What to see in Copenhagen in three days
With a passion for the history of art and design, I ended my week exploring Denmark’s cultural heritage in Copenhagen. The Danish capital hosts stunning museums, private collections, and interesting design stores. I arrived there after a two-hour-long drive from Aarhus. I parked my car in the hotel garage, and I never used it in the following days. Copenhagen it’s a quiet city, and it is easy to visit all the main attraction just strolling around. Back in London, I wrote this guide to help you discover what to see in Copenhagen in three days. It contains detailed descriptions of the main museums, must-see places, and some design addresses. At the end of each section, you will find useful information and an interactive map.
What to see on your first day in Copenhagen
Visit the Cathedral and its surroundings
The actual cathedral is built on a site were at least seven churches consecrated to the Virgin Mary have been previously erected. While the earlier records mentioned a church in 1185, Copenhagen’s fire of 1728 destroyed the Gothic building. After the Baroque church (1738) went damaged by a British bombardment in 1807, the present building was consecrated in 1839. Designed by architect C.F. Hansen with sculptures made by Bertel Thorvaldsen, the Church of our Lady testifies the Danish classicism at his heist.
Strictly connected with the Cathedral in Roskilde, the Church of Our Lady also has a bond with the University. Since from its foundation in 1479, both the headmaster and the teachers were selected among the church’s priests. While there, stroll around the red bricks building of the University and climb the Round Tower, Europe’s oldest observatory still active.
Visit the Botanical gardens and the Staten Museum for Kunst
Leave the Round Tower and reach, after a ten-minute walk the quaint Botanical gardens of the University of Copenhagen. Stroll around these gardens to reach the Statens Museum for Kunst. The SMK is the National Gallery of Denmark and preserves beautiful European masterpieces once belonged to Danish kings. This is particularly the case of the section hosting European art (1300–1800) with creations of Rembrandt, Rubens, and Cranach. Impressive is also the collection of French art (1900–1930) with pieces of Matisse, Picasso, and Derain. I found particularly interesting the museum’s section displaying Danish and Nordic art (1750–1900). Visiting this section, I was able to discover artists like Hammershøi, Eckesberg, and Krøyer. The museum is child-friendly with free strollers for families with young children. Within the sections, there are areas for young kids to deepen their knowledge on the themed in the paintings.
Discover the gem of Rosenborg castle
Almost on the opposite side of the Statens Museum for Kunst, it is the charming castle of Rosenborg. Built as a pleasure palace by Christian IV at the beginning of the 1600s, it soon became the king’s favorite residence. With the introduction of absolute monarchy under his son Fredrick, Rosenborg was decorated with pomp furniture. After a century of history as a royal residence, in the 1700s the castle became the place where the Danish Crownstored its finest belongings. Firstly open to Royal family’s guests, in 1838 it became a museum. Some objects on display are still used by the Danish royal family on special occasions, like the baptismal font. By pure chance on the day of my visit, Queen Margrethe II of Denmark was behind the Rosenborg castle to inspect the troops.
Useful information about Copenaghen
What Church of our Lady | Location Nørregade 8, 1165 København, Denmark | Opening hours Mon-Thu 8:30 am-5 pm Fri 8:30–10:30 am and12–5 pm; Sat 8:30am-5pm; Sun 12–4:30 pm (more info here) | Costs free
What Round Tower | Location Købmagergade 52A, 1150 København, Denmark | Opening hours Mon., Thu-Sun 10–18; Tue-Wed 10–21 | Cost 25 DKK adults
What Botanical gardens | Location Gothersgade 128, 1123 København, Denmark | Opening hours Info here | Cost Free or up to DKK 60 for the Palm House
What Statens Museum for Kunst | Location Sølvgade 48–50, 1307 København K, Denmark | Opening hours Mon. — closed; Tue and Thu-Sun 11–17; Wed 11–20 | Cost 110 DKK; 85 DKK (18–29 years old); under 18 free
What Rosenborg castle | Location Øster Voldgade 4A, 1350 København, Denmark | Opening hours Tue-Sun 10 am — 3pm | Cost 110 DKK; free for Under 18
Where to eat
At the end of your visit and to recharge the batteries have lunch in the lovely SMK Kafeteria (cafeteria). Another option in the Rosenborg castle is the Garden café. Here, weather permitting, guests can consume food on the enchanting castle’s grounds.
Stroll around the fairytale area of Nyboder
Leaving the Rosenborg castle, your next step might be visiting the statue of the Little Mermaid, located at a 20-minutes walking distance. Before going there, you will pass through Nyboder and the Kastellet. Nyboder is a fairytale area of Copenaghen. Here tons of little, orange painted houses with green-framed windows and doors are set each after another. The entire settlement, whose streets are named after animals, was built over 400 years ago to house Danish military personnel. Realized under King Christian IV(1577–1648), historical Nyboder is now undergoing a restorative project of modernization. Strolling here, you will see endless small houses with bikes outside the doors. It’s the best destination to snap picturesque photos in Copenhagen. From there head to Kastellet and the Little Mermaid statue.
