Copenhagen New Year: 4-Day Itinerary

29 December – 1 January: Christiansborg and a canal tour, Rosenborg, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

Relaxed pace — Nyhavn, Tivoli and the New Year celebration

Markets, Tivoli and hygge: 1–2 main stops a day is plenty; the rest is for long meals, café breaks and an afternoon rest. In winter it gets dark at 4 pm, the best time for the lights.

Day 1 · Tuesday 29 December10:00–15:15

Christiansborg & a canal tour

The day’s visit inside is Christiansborg; a canal tour on a heated boat, a long lunch at Gammel Strand and the cathedral.

10:00
Christiansborg Palace (inside) 90 min
Parliament and palace in one: the Royal Reception Rooms with the Queen’s tapestries, the ruins of Bishop Absalon’s 12th-century castle under the palace, and the Royal Kitchen.
Reception Rooms 50 min + ruins 25 min + kitchen 15 min
Ticket needed: book at least 2 days ahead
11:30
Walk · 10 min
Past Børsen to the Ved Stranden landing.
11:40
A canal tour 60 min
An hour-long boat from Ved Stranden: Christiansborg, Nyhavn, the Opera, the Little Mermaid and the Christianshavn canals from the water. In winter the boats are covered and heated.
Ticket needed: book at least 2 days ahead
12:40
Lunch: Gammel Strand 75 min
Herring, meatballs or roast beef on rye at a smørrebrød restaurant; in December there is also a Christmas plate (julefrokost).
13:55
Walk · 10 min
Across Strøget to the cathedral.
14:05
Vor Frue Kirke (the Cathedral) 25 min
Copenhagen Cathedral: a white Neoclassical interior with Thorvaldsen’s statues of Christ and the twelve apostles. Free.
14:30
the Latin Quarter & a café break 45 min
Coffee and a kanelsnegl (cinnamon swirl) in a warm café, with candles and blankets: the Danish idea of “hygge”.

Open the route on the map or open in Apple Maps

Day 2 · Wednesday 30 December10:00–15:35

Rosenborg, Torvehallerne & Christianshavn

The day’s visit inside is Rosenborg and the Crown Jewels; the King’s Garden, a long lunch at Torvehallerne, the Christianshavn canals and Christiania.

10:00
Rosenborg Castle & the Crown Jewels 75 min
Christian IV’s Renaissance castle from 1606: the Knights’ Hall with the coronation thrones and silver lions, and the Danish Crown Jewels in the treasury below.
The rooms 50 min + the treasury 20 min
Ticket needed: book at least 3 days ahead
11:15
Kongens Have (the King’s Garden) 25 min
Copenhagen’s oldest park: lime-tree avenues, the Andersen statue and the best view of Rosenborg.
11:40
Walk · 10 min
Out of the garden’s north gate to Nørreport.
11:50
Lunch: Torvehallerne 75 min
The glass market halls at Nørreport: smørrebrød (open sandwiches), fish, Danish cheeses and coffee. Pick from the stalls and eat at the shared tables.
13:05
Metro · 15 min
Metro M1 or M2 from Nørreport to Christianshavn.
13:20
The Christianshavn canals 30 min
The canal quarter inspired by Amsterdam: houseboats, 17th-century warehouses and canal-side cafés.
13:50
Walk · 5 min
Along Prinsessegade to Christiania.
13:55
Christiania 45 min
The self-governing “free town” founded in 1971: graffitied buildings, home-built houses by the lake and workshops. Respect the signs asking you not to take photos on the main street.
14:40
Walk · 10 min
Back to the canal.
14:50
Christianshavn & a café break 45 min
Coffee and a kanelsnegl (cinnamon swirl) in a warm café, with candles and blankets: the Danish idea of “hygge”.

Open the route on the map or open in Apple Maps

Day 3 · Thursday 31 December11:00–00:53

New Year’s Eve: Nyhavn & Midnight on City Hall Square

One main stop: Nyhavn and the noon Changing of the Guard at Amalienborg. A long lunch and a rest; New Year’s Eve dinner and midnight on City Hall Square. If you’d rather skip the crowds, see in the New Year at your restaurant.

