Copenhagen in 3 Days: Canals, Bikes, Cobblestones, Calm and Culinary Finds
- Izabel Stalder
- 10 hours ago
- 18 min read
Copenhagen has a special place in my heart—and this was my second time visiting the city, which made it feel even more exciting and familiar. This time, I shared the experience with my best friend, which brought a whole new energy to the trip.
Despite the infamous Danish rain, we embraced the elements like locals: biking through the world’s most bicycle-friendly streets, wind in our hair and grins plastered on our faces. By day, we pedalled past Nyhavn’s candy-coloured facades, the stoic Little Mermaid, and Amalienborg Palace (home to Europe’s oldest royal family). By night, we retreated to our dream oasis, Manon les Suites, warming up in its steamy, jungle-clad Jungle Fish Pool—a slice of Bali in the Baltic. Between downpours, we devoured vegan smørrebrød in candlelit cafés, chased hygge, and laughed at how even the rain felt poetic here. Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, this city never stops surprising you. Ready to see how we conquered Copenhagen in 72 hours? Let’s go!
GENERAL INFORMATION
Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, began as a humble fishing village in the 10th century. It rose to prominence in the Middle Ages, becoming the royal capital in the 15th century. Denmark itself is one of the oldest monarchies in the world and was once a major seafaring power with influence across Scandinavia and Northern Europe.
Today, Copenhagen is known for its impeccable design, green living, and the perfect balance of historic charm and modern innovation.
Location: Eastern Denmark, on the coastal islands of Zealand and Amager, facing the Øresund Strait and Sweden.
Borders of Denmark: Denmark, located in Northern Europe, is bordered by:
1. Germany (south): Denmark’s only land border, stretching 68 km (42 miles) along the Jutland Peninsula.
2. Maritime Borders:
North Sea (west): Separates Denmark from the United Kingdom.
Skagerrak Strait (north): Connects the North Sea to the Kattegat Strait, forming a maritime boundary with Norway.
Kattegat & Baltic Sea (east): The Øresund Strait (between Denmark and Sweden) links the Kattegat to the Baltic Sea, with Sweden just 4 km (2.5 miles) across the water (connected by the iconic Øresund Bridge).
Autonomous territories (part of the Kingdom of Denmark but self-governing):
Greenland: Surrounded by the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans, with maritime neighbours like Canada (via the Nares Strait) and Iceland.
Faroe Islands: Situated in the North Atlantic, between Norway, Iceland, and Scotland.
Denmark’s strategic position bridges Scandinavia and mainland Europe, making it a gateway to the Baltic region.
Etymology: “Copenhagen” comes from the Danish word København, meaning “merchant’s harbour.”
Size: Denmark: ~43,094 km² ; Copenhagen: ~88 km².
Symbol of Denmark: The red-and-white flag (Dannebrog), the mermaid (inspired by Hans Christian Andersen), and the royal crown.
Symbol of Copenhagen: The Little Mermaid statue, Nyhavn, and bicycles!
Population: Denmark: ~5.9 million; Copenhagen: ~650,000 (over 1.4 million in the metro area).
Languages: Danish (official). English is widely spoken.
Dictionary:Hej (Hi) – “Hey”
Tak (Thanks) – “Tahk”
Undskyld (Sorry) – “Un-school”
Skål! (Cheers!) – “Skoal!”
Hygge (cosy contentment) – “Hoo-guh” – A cornerstone of Danish culture, hygge is about savouring life’s simple joys: candlelit dinners, warm chats with friends, or curling up with a blanket and coffee. It’s the art of creating warmth and connection—something we embraced daily in Copenhagen!
Currency: Danish Krone (DKK). For reference: 1 DKK = 0.13 EUR ; 1 DKK = 0.15 USD.
Local time: Central European Time (CET) / UTC +1 (UTC +2 in summer).
Economy: Highly developed; known for green tech, design, pharmaceuticals, and maritime industries.
Best time to visit:
Spring (April–June): Long daylight, mild temps, fewer crowds.
Summer (July–August): Warm (18–25°C), most sunlight (~17 hours/day!), but busier.
