How to Spend 3 Days in Copenhagen: Ultimate Itinerary

What drew me (and many others) to Copenhagen was their amazing design, fashion, and architecture. From popular Scandinavian interior design and famous architecture to incredible fashion, Copenhagen does it all. It’s become one of my favorite cities to visit, so much so that I spent four weeks in Copenhagen enjoying the lifestyle and exploring around. There are so many world-class things to see and do, so here’s how to spend 3 days in Copenhagen with my ultimate 3 day Copenhagen itinerary.

This itinerary includes the best Copenhagen attractions worth seeing, food recommendations, and travel tips. I’ll also share what you should skip, hidden gems, and places that locals frequent!

How Many Days in Copenhagen is Enough?

If you want to see lots of attractions and get a good feel of Copenhagen, 3-5 days is the perfect amount of time. With 3 days in Copenhagen, you’ll see most of the main attractions and have time to explore some of the local lifestyle and life.

Most tourist attractions are within walking distance of each other, making it convenient to see a lot in a day. With more days, you can go further out of the city and even venture into other Danish cities or neighboring countries like Sweden.

Best Time to Visit Copenhagen

Without a doubt, summer is the best time to visit Copenhagen. The weather is excellent, and the temperature is very mild, rarely going above 75 F (24 C). For some, low 70 F (22 C) might not be very warm, but to Danes, it’s the warmest it gets all year. You’ll see people out and about, trying to soak in as much sun as possible, biking, picnicking, swimming, sunbathing, and more.

Swimming in the lakes or harbor is a very local way to enjoy summer. All the piers have small metal ladders on the side so people can easily get in and out of the water. There are also tons of waterfront restaurants, cafes, outdoor baths, and saunas.

But it’s still nice if you find yourself in Copenhagen during the colder months! Spring in Copenhagen is cool but beautiful, with blooming flowers, while winter in Copenhagen is all about Christmas and hygge (even though hygge is all year round).

Where to Stay in Copenhagen

Honestly, staying anywhere in Copenhagen’s city center (Indre By) is good. Copenhagen is a really small and compact city, and it doesn’t take more than 5 minutes to take the metro to popular sites. You can walk 5 to 15 minutes from one attraction to another on foot. And by bike, it’s even more convenient!

But if you’re looking for a more local experience, staying in inner-city neighborhoods is best! Nørrebro and Østerbro are two popular areas with locals that aren’t as crowded as the city center but are full of life! My personal favorite for staying in Copenhagen is Østerbro because it’s more laidback and residential but a 5-minute metro ride or 15-minute bike ride into the center.

Now that you have information about Copenhagen, let’s get into how to spend three days there!

3 Days in Copenhagen Itinerary

You can either follow this 3 days in Copenhagen itinerary or use it as inspiration for your own! I’ve included different options, including food recommendations, in case one looks more interesting than the other. You can’t miss the cafe and bakery culture in Copenhagen!

Day 1

Coffee and Brunch: Apotek 57

Start the day with brunch or breakfast at a cute cafe near the city center! There are a couple of options, but Apotek 57 is great for a cute and delicious place. To be honest, it’s a bit expensive, but the food is good, and the atmosphere is peak hygge. The interior is so Scandinavian with beige colors and wood accents. If you want more options, here’s a list of my favorite cafes in Copenhagen.

It is a popular place, so it fills up really quickly, especially on the weekends. However, there is a decent amount of seating, so if you get there early or at odd hours, you should be able to secure a spot. It’s perfect for a quick coffee and breakfast, and you’ll be central to many attractions within walking and biking distance.

Option: Walking or Biking Tour

After fueling up, you can explore Copenhagen by yourself or opt for a walking or biking tour. It’s perfect if you want to get background information and situate yourself in Copenhagen. There are a couple of options, but I like the Copenhagen Free Walking Tours, which offer four different types of tours in Copenhagen.

