What to do in Copenhagen for 2 Days

Copenhagen is the capital of Denmark and is one of the most beautiful Scandinavian cities. Colourful Nordic-style buildings adorn its streets, and it is home to some of the most interesting history and culture in Europe.

Ideal for a weekend break, you will have more than enough time to explore what’s on offer in just 48 hours in Copenhagen.

Where to Stay in Copenhagen

There are so many beautiful places to stay in Copenhagen, from the most luxurious five-star resorts to small, independently-owned bed-and-breakfast-style inns. Whatever takes your fancy (and suits your budget), here is a range of different accommodations that are on offer in Copenhagen.

Luxury: Few hotels in Copenhagen can compare with the glamour and glitz of the Nimb Hotel, a five-star luxury hotel located in the city centre.

Mid-range: There are so many hotels in Copenhagen that you don’t have to spend a fortune to spend a night in: Scandic Kødbyen is just such a hotel.

Budget: Built in an ‘industrial chic’ style, Steel House offers city centre accommodation at a budget price.

Boutique: For those wanting luxury but in a smaller setting, and a completely unique hotel, Coco Hotel is a good choice when visiting Copenhagen.

Where to Eat in Copenhagen

Danish food might not be the first type of global cuisine that comes to your mind, but some of the food on offer in Copenhagen is exquisite. There is such a wide variety of restaurants and eateries that you’ll never be stuck for somewhere to eat.

For starters, Denmark is of course home to the Danish pastry – and with a multitude of bakeries throughout the city, you’ll never be short of anywhere to get a sweet pastry fix. The perfect way to start off your day in Copenhagen is a Danish pastry and a coffee. Try a cafe such as Conditori La Glace or Andersen Bakery for some of the best bakeries in the country.

For something more substantial, how about a traditional Danish favourite: smørrebrød. These are open-faced sandwiches, which were a traditional staple of Danish farmers but are now found in almost every authentic Danish restaurant in the country. Some of the best places to try smørrebrød are Restaurant Schønnemann and Restaurant Palægade, both of which specialise in smørrebrød.

Because Copenhagen can be cold – especially during the autumn and winter months – you will no doubt want to consider trying some comfort food favourites. A nice, big, juicy steak can sort you out, served with creamy mashed potatoes and a steaming stack of fresh vegetables. Some of the best steakhouses in Denmark are found in Copenhagen. Try Madklubben Grill or if you’re looking for a real hidden gem, visit Savana: an unassuming cafe-style steakhouse serving up some of the best beef in Scandinavia. 

Where to Get Your Culture Fix in Copenhagen

Found right in the centre of Copenhagen is The National Museum of Denmark. Dedicated to telling Denmark’s story from its very origins, throughout the Viking age, and to the modern day via its various exhibits and items on display. The National Museum of Denmark is a great way to understand the culture and history not just of Copenhagen, but of Denmark itself.

Also located in Copenhagen city centre is Christiansborg Palace, the home of the Danish Parliament, the Prime Minister’s Office and the Supreme Court of Denmark. For those interested in politics and the law, it is definitely worth stopping by – and the building itself (which was completed in 1928) is magnificent.

For those thrill-seekers, a visit to Copenhagen is incomplete without a visit to Tivoli Gardens – the world’s second-oldest amusement park. However, even for those not too keen on rollercoasters, Tivoli Gardens is home to several bars and cafes – giving you plenty of time to sit down with a good book and an even better Danish pastry (or a crisp pint of Danish beer) and watch the world go by for a few hours.

Where to Drink in Copenhagen

And speaking of places to get a nice pint, there is no shortage of wonderful and quirky bars in Copenhagen.

Mikkeller is arguably the most famous craft beer brewery in Denmark, and can be found in Copenhagen – expect their very own beers brewed onsite, and a wide selection of canned craft beers from all over the world, but with a primary focus on Danish breweries. This is a must-visit for fans of craft beer.

However, for those looking for a cocktail fix, JOJO is a fantastic bar to visit. Open seven days a week from 15:00–00:00, this cocktail bar prices all of their cocktails at 50DKK (£5.66) – an absolute bargain when in Copenhagen city centre. On top of that, they offer a takeaway cocktail service, so if you don’t have time to sit in, you can get a couple to take out.

For something completely different, pay a visit to Curfew. Themed around a 1920s speakeasy bar, this cocktail bar has a secret library door which is opened with the press of a button and opens into the bar itself. With dimmed lights, and slow swing and jazz music playing in the background, a visit to Curfew transports you back in time and creates an unforgettable atmosphere. The bar even has old-fashioned hand-cranked cocktail makers, adding to the ambience and theme of the place.

Best Day Trips from Copenhagen

There are several day trips on offer from Copenhagen, should you wish to explore outside of the city.

One of the most popular ones – so that you can tick off two countries in two days – is a ferry to Sweden. Crossings from Copenhagen to Malmo take around 10 minutes, and you can spend some time visiting the Swedish city of Malmo.

Just north of Copenhagen lies Fredericksborg Castle. It was built by King Christian IV of Denmark in the early 17th century and is the biggest Renaissance-era building in Scandinavia. Within the castle is housed the Museum of National History. The castle grounds and the museum are both worth a visit and can be reached within a 40-minute drive from the city centre.

Located in the western suburbs of Copenhagen can be found the Six Forgotten Giants. Originally commissioned as an art sculpture, the Six Forgotten Giants has been transformed into a treasure hunt-style nature walk, with the aim of finding all six of the large wooden sculptures. Suitable for both adults and children, this is a good way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre. 

48 Hours in Copenhagen: The Itinerary 

Copenhagen is the perfect location for a weekend break, and there’s so much to fit into these two days that you will not feel bored or like you didn’t have enough time to explore Denmark’s capital. Here are our suggestions on how you should spend 48 hours in Copenhagen:

Day 1

• You’ve simply got to start your day off with a Danish pastry and a coffee – whether it’s summertime or winter, this is the best way to kick off your first morning in Copenhagen.
• Start your 48 hours in Copenhagen with a walk along the beautiful Nyhavn Harbour.
• Explore some of the city’s nearby attractions, such as Rosenborg Castle, the King’s Garden, and Frederick’s Church.
• Learn more about Copenhagen and Denmark’s history at the Museum of Copenhagen.
• For dinner, a visit to Reffen has got to be on the cards. This street food market offers a selection of small plates, enough to satiate your appetite for the day. It’s also located right by the harbour, so it’s a lovely place to watch the sunset.
  
  

Day 2

• Get your modern culture fix at the Statens Museum for Kunst. 
• Take a bike ride along the Lakes – a series of artificial lakes close to Copenhagen’s city centre. 
• Continue your bike ride or walk to Tivoli Gardens. As the second-oldest amusement park in the walk, it’s a lovely place to spend the afternoon. Go on rides, explore the grounds, play carnival games, and watch open-air shows.
• Finish your trip to Copenhagen with a sunset boat trip.