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3 Days in Copenhagen: Best Things to Do, Eat & Experience Hygge
Copenhagen is one of those cities that doesn’t feel as though it needs to be rushed.
You can spend the morning wandering along cozy streets, stop for a Danish pastry and coffee, explore a royal palace, eat an open-faced sandwich for lunch, and finish the day sitting somewhere cute with a drink while watching bicycles pass by.
And that feeling has a name: hygge or as I have been practicing, enjoying the little details, being in the now.
If you’re planning 3 days in Copenhagen, this is a city where you should leave some space in your itinerary simply to stroll, stop, eat, and enjoy the atmosphere.
For us, Copenhagen was about much more than checking off famous attractions. It was about discovering Danish culture through food, architecture, neighborhoods, and those little everyday moments that make the city feel so vibrant.
If you are in South America, I would love to see your pictures.
Getting Around Copenhagen
Copenhagen is wonderfully easy to explore, and one of the things we loved was how clean, modern and efficient the transportation system felt. Copenhagen has a fast, clean public transit network featuring a 24/7 driverless metro, S-trains, buses, and harbor boats that all use the same ticket system.
We particularly enjoyed taking the super-clean, modern buses from the airport into the city and then using public transportation to explore different neighborhoods. The metro connects the airport with central Copenhagen in around 12 minutes, making arrival remarkably easy.
But one of our favorite ways to get around was by harbor boat. The yellow harbor buses operate as part of the regular public transportation system, meaning you can use the same type of ticket you would use for buses, trains and the metro. They give you a completely different perspective of Copenhagen from the water.
We loved using the harbor boats to explore the city and reach sights including The Little Mermaid, Amalienborg Palace, the Copenhagen Opera House, the canals of Christianshavn and the Black Diamond Royal Library. Instead of thinking of the harbor bus simply as transportation, think of it as another sightseeing experience.
For a short visit, this is one of our favorite Copenhagen tips: walk whenever you can, use the metro or bus when you need to cover more distance, and take a harbor bus when you want to see Copenhagen from the water.
You can plan routes using Copenhagen’s official journey planner, while tickets can be purchased through the relevant transport apps or at stations. The city’s zones determine ticket prices, with central Copenhagen generally being Zone 1 and the airport in Zone 4.
Tip: If you’re planning to visit several paid attractions as well as use public transportation extensively, compare your costs with the Copenhagen Card, which includes unlimited public transportation throughout the Capital Region and admission to numerous attractions.
Explore More European Destinations
If you enjoy discovering Europe at a slower pace, you may also enjoy our guides to:
What Is Hygge and Why Is It Important in Copenhagen?
You will hear and read, the word hygge everywhere when you visit Denmark.
It is often translated as “coziness,” but that doesn’t quite capture it. VisitDenmark describes hygge as creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people. It is about togetherness, comfort, and appreciating simple moments.
And you can feel it in Copenhagen.
Think candlelit cafés, warm pastries, comfortable interiors, conversations with friends, a walk beside the water, or simply sitting down with a coffee instead of rushing to the next attraction.
So don’t make your Copenhagen itinerary so full that you miss the point.
Leave time to hygge.
Day 1: Nyhavn, Amalienborg, and Copenhagen’s Waterfront
Nyhavn: Copenhagen’s Most Colorful Waterfront
Start your Copenhagen adventure at Nyhavn, probably the city’s most recognizable view.
The colorful historic buildings lined up beside the canal make this one of those places that looks almost too perfect to be real.
But don’t just arrive, take a photograph and leave.
Walk along both sides of the harbor, look at the old wooden ships, explore the surrounding streets, and find somewhere to sit and enjoy the atmosphere.
And here’s our tip:
Have lunch here!
Lunch in Copenhagen often means smørrebrød, traditional Danish open-faced sandwiches with toppings such as fish, meat, cheese, eggs, or vegetables.
Prices can be surprisingly similar across different parts of Copenhagen, so if you are going to enjoy smørrebrød anyway, why not have it at Nyhavn with the colorful harbor right in front of you?
Amalienborg Palace
From Nyhavn, walk toward Amalienborg, the official winter residence of the Danish royal family.
The palace complex consists of four almost identical buildings surrounding an elegant octagonal square.
It is one of the best places in Copenhagen to experience Denmark’s royal history.
The palace museum gives you the opportunity to see royal interiors and learn more about the Danish monarchy. Adult admission is currently 125 DKK, while children under 18 enter for free.
Don’t Miss the Changing of the Guard
If possible, plan your visit around 12:00 noon, when the Royal Life Guard’s changing ceremony takes place at Amalienborg.
The guards march through Copenhagen from their barracks near Rosenborg Castle and arrive at the palace around noon.
Tips
- Arrive before noon if you want to watch the guards.
- Respect the marked areas around the palace.
- Allow around 1–1.5 hours if visiting the museum.
- Check opening times before visiting.
Price
125 DKK adults; free for children 0–17.
GetYourGuide
A Copenhagen highlights walking or Highlights 3-Hour Bike Tour with a Local Guide is a good option if you want to combine Amalienborg with Nyhavn and the Little Mermaid rather than visiting everything independently.