Explore the fortress of Kastellet and the Little Mermaid statue
Leaving Nyboder and crossing the street, you’ll enter a park. On the right, on a hill surrounded by a pond, you will notice a windmill. This is one of the structures within the Citadel (Kastellet). Crossing a pond you will access this fine and well-preserved European military fortress still in use. Barracks and other historical buildings occupy this area erected in the 17th century as part of a larger fortification. Kastellet hosts many attractions. Leaving the barracks and turning on your right, on the sea, you will notice the Little Mermaid statue. Named after the fairy tale written by famous Danish childhood author, Hans Christian Andersen, the statue is in his place since 1913. Proceeding south, you will notice other two landmarks of the Kastellet: the British church of St Alban and the Geifton fountain.
Fall in love with Danish Design
Leaving the church of St Alban and Kastellet, you will reach, after a 5 minutes walk, the Design Museum. This enchanting space combines special and permanent exhibitions. Visiting the museum gives you an insight into Danish design where objects are projected considering people’s Mermaid. In his extensive you will area dedicated to chairs, you will be visiting by the diverse seating models. And it is thanks to the richness walking distance works that Danish design became an international brand. Smaller yet charming is the area dedicated to fashion and fabric recalling the last 400 years of local outfits. The shop sells Danish objects from its most many attractions, and it’s a great place to browse for some souvenirs.
Location Bredgade 68, 1260 København, Denmark | Opening hours Mon. Closed; Tue and Thu-Sun 10 am — 6 pm; Wed 10 am — 9 pm | Cost Adults 115 DK; Seniors 80 DK; under age 26 and students Free
What to see on your second day in Copenhagen
I plan my visits accordingly with attractions’ opening hours and closing days. I tent to wake up early in the morning to get the most of each place. As you might have noticed in my guide to what to see in Copenhagen in three days, I tent to see and suggest many places on my first day. That is because I always arrive at one destination with a deep, explorative attitude. On the second day, I’ll bring you to discover popular attractions and off the beaten path places.
Amalienborg and the David collection
It was the 16th of April of 1940 when princess Margaretha was born in the Royal Palace of Amalienborg. The actual queen of Denmark usesAmalienborg as her royal residence when in Copenhagen. Besides the changing of guards, less pompous of the most famous one in London, the complex hosts a museum. It is possible to visit it and have a glimpse of the most 150 recent years of the Danish monarchy. From here stroll to the waterside and admire the beautiful Opera house. On the opposite side visit Frederik’s church. Also known as the Marble church, it offers a beautiful view over Copenhagen from its tower open only at 1 pm on weekdays in winter months and daily on summer days. Nearby is the stunning The David collection, a museum showcasing the most excellent collection of Islamic art ranging from the 7th to the mid-19th century.
Useful information
A bit of history
The future and actual queen of Denmark, Margaretha II, is the first female sovereign of the country. The process of revising the constitution started soon after her father ascended the throne as King Frederick IX in 1947.
What Amalienborg | Location Amalienborg Slotsplads 5, 1257 København K, Denmark | Opening hours As they heavily depend on the period of the year, I suggest you check the official website | Cost 105 DKK; Under 18 free
What The David Collection | Location Kronprinsessegade 30, 1306 København, Denmark | Opening hours Mon — Closed; Tue and Thu-Sun 10 am — 5 pm; Wed 10 am — 9 pm | Costs Free
What Opera house | Location Ekvipagemestervej 10, 1438 København K, Denmark
What Frederik’s church | Location Frederiksgade 4, 1265 København, Denmark | Opening hours Mon-Thu 10 am -5 pm and Sat 10 am — 5 pm; Fri and Sun 12 pm -5 pm | Costs Free; Dome — 35 DKK or € 5; Under 18, 20 DKK or €3
Stroll around the iconic colorful houses of Nyhavn
Nyhavn with its colorful houses facing the canal might be the first image that comes to mind when mentioning Copenhagen. Built under King Christian V (sovereign from 1670 to 1699) to host world’s ships, it quickly became a place popular with sailors and prostitutes. The Bohemian charm of the area also attracted many intellectual artists. Among them, the prominent figure who lived there was Hans Christian Anderson. The Danish childhood author lived in different houses, spending over twenty years at number 67 and two at number18. While there you will notice a white baroque-inspired palace. This is the Kunsthal Charlottenborg, an exhibition space for contemporary art.
