Here’s the itinerary we followed, tweaked slightly to make perfect for you based on what we learnt.

On each day, we’ve batched together attractions in close proximity to one another. Feel free to move around the order of Day 1, 2, 3 or 4 to suit you. You ready? Let’s go!

Planning your trip to Copenhagen?
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Psst! Book Manon Les Suites for a 5* oasis stay in the city!

🎟️ Viator.com ↗ to book unforgettable tours, from canal cruises to cycling.
🛡️ Staysure ↗ for easy, reliable travel insurance (UK travellers only).

4 DAYS IN COPENHAGEN ITINERARY:

DAY 1: ARRIVAL & NYHAVN HARBOUR

ARRIVE INTO COPENHAGEN AIRPORT
Fly into Copenhagen International Airport (CPH) ideally in the morning or early afternoon.

Hop on the convenient and budget-friendly Metro, taking just 15 minutes to get from the airport to the city.
Read our Copenhagen Airport to the city guide ↗

The main Metro platform outside at Copenhagen Airport. — Pictured: The metro stop at Copenhagen Airport. Don’t miss our **Copenhagen Airport to the city by metro** step-by-step guide.

Get yourself settled in your accommodation and have a cuppa / coffee break at your Copenhagen accommodation before heading out again to explore.

© All photography copyrights reserved by WIDE Hotel.

WHERE WE STAYED IN COPENHAGEN 💤
WIDE Hotel ↗ – Effortlessly chic 4* hotel, in a 5* location. Choose the Deluxe Double Room.

Few minutes walk from Tivoli Gardens, the Rådhuspladsen Metro station and multiple supermarkets. Highly recommend a stay here!

👉🏼 Book your stay here (free cancellation) ↗

NYHAVN HARBOUR
Nyhavn – aka Copenhagen’s most visited hotspot! What better way to kick off your 4 days in Copenhagen.

A front on photograph of Copenhagen's infamously colourful Nyhavn Harbour, with blue sky in the background and boats docked. This is one of the first things to do on our 3 days in Copenhagen itinerary! — Copenhagen’s infamously colourful Nyhavn Harbour buildings.
Photograph taken by Jordie.

Literally translating to “New Harbour”, Nyhavn is postcard perfect, renowned for vibrant townhouses lining the long canal. This lively stretch is brimming with cosy cafés, bars and notable restaurants that spill out onto the cobbles.

Head out to get your bearings of Copenhagen by ticking this bucket list destination off first!

Want to hang around a bit longer? Grab some food or drink from one of the waterfront cafés and watch the hustle and bustle. They’re pretty pricey here, but worth it.

Our little family looking away at Copenhagen's famous Nyhavn Harbour, one of the best places we visited on our 4 days in Copenhagen itinerary! — Obligatory family snap at Nyhavn!

DAY 2: THE HAPPINESS MUSEUM, CANAL CRUISE & TIVOLI GARDENS

THE HAPPINESS MUSEUM
Did you know Denmark is one of the happiest places on Earth? Get ready for an injection of positivity at The Happiness Museum this morning!

Created by The Happiness Research Institute, this small but mighty museum energetically explores into the concept of happiness, well-being and quality of life around the world.

At the back, there’s a small room absolutely bursting with colourful Post-it notes, covering everything from the walls to the ceiling. Each one shares a happy memory from past visitors, and it’s so heartwarming reading through them all.

Before you leave, it’s your turn to make someone smile 😊 Grab a pen, scribble down what makes you happiest and pop it on a spare spot on the wall (well, if you can find one!!) 🤣

💡 The Happiness Museum is open 11am-6pm Wednesday to Sunday only. It is closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

Feel uplifted and inspired by adding a visit to the Happiness Museum on your Copenhagen itinerary! The best part is the room full of post-it notes where past visitors have written what makes them feel the happiest! (pictured) — You can’t help but feel uplifted after a visit to The Happiness Museum’s Post-It room. *Photo by Jordie.*

HEY CAPTAIN CANAL CRUISE
Instead of joining a bog standard canal tour, book yourself onto Hey Captain’s #1 rated Social Sailing Copenhagen Canal Tour ↗. The meeting point is just behind Nyhavn Harbour, a 16 minute walk from The Happiness Museum.

Recommended by 96% of travellers, this small-group tour focuses on hidden gems and local spots not usually covered on mainstream tours, with a big emphasis on creating a fun, social atmosphere along the way.

Tours depart daily at 1pm. The linked “Hidden Gems” tour lasts around 2 hours, though there’s also a shorter 1 hour “Landmarks” tour option available.