Autumn (September–October): Quieter, cosy vibes, temps around 10–15°C.
Winter (Nov–Feb): Cold (0–5°C), short days, but magical during Christmas.
Best balance? Late spring or early autumn for fewer crowds, pleasant weather, and great light for photos.
What to pack:
Layered clothing (weather is changeable)
Rain jacket
Rain boots
Comfortable walking shoes
A reusable water bottle (tap water is clean and free)
Power adapter (Type C/E/K plugs; 230V, 50Hz)
Food culture in Copenhagen: Copenhagen is a foodie paradise, from Michelin-starred restaurants to cosy cafés and vegan street food.
Staple Ingredients: Rye bread, pickled herring, root vegetables, fresh herbs, fish, and dairy.
Typical foods:
Smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches)
Rødgrød med fløde (berry dessert with cream)
Frikadeller (meatballs)
For vegans: Try vegan smørrebrød, plant-based pastries, or dining at restaurants like Beyla, Bistro Lupa, Bistro Verde, Souls, Ark, or Plant Power Food.
Drones in Copenhagen:
Not over crowds or near airports.
Max altitude: 120 meters.
Respect privacy and nature areas.
Registration and insurance are required for drones over 250g.
Stay connected:
Free Wi-Fi is common in cafés and hotels.
Local SIM cards are available or use eSIMs.
EU roaming applies if you’re from another EU country.
Travel requirements:
EU/EEA Citizens: No visa needed.
Others: Schengen visa may be required—check your country’s rules.
A passport or an ID is required at entry.
HOW TO GET AROUND
Copenhagen is the most bicycle-friendly city in the world. We biked almost everywhere and used public transport too.
Need a splash of practical biking tips? Here’s a mini-guide from our trip:
Biking like a Copenhagener:
Rentals: Rent a bike from your hotel – we did that at Manon Les Suites, or try "Bycyklen" city bikes (electric!) or local shops like Baisikeli (~80 DKK/day).
Rules: Use hand signals, always stay in bike lanes, and yield to buses.
Rain Hack: Pack a lightweight poncho—bike shops sell stylish ones!
Safety: Lights are mandatory after dark (fines apply); it’s not mandatory, but you can use a helmet.
Public Transport must-download app:
DOT Tickets: For trains, buses, metro, and harbour buses.You can purchase tickets from the ticket machines as well, but I recommend you doing it online – it’s quicker and more comfortable to do so.
City Pass Small (Zones 1-4)
Covers the city centre + airport
Valid on metro, buses, trains, and harbour buses
Prices:
24h: 100 DKK
48h: 160 DKK
72h: 220 DKK (we used this!)
Extra: Bike ticket = 15 DKK per ride (bikes are not allowed in the metro on weekdays 7–9 AM & 3:30–5:30 PM)
Other Passes:
City Pass Large (Zones 1–99) or X-Large (01–299) for regional trips—generally not needed for a city break.
EXPLORATION PLUS
Copenhagen Card
Includes public transport plus 80+ attractions.
Great value if you’re planning to visit many museums and sights.
Prices vary: 24h ~459 DKK, 48h ~679 DKK
We skipped it since we only visited a few places, and it was cheaper to pay separately.
Let’s dive into how we spent each day and what you must experience in Copenhagen next!
DAY BY DAY ITINERARY
Okay, real talk: our first day in Copenhagen was wild. We got absolutely soaked — like, rain-in-your-socks, wind-stealing-your-umbrella soaked. We walked and bussed everywhere, clinging to hot coffees like lifelines, but somehow still saw so much beauty. And guess what? That night, the sky gave us the most stunning sunset, like the city was saying “thanks for sticking with me.”
Day two? Total 180. Sunshine! We hopped on bikes and finally understood why everyone calls this place “bike heaven.” Gliding past canals and castles with the wind in our hair? Pure joy.
Day three was supposed to be stormy again… but we got lucky. Instead of rain, we got blue skies and one last perfect exploration. Honestly? The messy weather made the sunny moments even sweeter. Ready to see how we packed it all in? Here’s exactly what we did, day by day ↓
DAY 1.