11:00
Nyhavn 40 min
The 17th-century canal harbour: colourful houses, wooden sailing ships and numbers 20, 67 and 18, where Hans Christian Andersen lived. Copenhagen’s postcard view.
11:40
Walk · 10 min
Along Toldbodgade to the palaces.
11:50
Changing of the Guard (12 noon) 25 min
The Royal Life Guards march from Rosenborg every day at 11:30 am; the changing takes place at noon on the Amalienborg square. The band plays when the King is in residence.
12:15
Walk · 3 min
Along Frederiksgade to the church.
12:18
The Marble Church (Frederik’s Church) 15 min
One of the largest domes in Scandinavia, straight across from Amalienborg. Free; visits are limited during services and ceremonies.
12:33
Walk · 8 min
To Store Kongensgade.
12:41
Lunch: Store Kongensgade 75 min
An unhurried smørrebrød; dinner will be long.
13:56
Metro · 20 min
From Kongens Nytorv back to your hotel.
14:16
Rest at the Hotel 292 min
Rest at the hotel; it’s a long night.
19:08
Metro · 20 min
From your hotel to the inner city; the metro runs on New Year’s Eve too.
19:28
New Year’s Eve dinner: the inner city 180 min
Danes watch the King’s New Year speech at 6 pm, then sit down to dinner: restaurants serve a set New Year menu (nytårsmenu) and fill up early. Pick one within walking distance of City Hall Square and book in October or November.
22:28
Walk · 15 min
Along Strøget to City Hall Square.
22:43
Midnight: City Hall Square 100 min Our pick
Copenhageners see in the New Year on City Hall Square as the City Hall clock strikes midnight; there is no official show, everyone sets off their own fireworks and it gets very loud. Wear the firework goggles (nytårsbriller) handed out free in shops and keep clear of anyone launching rockets. Private fireworks are only allowed from 31 December to 1 January.
Other options
Tivoli: the 11 pm fireworks: Last year Tivoli’s New Year fireworks were at 11 pm; the park closes at midnight and the square is two minutes away. Entry ticket needed. Find tickets
The harbour: Inderhavnsbroen: Calmer: fireworks bursting over Nyhavn and Christianshavn from the footbridge.
Midnight at your restaurant: If you’d rather skip the crowds and the street fireworks, linger over dinner and watch midnight from the window.
00:23
Metro · 30 min
Back to your hotel: the metro runs all night (on the holiday timetable). If Rådhuspladsen station is packed, walk to Kongens Nytorv.

Open the route on the map or open in Apple Maps

Day 4 · Friday 1 January11:30–17:40

New Year’s Day: Tivoli

A late start: breakfast at the hotel, a quiet Strøget and a late lunch and the lights at Tivoli in the last days of the Christmas season.

11:30
A late breakfast at the hotel 60 min
No rush; on 1 January most cafés open in the afternoon, so the hotel breakfast is the safest bet.
12:30
Metro · 20 min
From your hotel to the inner city.
12:50
A walk along Strøget 40 min
On New Year’s Day the shops are shut and the lit street is quiet.
13:30
Walk · 10 min
From the west end of Strøget to Tivoli.
13:40
Tivoli Gardens 240 min
Tivoli at Christmas: thousands of lights, gløgg and æbleskiver in wooden stalls, a Christmas village by the lake and the wooden roller coaster from 1914. It gets dark at 4 pm, the best time for the lights.
A late lunch at Tivoli’s restaurants + the lights
Estimated hours · Season dates are official; the daily closing time is estimated (usually 11 pm in the Christmas season, midnight on Fridays and Saturdays).
Ticket needed: book at least 3 days ahead

Open the route on the map or open in Apple Maps

Balanced pace — Palaces, a canal tour and midnight on City Hall Square

Explore the city and see the markets: nearby stops come in one flow (Christiansborg, a canal tour and the Glyptotek; Rosenborg, Torvehallerne and Christianshavn; Strøget’s markets and Tivoli; Nyhavn, Amalienborg and Kastellet). In winter museums come in the morning and outdoor stops around midday.

Day 1 · Tuesday 29 December10:00–15:55

Christiansborg, a canal tour & the Glyptotek

Christiansborg’s halls and ruins in the morning; Børsen, a canal tour on a heated boat and lunch; the cathedral and the Glyptotek’s palm-filled winter garden.

