6-Day Copenhagen Itinerary

An hour-by-hour plan for 6 days in Copenhagen.

Relaxed pace

Few queues, lots of street life: on longer trips just one interior a day; the rest from outside, in parks and with long breaks.

Day 110:00–14:53

Nyhavn, Amalienborg & Kastellet

The day’s visit inside is the Amalienborg Museum; Nyhavn, the noon Changing of the Guard, a long smørrebrød lunch, Kastellet and the Little Mermaid.

  1. 10:00

    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.

  2. 10:40

    Walk · 10 min

    Along Toldbodgade to the palaces.

  3. 10:50

    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
  4. 11:45

    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.

  5. 12:10

    Walk · 8 min

    To Store Kongensgade.

  6. 12:18

    Lunch: Store Kongensgade 75 min

    Herring, meatballs or roast beef on rye at a smørrebrød restaurant, with a beer or an akvavit.

  7. 13:33

    Walk · 10 min

    Along Esplanaden to the fortress.

  8. 13:43

    Kastellet 40 min

    The 17th-century star-shaped fortress: moats, red barracks and a walk along the ramparts to the windmill. Still a military site; free to enter.

  9. 14:23

    Walk · 10 min

    Down from the ramparts to the shore.

  10. 14:33

    The Little Mermaid 20 min

    The 1913 statue from Andersen’s tale: smaller than you expect, calmer early or late in the day. A view along the Langelinie waterfront.

Day 210:00–15:35

Christiansborg, a canal tour & Strøget

The day’s visit inside is Christiansborg; then a canal tour, a long lunch at Gammel Strand and a walk along Strøget.

  1. 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
  2. 11:30

    Walk · 10 min

    Past Børsen to the Ved Stranden landing.

  3. 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
  4. 12:40

    Lunch: Gammel Strand 75 min

    Herring, meatballs or roast beef on rye at a smørrebrød restaurant, with a beer or an akvavit.

  5. 13:55

    Walk · 5 min

    To Strøget.

  6. 14:00

    A walk along Strøget 50 min

    The pedestrian street from City Hall Square to Kongens Nytorv: the Stork Fountain on Amagertorv, the Royal Copenhagen porcelain shop and Illum.

  7. 14:50

    Højbro Plads & a café break 45 min

    Coffee and a kanelsnegl (cinnamon swirl) in a warm café, with candles and blankets: the Danish idea of “hygge”.

Day 310:00–15:10

Rosenborg, the King’s Garden & Torvehallerne

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

  1. 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
  2. 11:15

    Kongens Have (the King’s Garden) 35 min

    Copenhagen’s oldest park: lime-tree avenues, the Andersen statue and the best view of Rosenborg.

  3. 11:50

    Walk · 10 min

    Out of the garden’s north gate to Nørreport.

  4. 12:00

    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.

  5. 13:15

    Walk · 10 min

    To Øster Voldgade.

  6. 13:25

    The Botanical Garden 45 min

    Ten hectares in the middle of the city: a lake, a rock garden and the Victorian glass Palm House from 1874 (from outside).

  7. 14:10

    Walk · 15 min

    To Købmagergade.

  8. 14:25

    Kultorvet & a café break 45 min

    Coffee and a kanelsnegl (cinnamon swirl) in a warm café, with candles and blankets: the Danish idea of “hygge”.

Day 409:45–17:15

Day trip: Kronborg & Louisiana

By the coastal train to Kronborg, Hamlet’s castle in Helsingør; on the way back Louisiana, the seaside Museum of Modern Art in Humlebæk. Both close on Mondays.

  1. 09:45

    Train · 45 min

    The coastal line from Copenhagen Central (København H) to Helsingør (~45 min).

  2. 10:30

    Walk · 15 min

    From the station along the harbour to the castle.

  3. 10:45

    Kronborg Castle (Hamlet’s Elsinore) 105 min

    The UNESCO-listed Renaissance castle that set the stage for Hamlet: the ballroom, the casemates and Sweden across the Øresund.

    Royal apartments 50 min + casemates 25 min + the ramparts

    Ticket needed: book at least 2 days ahead
  4. 12:30

    Lunch: Helsingør 75 min

    At the café of the Kulturværftet on the harbour or in the old town’s restaurants.