This tour normally sells out 48 days in advance on average. Secure your spot with free cancellation here ↗

© All photo copyrights reserved and owned by Hey Captain DK.

TIVOLI GARDENS
Spend the afternoon and evening where the real magic of Copenhagen lies: Tivoli Gardens. Opened in 1843, this whimsical amusement park is an eclectic mix of fairground rides, live performances, open-air food stalls and family fun.

💡 It’s around a 30 minute walk from Hey Captain Cruises, or just 2 metro stops away (roughly 5 minutes).

We highly recommend visiting Tivoli Gardens in October for Halloween! It was so fun and they go ALL out with the theme, it was a top highlight on our 3 to 4 days in Copenhagen itinerary. — Watching a Danish live stage performance at Tivoli.

Though Tivoli is great to visit at any time of year, if you can, try to go during one of their four themed seasons: Summer, Halloween, Christmas or Easter.

You know there’s always that one house in the neighbourhood that goes all out pimping their house with decorations? A themed Tivoli Gardens is that house 😅

They fully commit to every season, making the whole experience feel even more magical.

We visited during Halloween in October and absolutely loved it!! Think giant – and I mean giant – pumpkins, spooky decorations, Danish open-air performances, real-life witches roaming the gardens, warm mulled wine (“Gløgg”) and impressive light projections dancing across Tivoli Lake.

Wandering the whimsical and quirky streets of Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen — Wandering the whimsical, quirky streets of Tivoli Gardens. This was quite early in the day just after it opened, hence why it’s so quiet!!

💡Fun fact! A visit to Tivoli Gardens actually inspired Walt Disney to create his very own theme park: Disneyland.

BUYING TIVOLI GARDENS TICKETS
All tickets are valid for your selected date only, but you can leave and re-enter the park as many times as you like on that day. Just remember to get a hand stamp from staff before exiting. There are two main ticket types to choose from:

Entrance Pass – the cheapest option, ideal if you just want to soak up the atmosphere and not go on rides.
Entrance + Ride Pass – costs more upfront, but works out far better value if you plan to go on rides. Otherwise, expect to pay around £5 to £6 per ride 😵‍💫 (“Alexa, play Scandalous by Mis-Teeq”!!)

💡 Read our full Tivoli Gardens at Halloween guide ↗

My favourite thing about visiting Tivoli Gardens in October for Halloween was their "firefly" installation (pictured). It was so beautiful! — The “Firefly” installation was one of my favourite things to see at Tivoli. This was a limited-time installation for the Halloween themed season.

DAY 3: KALVEBOD BØLGE, TOWER CLIMB, FREETOWN CHRISTIANA & CANAL WALK TO OPERAEN

KALVEBOD BØLGE
Start this morning at Kalvebod Bølge, a striking wooden waterfront promenade / urban social space that’s injected vibrant energy into a once fully corporate business district.

“Bølge” means wave in Danish, which makes sense the second you see its dramatic curving design dipping up and down over the water. I mean, it’s even got a kayak slide!! 😅

Jordie walking along Kalvebod Bølge in Copenhagen. — Walking up to Kalvebod Bølge. *Photo by Liam.*

Kalvebod Bølge is an urban wooden promenade come social space, injecting new life into Copenhagens once "boring" business district! Pictured and photograph taken by Jordie. — Any guesses what you can do here? 😉 *Photo by Jordie.*

In Summer, Kalvebod Bølge is absolutely buzzing with electric energy! The air filled with chatter, from groups of friends sunbathing in any spot they can find or excitable squeals from those brave enough to get in the water!

In winter? Bit quieter, though you’ll still see some very brave Danes plunging into the icy harbour waters before work 🥶

If you taking the plunge (sorry 😅..), just bring your costume and towel. The designated swimming area is around here:

OPTIONAL: FLOATING SAUNA
Right next door to the designated swimming zone is a floating 12 person sauna. Usually it’s paying members only, though there is limited public access at certain times of year:

Wednesdays: 9am–11am & 3pm–9pm
Saturdays & Sundays: 11am–3pm

They typically pause public access during peak summer and re-open again in autumn.

💡 You’ll need to book online in advance.

