4 Days Copenhagen, Denmark Itinerary
This 4-day itinerary explores the highlights of Copenhagen, balancing iconic landmarks with local experiences. You'll discover the city's history, art, and culinary scene, all while enjoying the relaxed Danish lifestyle. Prepare for a mix of walking, biking, and canal tours to fully immerse yourself in the Copenhagen experience.
Duration
4 days
Budget
$600-1000
Best Time
The best time to visit Copenhagen is generally from May to September
Activities
16
Daily Avg
$200/day
Pace
Moderate
Copenhagen is a vibrant city known for its design, hygge (coziness), and rich history. With its charming canals, colorful buildings, and world-class museums, it offers a unique blend of culture and relaxation. It's also incredibly bike-friendly, making it easy to explore.
Your itinerary covers 9 of 12 must-have experiences
A Royal Palace/Castle
Day 1: Amalienborg Palace
A Historic Amusement Park
Day 3: Tivoli Gardens
A Food Market & Street Food Hub
Day 2: Lunch at Torvehallerne Market
A World-Class Museum
Day 4: Danish Design Museum
An Iconic Landmark & Viewpoint
Day 2: The Little Mermaid
A Unique Neighborhood Walk
Day 1: Nyhavn Canal Walk
A Canal Tour Experience
Day 1: Nyhavn Canal Walk
A Royal Garden or Park
Day 3: Tivoli Gardens
A Michelin-Starred Dining Experience
e.g., Kadeau, AOC
A Craft Beer & Brewery Experience
e.g., Nørrebro Bryghus, WarPigs Brewpub
A Danish Design & Shopping Spree
Day 4: Danish Design Museum
A Lively Nightlife Spot
e.g., Jolene Bar, Culture Box
Copenhagen's culinary scene is a vibrant mix of traditional Danish fare and innovative New Nordic cuisine. Expect fresh, seasonal ingredients and a focus on sustainability. From smørrebrød to Michelin-starred restaurants, there's something to satisfy every palate.
Must-Try Dishes
Open-faced sandwich on dark rye bread, topped with a variety of ingredients like pickled herring, roast beef, or shrimp. A must-try for a true taste of Denmark.
📍 Schønnemann, Aamanns Deli & Take Away, Ida Davidsen
Danish meatballs made with pork and veal, often served with potatoes and gravy. A comforting and classic dish.
📍 Restaurant Schønnemann, traditional Danish restaurants
Roast pork with crispy crackling, usually served with potatoes, red cabbage, and gravy. Especially popular during Christmas but available year-round.
📍 Restaurant Schønnemann, traditional Danish restaurants
A Danish hot dog, often served in a bun with ketchup, mustard, remoulade, crispy fried onions, and pickled cucumber. A quick and tasty street food option.
📍 Street food stands throughout the city
Food Neighborhoods
Diverse cuisine, including Middle Eastern, Turkish, and vegetarian options.
Trendy restaurants, cafes, and street food markets.
High-end restaurants and bars in a former industrial area.
Indoor food market with a wide variety of vendors.
Vegetarian and vegan options are increasingly available in Copenhagen, especially in trendy neighborhoods like Nørrebro. Many restaurants offer plant-based versions of classic dishes or have separate vegetarian/vegan menus. For allergies, always inform your server when ordering. Halal food can be found in some areas, particularly around Nørrebro.
Danes generally use utensils for most meals, even open-faced sandwiches. It's polite to say 'Tak' (thank you) after a meal. Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated for exceptional service (5-10%).
Copenhagen Christmas
Jul i KobenhavnCozy Danish Christmas with Tivoli Gardens lights and traditional hygge atmosphere.
Note: Book Tivoli tickets in advance
🛣️Interesting Detours & Side Trips
- 🚶From Vesterbro, take bus 26 to Kongens Nytorv and walk to Nyhavn.FREE
9:00 AM - Nyhavn Canal Walk
Start your day with a stroll along the iconic Nyhavn canal, admiring the colorful buildings and historic ships. Grab a coffee at a cafe and soak in the atmosphere. This is a popular spot, so arrive early to beat the crowds.
Book on Klook - 🚶Walk along the harbor from Nyhavn to Amalienborg Palace (approx. 15 minutes).FREE
11:00 AM - Amalienborg Palace
Witness the changing of the guard at Amalienborg Palace, the winter residence of the Danish royal family. Check the schedule online beforehand to ensure you don't miss it. Explore the palace square and learn about Danish royalty.
Book on Klook - 🚶From Amalienborg Palace, take bus 23 to Hauser Plads.$25
1:00 PM - Lunch at Smørrebrød Restaurant Schønnemann
Indulge in traditional Danish open-faced sandwiches (smørrebrød) at Schønnemann, a renowned restaurant. Try different varieties like herring, roast beef, or egg salad. Expect to spend around $20-30 per person.
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- 🚶From Restaurant Schønnemann, walk approximately 15 minutes to Rosenborg Castle.$20
3:00 PM - Rosenborg Castle
Explore Rosenborg Castle, home to the Danish Crown Jewels and royal artifacts. Wander through the opulent rooms and admire the impressive collection. Allow at least 2 hours to fully appreciate the castle.
Book on Klook
Vesterbro
Vesterbro is a trendy neighborhood with a vibrant nightlife, diverse restaurants, and easy access to the city center.
📅 Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Copenhagen is generally from May to September. Summers (June-August) offer the warmest weather (avg. 17-22°C), long daylight hours, and numerous outdoor activities and festivals, but also the largest crowds and higher prices. Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) provide milder temperatures, fewer tourists, and beautiful scenery. Winters (November-March) are cold and dark (avg. 0-5°C), but offer a cozy 'hygge' atmosphere, Christmas markets, and fewer queues at attractions.