  5. 13:45

    Walk · 10 min

    To the station.

  6. 13:55

    Train · 15 min

    The coastal line to Humlebæk.

  7. 14:10

    Walk · 15 min

    From the station to the museum.

  8. 14:25

    Louisiana Museum of Modern Art 120 min

    A sculpture park on the Øresund, the Giacometti room and Yayoi Kusama’s mirrored light room; sea and Sweden views from the café.

    Ticket needed: book at least 2 days ahead
  9. 16:25

    Walk · 15 min

    To the station.

  10. 16:40

    Train · 35 min

    Back to Copenhagen.

Day 510:30–15:00

Christianshavn & the harbour

The day’s visit inside is the tower of Our Saviour’s Church; Christiania, a long canal-side lunch and the Opera from the footbridges.

  1. 10:30

    Metro · 10 min

    Metro M1 or M2 to Christianshavn.

  2. 10:40

    The tower of Our Saviour’s Church 50 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
  3. 11:30

    Walk · 5 min

    Along Prinsessegade to the entrance.

  4. 11:35

    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.

  5. 12:20

    Walk · 10 min

    Back to the canal.

  6. 12:30

    Lunch: Christianshavn 75 min

    An unhurried smørrebrød at a canal-side café.

  7. 13:45

    The Christianshavn canals 35 min

    The canal quarter inspired by Amsterdam: houseboats, 17th-century warehouses and canal-side cafés.

  8. 14:20

    Walk · 15 min

    Across the Inderhavnsbroen footbridge.

  9. 14:35

    Ofelia Plads & the view of the Opera 25 min

    From the waterfront Royal Playhouse, the Opera House across the harbour and the footbridges back to Christianshavn.

Day 610:00–15:45

The Glyptotek & Frederiksberg

The day’s visit inside is the Glyptotek’s winter garden; a long lunch on Værnedamsvej and Frederiksberg Gardens.

  1. 10:00

    Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek 90 min

    The Carlsberg brewer’s collection: a palm-filled winter garden, Roman portraits, Rodin and the French Impressionists. Tivoli from the roof terrace.

    Ticket needed: book at least 1 day ahead
  2. 11:30

    Walk · 25 min

    West along Vesterbrogade.

  3. 11:55

    Værnedamsvej & Vesterbro 35 min

    The short street nicknamed “little Paris”: wine bars, a cheesemonger and florists, then the design shops of Vesterbro.

  4. 12:30

    Lunch: Værnedamsvej 75 min

    An unhurried lunch at the street’s bistros.

  5. 13:45

    Walk · 15 min

    Under the trees of Frederiksberg Allé.

  6. 14:00

    Frederiksberg Gardens 60 min

    A Romantic English-style garden: canals, a Chinese pavilion, herons on the lake and the yellow Frederiksberg Palace on the hill (from outside).

  7. 15:00

    Frederiksberg & a café break 45 min

    Coffee and a kanelsnegl (cinnamon swirl) in a warm café, with candles and blankets: the Danish idea of “hygge”.

Balanced pace

At least one museum or iconic interior every day; the rest on the streets, squares and viewpoints.

Day 110:00–15:19

Nyhavn, Amalienborg & the Little Mermaid

Kongens Nytorv and the colourful houses of Nyhavn; the Amalienborg Museum, the Marble Church and the noon Changing of the Guard; in the afternoon the Gefion Fountain, Kastellet and the Little Mermaid.

  1. 10:00

    Kongens Nytorv 15 min

    The city’s largest square: the Royal Theatre, Magasin du Nord and the head of Nyhavn. From late November an ice rink sets up in the middle.

  2. 10:15

    Walk · 3 min

    From the corner of the square to the canal.

  3. 10:18

    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.

  4. 10:48

    Walk · 10 min

    Along Toldbodgade to the palaces.

  5. 10:58

    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
  6. 11:53

    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.

  7. 12:13

    Walk · 3 min

    Along Frederiksgade to the church.

  8. 12:16

    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.

  9. 12:31

    Walk · 8 min

    To Store Kongensgade.