We landed early in the morning—9:00 AM sharp—at Copenhagen Airport and headed straight for the city via the incredibly efficient Metro M2 line. Just a few stops later, we were at Forum Station, and after a short walk in a light drizzle, we reached our hotel. What we didn’t know then was that this little rain was just a gentle preview of the storms ahead. Thankfully, I came well-prepared: my rain jacket and boots turned out to be essential in navigating the wet wonderland of Denmark.
WHERE TO STAY
MANON LES SUITES
If you’re looking for an oasis in the heart of Copenhagen, Manon Les Suites is it. The hotel feels like a slice of Bali transplanted into Scandinavia, with its lush indoor Jungle Fish Pool at the centre of the building—truly a showstopper. The rooms are spacious and stylish, combining Nordic minimalism with exotic flair, and some come with kitchenettes for added convenience.
We stayed at their Pool Side Petite Suite. Breakfast is a major highlight, offering a wide array of organic, plant-based, and locally sourced options that cater to every taste. As an eco-hotel, Manon Les Suites places sustainability front and centre—without compromising comfort. The location is excellent: a short walk from metro stations and many key attractions. They also offer bike rentals, which is the best way to explore Copenhagen like a local. And after a long day of sightseeing, their spa and sauna area is the perfect place to unwind.
Instagram: @guldsmedenhotels
PALADS TEATRET
Our first stop was the candy-coloured dream that is Palads Teatret. This former train station turned cinema is hard to miss—its bright pink, blue, and yellow façade makes it one of the most photographed buildings in Copenhagen. Though primarily a movie theatre today, Palads holds architectural charm from the 1910s, and its whimsical paint job has turned it into a landmark. Even in the rain, the pastel tones popped beautifully in our photos.
ROSENBORG CASTLE
From Palads, we continued by metro and foot to Rosenborg Castle—a true fairytale fortress nestled in the heart of the city. Built in the early 17th century by King Christian IV, this Renaissance-style castle is known for housing the Danish crown jewels and royal regalia. The interiors are opulent, filled with intricate tapestries, ornate furnishings, and royal portraits.
💡 Tip: The ticket queue was impressively long, even in the rain, so it’s wise to book your tickets online in advance to save time.
Entrance fee: 140 DKK
Opening hours: daily 10 AM – 5 PM
THE KING'S GARDEN (KONGENS HAVE)
Surrounding the castle is The King’s Garden, the oldest royal garden in Denmark. Laid out in the early 1600s, it remains a local favourite for strolls, picnics, and relaxing under beautifully manicured trees. Even in the drizzle, it had a serene beauty with blooming flowers and charming pathways—like walking through a living painting.
Free of charge
Opening hours: daily 7 AM – 5 PM
FREDERIK'S CHURCH (THE MARBLE CHURCH)
Our next stop was Frederik’s Church, better known as The Marble Church. With its massive green copper dome—the largest in Scandinavia—it’s one of the most striking buildings in Copenhagen. Built in the Rococo style, it took over 150 years to complete due to financial setbacks. The church is inspired by St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, and once inside, the circular nave and soaring ceiling are awe-inspiring.
⏰ Avoid visiting around 11:30 AM—we learned the hard way. By then, the area was already packed with tourists heading to the next big event: the Changing of the Guard.
Free entrance
Opening hours: daily 10 AM – 5 PM; except Friday 12 PM – 5 PM, and Sunday 12:30 PM – 5 PM
AMALIENBORG PALACE AND CHANGING OF THE GUARD
A short walk brings you to Amalienborg Palace, the official residence of the Danish royal family. It consists of four classical palace façades arranged around an octagonal courtyard. The royal family still resides here, making it a living, breathing palace.
Every day at noon sharp, the Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place. The guards march from Rosenborg Castle to Amalienborg, clad in traditional uniforms.
Fun fact: the guards are part of the Royal Life Guards, and both men and women serve in this elite unit.
💡 Tip: Get there early—really early. At 11:30 AM or even earlier at 11:15 AM. Umbrellas in the crowd block the view, and in our case, the storm made it even harder to see. We got lucky when someone left and snagged a prime front-row spot just in time.
