All citiesCopenhagen Things to do and walking itinerary
Denmark Copenhagen travel guide
30 things to do in Copenhagen, where to stay, airport transfers, 8 MICHELIN-starred restaurants. Pick places on the map and get a day-by-day walking route from your hotel with steps, kilometres and minutes.
Top things to do in Copenhagen
- Amalienborg — Palace and home of the Danish royal family in Copenhagen (visit ≈ 90 min)
- Tivoli Gardens — amusement park in Copenhagen, Denmark (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Christiansborg Palace — Palace in Copenhagen, seat of the Danish Parliament (visit ≈ 90 min)
- Rosenborg Castle — palace in Copenhagen (visit ≈ 120 min)
- National Museum of Denmark — Denmark’s largest museum of cultural history (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Statens Museum for Kunst — art museum in Copenhagen, Denmark (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Copenhagen Opera House — opera house in Copenhagen, Denmark (visit ≈ 20 min)
- Grundtvig's Church — church in Copenhagen (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Rundetaarn — 17th-century tower located in central Copenhagen, Denmark (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Frederik's Church — church in Copenhagen (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Church of Our Lady — cathedral of Copenhagen and the National Cathedral of Denmark (visit ≈ 35 min)
- Church of Our Saviour — church in Copenhagen (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Copenhagen Zoo — zoological garden in Copenhagen, Denmark, founded in 1859 (visit ≈ 150 min)
- Kastellet — star fort in Copenhagen (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Frederiksberg Palace — former royal palace in Copenhagen (visit ≈ 90 min)
- University of Copenhagen Botanical Garden — botanical garden (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Copenhagen Castle — building in Copenhagen, Denmark (visit ≈ 75 min)
- Gefion Fountain — large fountain on the harbour front in Copenhagen (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Kongens Nytorv — public square in Copenhagen, Denmark (visit ≈ 15 min)
- St. Ansgar's Cathedral — catholic cathedral in Copenhagen (visit ≈ 35 min)
- Holmen Church — Church of Denmark church building in Copenhagen, Denmark (visit ≈ 30 min)
- City Hall Square — central square in Copenhagen (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Amager Strandpark — park in Copenhagen Municipality, Denmark (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Superkilen — public park in Copenhagen (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Great Synagogue — main synagogue of the Jewish community in Copenhagen, Denmark (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Hirschsprung Collection — art museum in Copenhagen, Denmark (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Imam Ali Mosque — Danish mosque (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Charlottenborg Palace — château (visit ≈ 90 min)
- Rosenborg Castle Gardens — park in Copenhagen, Denmark (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Church of the Holy Ghost — church in Copenhagen (visit ≈ 30 min)
2-day Copenhagen walking itinerary
Starting point: Indre By / Strøget. The top 8 places at a normal pace (up to ~10 km of walking a day), in this order. Change places or your hotel on the map and the route is recalculated; distances are estimates with a street allowance.
- Day 1 (≈ 4.4 km · 5,980 steps · 59 min on the way): Rundetaarn → Rosenborg Castle → Statens Museum for Kunst → Amalienborg
- Day 2 (≈ 5.9 km · 8,020 steps · 1 h 18 min on the way): Copenhagen Opera House → Christiansborg Palace → National Museum of Denmark → Tivoli Gardens
Hidden gems and overlooked spots in Copenhagen
- The Little Mermaid — Small bronze statue inspired by Andersen's tale, perched on a waterside rock. (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek — Art museum famed for its palm-filled winter garden and ancient sculpture collection. (visit ≈ 90 min)
- Christiania — Alternative self-governing community since 1971 with colourful homes and lakeside paths. (visit ≈ 60 min)
- CopenHill — Waste-to-energy plant with a ski slope and hiking trail on its roof; harbour views from the top. (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Reffen — Harbourside street-food market of container stalls in the old Refshaleøen shipyard. (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Nyboder — Historic quarter of rows of yellow houses built for the navy in the 17th century. (visit ≈ 20 min)
- The Black Diamond (Royal Library) — Gleaming black harbourside library, with a quiet garden and Kierkegaard statue behind it. (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Islands Brygge Harbour Bath — Free open-air pool in the harbour water right in the city; packed with locals in summer. (visit ≈ 60 min)
- The Blue Planet — Northern Europe's largest aquarium in a whirlpool-shaped building near the airport. (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Designmuseum Denmark — Scandinavian furniture and design classics in a former hospital, with a calm courtyard garden. (visit ≈ 75 min)
- The David Collection — Free private museum with one of Scandinavia's richest collections of Islamic art plus European works. (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Assistens Cemetery — Historic cemetery in Nørrebro used like a park; Andersen and Kierkegaard are buried here. (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Louisiana Museum of Modern Art — Seaside modern art museum at Humlebæk with a sculpture garden and lawns overlooking the Øresund. (visit ≈ 180 min)
- The Cisterns — Former underground reservoir beneath Søndermarken park, hosting annual art installations in dark, damp halls. (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Magstræde — One of the oldest streets in the centre: cobbles and colourful 18th-century houses in a narrow lane. (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Jægersborggade — Short, lively Nørrebro street of small design shops, ceramics studios and bakeries. (visit ≈ 30 min)
Where to stay in Copenhagen
- Indre By / Strøget: Walking distance to Nyhavn, palaces and the main shopping street.