  10. 12:39

    Lunch: Store Kongensgade 60 min

    Herring, meatballs or roast beef on rye at a smørrebrød restaurant, with a beer or an akvavit.

  11. 13:39

    Walk · 10 min

    Along Esplanaden to the fountain.

  12. 13:49

    The Gefion Fountain & St Alban’s Church 15 min

    The huge fountain of the goddess who ploughed Zealand out of Sweden with her oxen, and the little English church beside it.

  13. 14:04

    Walk · 5 min

    Over the moat bridge into the fortress.

  14. 14:09

    Kastellet 40 min

    The 17th-century star-shaped fortress: moats, red barracks and a walk along the ramparts to the windmill. Still a military site; free to enter.

  15. 14:49

    Walk · 10 min

    Down from the ramparts to the shore.

  16. 14:59

    The Little Mermaid 20 min

    The 1913 statue from Andersen’s tale: smaller than you expect, calmer early or late in the day. A view along the Langelinie waterfront.

Day 210:00–17:18

Christiansborg, a canal tour & the National Museum

Christiansborg’s halls and the ruins beneath them in the morning; Børsen, a canal tour showing Copenhagen from the water and lunch; in the afternoon the Vikings at the National Museum and a walk along Strøget.

  1. 10:00

    Christiansborg Palace (inside) 100 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
  2. 11:40

    Walk · 5 min

    Round the back of the palace to the exchange.

  3. 11:45

    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.

  4. 12:00

    Walk · 5 min

    Over the bridge to the Ved Stranden landing.

  5. 12:05

    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
  6. 13:05

    Lunch: Gammel Strand 60 min

    Herring, meatballs or roast beef on rye at a smørrebrød restaurant, with a beer or an akvavit.

  7. 14:05

    Walk · 8 min

    Along the canal to the museum.

  8. 14:13

    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
  9. 15:43

    Walk · 10 min

    To the start of Strøget.

  10. 15:53

    A walk along Strøget 45 min

    The pedestrian street from City Hall Square to Kongens Nytorv: the Stork Fountain on Amagertorv, the Royal Copenhagen porcelain shop and Illum.

  11. 16:38

    Højbro Plads & a café break 40 min

    Coffee and a kanelsnegl (cinnamon swirl) in a warm café, with candles and blankets: the Danish idea of “hygge”.

Day 310:00–16:40

Rosenborg, Torvehallerne & SMK

The Crown Jewels at Rosenborg and the King’s Garden in the morning; lunch at Torvehallerne, Danish painting at SMK, the Botanical Garden and the city from the Round Tower’s ramp.

  1. 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
  2. 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.

  3. 11:40

    Walk · 10 min

    Out of the garden’s north gate to Nørreport.

  4. 11:50

    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.

  5. 12:50

    Walk · 10 min

    Along Sølvgade to the museum.

  6. 13:00

    SMK – the National Gallery of Denmark 90 min

    The painters of the Danish Golden Age, Hammershøi’s quiet interiors and Matisse; the glass “sculpture street” joining the old and new buildings.

    Ticket needed: book at least 1 day ahead
  7. 14:30

    Walk · 5 min

    Across Sølvgade into the garden.

  8. 14:35

    The Botanical Garden 30 min

    Ten hectares in the middle of the city: a lake, a rock garden and the Victorian glass Palm House from 1874 (from outside).

  9. 15:05

    Walk · 15 min

    To Købmagergade.

  10. 15:20

    Rundetaarn (the Round Tower) 40 min

    Christian IV’s observatory from 1642: a 209-metre spiral ramp instead of stairs, and the city’s red roofs from the top. 60 kr.

    Ticket needed: book at least 1 day ahead
  11. 16:00

    Kultorvet & a café break 40 min

    Coffee and a kanelsnegl (cinnamon swirl) in a warm café, with candles and blankets: the Danish idea of “hygge”.

Day 409:15–17:15

Day trip: Kronborg & Louisiana

By the coastal train to Kronborg, Hamlet’s castle in Helsingør; on the way back Louisiana, the seaside Museum of Modern Art in Humlebæk. Both close on Mondays.

  1. 09:15

    Train · 45 min

    The coastal line from Copenhagen Central (København H) to Helsingør (~45 min).

