3 Days in Copenhagen

Your guide to Danish design, coffee, and hidden gems

Are you going to Copenhagen? Welcome to our favorite city. From the iconic architecture to the local craftsmanship we cherish, here is our guide to spending 72 unforgettable hours in Copenhagen.

Day 1: The Heart of Danish Aesthetics (City Center)

Morning: Start your day with artisan sourdough pastries and coffee at a local neighborhood bakery (such as Riviera or Hart). Try the Danish pastry Tebirkes or Spandauer.

Late Morning: Visit Designmuseum Danmark to discover the rich heritage of Danish furniture, craftsmanship, and functionalism. Or visit the Danish Architecture Center (DAC) by the harbour front.

Lunch: Enjoy modern, elevated smørrebrød (traditional open-faced sandwiches) inside the lively Torvehallerne food market. Stop by Coffee Collective for a wonderful cup of coffee.

Afternoon: Stroll through the historic city center and explore side streets filled with independent design boutiques, craft workshops, and design houses. Drop by Studio Arhoj to shop some beautiful local made ceramics.

Evening: Enjoy Nordic fine dining at restaurant Høst or Vækst. If you are looking for a late night drink with a lovely view, try the rooftop bar at the hotel Scandic Nørreport - right at Nørreport station.

Torvehallerne
Studio Arhoj
Coffee Collective

Take a piece of Copenhagen home with you.

Local Highlight: Danish Microbrand VEJRHØJ

Day 2: Water & Maritime Charm (Christianshavn & Nyhavn)

Morning: Start your day with a stroll through Nyhavn to see the vibrant, colorful 17th-century townhouses lining the iconic harbor before the crowds arrive. Walk along the waterfront toward Amalienborg Palace to experience the Changing of the Royal Guard, which takes place daily at 12:00 PM.

Lunch: Cross the Inderhavnsbroen bridge to Broens Gadekøkken for casual street food and local drinks right on the harbourfront. Afterwards, wander through the historic cobblestone streets of nearby Christianshavn.

Afternoon: Step aboard a small-group boat tour with Hey Captain to experience the city's modern waterfront architecture and historic canals. It’s a much more personal and relaxed way to see Copenhagen than the classic tourist canal tours.

Evening: Dine in the vibrant Meatpacking District (Kødbyen), followed by an evening stroll through the glowing Tivoli Gardens.

Day 3: Royal Gardens & Local Neighborhoods (Vesterbro & Frederiksberg)

Morning: Start your morning wandering through King’s Garden (Kongens Have), taking in views of the 17th-century Rosenborg Castle, or lose yourself in the lush greenhouses of the neighboring Botanical Garden. Both offer a tranquil, green escape right in the heart of the city.

Late Morning: Head to Jægersborggade in Nørrebro or Værnedamsvej on the border of Frederiksberg. These vibrant streets are packed with independent boutiques, local fashion labels, small-batch ceramic studios, and artisan bakeries—perfect for finding unique design objects to bring home.

Lunch: Continue strolling down Gammel Kongevej, Frederiksberg’s charming shopping street, to explore more interior shops and local haunts. For lunch, pop into Bistro Bouillon for delicious, classic French dishes served at surprisingly accessible prices in a lively setting.

Afternoon: Take a relaxed afternoon stroll along The Lakes (Søerne), the iconic series of basins connecting Copenhagen’s vibrant neighborhoods. Grab a hot drink, watch the locals go by, and enjoy the breathtaking sunset views over the water as your day winds down.

A Danish micro-brand
VEJRHØJ

VEJRHØJ is an independent Copenhagen-based watch brand. Merging natural hardwood with stainless steel, every design pairs Nordic minimalism with a simple, distinctive aesthetic.