Quaint and edgy, formal and avant-garde; Denmark’s cool capital is the kind of town where – even in just two days – it’s easy to find the yin to your yang… Our guide to 48 hours in Copenhagen has it all.
Think: exploring picturesque city streets, devouring smørrebrød and papping handsomely historic buildings during the day; sipping expensive cocktails in modish bars and throwing shapes at skandi-cool clubs after dark.
How to Spend 48 Hours in Copenhagen
Day One:
Grab Some Comfy Shoes and Get Your Bearings
Following a brief refreshment stop in your room at the trendy Comfort Hotel Vestboro, hit the city centre’s cute cobblestone streets and get acquainted with this happening burg’s bustling yet supremely easy-going vibe.
On your sojourn, be sure to stop by the landmark 17th-century Round Tower on Købmagergade, famed for its spiral ramp and tip-top views over the city. Treat yourself to a coffee and a smørrebrød – Danish open-faced sandwich – when you reach the vast Torvehallerne Market Hall on Frederiksborggade.

Soak Up Christiania Freetown’s Alternative Vibe
Christiania is a self-proclaimed autonomous area in Christianshavn where close to a 1,000 eco-minded people live by their own rules outside of Danish law. It’s alternative alright but not as radical as you may initially think – their micro-economy of alt-focused stores, galleries and eateries is a picture of niche consumerism. However, they also have other, more illicit things for sale so do yourself a favour and avoid taking photos…

Prep Your Bank Card for a Night Out
While it’s true Copenhagen isn’t a cheap night out, there’s no doubting it’s a good one. Hip Blågårdsgade is arguably the best place to hang come evening time. There’s loads of laid-back bars and live music venues competing for your attention.
Looking for something slightly more offbeat? Head for the Generator Hostel on Adelgade and enjoy a cocktail in the frozen surroundings of the CPH Ice Bar. Depending on the night, you may even get a free cocktail and shot. You’re welcome.

Day Two:
Go See the Little Mermaid
As one of Copenhagen’s most popular tourist attractions, the renowned bronze statue of The Little Mermaid by Edvard Eriksen tends to be surrounded by visitors all day long. Thus, the only way to beat the crowds is to head down to where the girl sits by the Langelinie promenade early in the morning.

Hang Out at Nyhavn
With its brightly coloured townhouses and pretty-as-a picture canal, this the part of Copenhagen that you’ve seen on banner ads and billboards a million times. Happily, the reality lives up to the hype here. Nyhavn really is a gorgeous and highly agreeable place to wander around for a few hours. Kick back with a coffee at one of the idyllic-looking waterfront cafes when you finish filling up your Insta.

Feel the Magic at Tivoli Gardens
Ironically, this 176-year-old amusement park is so twee and cute it looks like it could’ve been created by Disney. Happily, this Danish institution isn’t a pastiche but a fully authentic arena of gentle fun and old-fashioned entertainment. Stick around ‘till dusk and you’ll get to see the whole place bathed in fairy lights. Quite magical.

Enjoy a Cosy Nordic feast at Höst
This rustic and ever-so-cosy restaurant serves up contemporary Nordic cuisine at surprisngly affordable prices. The timber ceilings, exposed brick walls and wooden tables do a mighty fine job of ramping up the Hygge factor, too. An ideal place to bring your 48-hour jaunt to a close.

BEST ARTICLES OF THE WEEK
MOST POPULAR
SIMILAR ARTICLES
newsletter