  2. 10:00

    Walk · 15 min

    From the station along the harbour to the castle.

  3. 10:15

    Kronborg Castle (Hamlet’s Elsinore) 120 min

    The UNESCO-listed Renaissance castle that set the stage for Hamlet: the ballroom, the casemates and Sweden across the Øresund.

    Royal apartments 50 min + casemates 25 min + the ramparts

    Ticket needed: book at least 2 days ahead
  4. 12:15

    Lunch: Helsingør 60 min

    At the café of the Kulturværftet on the harbour or in the old town’s restaurants.

  5. 13:15

    Walk · 10 min

    To the station.

  6. 13:25

    Train · 15 min

    The coastal line to Humlebæk.

  7. 13:40

    Walk · 15 min

    From the station to the museum.

  8. 13:55

    Louisiana Museum of Modern Art 150 min

    A sculpture park on the Øresund, the Giacometti room and Yayoi Kusama’s mirrored light room; sea and Sweden views from the café.

    Ticket needed: book at least 2 days ahead
  9. 16:25

    Walk · 15 min

    To the station.

  10. 16:40

    Train · 35 min

    Back to Copenhagen.

Day 510:00–15:15

Christianshavn, Our Saviour’s tower & the harbour

The corkscrew tower of Our Saviour’s Church, Christiania and a canal-side lunch; the Opera from the footbridges and along the harbour to the Black Diamond.

  1. 10:00

    Metro · 10 min

    Metro M1 or M2 to Christianshavn.

  2. 10:10

    The tower of Our Saviour’s Church 50 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
  3. 11:00

    Walk · 5 min

    Along Prinsessegade to the entrance.

  4. 11:05

    Christiania 50 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.

  5. 11:55

    Walk · 10 min

    Back to the canal.

  6. 12:05

    Lunch: Christianshavn 60 min

    Smørrebrød or the soup of the day at a canal-side café.

  7. 13:05

    The Christianshavn canals 30 min

    The canal quarter inspired by Amsterdam: houseboats, 17th-century warehouses and canal-side cafés.

  8. 13:35

    Walk · 15 min

    Across the Inderhavnsbroen footbridge.

  9. 13:50

    Ofelia Plads & the view of the Opera 20 min

    From the waterfront Royal Playhouse, the Opera House across the harbour and the footbridges back to Christianshavn.

  10. 14:10

    Walk · 25 min

    South along the harbour.

  11. 14:35

    The Black Diamond (Royal Library) 40 min

    The black granite extension on the harbour: the glass atrium looking out over the water, the passage to the old library’s reading room and a café.

Day 610:00–15:50

The Glyptotek, Vesterbro & Frederiksberg

The Glyptotek’s winter garden and sculpture in the morning; City Hall Square, lunch on Vesterbro’s “little Paris”, Værnedamsvej, and Frederiksberg Gardens.

  1. 10:00

    Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek 90 min

    The Carlsberg brewer’s collection: a palm-filled winter garden, Roman portraits, Rodin and the French Impressionists. Tivoli from the roof terrace.

    Ticket needed: book at least 1 day ahead
  2. 11:30

    Walk · 5 min

    Along H.C. Andersens Boulevard to the square.

  3. 11:35

    City Hall Square & City Hall 20 min

    The 1905 City Hall and its tower; on the corner of the square, a statue of Hans Christian Andersen looks across at Tivoli.

  4. 11:55

    Walk · 20 min

    West along Vesterbrogade.

  5. 12:15

    Værnedamsvej & Vesterbro 40 min

    The short street nicknamed “little Paris”: wine bars, a cheesemonger and florists, then the design shops of Vesterbro.

  6. 12:55

    Lunch: Værnedamsvej 60 min

    Lunch at the street’s bistros or wine bars.

  7. 13:55

    Walk · 15 min

    Under the trees of Frederiksberg Allé.

  8. 14:10

    Frederiksberg Gardens 60 min

    A Romantic English-style garden: canals, a Chinese pavilion, herons on the lake and the yellow Frederiksberg Palace on the hill (from outside).

  9. 15:10

    Frederiksberg & a café break 40 min

    Coffee and a kanelsnegl (cinnamon swirl) in a warm café, with candles and blankets: the Danish idea of “hygge”.

