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Things to do in Copenhagen

12 places · 21 h of sightseeing · 4 days

The Little Mermaid, Copenhagen

How many days do you need in Copenhagen?

12 places add up to 21 h of pure sightseeing. At 6 hours a day, not counting walking and meals, that's 4 days.

The best-known places in order, as long as they fit into 6 hours of sightseeing a day. Sightseeing only, without walking and meals — build the day-by-day plan with opening hours and the route in a RouteMarket notebook.

1 day — 5 h 40 min

2 days — 11 h 30 min

3 days — 17 h

Top sights

Ordered by how well known each place is. Data: OpenStreetMap and Wikipedia.

  1. The Little Mermaid — 20 min visit. It is an iconic statue on the waterfront, a symbol of the city, which can be admired outdoors.
  2. Christiania — 1 h 30 min visit. It constitutes an autonomous community with its own rules and an alternative lifestyle, making it completely different from traditional urban attractions.
  3. Amalienborg — 1 h 30 min visit. It is an active winter residence of the royal family, where the changing of the Royal Guard can be observed daily in the courtyard.
  4. Tivoli — 3 h visit. Unlike public squares, this historic amusement park provides carousels and gardens, beautifully lit in the evenings for comprehensive entertainment.
  5. Christiansborg Palace — 2 h visit. A palace that is home to the parliament, the Supreme Court, and the Prime Minister's Office, also offering tours of the royal stables and the ruins beneath.
  6. Rosenborg Castle — 2 h visit Hours: Mon–Sun 10:00–17:00.
  7. Børsen — 20 min visit. It stands out with its unusual spire in the shape of intertwined dragon tails, offering admiration of its architecture mainly from the outside, unlike places with an open interior.
  8. National Museum of Denmark — 3 h visit. It presents a comprehensive history of Denmark from the Stone Age to the present, including extensive ethnographic collections. Hours: Apr–Oct Mon–Sun,PH 10:00–17:00 · Nov–Mar Mon closed · Tue–Sun,PH 10:00–17:00.
  9. National Gallery of Denmark — 2 h 30 min visit. It houses Denmark's national art collection, covering works from the 14th century to the present, offering a broad overview of painting and sculpture. Hours: Tue, Thu–Sun 10:00–18:00 · Wed 10:00–20:00.
  10. Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek — 2 h 30 min visit. This art museum presents rich collections of ancient civilization sculptures and French and Danish paintings in an elegant setting. Hours: Tue–Wed, Fri–Sun 10:00–17:00 · Thu 10:00–21:00.
  11. Grundtvig's Church — 50 min visit. It stands out with its modernist architecture of yellow brick, resembling a giant organ, which gives it a unique appearance, different from classical churches. Hours: Mon–Wed, Fri–Sat 09:00–16:00 · Thu 09:00–18:00.
  12. Nyhavn — 1 h 30 min visit. A colorful, 17th-century port district with picturesque townhouses and old ships, where you can dine right by the water, unlike in city squares.
  13. Operaen — 30 min visit. This modern opera house on Holmen island offers opera and ballet performances with beautiful canal views, distinguished by its architecture.
  14. Rundetårn — 1 h visit. It features a unique spiral ramp instead of traditional stairs, leading to the top, offering views without a strenuous climb. Hours: May 01–Sep 30 · Mon–Sun 10:00–20:00 · Oct 01–Apr 30 · Mon,Thu–Sun 10:00–18:00 · Tue,Wed 10:00–21:00.
  15. Frederik's Church — 50 min visit. It boasts one of the largest domes in Scandinavia, offering panoramic city views for a unique experience. Hours: Mon–Thu 10:00–17:00 · Fri 12:00–17:00 · Sat 10:00–17:00 · Sun 13:00–17:00.
  16. Thorvaldsens Museum — 1 h 40 min visit. Unlike extensive galleries, it focuses on the monumental sculptures of one master surrounded by classical ancient art. Hours: Tue–Sun 10:00–17:00.
  17. Royal Danish Theatre — 30 min visit. The theater complex, unlike museums, offers diverse opera, ballet, and drama performances under one roof.
  18. Church of Our Saviour — 1 h 15 min visit. It is famous for its twisted spire with external stairs, which can be climbed to the top, offering panoramic views of Copenhagen, unlike internal towers. Hours: Mon–Sun 11:00–15:30.
  19. Church of Our Lady — 45 min visit. It is the National Cathedral of Denmark, distinguished by its neoclassical style, minimalist interior, and sculptures by Bertel Thorvaldsen, which give it a unique character. Hours: Mon–Sat 08:00–17:00.
  20. Copenhagen Zoo — 3 h visit. Unlike parks or historical sites, here you can observe polar bears and elephants in vast, natural enclosures. Hours: Jan–Mar 10:00–16:00 · Apr–May: 09:00–17:00 · Jun: 09:00–18:00 · Jul–Aug 10: 09:00–20:00 · Aug 11–Sep: 09:00–18:00 · Oct: 09:00–17:00 · Nov–Dec: 10:00–16:00.
  21. Copenhagen City Hall — 1 h visit. As an active municipal building, it offers the opportunity to climb the tower for views and see the unique Jens Olsen's World Clock.
  22. Frederiksberg Slot — 1 h 40 min visit. A Baroque palace on a hill overlooking the city, whose extensive gardens are publicly accessible, even though the palace itself houses a military academy.
  23. Strøget — 1 h 30 min visit. As one of Europe's longest pedestrian zones, it focuses on commerce, offering continuous shopping and people-watching opportunities.
  24. Botanisk Have — 1 h 30 min visit. Located in the city center, it offers a unique experience in the historic Palm House, setting it apart from other green spaces on the outskirts. Hours: Apr–Sep: 08:30–18:00 · Oct–Mar: 08:30–16:00.

Where to eat

What to see in Copenhagen in one day?

The Little Mermaid, Christiania, Amalienborg, Christiansborg Palace, Børsen.

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