Oh FYI – If you’re awkwardly British like me, know the Danes are very comfortable with baring all, even in the city. 😅🍑

Pictured: The floating sauna at Kalvebod Bølge. While typically members only, it is open for paid guests during certain times of the year. Photograph taken by Jordie. — Floating sauna at Kalvebod Bølge, right next to the safe open-water swimming area mentioned above. *Photo by Jordie.*

CHURCH OF OUR SAVIOUR: THE SPIRAL TOWER CLIMB
For jaw-dropping 360° views over Copenhagen, there’s no better spot than the Spiral Tower Climb at the Church of Our Saviour, around a 20 minute walk from Kalvebod Bølge.

Let’s call it a ‘Church with a twist’. Quite literally.

The final 150 steps to the top (out of roughly 400) are outside, tightly winding around the church’s 95m high spire as it tightly coils all the way to the top.

The view looking up at the Spiral Tower of the Church of our Saviour in central Copenhagen, one of the best ways to see Copenhagen from above on your 3 days in Copenhagen itinerary! — Looking up at the Spiral Tower from the ground. *Photo by Jordie.*

The incredible city views you see from the top of the Church of our Saviour spiral tower climb in Copenhagen, Liam's top highlight during our 3 days in Copenhagen itinerary! Photograph taken by Liam. — The INSANE city views you see from the top of the Church of our Saviour spiral tower climb in Copenhagen (looking back). *Photo by Liam.*

Hands up, I was too 🐔 to do it, but Liam said it was one of his favourite experiences from our whole 4 days in Copenhagen!

💡 This is one of Copenhagen’s most popular attractions, so definitely pre-book your time slot in advance.

💡 If you get bad vertigo, just know the staircase becomes pretty narrow and exposed near the very top.

Definitely pre-book your Church of our Saviour Spiral Tower climb time slot, otherwise you might be met with these boards outside! Photograph taken by Jordie. — Pre-book your Spiral Tower climb, otherwise you might be met with these “we’re fully booked” boards outside! *Photo by Jordie.*

The internal staircase whilst climbing the Spiral Tower of the Church of our Saviour can get very tight! (Pictured) Photograph taken by Liam. — The staircase inside (before the Spiral) is also pretty narrow. *Photo by Liam.*

FREETOWN CHRISTIANA (PASS THROUGH)
Just a 3 minute walk from the church is Freetown Christiania, Copenhagen’s famous self-declared “independent” hippie neighbourhood.

One of the quirkiest places to add to your 3 to 4 days in Copenhagen itinerary is Freetown Christiana, a self-declared free nation in Copenhagen. Photograph taken by Liam. — Freetown Christiana is certainly “edgy”, but also bold, bright and beautiful. Photograph taken by Liam.

Our favourite of Freetown Christiana's eclectic sights - giant street art wall with troll statue. Certainly makes an impact as you arrive! Photograph taken by Jordie. — Our favourite of Christiana’s eclectic sights – giant street art wall with troll statue. Certainly makes an impact as you arrive!

This once-abandoned military base has been home to a free-spirited community of bohemian creatives and counter-culture activists since the 1970s, living by their own rules (and even flying their own flag)!

It’s definitely worth passing through to see the colourful murals, eclectic details and alternative atmosphere.

Christiania has long been controversial for its open cannabis trade, and while we felt perfectly safe walking around, it definitely had a bit of an “edge” to it. 😅

In Christiana you can find little shops and cafes too in the once derelict buildings, brought back to life by its residents. Photograph taken by Jordie. — In Christiana you can find little shops and cafes too in the once derelict buildings, brought back to life by its residents. *Photo by Jordie.*

Freetown Christiana is certainly "edgy", but also bold, bright and beautiful. Photograph taken by Liam. — There’s art, slogans and creativity everywhere – even carved into the tree trunks!

CHRISTIANHAVN CANAL WALK UP TO OPERAEN
Brace yourself. Just a stone’s throw from Christiania is, in our opinion, the most picturesque part of Copenhagen. Big claim, I know 🫢

Stumbling across it by accident, this short waterfront walk towards the Royal Opera House (“Operaen”) is just stunning.

This short section along walking along the canal up to the Operaen in Christianhavn is the MOST picturesque area we saw during our 3 days in Copenhagen itinerary. The architecture and setting was absolutely beautiful. Photograph taken by Jordie. — You can’t beat sunset along this short waterfront walk to Operaen. *Photo by Jordie.*

Along this waterfront walk (connected by 3-way butterfly bridges), you’ll spot bold harbour-front buildings with constantly changing architecture, nautical eateries and cafés and cool social spots. Around late afternoon / sunset is when this place is just *chefs kiss*.

Feeling thirsty? Once you reach Operaen, head up to the minimalist café on Level 1 for a coffee with beautiful waterfront views across the harbour.