Packed pace

Inside every major ticketed landmark, with entry and security time included, down to the minute.

Day 110:00–15:39

Nyhavn, Amalienborg & the Little Mermaid

Kongens Nytorv and the colourful houses of Nyhavn; the Amalienborg Museum, the Marble Church and the noon Changing of the Guard; in the afternoon the Gefion Fountain, Kastellet and the Little Mermaid.

  1. 10:00

    Kongens Nytorv 15 min

    The city’s largest square: the Royal Theatre, Magasin du Nord and the head of Nyhavn. From late November an ice rink sets up in the middle.

  2. 10:15

    Walk · 3 min

    From the corner of the square to the canal.

  3. 10:18

    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.

  4. 10:48

    Walk · 10 min

    Along Toldbodgade to the palaces.

  5. 10:58

    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
  6. 11:53

    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.

  7. 12:13

    Walk · 3 min

    Along Frederiksgade to the church.

  8. 12:16

    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.

  9. 12:31

    Walk · 8 min

    To Store Kongensgade.

  10. 12:39

    Lunch: Store Kongensgade 45 min

    Herring, meatballs or roast beef on rye at a smørrebrød restaurant, with a beer or an akvavit.

  11. 13:24

    Walk · 10 min

    Along Esplanaden to the fountain.

  12. 13:34

    The Gefion Fountain & St Alban’s Church 15 min

    The huge fountain of the goddess who ploughed Zealand out of Sweden with her oxen, and the little English church beside it.

  13. 13:49

    Walk · 5 min

    Over the moat bridge into the fortress.

  14. 13:54

    Kastellet 40 min

    The 17th-century star-shaped fortress: moats, red barracks and a walk along the ramparts to the windmill. Still a military site; free to enter.

  15. 14:34

    Walk · 10 min

    Down from the ramparts to the shore.

  16. 14:44

    The Little Mermaid 20 min

    The 1913 statue from Andersen’s tale: smaller than you expect, calmer early or late in the day. A view along the Langelinie waterfront.

  17. 15:04

    Walk · 10 min

    North along the shore.

  18. 15:14

    The Langelinie pier 25 min

    The promenade pier along the shore: ships entering the harbour, with Refshaleøen and the wind turbines opposite.

Day 210:00–16:48

Christiansborg, a canal tour & the National Museum

Christiansborg’s halls and the ruins beneath them in the morning; Børsen, a canal tour showing Copenhagen from the water and lunch; in the afternoon the Vikings at the National Museum and a walk along Strøget.

  1. 10:00

    Christiansborg Palace (inside) 100 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
  2. 11:40

    Walk · 5 min

    Round the back of the palace to the exchange.

  3. 11:45

    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.

  4. 12:00

    Walk · 5 min

    Over the bridge to the Ved Stranden landing.

  5. 12:05

    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
  6. 13:05

    Lunch: Gammel Strand 45 min

    Herring, meatballs or roast beef on rye at a smørrebrød restaurant, with a beer or an akvavit.

  7. 13:50

    Walk · 8 min

    Along the canal to the museum.

  8. 13:58

    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
  9. 15:28

    Walk · 10 min

    To the start of Strøget.

  10. 15:38

    A walk along Strøget 45 min

    The pedestrian street from City Hall Square to Kongens Nytorv: the Stork Fountain on Amagertorv, the Royal Copenhagen porcelain shop and Illum.

  11. 16:23

    Walk · 5 min

    Via Nytorv to the cathedral.

  12. 16:28

    Vor Frue Kirke (the Cathedral) 20 min

    Copenhagen Cathedral: a white Neoclassical interior with Thorvaldsen’s statues of Christ and the twelve apostles. Free.

Day 310:00–16:25

Rosenborg, Torvehallerne & SMK

The Crown Jewels at Rosenborg and the King’s Garden in the morning; lunch at Torvehallerne, Danish painting at SMK, the Botanical Garden and the city from the Round Tower’s ramp.

  1. 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
  2. 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.

  3. 11:40

    Walk · 10 min

    Out of the garden’s north gate to Nørreport.