The Little Mermaid
Continue toward Langelinie and one of Copenhagen’s most famous symbols: The Little Mermaid.
Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s famous fairy tale, the bronze sculpture has been sitting on its rock overlooking the harbor since 1913.
It’s smaller than many first-time visitors expect, but that is part of the charm.
The sculpture is outdoors, so there is no entrance fee.
Tips
The Little Mermaid is about a 15-minute walk from Østerport Station.
Combine your visit with:
- Kastellet
- Langelinie
- Amalienborg
- The waterfront
A canal tour is another great way to see the mermaid from a different perspective. The classic canal tour currently starts at 199 DKK for adults and takes about one hour.
Classic Copenhagen Canal Tour information
Day 2: Hans Christian Andersen, Danish Pastries, and Nørrebro
Hans Christian Andersen: Follow the Fairy-Tale Writer
You cannot really explore Copenhagen without encountering Hans Christian Andersen.
The famous Danish writer spent much of his life in Copenhagen and lived in several houses in Nyhavn. He is also buried at Assistens Cemetery in Nørrebro.
There are several statues of Andersen around the city.
One particularly charming statue is located in King’s Garden, where Andersen sits with a book surrounded by the beautiful gardens. The sculpture dates from 1880.
You can also see his statue at City Hall Square, facing H.C. Andersens Boulevard.
Price
The statues and public areas are free.
Tip
If you want to connect Andersen’s life to your visit, walk through Nyhavn, visit the King’s Garden, and then continue to Assistens Cemetery in Nørrebro.
Maybe you would like to visit Tivoli Gardens
No visit to Copenhagen is complete without experiencing Tivoli Gardens, one of the world’s oldest amusement parks—especially if you enjoy amusement parks or visit during summer when the gardens are in full bloom. We visited in early spring, so there weren’t many flowers, yet, so we skipped it. Founded in 1843, Tivoli combines charming architecture, thrilling rides, entertainment, and a magical atmosphere right in the heart of Copenhagen. Get your entry ticket and ride pass
Start the Day with a Danish Pastry at Hart Bageri
A trip to Copenhagen wouldn’t be complete without trying a proper Danish pastry.
We recommend making Hart Bageri part of your food itinerary.
Hart has locations throughout Copenhagen, including Gammel Mønt, Holmen, Istedgade, Kødbyen, Nørrebro, and near Marmorkirken.
Try one of their pastries with a coffee and take your time.
Because Danish pastries are not simply something to grab while rushing to your next attraction—they are an excellent opportunity to experience that Copenhagen feeling of slowing down.
Tips
Go earlier in the day if you want the widest selection. Hart’s official site notes that pastries are baked throughout the day and that opening hours vary by location.
Nørrebro: The Copenhagen You Shouldn’t Miss
If you only stay around the historic center, you’re missing an important part of Copenhagen.
Head to Nørrebro, one of the city’s most multicultural and vibrant neighborhoods.
This was also one of the areas we especially wanted to visit after seeing it featured in Somebody Feed Phil.
Nørrebro has cafés, independent shops, restaurants, street life, and a very different energy from the postcard-perfect center. Visit Copenhagen describes it as one of the city’s most vibrant and multicultural neighborhoods.
What to explore
Walk along:
- Nørrebrogade
- Jægersborggade
- Blågårdsgade
These streets are great for cafés, food, shopping and people-watching.
Superkilen
One of the highlights of Nørrebro is Superkilen, a colorful urban park designed by BIG, Superflex, and Topotek1.
If you watch the series Abstract on Netflix, you can learn more about Bjarke Ingels, the mind behind BIG and Superkilen, as one of the projects.
The park is divided into three sections:
- The Red Square
- The Black Market
- The Green Park
What makes it particularly interesting is the collection of objects and design elements inspired by different cultures around the world. You can find everything from Moroccan fountains to swings from Iraq and benches from Brazil.
Price
Free
Tips
- Great for photography.
- Easy to combine with a Nørrebro food walk.
- Bring your camera—the design is very Instagram-friendly.
- Consider renting a bicycle to explore the neighborhood like a local.
GetYourGuide
This is a Copenhagen bike tour that includes Nørrebro and helps you to understand why bikes are such an important part of the city’s culture.
Assistens Cemetery: The Final Resting Place of Hans Christian Andersen
If you’re already in Nørrebro, continue to Assistens Cemetery.
This is not simply a cemetery. It is also a green space where Copenhagen locals walk, relax, exercise, and enjoy the outdoors.
It is the final resting place of several famous Danes, including Hans Christian Andersen and philosopher Søren Kierkegaard.
Price
Free
Tip
Be respectful. This is both an active burial ground and a public green space.
Day 3: Copenhagen, Food and Hygge
Use your third day to slow down and experience Copenhagen beyond the main landmarks.
This is the day when you can revisit your favorite neighborhood, discover a café, explore another market or simply walk without a strict itinerary.
Rosenborg Castle: Gardens, Royal History, and a Step Back in Time
Another beautiful stop to add to your Copenhagen itinerary is Rosenborg Castle.