I highly suggest a biking tour like these guided tours by Copenhagen architects and urban planners if you’re a strong biker because biking is the best way to get around the city. If you don’t bike with a tour, definitely bike on your own for a true Danish experience.

Rosenburg Castle

If you decide to do a self-guided tour, visit the Rosenburg Castle and the King’s Garden. In spring, the garden is filled with blooming roses. While the garden is free to the public, the castle has an entrance fee of 140 DKK for adults and 90 DKK for students. Inside, you’ll see the Danish crown jewels and beautifully decorated rooms. Spend some time touring the garden and the castle, and you can’t miss walking through the garden maze!

Nyhavn

This is the most iconic street in Copenhagen. I’m sure you’ve seen the line of colorful houses on a postcard or picture somewhere. It’s a new harbor in Copenhagen that is popular with tourists because of the charming townhouses on the harbor. There are many restaurants and bars with patio seating where you can enjoy a glass of wine or a beer on the water.

Sadly, I didn’t enjoy a glass of wine at Nyhavn (way too cold) when I was in Copenhagen, but it’s on my bucket list! Nyhavn is usually not too crowded during the day but can get busy near sunset time and on the weekends.

Tip: When you go see it, of course, get your pictures, but please make sure you stand on the sidewalk. I’ve seen too many tourists stand in the bike lane and get angry bikers ringing their bells to get them out of the way.

Lunch at Restaurant Schønnemann

For lunch, you must try smørrebrød, a famous Danish open-faced sandwich. It’s a staple in Danish households, and a few restaurants specialize in it. You can find really simple ones at the supermarket, but if you want to experience a nice, delicious version, you have to go to Restaurant Schønnemann.

They’re a very famous smørrebrød restaurant that locals and tourists love. You should make reservations ahead of time because they get booked up really fast. Luckily, I was able to walk in by myself right when they opened, and they let me have a table until their first reservation.

The smørrebrød is out of this world! I recommend getting the schnapps alongside it, which is clear distilled alcohol from fruit that Danish people have alongside or after dinner; it’s a classic Danish pairing. Their menu offers both specialty items and seasonal pairings. I had the boiled chicken and Schønnemann smørrebrød, and I still think about it to this day.

Dessert at Conditori La Glace

For a sweet treat, try the famous cake at Conditori La Glace, the oldest dessert shop in Copenhagen that serves a very famous Danish cake called sportskage or ‘The Sports Cake’ in English. It’s a charming dessert shop with vintage interiors and a myriad of sweets to choose from. The waiter at Schoenman recommended the shop and dessert to me, so obviously, I had to try it!

Sportskage is a whipped cream cake with crushed nougat and praline, a macaroon crust, and caramelized choux pastry on top. It looks similar to a Baked Alaska, as it doesn’t have cake layers. It’s basically whipped cream on a crust with yummy goodness in it.

The one at Conditori La Glace was so good, but I wish I hadn’t been so full from lunch to enjoy it fully. It’s not too sweet, and the cream is divine, especially with the praline pieces. If that sounds too heavy for you, they also have loads of other sweets, so there’s something for everyone.

Strøget

Strøget is Copenhagen’s most famous shopping street and one of Europe’s longest pedestrian streets! It’s South of the Rosenburg Castle and coincidentally where Restaurant Schønnemann and Conditori la Glace are located. You’ll find luxury brands, chain retailers, small boutiques, convenience stores, and boutiques all at Stroget. If you need anything, Stroget is your best bet.

It’s also pedestrian-only, so you can roam the streets freely while window shopping. It gets crowded, though, and there are lots of tourists there. But it’s worth a walkthrough or afternoon, especially if you want to buy souvenirs or shop in Copenhagen.

The Royal Library (Black Diamond)

Hear me out; this library is an architectural masterpiece, with the older royal library in the back and the newer, modern building in the front. The Royal Library is a free public library where you can explore and enjoy a great harbor view from its Black Diamond attachment.