  4. 11:50

    Lunch: Torvehallerne 45 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.

  5. 12:35

    Walk · 10 min

    Along Sølvgade to the museum.

  6. 12:45

    SMK – the National Gallery of Denmark 90 min

    The painters of the Danish Golden Age, Hammershøi’s quiet interiors and Matisse; the glass “sculpture street” joining the old and new buildings.

    Ticket needed: book at least 1 day ahead
  7. 14:15

    Walk · 5 min

    Across Sølvgade into the garden.

  8. 14:20

    The Botanical Garden 30 min

    Ten hectares in the middle of the city: a lake, a rock garden and the Victorian glass Palm House from 1874 (from outside).

  9. 14:50

    Walk · 15 min

    To Købmagergade.

  10. 15:05

    Rundetaarn (the Round Tower) 40 min

    Christian IV’s observatory from 1642: a 209-metre spiral ramp instead of stairs, and the city’s red roofs from the top. 60 kr.

    Ticket needed: book at least 1 day ahead
  11. 15:45

    Kultorvet & a café break 40 min

    Coffee and a kanelsnegl (cinnamon swirl) in a warm café, with candles and blankets: the Danish idea of “hygge”.

Day 409:00–17:15

Day trip: Kronborg & Louisiana

By the coastal train to Kronborg, Hamlet’s castle in Helsingør; on the way back Louisiana, the seaside Museum of Modern Art in Humlebæk. Both close on Mondays.

  1. 09:00

    Train · 45 min

    The coastal line from Copenhagen Central (København H) to Helsingør (~45 min).

  2. 09:45

    Walk · 15 min

    From the station along the harbour to the castle.

  3. 10:00

    Kronborg Castle (Hamlet’s Elsinore) 135 min

    The UNESCO-listed Renaissance castle that set the stage for Hamlet: the ballroom, the casemates and Sweden across the Øresund.

    Royal apartments 50 min + casemates 25 min + the ramparts

    Ticket needed: book at least 2 days ahead
  4. 12:15

    Lunch: Helsingør 45 min

    At the café of the Kulturværftet on the harbour or in the old town’s restaurants.

  5. 13:00

    Walk · 10 min

    To the station.

  6. 13:10

    Train · 15 min

    The coastal line to Humlebæk.

  7. 13:25

    Walk · 15 min

    From the station to the museum.

  8. 13:40

    Louisiana Museum of Modern Art 165 min

    A sculpture park on the Øresund, the Giacometti room and Yayoi Kusama’s mirrored light room; sea and Sweden views from the café.

    Ticket needed: book at least 2 days ahead
  9. 16:25

    Walk · 15 min

    To the station.

  10. 16:40

    Train · 35 min

    Back to Copenhagen.

Day 510:00–15:00

Christianshavn, Our Saviour’s tower & the harbour

The corkscrew tower of Our Saviour’s Church, Christiania and a canal-side lunch; the Opera from the footbridges and along the harbour to the Black Diamond.

  1. 10:00

    Metro · 10 min

    Metro M1 or M2 to Christianshavn.

  2. 10:10

    The tower of Our Saviour’s Church 50 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
  3. 11:00

    Walk · 5 min

    Along Prinsessegade to the entrance.

  4. 11:05

    Christiania 50 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.

  5. 11:55

    Walk · 10 min

    Back to the canal.

  6. 12:05

    Lunch: Christianshavn 45 min

    Smørrebrød or the soup of the day at a canal-side café.

  7. 12:50

    The Christianshavn canals 30 min

    The canal quarter inspired by Amsterdam: houseboats, 17th-century warehouses and canal-side cafés.

  8. 13:20

    Walk · 15 min

    Across the Inderhavnsbroen footbridge.

  9. 13:35

    Ofelia Plads & the view of the Opera 20 min

    From the waterfront Royal Playhouse, the Opera House across the harbour and the footbridges back to Christianshavn.

  10. 13:55

    Walk · 25 min

    South along the harbour.

  11. 14:20

    The Black Diamond (Royal Library) 40 min

    The black granite extension on the harbour: the glass atrium looking out over the water, the passage to the old library’s reading room and a café.