Entrance fee: 125 DKK
Opening hours: October – April, open Tuesday – Sunday: 10 AM – 4 PM; closed Mondays
May – September: daily 10 AM – 5 PM
Hours may change during state events. Verify on the official website.
BISTRO VERDE
For lunch, we headed to Bistro Verde, a cosy vegan spot offering modern takes on Danish classics. We tried a Smørrebrød tasting—open-faced sandwiches typically served on rye bread with a variety of toppings. Ours came with plant-based twists and seasonal veggies. Paired with a creamy matcha and a comforting vegan pasta carbonara, it was the perfect mid-day break from the rain.
THE LITTLE MERMAID
No trip to Copenhagen is complete without seeing The Little Mermaid statue. Perched on a rock by the harbour, this small bronze figure is inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s famous fairy tale. Sculpted by Edvard Eriksen and unveiled in 1913, she gazes longingly toward the sea, embodying the tragic beauty of the story. Though often smaller than expected, the statue is iconic and symbolizes the city’s deep literary and maritime history.
KASTELLET AND KASTELSMØLLEN
Just a short walk from the Little Mermaid lies Kastellet, one of the best-preserved star fortresses in Europe. Built in the 17th century, its pentagram shape is visible from above, and the site still functions as a military base today. Walking through the fort’s ramparts feels like stepping back in time, especially when you reach Kastelsmøllen, the picturesque old windmill at its heart.
Free entrance
Opening hours: 6 AM – 8 PM
BACK AT MANON LES SUITES
After a rainy day, we returned to Manon Les Suites to indulge in their serene spa area and take a dip in the warm Jungle Fish Pool under the palm fronds. It felt like an urban escape within our escape.
DINNER AT BEYLA
In the evening, we headed to Beyla in the vibrant Vesterbro district. Known for its modern vegan cuisine and sustainable ethos, Beyla serves beautifully plated tasting menus that rival any fine dining experience. The atmosphere is casual yet elegant—perfect for food lovers and plant-based eaters alike.
TIVOLI GARDENS
With the rain finally letting up, we took a walk past Tivoli Gardens, the world’s second-oldest amusement park. Opened in 1843, it inspired Walt Disney himself. Even from the outside, the twinkling lights, historic rides, and fairytale architecture gave off a magical evening vibe.
Entrance fee: 170 DKK; including rides 349 DKK
Opening hours: daily 11 AM – 10 PM
MAGSTRÆDE
Next, we found our way to Magstræde, one of Copenhagen’s oldest streets and a favourite among photographers. Its cobbled lane, colourful 17th-century houses, and crooked charm make it one of the most Instagrammable spots in the city.
CHRISTIANSBORG PALACE
We passed by the beautifully reflected city in the evening canals to reach our last stop of the day - Christiansborg Palace. This is the only building in the world that houses all three branches of government—executive, legislative, and judicial—under one roof.
Visitors can explore the Royal Reception Rooms, the Queen’s Tapestries, the Royal Kitchen, The Royal Stables and even the underground ruins of older castles that once stood on the site. There you will also find the tallest tower in Copenhagen, providing panoramic views of the city. Admission to the Tower is free, but there may be queues during peak times.
Entrance fee: 175 DKK
Opening hours: daily 10 AM – 6 PM
With sore feet but happy hearts, we returned to our Pool Side Suite at Manon Les Suites, ready to rest and recharge for another exciting day in Copenhagen.
DAY 2.
We started the day in our now-favourite ritual: a slow morning by the Jungle Fish Pool at Manon Les Suites. Floating beneath hanging palms and tropical lanterns, it’s hard to believe you’re in the centre of Copenhagen. Breakfast at the hotel was, once again, delicious—an abundant buffet of organic, eco-conscious options, fresh fruit, crusty sourdoughs, and other delicacies that fuelled us for the day ahead.
The sun was finally out and so were we—with a mission to see the city like locals do: by bike.
