UPDATED 2/7/25

Wanting to spend a long weekend in Copenhagen? Here is my suggested way to spend 3 days in Copenhagen, Denmark, full of top attractions, dining and booking tools, to get the best of Copenhagen on a first time visit.

For best results, this Copenhagen itinerary is for those traveling alone to groups up to 4 travelers on a first time Copenhagen visit.

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Here are all of the sites you need to successfully book these perfect 3 days in Copenhagen.

I even give you my suggested Copenhagen hotel as a wonderful, sustainable and budget friendly option for Copenhagen. There is also a second city center location. Although my suggested location is closer to the central train station, both are ideal for seeing Copenhagen on foot.

I recommend you bookmark and use these sites early to lock in your Copenhagen 3 day travel itinerary and get the best Copenhagen travel deals.

Cheap Flights to Copenhagen

Best Copenhagen Hotels

Suggested Copenhagen Hotel

Best Copenhagen Hostels

Copenhagen Train Tickets

Copenhagen Bus Tickets

Copenhagen Card

Optional Roskilde and Castles Tour

I suggest getting the Copenhagen Card when you visit Copenhagen in 3 days because it could save you time and money, especially if your trip to Copenhagen is during peak season.

The Copenhagen Card, not only covers unlimited public transportation (including to and from the Copenhagen Airport), but it also provides entry to over 80 Copenhagen attractions, discounts on tours, cruises, restaurants, and more. Purchase a card for 24, 48, or 72 hours (up to 96 and 120 hours if you’re staying longer than three days in Copenhagen).

I was pleased with my Copenhagen City Card. Read the details of the card benefits before you purchase.

Don’t forget to use the Ultimate Copenhagen Travel Guide to plan your 3 days in Copenhagen Denmark. It is the ultimate one-stop-shop guide for all you need to know to plan Copenhagen with:

If you prefer videos to plan your first time in Copenhagen instead, watch the popular 15 Things to Know Before Visiting Copenhagen video.

If you’re a first-time traveler to Denmark, also use my Denmark Travel Guide full of tips on culture, entry requirements, currency, tipping, using electronics, safety, and a lot more.

For more inspiration, watch these Copenhagen must-do things you’ll get to enjoy in this in this 3 day itinerary. After watching, you’ll want to start packing your bags for Copenhagen.

This Copenhagen itinerary provides some of best, and free, things to do in Copenhagen in 3 days, both indoors and out.

Copenhagen is a beautiful city and is optimal when visiting during warmer, clear weather. However, do not let weather deter you from the top Copenhagen sights. Just dress accordingly and take advantage of the multiple museums, shops, restaurants and bars.

Leaving your Copenhagen city center hotel, you’ll start your exploration of the city center with the Rosenborg Castle. On the way, stop to grab a bite at the Torvehallerne, an outdoor market full of vendors for fresh food, sandwiches, pastries, etc. Or grab a Pølser (think hot dog) at any one of the Pølser stands in the city center.

After lunch visit the Rosenborg Slot (Rosenborg Castle), as seen on the featured image, a renaissance-era castle that houses the crown jewels. Take time to stroll the Kongens Have (Kings Garden). This a beautiful setting in Copenhagen.

Next, head to the Rundetårn (Round Tower), a mere 15-20 minute walk. Go up the 17^th century astronomical observatory via its circular “staircase” for lovely city views.

Hungry again? Make your way to the famous pedestrian street, Strøget, to stroll its shops and restaurants. You have plenty of dining choices here. Meander and observe street performers. There is also live music to found here. Don’t forget to spot the Storkespringvandet (Stork Fountain) in the center of Strøget.

Stay in the Strøget as long as you like, or if you prefer to be closer to your hotel, another great dining and music option is Green Island on the Copenhagen harbor. Another lovely setting for drinks and live music.

Entry to the Rosenborg Castle and Round Tower are free with the Copenhagen Card.

Grab breakfast your hotel early for another full day in Copenhagen.

Walk north along the Bølgen afslapningsanlæg, the riverfront boardwalk and park, and take in the views of Christianhavn across the harbor.

Wander Ny Kongensgade across the Fredericksholms Kanal through the beautiful Det Kongelige Biblioteks Have (Garden of the Royal Library) ending at the Christiansborg Slot (Christiansborg Palace).

Tour the Denmark royal residence with vast halls and one-of-a-kind tapestries, the royal kitchen, and stables with carriages. The tower is also open to the public and has a restaurant.

Leaving the castle, walk north towards Frederik’s Church and catch a glimpse of distinct spire atop Børsen the 17th century old stock exchange (under reconstruction due to fire at time of writing).

Not long after you should reach Frederiks Kirke (Frederik’s Church), also known as The Marble Church. This 18th century Lutheran church, free to enter, is worth a peek inside, trust me.

After marveling at the church for a bit, you’re just a short stroll to the Amalienborg Palace, home to the Danish royal family.

You’ll want to try to be at the Amalienborg Palace in time to get a good viewing sport for the changing of the royal guard that starts promptly at noon. Then stroll around the palace grounds and Frederik VIII’s Palace grounds. All of this is free.

