Denmark Itinerary: 4 Days in Copenhagen
- Emily Anne
- 7 hours ago
- 8 min read
SUMMARY
Copenhagen quickly became not only one of my favorite cities in Europe but one of my favorite cities we've ever visited. Its easygoing vibe, endless bike lanes, water views, and laid-back locals made me wish we could pack up our lives and move there indefinitely! We biked from canal-front cafés to colorful neighborhoods, enjoying great food and endless outdoor activities. This itinerary for 4 days in Copenhagen is perfect for travelers who want to explore the city actively but still take time to enjoy a cinnamon bun by the water.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Copenhagen Itinerary: 4 Days in My Favorite European City
Copenhagen is at the top of my list of favorite big cities we've visited! I loved it so much that I found myself wishing we could live there. We visited in early September, and the weather was perfect. It's incredibly bikeable, with bike lanes all throughout the city, which was our primary mode of transportation during our visit. Exploring the city via bike, surrounded by beautiful water views, was one of my favorite parts! The amount of outdoor hangout spots by the water was also a dream.
DAY 1: NYHAVN, CANAL BOAT TOUR, & STROGET
Nyhavn Neighborhood
The historic harbor of Nyhavn dates back to the 17th century and was once a busy commercial port filled with ships and sailors. Today, it's lined with brightly colored buildings that house cafés, bars, and restaurants. It's bustling with energy, especially in the warmer months when people gather outside along the waterfront. Visiting Nyhavn is an iconic Copenhagen experience, whether you're there for a quick stroll or to enjoy a drink or meal along the canal.
Lunch at Restaurant Havfruen
Set along the waterfront, Restaurant Havfruen is known for its seafood-forward menu and casual yet refined vibe. The classic smørrebrød, paired with crisp white wine and the views of the harbor boats, make it a perfect lunch stop.
Hey Captain Canal Tour
Hey Captain offers small boat tours (with a max of 12 guests) of the Copenhagen canals. It's more relaxed than the larger tour boats and gives you a chance to ask questions and get tips for your visit. They offer complimentary drinks onboard while you pass under low bridges, by the Opera House, and even catch a view of the famous Little Mermaid statue. The tour starts at Ofelia Plads, a short walk from Nyhavn, and costs around 280-350 DKK per person (about $40-$50 USD), depending on the time and type of tour.
Stroget
Stretching from City Hall Square to Kongens Nytorv, Stroget is Europe's longest pedestrian street and a hub for shopping and cafés! Aside from chain stores, you'll find Danish design shops and tucked-away gems.
Studio Arhoj: This was one of my favorite shops we found in Copenhagen. Studio Arhoj specializes in colorful, handmade ceramics, everything from mugs and vases to tiny ghosts that make great souvenirs. The pieces feel personal and playful, and the shop itself is a delight to browse. I picked up a mug and a handblown glass magnet, and they bring me joy on the daily.
Coffee Collective Bernikow: We stopped here for a break from walking Stroget, and it ended up being one of the best coffees I had in Denmark. The café is sleek and modern, but the service was warm and friendly. They have a few locations around the city—Bernikow is one of their downtown outposts and is perfect for refueling mid-shopping or people-watching near the square.
Museum of Illusions: This spot is admittedly a little touristy, but it's also fun, especially if you're traveling with kids or just want something lighthearted. The rooms are full of optical illusions, trippy mirrors, and visual puzzles. We laughed a lot, took some silly photos, and it ended up being a surprisingly entertaining stop on our walk through the city center. It's located just off Stroget, making it an easy detour while exploring the pedestrian zone.
Dinner & Drinks at Kayak Bar
Kayak Bar sits under a bridge near the Parliament building and has tables floating on docks with fairy lights strung overhead. The vibe is casual and fun, with people drinking beer in bathing suits after a swim. We ordered burgers and fries, kicked back by the water, and enjoyed watching the sun dip behind the skyline.
DAY 2: JUNO THE BAKERY, NEIGHBORHOOD WANDERS, & UNDERGROUND ART
Juno the Bakery
Located in the Østerbro neighborhood, Juno is beloved for good reason. Their cardamom buns are buttery, flaky, and perfectly spiced, but they're just one highlight of the menu. You'll also find cinnamon swirls, savory croissants with cheese and ham, and a rotation of seasonal pastries that showcase fresh fruit and herbs. Everything is made in-house with top-quality ingredients, and the attention to detail shows. These treats are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, ideally with a coffee in hand on a nearby bench. Juno is a popular spot with locals and tourists, so expect a line, but it moves quickly, and it's well worth the wait.
Superkilen Park
Superkilen is part park, part art installation. It was created as a collaboration between architects and artists to reflect the multicultural makeup of the neighborhood. It's divided into three zones: the Red Square for sports, the Black Market with its bold geometric tiles, and the Green Park, which is more traditional. It's a cool place to hang out and take some fun photos.
Stefansgade + Jaegersborggade
These adjoining streets are full of energy and packed with unique finds. On Jaegersborggade, we wandered through indie boutiques with thoughtfully curated selections, from ceramics to natural skincare. The whole area had a relaxed, creative feel, with colorful buildings, plenty of people chatting at sidewalk tables and just enough buzz to make it feel like something was always waiting to be discovered around the corner.