Built in the early 17th century for King Christian IV, the Renaissance castle is surrounded by Kongens Have, the King’s Garden, one of Copenhagen’s most beautiful green spaces.
Even if you don’t have time—or don’t want to pay—to go inside the castle, don’t skip the area. We loved walking through the gardens and admiring the castle from outside. The combination of the historic building, gardens, and surrounding city makes you feel as though you’ve stepped into another chapter of Copenhagen’s royal history.
If you have more time, the interior is worth visiting for its royal collections and the famous crown jewels.
Tips
- The King’s Garden: Free to visit.
- Castle admission is separate and prices can vary, so check the official website before your visit.
- Allow around 1–2 hours if visiting the castle and gardens.
- The gardens are particularly lovely in good weather.
- Rosenborg works well with a visit to Hans Christian Andersen’s statue and the city center.
GetYourGuide
A Copenhagen city walking tour or royal Copenhagen tour can be a good way to combine Rosenborg with Amalienborg and other royal landmarks.
Freetown Christiania: Copenhagen’s Most Unconventional Neighborhood
If you’re looking for something completely different from Copenhagen’s royal palaces, colorful Nyhavn and elegant historic streets, head to Freetown Christiania.
Christiania is an autonomous community located in the former military barracks in Christianshavn. The community began in 1971 when people occupied the abandoned military area, and it developed into an alternative society centered around ideas of freedom, community, creativity and self-management. Today, almost 1,000 people live there, alongside cafés, restaurants, workshops, cultural venues, businesses and green spaces.
Walking through Christiania felt completely different from the rest of Copenhagen.
It’s eclectic, colorful, alternative and, in places, distinctly hippie. You’ll find unusual houses, street art, small shops, bars, cafés, food options and spaces dedicated to music and other cultural activities. There are also businesses and initiatives with an ecological focus, reflecting part of Christiania’s long-standing interest in alternative ways of living.
We found it fascinating simply to walk around and see how different it looks from the rest of Copenhagen. It feels less polished and more spontaneous—and that’s exactly what makes it interesting.
About Cannabis in Christiania
During our visit, we also noticed cannabis being openly offered for sale in some areas. It’s important to understand that cannabis is not legal in Denmark. Christiania’s own visitor guidance specifically states that the use of hash is criminal in Denmark and that possession is punishable.
So while cannabis has historically been associated with Christiania and you may encounter it there, don’t assume that its presence means it is legal.
Tips for Visiting Christiania
- Respect the fact that people actually live here.
- Don’t enter private homes or gardens.
- Follow local photography restrictions and ask permission before photographing people.
- Don’t photograph drug-selling areas.
- Explore the cafés, art, architecture and cultural side of Christiania rather than treating it simply as a curiosity.
- Wear comfortable shoes because you’ll want to wander.
Christiania’s own visitor guidelines emphasize respecting residents’ privacy and avoiding photography where it could disturb people.
Price: Entry to Christiania is free.
Take a bike tour to visit Christiania
City Highlights Bike Tour with Christiania Visit
Top 3 Biking tours in Copenhagen for you
Top 3 Places to Stay in Copenhagen
For a three-day trip, I’d prioritize a central location so you can walk to many attractions and easily use public transportation for Nørrebro and the waterfront.
1. Hotel Sanders 4.5
A stylish boutique option near the Royal Danish Theatre, Nyhavn, and Amalienborg. It’s particularly appealing if you want a more intimate, design-focused Copenhagen experience. Learn more here.
2. Villa Copenhagen 4.4
A beautifully restored historic building near Copenhagen Central Station. It’s a strong choice if you value architecture, easy transportation, and access to the city center. Learn more here
3. Hotel SP34 – By Brøchner Hotels 4.2
A good option for travelers who want to stay centrally while being close to cafés, restaurants, and the atmosphere of Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter. Learn more here
Resources
Copenhagen Packing List
Packing for Copenhagen is all about layers, no matter the season.
We recommend bringing:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A lightweight waterproof jacket
- Layered clothing for changing temperatures
- A reusable water bottle
- Swimwear and flip-flops for the sauna
- A portable power bank
- A compact umbrella
- Sunglasses, even in cooler months
- A small daypack for day trips
- A universal travel adapter if needed
If visiting between October and April, add warm accessories such as gloves, a scarf, and a hat.
Conclusion: Take Your Time and Experience 
Three days is enough to experience many of Copenhagen’s highlights, but the city is best enjoyed without rushing.
Visit the royal palaces. Walk along Nyhavn. Meet Hans Christian Andersen. Eat Danish pastries and smørrebrød. Explore colorful Nørrebro and the creative spaces of Superkilen. Visit the Little Mermaid.
But most importantly, leave room for hygge.
Sit down with a coffee. Have a conversation. Watch the bicycles go past. Enjoy a pastry without checking the time.
Because Copenhagen isn’t simply a city to see.
It’s a city to experience.
And that’s perhaps the best way to understand why so many travelers fall in love with Denmark and so many want to live there.
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