BIKING IN COPENHAGEN
Copenhagen is the most bicycle-friendly city in the world, and it shows. With over 390 kilometres of designated bike lanes, the city is built for cycling, and locals rely on their bikes daily—for commuting to work, running errands, or even dropping kids off at school.
We borrowed bikes from Manon Les Suites, which makes exploring easy and eco-friendly. But make no mistake—biking in Copenhagen is a cultural dance, and as newcomers, we were very aware not to disrupt the flow.
💡 Biking tips for visitors:Always stay in your lane
Use hand signals to indicate turns or stops
Don’t block traffic by stopping suddenly to check maps—pull over instead.
Yield to pedestrians at crossings.
And above all: respect the rhythm—Danes bike like they mean it.
THE ROYAL LIBRARY (DET KONGELIGE BIBLIOTEK)
Our first destination was the architectural marvel known as The Royal Library, or more poetically, The Black Diamond. Perched on the harbourfront, the angular, jet-black building mirrors the surrounding water and sky, creating an ever-changing facade.
Inside, this modern wing of Denmark’s national library is a sanctuary of books, silence, and clean Scandinavian design. There’s also a café overlooking the water and regular art exhibitions. Whether you come for the architecture or the ambience, it’s worth lingering.
Free entrance
Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 8 AM – 8 PM; Thursday and Sunday 10 AM – 4 PM; Saturday 9 AM – 6 PM
CHURCH OF OUR SAVIOUR (VOR FRELSERS KIRKE)
From there, we cycled to one of the most iconic churches in Copenhagen—The Church of Our Saviour, famous for its spiral tower that wraps upward in an external staircase.
💡 Very important: You need to book a time slot online in advance. Entry is strictly limited per hour, and while we were waiting for our time, we saw several people turned away at the door.Climbing the tower for some people might be a bit of an adventure—400 steps up, some of them very narrow—but the 360° panoramic view of Copenhagen from the top is absolutely breathtaking. You’ll see the rooftops of Christianshavn, the canals, and the Øresund Bridge stretching all the way to Sweden.
Entrance fee: 69 DKK
Opening hours: daily 9 AM – 8 PM
CIRCLE BRIDGE (CIRKELBROEN)
Just a few minutes away is Circle Bridge, an artistic pedestrian and cyclist bridge designed by Olafur Eliasson. It’s made up of five circular platforms, resembling sails or ship wheels—another nod to the city’s maritime history.
It’s more than just a bridge—it’s a place to pause and look back at the Black Diamond and watch boats glide through the harbour below. Beautiful both functionally and visually.
NYHAVN
From there, we continued to Nyhavn, Copenhagen’s iconic harbour lined with colourful 17th-century townhouses and traditional wooden ships. Despite some canal renovation work, it was still lovely to stroll along the water.
While Nyhavn is an Instagram dream and a launch point for canal cruises, it’s not the best place for food—restaurants here are quite touristy and the overall quality is not the best. Instead, enjoy the ambience, take some photos, or hop on a harbour tour that starts right from the quay.
From Nyhavn, you can also walk to:
Kunsthal Charlottenborg
The Royal Danish Playhouse
Ofelia Plads, a waterfront cultural space
The bridge to Christianshavn if you’re up for more exploring
STRØGET AND LUNCH AT GAO DUMPLING
Next, we biked over to Strøget, Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping street, in search of the vegan burger spot Eden Jaxx—only to find it closed. Time to improvise!
We ended up at Gao Dumpling located in the same shopping mall, where we enjoyed a casual but satisfying lunch.
My friend also tried some Danish pastries—a local must:
Spandauer – flaky pastry filled with custard or fruit, the classic “Danish.”
Kanelstang – a long cinnamon roll, perfect with coffee.
PISTOLSTRÆDE
After lunch, we discovered a quiet escape just off the busy street: Pistolstræde, a hidden gem alleyway nestled behind the main shopping area. Cobblestones, pastel walls, hanging ivy, and tiny boutiques make it feel like a secret world. Don’t miss the beautiful circular archway—it’s a favourite photo spot.
SUPERKILEN PARK
From Pistolstræde, we biked about 5.4 kilometres north to Superkilen Park in Nørrebro, a neighbourhood known for its cultural diversity and creative spirit.