Then walk south near the water towards Nyhavn (New Harbor) for a late lunch. You can’t miss this iconic harbor and its colorful buildings with restaurants that seem to stretch forever along the water.

Take your time to spend a few hours here. Try a Smørrebrød, a traditional open faced sandwich on rye bread topped with meats, cheeses, and garnishes. Wash it down with a cold beer and get in some people watching. Take in some shopping in the area if you wish.

Refreshed, make your way to one of the highlights of your Copenhagen 3 day tour: a grand tour of the Copehagen harbor and canals. This is a must do in Copenhagen. Copenhagen canal tours are 1 hour and leave from multiple locations: Nyhavn and Gammel Strand and Ved Stranden.

If you are using the Copenhagen Card, you must depart from Ved Stranden. Booking your spot ahead of time is not possible.

The canal cruise is the best way to view Copenhagen. You will not forget the city’s colorful history that rivals the colorful city itself. From the tour you’ll also be able to see the following, which is ideal as you’ll only have 3 days in Copenhagen:

• Cirkelbroen (Five Circles Pedestrian Bridge in Christianhavn
• Copenhagen Opera House – National opera house of Denmark on the island of Holmen
• The Little Mermaid statue – 1913 national symbol of Denmark
• The unique spired Our Saviour’s Church

Your canal tour should end in time so you can walk back to your hotel and freshen up before dinner (or simply keep wandering the city). More outdoor dining opportunities and live music are close by the Fredericksholms Kanal should you wish to explore this area.

You saw many epic Copenhagen sites today for free, and entry to the Christiansborg Palace and the Stromma Canal Tour are free with the Copenhagen Card. Not bad for a second day in Copenhagen, huh?

Take your time getting up and enjoying your European breakfast in your hotel before conquering your last full day in Copenhagen.

After breakfast, make a short walk to Museum of Copenhagen. I found this museum fascinating. The exhibits are unique and creative. You learn much about Copenhagen from this museum.

Head back to Frederiksholms Kanal area and stroll where you have not been already. Again, it’s also a great place to dine outside for lunch, especially if the weather is nice.

Next up is the Københavns Rådhus (Copenhagen City Hall). Built in 1905, it lines one side of the spacious Rådhuspladsen (City Hall Square) with its Dragespringvandet (Dragon Fountain). The Hans Christian Andersen statue is also there.

The Town Hall clock tower is open to the public if you’re up to climbing the 300 steps. It’s another opportunity for views of Copenhagen. Note, this is only available to do Monday through Friday at 11 am and 2 pm, and Saturday at noon. Town Hall tours are also available.

After you climbed the tower, take a short walk to the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek (“Glyptoteket”) to leisurely soak in some amazing art.

Once you’ve had your fill, had back to the hotel and take a break, because you’re going to need it. Tonight is for celebrating your last night in Copenhagen, and this has to be done at Tivoli Gardens.

Tivoli Gardens has it all: games, rides, live music, restaurants, bars… you will not believe how much this park packs in within Copenhagen’s city center. The only way to see is it at night lit up in all of its glory.

For dinner, try the “national dish of Denmark”: Stegt flæsk med persillesovs, crispy pork, potatoes, and parsley sauce with more delicious Danish beer. Check the entertainment line up in advance to see what music is playing. Ride the rides.

Tivoli Gardens is another must do in Copenhagen. You can spend hours here, trust me. Best yet, it’s really close to your hotel so walking back late a night is a breeze.

Yep, you guessed it. Your day 3 in Copenhagen museum entries, the Town Hall clock tower, and entry to Tivoli Gardens was all covered on the Copenhagen Card! I trust you’ll enjoy your 3 days in Copenhagen.

If you don’t want to use the Copenhagen Card, you are welcome to purchase Copenhagen entry and excursion tickets individually.

Here is a recap of some of the top Copenhagen activities in this itinerary, plus some other top things to do in Copenhagen, that you could add if you have time or want to switch a Copenhagen activity should it fit your 3 days.

If you can, I highly recommend stretching your 3 days in Copenhagen to 4 Days in Copenhagen.

As you can tell from above, three days is enough time to experience many Copenhagen top sights. Four days in Copenhagen, however, allows for a day trip to Kronborg Castle from Copenhagen, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

This massive Renaissance castle and stronghold in the town of Helsingør (also spelled Elsinore) and is infamous as the setting for Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”. Helsingør is a 45 minute train ride from Copenhagen and multiple trains leave the central station daily. It is an easy walk to the castle from the Helsingør station.

You have two options for touring Kronborg Castle and Helsingør: go by yourself self-guided or take a group tour.

If you don’t want to go alone, a day trip tour to Kronborg Castle, Frederiksborg Castle and Roskilde is a wonderful option meet people while seeing more of Denmark.

Touring Krongborg Castle alone is doable if you are doing Copenhagen budget travel.

I would love to hear how my 3 days in Copenhagen itinerary worked for you. Post me your thoughts or questions in the Comments section below. Thank you!