Stroll around Gronnegade and Christiansborg slot
Leaving the charming area of Nyhavn, you can decide to take a longer stroll passing by Gronnegade. This is one of the oldest streets of Copenhagen with many independent shops and boutiques. Alternatively, you can head directly to Christiansborg Slot. This is the heart of Denmark’s political life with the Parliament, the court of Justice, the royal stables. Arriving here, take a look at the striking red bricks building where there lived in former exchange. The edifice is now viewable only from its exterior. Inside Christiansborg slot you can stroll around the garden of the Royal Library. Originally the naval port of King Christian IV, it is a tranquil space realized in 1920. End your tour entering the enchanting Thorvaldsen Museum.
Discover the Danish classicism at the Thorvaldsen Museum
Copenhagen born Bertel Thorvaldsen (1770–1844) moved to Rome in 1797 and worked there for 40 years becoming a prominent European sculpture. When he returned to his homeland, Denmark homage its most celebrated artist with the erection of a Museum. Unfortunately, the sculptor did not survive enough to assist the opening of this space celebrating his works. The oldest museum of the country, the Thorvaldsen Museum opened its doors to the public in1848. Realized by architect Gottlieb Bindesbøll, the exhibition areas are still the same as they were in the original display. This is the case of the Egyptian collection, part of Thorvaldsen’s collection of antiquities put together during the sculptor years in Rome. The museum hosts the artist’s private collections alongside the original plaster models realized for important commissions. The building is inspired by the ancient polychrome architecture creating a dramatic contrast with the white neoclassicists’ sculptures.
Useful information
What Christiansborg slot | Location Prins Jørgens Gård 1, 1218 København, Denmark | Opening hour Official info here | Cost See here for the official info
What Thorvaldsen Museum | Location Bertel Thorvaldsens Plads 2, 1213 København K, Denmark | Opening hours Mon closed; Tue-Sun 10 am-5 | Costs Adults 70 DKK; Students 50 DKK; Under 18 Free; Free on Wednesdays
What to see on your third day in Copenhagen
You cannot leave Copenhagen without visiting one of the most beautiful art museums in the world, the Glyptoteket. Nor you should leave the Danish capital without a stroll in the nearby Tivoli Gardens. In this guide on what to see in Copenhagen in three days, you will notice a less intense day. This is why I highly recommend you to spend half a day visiting the Kronborg castle or the Roskilde Cathedral. These are both reachable within an hour but are in two different directions. Another option would be to spend time shopping for design objects.
Be mesmerized by the Glyptoteket
Leafing through art catalogs, you might have read that particular artworks were displayed at the Glyptoteket. Crossing the main door of the museum, founded by brewing tycoon Carl Jacobsen, you will immerse in a stunning place with masterpieces from different eras. Ny Carlsberg Glyptoteket opened in 1897 displaying the collection of art and cultural crafts of his founder. The museum is made of two buildings with a stunning winter garden at the center. Here is it possible to take a relaxing break during the visit and indulge in coffee with pastries. Among the museum’s highlights are works of Rodin, Gaugin, Degas, Van Gogh, Monet and a collection of Greek and Roman sculptures.
Rediscover your childhood spirit at Tivoli gardens
Leaving the Glyptoteket, you might want to enter the Tivoli Gardens. Founded in 1843 one of the oldest amusement parks in the world. Enchanting gardens, ponds, old-fashioned rides with an exotic vibe make this park a must-see place to visit even if you are in Copenhagen without kids. The garden inspired childhood author Hans Christian Andersen to write the fairytale the Nightingale. The joyful and fascinating atmosphere of the garden also influenced Walt Disney who visited the Tivoli Gardens several times before opening his Disneyland in California. The amusement park has an impressive food court with a large choice of meals ranging from ready-to-go sets to luxury gourmet experiences.
Location Vesterbrogade 3, 1630 København V, Denmark |Location Vesterbrogade 3, 1630 København V, Denmark |Opening hours Sun-Thu 11 am-11pm; Fri-Sat 11am-12 am | Costs From 50 Dkk for Under 8, and 120 Dkk for Over 8, excluded rides
Stroll around Strøget for some shopping
The longest pedestrian area in Europe, Strøget starts after the Copenhagen city hall ending almost in Nyhavn. Here you will be able to find gifts for kids as well as design objects. In the first arcade on the left, there is Karrusella a toy store with the biggest selection of Maileg toys. This Danish brand, founded in 1999, realizes whimsical and retro fabric figures of bunnies and mice in boxes. At one-minute walking distance is the Lego flagship store where you can browse for a local souvenir. The brand was founded in Denmark in the 30s of the XXI century. Proceeding on Strøget, you can stop at Illums Bolinghus and at Illum, two beautiful department stores with a vast selection of Danish brands. Take a break at Café Norden with its enchanting art nouveau interior décor. End your shopping experience at Hay, the famous Danish design brand whose flagship is over the Café.
Top tip Among the Danish brand, you can look up for Flensted Mobiles. Handmade in Denmark since 1953, they realize lightweight flying objects.