Summers in Copenhagen are mild and pleasant, with long daylight hours. Expect occasional rain showers, but generally sunny skies and comfortable temperatures.
Summer is the peak tourist season in Copenhagen, offering the best weather and a vibrant atmosphere.
Midsummer Eve (Sankt Hans Aften) in June can affect opening hours.
Getting Around
Copenhagen has metro and S-tog; DSB trains for intercity
Rejsekort
Copenhagen is best explored by bike. Use the DOT app for transit tickets.
Travel
$150-300 (depending on origin and booking time)Accommodation
$200-400 (hostel or budget hotel)Food
$150-250Activities
$100-200Utilize Copenhagen's free attractions like walking tours, Christiansborg Palace tower, and exploring neighborhoods like Nyhavn and Freetown Christiania.
Cook some meals yourself. Groceries can be more affordable than eating out consistently. Look for supermarkets like Netto, Rema 1000, or Fakta.
Rent a bike or walk everywhere. It's the cheapest, most efficient, and most authentic way to experience Copenhagen.
Indulge in a Michelin-starred dining experience or a meal at one of Copenhagen's world-renowned New Nordic cuisine restaurants.
Splurge on a canal tour for a different perspective of the city's iconic landmarks and picturesque canals.
Embrace the 'hygge' lifestyle. Find a cozy cafe for a coffee and pastry, enjoy a picnic in a park, or simply savor the atmosphere.
- Copenhagen is largely a cashless city; credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere. You'll rarely need cash.
- Embrace cycling as a primary mode of transport. The city is incredibly bike-friendly, with dedicated lanes and rental options readily available.
- Learn a few Danish phrases (e.g., 'Hej' for hello, 'Tak' for thank you), though English is widely spoken and understood by almost everyone.
- Tipping is not customary or expected in Denmark. Service charges are usually included in the price, but rounding up for exceptional service is fine.
- Invest in a Copenhagen Card if you plan to visit multiple attractions and use public transport extensively; it often saves money and time.
- Public transport is efficient and punctual. Familiarize yourself with the zones and ticket options using the Rejseplanen and DOT Tickets apps.
- Tap water is safe and delicious to drink, so bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and save money.
- Be aware of local customs regarding 'hygge' – coziness, comfort, and togetherness. It's an integral part of Danish culture.
- 1Comfortable walking shoes (you'll do a lot of walking or cycling)
- 2Layers of clothing (weather can change quickly, even in summer)
- 3Waterproof and windproof jacket or umbrella (rain is common year-round)
- 4Adapter for European outlets (Type F or E)
- 5Reusable water bottle (for excellent tap water)
- 6Scarf, hat, and gloves (especially for spring, autumn, and winter)
- 7Swimsuit (for summer harbor baths or indoor swimming pools)
- 8Smart casual clothing (Danes dress stylishly but practically)
- 9Portable power bank (for long days exploring)
- 10Small backpack or day bag
Flights and Accommodation
Book 3-6 months in advance for peak season (summer) or popular dates; 1-3 months for off-peak.
Copenhagen Card
Purchase online in advance for discounts on attractions and unlimited public transport, especially if planning extensive sightseeing.
Tivoli Gardens Tickets
Book timed entry online, particularly during peak season or for special events like Christmas in Tivoli, to avoid long queues.
Popular Museum Reservations (e.g., Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, National Museum)
Some popular museums may require or recommend timed entry bookings, check their official websites.
Restaurant Reservations
For popular eateries, especially fine dining or weekend evenings, book a few weeks to a month ahead.
Train Tickets for Day Trips (e.g., Malmö, Helsingør)
Can often be bought on the day, but booking ahead might secure better prices for longer journeys or during busy times.
Note: Travel conditions, regulations, and local customs may change. We recommend verifying essential details — such as visa requirements, emergency contacts, and payment options — closer to your travel date.
SIM & Connectivity
SIM Options
📍 Airalo website or app
📍 7-Eleven, supermarkets, or Lycamobile stores at the airport
📍 Telia stores throughout the city
📍 Online booking with delivery to your hotel or airport pickup
Free WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and public areas throughout Copenhagen. The quality and speed can vary, but it's generally reliable for basic browsing and email. Many museums and attractions also offer free WiFi.
Useful Apps
Consider an eSIM for convenience upon arrival. Physical SIM cards can be purchased at the airport or in the city center. Always check the provider's coverage map before purchasing. If you plan to use a pocket WiFi device, book in advance to ensure availability. Download offline maps for navigation in case you lose connectivity.
Electric Socket Guide
Socket Types
Two round pins (Europlug)
Two round pins + round ground hole
Two round pins + side earth clips (Schuko)
Three round pins (Danish)
230V
50Hz
Tipping Etiquette
Not expected — service included in prices
Round up
Not expected
Denmark has a no-tipping culture. Prices include service.
Safety & Travel Advisories
Copenhagen is a very safe city with a low crime rate. However, be aware of petty theft, especially in crowded tourist areas.
Check official government advisories for the latest safety information, entry requirements, and travel warnings before your trip.
Emergency Numbers
112
112
112
112 for all emergencies
Payments
Denmark is nearly cashless — many places don't accept cash
Universally accepted
Standard payment method
MobilePay is the local payment app. Cards/contactless accepted everywhere.
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How was this itinerary?
The best time to visit Copenhagen is from May to September. The weather is mild, and there are many outdoor activities and festivals. However, expect larger crowds and higher prices during the summer months.
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- Real-time pricing
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