10:00
Christiansborg Palace (inside) 90 min
Parliament and palace in one: the Royal Reception Rooms with the Queen’s tapestries, the ruins of Bishop Absalon’s 12th-century castle under the palace, and the Royal Kitchen.
Reception Rooms 50 min + ruins 25 min + kitchen 15 min
Ticket needed: book at least 2 days ahead
11:30
Walk · 5 min
Round the back of the palace to the exchange.
11:35
Børsen & the canal side 15 min
The 17th-century stock exchange, famous for its dragon-tail spire, burned in April 2024 and is being rebuilt under scaffolding. Views across the canal to Christianshavn.
11:50
Walk · 5 min
Over the bridge to the Ved Stranden landing.
11:55
A canal tour 60 min
An hour-long boat from Ved Stranden: Christiansborg, Nyhavn, the Opera, the Little Mermaid and the Christianshavn canals from the water. In winter the boats are covered and heated.
Ticket needed: book at least 2 days ahead
12:55
Lunch: Gammel Strand 60 min
Herring, meatballs or roast beef on rye at a smørrebrød restaurant; in December there is also a Christmas plate (julefrokost).
13:55
Walk · 10 min
Across Strøget to the cathedral.
14:05
Vor Frue Kirke (the Cathedral) 20 min
Copenhagen Cathedral: a white Neoclassical interior with Thorvaldsen’s statues of Christ and the twelve apostles. Free.
14:25
Walk · 15 min
Past City Hall Square to the museum.
14:40
Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek 75 min
The Carlsberg brewer’s collection: a palm-filled winter garden, Roman portraits, Rodin and the French Impressionists. Tivoli from the roof terrace.
Estimated hours · Daily hours are estimated (Tue–Sun 10 am–5 pm); check the museum’s website.
Ticket needed: book at least 1 day ahead

Open the route on the map or open in Apple Maps

Day 2 · Wednesday 30 December10:00–15:55

Rosenborg, Torvehallerne & Christianshavn

The Crown Jewels at Rosenborg and the King’s Garden in the morning; lunch at Torvehallerne; the corkscrew tower of Our Saviour’s Church, Christiania and the Christianshavn canals as the lights come on.

10:00
Rosenborg Castle & the Crown Jewels 75 min
Christian IV’s Renaissance castle from 1606: the Knights’ Hall with the coronation thrones and silver lions, and the Danish Crown Jewels in the treasury below.
The rooms 50 min + the treasury 20 min
Ticket needed: book at least 3 days ahead
11:15
Kongens Have (the King’s Garden) 20 min
Copenhagen’s oldest park: lime-tree avenues, the Andersen statue and the best view of Rosenborg.
11:35
Walk · 10 min
Out of the garden’s north gate to Nørreport.
11:45
Lunch: Torvehallerne 60 min
The glass market halls at Nørreport: smørrebrød (open sandwiches), fish, Danish cheeses and coffee. Pick from the stalls and eat at the shared tables.
12:45
Metro · 15 min
Metro M1 or M2 from Nørreport to Christianshavn.
13:00
The tower of Our Saviour’s Church 45 min
Up the 400 steps of the corkscrew spire: the last 150 wind around the outside to the golden globe, with all of Copenhagen below. Wear good shoes.
Ticket needed: book at least 3 days ahead
13:45
Walk · 5 min
Along Prinsessegade to the entrance.
13:50
Christiania 45 min
The self-governing “free town” founded in 1971: graffitied buildings, home-built houses by the lake and workshops. Respect the signs asking you not to take photos on the main street.
14:35
Walk · 10 min
Back to the canal.
14:45
The Christianshavn canals 30 min
The canal quarter inspired by Amsterdam: houseboats, 17th-century warehouses and canal-side cafés.
15:15
Christianshavn & a café break 40 min
Coffee and a kanelsnegl (cinnamon swirl) in a warm café, with candles and blankets: the Danish idea of “hygge”.

Open the route on the map or open in Apple Maps

Day 3 · Thursday 31 December10:00–00:53

New Year’s Eve: Nyhavn, Amalienborg & Midnight on City Hall Square

Nyhavn, the Amalienborg Museum (open until 2 pm on 31 December), the noon Changing of the Guard and the Marble Church in the morning; a long rest in the afternoon, New Year’s Eve dinner and City Hall Square as the clock strikes midnight.