Superkilen is a public park celebrating multiculturalism, designed in three themed areas:
Red Square – vibrant and modern, with a gym and food kiosks
Black Market – home to the famous white lines and plaza where skaters, dancers, and kids play
Green Park – perfect for picnics and relaxation
We got caught in a 5-minute mini storm, but once it passed, the park was full of energy again—people boxing, biking, skateboarding, playing with kids, and just enjoying the sun. It’s an urban playground unlike anything else.
FREDERIK'S CHURCH (revisited)
On our way back to the centre, we decided to revisit Frederik’s Church (The Marble Church), this time with no crowds and full sunshine. It was magical to finally take in the architecture and peaceful ambience without the stress of umbrellas and packed tourist groups.
To our surprise, we also caught another Changing of the Guard, a smaller one than the noon event, but even more enjoyable without the chaos.
BISTRO LUPA - SUSTAINABLE VEGAN FINE DINING
Dinner that evening was a highlight: Bistro Lupa, listed in the Michelin Guide 2024, Sustainable Gastronomy, and the 360° Eat Guide. The restaurant offers an elevated vega- tasting menu that showcases how plant-based cuisine can be deeply satisfying, innovative, and beautiful.
Located in the elegant Østerbro district, Lupa is the kind of place where every bite is a story. The menu changes with the seasons and includes local, foraged, and fermented ingredients—served in a cosy yet refined Nordic atmosphere.
BACK TO MANON LES SUITES
We returned to Manon Les Suites just in time for a final evening swim. The Jungle Fish Pool by night is something special—glowing lights, gentle music, and reflections dancing on the water. A soothing way to end our sun-filled, pedal-powered day.
Ready for one last adventure tomorrow before heading home.
DAY 3.
Our last day in Copenhagen began with our now-familiar rhythm: a nourishing breakfast followed by a refreshing dip in the Jungle Fish Pool at Manon Les Suites. There’s something wonderfully grounding about starting your morning in such a peaceful oasis—it set the tone for one final round of city adventures before heading home.
PALADS (again—but this time without rain!)
We couldn’t resist going back to Palads, the flamboyant candy-coloured cinema building near Vesterport Station, to capture it again now that the skies were clear. Without the drizzle of Day 1, its pastel façade—painted in cotton candy pink, turquoise, and yellow—looked even more surreal against the soft morning light.
It’s not just a visual treat. Palads is one of the city’s major cinemas, with a long history (it dates back to 1912!) and a striking example of how Copenhagen embraces bold design even in everyday places like movie theatres.
THE BOTANICAL GARDEN (BOTANISK HAVE)
Next, we made our way to the Botanical Garden, a green haven right in the heart of the city and part of the Natural History Museum of Denmark. Entry to the outdoor gardens is free, and they offer a beautiful place to walk, breathe, and slow down among more than 13,000 plant species.
We wandered through the winding paths, met a few friendly squirrels, and admired rare flowers and towering trees. There’s a pond, small bridges, and plenty of benches for soaking in the calm.
Unfortunately, the iconic Palm House dome or Palmehuset (main greenhouse) was temporarily closed during our visit. Usually, this 19th-century glass structure—resembling a mini Kew Gardens—is a highlight with its spiral staircase and lush tropical flora. But even without the indoor part, the garden outside was a lovely way to enjoy our last morning in Copenhagen.
Entrance fee: free outdoors; Palm House – 70 DKK
Opening hours: daily 10 AM – 3:30 PM; closed Mondays
THE ROUND TOWER (RUNDETAARN)
From there, we walked to the nearby Round Tower, one of the city’s most unique architectural landmarks. Built in 1642 as an astronomical observatory by order of King Christian IV, it’s the oldest functioning observatory in Europe.
There’s no need to pre-book—tickets can be bought on the spot, and the experience is as charming as it is historic. Instead of stairs, you walk up a spiralling cobbled ramp that gently coils its way to the top. Along the way, stop at the old library hall, which now hosts art exhibitions and events.
