Thanks to its palaces, museums, parks, and waterfront, scenic Copenhagen ranks among Europe’s loveliest capital cities. But the Danish hub is also known for its countercultural, free-spirited enclaves. With two days to visit, you can see the must-do attractions and discover locals’ haunts—here’s how to maximize 48 hours in Copenhagen.
Day 1: Copenhagen Highlights
Morning: See many of the city’s top attractions in a single morning—and travel around town like the locals do—on a bicycle tour of Copenhagen. Enjoy the fresh breeze while you spy sights like The Little Mermaid and Nyhavn. Alternatively, a Segway tour provides another speedy way to take in the scenery.
Afternoon: After your morning sightseeing adventure, enjoy a more relaxing mode of exploration aboard a leisurely canal cruise. Experience Copenhagen’s tranquil pace, and spot the Copenhagen Opera House and Amalienborg Palace from the water. Alternatively, a food-themed walking tour can sate your appetite (and introduce you to another side of the city).
Evening: Copenhagen locals have been enjoying Tivoli Gardens’ festive amusements since the 19th century. Experience the thrills for yourself with an evening visit to the theme park. Alternatively, if roller coasters aren’t for you, a nighttime photography tour offers a unique perspective on the city’s sights lit up after dark.
Day 2: Alternative Copenhagen
Morning: Located within the city boundaries, Freetown Christiania is one of Copenhagen’s most unusual attractions. An autonomous, self-governed district, the area is known for its hippie appeal and its boundary-pushing ideals. Discover Christiania’s street-art–covered thoroughfares on a walking tour or independently via a hop-on hop-off bus tour.
Afternoon: Follow in the footsteps of Copenhagen’s residents when you explore the city’s hippest ’hoods. The once-seedy Vesterbro is now home to some of the city’s top restaurants and bars, while diverse Nørrebro offers multicultural attractions. Walking tours make it easy to mingle with locals and discover the sights up close.
Evening: Don’t leave Copenhagen without checking out the city’s thriving nightlife offerings. Pub crawls offer a festive way to see off your stay, while beer-themed tours introduce you to the city’s many craft breweries and hipster-frequented bars. And be sure to sample Copenhagen’s vaunted Neo-Nordic cuisine at one of its Michelin-starred restaurants.
EN