10:00
Nyhavn 30 min
The 17th-century canal harbour: colourful houses, wooden sailing ships and numbers 20, 67 and 18, where Hans Christian Andersen lived. Copenhagen’s postcard view.
10:30
Walk · 10 min
Along Toldbodgade to the palaces.
10:40
The Amalienborg Museum & the square 55 min
The royal rooms of the last 150 years in Christian VIII’s Palace: the kings’ studies and royal treasures. Then the octagonal square of the four palaces.
Ticket needed: book at least 2 days ahead
Amalienborg Museum keeps holiday hours on this date: from 10:00, last entry 13:15. Pick your ticket time accordingly.
11:35
Walk · 3 min
Along Frederiksgade to the church.
11:38
The Marble Church (Frederik’s Church) 15 min
One of the largest domes in Scandinavia, straight across from Amalienborg. Free; visits are limited during services and ceremonies.
11:53
Walk · 3 min
Back to the square.
11:56
Changing of the Guard (12 noon) 20 min
The Royal Life Guards march from Rosenborg every day at 11:30 am; the changing takes place at noon on the Amalienborg square. The band plays when the King is in residence.
12:16
Walk · 8 min
To Store Kongensgade.
12:24
Lunch: Store Kongensgade 60 min
A light smørrebrød; dinner will be long.
13:24
Metro · 20 min
From Kongens Nytorv back to your hotel.
13:44
Rest at the Hotel 324 min
Rest at the hotel; it’s a long night.
19:08
Metro · 20 min
From your hotel to the inner city; the metro runs on New Year’s Eve too.
19:28
New Year’s Eve dinner: the inner city 180 min
Danes watch the King’s New Year speech at 6 pm, then sit down to dinner: restaurants serve a set New Year menu (nytårsmenu) and fill up early. Pick one within walking distance of City Hall Square and book in October or November.
22:28
Walk · 15 min
Along Strøget to City Hall Square.
22:43
Midnight: City Hall Square 100 min Our pick
Copenhageners see in the New Year on City Hall Square as the City Hall clock strikes midnight; there is no official show, everyone sets off their own fireworks and it gets very loud. Wear the firework goggles (nytårsbriller) handed out free in shops and keep clear of anyone launching rockets. Private fireworks are only allowed from 31 December to 1 January.
Other options
Tivoli: the 11 pm fireworks: Last year Tivoli’s New Year fireworks were at 11 pm; the park closes at midnight and the square is two minutes away. Entry ticket needed. Find tickets
The harbour: Inderhavnsbroen: Calmer: fireworks bursting over Nyhavn and Christianshavn from the footbridge.
Midnight at your restaurant: If you’d rather skip the crowds and the street fireworks, linger over dinner and watch midnight from the window.
00:23
Metro · 30 min
Back to your hotel: the metro runs all night (on the holiday timetable). If Rådhuspladsen station is packed, walk to Kongens Nytorv.

Open the route on the map or open in Apple Maps

Day 4 · Friday 1 January11:00–18:08

New Year’s Day: the National Museum & Tivoli

A late breakfast; the Vikings at the National Museum, open on 1 January too, and a quiet Strøget, then Tivoli’s lights in the last days of the Christmas season.

11:00
A late breakfast at the hotel 60 min
No rush; on 1 January most cafés open in the afternoon, so the hotel breakfast is the safest bet.
12:00
Metro · 20 min
From your hotel to the inner city.
12:20
The National Museum (inside) 90 min
The story of Denmark: the 3,400-year-old Sun Chariot, the Egtved Girl, Viking weapons and silver. The coin galleries are closed for renovation.
Prehistory + the Vikings 75 min + the café
Ticket needed: book at least 1 day ahead
The National Museum (Nationalmuseet) keeps holiday hours on this date: from 10:00, last entry 16:00. Pick your ticket time accordingly.
13:50
Walk · 8 min
To Strøget.
13:58
A walk along Strøget 30 min
On New Year’s Day the shops are shut and the lit street is quiet.
14:28
Walk · 10 min
From the west end of Strøget to Tivoli.
14:38
Tivoli Gardens 210 min
Tivoli at Christmas: thousands of lights, gløgg and æbleskiver in wooden stalls, a Christmas village by the lake and the wooden roller coaster from 1914. It gets dark at 4 pm, the best time for the lights.
A late lunch at Tivoli’s restaurants + the lights
Estimated hours · Season dates are official; the daily closing time is estimated (usually 11 pm in the Christmas season, midnight on Fridays and Saturdays).
Ticket needed: book at least 3 days ahead

Open the route on the map or open in Apple Maps

Tips

Since 8 October 2026 Copenhagen Airport has run extra security screening, and on some days the queues reached an hour. Be there 2 hours before Schengen flights and 3 hours before non-Schengen flights; non-EU travellers should also allow time for the new Entry/Exit System (EES) registration at the border.
The metro runs 24/7; line M2 takes about 15 minutes from the airport to Kongens Nytorv. Buy tickets in the DOT Billetter app or at station machines; buses, metro and trains in the city share the same ticket.
Using several museums, a canal tour and public transport over 2–3 days? The Copenhagen Card can pay off; check what it covers before you buy. Copenhagen Card
Card is accepted almost everywhere and some places don’t take cash. The currency is the Danish krone (DKK), not the euro.
Bike lanes are separate from the pavement and very fast: don’t walk in them, and look out for cyclists before you cross.
In winter it gets dark at 3:30–4 pm, so we put outdoor stops around midday and museums in the morning and late afternoon. Danes sit down to dinner at 6–7 pm; book the popular places.

