Wondering if you can see Copenhagen in one day? You definitely can if that is all the time you have, but I’m confident it will leave you wishing for more time. Copenhagen is a dynamic city with an incredible culinary scene, immense history, and world-class biking system. I’m sharing this Copenhagen one day itinerary so you can plan to make the most of your time there.
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Copenhagen One Day Itinerary
If you only have one day to see Copenhagen, here are my top suggestions for how to make the most of it!
Morning
- In the morning, take a walk or run around the city while it is still quiet out – a great time to visit Nyhavn!
- Have breakfast at Hotel Sanders so you can sit at their charming sidewalk cafe and enjoy seeing the city come to life.
- Rent bikes via one of the many rental stations.
- Castle Hunting is on the agenda this morning. Take a bike tour to see all of the many castles. You don’t have to actually tour them on the inside – it’s fun to simply admire the exterior! I’m breaking them down in detail below.
- As you make your way to the castles, we’ll also stop to see the iconic Little Mermaid Statue and Kastellet.
Lunch
- Have lunch at La Banchina – take your suit if you want to have a swim off their dock!
- Stroll along Nyhavn after and maybe stop for a beer at one the cafes.
Afternoon
- Make the bike ride over to Tivoli Gardens and take a stroll through stopping for any rides.
- You can grab a drink at one of the restaurants and relax – it is not your typical theme park.
- Leisurely tip: see if they are having a summer concert and enjoy the show!
Dinner
- I would have dinner at Esmée!
- It is a tough choice for where to have dinner so be sure to read my full restaurant guide to see what suits your dietary preferences.
After Dinner
- After dinner, there are many cocktail bars to enjoy. I love TATA Cocktail Lounge at Hotel Sanders and its perfect if you choose to stay the night there.
What to see in Copenhagen in One Day
If you only have one day in Copenhagen, be sure to see some of these iconic sights.
Stroll through Nyhavn
Nyhavn translates to mean “new harbor”. It’s the most photographed place in Copenhagen and you will recognize the colorful buildings along the canal. If it is your first visit, be sure to have snacks and drinks at one of the many restaurants along Nyhavn.
Tivoli Gardens
Tivoli Gardens is one of the oldest theme parks in the world! It opened in 1843 and still has that old world charm from the historic buildings, lush scenery, and nostalgic rides. It is a true fairytale kind of place. So much so that it inspired Hans Christian Anderson and Walt Disney himself!
Danish Castles
Castle hunting is one of the most fun activities for a first timer. Here are all the castles to see:
- Rosenborg Castle – crown jewels, stunning castle with gardens
- Amalienborg Palace – famous for the changing of the royal guard. The royal family lives here and is one of the oldest monarchies in the world. You can literally ride your bike right up to the middle of the palace square. There’s nowhere else in the world that would allow this.
- Christiansborg Palace – 800 years old! Once home to kings and queens. Now houses the parliament, supreme court, and ministry of state.
- Kronborg Castle – a UNESCO World Heritage site dating back to 1420. Shakespeare used this castle when he wrote about Hamlet.
Kastellet
Kastellet is a fortress in Copenhagen – one of the best preserved in all of Europe. Today, it houses military offices, but is mainly used as a public park and historic site. It’s a great place to bike, walk, or jog in Copenhagen.
The Little Mermaid Statue
The Little Mermaid Statue is one of the most iconic tourist attractions in Copenhagen. As a first time visitor, swing by on your bike to see this statue inspired by Hans Christian Anderson’s famous story.
Try Smørrebrød
You can’t go to Denmark without trying smørrebrød, an open faced sandwich. It comes on rye bread with various toppings to choose from. They are quite literally a work of art in Denmark.
Where to eat in Copenhagen in one day
With only one day to spend in Copenhagen, you won’t get to try all of the incredible restaurants. However, make sure you visit these few spots to gain a good understanding of the foodie scene and Danish flavors.
La Banchina
La Banchina is always a favorite spot to return to every time. It doesn’t look like much, but they serve up great food focused on sustainable seafood, local vegetables, and natural wine. It is fun to go for lunch so you can take a dip off of their dock. On a warm day, expect the dock to be filled with locals trying to catch a little sun. On a cold day, you can expect the same with people running between their onsite sauna and the lagoon.
Esmée
Esmée is located steps from touristy Nyhavn, but tucked away in a quiet space. It’s a large restaurant with sidewalk seating on their front patio, a sophisticated dining room, and my favorite, the intimate back patio. It’s super trendy while also keeping with the sleek Scandinavian design at this French-inspired brasserie.
Reffen Copenhagen
Reffen is an open-air food court with 40+ dining stalls made from recycled shipping containers. There is literally every type of cuisine from around the world whether empanadas from Argentina, gyros from Greece, or creole from Louisiana. There are also themed bars like a Mexican one serving margaritas, palomas, and of course Mexican style lagers.
A great spot for lunch in Copenhagen. Whether you eat or not, it’s a really cool concept and fun to walk around.
Amass
Amass is located more off the beaten path in an industrial part of town. It’s housed in a former warehouse featuring concrete walls and floors, decorated with modern decor and brightly colored artwork on the walls.
Amass has a preset tasting style menu that is very vegetable forward with produce from their onsite garden. Some of our favorites were the fermented potato bread with a shishito butter, marinated tomatoes and gooseberries, and fish bone “noodles”.
Admiralgade 26
Admiralgade 26 definitely feels like a hidden gem in Copenhagen! Tucked away on a charming cobblestone street, this restaurant sits in one of the oldest parts of the city in a historic house. It is very relaxed and really feels like you’ve strolled into a friend’s home for dinner.
All the best restaurants to try in Copenhagen….
Where to stay in Copenhagen for one night
My top two hotels I have stayed in that you have to try if only there for one night. They are both in great locations with easy access to the best things to see and do.
Hotel Sanders
Hotel Sanders is the best of the best hotels in Copenhagen. It is a boutique style, 5-star hotel in the heart of historic Copenhagen. It is the perfect location for a one day itinerary with close access to everything!
If you want to know what hygge feels like, step into the inviting living room of Hotel Sanders. It’s adorned with comfortable couch seating, candles, florals, and a warm glow from the dim lighting. The rooms are decorated with beautiful furniture from local Danish makers that is classic and elegant.
Villa Copenhagen
Villa Copenhagen is located in the city center right next to the train station and Tivoli Gardens. Housed in a former post office dating back to 1912, the property was renovated with a new, modern design. The rooms are super trendy with beautiful wood flooring, big windows, and fun artwork. The beds are super comfortable and the bathroom is very efficient.
How to Get Around in Copenhagen
The best way to get around in Copenhagen is via bike. There are bike rentals all over the city so you can always find one. The city is designed to accommodate biking as the main mode of transportation so you will feel comfortable here, I promise!
If you are staying in the city center, it is quite walkable to many popular sights.
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