Liam and little man enjoying the river views from Level 1 of the Operaen in Copenhagen's minimalist café. — Level 1 cafe in Operaen, Copenhagen. *Photo by Jordie.*

DAY 4: AMALIENBORG PALACE, FREDERIKSBERG HAVE (ELEPHANTS!) & TROPICAL SPA

AMALEINBORG PALACE (CHANGE OF THE GUARD)
The Change of the Guard at Amalienborg Palace – home of the Danish Royal Family – is a long-standing tradition that takes place daily at 12pm, performed by the Royal Life Guards in their iconic uniforms.

The ceremony itself only lasts around 15 to 20 minutes, but it’s a really cool thing to see in Copenhagen. It’s popular too, so try to arrive by around 11.45am for a decent viewing spot.

💡If you wanted the full experience, head to Rosenborg Castle first around 11.30am actually see the guards begin their march through Copenhagen up to Amalienborg Palace.

The Royal Guard performance of the daily "Change of the Guard" ceremony at Amalienborg Palace, where the Danish Royal Family live. This was a super interesting thing to do during our Copenhagen itinerary! Photograph taken by Jordie. — The “Change of the Guard” ceremony at Amalienborg Palace, where the Danish Royal Family live. *Photo taken by Jordie.*

Little man woke from his nap to the sound of the marching band! The life of a travelling 8 month old, hey? 🤣

FREDERIKSBERG HAVE (GARDENS)
Once finished, from Amalienborg Palace walk 5 minutes to Marmorkirken metro station.

Jump on the red M3 line for 6 stops to Frederiksberg Allé, before a quick 8 minute walk to Frederiksberg Have (“Gardens”), which in our opinion is Copenhagen’s most idyllic park! Metro route here.

Once the landscaped gardens of Frederiksberg Palace, it’s now a beautiful public green space for everyone to enjoy.

The stunning scenery in Frederiksberg Have, a free public green space in Copenhagen spanning over 64 hectares. — A taste of the scenery you’ll get as soon as you enter the park. Just up that hill to the right is the former Palace. *Photo by Jordie.*

The stunning woodland walk scenery in Frederiksberg Have, a free public green space in Copenhagen spanning over 64 hectares. — Lose yourself in the delightful woodland pathways as you explore Frederiksberg Have. *Photo by Jordie.*

There’s 64 hectares full of stunning woodland pathways, lakes, streams and romantic picnic lawns. We even spotted our first red squirrel here, I literally shrieked with delight 🐿

Jordie and little man in Frederiksberg Have, Copenhagen's most stunning green space you have to add to your Copenhagen itinerary! — Jordie and little man. This gorgeous view across the lake is taken up near the former Palace.

Frederiksberg Have in Copenhagen is a haven for fluffy red squirrels (pictured). If you're lucky like us, you may even spot one walking around! Photograph taken by Jordie. — Keep your eyes peeled, Frederiksberg Have is a haven for fluffy red squirrels!

DON’T MISS THE ELEPHANTS!
The best part? There’s a viewpoint (located here) where you get brilliant up-close views straight into Copenhagen Zoo’s elephant enclosure, for free!

We caught the elephants being fed, which little man absolutely loved 🥹 Take a look:

In Frederiksberg Have (Gardens), there's a designated lookout to see Copenhagen Zoo's elephants enclosure for free! We saw the elephants getting fed, which was a fun surprise for our Copenhagen itinerary! Photograph taken by Jordie. — In Frederiksberg Have, head to this viewpoint where you can clearly see Copenhagen Zoo’s Elephant enclosure, for free! *Photo by Jordie.*

💡Top Tip: If you walk back into the city from Frederiksberg Have, pass by Central Hotel & Café on the way. Officially recognised as the “world’s smallest hotel”, it has just one cosy room above a lovely little café serving highly rated coffee and croissants.

Walking to Frederiksberg Have, pass-by the Central Hotel & Café on route (pictured). It is officially the smallest hotel in the world, hosting just one cosy and traditional room! — Pass-by the Hotel Central & Café, the “smallest hotel in the world” hosting just one cosy bedroom above the café!

MANON LES SUITES: SPA AFTERNOON
If you’re not familiar with Copenhagen’s hotel sensation, Manon Les Suites, this photo says it all (cue mic-drop 🎤):

© All photography copyrights reserved and owned by Manon Les Suites.

Yes, believe it or not, this 5 star tropical oasis is right in the heart of Copenhagen.

End your 4 days in the city by unwinding in their Balinese-inspired “Jungle Fish” indoor pool, alongside a steam room, sauna and relaxing lounge spaces.