If you’re a fan of architecture or want to see a cool library, check it out. Use the escalators and take the elevator to the top floor, where you can go onto a bridge and take in the entire building.

It’s a great place to relax as well. There is free seating and a café on the ground floor. You can also find curated souvenirs in their bookstore, which have more personality than in the city.

Option 1: Rundetaarn

For a great bird’s eye view of the city, you can walk up the round tower, a spiraling tower with a viewing platform at the top. It’s famous not only for its great views but also for its beautiful and minimal interior design.

It costs 40 DKK or about 6 USD to climb the tower, but the views are worth it on a sunny day. Be mindful that parts of the climb can get narrow, and you may experience vertigo from climbing spiral stairs. It’s also a long way up, haha, and you’re walking an incline ramp from the bottom to the top!

Option 2: Christiansborg Tower

If you’re not a fan of climbing or don’t want to pay for a view, head to the Christiansburg Tower, which is free and has an elevator you can take to the viewing platform. You’ll still have to go up stairs, but it’s much easier than the Rundetaarn.

While the viewing platform has gates surrounding the edges, it has amazing views of the city. You can see much farther than you can from the Rundetaarn, and you’ll still be able to get clear shots while maneuvering around the gates.

The tower is a part of the Christiansborg Palace and is inside one of the main entrances. To enter, you line up outside the door, and someone will come and let you in to go through security. Then, you’ll take the elevator to the top floor and walk 2-3 flights of stairs to reach the viewing platform. It’s incredible at sunset, and I think it has a better view than Rundetaarn!

Try a Danish Hot Dog

After climbing up a tower, you’re probably hungry. If you’re looking for a snack, try a Danish hot dog! What makes it different from American hot dogs is the condiments. You’ll find pickles, onions, mustard, remoulade, curry sauce, applesauce, and more.

It’s the quintessential Danish street food, which you can find all over the city from street vendors. People of all ages love the hot dogs, and are a favorite schoolchildren afterschool snack.

The Organic Hot Dog Man in Stroget is the most convenient hot dog stand, next to the Rundetaarn. They have hotdogs satisfying every dietary need, like vegan and veggie dogs. There are also many condiments you can choose from. There’s also usually a cart at Norreport station. You can also find established chains in the northern part of Copenhagen. The more established carts and stands take credit cards, but the older school ones are cash-only.

Dinner at Fabro or Gasoline Grill

After climbing stairs, appease your appetite in the city! For a more fancy (yet casual) dining spot, check out Fabro. It’s a hip, trendy Italian spot that serves high-quality, fresh pasta, cocktails, amazing focaccia, and tiramisu.

It gets super popular during peak meal hours, so go early or late to avoid waiting for a spot. The restaurant is also tiny but cozy and can sit a party of 4 (but I wouldn’t try for more than that). It’s also an affordable-ish dinner, where a pasta dish costs 99 DKK or $14.32.

If you want a more casual spot, definitely try Gasoline Grill. It’s a gas station turned burger joint selling fresh burgers. It’s not fast food, and they use high-quality ingredients for their burgers. Try their Original Burger or Cheeseburger and fries!

You’ll find a couple of locations throughout the city, and it’s a well-known joint with Danes. You can even find it at the airport!

Optional: Tivoli Gardens

If you still have energy after dinner and want a chill night, check out the evening lights at Tivoli Gardens. It’s the world’s second-oldest amusement park known for its rides and light installations. It’s 170 DKK or 190 DKK for an entrance ticket or about $25-30 USD for a ticket, so it’s a bit on the pricier side, but everyone I know who’s gone absolutely loves it. However, the rides are not included, so you’ll need to buy a ride pass or purchase individual ride tickets if you want to go on a ride.

The atmosphere is just something else; the decorations and lights are themed depending on the season! I personally haven’t gone in, but I peeked inside during the Easter season, and it looks spectacular. It is such a cute spot for a date, too!