- Vesterbro: Nightlife hub with the restaurants and bars of Kødbyen.
- Nørrebro: Multicultural, young and affordable; cafés on Jægersborggade.
- Christianshavn: Calm and charming along the canals; one metro stop from the centre.
- Østerbro: Quiet family area near parks and the lakes.
- Central Station / Tivoli: Airport trains and intercity trains on the doorstep.
Getting from the airport to Copenhagen
- Copenhagen (Kastrup) (CPH): Train, non-stop ≈ 14 min (M2 metro also runs)
Getting around
The centre is easy on foot or by bike; the metro runs 24/7. The Copenhagen Card or City Pass covers public transport.
Classic places to eat
- Schønnemann: Smørrebrød and aquavit since 1877.
- Conditori La Glace: The city's oldest patisserie; try the Sportskage cake.
- Sankt Peders Bageri: Copenhagen's oldest bakery; cinnamon buns on Wednesdays.
- Torvehallerne: Food market; smørrebrød, coffee and fresh produce.
- Café Norden: Classic café overlooking Amagertorv; brunch and cakes.
- Kødbyens Fiskebar: Fresh seafood and oysters in the old Meatpacking District.
- Mikkeller Bar: The first bar of Copenhagen's famous craft brewer.
MICHELIN-starred restaurants
Last known stars; check the MICHELIN Guide before you go.
- Geranium — 3 MICHELIN stars, Creative
- Jordnær — 3 MICHELIN stars, Seafood
- Alchemist — 2 MICHELIN stars, Creative
- Kadeau — 2 MICHELIN stars, Nordic
- Koan — 2 MICHELIN stars, Korean-influenced
- Kong Hans Kælder — 2 MICHELIN stars, French
- formel B — 1 MICHELIN star, Modern
- Marchal — 1 MICHELIN star, French
Romantic views
- Nyhavn (Evening): A canal walk past rows of brightly painted houses.
- Queen Louise's Bridge (Sunset): Locals sit along the bridge over the lakes to watch the sun go down.
- King's Garden (Afternoon): Rose beds and lawns in front of Rosenborg Castle.
- Kastellet (Early morning): A walk along the ramparts of the star-shaped fortress to its windmill.
Football stadiums in Copenhagen
- Parken Stadium: Home of F.C. Copenhagen
- Brøndby Stadium: Home of Brøndby IF
- Lyngby Stadion: Home of Lyngby Boldklub
Day trips
- Kronborg Castle — 40 km from the centre
Good to know before visiting Copenhagen
- Fine: Riding without a ticket is fined; buy via app or card.
- Fine: Crossing on a red light can be fined.
- Fine: Face-covering clothing is banned in public.
- Fine: Smoking indoors is banned.
- Warning: Bike lanes are busy; don't walk on them or cut across cyclists.
- Warning: Photography is unwelcome in Christiania; respect the signs.
- Emergency: 112 (police 114)
- Plugs: C/E/F/K, 230V
- Tap water: Tap water is excellent.
- Tipping: Service is included; tipping isn't expected.
Sources: UK FCDO — Foreign travel advice: Denmark, Wikivoyage — Denmark, T.C. Dışişleri Bakanlığı — Türk vatandaşlarının tabi olduğu vize uygulamaları · For information only; rules change, check official sources before you go. Last checked: 2026-10
Copenhagen travel FAQ
- How many days do you need in Copenhagen?
- The top 8 places in the centre take about 2 days at a normal pace on a walking route from your hotel. Allow 4 days for the top 20 places within walking distance. Add extra days for day trips (Kronborg Castle).
- What are the top things to do in Copenhagen?
- Highlights: Amalienborg, Tivoli Gardens, Christiansborg Palace, Rosenborg Castle and National Museum of Denmark. The map has 30 things to do in total.
- Where to stay in Copenhagen?
- Indre By / Strøget: Walking distance to Nyhavn, palaces and the main shopping street. Other options: Vesterbro, Nørrebro, Christianshavn, Østerbro and Central Station / Tivoli.
- How do you get from the airport to Copenhagen city centre?
- Copenhagen (Kastrup) (CPH): Train, non-stop ≈ 14 min (M2 metro also runs)
- How do you get around Copenhagen?
- The centre is easy on foot or by bike; the metro runs 24/7. The Copenhagen Card or City Pass covers public transport.
- Which MICHELIN-starred restaurants are in Copenhagen?
- According to the last known data there are 8 starred restaurants: Geranium (3 stars), Jordnær (3 stars), Alchemist (2 stars), Kadeau (2 stars), Koan (2 stars) and 3 more. Check the MICHELIN Guide before you go.
- What is the emergency number in Copenhagen?
- Emergency: 112 (police 114).
- Do you tip in Copenhagen?
- Service is included; tipping isn't expected.
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