💡 Hotel guests get unlimited spa access included. Book a stay at Manon Les Suites here ↗

💡 Not a hotel guest? No worries! You can directly book a 4 hour Spa Day Pass instead. For this itinerary, a later 4pm or 5pm slot works perfectly after Frederiksberg Have.

OTHER TOP PLACES TO STAY IN COPENHAGEN

MANON LES SUITES
(Adults only – 15 years+)

5-star oasis in the heart of Copenhagen.
Unlimited access to tropical Balinese-inspired “Jungle Fish” indoor swimming pool for guests.
Adults only (why we couldn’t stay there – boo)
Actually very close to WIDE Hotel, just 500 metre walk further up. So you’d still be pretty close to Metro, supermarkets and Tivoli !

Book your stay at Manon Les Suites ↗

© All photography copyrights reserved by Bryggen Guldsmeden.

BRYGGEN GULDSMEDEN
(Same hotel chain, family-friendly option)

4* family-friendly “Urban Eco Resort”
Outdoor heated swimming pool
Warm, colourful “Balinese” atmosphere
Located slightly out of inner city, but extremely close to immediate Metro links. Nearest metro stop is Islands Brygge.

Book your stay at Bryggen Guldsmeden ↗

VILLA COPENHAGEN
(5* luxe hotel in historic building)

Large infinity rooftop pool and sauna with panoramic city views.
Right next to the main København train station.
3-minute walk from Tivoli Gardens.
Oozes traditional style with modern feel.

Book your stay at Villa Copenhagen ↗

GETTING AROUND COPENHAGEN CENTRE

IS COPENHAGEN A WALKABLE CITY?

Yes, Copenhagen is a very walkable city and it is very easy to get to most key sights and attractions on foot. To be honest, we much preferred walking everywhere to not miss a single moment of magic or quirky corner!

Pictured: We preferred walking everywhere so we didn’t miss any little moments or quirky corners! Photograph taken by Jordie.

There’s SO many fresh flower shops & stalls in Copenhagen! Photograph taken by Jordie.

CAN I BIKE AROUND COPENHAGEN?

Yes, Copenhagen is one of the most bicycle friendly cities in the world! We can attest to that, they were everywhere!! The extensive infrastructure and bicycle lanes all round the city make it one of the best places to explore by bike.

CAN YOU GET AROUND COPENHAGEN WITHOUT A CAR?

Yes, you can absolutely get around Copenhagen without a car. In fact, some of the inner city roads were like 6/7 lanes and looked pretty daunting!!

Copenhagen is a very walkable city, though any attractions located slightly further out of the city are covered by either the Metro, public transport – or bike if you’re up for it!!

TOP TIPS FOR VISITING COPENHAGEN

Danish restaurants and bars are EXPENSIVE. We were also charged an extra surcharge for non-Danish credit cards too.
You’ll see 7-Eleven convenience stores dotted all round Copenhagen. They are well-designed and offer mainly healthy on-the-go food and the essential basics.
For larger shops, look out for Copenhagen’s Netto and Rema 1000 supermarkets.
The Danish are known for their mouth-watering pastries. Make sure you try one during your Copenhagen itinerary!
If you use the Metro and want to take a (rented) bike with you, you have to buy your bike a special ticket too.

CONCLUSION: 4 DAYS IN COPENHAGEN ITINERARY

And there you have it! The perfect 4 days in Copenhagen itinerary, jam-packed with only the good stuff and a perfect blueprint for first-time visitors.

This itinerary is fully adaptable, move our “set days” around to suit your preferences and what you’d like to see first, or to not miss anything.

For example, the Happiness Museum (Day 2) is closed Mondays and Tuesdays, so do this set day between Wednesday – Sunday only.

We’ve spread this itinerary across 4 days in Copenhagen, counting the Arrival day and Nyhavn as Day 1, so you can take it at a more leisurely pace and not rush through.

However, if you are tight on time, you could easily condense it down to full 3 days in Copenhagen instead.

We hope you found this itinerary super helpful. Copenhagen was such a pleasant surprise for us, we didn’t expect to LOVE it so much. Please do get in touch if you follow this guide, we’d love to hear from you!! 😊

A photo of Jordie, the author of this specific blog post and owner of the wesbite.

This blog post was written by Jordie Flain!

Founder of TheFlainsTravel.com

A travel-obsessed Sagittarius creating honest, easy-to-follow guides. Powered by tea, chocolate and a slightly concerning amount of tomato ketchup.

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