Day 2

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Breakfast at Juno the Bakery

This bakery has the best cardamom buns in the city, hands down. They’re baked fresh every morning, and it has a cult following—seriously! They’re slightly crunchy on the outside and soft and fluffy inside, with freshly ground cardamom and a somewhat sticky glaze coating every inch of it. It’s like biting into a cardamom pillow. You seriously cannot leave without trying these buns.

Juno also carries other pastries worth trying, like a vanilla custard pastry and semla (before Lent). You can also get hot-brewed coffee from Prolog there, which is one of my favorite coffee brands in Copenhagen.

I used to live 5 minutes by bike to Juno and frequent it often. I even brought some of their cardamom buns back with me across the globe to California.

Secondhand Shopping in Norrebro

After trekking out to Osterbro for buns, go next door to Norrebro for some amazing boutique and secondhand shopping. Norrebro is the trendy district known for its high-quality vintage and secondhand shops. Copenhagers love fashion and curating style, so secondhand clothing stores are very popular, especially in Norrebro.

The best shops are found in Jægersborggade, Elmegade, and Birkegade. Stroll down the streets and stop at shops that pop your eye! My favorite secondhand shops include Hello Good Buy, Keiko, and Perfectly Worn Vintage. The employees curate great clothing, and there are a ton of great pieces to love and purchase. The clothing tends to be more pricier, but then again, Copenhagen, in general, is not known for being affordable.

Once you’ve found a piece (or two, three, or seven..), stroll around the neighborhood and discover cute cafes and boutique shops!

Walk Along the Lakes

Once you’re done shopping, walk along the lake connecting Norrebro and Indre By. The Lakes are three rectangular lakes in West Copenhagen separated by bridges. On a nice day, dozens of people go outside and soak in as much sunshine as possible.

There are concrete and dirt paths to walk or run and benches to sit and enjoy the view. If you’re headed East to the city center, it’s on the way! Perfect for people watching and enjoying the local life.

Lunch Option: Torvehallen

Torvehallen is a popular food market with a fresh produce market outside and food stalls inside selling freshly made meals, wine, olives, and more. There’s indoor seating for specific stalls and outdoor seating if you want to enjoy a meal with some fresh air.

My favorite stall here is Smag, a healthy “salad” chain that is so, so good. There are also some food trucks outside as well that have more affordable options. Grab a table first (if you’re with people), then find your meal!

Lunch Option: Christianshavn (I Wish I Ate Here)

If you’re looking for a sit-down place, I recommend eating somewhere in Christianshavn. It’s a cute, Amsterdam-like area with lots of canals and cute houses. There are also tons of restaurants and cafes, which are always busy during meal hours. It has a really romantic atmosphere and a great foodie scene. There are French, Italian, Danish, Thai, and more cuisines to choose from.

I wish I ate in this area more often—it’s so cute–and has amazing food.

Christianshavn: Church of Our Savior + Christiania

Whether you eat lunch here or not, you definitely should explore Christianshavn. It’s where the Church of Our Savior and the infamous Freetown Christiania neighborhood are. The church is free to enter, and it’s gorgeous inside, with a huge mounted organ in the middle. It’s most famous for its climbable spire on the roof, but entry costs 69 DKK per adult. I personally didn’t climb it because I already saw a great view of the Christiansborg Tower, but it’s a very iconic feature of Copenhagen.

If you’re intrigued about Christiania, definitely check it out, but personally, I don’t feel that it’s very unique or exciting. Being an alternative community, there’s a lot of graffiti and hippie vibes. It basically looks like any major American city’s downtown area… I’d skip it if you are pressed for time. I spent about 5 minutes walking through it and left, haha.

Tip: The most picturesque view of Christianshavn is the Christianshavn Kanal. My favorite views of it are at the corner of Lagkagehuset facing Overgaden Neden Vandet and at the corner of Ved Kanalen and Langebrogade facing the Stillmind store.