At the top, you’re rewarded with panoramic views over Copenhagen’s rooftops—a more relaxed alternative to the climb at the Church of Our Saviour. The vibe here is peaceful, even whimsical, with people pausing to sketch, take photos, or just admire the view.
Entrance fee: 60 DKK
Opening hours: daily 10 AM – 8 PM
LUNCH AT NENI COPENHAGEN
For lunch, we went to NENI Copenhagen, located inside the elegant 25hours Hotel. The atmosphere was cosy and cosmopolitan, and the food—a mix of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and local Scandinavian flavours—was delicious and vibrant.
The design is also worth mentioning: full of eclectic, urban touches with a warm, laid-back vibe. A great spot whether you want to relax or refuel before a flight.
AFTERNOON SHOPPING ON STRØGET
With a few hours left before heading to the airport, we made our way back to Strøget for some last-minute shopping. This pedestrian boulevard and its surrounding streets are a mix of high street favourites, Scandinavian design brands, and independent boutiques.
Some streets to explore around Strøget:
Kronprinsensgade – for Danish fashion and concept stores
Læderstræde – a more local, stylish stretch with great coffee spots
Pilestræde – for lifestyle and home design
It’s also a great area to just wander, window shop, and pick up a few unique souvenirs.
OTHER GREAT PLACES TO VISIT (if you have more time)
While we covered a lot during our three days, there are still a few gems that are absolutely worth visiting, especially if you have a bit more time:
NY CARLSBERG GLYPTOTEK
A stunning museum founded by the Carlsberg brewing family, featuring a mix of ancient sculptures (Greek, Roman, Egyptian) and modern art (including pieces by Rodin, Gauguin, and Degas). Don’t miss the winter garden atrium—it’s breathtaking.
Entrance fee: 135 DKK
Opening hours: daily 10 AM – 5 PM; closed Mondays
THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF DENMARK (NATIONALMUSEET)
Located near Christiansborg Palace, this is the place to go for a deep dive into Danish history, from the Viking Age to modern times. The ethnographic collections are also excellent.
Entrance fee: 140 DKK
Opening hours: daily 10 AM – 5 PM
DESIGNMUSEUM DANMARK
For fans of Danish design and architecture, this museum showcases everything from classic mid-century furniture to innovative contemporary design.
Entrance fee: 140 DKK
Opening hours: closed Mondays; Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday 10 AM – 6 PM; Thursday 10 AM – 8 PM
COPENHOT
For something totally unique—harbour hot tubs and floating saunas! Book in advance and enjoy a warm soak while floating on Copenhagen’s waters.
HEADING HOME
And just like that, it was time to return our bikes, grab our bags, and head to Copenhagen Airport. Thankfully, getting there is as easy as ever—a direct metro ride from the city centre, efficient and hassle-free.
Copenhagen truly lived up to its reputation as a city of balance: between modern and historic, hygge and hustle, design and nature. Rain or shine (and we had both), it offers beauty at every turn—and we left with full hearts and many places already bookmarked for next time.
WRAPPING UP OUR COPENHAGEN EXPERIENCE
Three days in Copenhagen felt like stepping into a well-composed symphony—one where design, history, sustainability, and everyday life harmonize effortlessly. From our serene mornings at Manon Les Suites’ Jungle Fish Pool to wind-blown palaces, spiral towers, cosy vegan dinners, and spontaneous bike rides through storm and sun—this city unfolded in layers, each more inspiring than the last.
We explored world-renowned sights like Nyhavn, Rosenborg Castle, and Amalienborg, climbed two of the city’s most iconic towers, and took time to pause in gardens, backstreets, and hidden gems. The contrasts are what make Copenhagen unforgettable: you can feel like you’re in Bali at breakfast, Venice by lunch and a contemporary art exhibit by dinner—without ever leaving the city.
What struck us most was the deep respect for nature, culture, and community. Even under grey skies, Copenhagen doesn’t dim. It adapts—gracefully—and invites you to do the same. Whether you’re wandering its royal courtyards or biking across bridges, you feel part of something intentional, grounded, and profoundly beautiful.