The Cisterns (Cisternerne)
Beneath the hill in Søndermarken Park lies The Cisterns, or Cisternerne, a former subterranean water reservoir that has been transformed into a moody, atmospheric art museum. Originally built in the mid-19th century to supply drinking water to the city, the space was decommissioned in the 1930s and eventually repurposed as a venue for contemporary art installations. What makes it so unique is its raw, cave-like environment—dimly lit, echoing with dripping water, and filled with natural limestone formations from its years of use. When we visited, the featured exhibition explored the themes of light and shadow, using the cavernous setting to amplify the experience in haunting and beautiful ways. It's unlike any museum I've been to and offers an entirely different perspective on how art and environment can interact.
Dinner at Mikkeller Warpigs Brewpub
This brewpub is a collaboration between Mikkeller and an American BBQ pitmaster. The industrial space is packed with long communal tables and the smell of smoked brisket. We had pork shoulder, pickles, and one of their rotating IPAs. The atmosphere is buzzy and lively.
DAY 3: STREET FOOD & COPENHAGEN'S RAD OUTDOOR SPORTS SCENE
Lunch at Broens Street Food
This spot is popular with locals and tourists alike for a quick and delicious meal. Food trucks line the plaza with offerings like bao buns, Korean BBQ, and vegan bowls. We went with tacos and sat by the water, watching the boats go by.
CopenHill
CopenHill is one of the more unique spots we visited in Copenhagen. It's an active energy plant that doubles as an artificial ski slope. We somewhat impulsively decided to rent skis despite having no prior experience. It turned into a hilarious, humbling afternoon spent sliding (and falling) down the slippery surface. For those not keen on skiing or snowboarding, you can head straight to the rooftop for drinks and panoramic views of the city, or check out the climbing wall and walking trail that winds its way up the side of the slope. Either way, it's worth a visit to see how the city has creatively reimagined this industrial space.
Copenhagen Cablepark
Just across the water from CopenHill, the Copenhagen Cable Park lets you wakeboard while being pulled by an overhead cable system. It's definitely for the more adventurous but fun to watch, even if you don't try it. The cost to try it yourself is around 200 DKK (about $30 USD) for an hour, including gear rental. Next time, we'll come prepared with swimsuits and give it a shot!
Refshaleøen & Reffen
Reffen is an outdoor food market made from repurposed shipping containers in the Refshaleøen district. The vibe is casual, creative, and totally Copenhagen, with food stands serving everything from Indian curries to Danish hotdogs, wood-fired pizza, fresh falafel, sushi, and plant-based desserts (there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options). When we visited, we grabbed beers from the Mikkeller Brewery and found a table by the water just as the sun started to dip. The area also includes craft stalls, communal seating with views of the water, and often has live music or DJs playing. It's the kind of place where you could easily spend a few hours just soaking in the scene and enjoying good beer and food.
Dinner at La Banchina
La Banchina is part sauna, part wine bar/restaurant, and fully charming. It's walk-up only and very casual, but the food is fresh and flavorful. Think grilled fish, sourdough bread, and seasonal veggies. It's right on the water with lounge chairs for soaking in the view.
DAY 4: GARDENS, MARKETS, & TIVOLI MAGIC
King's Garden & Botanical Garden
We started the day at Rosenborg Castle's King's Garden. Just a short walk away, the Botanical Garden offered a peaceful retreat from the busier parts of the city. The grounds are beautifully landscaped with winding paths, lush greenery, and a range of native and exotic plants. There's a fee to enter the Palm House and Butterfly House, but it's well worth it if you're into plants and butterflies!
Lunch at TorvehallerneKBH
This food hall is ideal for lunch grazing. You'll find open-faced sandwiches, tapas, sushi, and more. We shared smørrebrød and a rhubarb soda before picking up chocolate from Summerbird to bring home.
Tivoli Gardens
Tivoli Gardens is one of the oldest amusement parks in the world, dating back to 1843. The park is full of vintage rides, glowing lanterns, charming gardens, and a small lake with paddle boats. At night, thousands of lights twinkle throughout the grounds. Beyond the rides, you'll also find live performances, arcade games, and even a concert hall. It's worth a visit if you enjoy amusement parks!
Dinner at Bento
Bento is a hidden gem Japanese restaurant just a short walk from Tivoli Gardens. Tucked off a quieter street, it has an unassuming exterior but a warm, welcoming atmosphere inside. We had the shrimp tempura bento box and tonkatsu pork, and both were delicious. It was the comforting, satisfying meal we were looking for after a full day of exploring. We highly recommend it if you're in the area and craving something hearty and delicious!
WHERE TO STAY
Villa Copenhagen
Villa Copenhagen is housed in a former post office near the train station and has been beautifully reimagined as a design-forward boutique hotel. The rooms are modern but warm, with great views and super comfy beds. The breakfast buffet was the best we had on our trip, and maybe ever. It was an incredible spread of Danish pastries, fresh juices, various meats, smoked fish, cheeses, and made-to-order omelets. It's also part of the Fine Hotels + Resorts collection with Amex, so you can take advantage of early check-in, late checkout, and food credits if you're a cardholder. For my full list of the best places to stay in Copenhagen, click here!
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