Operaparken

North of Christianshavn is the gigantic Opera House, which has amazing modern architecture. Admire it and even walk in if you’re curious, but what you should spend more time at is the Operaparken. It’s a free public park right next to the Opera House. It’s a cozy waterfront haven with benches and blossoming trees that are beautiful in the spring.

There’s also an indoor public botanic garden at the bottom of the Opera parking structure with a café on the top floor. It’s one of my favorite spots in Copenhagen and a local favorite.

Enjoy a light meal, glass of wine, or cup of coffee while overlooking the waterfront, indoors or outdoors. Explore the garden and admire the architecture of the parking structure café, shaped like a flower from the top view!

If Summertime: Reffen for Dinner and Drinks

If you go during the summertime or from late March to September, you’ll be able to catch the Reffen Street Food Market, which is only open during that period of the year. It’s a street food market on Refshaleøen Island featuring an artificial beach, firepits, and a variety of street food and alcoholic drink stalls. It’s the spot for chill vibes and great food. I love seeing everyone socialize with some drinks around a bonfire and strolling around for good food.

My favorite thing to do here is head to Mikkeller Brewery at the market entrance, grab their famous sour beer, and sit outside to watch the sunset. It’s truly magical, and the atmosphere is electric!

If Not: Meatpacking District for Dinner and Drinks

If Reffen isn’t on while you are in Copenhagen, then head to the meatpacking district for some good food and great nightlife. It’s the place for nightlife with tons of bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. If you’re a fan of barbeque, definitely check out Warpigs Brewpub, which has a great atmosphere, beer, and American southern barbeque. The Kodyens Fiskebar is another favorite, with delicious seafood dishes (although they are a bit pricey).

Day 3

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Brunch at Studio x Kitchen

Studio x Kitchen café is a popular brunch spot that serves fresh, homemade, and seasonal Danish food. Try a modern yet homey classic Danish breakfast like rye bread, cheese, and butter, or delicious soft scrambled eggs with a fresh salad. Their drinks are also delicious, ranging from espresso-based drinks to refreshing ades. I love this spot for its food and interior design, which features classic Scandinavian colors and design.

They get pretty busy around brunch time, especially on the weekends, and the food may take a while to get to you. However, it’s the perfect reason to grab a coffee, chat with a friend, and enjoy the ambiance before you start your day.

Frederik’s Church

This baroque-style marble church is free and has one of the largest church domes in Northern Europe. The outside is quite beautiful, but you truly don’t feel the size of it until you walk in. If you’re not a fan of churches, feel free to skip this, but I love how gigantic the building feels when you’re inside. It’s also a free attraction in Copenhagen and one of the coolest churches in the city.

Behind the church is the Amalienborg Castle, where the Danish royal family lives. I personally have never been in it, but I recommend passing by at 12 to see the changing of the guards. The guards walk through the city to the castle to relieve the guards, who then walk back through the city. So even if you’re not at the castle, you might be able to catch them marching and playing music.

Option 1: Walk Along the Harbor to Nyhavn

After admiring some architecture, take a scenic walk in Copenhagen. There are dozens of hidden trails and paths to walk, but these two are worth taking as a tourist. From the exhibition center, walk towards Nyhavn and admire the view across the harbor. You’ll see the iconic Opera House, modern architecture on Papirøen, two bridges, and eventually reach Nyhavn. It’s a great view of some iconic structures and shows Copenhagen’s less-touristy side.

Option 2: Walk Along the Harbor to the Little Mermaid

For another walk, walk from Frederik’s church to Kastellet, a former castle fort shaped like a star. On one edge of Kastellet is the Little Mermaid statue, Denmark’s most famous statue. Kastellet is a beautiful green space with blooming flowers, small streams, and old historic buildings.

Since you’re already there, you might as well swing by to see the mermaid statue (which is small), which is known to disappoint tourists because of its size. I wouldn’t go out of my way to see the statue, but I would go out of my way for Kastellet. It’s such a peaceful space!