Times are for Tuesday 29 December – Friday 1 January. Some are official for 2026, some are last year’s; check before you go. The guide’s table shows which is which: New Year’s Eve in Copenhagen

Frequently asked questions

Is 4 days enough for Copenhagen New Year?

Four days fit the highlights and a full New Year’s Eve: Christiansborg, a canal tour, Rosenborg, Nyhavn, the National Museum and Tivoli.

Which museums and landmarks can you visit inside on a 4-day New Year trip to Copenhagen?

Relaxed: Christiansborg Palace, Ved Stranden, Rosenborg Castle, Tivoli Gardens. Balanced: Christiansborg Palace, Ved Stranden, Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, Rosenborg Castle, The tower of Our Saviour’s Church, Amalienborg Museum, The National Museum (Nationalmuseet), Tivoli Gardens.

How far ahead should I book tickets?

Christiansborg Palace at least 2 days ahead; Ved Stranden at least 2 days ahead; Rosenborg Castle at least 3 days ahead; Tivoli Gardens at least 3 days ahead; Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek at least 1 day ahead; The tower of Our Saviour’s Church at least 3 days ahead; Amalienborg Museum at least 2 days ahead; The National Museum (Nationalmuseet) at least 1 day ahead. Queues are long in the holiday week.

I’m going on different dates; how does the route change?

Enter Copenhagen and your arrival and departure in the planner on the home page. If your trip includes 31 December or 1 January and is up to 4 full days, you get the New Year routes; on other dates, our year-round Copenhagen routes, built around that day’s opening hours.

Copenhagen New Year: 4-Day Itinerary

Relaxed pace — Nyhavn, Tivoli and the New Year celebration

Christiansborg & a canal tour

Christiansborg Palace (inside) 90 min

A canal tour 60 min

Lunch: Gammel Strand 75 min

Vor Frue Kirke (the Cathedral) 25 min

the Latin Quarter & a café break 45 min

Rosenborg, Torvehallerne & Christianshavn

Rosenborg Castle & the Crown Jewels 75 min

Kongens Have (the King’s Garden) 25 min

Lunch: Torvehallerne 75 min

The Christianshavn canals 30 min

Christiania 45 min

Christianshavn & a café break 45 min

New Year’s Eve: Nyhavn & Midnight on City Hall Square

Nyhavn 40 min

Changing of the Guard (12 noon) 25 min

The Marble Church (Frederik’s Church) 15 min

Lunch: Store Kongensgade 75 min

Rest at the Hotel 292 min

New Year’s Eve dinner: the inner city 180 min

Midnight: City Hall Square 100 min Our pick

New Year’s Day: Tivoli

A late breakfast at the hotel 60 min

A walk along Strøget 40 min

Tivoli Gardens 240 min

Balanced pace — Palaces, a canal tour and midnight on City Hall Square

Christiansborg, a canal tour & the Glyptotek

Christiansborg Palace (inside) 90 min

Børsen & the canal side 15 min

A canal tour 60 min

Lunch: Gammel Strand 60 min

Vor Frue Kirke (the Cathedral) 20 min

Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek 75 min

Rosenborg, Torvehallerne & Christianshavn

Rosenborg Castle & the Crown Jewels 75 min

Kongens Have (the King’s Garden) 20 min

Lunch: Torvehallerne 60 min

The tower of Our Saviour’s Church 45 min

Christiania 45 min

The Christianshavn canals 30 min

Christianshavn & a café break 40 min

New Year’s Eve: Nyhavn, Amalienborg & Midnight on City Hall Square

Nyhavn 30 min

The Amalienborg Museum & the square 55 min

The Marble Church (Frederik’s Church) 15 min

Changing of the Guard (12 noon) 20 min

Lunch: Store Kongensgade 60 min

Rest at the Hotel 324 min

New Year’s Eve dinner: the inner city 180 min

Midnight: City Hall Square 100 min Our pick

New Year’s Day: the National Museum & Tivoli

A late breakfast at the hotel 60 min

The National Museum (inside) 90 min

A walk along Strøget 30 min

Tivoli Gardens 210 min

Tips

Frequently asked questions