Day 610:00–16:25

The Glyptotek, Vesterbro & Frederiksberg

The Glyptotek’s winter garden and sculpture in the morning; City Hall Square, lunch on Vesterbro’s “little Paris”, Værnedamsvej, and Frederiksberg Gardens.

  1. 10:00

    Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek 90 min

    The Carlsberg brewer’s collection: a palm-filled winter garden, Roman portraits, Rodin and the French Impressionists. Tivoli from the roof terrace.

    Ticket needed: book at least 1 day ahead
  2. 11:30

    Walk · 5 min

    Along H.C. Andersens Boulevard to the square.

  3. 11:35

    City Hall Square & City Hall 20 min

    The 1905 City Hall and its tower; on the corner of the square, a statue of Hans Christian Andersen looks across at Tivoli.

  4. 11:55

    Walk · 20 min

    West along Vesterbrogade.

  5. 12:15

    Værnedamsvej & Vesterbro 40 min

    The short street nicknamed “little Paris”: wine bars, a cheesemonger and florists, then the design shops of Vesterbro.

  6. 12:55

    Lunch: Værnedamsvej 45 min

    Lunch at the street’s bistros or wine bars.

  7. 13:40

    Walk · 15 min

    Under the trees of Frederiksberg Allé.

  8. 13:55

    Frederiksberg Gardens 60 min

    A Romantic English-style garden: canals, a Chinese pavilion, herons on the lake and the yellow Frederiksberg Palace on the hill (from outside).

  9. 14:55

    Frederiksberg & a café break 40 min

    Coffee and a kanelsnegl (cinnamon swirl) in a warm café, with candles and blankets: the Danish idea of “hygge”.

  10. 15:35

    Walk · 20 min

    Through Vesterbro to the Meatpacking District.

  11. 15:55

    Kødbyen (the Meatpacking District) 30 min

    Restaurants, galleries and bars in the white former slaughterhouse buildings; one of Copenhagen’s liveliest evening areas.

Local tips for Copenhagen

  • 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 a typical weekday. Some places open later or close on Sundays and Mondays; enter your dates and the planner adjusts the route.

Frequently asked questions

Which museums and landmarks can you visit inside in 6 days in Copenhagen?

Relaxed pace: Amalienborg Museum, Christiansborg Palace, Ved Stranden, Rosenborg Castle, Kronborg Castle, Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, The tower of Our Saviour’s Church and Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek. Balanced pace: Amalienborg Museum, Christiansborg Palace, Ved Stranden, The National Museum (Nationalmuseet), Rosenborg Castle, SMK – the National Gallery of Denmark, Rundetaarn (the Round Tower), Kronborg Castle, Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, The tower of Our Saviour’s Church and Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek. Packed pace: Amalienborg Museum, Christiansborg Palace, Ved Stranden, The National Museum (Nationalmuseet), Rosenborg Castle, SMK – the National Gallery of Denmark, Rundetaarn (the Round Tower), Kronborg Castle, Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, The tower of Our Saviour’s Church and Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek.

How far ahead should I book tickets?

Timed tickets sell out fast. Our advice: Rosenborg Castle at least 3 days ahead; The tower of Our Saviour’s Church at least 3 days ahead; Amalienborg Museum at least 2 days ahead; Christiansborg Palace at least 2 days ahead; Ved Stranden at least 2 days ahead; Kronborg Castle at least 2 days ahead; Louisiana Museum of Modern Art at least 2 days ahead; Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek at least 1 day ahead; The National Museum (Nationalmuseet) at least 1 day ahead; SMK – the National Gallery of Denmark at least 1 day ahead; Rundetaarn (the Round Tower) at least 1 day ahead.

What should I watch out for on Sundays and Mondays?

Louisiana Museum of Modern Art and SMK – the National Gallery of Denmark are closed on Mondays. Enter your dates and the planner reorders the days and switches to the Sunday versions for you.

Is 6 days enough for Copenhagen?

Six days adds a day trip to Kronborg, Hamlet’s castle, and the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art.

How do I fit the route to my own arrival and departure times?

Enter the city, your arrival and departure times and your pace in the planner on the home page. It trims the route around your flights, skips closed days, works out ticket deadlines and lets you download a PDF.