Option 1: Designmuseum Denmark

After a nice walk, head to one of the design museums! I particularly like the Designmuseum Denmark because it has multiple exhibitions on design in Denmark. You can visit the shop, café, and library for free, but the exhibitions have an entry fee of 130 DKK per adult and 90 DKK for youth (18-26).

I like that the museum focuses on different types of design, including modern, historical, and more abstract types of art. I love this museum, and the museum shop has some of the best (and most affordable) souvenirs.

Option 2: Danish Architecture Center

If you enjoy architecture more, head to the Danish Architecture Center for a museum about architecture in Denmark. The museum shop also has beautiful souvenirs, well-designed clothing, stationery, and more. There’s an exhibit about the most famous Danish architecture, Danish architecture principles, sustainability, and more.

One of the more fun things about the museum is the gigantic slide you can slide down from the top floor! I didn’t do it because I was scared, but definitely try it out. There’s also a café at the top with okay coffee and pastries, but the view from its balcony is great!

Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek

To end the museum crawl, head to the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, arguably Copenhagen’s most beautiful and popular museum. It’s an art museum featuring a private European and Danish art collection. There are also sculptures and a stunning indoor garden that made it famous. Usually, tickets are 125 KR for adults or 95 KR under 27, which is kind of pricey, but if you plan it right, you can go for free every last Wednesday of the month.

It’s one of my favorite museums in Copenhagen and has great, thought-provoking, and poignant art. It has a large collection of Danish art, which you can’t find anywhere else. I just wish it was free by default, but it’s definitely worth checking out.

Frederiksberg Gardens

If you have time, make your way to the most beautiful garden in Copenhagen, Frederiksberg Garden. It’s the garden of the Frederiksberg Castle and has multiple small lakes, lots of walking trails, large meadows for picnicking, and benches for sitting. It’s absolutely stunning in spring, with blooming daffodils and romantic willow trees throughout the garden.

It’s also connected to the Copenhagen Zoo, and there’s a spot in the gardens where you can see the zoo elephants for free! It’s a little further from the city center, but 100% worth visiting. It’s one of my favorite spots in the city for its peace and tranquility.

Dinner at Palazzo Diner or Folkehuset Absalon

If this is your last dinner, you can go for something fancy or local!

Palazzo Diner is a trendy modern Italian restaurant with delicious pasta and buttery steak. The vibes are nice, and the interior design is so cute! It’s right in front of the old theater and perfect for a nicer dinner where you can enjoy a cocktail or two. It can get busy during the evening, so I recommend making a reservation at least a week beforehand (they’re popular)!

If you want to connect with the community, I recommend eating at Folkehuset Absalon. It’s a local community space in a renovated church that offers an affordable and fresh dinner for the public. The menu changes daily, and everyone eats at a communal table. Each meal is 60 DKK and usually has two courses and a small side.

It’s the perfect way to connect and meet other people in Copenhagen and get a delicious meal as well. I wish I had known about it during my trip; otherwise, I would have dined there! I think this is such a cool and unique program to put on, and at a great price!

Day 3 Day Trip Options

If you feel like exploring something other than the city center during your 3 days in Copenhagen, there are options. I recommend taking a day trip from Copenhagen to Roskilde or the Louisiana Museum of Art.

Daytrip to Roskilde, Denmark

Roskilde is a famous old Viking town that is an hour’s train ride away from Copenhagen to the West. It has a famous Viking museum and a UNESCO World Heritage Cathedral. It’s the perfect place to see a relaxing and historical part of Denmark, especially since it’s so easy to access from Copenhagen. Personally, I would skip the Viking Museum unless you can go in the summer when they offer Viking ship rides.

I would go to Roskilde just for the cathedral because it is absolutely mindblowing. It’s so beautiful inside, and that’s why it’s a UNESCO site. The staff there are so friendly, too! I went right before they closed, and they let me in for free! The entrance fee is 70 DKK, but it’s definitely worth it. There’s a small downtown to walk around and plenty of cafes to enjoy, too.

