Botanical Garden in Copenhagen

48 hours in Copenhagen

Photo: Daniel Rasmussen

Are you only spending two days in Copenhagen? The city has loads to offer and we have selected some of our favourite places you can explore in 48 hours. 

Day 1 

Morning - Do some sightseeing 

Start the morning with top quality specialty coffee and one of the best freshly baked morning buns with butter and cheese. 

Join a bike tour or a walking tour with Green Bike Tours. Their Sustainable Walking Tour in Cool Copenhagen takes place around the old city centre, with visits to classical highlights and hidden gems, so you have the chance to explore the top attractions and learn about the green Copenhagen.  

Head towards Amalienborg Palace, the official residence of the Danish Royal Family. The changing of the Royal guards takes place in front of Amalienborg Palace every day at 12 noon. 

Lunch - The typical Danish way 

A truly Danish food experience that you can get at lunch time is the renowned smørrebrød (open faced sandwich). Invariably based on rye bread, smørrebrød can have an almost limitless number of different toppings, from herring, to raw beef, seafood and egg. 

Afternoon - Explore one of Copenhagen's many exciting neigbourhoods  

Nørrebrø - The melting pot of Copenhagen 
Walk cross Queen Louise's Bridge, which connects the historical city centre with the buzzing Nørrebro area. Make your way towards the Assistens Cemetery, the final resting place of famous Danes, like fairy tale writer Hans Christian Andersen and philosopher Søren Kierkegaard. Today the cemetery is one of local's favourite lush oasis in Nørrebro. Continue towards Superkilen Park, an open space filled with interesting objects from around the world, designed to celebrate diversity.  

Nordhavn - Copenhagen's newest sustainable waterfront area 
Nordhavn is almost a city within the city, and the sea-side vibes around here are hard to beat. Nordhavn is among the largest and most ambitious urban development projects in Northern Europe when it comes to sustainability. It is a hot spot for impressive architecture, design studios and new gastronomy. Enjoy a walk by the water, explore the public outdoor gym on the rooftop of a parking lot: Konditaget, get fascinated by modern design at Paustian or Menu Space, or go for a rooftop drink at The Silo.  The UN City is also located here and you can take a guided tour to see the impressive architecture of this building complex.  

Dinner - New Nordic kitchen 

The New Nordic kitchen in Copenhagen is characterised by its uniquely Nordic identity among the world’s greatest cuisines and by its commitment to organic, sustainable and local products. Try out the most unique locations to have dinner in Copenhagen, go for one of the hip and buzzing restaurants in Jægersborggade, or opt for one of the best new Nordic restaurants in town. 

Night out - The most vibrant nightlife in Scandinavia 

Try Danish microbrew at one of our beer bars, check out our fine cocktail bars, and go partying at the popular Meatpacking District. Need more options? Here is our take on going out in Copenhagen. 

  

Day 2

Morning - Museum hopping 

Explore Copenhagen’s museum district, Parkmuseerne, with 6 museums situated in and around three historical parks of the old town. If you want to learn more about internationally acclaimed Danish designers, visit Designmuseum. In case you are more interested in modern architecture, the Danish Architecture Centre hosts different temporary exhibitions all year around.  

Lunch - Copenhagen’s food markets 

Check out one of Copenhagen’s many food Markets e.g. the popular market Torvehallerne, the new Copenhagen Streetfood Reffen or The Bridge Street Kitchen

Afternoon - Alternative sightseeing 

See Copenhagen from a different angle. Join a guided bike tour tailored to your interests, or explore Copenhagen’s clean canals from a kayak or be the captain of your own solar-powered picnic boat.  

Visit Tivoli Gardens 

Visit Tivoli Gardens, the park that inspired Walt Disney, and one of the oldest amusement parks in the world.  

Dinner - Meet the locals through a communal dinner 

In the hip neighbourhood of Vesterbro, you can find Absalon. A very colourful community space located in an old church’s building.  Abasalon hosts a communal dinner with 200 people every night. Here you can be sure to be chatted up by a friendly stranger while you are enjoying the delicious meal of the day that is prepared by the cooks right at the location. A communal dinner may just be the way to figure out the meaning of hyyge.  

Evening – live shows and concerts 

Are you into ballet, opera, live concerts with international stars or local artists? Then you've come to the right city! Check out theatre calendar and live music venues.

More inspiration

The Copenhagen neighbourhood guide
Reffen Street Food
Most instagrammable spots in Copenhagen
Superkilen
Top attractions in Copenhagen
Tivoli
Frederiksberg
Season guide