If you’re interested, check out the best 5 things to do in Roskilde!

Day Trip to Louisiana Museum of Art

If you’re looking for a world-class modern art museum, then definitely take the one-hour train North to the Louisiana Museum of Art. It’s right next to the coast, so you have amazing sea views while you walk around the complex and enjoy the art. At least a dozen rooms contain interesting art and sculptures, with modern, abstract, and cool work.

There’s a great café inside the museum with amazing ocean views. Rain or shine, it’s a great place to visit and one of a kind. People like to pair it with visiting Helsingor because they’re on the same train path. Unfortunately, I did not have the hindsight to visit both, but that’s what I will do next time!

Other Suggestions

Take an Architecture Tour

In 2023, UNESCO named Copenhagen the World Capital of Architecture, so you know there is amazing architecture to see. You’ll see a mixture of modern and classic architecture in Copenhagen, and the Royal Library is a good example. Contemporary in the front and historical in the back. This city is one of my favorites for biking, admiring all the beautiful buildings, and taking self-guided architecture tours to see some of the most remarkable modern buildings.

You can take a guided architecture tour if you want a curated guide. The DAC offers a great tour where you’ll see some of the most famous architecture in Copenhagen and get included in the museum entry. I also recommend this biking architecture tour you can take with an architect! No better way to get a glimpse of the city than through someone who builds it!

Here are my favorite architecture spots in Copenhagen.

Take a Danish Pastry Class

Hygge is a huge part of Danish culture, which is the idea of slowing down and enjoying time every day, usually with friends or family. Naturally, this occurs alongside coffee, tea, and pastries. Since this is a part of Danish culture, several pastries are remarkably Danish, including the cardamom bun, tebirkes, semla, and more.

So, if you’re interested in baking or want a new, fun activity, definitely take a Danish pastry class! Learn how to make popular Danish baked goods and take home your work at the end of class. Then, you can recreate your favorites once you go home.

Refshaleøen: Beyond Reffen

Refshaleøen Island is Northeast of the city center and not as conveniently connected to the rest. The metro does not go there, so you have to walk, bike, or bus. But this used to be a large shipping port until the shipping company there went bankrupt. In its wake, businesses and event companies moved in, and now there is a cool street food market, multiple bakeries, and artist spaces.

The popular Lille Bakery is a must if you love seasonal fresh food with freshly baked pastries and good coffee. The interior is one of my favorites, perfect for a sunny day. There’s also this incredible eco-ski slope that you can see miles away from its long steel pipes putting smoke in the air. It might look like pollution, but it’s not! You can take the elevator to the top of the structure and get an incredible view of Copenhagen.

I would only recommend this if you’re returning to Copenhagen or have more than 3 days in Copenhagen. The attractions here are great, but I would focus on seeing other things first.

Go Café-Hopping

Copenhagen is café heaven! There are so many cute coffee shops to check out; they all look beautiful inside. I am a sucker for Scandinavian design and love visiting different cafes for room décor inspiration. I also love enjoying a cup of coffee and a pastry, as the Danish do! While I included some cafes in the itinerary, if you’re looking for more amazing cafes to check out during your stay, here are my favorite coffee shops in Copenhagen.

Get Cheap Eats

While Copenhagen is not known as an affordable city, there are ways to budget a trip, including eating cheap food. I personally cannot (and don’t want to spend the money) afford to eat out in Copenhagen every day, even during 3 days in Copenhagen. You would blow through your budget so fast. Luckily, you also don’t need to eat fast food for an affordable meal.

There are tons of restaurants that serve fresh, delicious, and nutritious food for cheap. One of those places is Folkehuset Absalon, which I mentioned is a communal-style food hall run by a church. Another favorite of mine is Scurryhub, an affordable Thai place in Norreport with fresh Thai food in large portions for 78 DKK.

Here’s a list of 13 restaurants and their menu prices for cheap eats in Copenhagen.

On the topic of money, here’s how much money you’ll roughly need for a trip to Copenhagen.

How Much Spending Money for 3 Days in Copenhagen?

Here’s a list of prices I paid during my trip:

• Airbnb Nightly Rate: 31.52 USD
• Meal at Palazzo: 152 DKK or $21.95 USD
• Coffee and Pastry: 11.60 USD
• Museum Entrance Fee (Designmuseum): 13.13 USD
• Brunch Meal at Etcetera: 233 DKK or 33.76 USD

So, with everything considered (except the flight), you’ll probably spend around 100 USD per day in Copenhagen, give or take 15 USD. For 3 days in Copenhagen, you’ll probably need at least 300 USD, not including flights or souvenirs.

Obviously, there are ways to decrease spending and budget by buying food from grocery stores, going to museums when it’s free, etc. But (obviously) it’s more fun if you splurge on food and entertainment while you travel.

Copenhagen Travel Tips

Here are some Copenhagen travel tips you should know before your trip:

• Don’t walk in the bike lane.
• Learn biking rules before biking.
• Danes are pretty introverted-small talk is not common!
• Tips are not required.
• Credit cards are king, so leave cash at home.
• It gets COLD, so layer up!
• You don’t need a car, take public transit, walk, or bike.

How to Get from CPH Airport to City Center

Getting from the CPH airport to the city center by train or metro is easy. If you’re staying near Central Copenhagen Station, take the train from CPH airport. If you’re staying near Norreport or need the metro to get to your accommodation, take the metro.

You’ll have to buy a ticket if you do not have a commuting card or the DOT app (which you can purchase tickets on beforehand).

How to Purchase Tickets: Walking towards the metro and train, you’ll see red ticket machines once you get to the Arrival terminal. Purchase a three-zone ticket, which will automatically calculate once you enter your destination and hop on public transit! If you need help, staff are always beside the machines, ready to answer questions.

Here’s a more detailed guide with pictures and information on getting to and from CPH airport.

How to Get Around Copenhagen

As mentioned earlier, you really do not need a car to get around Copenhagen. Walking, biking, and public transportation are the king there! The metro and trains are very easy to use and get you pretty much anywhere in and beyond the city.

How to Pay: For tourists, if you’re staying long term, get a Rejsekort Anonymous card, a refillable card you use to pay for all public transport. If you’re here for the short term (like 3 days in Copenhagen), buy single tickets or a multi-day pass. Here’s a guide on how to use public transport in Copenhagen.

My favorite way to get around Copenhagen, though, is by bike. It has some of the best biking infrastructure in the world! Practically everyone who lives here bikes because it’s convenient and fast. You can rent a bike through a shop or a biking app. If you plan to bike (which you should), practice beforehand and learn about the biking rules in Copenhagen. Danes are pretty big sticklers for being a predictable and safe biker, so make sure you prepare! Here’s how to rent a bike in Copenhagen and biking rules you should know.

Do you Need a Copenhagen Card?

The Copenhagen Card is a city pass that grants free admission to select attractions, unlimited free public transport, experiences, and more. It starts at 67 USD per day for the cheapest card. Honestly, I don’t think it’s worth buying unless you love the museums and attractions they include.

You can easily spend less than 67 USD a day without the card, and you might not even have time to break even using the card. It’s better to just go on your own and pay for things separately. However, the Copenhagen card is worth it if you want the most convenient option regardless of cost. You won’t have to worry about different transactions and figuring out public transport.

Have a Great 3 Days in Copenhagen!

With 3 days in Copenhagen, you’ll be able to see a little bit of everything! Enjoy hygge, walking through some neighborhoods, finding unique souvenirs, seeing amazing architecture, and more. Copenhagen is a great place to take a shorter trip, as its compact and attractions are close to each other. Public transit is great, and walking and biking are easy and safe. Before you know it, you’ll wish that your trip was longer! And after visiting Copenhagen, maybe you’ll explore further in Scandinavia. Happy travels!